Advanced Research Initiatives

About USM ARIs

USM Advanced Research Initiatives or ARIs is a research initiative project that helps translate USMs aspirations to emerge as a leading research institution, championing sustainability agenda. ARIs can be individuals, teams, clusters or Centers of Excellence, grommed under the USM research ecosystem. ARIs is managed by the Research Creativity Management Office (RCMO) and facilitated by the seven research platforms. It plans to gather researchers of various disciplines from across the university as well as with their counterparts, locally and internationally. The objective is to embark on a research journey that would transform lives and give impact to society and also wealth for the country.

Contents
Engineering Campus

School of Chemical Engineering

2 Expanding the Frontiers of Research in Chemical Engineering 4 CO2 Capture and Utilisation with Nanomaterials 6 Agricultural Waste Used to Treat Waste Water 7 Production of Low Cost High Quality Carbon Nanotubes

School of Civil Engineering

8 New Water Filteration Technique Using Home-grown Materials.

10 Using Recycled Objects to Prevent Instability of Eroded Slope 11 Manual Kapasiti Jalan Raya to Enhance Road Safety 12 The Disaster Research Nexus to Coordinate Studies on Natural Disasters

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School of Health Sciences

14 Does Secondhand Smoke Affect Pregnancy? 15 Water for Life: Managing and Improving Water Environment 16 Understanding the Association between Childhood Trauma, Personality Disorders and Aggressiveness among Male Offenders.

Health Campus

Contents

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USM Hospital
17 Ezi-Crutch: A Three-in-one Walking Aid 18 I-MOD: Smart Modality : A Multipurpose Equipment for Bedridden Patients

Advanced Medical & Dental Institute

20 Toothbrush With Bristles in an Isosceles Configuration 21 A New Diagnostic Test for the Laboratory Diagnosis of Melioidosis 22 Development of Mouthwash Product Using Cancer Chemopreventive Agent

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An aerial view of the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal

Engineering Campus

USM gives better definition for campus life.

Engineering Campus

Expanding the Frontiers o

he School of Chemical Engineering has been home to excellent researchers. Since its inception in 1992, the school has established itself as a reputable engineering school in the field of chemical engineering in Malaysia and the world. The excellent effort among researchers was nurtured by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovations), Prof. Asma Ismail and the Dean, School of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin. The school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which are designed to equip graduates with the capacity to find sustainable solutions to the current global problems. The undergraduate programme is not only accredited by the Engineeing Accreditation Council (Malaysia) but also by the Institute of Chemical

Engineers, United Kingdom. The programme has been accredited by Institute of Chemical Engineering (IChemE) as satisfying the Master in Engineering (MEng.) academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Chemical Engineer in the United Kingdom. In terms of research and publication, for the past two years, the school has been ranked top 100 in the world among other research-based institutions of higher learning by various ranking databases. This is basically due to the Schools state-of-the-art and cutting edge research facilities that drive very high quality research findings to be published in reputable international journals. Many of the published research articles have been highly cited by researchers around the world.

s of Research in

Chemical Engineering
Engineering Campus
All staff of the school including the academic, technical and administrative staff is also actively engaged in various community works at national and international levels. It is the mission of the School of Chemical Engineering, to provide opportunities for the pursuit of knowledge and expertise for the advancement of engineering, science and technology. Its future vision is to nurture creativity, innovativeness, competitiveness and expand the frontiers of technology, education and research for the betterment of the society.

For the year 2011, the numbers of publication in ISI journals to staff ratio hit 6.5 to 1. The culture of publishing research findings in international journals is not only among postgraduate students but also among undergraduates. Every year, a handful of undergraduate students were able to publish the findings from their final year project in peer reviewed journals. Apart from publication, the staff from the school has also constantly won awards from reputable international organizations. For the past three years, the School has successfully organized a number of international scientific conferences, custom-designed short courses for participants from industry. Many consultation projects or contract research projects with the industries have also been completed.

