This article is adapted from a speech delivered by Dato’Norman Muhamad,Ambassador of Malaysia to China,at the ASEAN-China(Beijing Municipal Administrative Center)Trade and Investment Promotion Conference.The text has...This article is adapted from a speech delivered by Dato’Norman Muhamad,Ambassador of Malaysia to China,at the ASEAN-China(Beijing Municipal Administrative Center)Trade and Investment Promotion Conference.The text has been edited for clarity and length.展开更多
Tick studies in Malaysia have experienced a dynamic evolution characterized by periods of growth,stagnation,and the potential for revival.Beginning during the colonial era in the early 1900s,tick studies were primaril...Tick studies in Malaysia have experienced a dynamic evolution characterized by periods of growth,stagnation,and the potential for revival.Beginning during the colonial era in the early 1900s,tick studies were primarily conducted by European scientists and curators,establishing the foundation for tick taxonomy in the region.Pioneering works by George Henry Falknier Nuttall and Cecil Warburton introduced several new tick species,including Haemaphysalis(H.)calva,H.mjoebergi,H.vidua and H.wellingtoni[1].However,some records from this period are now considered doubtful,for instance Amblyomma(A.)breviscutatum,A.clypeolatum and A.integrum.The 1929 description of Ornithodoros batuensis by Stanley Hirst[2]marked the first documentation of a soft tick species in Malaysia,setting the stage for subsequent research endeavours.The Golden Age of tick studies(early 1950s-late 1980s)in Malaysia saw a surge in tick research activities.展开更多
Objective:To assess the complete vaccination coverage and timeliness of childhood vaccinations among Indigenous children in Peninsular Malaysia.Methods:The study utilized data from the 2022 Orang Asli Health Survey,a ...Objective:To assess the complete vaccination coverage and timeliness of childhood vaccinations among Indigenous children in Peninsular Malaysia.Methods:The study utilized data from the 2022 Orang Asli Health Survey,a cross-sectional survey conducted among a representative sample of Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.A total of 68 villages were randomly selected from a pool of 853 villages,encompassing diverse geographic and sociodemographic contexts with a total of 15950 respondents Orang Asli successfully interviewed.However,this study only utilized data from surveyed children aged 12 to 59 months with a total of 1551 children included.Validated structured questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data and health status,with nurses verifying vaccination records.Children who received all nine primary vaccinations were defined as having complete vaccination while those who received vaccine within the recommended time were defined as having timely vaccination.Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25.0,focusing on descriptive analyses of children's vaccination status.Results:The prevalence of overall complete vaccination among Indigenous children was 87.7%,while timely vaccination was only 40.3%.The prevalence of complete vaccination for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG),the first dose of hepatitis B,three doses of DTaP-IPV-Hib,and measles,mumps,and rubella(MMR)was above 95.0%,except for the second and third doses of hepatitis B.The prevalence of timely vaccination ranged from above 95.0%for vaccines given at birth,gradually decreasing with increasing age to 57.5%for the first dose of MMR.Moreover,the completion rates for three doses of DtaP-IPV-Hib and the initial dose of MMR surpassed 90%among Indigenous children aged 12-23 months,yet the timeliness remained at a moderate level.Conclusions:While the overall complete vaccination coverage among Indigenous children in Malaysia is relatively high,there are concerning disparities in the timeliness of vaccination,particularly as children age.展开更多
With the deepening of cross-cultural educational cooperation between China and Malaysia,the cross-cultural challenges that Chinese overseas students face in Malaysia due to language and cultural differences have becom...With the deepening of cross-cultural educational cooperation between China and Malaysia,the cross-cultural challenges that Chinese overseas students face in Malaysia due to language and cultural differences have become increasingly prominent.Focusing on Chinese graduate students at a public university in Malaysia where English is the medium of instruction,this study employs a scale survey method in conjunction with IBM SPSS 26.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 for data analysis to quantitatively explore the level of language anxiety and its relationship with cross-cultural adaptability and learning motivation.The results indicate that most Chinese graduate students experience notable language anxiety,which is significantly negatively correlated with cross-cultural adaptability,especially academic adaptability,but is not related to learning motivation.Furthermore,the study reveals the complex influencing mechanism of language anxiety within multicultural educational environments and offers suggestions for improvement tailored to Malaysia’s unique educational context.These include utilizing technological tools for language interventions,optimizing classroom teaching strategies,enhancing language learning motivation through external incentives,strengthening training for cross-cultural adaptation skills,and promoting deeper cross-cultural communication.This study provides theoretical support and practical references for alleviating language anxiety and enhancing the cross-cultural adaptability of Chinese overseas students.展开更多
The global green transition has fostered new opportunities for the technological cooperation between China and Malaysia.Professor Chong Wen Tong,head of the Center for Energy Sciences at the University of Malaya,has g...The global green transition has fostered new opportunities for the technological cooperation between China and Malaysia.Professor Chong Wen Tong,head of the Center for Energy Sciences at the University of Malaya,has great expertise in renewable energy.展开更多
As Malaysia seeks to enhance its educational development,understanding student attitudes toward various scientific disciplines—particularly STEM fields—becomes crucial.This study investigates the perceptions of pre-...As Malaysia seeks to enhance its educational development,understanding student attitudes toward various scientific disciplines—particularly STEM fields—becomes crucial.This study investigates the perceptions of pre-university students in Malaysia regarding the geoscience discipline.Data were collected through a questionnaire designed to explore students’experiences with geoscience-related subjects and their perceptions of this essential field,focusing on their understanding and interest in geoscience.展开更多
