Universiti Putra Malaysia

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare stroke with several clinical manifestations. Several studies have identified prognostic risk factors associated with poor functional outcomes and established predictive models. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the overall effect size of all prognostic risk factors. Methods A systematic review was conducted to explore all prognostic risk factors in studies published from the initial to June 2024 among 5 Databases included PubMed / Medline, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and Cochran Library. The quality of the methodology was analyzed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. Results Sixty-four studies involving 18,958 participants with a mean age of 38.46 years and females 63.03% were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Functional outcomes were primarily measured using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with scores ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 indicating poor outcomes in 35.00% and 60.00% of studies, respectively. For general information, age (InOR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.53–1.43), intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 3.79, 95% CI 2.77–5.20), and ischemic infarction (OR = 3.18, 95% CI 2.40–4.23) were associated with poor functional outcomes. For general and neurological symptoms, headache (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.17–0.29), seizure (OR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.76–4.27), focal deficit (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 3.86–5.78), coma (OR = 11.60, 95% CI 6.12–21.98), and consciousness alteration (OR = 7.07, 95% CI 4.15–12.04) were outstanding factors. The blood biomarkers of NLR (log OR = 1.72, 95% CI 0.96–2.47), lymphocytes (Cohen’s d = -0.63, 95 CI -0.78—-0.47), and D-dimer (lnOR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.87–1.80) were the three most frequently reported factors. Parenchymal lesion (OR = 4.71, 95% CI 1.12–19.84) and deep cerebral venous thrombosis (OR = 6.30, 95% CI 2.92–13.63) in radiological images were two frequently reported factors. CVST patients with cancer (OR = 3.87, 95% CI 2.95–5.07) or high blood glucose levels (OR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.61–7.68) were associated with poor functional outcomes. In the meta-regression analysis, ischemic infarction (P = 0.032), consciousness alteration (P < 0.001), and NLR (P = 0.015) were associated with mRS prediction. Conclusions Pooled effect sizes revealed that ischemic infarction, headache, neurological focal deficit, lymphopenia, and cancer were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, with low to moderate heterogeneity. Consciousness alterations/deterioration and deep cerebral venous thrombosis were also significant prognostic factors, albeit with substantial heterogeneity. The meta-regression analysis showed that the effect sizes of consciousness alterations/deterioration and NLR increased with worsening mRS scores. Other notable risk factors included age, intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, coma, D-dimer, parenchymal lesions, and hyperglycemia. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the prognostic risk factors for poor functional outcomes in patients undergoing CVST, which can guide clinical decision-making and future research. Trial registration This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered with INPLASY (International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols), and the registration number is INPLASY202480072. The registration period is 14 August 2024.

Composite Nickel (Ni) coatings, which contain submicron graphite particles (400 nm in size), were deposited on AISI 1045 steel using a direct current electrodeposition technique from a Watts bath. The effects of different graphite particle concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.5 and 1 g l⁻¹) on the surface and tribological properties of the composite Ni coatings were investigated. The introduction of graphite particles into a Ni electrodeposit was found to result in grain refinement, and the broccoli-like cluster structure was formed on the coating surface. Hence, the hydrophobicity of the coating was greatly improved. When the concentration of graphite particles is 1 g l⁻¹, the hardness of the composite coating reaches 1346 ± 12.83 HV and the smallest width values of the wear scars as compared to the pristine Ni coating, which had a hardness of 268 ± 3.40 HV. These results reveal that the fine-grain strengthening effect and formation of a graphite-rich protective layer on the contact surfaces effectively enhance the tribological performance of the coating.

