Observational Study on Patient's Satisfactions and Quality of Life (QoL) Among Cancer Patients Receiving Treatment with Palliative Care Intent in a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia

Sharifa Ezat, Wan Puteh,Fuad, Ismail,Hayati, Yaakub,Zafar, Ahmed,Wanda Kiyah, George Albert Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

The main objective of palliative treatment for cancer patients has been to maintain, if not improve, the quality of life (QoL). There is a lack of local data on satisfaction and QoL among cancer patients receiving palliative treatment in Malaysia. This study covers patients with incurable, progressive cancer disease receiving palliative treatment in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, comparing the different components of QoL and correlations with patient satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey using Malay validated SF36 QoL and PSQ-18 (Short Form) tools was carried out between July 2012 -January 2013 with 120 cancer patients receiving palliative treatment, recruited into the study after informed consent using convenient sampling. Results showed that highest satisfaction were observed in Communication Aspect ($50.6{\pm}9.07$) and the least in General Satisfaction ($26.4{\pm}5.90$). The Mental Component Summary ($44.9{\pm}6.84$) scored higher when compared with the Physical Component Summary ($42.2{\pm}7.91$). In this study, we found that patient satisfaction was strongly associated with good quality of life among cancer patients from a general satisfaction aspect (r=0.232). A poor significant negative correlation was found in Physical Component (technical quality, r=-0.312). The Mental Component showed there was a poor negative correlation between time spent with doctor (r=-0.192) and accessibility, (r=-0.279). We found that feeling at peace and having a sense of meaning in life were more important to patients than being active or achieving good physical comfort. More studyis needed to investigate patients who score poorly on physical and mental component aspects to understand their needs in order to achieve better cancer care.

A Multi-Class Classifier of Modified Convolution Neural Network by Dynamic Hyperplane of Support Vector Machine

Nur Suhailayani Suhaimi,Zalinda Othman,Mohd Ridzwan Yaakub International Journal of Computer ScienceNetwork S 2023 International journal of computer science and netw Vol.23 No.11

In this paper, we focused on the problem of evaluating multi-class classification accuracy and simulation of multiple classifier performance metrics. Multi-class classifiers for sentiment analysis involved many challenges, whereas previous research narrowed to the binary classification model since it provides higher accuracy when dealing with text data. Thus, we take inspiration from the non-linear Support Vector Machine to modify the algorithm by embedding dynamic hyperplanes representing multiple class labels. Then we analyzed the performance of multi-class classifiers using macro-accuracy, micro-accuracy and several other metrics to justify the significance of our algorithm enhancement. Furthermore, we hybridized Enhanced Convolution Neural Network (ECNN) with Dynamic Support Vector Machine (DSVM) to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the classifier towards multi-class text data. We performed experiments on three hybrid classifiers, which are ECNN with Binary SVM (ECNN-BSVM), and ECNN with linear Multi-Class SVM (ECNN-MCSVM) and our proposed algorithm (ECNNDSVM). Comparative experiments of hybrid algorithms yielded 85.12 % for single metric accuracy; 86.95 % for multiple metrics on average. As for our modified algorithm of the ECNN-DSVM classifier, we reached 98.29 % micro-accuracy results with an f-score value of 98 % at most. For the future direction of this research, we are aiming for hyperplane optimization analysis.

Effects of Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus alba) Foliage and Urea-rice Bran as Fermentable Energy and Protein Sources in Sheep Fed Urea-treated Rice Straw Based Diet

Yulistiani, Dwi,Jelan, Z.A.,Liang, J.B.,Yaakub, H.,Abdullah, N. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