For futher information, please contact: Professor Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5946400 E-mail: chazlina@eng.usm.my

Engineering Campus

Co2 Capture and Utilisation of N G

lobal warming now presents the greatest potential threat to the environment with regard to climate change. Among the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor. The Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Copenhagen 2009, has declared that Malaysia has agreed to reduce its CO2 emission to 40% in term of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2020 relatively to 2005 level. One of the researchers in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) involved in the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Environmental Pollution Control, and Catalysis and Reaction Engineering is Professor Abdul Rahman Mohamed. He has initiated a study on CO2 capture and the utilisation of nanomaterials which is a combination of his expertise. Introduction to CO2 Carbon dioxide or generally known as CO2 is a colourless, odourless and inert gas. Its accumulation in the planet has created a heat trapper when heat from the earth has failed to be released from the atmosphere. This greenhouse effect has brought about the global warming issue. In Malaysia, CO2 is mainly emitted from the energy supply from the industry, transportation sector, manufacturing industry, and other sectors that use fossil fuel as their primary energy resources. The concept of CO2 capture and utilisation CO2, with a molecular size 3.4 Angstroms, is a very stable and inert molecule in atmosphere. This has made CO2 capture and separation from flue gases costly and a difficult task to be executed. On contrary, it can be seen as a cheap, nontoxic, and abundant feedstock to produce many useful chemicals. Thus, development and integration of CO2 capture and utilisation to value added chemicals or bio-fuels have become an important option to prevent the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere and at the same time help alleviate the problem of global warming. Role of Nanomaterials When materials are synthesized in nano regime, many size-dependent specific properties will show up. With a smaller size, a material will have a higher surface area which favors most of the reactions or processes. Besides that, nanomaterials involve the theory of

atomic and quantum phenomena. It will possess additional properties due to its different structure arrangement at the atomic level, rather than behaving like its bulk material. In the project, nanomaterials are utilised as an adsorbent for CO2 capture and catalyst for CO2 utilization to valuable chemicals. Adopting nanomaterials as the key component in the research project looks forward to give an encouraging boost towards the low carbon economy. Long-term Research Grant Scheme The research concept has been awarded Long-term Research Grant Scheme (LGRS) by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) with the allocation of RM 10 million in five years. This research grant scheme involves many research experts from USM and also other institutions in Malaysia, for example Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), University Tenaga Nasional (UniTen), SEGi College University,

of Nanomaterial

Engineering Campus

USMs researchers capturing a moment after win big at IENA 2011

Monash University Malaysia, and University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). The Low Carbon Economy (LCE) research group was formed in 2010, together with Emeritus Prof. Dr. Muhamad bin Awang from SEGi College University, Prof. Ir. Dr. Abdul Halim bin Shamsuddin from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UniTen), Prof. Dr. Khalid Abdul Rahim from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and others. There are four main projects that are on-going under the research group, which heads towards low carbon economy in Malaysia. CO2 capture and its utilisation with nanomaterials is one of them.

For futher information, please contact: Professor Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamed School of Chemical Engineering Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5996410 E-mail: chrahman@eng.usm.my

Prof. Abdul Rahman Mohamed is a Director at the Excellence Centre of Engineering. His research interests are in the fields of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Environmental Pollution Control, and also Catalysis and Reaction Engineering. He has been awarded with a Long Term Research Grant (LRGS) by Ministry of High Education (MOHE) with the formation of the Low Carbon Economy (LCE) Research Group. This research project collaborates with other research experts from other institutions in the country. 5

Engineering Campus

Agricultural Waste

Wastewater
H
as anyone ever thought that agriculture waste can be used to treat wastewater? Yes, it is possible using an extended conventional wastewater treatment process. Through this sustainable and novel approach, usage of treated water can be saved by fully utilizing re-treated wastewater. Program Chairman for Separation Processes and Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Dr Mohd Azmier Ahmad has come out with a study on converting agricultural waste to activate carbon for textile wastewater and greywater treatment. Thus far, agriculture wastes that have been successfully processed into activated carbon by his research group are rice husk, cocoa pod husk, pineapples peel, peanut shell, potato peel, lemon grass leave, dragon fruit peel, durian skin, sugarcane bagasse, rubber seed coat, corn cob, mangosteen peel, banana stalk, rambutan peel, jackfruit peel, coffee husk, coconut shell and palm shell. These wastes are renewable resource, have no commercial value and in fact cause serious problems to the environment. Conversion of these wastes into adsorbent material in water treatment would add value to these agricultural commodities, help reduce the cost of waste disposal and provide a potentially cheap alternative to existing commercial activated carbons. The moisture and volatile matter contained in agricultural wastes need to be removed by carbonization process. The resultant product, which is charred will undergo activation step under carbon dioxide atmosphere at a temperature of 700-850oC. Activated carbon produced show high surface area (700-1200 m2/g), homogeneous type pores structure and average pore size in mesopore regime. and reactive dyes (Remazol Brilliant Violet, Remazol Brilliant Blue, Remazol Red, Brilliant Black, Reactive Black and Reactive Orange). These dyes are used extensively in the textile industries due to their superior dyeing properties. Approximately 10-15% of these dyes are lost in the effluent during the manufacturing process. This effluent is highly toxic and harmful to the environment and living organisms. Thus, the removal of these dyes from wastewater is very important to the environment. Dr Mohd Azmier is also embarking on another study to help reduce the dependency of treated water and preventing water wastage by recycling treated greywater. Greywater is the leftover water from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines, which represent 70-80 percent of domestic wastewater. An individual is responsible for producing 150 liters of greywater each day. The activated carbon prepared has the capacity to adsorb the nitrates, ammonias and phosphates, which are the main elements in greywater. The treated greywater is suitable for lawn washing and toilet flush. Dr Mohd Azmier is a member of the waste management cluster, USM. His research experience in waste utilisation and wastewater treatment has enabled him to gain a patent on the production of rice husk based activated carbon. He also has more than 30 international papers published on research related to activated carbon. At the national level, Dr Mohd Azmier is appointed as a water expert under the working committee of research and innovation, green technology and climate change. Dr Mohd Azmier also has a joint research cooperation network with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM).