The Malaysian government has carefully crafted policies to ensure that the nation achieves its aspirational goal to become a developed nation by 2020. Crucial for which is the success of the Securities Commission＇s ...The Malaysian government has carefully crafted policies to ensure that the nation achieves its aspirational goal to become a developed nation by 2020. Crucial for which is the success of the Securities Commission＇s ＂Corporate Governance Blueprint 2011＂ and ＂Capital Market Master Plan 2＂ designed to provide a business environment which attracts investment and talent. Somewhat overlooked in these otherwise robust policy shifts has been a critical critique of the definition, nature, and purpose of corporate governance itself. Recognizing this oversight, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia＇s Deputy Prime Minister, has directed that the definition of corporate governance be rejuvenated for the 21st century. This paper looks to answer that challenge by recommending the following transformational definition for corporate governance： ＂the proactive implementation of accountable ethical processes, procedures, and policies that inspires innovative aspirational economic activity to produce sustainable wealth and prosperity for shareholders, stakeholders, and society＂.展开更多
In this paper, the development of the National Seismic Network of Malaysia is described first. Then, the maximum intensities on the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale experienced by Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia and...In this paper, the development of the National Seismic Network of Malaysia is described first. Then, the maximum intensities on the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale experienced by Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia and the damage to man-made structures caused by earthquakes are analyzed. Finally, the seismic risk management and strategy to mitigate seismic risk in Malaysia are outlined.展开更多
Objective:To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection according to age group.Methods:H.pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai...Objective:To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection according to age group.Methods:H.pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai Petani Hospital for oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy(OGD). The patients were divided into 9 age groups(10-19,20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79, 80-89 and 90-99 years).In addition these groups were further divided into three minor group namely young adults(10-39),older adults(40-69) and geriatric groups(70-99).Results:Overall prevalence of infection of H.pylori was analyzed and found that the prevalence increase with age (P【0.05).When the patients divided by ethnic and gender group with age,prevalence rate among young adults and older adults significantly higher(P【0.05) compared to geriatric groups across all races and gender(P【0.05).Furthermore,significantly higher number of males were infected compared to female(P【0.05) but such trend was only observed among older adult groups.In addition,there is a significant differences in H.pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups(highest in Indians adults,followed Chinese and low in Malays,P【0.05).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of H.pylori did increase with age group across ethnicity and gender,in Northern Peninsular Malaysia.展开更多
Hand foot and mouth disease is a febrile sickness complex characterized by cutaneous eruption (exanthem) on the palms and soles with simultaneous occurrence of muco-cutanous vesiculo-ulcerative lesions (enanthem) affe...Hand foot and mouth disease is a febrile sickness complex characterized by cutaneous eruption (exanthem) on the palms and soles with simultaneous occurrence of muco-cutanous vesiculo-ulcerative lesions (enanthem) affecting the mouth. The illness is caused by a number of enteroviruses with coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71 as the main causative agents. Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) belongs to the species Human enterovirus A under the genus Enterovirus within the family Picornaviridae. EV71 has been associated with an array of clinical diseases including hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD), aseptic meningitis, encephalitis and poliomyelitis-like acute flaccid paralysis. A large outbreak of HFMD due to highly neurovirulent EV71 emerged in Malaysia in 1997, and caused 41 deaths amongst young children. In late 2000, a recurrence of an outbreak of HFMD occurred in Malaysia with 8 fatalities in peninsular Malaysia. Outbreak of HFMD due to EV71 recurred in 2003 with an unknown number of cases and mortalities. A similar outbreak of HFMD with 2 recorded deaths in young children occurred in peninsular Malaysia in late 2005 and this was followed by a larger outbreak in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) with 6 reported fatalities in the early part of 2006. The current on-going outbreak of HFMD started in peninsular Malaysia in epidemiological week 12 of 2010. As with other HFMD outbreaks in Malaysia, both EV71 and CA16 were the main aetiological viruses isolated. In similarity with the HFMD outbreak in 2005, the isolation of CA16 preceded the appearance of EV71. Based on the VP1 gene nucleotide sequences, 4 sub-genogroups of EV71 (C1, C2, B3 and B4) co-circulated and caused the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in peninsular Malaysia in 1997. Two sub-genogroups (C1 and B4) were noted to cause the outbreak in 2000 in both peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. EV71 of sub-genogroup B5 with smaller contribution from sub-genogroup C1 caused the outbreak in 2003. In the 2005 outbreak, besides the EV71 strains of sub-genogroup C1, EV71 strains belonging to sub-genogroup B5 were isolated but formed a cluster which was distinct from the EV71 strains from the sub-genogroup B5 isolated in 2003. The four EV71 strains isolated from clinical specimens of patients with hand, foot and mouth disease in the Sarawak outbreak in early 2006 also belonged to sub-genogroup B5. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene suggests that the EV71 strains causing the outbreak in Sarawak could have originated from peninsular Malaysia. Epidemiological and molecular data since 1997 show the recurrence of HFMD due to EV71 in Malaysia every 2 to 4 years. In each of the past outbreaks, more than one sub-genogroup of the virus co-circulate.展开更多
