Management Risks in Mountain Bike Tourism

Kamaruzaman Jaaffar,Badaruddin Mohamed,Kai Xin Tay 세계문화관광학회 2015 International Journal of Culture and tourism Resea Vol.8 No.1

Sports-based tourism has grown dramatically over the past decades, particularly mountain bike sport. Blessed with tremendous natural resources, beautiful topography, Malaysia offers wonderful settings for various extreme sports opportunities. Mountain bike tourism is one of those sports and is more popular among the younger segment of the population. The growth is clearly seen in the rise of the number of tournaments, at both national and international levels as well as the rising number of participants. Despite this, there is no official data that can substantiate the volume and impacts of this sport. Events staged at more challenging venues or steeper terrains, would attract greater participation due to the greater challenges offered. Difficult geographical settings, however, expose participants to different and various risks that may cause to catastrophic and fatal mountain biking injuries. To date, there is still an absence of a set of specific guideline that can be used by the organisers to manage the risks. This paper reports on a finding of a study on perceived risks by mountain bikers participating in selected tournaments in the Northern Peninsular Malaysia. The surveys conducted revealed that while they acknowledge the importance and potential risks of the events, the level of measures taken by the organisers is still questionable. Results from this survey can serve as guidelines to further improve measures in mitigating risks in adventurous events like mountain bike tournament.

Management of Spent Ion-Exchange Resins From Nuclear Power Plant by Blending Method

Kamaruzaman, Nursaidatul Syafadillah,Kessel, David S.,Kim, Chang-Lak Korean Radioactive Waste Society 2018 방사성폐기물학회지 Vol.16 No.1

With the significant increase in spent ion-exchange resin generation, to meet the requirements of Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) of the Wolsong disposal facility in Korea, blending is considered as a method for enhancing disposal options for intermediate level waste from nuclear reactors. A mass balance formula approach was used to enable blending process with an appropriate mixing ratio. As a result, it is estimated around 44.3% of high activity spent resins can be blended with the overall volume of low activity spent resins at a 1:7.18 conservative blending ratio. In contrast, the reduction of high activity spent resins is considered a positive solution in reducing the amount of spent resins stored. In an economic study, the blending process has been proven to lower the disposal cost by 10% compared to current APR1400 treatment. Prior to commencing use of this blending method in Korea, coordinated discussion, and safety and health assessment should be undertaken to investigate the feasibility of fitting this blending method to national policy as a means of waste predisposal processing and management in the future.

Exposing the nuances of traditional Malay Kuih in Mersing district, Johor, Malaysia

Kamaruzaman Mohd Yusof,Ab. Karim Muhammad Shahrim,Che Ishak Farah Adibah,Arshad Mohd Mursyid 한국식품연구원 2022 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.9 No.-

Traditional food has long been recognised as an integral aspect of community across the globe. It varies from one community to another and is treasured as an image representation. Traditional Malay kuih in Malaysia, however, lacks its definition. The word kuih itself is loosely used to group a collection of either sweet desserts or savoury snacks. Acknowledging that the district of Mersing in Johor is an underexposed heritage site in Malaysia, this study disinters the traditional Malay kuih nuances as a regional ethnic food. Qualitative method was employed involving 14 kuih experts in Mersing to answer the research question “What is the meaning of traditional Malay kuih in Mersing?” in which semi-structured, in-depth, and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim to ensure accurate results. Thematic analysis was used to identify the codes, categories, and themes as the nuances of traditional Malay kuih in Mersing. The themes enlist (i) the use of native crops, (ii) the practice of conventional Malay cooking methods, (iii) the enculturation of Malaysia’s east coast traditions, and (iv) the enrichment of sub-ethnic traditions among the Malays. It was found that the analysed nuances of traditional Malay kuih reinstated the individuality and uniqueness of the Malay ethnic’s gastronomy in Malaysia. In short, this paper provides an in-depth exploration of the Malay’s unique culture and heritage in Malaysia, thus benefitting the scholars, local tourism board, entrepreneurs, consumers, among others.