to Treat

For futher information, please contact: Activated carbon prepared is to be used for Dr. Mohd Azmier Ahmad adsorbing common dyes used in textile industry School of Chemical Engineering, as basic dyes (Methylene Blue, Basic Brown, Methyl Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Violet, Basic Yellow, Malachite Green and Basic Red) Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 04-5996459 Email : chazmier@eng.usm.my

Production of Low Cost High Quality

Engineering Campus

Carbon Nanotubes

arbon Nanotubes (CNTs), discovered in 1991, are seamless cylinders composed of carbon atoms in regular hexagonal arrangement. They exhibit remarkable physical properties, being stronger than steel alloys, lighter than aluminum and better electrical conductivity than copper. CNTs are produced via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process and have carbon content up to 80% as measured by thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA). It can be further purified to up to 99% by simple mild acid treatment. Residuals may include molybdenum and cobalt. A primary interest is for applications requiring a high level of purity and diameter uniformity. Applications include high strength composites, advanced sensors, flat panel displays, rechargeable batteries, memory chips, biomedical applications, catalyst and fuel cell. The total market value of these products exceeds USD 350 billion. Due to their excellent mechanical properties, CNT based materials have an enormous potential to substitute existing materials such as carbon fiber used

in automotive, aerospace, and defense applications. CNTs can be used in the production of body armours, protective helmets, tyres and all types of rubber mechanical products. CNTs are also suitable for sports and construction equipment. They have a huge potential to displace existing materials used to make highend reinforced composite components for other transportation industries.

The market demand for CNTs is limited by the variety of the specific types and morphologies required in the particular application. In addition, the current low-volume and high cost production technology cannot satisfy the demand of CNTs in the future. Recently, we have developed a new technology and apparatus to produce high quality CNTs at low cost based on the catalysis approach. In this technology, natural gas is broken down, freeing carbon atoms to reform of CNTs in the presence of tailor made catalysts. This innovative technology is simple, efficient and environmentally friendly, giving off hydrogen, a clean gas as by-product.

This invention ensures the lowest production cost and facilitates the controlled production of CNTs of various morphologies for market needs.

Carbon Nantubes are continuously produced using rotary tubular reactor

For futher information, please contact: Professor Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamed School of Chemical Engineering Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5996410 E-mail: chrahman@eng.usm.my

Catalyst used to produce Carbon Nantubes (CNTs) via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD)

Engineering Campus

Water Filteration Technique using Home-grown Materials

New

Concrete water reservoir at Sungai Jang, Selangor.

USM

Engineering Campus

research team has offered a new water filtering technique to the Orang Asli community in Malaysia with the hope to improve the lives of the indigenous people. This method of filtration does not involve the usual chlorination techniques but uses only home-grown materials. The method involves a natural gravity flow system that removes turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD) colour and coliform bacteria. This project was invented by Ir. Dr Mohd Nordin Adlan and Professor Hamidi Abdul Aziz from the School of Civil Engineering, USM. .
Water supply for sanitation

Another water reservoir at Sungai Jang.

Concrete water reservoir at Sungai Jang, Selangor.