BACKGROUND There are limited studies on diabetes empowerment among type 2 diabetes patients,particularly in the primary care setting.AIM To assess the diabetes empowerment scores and its correlated factors among type ...BACKGROUND There are limited studies on diabetes empowerment among type 2 diabetes patients,particularly in the primary care setting.AIM To assess the diabetes empowerment scores and its correlated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in a primary care clinic in Malaysia.METHODS This is a cross sectional study involving 322 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM)followed up in a primary care clinic.Systematic sampling method was used for patient recruitment.The Diabetes Empowerment Scale(DES)questionnaire was used to measure patient empowerment.It consists of three domains:(1)Managing the psychosocial aspect of diabetes(9 items);(2)Assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change(9 items);and(3)Setting and achieving diabetes goal(10 items).A score was considered high if it ranged from 100 to 140.Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and multiple linear regressions was used to identify the predictors of total diabetes empowerment scores.RESULTS The median age of the study population was 55 years old.56%were male and the mean duration of diabetes was 4 years.The total median score of the DES was 110[interquartile range(IQR)=10].The median scores of the three subscales were 40 with(IQR=4)for"Managing the psychosocial aspect of diabetes";36 with(IQR=3)for"Assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change";and 34 with(IQR=5)for"Setting and achieving diabetes goal".According to multiple linear regressions,factors that had significant correlation with higher empowerment scores among type 2 diabetes patients included an above secondary education level(P<0.001),diabetes education exposure(P=0.003),lack of ischemic heart disease(P=0.017),and lower glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Diabetes empowerment scores were high among type 2 diabetes patients in this study population.Predictors for high empowerment scores included above secondary education level,diabetes education exposure,lack of ischemic heart disease status and lower HbA1c.展开更多
The 14 stable rare earth element(REE) concentrations and distribution patterns were investigated for surface waters(n=51),soils(n=52) and sediments(n=42) from the tropical Terengganu River basin,Malaysia.The chondrite...The 14 stable rare earth element(REE) concentrations and distribution patterns were investigated for surface waters(n=51),soils(n=52) and sediments(n=42) from the tropical Terengganu River basin,Malaysia.The chondrite normalized REE patterns of soils developed on four geological units showed enrichment of LREE,a pronounced negative Eu,and depletion of HREE with an enrichment order granite>>metasedimentary>alluvium>volcanic.The REE patterns in sediments reflected the soil REE patterns with an ove...展开更多
AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed ...AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2007 at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malaysia.The clinical data and associated outcomes were collected using a structured proforma.RESULTS:Of the 69 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma,38 (55%) were male;mean patient age was 61 years.Twelve patients (17%) had intrahepatic,38 (55%) had perihilar and 19 (28%) had distal tumors.Only 12 patients underwent curative surgery,including seven R0 resections.Only one patient died within 30 d after surgery.The overall median survival was 4 mo,whereas the median survival of R0 resected patients was 16 mo.The overall 1-,2-and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 67%,17% and 17%,respectively.Survival rates were significantly associated with curative resection (P=0.002),intrahepatic tumor (P=0.003),negative margin status (P=0.013),early tumor stage (P=0.016),higher tumor differentiation (P=0.032) and absence of jaundice (P=0.038).Multivariate analysis showed that tumor location was a significant independent predictor of patient survival.CONCLUSION:Curative,margin-negative resection of early stage,well-differentiated intrahepatic tumors is associated with improved patient survival.展开更多
We examined the impact of various coastal developments on mangrove cover along the Kilim River, Langkawi Island, Malaysia between 1996 and 2008. We analysed images from Systeme Probatoire d＇Observation de la Tarre （...We examined the impact of various coastal developments on mangrove cover along the Kilim River, Langkawi Island, Malaysia between 1996 and 2008. We analysed images from Systeme Probatoire d＇Observation de la Tarre （SPOT） of Kilim River using supervised classification and Principal Component Analysis （PCA）. Over 8% （176.83 ha] of mangrove cover was degraded along the Kilim River from its total area of 2153.07 ha during the past 14 years. We identified several causes of mangrove degradation, including mangrove clearing （38%）, mangrove conversion to commercial area （21%）, residential area （19%）, agriculture （12%）, aquaculture （12%） and wake current （6%）. Langkawi is one of the main tourism islands in Malaysia. Tthe pace of coastal development throughout the entire island including Kilim River had suppressed the mangroves propagation over the years. Long term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is essentials to ensure the survival and sustainability of mangrove associated biodiversity.展开更多
The contribution of phytoliths to total biogenic silica(BSi) volumes in rivers worldwide,and the associated implications for the biogeochemical cycle,require in-depth study.Based on samples from rivers in Peninsular M...The contribution of phytoliths to total biogenic silica(BSi) volumes in rivers worldwide,and the associated implications for the biogeochemical cycle,require in-depth study.Based on samples from rivers in Peninsular Malaysia,this project investigated the source and characteristics of B Si found in Asian tropical rivers,as well as the process of reverse weathering taking place in these fluvial systems.Results indicated that BSi samples collected in sediments consisted of phytolith,diatom and sponge spicules.Phytoliths,predominantly of the elongate form,comprised 92.8%-98.3% of BSi in the Pahang River.Diatom BSi in this river consisted mainly of pennatae diatoms,but represented a relatively small proportion of the total BSi volume.However,diatom BSi(predominantly of the Centricae form) was more prevalent in the Pontian and Endau Rivers with shares of 68.8% and 79.3% of the total BSi volumes,respectively,than Pahang River.Carbon contents of the BSi particulates ranged from 1.85% to 10.8% with an average of 4.79%.These values are higher than those recorded in other studies to date,and indicate that BSi plays a major role in controlling permanent carbon burial.This study suggests that phytoliths from terrestrial plants are the primary constituents of BSi in the rivers of Peninsular Malaysia,and therefore represent a significant proportion of the coastal silica budget.展开更多
