1.Isolation and screening of bacteria with biofilm formation ability and characterization with hydrolytic enzyme production for enhanced biogas production 96-101
Nurul Alia FAZIL ; Md Zahangir ALAM ; Azlin Suhaida AZMI ; Mariatul Fadzillah MANSOR ; Nurul Hidayah Mohd Zubairi
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2018;14(2):96-101
Aims: Biofilm is a complex structure that provides protection towards the bacteria within the barrier. Enhanced biogas production from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) can be achieved by applying biofilm based anaerobic digestion system.Methodology and results:Bacteria that produces biofilm were isolated and tested on its hydrolytic enzyme secretion. The biofilm produced were also characterized. Out of 120 strains isolated from POME, PKC and food waste compost, only 33 strains were producing biofilm and only 11 of them exhibited significant amount of biofilm produced at optical density of wavelength 595 nm (>0.01). In hydrolysis enzyme assay test, all strains were not able to secrete protease enzyme. The biofilms were extracted and characterized to show similar characteristic for all strains. Strain numbers of 11, 9C, 23C and 30C showed positive result for cellulase, amylase and lipase enzymes, to be tested as single strain bacteria and also mixed with other isolated bacterium for prospect research on effective hydrolysis towards enhanced biogas production. The composition of biofilms from different bacteria mixture also similar under the same incubation condition.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Bacteria producing biofilm are very limited and does not secrete the same hydrolytic enzymes. Utilization of these bacteria may eliminate the problem of microbial instability in a system.
2.Analysing Sociodemographic Factors: Highlighting Gender in Tuberculosis Treatment and Defaulters
Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin ; Alia Azmi ; Mohd Zamri Mohd Yusof
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.3):36-40
Introduction: : Current tuberculosis (TB) eradication strategies have shifted away from the medical sphere, focusing
on a more holistic approach that encompasses both healthcare and social support. This means a greater emphasis
on TB prevention strategies, particularly on social determinants of TB. Using a locality in Malaysia as a case study, a
research was carried out among 844 TB cases in Pasir Mas, Kelantan (2013 to 2017) to identify the socioeconomic
distributions of TB defaulters and its implications for current TB prevention strategies. Methods: TB patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and treatment outcomes were extracted and analyzed from the Malaysian registry.
Pearson’s chi-square test was used to determine sociodemographic factors associated with TB defaulters. Results:
Gender, age and education levels were significantly associated with default treatment (p<0.05), highlighting the need
to focus on adult male patients with low educational background. Conclusion: Results indicate that current national
TB management needs to focus on targeting those at increased risk of defaulting by understanding gender-specific
challenges to treatment. While more research is needed to explore the gender associated issues related to treatment
defaulting, we are also calling for a change in current TB management practices to one that focuses on gender-specific intervention that addresses personal and societal challenges to TB treatment.
3.Sociodemographic Predictors of Food Insecurity Among Malay University Students
Alia Azmi ; Khairil Anuar Md Isa ; Norazimah Abd Aziz ; Mohd Ghazali Masuri
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.2):42-49
Introduction: Food insecurity is currently a problem faced by both developing and developed nations. Issues of
food insecurity reflect both social and economic challenges, posing a significant policy dilemma. Although there
has been various research on food insecurity, very little has been done to better understand what are the sociodemographic factors that can predict food insecurity within a Malaysian context, especially amongst the unique community of Malay university students, which makes up the largest group of students in tertiary education. Therefore,
this study examined the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors among Malay university students.
Methods: Conducted in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Campus, conveniently sampled participants (n = 181)
completed a pre-tested English version of the US Adult Food Security Survey Module (AFSSM) questions in 2015,
which measures their level of food security status. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine
the sociodemographic predictors of food insecurity among the sampled population. Results: More than one-third of
participants (42.5%) reported food insecurity within the past year with 22.1% experiencing very low food insecurity.
Additionally, of those who experienced food security, 5.4% reported a low food security status. However, no significant predictors were observed positively related to food insecurity. Conclusion: Data indicates that food insecurity is
a significant problem among university students and additional research is needed to better understand and address
food insecurity in higher education.
4.A Preliminary Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students Regarding Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment
Alia Azmi ; Sarah Iman Abdul Rani ; Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin ; Shantakumari Rajan ; Mohd Izwan Masngut ; Megat Azman Megat Mokhtar ; Nadiatul Syima Mohd Shahid ; Eleena Norsin ; Siti Baizura Mohd. Rafi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):168-174
Introduction: Daily use and improper management of plastic materials by the public contributes to the occurrence
of microplastic pollution. It can be acknowledged that knowledge and attitudes are one of the keys to reducing the
release of microplastic into the environment. Therefore, enhancing student’s understanding may play an important
role in effective solution innovation and readiness to take specific actions for environmental protection. Method: This
cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using an online questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes about microplastic pollution. For data analysis, Pearson’s Chi-square was conducted using SPSS
version 26. Results: Findings revealed that students have moderate knowledge (4.66) and attitudes (5.42) towards
microplastic pollution. However, neither age, gender, CGPA, nor the course in which they studied had any significant association with their level of knowledge and attitudes (p>0.05). In fact, the level of knowledge and attitude
reported by respondents indicate that it is necessary to address this deficiency by providing education through structured education and mass media, along with vigorous policy enforcement and replacement of conventional plastics.
Conclusion: Education on microplastics among the younger generation is key to curbing the problem of microplastic
pollution. As future consumers, the demand for alternative products that does not contribute to microplastic can help
encourage brands and markets to come up with better solution that is critical to prevent this problem from worsening.