A digestibility study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing mulberry foliage and urea rice-bran as a source of fermentable energy and protein to 12 sheep fed diets based on urea-treated rice straw (TRS). The three dietary treatments were: T1, TRS with mulberry; T2, TRS with 50% mulberry replaced with rice bran and urea; and T3, TRS with rice bran and urea. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment. The sheep were fed one of the three diets and the supplements were offered at 1.2% of the body weight (BW) and the TRS was provided ad libitum. There were no differences (p>0.05) among the three treatment groups with respect to dry matter (DM) intake ($76.8{\pm}4.2g/kg\;BW^{0.75}$) and DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) digestibility ($55.3{\pm}1.22$; $69.9{\pm}0.85$; $46.3{\pm}1.65%$ respectively for DM, OM, and CP). The digestibility of fiber (neutral detergent fiber [NDF] and acid detergent fiber) was significantly lower (p<0.05) for T3 (46.2 and 46.6 respectively) compared to T1 (55.8 and 53.7 respectively) and T2 (54.1 and 52.8 respectively). Nitrogen (N) intake by sheep on diet T3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than sheep fed diet T1. However, N balance did not differ among the three diets ($3.0{\pm}0.32g/d$). In contrast, the rumen ammonia ($NH_3-N$) concentrations in sheep fed T2 and T3 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in sheep fed T1. The $NH_3-N$ concentrations for all three diets were above the critical value required for optimum rumen microbial growth and synthesis. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were highest (p<0.05) in T1 (120.3 mM), whilst the molar proportion of propionic acid was highest in T3 (36.9%). However, the microbial N supply in sheep fed T1 and T3 was similar but was significantly (p<0.05) higher than for sheep fed T2. It was concluded that mulberry foliage is a potential supplement of fermentable energy and protein for sheep fed TRS based diet. The suggested level of supplementation is 1.2% of BW or 32% of the total diet since it resulted in similar effects on the intake of DM, OM, and NDF, digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, N utilization and microbial supply when compared to rice bran and urea supplementation.

Effects of Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus alba) Foliage and Urea-rice Bran as Fermentable Energy and Protein Sources in Sheep Fed Urea-treated Rice Straw Based Diet

Dwi Yulistiani,Z.A. Jelan,J.B. Liang,H. Yaakub,N. Abdullah 아세아·태평양축산학회 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.4

A digestibility study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing mulberry foliage and urea rice-bran as a source of fermentable energy and protein to 12 sheep fed diets based on urea-treated rice straw (TRS). The three dietary treatments were: T1, TRS with mulberry; T2, TRS with 50% mulberry replaced with rice bran and urea; and T3, TRS with rice bran and urea. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment. The sheep were fed one of the three diets and the supplements were offered at 1.2% of the body weight (BW) and the TRS was provided ad libitum. There were no differences (p>0.05) among the three treatment groups with respect to dry matter (DM) intake (76.8±4.2 g/kg BW0.75) and DM, organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) digestibility (55.3±1.22; 69.9±0.85; 46.3±1.65% respectively for DM, OM, and CP). The digestibility of fiber (neutral detergent fiber [NDF] and acid detergent fiber) was significantly lower (p<0.05) for T3 (46.2 and 46.6 respectively) compared to T1 (55.8 and 53.7 respectively) and T2 (54.1 and 52.8 respectively). Nitrogen (N) intake by sheep on diet T3 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than sheep fed diet T1. However, N balance did not differ among the three diets (3.0±0.32 g/d). In contrast, the rumen ammonia (NH3-N) concentrations in sheep fed T2 and T3 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in sheep fed T1. The NH3-N concentrations for all three diets were above the critical value required for optimum rumen microbial growth and synthesis. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were highest (p<0.05) in T1 (120.3 mM), whilst the molar proportion of propionic acid was highest in T3 (36.9%). However, the microbial N supply in sheep fed T1 and T3 was similar but was significantly (p<0.05) higher than for sheep fed T2. It was concluded that mulberry foliage is a potential supplement of fermentable energy and protein for sheep fed TRS based diet. The suggested level of supplementation is 1.2% of BW or 32% of the total diet since it resulted in similar effects on the intake of DM, OM, and NDF, digestibility of DM, OM, and CP, N utilization and microbial supply when compared to rice bran and urea supplementation.