Objective:To identify the circulating serotypes of human echovinis in Malaysia from 2002 in 2013.Methods:A toial of 31 retrospective samples from non-polio acute flacid paralysis,hand-food-and-mouth disease,viral meni...Objective:To identify the circulating serotypes of human echovinis in Malaysia from 2002 in 2013.Methods:A toial of 31 retrospective samples from non-polio acute flacid paralysis,hand-food-and-mouth disease,viral meningitis and enterovirus cases were subjected to amplification of partial VPI gene by RT-PCR.Results:Sequencing and phylogeneiic analysis of the partial sequences identified presence of human echovinis and human coxsackie viruses.It was found that echovinis 11 was the commonly circulating serotype followed by echovinis6.echovinis 7.echovinis 3.echovinis 9.echovinis 30 and echovinis I in decreasing order.Additionally two types of human coxsackie virus isolates were detected which were coxsackie A24 and B3.Condusions:From the findings,there is a possibility that echovinis 11 is the predominant serotype among Malaysian patients with echovinis infection.However,a larger sample size will yield a more confident result to support this evidence.____________________展开更多
Objective:To investigate the knowledge,attitude,and practice levels and perceived barriers towards healthy living to prevent hypertension among young adults in Malaysia.Methods:Adults aged 18-25 years reside in Malays...Objective:To investigate the knowledge,attitude,and practice levels and perceived barriers towards healthy living to prevent hypertension among young adults in Malaysia.Methods:Adults aged 18-25 years reside in Malaysia were recruited via convenience sampling.Sociodemographic characteristics,medical knowledge on hypertension(K1),knowledge(K),attitude(A),practice(P)and perceived barriers in practising healthy living to prevent hypertension were assessed.Average scores were categorised into good(80%-100%),upper-moderate(70%-79%),lower-moderate(60%-69%)and poor(<60%).Multivariate analysis was performed to test the difference and relationship of variables.Pearson correlation test was used to test the association of two continuous variables.Results:A total of 1218 respondents participated in this survey.The mean score of K1 was 54.1%,while the knowledge,attitude,and practice towards healthy living were 82.7%,78.2%and 68.5%respectively.The prevalence of high salt intake,high fat intakes,low fibre intake,sedentary lifestyle and lack of annual health screening was 83.2%,81.4%,70.3%,and 73.2%,respectively.Abnormal BMI was associated with low P scores,while lower socio-economic status,unawareness of self-blood pressure reading and those without family history of hypertension were associated with lower scores in K1,K,A,and P.K1,K,A and P are significantly inter-related.The main perceived barriers included self-proclaimed good fit status,frequent consumption of out-of-home food,and addiction to high salt/fat food.Conclusions:The national strategies for health management should be prioritized in reducing salt and fat,promoting annual health screening,physical activities and fibre intake in this age group.展开更多
Upwelling off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) was detected from recent cruise data collected during the southwest monsoon. Thermocline lifting was observed at 104?E from a number of parallel transects. To c...Upwelling off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) was detected from recent cruise data collected during the southwest monsoon. Thermocline lifting was observed at 104?E from a number of parallel transects. To confirm the presence of upwelling, satellite remote sensing data were used, and numerical model experiments were conducted. A cooler sea-surface temperature along the coast was spotted from both in-situ and satellite data while upward movement from the model agreed with field data. The southwesterly wind that blows along PM from June to September is believed to be the important mechanism that contributed to this upwelling through an Ekman dynamics process.展开更多
Tertiary sandstones collected from southwest Sarawak, Malaysia, were analyzed to decipher their provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting. The studied sandstones have a sublitharenite composition and are dominantly...Tertiary sandstones collected from southwest Sarawak, Malaysia, were analyzed to decipher their provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting. The studied sandstones have a sublitharenite composition and are dominantly composed quartz with little mica and feldspar, and a small amount of volcanic fragments. These sand- stones were generally derived from quartz-rich recycled orogenic sources. They have relatively high SiO2 content with low Na20, CaO, MnO, and MgO contents. Values of Chemical Index of Alteration （CIA） of these rock samples vary from 71 to 93, with an average of 81, implying intense chemical alteration during weathering. A felsic igneous source is suggested by a low concentration of TiO2 com- pared to CIA, enrichment of Light Rare Earth Elements, depletion of Heavy Rare Earth Elements, and negative Eu anomalies. A felsic origin is further supported by a Eu/Eu＊ range of 0.65-0.85 and high Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, and Th/ Co ratios. This work presents the first reported geochemical data of Tertiary sandstones of the Sarawak Basin. These data led us to conclude that the sandstones were dislodged from recycled orogenic sources and deposited in a slowly subsiding rifted basin in a passive continental tectonic setting.展开更多
文摘This article is adapted from a speech delivered by Dato’Norman Muhamad,Ambassador of Malaysia to China,at the ASEAN-China(Beijing Municipal Administrative Center)Trade and Investment Promotion Conference.The text has been edited for clarity and length.