BACKGROUND The first case of glyphosate resistance was reported in a capeweed population from Western Australia in our previous study. This current study investigates the resistance mechanisms in the population. RESULTS Target‐site EPSPS gene sequencing revealed two partial sequences of the EPSPS transcripts (1001 bp and 998 bp), and the full‐length sequence (1551 bp) containing the 1001‐bp transcript was cloned as it was found in the resistant plants. A known resistance‐endowing target‐site mutation in the 1551‐bp transcript was identified in the resistant plants, resulting in the Pro‐106‐Ser substitution. The subpopulation derived from these mutant plants exhibited >10‐fold resistance to glyphosate compared to the susceptible population. Additionally, the EPSPS gene (1551 bp) was constitutively expressed at a higher level (4.3‐fold) in the resistant than in the susceptible populations. However, ¹⁴C‐glyphosate foliar uptake was similar with no visual difference in ¹⁴C‐glyphosate translocation from leaves to other parts of a plant, between the resistant and susceptible population. CONCLUSION Glyphosate resistance in the studied population is associated with both a target‐site mutation (Pro‐106‐Ser) and increased EPSPS gene expression. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Background Mothers caring for children with cancer often experience depression, affecting maternal and family well-being. Prior studies suggest that theory-based health education can significantly reduce this depression. Objectives This study aimed to develop, validate, implement, and evaluate the effects of a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based health education intervention on depression (SCODESS), as well as cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived stress, coping skills, and social support among mothers of children with cancer at University Hospitals in Klang Valley. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with mothers from two University Hospitals in Klang Valley, Selangor. The intervention group is Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HPKK UKM) and the control group is the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). A total of 95 participants were included (50 intervention, 45 control). The intervention comprised online health education videos delivered over one week, and the control group received a poster. Data were collected at baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and at two months post-intervention (T3). The effects of SCODESS intervention were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis. Results The baseline response rate was 60.53% with a 2.17% loss to follow-up at T2 and 7.60% at T3. The GEE analysis showed no significant effects of SCODESS intervention on depression scores at T2 (p = 0.909) and T3 (p = 0.622) compared to the control group at baseline. However, statistically significant increases were observed in cancer-related knowledge scores at T2 (β = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.21, 9.20, p = 0.002) and T3 (β = 1.18, 95%CI: 0.65, 1.70, p<0.001), and in the problem-focused coping scores at T2 (β = 2.50, 95% CI 0.42, 4.58, p-value = 0.018), and T3 (β = 2.42, 95% CI 0.13, 4.72, p-value = 0.038) in the intervention group compared to the control group at baseline. No significant intervention effects were observed on other outcomes. Discussion This study validated the applicability of SCT-based intervention on depression scores among mothers of children with cancer. The SCODESS intervention did not significantly reduce depression scores but significantly increased cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping scores. As a potential preventive strategy for depression, the content of the SCODESS intervention should be revisited, emphasizing cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping as crucial components. It is recommended that tailored interventions focusing on these areas be offered to every mother of children with cancer, whether they are in the ward, clinic, or daycare.

Sprouts are tiny seedlings that are produced during seed germination and have a short growth period. Across the globe and in Malaysia, more people are consuming bean sprouts due to their awareness of the need to consume “healthy foods”. The sprouts are composed of proteins, carbohydrates, and biochemical compounds with a significant amount of the recommended daily requirement for ascorbic acid and riboflavin, as well as a variety of minerals obtained through the consumption of sprouts. Moreover, sprout quality is influenced by the length, thickness, colour, and texture of the hypocotyl and roots, as well as by maintaining characteristics and little water loss after harvest. A modified atmosphere with high carbon dioxide and low oxygen can be used as a sprouting environment to control sprout growth. However, the current issues relating to open sprouting systems are bean sprout disease and high maintenance for open cultivation tanks. Thus, to solve the problem regarding the current domestic bean sprouting system, an innovative bean sprouts basket (iBSB) was innovated to control or reduce bean sprout disease for every production cycle.

The current study aims to determine the physico-chemical and sensory properties of kombucha tea fermented with soursop (Annona muricata), noni (Morinda citrifolia), and pineapple (Ananas comosus) juices. The infused kombucha drink was prepared by adding 30% selected fruit juices in kombucha tea. It was fermented using SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) for 14 days at room temperature. The results revealed that the infusion of soursop, noni, and pineapple in kombucha tea contributed to increased pH value, Brix value, and higher percentage of yield biomass. Regarding color, the L, a, and b values of infused kombucha drinks were significantly different (p<0.05) from simple kombucha tea. There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) in proximate properties of infused and simple kombucha tea except for the crude protein content. The antioxidant analysis showed that addition fruit juices enhanced the antioxidant level of kombucha drinks. In case of sensory evaluation, it was observed that overall soursop and pineapple had higher overall acceptability followed by. The results of the current work indicate that the addition of selected fruit juices such as soursop, noni, and pineapple significantly improved the nutritional value and antioxidant attributes of kombucha tea and thus possess the opportunity to be marketed as a new tea with good flavor, taste and health prospects.