Management of Spent Ion-Exchange Resins From Nuclear Power Plant by Blending Method

Nursaidatul Syafadillah Kamaruzaman,David S. Kessel,Chang-Lak Kim 한국방사성폐기물학회 2018 방사성폐기물학회지 Vol.16 No.1

With the significant increase in spent ion-exchange resin generation, to meet the requirements of Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) of the Wolsong disposal facility in Korea, blending is considered as a method for enhancing disposal options for intermediate level waste from nuclear reactors. A mass balance formula approach was used to enable blending process with an appropriate mixing ratio. As a result, it is estimated around 44.3% of high activity spent resins can be blended with the overall volume of low activity spent resins at a 1:7.18 conservative blending ratio. In contrast, the reduction of high activity spent resins is considered a positive solution in reducing the amount of spent resins stored. In an economic study, the blending process has been proven to lower the disposal cost by 10% compared to current APR1400 treatment. Prior to commencing use of this blending method in Korea, coordinated discussion, and safety and health assessment should be undertaken to investigate the feasibility of fitting this blending method to national policy as a means of waste predisposal processing and management in the future.

The diversity of traditional Malay kuih in Malaysia and its potentials

Mohd Yusof Bin Kamaruzaman,Shahrim Ab Karim,Farah Adibah Binti Che Ishak,Mohd Mursyid Bin Arshad 한국식품연구원 2020 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.7 No.-

Malaysia is synonymously known as a multicultural country flourished with gastronomic nuances in abundance. Within the multitude of well-known savory foods available through the history of Malaysia, kuih has always bestowed a special part in the Malaysian diet. Kuih houses varying types of delicacies ranging from sweets to savory treats or snacks. As with its counterparts in the Malay cuisine, kuih has also been influenced by many historical events led by the migration of Chinese, Indians, and other explorers or visitors to Malaysia in the olden days. This casually developed the Malay kuih which now coined as the traditional Malay kuih; traditional as in the way that the classical values and authenticity were respected and established then. As time progresses and changes the lifestyle of Malays, newly innovated products are at the rise and emerged another type of kuih with somewhat similar characteristics to that of traditional Malay kuih, namely Nyonya Kuih. Nyonya kuih noted to be a reformulation of traditional Malay kuih with native Chinese expertise through some tweaks inculcating their palates and culinary library. Further along, the modernization also impacted the traditional Malay kuih in such a way that the overall representations being put at stake of unclear identity through innovations and industrializations. This paper draws out the history, authenticity, identity, and potentials of the traditional Malay kuih. Besides, this article is hoped to contribute to further refining the traditional Malay food knowledge specifically in its kuih sub-genre against the heritage-destructive modernization led by globalization.

Risk Assessment of Recreation and Tourism Activities -The Case of Batu Ferringhi, Penang-

Badaruddin Mohamed,Nurbaidura Salim,Kamaruzaman Jaaffar 세계문화관광학회 2015 International Journal of Culture and tourism Resea Vol.8 No.1

The Ferringhi beach in Penang (Malaysia) is one of main attractions in the country that attracts both local and international tourists. The beach is also a popular weekend spot for recreational activities among Penangites as well as excursionists from nearby states. The growth of hotels, apartments and second homes along the five kilometers stretch has reduced the much-needed public beach spaces for the general public. Some of the popular beach spots become the target of various passive activities such as sun bathing, jogging, swimming, and picnicking. But, due to the concentration of visitors, the same spots also host some active activities such as horse riding, parasailing, and speed boating. The interlocking of these passive and active activities, without proper guidelines and zoning, has created serious problems and sometime, dire consequences, which sometimes include fatalities. By employing a selected risk assessment method or model, this paper reports on an assessment of the risks involving activities taking place at the beach spot. It prescribes the hazards and levels of risks involved and eventually suggest some possible preventive risks management approaches. Results from this study would assist the local authority in preparing proper zoning and introducing proper measures to avoid future catastrophes and tragedies, which would tarnish the state tourism image in specific, Malaysian tourism image in general.

Performance of Concrete Containing Laterite Aggregates

K. Muthusamy,N. W. Kamaruzaman,Mohamed A. Ismail,A. M. A. Budiea 대한토목학회 2015 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.19 No.7

In Malaysia, concerns about the depletion of granite aggregates in the future and the availability of laterite aggregates locally have incentivized researchers to integrate laterite aggregate into the production of concrete. Studies found that the use of 20 to 30% of laterite aggregates, as partial replacement for coarse aggregates, results in concrete with the targeted strength. However, the effect of laterite aggregate content on the durability performance of this concrete is unknown. As such, the acid resistance and water absorption of concrete consisting of various percentages of laterite aggregates, integrated as partial replacement of coarse aggregates, are presented and discussed. Mixes consisting of varying amounts (0-50%) of laterite aggregates were prepared in the form of cubes (150 × 150 × 150 mm). After water curing for 28 days, the specimens were tested for the determination of compressive strength and durability against acid attack and water absorption. It was found that concrete with low water absorption can be produced through the integration of 50% of laterite aggregates. Similarly, the integration of laterite aggregates of up to 20% produces concrete that exhibits good durability against acid attack, chloride ion penetration, and water absorption.