基金supported by the Higher Institution Centre of Excellence(HICoE)program(MO002-2019&TIDREC-2023)funded by the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine,Hamburg,Germany[100-TNCPI/INT 16/6/2(005/2020)].
文摘Tick studies in Malaysia have experienced a dynamic evolution characterized by periods of growth,stagnation,and the potential for revival.Beginning during the colonial era in the early 1900s,tick studies were primarily conducted by European scientists and curators,establishing the foundation for tick taxonomy in the region.Pioneering works by George Henry Falknier Nuttall and Cecil Warburton introduced several new tick species,including Haemaphysalis(H.)calva,H.mjoebergi,H.vidua and H.wellingtoni[1].However,some records from this period are now considered doubtful,for instance Amblyomma(A.)breviscutatum,A.clypeolatum and A.integrum.The 1929 description of Ornithodoros batuensis by Stanley Hirst[2]marked the first documentation of a soft tick species in Malaysia,setting the stage for subsequent research endeavours.The Golden Age of tick studies(early 1950s-late 1980s)in Malaysia saw a surge in tick research activities.
文摘Objective:To assess the complete vaccination coverage and timeliness of childhood vaccinations among Indigenous children in Peninsular Malaysia.Methods:The study utilized data from the 2022 Orang Asli Health Survey,a cross-sectional survey conducted among a representative sample of Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.A total of 68 villages were randomly selected from a pool of 853 villages,encompassing diverse geographic and sociodemographic contexts with a total of 15950 respondents Orang Asli successfully interviewed.However,this study only utilized data from surveyed children aged 12 to 59 months with a total of 1551 children included.Validated structured questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data and health status,with nurses verifying vaccination records.Children who received all nine primary vaccinations were defined as having complete vaccination while those who received vaccine within the recommended time were defined as having timely vaccination.Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25.0,focusing on descriptive analyses of children's vaccination status.Results:The prevalence of overall complete vaccination among Indigenous children was 87.7%,while timely vaccination was only 40.3%.The prevalence of complete vaccination for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin(BCG),the first dose of hepatitis B,three doses of DTaP-IPV-Hib,and measles,mumps,and rubella(MMR)was above 95.0%,except for the second and third doses of hepatitis B.The prevalence of timely vaccination ranged from above 95.0%for vaccines given at birth,gradually decreasing with increasing age to 57.5%for the first dose of MMR.Moreover,the completion rates for three doses of DtaP-IPV-Hib and the initial dose of MMR surpassed 90%among Indigenous children aged 12-23 months,yet the timeliness remained at a moderate level.Conclusions:While the overall complete vaccination coverage among Indigenous children in Malaysia is relatively high,there are concerning disparities in the timeliness of vaccination,particularly as children age.
基金funded by the 2022 Annual Key Research Project on Theoretical and Practical Studies of Ideological and Political Education for University Students in GuangxiSpecial Focus on University Counselors:Exploration and Practice of a Cultivation Ecosystem for Cultivating Both Moral Character and Talent Through “One Virtue+Two Lines+Three Stages+Four Micro-Education Methods” for Ideological and Political Education in Universities from the Perspective of Peer Language Systems,Project No.:2022MSZ031
文摘With the deepening of cross-cultural educational cooperation between China and Malaysia,the cross-cultural challenges that Chinese overseas students face in Malaysia due to language and cultural differences have become increasingly prominent.Focusing on Chinese graduate students at a public university in Malaysia where English is the medium of instruction,this study employs a scale survey method in conjunction with IBM SPSS 26.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 for data analysis to quantitatively explore the level of language anxiety and its relationship with cross-cultural adaptability and learning motivation.The results indicate that most Chinese graduate students experience notable language anxiety,which is significantly negatively correlated with cross-cultural adaptability,especially academic adaptability,but is not related to learning motivation.Furthermore,the study reveals the complex influencing mechanism of language anxiety within multicultural educational environments and offers suggestions for improvement tailored to Malaysia’s unique educational context.These include utilizing technological tools for language interventions,optimizing classroom teaching strategies,enhancing language learning motivation through external incentives,strengthening training for cross-cultural adaptation skills,and promoting deeper cross-cultural communication.This study provides theoretical support and practical references for alleviating language anxiety and enhancing the cross-cultural adaptability of Chinese overseas students.