Water stored in covered homes

Water supply for every home

For further information, please contact: Ir. Dr Mohd Nordin Adlan School of Civil Engineering, USM, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5996252 Fax: 04-5941009 E-mail : cenordin@eng.usm.my

Engineering Campus

Using Recycled Objects to Prevent Instability of

Eroded Slope

nstability of eroded slope areas often leads to the problem of soil collapse. There are many types of soil construction project that has been implemented and researched using recycled objects from waste materials. The results are proven by the sites that have been constructed with this product and supported with continued research. While the results look promising, it is also proven to be highly effective. The achievement of the product is attested

with good reviews at the local and international market. It is also cheap, easily assembled, environment friendly and can help resolve the problems of waste products. This project is headed by Professor Fauziah Ahmad from the School of Civil Engineering, USM.

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For further information, please contact: Professor Fauziah Ahmad School of Civil Engineering, USM Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5996268 E-mail : cefahmad@eng.usm.my

Manual Kapasiti Jalan Raya to Enhance Road Safety

he study on highway capacity is a very important road safety research in Malaysia. The result of this research is published in a manual ~ Manual Kapasiti Jalan Raya. The information in this manual helps engineers to design highways with

Engineering Campus

more precision so as to provide more safety and deliver a better service for road users in Malaysia. This project is headed by Dr Leong Lee Vien from the School of Civil Engineering, USM.

For further information, please contact: Dr Leong Lee Vien School of Civil Engineering, USM, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5996286 Fax: 04-5941009 E-mail : celeong@eng.usm.my

Engineering Campus

The Research Nexus to Coordinate Studies on Natural

Disaster Disasters
T

he Disaster Research Nexus (DRN) was established at the School of Civil Engineering, USM on 11 March 2010. Its main objective is to coordinate researches on natural disasters among USM researchers from various disciplines. The outcome of the research can benefit local communities by helping them to reduce risks when disaster strikes. There are 5 main studies Earthquake and Tsunami, Flood, Soil Collapse, Hurricane, and Management of Disaster. This project is headed by Associate Prof. Dr Taksiah A. Majid from the School of Civil Engineering, USM.

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Taksiah A. Majid School of Civil Engineering, USM, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang, Malaysia Tel: 04-5995999 Ext. 6282 Fax: 04-5941009 E-mail : taksiah@eng.usm.my

USMs Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Health Campus

Health Campus

Secondhand Smoke Affect Pregnancy?

Does

oes obesity have any relation to pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke?

This is what a team of researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has set about to discover in their study. The research titled The Effects of Passive Smoke on Pregnant Women and its relation to Obesity started since October last year involving 250 women. This study is based on a prior research which has been done to pregnant women who smokes and the results are positive. This previous research also proved that smoking is the reason of obesity among pregnant women. However, USM is continuing the research in a different angle which focuses on pregnant women who are not smoking, but are just inhaling second hand smoke. Second hand smokers, also known as involuntary smokers or passive smokers, take

in nicotine and other toxic chemicals just like normal smokers do. It is believed that the more pregnant women are exposed to second hand smoke, the higher the level of these chemicals poison their body. This will further lead them to obesity problems. This research is supported by the Tanita Healthy Weight Community Trust (THWCT) Research Grant amounting to RM 40 000 (1000 000 yen). THWCT is a non-profit, public fund established in 1994 by TANITA in cooperation with the government of Japan. The mission of this organization is to support scientific study aimed at combating obesity and other weight and body composition-related problems in Japan. This research is led by Dr Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed, senior lecturer at the Programme of Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, USM together with Prof. Nik Mohamed Zaki Nik Mahmood, Associate Prof. Dr. Nor Azwany Yaacob, Loy See Ling and Mahazlina Mohamad.

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For further information, please contact: Dr Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed School of Health Sciences Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Tel: 09-7677618 E-mail: hamidjan@kb.usm.my

Water for Life:

