Does campus life policy bring out the dark side of university students` participation in sports? : Motivation for participation in intramural sports and its relations to subjective well-being

( Wai Cheong Eugene Chew ),( Nur Liyana Bte Hassim ) 한국체육학회 2016 국제스포츠과학 학술대회 Vol.2016 No.1

Purpose: Set against the social environmental context where university students desire to continue staying in the Halls of Residence is contingent on their active participation in campus life activities, this exploratory study examines the reasons that students have for participating in the Inter-Hall Games, and how autonomous and controlled motivation for participation relate to their subjective well-being. In addition, to understand the role of stress in student life, the relationship between stress and the students’ well-being is also examined. Method: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was employed to survey 166 university students from ten Halls of Residence on the studied variables. Using multiple regression, the analysis examined if the data fitted the model linking the two types of motivation and stress with subjective well-being. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data gathered from the open-ended question. Result: Autonomous motivation was found to positively predict subjective well-being while controlled motivation (albeit non-significant) and stress negatively predict subjective well-being. Results from the thematic analysis showed various motives for participating in the Inter-Hall Games that were associated with autonomous motivation. Gaining points for Hall admission was among the reasons cited that were classified as controlled motivation. Conclusion: University students’ motivation for participating in Intra-Hall Games largely remained autonomously driven even though there is an obligation to acquire points for securing a room in the Halls. It can be argued that the overall vibrant university sporting culture and the nature of sports may have a role in mitigating the effects of compulsion imposed by the Hall Admission policy. Although controlled motivation negatively predicted subjective well-being, it was statistically non-significant. Notwithstanding this, participating in the Inter-Hall Games to gain points for admission to the Halls was among the motives for participation cited by the students. Whether the obligation to gain points added to the stress that students faced, which was found to predict detrimental effects on students’ subjective well-being, was not investigated in the study. Further studies that specifically assess the effects of campus life policy on various student outcomes via potential mediators such as stress may shed more light on how students respond to such policies.

The number of $(d,k)$-hypertrees

채갑병,Wai-Cheong Siu 호남수학회 2017 호남수학학술지 Vol.39 No.4

In this paper, we define and enumerate two tree-like hypergraph structures which we call them $(d,k)$-trees and $d$-trees, where $d \geq 2$ and $k > 0$ are integers. These new definitions generalize traditional and HP-hypertrees.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Advantages and limitations

Foo Cheong Ng,Wai Loon Yam,Tze Ying Benjamin Lim,Jin Kiat Teo,Kok Kit Ng,Sey Kiat Lim 대한비뇨의학회 2017 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.58 No.5

Purpose: The use of ultrasound in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has not been shown to translate to better clinical and stone outcomes. To compare the operative outcomes, postoperative outcomes and complication rates of ultrasound-guided access PCNL (USGA-PCNL) versus fluoroscopy-guided access PCNL (FGA-PCNL). Materials and Methods: A total of 184 consecutive patients who underwent PCNL from July 2008 to September 2014 were identified from our PCNL database. Seventy-two patients underwent USGA-PCNL and 112 FGA-PCNL. Results: The patients were similar in age, sex, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, mean largest stone diameters, side of PCNL, number of stones and the degree of hydronephrosis between both groups. There were higher rates of upper pole (5.6% vs. 3.6%), mid pole (8.3% vs. 2.7%) and multiple pole punctures (4.2% vs. 0%) in USGA-PCNL compared to FGA-PCNL (p=0.027). There was no difference in the stone free rates of both groups in univariate analysis. Those who had FGA-PCNL were 2.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.09–4.75; p=0.029) times more likely to require a second-look procedure compared to USGA-PCNL on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis. There were no differences in Clavien-Dindo complications. No patient in the USGA-PCNL group experienced organ injuries during puncture compared to 1 patient in the FGA-PCNL group who had pneumothorax requiring urgent chest tube insertion. Conclusions: The use of ultrasonography to guide access puncture during PCNL eliminates the risk of inadvertent organ injuries. Similar operative and stone outcomes show that the learning curve for USGA is minimal compared to conventional FGA.