文摘The global green transition has fostered new opportunities for the technological cooperation between China and Malaysia.Professor Chong Wen Tong,head of the Center for Energy Sciences at the University of Malaya,has great expertise in renewable energy.
文摘As Malaysia seeks to enhance its educational development,understanding student attitudes toward various scientific disciplines—particularly STEM fields—becomes crucial.This study investigates the perceptions of pre-university students in Malaysia regarding the geoscience discipline.Data were collected through a questionnaire designed to explore students’experiences with geoscience-related subjects and their perceptions of this essential field,focusing on their understanding and interest in geoscience.
文摘The Malaysian government has carefully crafted policies to ensure that the nation achieves its aspirational goal to become a developed nation by 2020. Crucial for which is the success of the Securities Commission＇s ＂Corporate Governance Blueprint 2011＂ and ＂Capital Market Master Plan 2＂ designed to provide a business environment which attracts investment and talent. Somewhat overlooked in these otherwise robust policy shifts has been a critical critique of the definition, nature, and purpose of corporate governance itself. Recognizing this oversight, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia＇s Deputy Prime Minister, has directed that the definition of corporate governance be rejuvenated for the 21st century. This paper looks to answer that challenge by recommending the following transformational definition for corporate governance： ＂the proactive implementation of accountable ethical processes, procedures, and policies that inspires innovative aspirational economic activity to produce sustainable wealth and prosperity for shareholders, stakeholders, and society＂.
文摘In this paper, the development of the National Seismic Network of Malaysia is described first. Then, the maximum intensities on the Modified Mercalli (MM) scale experienced by Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia and the damage to man-made structures caused by earthquakes are analyzed. Finally, the seismic risk management and strategy to mitigate seismic risk in Malaysia are outlined.
基金S.Jo Thy Lachumy was supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia fellowship from Institute for Postgraduate Studies,Universiti Sains Malaysiasupported by USM Incentive Grant from University Sains Malaysia
文摘Objective:To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection according to age group.Methods:H.pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai Petani Hospital for oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy(OGD). The patients were divided into 9 age groups(10-19,20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79, 80-89 and 90-99 years).In addition these groups were further divided into three minor group namely young adults(10-39),older adults(40-69) and geriatric groups(70-99).Results:Overall prevalence of infection of H.pylori was analyzed and found that the prevalence increase with age (P【0.05).When the patients divided by ethnic and gender group with age,prevalence rate among young adults and older adults significantly higher(P【0.05) compared to geriatric groups across all races and gender(P【0.05).Furthermore,significantly higher number of males were infected compared to female(P【0.05) but such trend was only observed among older adult groups.In addition,there is a significant differences in H.pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups(highest in Indians adults,followed Chinese and low in Malays,P【0.05).Conclusions: The overall prevalence of H.pylori did increase with age group across ethnicity and gender,in Northern Peninsular Malaysia.
文摘Hand foot and mouth disease is a febrile sickness complex characterized by cutaneous eruption (exanthem) on the palms and soles with simultaneous occurrence of muco-cutanous vesiculo-ulcerative lesions (enanthem) affecting the mouth. The illness is caused by a number of enteroviruses with coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71 as the main causative agents. Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) belongs to the species Human enterovirus A under the genus Enterovirus within the family Picornaviridae. EV71 has been associated with an array of clinical diseases including hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD), aseptic meningitis, encephalitis and poliomyelitis-like acute flaccid paralysis. A large outbreak of HFMD due to highly neurovirulent EV71 emerged in Malaysia in 1997, and caused 41 deaths amongst young children. In late 2000, a recurrence of an outbreak of HFMD occurred in Malaysia with 8 fatalities in peninsular Malaysia. Outbreak of HFMD due to EV71 recurred in 2003 with an unknown number of cases and mortalities. A similar outbreak of HFMD with 2 recorded deaths in young children occurred in peninsular Malaysia in late 2005 and this was followed by a larger outbreak in Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) with 6 reported fatalities in the early part of 2006. The current on-going outbreak of HFMD started in peninsular Malaysia in epidemiological week 12 of 2010. As with other HFMD outbreaks in Malaysia, both EV71 and CA16 were the main aetiological viruses isolated. In similarity with the HFMD outbreak in 2005, the isolation of CA16 preceded the appearance of EV71. Based on the VP1 gene nucleotide sequences, 4 sub-genogroups of EV71 (C1, C2, B3 and B4) co-circulated and caused the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in peninsular Malaysia in 1997. Two sub-genogroups (C1 and B4) were noted to cause the outbreak in 2000 in both peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. EV71 of sub-genogroup B5 with smaller contribution from sub-genogroup C1 caused the outbreak in 2003. In the 2005 outbreak, besides the EV71 strains of sub-genogroup C1, EV71 strains belonging to sub-genogroup B5 were isolated but formed a cluster which was distinct from the EV71 strains from the sub-genogroup B5 isolated in 2003. The four EV71 strains isolated from clinical specimens of patients with hand, foot and mouth disease in the Sarawak outbreak in early 2006 also belonged to sub-genogroup B5. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene suggests that the EV71 strains causing the outbreak in Sarawak could have originated from peninsular Malaysia. Epidemiological and molecular data since 1997 show the recurrence of HFMD due to EV71 in Malaysia every 2 to 4 years. In each of the past outbreaks, more than one sub-genogroup of the virus co-circulate.