Health Campus

Managing and Improving Water Environment

ince 2005, studies on rivers and fisheries ecology in east Peninsular Malaysia especially Kelantan have been conducted by the School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). An initial research led by Dr. Rohasliney Hashim was supported by a USM Short-term grant entitled Using Stream Biomonitoring in Assessment to Stream Quality in Kelantan River Basin: Preliminary Study. This study aims to establish a database on stream fauna in river systems for the purpose of sustaining and preserving the wellbeing of stream ecosystem. The preliminary study was conducted at Pengkalan Chepa River (PCR) during dry (March to May 2007) and wet (October to December 2007) seasons, respectively. PCR is situated in the urban area and subjected to urban development to accommodate crowded and heavy population. PCR receives point pollution loads from domestic as well as major industrial sources. PCR is mostly dominated by fish tolerant species such as Clarias batrachus and increased numbers of omnivorous fishes were found in most degraded sampling stations. Main indicator species identified from PCR suggested that the river can only support pollution-tolerant species that are widely distributed in polluted water. Dr. Rohasliney also conducts advanced research (Stream Fauna Diversity and Its Relationship to Heavy Metal Pollution in Sungai Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan). This research focuses on the implication on human activities on rivers such as threats of heavy metal pollution which includes a broad aspect of environmental impact. This research was divided into three research areas which are aquatic fauna diversity, heavy metal analysis in fish tissue, and water quality. This research proved the importance of safeguarding aquatic ecosystem from possible pollution threats. Up to this point the research indicated that among the nutrients analyzed, nitrite showed the highest concentration at all sites. The concentrations of ammonia and nitrite in the water samples respectively exceed the limit of 0.2 mg/L and 3 mg/L, set for drinking water by the World Health

Organisation (WHO). With respect to heavy metals concentrations, zinc concentration was observed in fish tissue but the concentration is below than FAO and FSANZ limiting standard. The studies also draw attention to biological aspects of the river ecosystem. The biotic indexes scores for aquatic insect categorized PCR as CLASS III to CLASS IV River. Apparently CLASS III water needs an extensive treatment if used as water supply and is not advised for recreational purposes. Nevertheless, livestock drinking is permissible. Another study entitled Integrating Environment Characteristics and Fisheries Management in Galas River Basin in the Galas River Basin, Kelantan is being conducted with coresearcher Encik Amir Shah Ruddin Md Sah from the School of Biological Sciences, USM. This research emphasises the aspect on fisheries and its relationship to environment characteristics with the aim to understand the biology and ecology of river fisheries. The relationship and effects of land use on fish distribution and abundance were observed in this study. A proper planning and management of river fisheries can bring greater economical benefits to the people of the country. Currently, the River Ecology Team is expanding its team members. About six graduate students were obtained to cover all ecological aspect of river systems in Kelantan. More grants were applied from various sources to accommodate for the studies. It is hope that the research can benefit significantly as the basis for future research for improvement of river ecosystem can be used to promote the sustainable use of aquatic genetic resources. Dr Rohasliney and the team also hope that there will be an establishment of an appropriate, integrated program with concern for high quality environment that can provide tangible benefits and prosperity to the local/rural population.

For further information, please contact: Dr Rohasliney Hashim School of Health Sciences Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Tel: 09 767 7598 E-mail: rohasliney@kck.usm.my

Health Campus

Understanding the Association between Childhood Trauma, Personality Disorders and Aggressiveness among Male Offenders

n Malaysia, very few studies have been conducted on mental health problems (MHP) and criminogenic needs among prisoners, thus contributing to the lack of related knowledge of this population. The objectives of this study are; to identify the prevalence of antisocial personality disorder (APD) and (borderline personality disorder) BPD among male adult offenders, to examine the contribution of childhood trauma experiences to APD and BPD, and to investigate the association between personality disorders and aggression among male. The current study was designed based on cross-sectional study design. Four prisons were selected for data collection. Preferable available sampling was used. A total of 232 prisoners who participated in the study are literates, aged between 21 to 55 years old. Four measurements were used for data collection; Carlson Psychological Survey antisocial tendency scale, McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and Aggression Questionnaire. The analysis shows that participants demonstrated high occurrence of antisocial behavior which revealed that APD is highly prevalent among male offenders. The study suggests that APD is a risk factor for committing offences. For BPD, only a quarter of the participants were positively screened with BPD, suggesting that BPD is potentially likely to cause criminal behavior among male offenders. Majority of the participants scored within none to moderate for all subscales of childhood trauma experience. The percentages of occurrence were found very low for physical, emotional and sexual abuses. For physical and emotional neglects, the percentages of participants who scored within