This study explores the effects of Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation at underexplored low-doses of 0, 20, and 80 kGy on the crystallinity, chemical structure, and thermal stability of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Characterization techniques, including XRD, Raman spectroscopy, DSC, and TGA, revealed that gamma irradiation modify crystallinity and thermal stability, but overall chemical characteristic is unchanging. At 20 kGy, the crystallite size increased from 59 Å to 63 Å, the melting temperature (Tm) rose from 246.2 °C to 248.4 °C, and thermal degradation and decomposition occurred 25 °C slower. XPS data showed significant chemical restructuring, with an increase in the C/O ratio from 2.89 to 4.53, indicating the breakdown of ester linkages. These findings demonstrate that optimized gamma irradiation can potentially serve as a viable pre-treatment method to improve PET recyclability, enhance crystallinity, thermal stability, and reduce energy consumption and byproduct formation in chemical recycling processes, highlighting its potential for sustainable PET waste management.

The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure and financial performance (Return on Equity and Tobin’s Q) in Halal food companies. The sample consists of 75 listed Halal food companies on the Bursa Malaysia Stock Exchange for the period between 2012 and 2021. Based on the empirical results using a generalized moment of method (GMM), the dimensions of triple bottom line-based corporate social responsibility—economic, environmental, and social—have a significant effect on return on assets. Furthermore, findings indicate that economic factors have an insignificant effect on Tobin’s Q in static models; however, it is significant in the dynamic model of the system GMM. Whereas environmental factor has a highly significant impact on Tobin’s Q in the static model and it has also significant impact in the GMM’s dynamic model. Nonetheless, social factors have a significant effect on Tobin’s Q in both static and dynamic models. The outcome of the study suggests that policymakers must comprehend the significance of corporate social responsibility disclosure, and it is imperative to determine whether Halal food companies must engage in corporate social responsibility disclosure a priori for short and long-term growth.

Growing concerns over our dependence on finite, non-renewable resources like petroleum and metals have driven the development of eco-friendly technologies centered on advanced hybrid nanomaterials. Among these, the use of renewable nanocellulose – ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm – has gained significant attention in nanotechnology research. Derived from sustainable sources, nanocellulose offers notable advantages; however, challenges persist when integrating it with metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). These challenges include high reactivity in cellular environments, elevated production costs, and a tendency to aggregate, leading to instability in both liquid and dry states. Aggregation can impair uniform dispersion and result in sediment formation in certain applications. A promising solution to these challenges is hybridizing MONPs with functionalized nanocellulose, a method widely adopted by researchers. This approach is cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and produces a renewable material with low density, excellent stability, superior mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. However, several questions remain unresolved, such as the most commonly used functionalization techniques for MONPs hybridization, the underlying mechanisms, and the specific benefits of this hybridization. Based on current findings, oxidation and carboxymethylation emerge as the most frequently used functionalization techniques for hybridizing MONPs with nanocellulose. These processes introduce carboxylic acid and carboxymethyl groups, respectively, which act as capping agents that readily bond with MONPs. This results in high degrees of substitution (DS) and improved nanoparticle dispersion. Furthermore, hybridization enhances properties such as thermal stability, UV protection, antibacterial activity, adsorption capacity, and mechanical performance, underscoring its potential for diverse applications.

This study analyzes unsteady ternary hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer over a generalized stretching/shrinking wall using both analytical and numerical methods. By applying similarity transformations, the governing nonlinear partial differential equations are reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations, which are numerically solved using the MATLAB bvp4c function. We find that the system exhibits two solution branches—an upper and a lower—within certain parameter ranges. A detailed stability analysis is conducted to determine the stability of these solutions. Additionally, the study presents analytical solutions for specific cases, which are relevant to heat exchangers in low‐velocity environments. Next, MINITAB software is used to statistically model the interactions of the parameters and assess their impact on the heat transfer performance (measured through the local Nusselt number), identifying low, medium, or strong effects through regression analysis. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed on the regression function obtained in MINITAB, focusing on key input parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this study is novel, as no previous work has explored this problem, making both the analytical and numerical results original.