基金Supported by research grant from University Putra Malaysia,No.GPIPS/2018/9612600
文摘BACKGROUND There are limited studies on diabetes empowerment among type 2 diabetes patients,particularly in the primary care setting.AIM To assess the diabetes empowerment scores and its correlated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in a primary care clinic in Malaysia.METHODS This is a cross sectional study involving 322 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM)followed up in a primary care clinic.Systematic sampling method was used for patient recruitment.The Diabetes Empowerment Scale(DES)questionnaire was used to measure patient empowerment.It consists of three domains:(1)Managing the psychosocial aspect of diabetes(9 items);(2)Assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change(9 items);and(3)Setting and achieving diabetes goal(10 items).A score was considered high if it ranged from 100 to 140.Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and multiple linear regressions was used to identify the predictors of total diabetes empowerment scores.RESULTS The median age of the study population was 55 years old.56%were male and the mean duration of diabetes was 4 years.The total median score of the DES was 110[interquartile range(IQR)=10].The median scores of the three subscales were 40 with(IQR=4)for"Managing the psychosocial aspect of diabetes";36 with(IQR=3)for"Assessing dissatisfaction and readiness to change";and 34 with(IQR=5)for"Setting and achieving diabetes goal".According to multiple linear regressions,factors that had significant correlation with higher empowerment scores among type 2 diabetes patients included an above secondary education level(P<0.001),diabetes education exposure(P=0.003),lack of ischemic heart disease(P=0.017),and lower glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Diabetes empowerment scores were high among type 2 diabetes patients in this study population.Predictors for high empowerment scores included above secondary education level,diabetes education exposure,lack of ischemic heart disease status and lower HbA1c.
基金supported by INOS, University Malaysian Terengganu
文摘The 14 stable rare earth element(REE) concentrations and distribution patterns were investigated for surface waters(n=51),soils(n=52) and sediments(n=42) from the tropical Terengganu River basin,Malaysia.The chondrite normalized REE patterns of soils developed on four geological units showed enrichment of LREE,a pronounced negative Eu,and depletion of HREE with an enrichment order granite>>metasedimentary>alluvium>volcanic.The REE patterns in sediments reflected the soil REE patterns with an ove...
文摘AIM:To investigate the clinical features and survival of patients treated for cholangiocarcinoma in our institution and to analyze the factors affecting their survival.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study assessed patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2007 at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Malaysia.The clinical data and associated outcomes were collected using a structured proforma.RESULTS:Of the 69 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma,38 (55%) were male;mean patient age was 61 years.Twelve patients (17%) had intrahepatic,38 (55%) had perihilar and 19 (28%) had distal tumors.Only 12 patients underwent curative surgery,including seven R0 resections.Only one patient died within 30 d after surgery.The overall median survival was 4 mo,whereas the median survival of R0 resected patients was 16 mo.The overall 1-,2-and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 67%,17% and 17%,respectively.Survival rates were significantly associated with curative resection (P=0.002),intrahepatic tumor (P=0.003),negative margin status (P=0.013),early tumor stage (P=0.016),higher tumor differentiation (P=0.032) and absence of jaundice (P=0.038).Multivariate analysis showed that tumor location was a significant independent predictor of patient survival.CONCLUSION:Curative,margin-negative resection of early stage,well-differentiated intrahepatic tumors is associated with improved patient survival.
基金funded by Mangrove Cluster Research under Institute of Oceanographic and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), International Islamic University Malaysia
文摘We examined the impact of various coastal developments on mangrove cover along the Kilim River, Langkawi Island, Malaysia between 1996 and 2008. We analysed images from Systeme Probatoire d＇Observation de la Tarre （SPOT） of Kilim River using supervised classification and Principal Component Analysis （PCA）. Over 8% （176.83 ha] of mangrove cover was degraded along the Kilim River from its total area of 2153.07 ha during the past 14 years. We identified several causes of mangrove degradation, including mangrove clearing （38%）, mangrove conversion to commercial area （21%）, residential area （19%）, agriculture （12%）, aquaculture （12%） and wake current （6%）. Langkawi is one of the main tourism islands in Malaysia. Tthe pace of coastal development throughout the entire island including Kilim River had suppressed the mangroves propagation over the years. Long term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is essentials to ensure the survival and sustainability of mangrove associated biodiversity.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41106072,41376093)the International Collaboration Science Plan(No.GASI-01-02-01-04)
文摘The contribution of phytoliths to total biogenic silica(BSi) volumes in rivers worldwide,and the associated implications for the biogeochemical cycle,require in-depth study.Based on samples from rivers in Peninsular Malaysia,this project investigated the source and characteristics of B Si found in Asian tropical rivers,as well as the process of reverse weathering taking place in these fluvial systems.Results indicated that BSi samples collected in sediments consisted of phytolith,diatom and sponge spicules.Phytoliths,predominantly of the elongate form,comprised 92.8%-98.3% of BSi in the Pahang River.Diatom BSi in this river consisted mainly of pennatae diatoms,but represented a relatively small proportion of the total BSi volume.However,diatom BSi(predominantly of the Centricae form) was more prevalent in the Pontian and Endau Rivers with shares of 68.8% and 79.3% of the total BSi volumes,respectively,than Pahang River.Carbon contents of the BSi particulates ranged from 1.85% to 10.8% with an average of 4.79%.These values are higher than those recorded in other studies to date,and indicate that BSi plays a major role in controlling permanent carbon burial.This study suggests that phytoliths from terrestrial plants are the primary constituents of BSi in the rivers of Peninsular Malaysia,and therefore represent a significant proportion of the coastal silica budget.