THE NUMBER OF (d, k)-HYPERTREES

Chae, Gab-Byung,Siu, Wai-Cheong The Honam Mathematical Society 2017 호남수학학술지 Vol.39 No.4

In this paper, we define and enumerate two tree-like hypergraph structures which we call them (d, k)-trees and d-trees, where $d{\geq}2$ and k > 0 are integers. These new definitions generalize traditional and HP-hypertrees.

The Self-determination Theory Approach to Understanding Engagement in Physical Education: Effects of Psychological Needs Satisfaction on Four Dimensions of Engagement

( Nur Raihan Binte Suhaimi ),( Wai Cheong Eugene Chew ) 중앙대학교 학교체육연구소 2016 Asian Journal of Physical Education of Sport Scien Vol.4 No.2

Physical inactivity among youths is a major issue in urbanised countries. Singapore is a strategic case for investigation because recent survey findings showed that youths fail to meet minimum recommendations for physical activity to acquire health benefits. Although physical education (PE) is known to help youths accomplish physical activity guidelines, its effectiveness hinges on the quality of students` engagement in PE classes. Based on the self-determination theory, this study (N = 431 secondary school students), examines the extent to which the psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are satisfied are uniquely associated with four dimensions (agentic, behavioural, emotional, cognitive) of engagement while accounting for gender and grade level differences, thus providing a holistic and detailed understanding for PE teachers to influence students` engagement in PE. Multivariate regression analysis shows that all studied variables significantly predict engagement. Examination of the regression coefficients reveals that satisfaction of each psychological need positively predicts each dimension of engagement. Perceived competence, however, did not predict agentic engagement. Students` perceived autonomy is the strongest predictor of emotional, cognitive and agentic engagement while perceived relatedness is of highest relative importance for behavioural engagement. Results, including gender and grade level differences, are discussed in relation to teaching strategies.

Psoriasis : Identification and Management

Thirumoorthy, T.,Kwong, Wai Cheong Medical Publications Korea 1995 Medical Progress Vol.17 No.12

What studying problems are faced by the adolescent grade repeaters in Macao: uncovering underlying mechanisms based on evidences from the PISA 2012 Study

Pou-seong Sit,Kwok-cheung Cheung,Wai-cheong Cheong,Soi-kei Mak,Kay-cheng Soh,Man-kai Ieong 서울대학교 교육연구소 2015 Asia Pacific Education Review Vol.16 No.3

Most schools in Macao are private schools, and there is a variety of grade repetition policy practiced in the 45 secondary schools. The policies are translated into school-based accountability of some kind of minimum competency standards. The objective of this study is to uncover the mediation mechanisms accounting for the influences of grade repetition on student performance. Three mechanisms are postulated to explain the performance of the adolescent grade repeaters: (1) insufficient opportunity to learn, (2) inadequate self-regulation of students, and (3) inappropriate teacher guidance and management. Based on the Programme for International Student Assessment 2012 Study, the three identified mechanisms (involving eight mediation variables) together explain 0.7 grade level worth of schooling. The implication is that unless remedial programs and courses of action for the grade repeaters can be shown empirically to be effective, it is not a good idea for Macao schools to maintain their grade repetition policies without teachers’ proper guidance and instruction.