moderate to extreme are notably high as compared to abuses subscales. These findings suggest that the participants were more likely to have experienced neglect than abuse and that neglect is more common than abuse in Malaysian households. One possible explanation is that in Malaysia, abusing a child is strictly prohibited by culture and belief, but there is no clear guideline on neglect. Analysis on the aggression scale shows that aggression is high among male offenders. Regression analysis of childhood trauma experiences shows that physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse significantly contribute to APD and BPD (p < .05). Although the prevalence of childhood abuse was found to be low, analysis shows that abuse significantly causes the development of APD and BPD among the participants. The subscale of physical neglect significantly contributes to the development of BPD among the participants, suggesting that the development of BPD may have been initiated by the experience of physical neglect. The result also demonstrates that experiences of abuse led to the development of BPD. Regression analysis showed that APD and BPD significantly contributes to aggression (p < .05), suggesting that both personality disorders contribute to aggression either in the physical, verbal or emotional term. The significant relationship between APD and all scales of aggression strongly suggest that APD might lead to criminal behavior among males. Characterizations of BPD have also been manifested by the significant relationships of BPD and on all scales of aggression, to show that BPD might lead to violence and criminal behavior among males. The result of the analysis demonstrates that BPD might contribute to aggression and violence when present in males. In conclusion, both antisocial and borderline personality disorder are risk factors for committing offences among male. Childhood trauma experiences (particularly physical, emotional, and sexual abuses) verify significant relationship with antisocial personality disorder.
For firther information, please contact: Dr Affizal Ahmad School of Health Sciences Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Tel: 09-767 7595 E-mail: affizal@kb.usm.my

A Three-in-one Walking Aid

he School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has invented a new product called Ezi-crutch which provides a technically up to date prosthetic and orthotic care to patients with careful consideration given to their personal needs. Ezi-crutch is actually a walking aid and also a combination of three devices in one -- a four-legged crutch, a walking stick and an underarm crutch. The idea for this product was created by a team of staff at the Recovery Unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) after discovering problems during treatment process. Some of the problems identified with existing products are that they are expensive, difficult to obtain, provide limited functions, and unfriendly to users. Ezi-crutch was invented to solve those problems and at the same time conforms to the respective standard and quality. This product is made from aluminum and is low in cost, user-friendly and has a 3-in-1 functionality. The height of Ezi-crutch can also be adjusted according to the needs of the patients. The project was actually a formulation of other projects concerning disabled persons and the needy. The tangible benefit of having the equipment is that hospitals could save around RM98.00 per unit. The production and supplying process could also be sped up to 28 days. The Ezi-Crutch inventors call themselves Rehab Charger and this team is among the 10 teams who represented Malaysia at the International Quality Concept Circles Convention (IQCCC) 2011 in Yokohama, Japan where they won the Excellence Award.
For further information, please contact: Professor Dato Dr. Mafauzy Mohamed Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Tel: 09-7651409 E-mail: mafauzy@kb.usm.my

Ezi-crutch:

Health Campus

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Health Campus

A Multipurpose Equipment for Bedridden Patients

he ICC Lestari team, a group of researchers from School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was declared as the winner of the National Innovation Award for the Service Category by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) by a project called I-MOD: Smart Modality. The I-MOD is a multi-purpose equipment that can function as a wheel-chair and a standing frame in the rehabilitation of bedridden patients. This project has defeated more than 300 teams taking part in the category nationally. The idea behind the invention of I-MOD is resulted from the need and constraint of equipment to carry out ambulation on bedridden patients during home treatment and rehabilitation in the community. Bedridden patients are usually unable to move around and have problem coming to the hospital. These patients must be mobilized or helped to be moved to prevent complications. One method is to establish the mobilization treatment of patients to be on their feet. Normally, if the patient is present at the hospital, they will be assisted by using an instrument called a tilt table . But for rehabilitation treatment in the community, care centers and homes, these tools are not practical due to its size. It is also difficult to carry the equipment around apart from being too expensive at the price of RM 25,000 per unit. This project also has won a Gold Award at the East Territory ICC Convention and also the Emas Tiga Bintang at the ICC (MPC) National Convention 2011.

I-MOD: Smart Modality:

For further information, please contact: Professor Dato Dr. Mafauzy Mohamed Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health CKubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia Tel : 09-7651409 E-mail: mafauzy@kb.usm.my

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USMs Advanced Medical & Dental Institute

Health Campus

The new building in Bertam, Seberang Perai, Penang.