Low international recognition and participation can be attributed to Chinese Wushu has yet to be included in the Olympic Games. One of the essential factors is that Wushu teaching and learning face several challenges. Metacognitive learning, a proven effective learning skill in the field of psychology, is still lacking in its application in Wushu teaching. Some studies proved that metacognitive factors play a significant role in Wushu learning. However, these factors have not yet been fully explored or understood and there is also a dearth of literature reviews on Wushu teaching and metacognitive learning. Therefore, this study aims to explore the application and effectiveness of metacognitive learning in Wushu teaching by conducting a comprehensive literature review. Data-based articles from five databases were identified and coded according to specific inclusion criteria. The results suggest that metacognitive learning is a novel and effective approach to enhance Wushu learning, while Wushu itself serves as an effective intervention for metacognitive learning. The emerging themes related to metacognitive learning in Wushu teaching include executive functions, attentional self-regulation, metacognitive strategies, cognitive self-regulation, affective self-regulation, and self-regulation strategies, among others. However, it is important to explore other emerging themes in this field. Future studies should aim to conduct comprehensive research on metacognitive learning in different areas of Wushu teaching and learning. Moreover, expanding research in Wushu teaching should encompass various aspects, such as transitioning from “biology” to “ontology” and from quantitative research to qualitative research. It is also essential to focus on the learning experience of different groups and the development of social psychology to advance the current academic direction of Wushu teaching research.

Introduction Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, as evidenced by the significant surge in cumulative dengue case numbers and deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. While previous studies have explored the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors of mosquito density and dengue cases on a local scale in Malaysia, there is a notable gap in the research focusing on adult Aedes mosquito populations. Aims This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating the association and time lags (TLs) between daily microclimate (DM), mosquito indices (MIs), and dengue cases at the residence level. Methods In this longitudinal study, field data were collected over 26 weeks using data loggers, gravid oviposit sticky (GOS) traps, and non-structural 1 (NS1) test kits in both non-dengue hotspot (NDH) and dengue hotspots (DH). The collected data encompassed DM variables, vegetation cover (VC), MIs, and number of dengue cases. An autocorrelation analysis was conducted to determine the TLs between MIs and their preceding values, while a cross-correlation analysis revealed the TLs between MIs and DM variables. Results The study indicated there are positive correlations between the adult index (AI) of Ae. albopictus, their preceding values and rainfall at an NDH. Conversely, the AIs of total Aedes at the DH exhibited positive correlations with their preceding values, temperature, rainfall, and maximum relative humidity (RH), but negative correlations with the mean and maximum RH. The dengue-positive trap index (DPTI) of total Aedes at DHs demonstrated positive associations with their preceding values, mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum RH, and rainfall, with negative correlations observed for the maximum temperature, mean RH, and minimum RH. Similar trends were identified for the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus at DHs. The association between dengue cases, DM, and MIs was inconclusive due to underreported cases. Conclusions This study highlighted the DM and TLs of dengue virus-infected and non-infected adult female Aedes mosquitoes using onsite data collection. Furthermore, this study presents a replicable methodology that can be adopted by researchers worldwide for investigating the dynamics of dengue transmission in similar settings. The findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers, providing them with evidence-based information to implement targeted interventions and strategies aimed at controlling Aedes mosquito populations and mitigating the spread of dengue virus infections.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are crucial in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While wavelet-based feature extraction has demonstrated effectiveness in deep learning (DL)-based ECG diagnosis, selecting the optimal wavelet base poses a significant challenge, as it directly influences feature quality and diagnostic accuracy. Traditional methods typically rely on fixed wavelet bases chosen heuristically or through trial-and-error, which can fail to cover the distinct characteristics of individual ECG signals, leading to suboptimal performance. To address this limitation, we propose a reinforcement learning-based wavelet base selection (RLWBS) framework that dynamically customizes the wavelet base for each ECG signal. In this framework, a reinforcement learning (RL) agent iteratively optimizes its wavelet base selection (WBS) strategy based on successive feedback of classification performance, aiming to achieve progressively optimized feature extraction. Experiments conducted on the clinically collected PTB-XL dataset for ECG abnormality classification show that the proposed RLWBS framework could obtain more detailed time-frequency representation of ECG signals, yielding enhanced diagnostic performance compared to traditional WBS approaches.