Correlates of Susceptibility to Smoking among Secondary School Students in Kota Tinggi District, Johor, Malaysia

Hock, Lim Kuang,Ghazali, Sumarni Mohd,Cheong, Kee Chee,Kuay, Lim Kuang,Li, Lim Hui,Ying, Chan Ying,Huey, Tay Chien,Yee, Lai Wai,Ying, Ong Shiau,Yen, Yeo Lay,Abdullah, Norhamimah,Wymen, Seet,Ibrahim, N Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Background: Smoking among adolescents has been linked to a variety of adverse and long term health consequences. "Susceptibility to smoking" or the lack of cognitive commitment to abstain from smoking is an important predictor of adolescent smoking. In 2008, we conducted a study to determine the psycho-sociological factors associated with susceptibility to smoking among secondary school students in the district of Kota Tinggi, Johor. Materials and Methods: Two thousand seven hundred students were randomly selected by proportional stratified sampling. Analyses on 1,736 non-smoking students revealed that prevalence of adolescents susceptible to smoking was 16.3%. Results: Male gender (aOR=2.05, 95%CI= 1.23-3.39), poor academic achievement (aOR 1.60, 95%CI 1.05-2.44), ever-smoker (aOR 2.17, 95%CI 1.37-3.44) and having a smoking friend (aOR 1.76, 95%CI 1.10-2.83) were associated with susceptibility to smoking, while having the perception that smoking prohibition in school was strictly enforced (aOR 0.55, 95%CI 0.32-0.94), and had never seen friends smoking in a school compound (aOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.37-0.96) were considered protective factors Conclusions: These results indicate that follow-up programmes need to capitalise on the modifiable factors related to susceptibility to smoking by getting all stakeholders to be actively involved to stamp out smoking initiation among adolescents.

Stages of Smoking Cessation among Malaysian Adults - Findings from National Health Morbidity Survey 2006

Lim, Kuang Hock,Ibrahim, Normala,Ghazali, Sumarni Mohd,Kee, Chee Cheong,Lim, Kuang Kuay,Chan, Ying Ying,Teh, Chien Huey,Tee, Eng Ong,Lai, Wai Yee,Nik Mohamad, Mohd. Haniki,Sidek, Sherina Mohd Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Increasing the rate of smoking cessation will reduce the burden of diseases related to smoking, including cancer. Understanding the process of smoking cessation is a pre-requisite to planning and developing effective programs to enhance the rate of smoking cessation.The aims of the study were to determine the demographic distribution of smokers across the initial stages of smoking cessation (the pre-contemplation and contemplation stages) and to identify the predictors of smoking cessation among Malaysian adult smokers. Data were extracted from a population-based, cross-sectional survey carried out from April 2006 to July 2006. The distribution of 2,716,743 current smokers across the pre-contemplation stage (no intention to quit smoking in the next six months) or contemplation stage (intended to quit smoking in the next six months) was described. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the stages of smoking cessation. Of the 2,716,743 current smokers, approximately 30% and 70% were in the pre-contemplative and contemplative stages of smoking cessation respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender, low education level, older age group, married and those from higher income group and number of cigarettes smoked were associated with higher likelihood of pre-contemplation to cease smoking in the next six months. The majority of current smokers in Malaysia were in the contemplative stage of smoking cessation. Specific interventions should be implemented to ensure the pre-contemplative smokers proceed to the contemplative stage and eventually to the preparation stage.

Identification of lead inhibitors targeting influenza A virus nucleoprotein through surface plasmon resonance screening

Chun-Yeung Lo,Sze-Ting Choi,Olive Tin-Wai Li,Jacky Chi-Ki Ngo,David Chi-Cheong Wan,Leo Lit-Man Poon,Pang-Chui Shaw1 한국구조생물학회 2015 Biodesign Vol.3 No.3

Currently, many strains of influenza A virus have developed resistance against anti-influenza drugs, and it is essential to find new chemicals to combat this virus. The viral nucleoprotein (NP) is a major component of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex for the transcription and replication of the virus. In this study, we have employed surface plasmon resonance direct binding screening on the influenza A NP and found a hit compound 16 that can subdue influenza RNP activities. Subsequently, two analogs (compounds 55 & 58) from compound 16 were identified which inhibit RNP activities of various influenza A subtypes and viral growth at micromolar levels. These analogs were also shown to directly interact with NP, with KD 12.0±1.25 and 41.6±1.93 μM respectively by surface plasmon resonance assay.