Health Campus

Toothbrush with Bristles

in an Isosceles Configuration
ral diseases like caries (black tooth) and gingivitis (bleeding gums) are major health problems especially in developing countries. The main reasons for these health problems are less adaptation of tooth brushing habits and ignorance due to illiteracy and lack of dental/financial resources. Preventions of oral disease primarily demand proper teeth cleaning. Therefore, more efforts have been put to awaken teeth cleaning behaviour among people. Dental manufacturers and industries have come up with a variety of toothbrushes but almost all toothbrushes require instructions from healthcare personals. Telling children and a large number of adults to brush teeth the correct way for is also a big challenge for healthcare practitioners. The invention of the new toothbrush is a collaborative effort from scientists and clinicians at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The challenge is to make the design of the toothbrush in such way that it can be used to clean teeth safely and effectively without providing any instructions from dental healthcare personals. The unique feature/inventive step of the toothbrush is the 45 degree angled bristle comprising three different heights forming two brushing surfaces for better cleaning. Bristles of soft, medium and hard texture are incorporated for triple actions brushing comfort. Bristle head can be made as disposable upon consent of manufacturer. Functions of innovative tooth brush This toothbrush prevents tooth brushing in the wrong way, especially for people who brushes in a back and forth way. It provide users the correct way of placing the brush on teeth without any confusion, It gives the closest approximation of bristles with teeth thus cleans the teeth effectively. This toothbrush is pre-arranged 45 degree angled bristles and so it removes the complexity of placing the brush on teeth for cleaning purposes. A basic function for proper cleaning is to place the toothbrush at 45 degree angle along the teeth which is quite difficult for a majority of people. This toothbrush has two brushing surfaces thus

provides more surface area for toothpaste. One additional function is regarding toothpaste usage because some people like to have more toothpaste while brushing. This toothbrush also comes with two surfaces which increase the surface area for toothpaste. The above said functions make this toothbrush near to an ideal toothbrush. From its features we are sure and confident this toothbrush would be better than normal toothbrushes available in the market, either made for plaque control or preventing abrasion. A satisfaction survey of the toothbrush was carried out in five countries (Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan and Germany) using close end questionnaire with five point scale of LIKERT. Our results show that 74 percents users say it is better than current toothbrush available in the market and 87 percent say they would recommend to others. So far the inventors of the toothbrush have come up with the prototype without any sort of funding. They look forward for future funding from the government or industrial partner for commercialization purposes. Collectively, this new innovative toothbrush will improve and sustain the future of oral health around the globe especially for children and people of low socio-economic class. The toothbrush has industrial capability as seen by the prototype. The slogan of toothbrush Better oral health for sustainable tomorrow incorporates with USMs policy of bringing research to the bottom billion for a sustainable and better tomorrow. The toothbrush invention has been in intellectual property office, Malaysian patent (No. PI 2010001412) and Malaysian Industrial Design (No.11-50224-0101). The invention also received Gold Medal award in the recent International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2011).

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Tang Thean Hock, Infectious Disease Cluster Advanced Medical and Dental Institute Universiti Sains Malaysia Tel:+604-5622302 E-mail: tangth@amdi.usm.edu.my

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MELIODOT TM ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY

TEST KIT
A New Diagnostic Test for the Laboratory Diagnosis of Melioidosis
Clinical diagnosis is not always possible. Many diagnostic tests reported in the literature were not feasible for routine diagnostic use and lack of sensitivity and specificity. The MELIODOT TM test is a new and rapid in vitro enzyme immunoassay for qualitative detection of IgM, IgG and IgA antibody isotypes in human serum or plasma samples against cell surface proteins antigens (CSP) of Burkholderia pseudomallei. The MELIODOT TM test is an answer for the diagnostic dilemma of melioidosis. Early and accurate diagnosis of melioidosis by MELIODOT TM test help in early institution of appropriate antibiotic, early intervention in patient management to prevent disease progression and fatal complication and result in excellent prognosis. The high specificity (92.5) and sensitivity (95.5%) of the test are very convincing and the test is now ready for use in the laboratory diagnosis of melioidosis The product has been patented as an intellectual property: Rapid Diagnosis of Melioidosis; Patent Application No.: PI 2010003301; Date of Filling 12 July, 2010. The product inventors are Dr. Zainoodin Sheik Abdul Kader, Prof. Asma Ismail and Prof. Subramania Aiyar (Late). Conclusion The MELIODOT TEST is an excellent diagnostic tool that provides One Answer to the Diagnostic Dilemma of Melioidosis and deliver the power of diagnostics to Support Early Life-Saving Treatment for Melioidosis.