Isolation, Purification and Characterization of Antioxidative Bioactive Elastin Peptides from Poultry Skin

Mehdi Nadalian,Nurkhuzaiah Kamaruzaman,Mohd Shakir Mohamad Yusop,Abdul Salam Babji,Salma Mohamad Yusop 한국축산식품학회 2019 한국축산식품학회지 Vol.39 No.6

Muscle-based by-products are often undervalued although commonly reported having a high amount of natural bioactive peptides. In this study, elastin was isolated from the protein of broiler hen skin while its hydrolysate was prepared using Elastase. Assessment of antioxidative properties of elastin-based hydrolysate (EBH) was based on three different assays; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical, 2,2 -azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical and metal chelating ability. The EBH was purified further using ultrafiltration, gel filtration and Reverse- Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). The IC50 of ABTS radical activities for EBH were decreased as EBH further purified using ultrafiltration (EBH III; 0.66 mg/mL)>gel filtration (EB-II; 0.42 mg/mL)>RP-HPLC (EB-II4; 0.12 mg/mL). The sequential identification of the peptide was done by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/ TOF-MS) of the potent fractions obtained from RP-HPLC (EB-II4). The presence of hydrophobic amino acids (Val and Pro) in the peptide sequences could potentially contribute to the high antioxidant activity of EBH. The sequences GAHTGPRKPFKPR, GMPGFDVR and ADASVLPK were identified as antioxidant peptides. In conclusion, the antioxidative potential from poultry skin specifically from elastin is evident and can be explored to be used in many applications such as health and pharmaceutical purposes.

Malaysia Healthcare Early Response in Combatting COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020

Safiya Amaran,Ahmad Zulfahmi Mohd Kamaruzaman,Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa,Zaharah Sulaiman 대한가정의학회 2021 Korean Journal of Family Medicine Vol.42 No.6

The year 2020 saw the emergence of a novel coronavirus—the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2—which has led to an unprecedented pandemic that has shaken the entire world. The pandemic has been a new ex-perience for Malaysia, especially during the implementation of large-scale public health and social measures called the Movement Control Order (MCO). This paper seeks to describe the experiences of the Malaysian healthcare sys-tem thus far in combatting the pandemic. The Malaysian healthcare system comprises two main arms: public health and medicine. The public health arm focuses on early disease detection, contact tracing, quarantines, the MCO, and risk stratification strategies in the community. The medical arm focuses on the clinical management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients; it encompasses laboratory services, the devising of clinical setting adjustments, and hospital management for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Malaysia experienced intense emotions at the beginning of the pandemic, with great uncertainty regarding the pandemic’s outcome, as the world saw a frighteningly high COVID-19 mortality. As of writing (May 30, 2020), Malaysia has passed the peak of its sec-ond wave of infections. The experience thus far has helped in preparing the country’s healthcare system to be vigi-lant and more prepared for future COVID-19 waves. To date, the pandemic has changed many aspects of Malaysia’s life, and people are still learning to adapt to new norms in their lives.

Oral Cancer Awareness and its Determinants among a Selected Malaysian Population

Ghani, Wan Maria Nabillah,Doss, Jennifer Geraldine,Jamaluddin, Marhazlinda,Kamaruzaman, Dinan,Zain, Rosnah Binti Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

Objective: To assess oral cancer awareness, its associated factors and related sources of information among a selected group of Malaysians. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all Malaysian ethnic groups aged ${\geq}15$ years old at eight strategically chosen shopping malls within a two week time period. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. Significance level was set at ${\alpha}$ <0.05. Results: Most (84.2%) respondents had heard of oral cancer. Smoking was the most (92.4%) recognized high risk habit. Similar levels of awareness were seen for unhealed ulcers (57.3%) and red/white patches (58.0%) as signs of oral cancer. Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, occupation and income were significantly associated with oral cancer awareness (p<0.05). Conclusions: There was a general lack of awareness regarding the risk habits, early signs and symptoms, and the benefits of detecting this disease at an early stage. Mass media and health campaigns were the main sources of information about oral cancer. In our Malaysian population, gender and age were significantly associated with the awareness of early signs and symptoms and prevention of oral cancer, respectively.