基金supported by Institute for Medical Research Operational Grant(Vol:040300/OS27403)
文摘Objective:To identify the circulating serotypes of human echovinis in Malaysia from 2002 in 2013.Methods:A toial of 31 retrospective samples from non-polio acute flacid paralysis,hand-food-and-mouth disease,viral meningitis and enterovirus cases were subjected to amplification of partial VPI gene by RT-PCR.Results:Sequencing and phylogeneiic analysis of the partial sequences identified presence of human echovinis and human coxsackie viruses.It was found that echovinis 11 was the commonly circulating serotype followed by echovinis6.echovinis 7.echovinis 3.echovinis 9.echovinis 30 and echovinis I in decreasing order.Additionally two types of human coxsackie virus isolates were detected which were coxsackie A24 and B3.Condusions:From the findings,there is a possibility that echovinis 11 is the predominant serotype among Malaysian patients with echovinis infection.However,a larger sample size will yield a more confident result to support this evidence.____________________
文摘Objective:To investigate the knowledge,attitude,and practice levels and perceived barriers towards healthy living to prevent hypertension among young adults in Malaysia.Methods:Adults aged 18-25 years reside in Malaysia were recruited via convenience sampling.Sociodemographic characteristics,medical knowledge on hypertension(K1),knowledge(K),attitude(A),practice(P)and perceived barriers in practising healthy living to prevent hypertension were assessed.Average scores were categorised into good(80%-100%),upper-moderate(70%-79%),lower-moderate(60%-69%)and poor(<60%).Multivariate analysis was performed to test the difference and relationship of variables.Pearson correlation test was used to test the association of two continuous variables.Results:A total of 1218 respondents participated in this survey.The mean score of K1 was 54.1%,while the knowledge,attitude,and practice towards healthy living were 82.7%,78.2%and 68.5%respectively.The prevalence of high salt intake,high fat intakes,low fibre intake,sedentary lifestyle and lack of annual health screening was 83.2%,81.4%,70.3%,and 73.2%,respectively.Abnormal BMI was associated with low P scores,while lower socio-economic status,unawareness of self-blood pressure reading and those without family history of hypertension were associated with lower scores in K1,K,A,and P.K1,K,A and P are significantly inter-related.The main perceived barriers included self-proclaimed good fit status,frequent consumption of out-of-home food,and addiction to high salt/fat food.Conclusions:The national strategies for health management should be prioritized in reducing salt and fat,promoting annual health screening,physical activities and fibre intake in this age group.
文摘Upwelling off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (PM) was detected from recent cruise data collected during the southwest monsoon. Thermocline lifting was observed at 104?E from a number of parallel transects. To confirm the presence of upwelling, satellite remote sensing data were used, and numerical model experiments were conducted. A cooler sea-surface temperature along the coast was spotted from both in-situ and satellite data while upward movement from the model agreed with field data. The southwesterly wind that blows along PM from June to September is believed to be the important mechanism that contributed to this upwelling through an Ekman dynamics process.
基金the project (PPP) PG003-2013A of the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in carrying out this research work is gratefully acknowledgedthe project RP002C-13AFR of the University of Malaya is also gratefully acknowledged
文摘Tertiary sandstones collected from southwest Sarawak, Malaysia, were analyzed to decipher their provenance, weathering, and tectonic setting. The studied sandstones have a sublitharenite composition and are dominantly composed quartz with little mica and feldspar, and a small amount of volcanic fragments. These sand- stones were generally derived from quartz-rich recycled orogenic sources. They have relatively high SiO2 content with low Na20, CaO, MnO, and MgO contents. Values of Chemical Index of Alteration （CIA） of these rock samples vary from 71 to 93, with an average of 81, implying intense chemical alteration during weathering. A felsic igneous source is suggested by a low concentration of TiO2 com- pared to CIA, enrichment of Light Rare Earth Elements, depletion of Heavy Rare Earth Elements, and negative Eu anomalies. A felsic origin is further supported by a Eu/Eu＊ range of 0.65-0.85 and high Th/Sc, La/Sc, La/Co, and Th/ Co ratios. This work presents the first reported geochemical data of Tertiary sandstones of the Sarawak Basin. These data led us to conclude that the sandstones were dislodged from recycled orogenic sources and deposited in a slowly subsiding rifted basin in a passive continental tectonic setting.