Predicting Tree Felling Direction Using Path Distance Back Link in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Rhyma Purnamasayangsukasih Parman,Mohd Hasmadi Ismail,Norizah Kamarudin,Nur Faziera Yaakub 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2023 Journal of Forest Science Vol.39 No.4

Directional felling is a felling method practised by the Forestry Department in Peninsular Malaysia as prescribed in Field Work Manual (1997) for Selective Management Systems (SMS) in forest harvesting. Determining the direction of tree felling in Peninsular Malaysia is conducted during the pre-felling inventory 1 to 2 years before the felling operation. This study aimed to predict and analyze the direction of tree felling using the vector-based path distance back link method in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and compare it with the felling direction observed on the ground. The study area is at Balah Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. A Path Distance Back Link (spatial analyst) function in ArcGIS Pro 3.0 was used in predicting tree felling direction. Meanwhile, a binary classification was used to compare the felling direction estimated using GIS and the tree felling direction observed on the ground. Results revealed that 61.3% of 31 trees predicted using the vector-based projection method were similar to the felling direction observed on the ground. It is important to note that dynamic changes of natural constraints might occur in the middle of tree felling operation, such as weather problems, wind speed, and unpredicted tree falling direction.

Effects of Levels of L-Leucine Supplementation with Sub-optimal Protein in the Diet of Grower-finisher Broiler Chickens on Carcass Composition and Sensory Characteristics

Erwan, E.,Alimon, A.R.,Sazili, A.Q.,Yaakub, H.,Karim, R. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.5

An experiment involving 180 straight run one-day-Cobb broilers was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of L-leucine with different levels of crude protein (CP) on carcass composition and sensory characteristics of broiler grower-finisher chickens. Six experimental diets comprising two levels of crude protein (CP) i.e., 20 and 20% with three levels of L-leucine i.e. 0, 0.5 and 0.67%, were offered to birds from 21-42 d of age. The birds were randomly divided into 36 experimental pens, 5 chickens in each pen, and there were 6 replicates under each diet. L-leucine supplementation did not affect the bone and lean, whereas fat was decreased (p<0.05) when L-leucine was added at 0.5%. Similarly, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the lean, fat and bone among chickens fed two levels of CP. No significant differences between dietary treatments were observed on any sensory characteristics affected by dietary L-leucine and CP. From this study, it is obvious that supplementation of up to 0.5% L-leucine reduced fat. However, other characteristics were not affected by supplementation of L-leucine. Similarly, reduction of body composition and sensory characteristics were not apparent on a diet low in CP.

Evaluation on the Lightning Breakdown Voltages of Palm Oil and Coconut Oil under Non-Uniform Field at Small Gap Distances

Yee Von Thien,Norhafiz Azis,Jasronita Jasni,Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir,Robiah Yunus,Mohd Taufiq Ishak,Zaini Yaakub 대한전기학회 2016 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.11 No.1

In recent years, there are a number of studies that have been carried out to explore the alternative for Mineral Oil (MO) as dielectric insulating fluid in transformers due to the increasing tight regulation on safety and environment. Vegetable oils have been identified as suitable candidate since it is biodegradable, non-toxic and high flash/fire points which ensure more in-service safety. Among the types of vegetable oils considered for transformers application are Palm Oil (PO) and Coconut Oil (CO). This paper presents an experimental study on the lightning breakdown voltages of PO and CO under non-uniform electric field based on needle-sphere electrodes configuration at 3 small gap distances. The type of PO used in this study is Refined Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein. The main focus of this study is to examine the lightning breakdown performance of RBDPO and CO under different test conditions and assess its suitability as dielectric insulating fluid in transformers. The effect of voltage polarities (positive and negative) and testing methods (risingvoltage, up-and-down and multiple-voltage) were investigated. The data obtained from all tests were analysed by Weibull distribution in order to determine the withstand voltages for each type of oils. It was found that the breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO are comparable with MO under positive lightning impulse. Under negative lightning impulse, the breakdown voltage of MO is slightly higher than RBDPO and CO. There is no significant effect of testing methods and voltage polarities on lightning breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO. Based on the statistical analysis, it is found that the breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO at 1% probability are slightly lower than MO.