This study investigates the impact of trade policy uncertainty (TPU) on the financialization of non-financial firms in China. Corporate financialization is the process in which corporations prioritize financial assets and generate profits primarily via financial investments rather than product markets. Using 27,339 firm-year observations of China A-share listed companies from unbalanced panel data spanning from 2011-Q1 to 2020-Q4, we utilized the fixed effect model (FEM), instrumental variables – two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS), and generalized method of moments (GMM) approaches. The findings reveal a positive relationship between TPU and corporate financialization. Financing constraints and risk-taking play moderating roles in shaping this relationship. Notably, as TPU rises, companies tend to avoid increasing investment in derivatives. Instead, they expand their precautionary savings by retaining larger amounts of cash. This analysis emphasizes the significance of legislators in ensuring policy stability and fostering a secure business environment. Furthermore, the robustness of these results was sustained when alternative key variables and methodologies were applied.

The growing number of software startups has witnessed an open debate on the suitability and appropriateness of commonly used software development methodologies, including agile software development methodologies and practices. Startups, for example, tend to focus on producing minimum viable product, which challenge the use of these methods and calls for bespoke adaptation of these practices to suit startups. Agile adoption is not easy for software startup teams due to unreadiness, inadequate preparation and weak structure of these teams, focusing only on small part of agile practices, and high uncertainty in essential requirements and proper technology. A review of the state‐of‐the‐art reports on limited number of studies that have investigated the adoption of agile methods and practices to best suit the requirements software startups. This study uses design science research methodology to address this gap and develop a guideline for agile adaptation specifically for software startups. The developed guideline was validated and improved with the participation of 23 experts from 7 software startup teams through survey questionnaires and open discussion. This guideline includes 13 recommendations, categorized into three sections: selection of agile methods and practices, preparation for adaptation, and the adaptation of agile methods and practices. Evaluation of the results shows the simplicity of understanding the guideline, its usefulness, and its support for the expected agility of the software development process.

Background: Telestroke has proven efficacy in improving clinical outcomes by providing rapid access to specialized stroke care, particularly in remote areas. However, the global implementation of telestroke networks remains uneven, with limited data on their structure and coverage outside of high-income countries (HICs). Objective: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the global landscape of telestroke networks, highlighting disparities and underscoring the need for universal guidelines. We aimed to map the global telestroke landscape, characterize existing networks, and identify disparities in access, technological adoption, and quality monitoring practices across different regions. Methods: We conducted a three-tiered identification process involving engagement with national stroke experts, stroke societies, and international authorities, supplemented by extensive literature and internet searches to identify providers involved in telestroke networks worldwide. A detailed 39-question survey was distributed to the leaders of identified telestroke networks, assessing their structural characteristics, operational processes, and quality monitoring practices. Results: A total of 254 telestroke networks were identified across 67 countries (Figure 1), with 69% located in HICs. The response rate to our survey was 34%, with 88 networks from 31 countries providing detailed data. Our findings reveal significant disparities in the establishment and operation of telestroke networks. HICs predominantly host large, well-established networks, with robust technological infrastructures and comprehensive quality monitoring. In contrast, networks in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are fewer, smaller, and often lack advanced technology and standardized quality assurance measures. Notably, 87% of networks established within the last three years are located in non-HIC regions, signaling a shift toward broader global implementation. Conclusion: This study provides one of the most comprehensive global mappings of telestroke networks to date, uncovering significant disparities in access, resources availability (Figure 2) and quality monitoring practices. While telestroke networks are expanding into LMICs, there remains a critical need for universally applicable guidelines that can be adapted to diverse resource settings.