elioidosis is an environmental related and potentially fatal bacterial infectious disease involving multi-organ systems affecting human, including a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It is caused by a soil bacterium known as Burkholderia pseudomallei. The clinical presentations of melioidosis are unpredictable and extremely variable. It can involve any organ system of the infected individual and mimics many other infectious diseases. Many synonyms have been attributed to this disease, which includes the great imitator, living time bomb, medical time bomb, Vietnam time bomb, Vietnam tuberculosis and silent killer. Those at risk of acquiring the infection are agricultural workers, plantation workers, farmers, construction workers, eco-challenge adventure participant, individuals involved in recreational or sport activities, military personnel, gardeners, log cutters, abattoir workers and laboratory staff handling specimen. The more severe forms of melioidosis are often seen among people with underlying conditions that compromise the immune system. These conditions include diabetes, alcoholism, cancer, advanced age, and chronic liver, kidney or lung diseases. The varied clinical presentations of melioidosis associated with poor prognosis, notable resistance to currently used antibiotics for first line empirical treatment for bacterial infection, prolonged treatment associated with emergence of resistant strains, recrudescent, relapse, recurrent infections were among the most unfortunate features of the disease. Today, physician and medical laboratory scientist are well aware of the disease. However, lack of adequate diagnostic tools remains as main hindrance for early life saving treatment.

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Zainoodin Sheik Abdul Kader, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute Universiti Sains Malaysia Tel: +604-5622303 E-mail: zainoodin@amdi.usm.edu.my

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Development of

Mouthwash Product Using Cancer Chemopreventive Agent

ue to the continuing magnitude of cancer problem and failure of conventional therapies, interests are now focused on cancer chemoprevention which aims at preventing, suppressing, delaying or reversing carcinogenesis by pharmacologic intervention with naturally occurring or synthetic agents. Dr Azman Seeni Mohd from the Toxicology Cluster at the Advanced Medical & Dental Institute, USM has focused his work on chemopreventive agent especially for oral cancer and used a novel approach via development of mouthwash product. In 2010, his team has developed and patented a herbalbased mouthwash product which could provide a non-alcoholic alternative to conventional products for the Islamic market. The product which is called SA-Cleanse was derived from the Streblus asper root extracts. SA-Cleanse not only contains anti-bacterial properties that can kill common oral microbes, its active ingredients could also suppress the growth of cancer cells. For both bone and tongue cancer cells it was found that apoptosis, the process by which a cell uses its own machinery to kill itself, could be induced. This occurrence is due to the activation of caspase proteins which play a key role in apoptosis signalling. On the other hand the product was found to have no effect on normal skin cells, and is nontoxic for the liver and kidneys, providing hope that there will be no risks in using it on a daily basis. At the moment, Dr Azmans group is carrying out In Vivo testing as well as clinical trial to further develop the product. It is hoped that there will be potential applications for the treatments of common cancers such as cervical and prostate cancer as well.

SA-Cleanse has won several recognition including Gold award in Inova10 (Islamic Innovation 2010) and this product has been the subject of an interview in Malaysia Hari Ini, a TV3 talk show programme. Currently Dr Azman Seeni also collaborates with the School of Chemical Sciences, USM to develop another mouthwash product but using a synthetic chemical from Hydrazone derivatives. One of the advantageous of the synthetic agent is it could be produced in large quantities in comparison with natural product extract which could only be produced in limited amount depending on its availability. The preliminary results showed that Hydrazone derivatives exhibited strong anti-proliferative activity on tongue cancer cells with inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.01mg/ ml (0.03 M). The compound tested demonstrated a lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) compared to the other agent thus acting as a potent anti-proliferative agent on tongue cancer cells that results in apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Again, this preliminary work has been recognized and the group has won the Double Gold Award for International Invention of The Year at the British Innovation Show 2011. Dr Azmans work on chemopeventive agent which is a new approach in cancer research offers a better hope for the outcome of oral cancer treatment, in comparison with conventional chemotherapy which aims at killing and damaging cancer cells that are already formed alongside with normal cells.

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For further information, please contact: Dr Md Azman Seeni Mohd, Senior Lecturer, Toxicology Cluster Advanced Medical & Dental Institute Universiti Sains Malaysia Tel: +604-5622417 E-mail: mdazman@amdi.usm.edu.my

EDITORIAL BOARD
Advisor
Asma Ismail

Chief Editor
Badaruddin Mohamed

Language Editor
Izaham Musa Lope Sapien

Editors
Azlina Harun @ Kamaruddin Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamed Mohd Azmier Ahmad Ismail Abustan Mohd Nordin Adlan Fauziah Ahmad Leong Lee Vien Taksiah A. Majid Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed Affizal Ahmad Rohasliney Hashim Mafauzy Mohamed Tang Thean Hock Zainoodin Sheik Abdul Kader Md Azman Seeni Mohd

Text and Graphics

Karmilah Abdullah Ebrahim Abdul Manan

Produced by
Strategic Communications Office Universiti Sains Malaysia March 2012