Evaluation on the Lightning Breakdown Voltages of Palm Oil and Coconut Oil under Non-Uniform Field at Small Gap Distances

Thien, Yee Von,Azis, Norhafiz,Jasni, Jasronita,Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab,Yunus, Robiah,Ishak, Mohd Taufiq,Yaakub, Zaini The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2016 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.11 No.1

In recent years, there are a number of studies that have been carried out to explore the alternative for Mineral Oil (MO) as dielectric insulating fluid in transformers due to the increasing tight regulation on safety and environment. Vegetable oils have been identified as suitable candidate since it is biodegradable, non-toxic and high flash/fire points which ensure more in-service safety. Among the types of vegetable oils considered for transformers application are Palm Oil (PO) and Coconut Oil (CO). This paper presents an experimental study on the lightning breakdown voltages of PO and CO under non-uniform electric field based on needle-sphere electrodes configuration at 3 small gap distances. The type of PO used in this study is Refined Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein. The main focus of this study is to examine the lightning breakdown performance of RBDPO and CO under different test conditions and assess its suitability as dielectric insulating fluid in transformers. The effect of voltage polarities (positive and negative) and testing methods (rising-voltage, up-and-down and multiple-voltage) were investigated. The data obtained from all tests were analysed by Weibull distribution in order to determine the withstand voltages for each type of oils. It was found that the breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO are comparable with MO under positive lightning impulse. Under negative lightning impulse, the breakdown voltage of MO is slightly higher than RBDPO and CO. There is no significant effect of testing methods and voltage polarities on lightning breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO. Based on the statistical analysis, it is found that the breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO at 1% probability are slightly lower than MO.

Investigation on the Dielectric, Physical and Chemical Properties of Palm Oil and Coconut Oil under Open Thermal Ageing Condition

Mohamad, Nur Aqilah,Azis, Norhafiz,Jasni, Jasronita,Kadir, Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab,Yunus, Robiah,Ishak, Mohd Taufiq,Yaakub, Zaini The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2016 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.11 No.3

In this paper, a study is carried out to investigate the dielectric, physical and chemical properties of Palm Oil (PO) and Coconut Oil (CO) under open thermal ageing condition. The type of PO used in this study is Refined Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein. The ageing experiment was carried out at 85 ℃ and 115 ℃ for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. Several parameters were measured such as AC breakdown voltage, dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity, resistivity, viscosity, moisture and acidity throughout the ageing duration. Based on the study, it is found that there are no significant changes on the AC breakdown voltages and relative permittivities for both RBDPO and CO. At ageing temperature of 115℃, there are clear reduction trends of dielectric dissipation factor for CO and resistivities for most of RBDPO. On the other hand, no clear trends are observed for viscosities, moisture and acidities of RBDPO and CO throughout the ageing duration.

Investigation on the Dielectric, Physical and Chemical Properties of Palm Oil and Coconut Oil under Open Thermal Ageing Condition

Nur Aqilah Mohamad,Norhafiz Azis,Jasronita Jasni,Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir,Robiah Yunus,Mohd Taufiq Ishak,Zaini Yaakub 대한전기학회 2016 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.11 No.3

In this paper, a study is carried out to investigate the dielectric, physical and chemical properties of Palm Oil (PO) and Coconut Oil (CO) under open thermal ageing condition. The type of PO used in this study is Refined Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein. The ageing experiment was carried out at 85 °C and 115 °C for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. Several parameters were measured such as AC breakdown voltage, dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity, resistivity, viscosity, moisture and acidity throughout the ageing duration. Based on the study, it is found that there are no significant changes on the AC breakdown voltages and relative permittivities for both RBDPO and CO. At ageing temperature of 115°C, there are clear reduction trends of dielectric dissipation factor for CO and resistivities for most of RBDPO. On the other hand, no clear trends are observed for viscosities, moisture and acidities of RBDPO and CO throughout the ageing duration.