IIUM Kuantan Research Articles

An Association between Social Media Addiction and Academic Performance among Undergraduate Nursing Students from IIUM Kuantan

Objective: Social media is becoming more popular among university and college students. Therefore, it is urgent to find out what effect social media have on their users and, in a more specific way, how the use of social media affects the academic performance of nursing students at IIUM since no studies have been conducted among the students to investigate the linkage between social media usage and their academic performance. Considering the key role of nursing students in promoting the quality of physical and mental health in society, this study aims to find the association between social media addiction and the academic performance of nursing students. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study with convenience sampling method was conducted among 243 nursing students at IIUM Kuantan Campus, from March 2022 to June 2022. Data were gathered by using Google Form survey and distributed to all undergraduate nursing students that fit into inclusion criteria of this study. The questionnaire consisted of two sections which are Section A and Section B. Section A consisted of 6 questions exploring students’ sociodemographic information (gender, year of study, current GPA, which platform of social media mostly use, the number of hours spent for studying in a week (in hour) and the number of hours spent for accessing the social media in a week (in hour). Section B questionnaire adapted from Social Media Addiction Scale- Student Form (SMAS-SF) was used to determine the level of social media addiction of an individual. Results: Nursing students of IIUM Kuantan have moderate level of social media addiction with mean score of 87.56 (SD=17.633). The majority of nursing students IIUM Kuantan are excellent in their academic performance as most of them are classified into First Class and Second Class (Upper) with average CGPA of 3.46 (SD= 0.2322). Majority chose WhatsApp (53.9%) as their social media platform of mostly used and only 2.5% of respondent chose Facebook. ............

Comparative study: Impact of screen time on sleep quality among university students and school children

Introduction: Screen time has been found to affect sleep quality negatively. Despite numerous studies proving that poor sleep quality and excessive screen time is prevalent among school children and university students, a comparative study on both age groups is yet to be explored extensively so far. This study focused more on school-aged children and university students, as they are often associated with sleep deprivation. The main objectives are to assess the association between screen time and sleep quality among schoolchildren and university students and to compare the effects of screen time on sleep quality between both age groups. Method: This study was conducted in Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, IIUM Kuantan, and six primary schools around Kuantan involving 100 undergraduate pharmacy students and 100 primary schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years old. The participants were assessed using a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of demographic background, electronic device use, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The result was analysed using SPSS 23.0 software— descriptive analysis and Chi-Square test to determine the association between duration of screen time and sleep quality. Results: The mean duration of screen time among the participants is 5.5 hours (± 0.102). 56.5% participants have poor sleep quality. The PSQI score for UG students is significantly higher (mean score 6.7 ± 2.741) compared to children (mean score 5.54 ± 2.812) respectively (p value=0.001). The duration of screen time is weakly related to sleep quality. However, respondents with excessive screen time of more than 12 hours have a higher mean PSQI score. Conclusion: The findings revealed that majority respondents have poor sleep quality, independent of screen time. Further research with larger sample size is suggested for clearer comprehensive results.

Association Between Social Media Use and Depression Among Students of International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan

Introduction: Depression is a vital issue to be concerned about because it is anticipated to be one of the major health issues confronting Malaysia in the coming years. Social media has emerged as one of the main contributors to depression due to the increased use of technology in modern society. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between social media use and depression among IIUM students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 227 students of IIUM Kuantan from three Kulliyyahs; Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), Science (KOS) and Dentistry (KOD). Convenience sampling was applied and self-administered questionnaires were distributed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package Software for Social Sciences (SPSS), where descriptive frequency table, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Correlation test were applied. Results: This study indicated that the level of social media-related depression among students in selected kulliyyah in IIUM Kuantan was low (n=61, 26.9%). Body image dissatisfaction, online harassment, sleep disturbance and high self-esteem were significantly associated with low depression. Socio-demographic factors, which are the types of kulliyyah and working part-time, were significantly associated with depression, with a p-value of 0.002 and 0.012, respectively. Conclusion: Social media use and depression were associated considerably, involving body image, online harassment, sleep, and self-esteem. A guideline and education for better and safe use of social media in our country should be proposed as part of preventive action in future.

Floating Shoulder with Scapulothoracic Dissociation: A Rare Case Report

Studies have shown that there is a strong association between diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer is reported to be increased by 19% for people with diabetes mellitus. However, the knowledge and awareness regarding diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for colorectal cancer in the local community in Pahang was yet to be determined. Therefore, to start with, this study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for colorectal cancer among IIUM Kuantan students, the sociodemographic characteristics contributing to the levels and the correlation of the level of knowledge and awareness. A total of 127 IIUM Kuantan students participated in this cross-sectional study by responding to a self-administered questionnaire that has been developed using the available literature on the association of diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer. The questionnaire was first validated (I-CVI=1.00), and pilot study was also conducted to evaluate the reliability of the knowledge (α=0.788) and awareness (α=0.795) items using Cronbach’s alpha value. Then, data was collected throughout April 2022 by distributing the questionnaire through an online platform among the targeted participants. The results are analyzed with non-parametric tests: Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test using the SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 at a 95% confidence level. This study revealed a poor level of knowledge (n=82, 64.6%) and awareness (n=72, 56,7%) of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor of colorectal cancer among the IIUM Kuantan students. There was a moderate positive correlation between the level of knowledge and awareness of IIUM Kuantan students on diabetes mellitus as a risk factor of colorectal cancer (r=0.608, p<0.001). These levels of knowledge and awareness, however, were not significantly associated with any sociodemographic variables. Therefore, this study proves that there is a need to improve the knowledge and awareness of the IIUM Kuantan students. Hence, the university could take action by organizing programs to spread the knowledge on this issue to the students, in order to enhance their awareness of the risk of colorectal cancer by diabetes mellitus.

Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor of Colorectal Cancer among International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan Students

Studies have shown that there is a strong association between diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer is reported to be increased by 19% for people with diabetes mellitus. However, the knowledge and awareness regarding diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for colorectal cancer in the local community in Pahang was yet to be determined. Therefore, to start with, this study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for colorectal cancer among IIUM Kuantan students, the sociodemographic characteristics contributing to the levels and the correlation of the level of knowledge and awareness. A total of 127 IIUM Kuantan students participated in this cross-sectional study by responding to a self-administered questionnaire that has been developed using the available literature on the association of diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer. The questionnaire was first validated (I-CVI=1.00), and pilot study was also conducted to evaluate the reliability of the knowledge (α=0.788) and awareness (α=0.795) items using Cronbach’s alpha value. Then, data was collected throughout April 2022 by distributing the questionnaire through an online platform among the targeted participants. The results are analyzed with non-parametric tests: Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test using the SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05 at a 95% confidence level. This study revealed a poor level of knowledge (n=82, 64.6%) and awareness (n=72, 56,7%) of diabetes mellitus as a risk factor of colorectal cancer among the IIUM Kuantan students. There was a moderate positive correlation between the level of knowledge and awareness of IIUM Kuantan students on diabetes mellitus as a risk factor of colorectal cancer (r=0.608, p<0.001). These levels of knowledge and awareness, however, were not significantly associated with any sociodemographic variables. Therefore, this study proves that there is a need to improve the knowledge and awareness of the IIUM Kuantan students. Hence, the university could take action by organizing programs to spread the knowledge on this issue to the students, in order to enhance their awareness of the risk of colorectal cancer by diabetes mellitus.

Perceived Stress, Its Stressors and Coping Mechanism Among Nursing Students in Clinical Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Being stressed-out and overwhelmed during the period of nursing training is the frequent complaint by nursing students due to clinical training that are very stressful. Moreover, with the COVID-19 pandemic that just happened in 2020, modification of lifestyle during the lockdown leads to psychological distress and stress especially among undergraduate nursing students. Objectives: This study aims to assess the perceived stress and coping mechanism among nursing students in clinical practice during COVID-19 pandemic.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing students from IIUM Kuantan using online surveys. Data was interpreted in descriptive and inferential analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: Among 128 participants, the students perceived high stress levels (M = 2.06, SD = 0.66). The most common types of stressors are stress from assignments and workload (M = 2.72, SD = 0.82). Meanwhile, the most common type of coping mechanism applied by nursing students is transference (M = 2.57, SD = 0.75), while the least frequently applied by the students is avoidance (M = 1.65, SD = 0.77). The association between demographic profile such as hours of sleep and the worry of being infected with COVID-19 were significant with perceived stress levels, while being quarantined due to suspected infection or infected by COVID-19 and hours of sleep were statistically significant with coping mechanism. Furthermore, there was a positive significant association between total perceived stress and coping mechanism using the Spearman correlation. Conclusion: This study may help in planning to overcome the high stress problems among nursing students through nursing education, nursing practice and nursing research.

Psychological Impact during COVID-19 Pandemic and Academic Performance in Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL) among IIUM Kuantan Nursing Students

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed Coronavirus as a pandemic and has declared it as a public health emergency of global worldwide concern. The spread of the pandemic triggered widespread fear and caused a variety of changes in people's lives, seriously affecting them, physically and mentally. The epidemic of COVID-19 has effectively impacted nearly all areas of our society, including the higher education, and has prompted higher education institutions around the World to implement a distance learning mode called Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL). The transition from face-to-face learning to online learning has brought many challenges to the students including their academic performance. Aim: This research conducted to measure the psychological impact during COVID-19 pandemic and academic performance in ERTL among IIUM Kuantan nursing students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 of IIUM Kuantan nursing students using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software for both descriptive and statistical findings. Results: The mean anxiety score of the students was 40.62 (±8.867) which indicated the normal anxiety level among them, in which majority of them 149 (73.8%) have normal level of anxiety, 45 (22.3%) of them with mild to moderate anxiety and 8 (4.0%) with severe level of anxiety. However, ERTL has a substantial negative impact toward the students’ academic performance showing a significant association between their psychological impact with p-value<0.05. Conclusion: There is a significant association between the students’ psychological impact during COVID-19 pandemic and their academic performance in ERTL. Most of them had been affected by this abrupt change in their study due to the pandemic. Thus, the academic as well as the University management, specifically need to address this issue and provide the best actions and solution

Volume of Interest-Based Fractal Analysis of Huffaz’s Brain

The robust process in memorising the Quran is expected to cause neuroplasticity changes in the brain. To date, the analysis of neuroplasticity is limited in binary images because greyscale analysis requires the usage of more robust processing techniques. This research work aims to explore and characterise the complexity of textual memorisation brain structures using fractal analysis between huffaz and non-huffaz applying global box-counting, global Fourier fractal dimension (FFD), and volume of interest (VOI)-based analysis. The study recruited 47 participants from IIUM Kuantan Campus. The huffaz group had their 18 months of systematic memorisation training. The brain images were acquired by using MRI. Global box-counting and FFD analysis were conducted on the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found no significant statistical difference between brains of huffaz and non-huffaz. VOI-based analysis found nine significant areas: two for box-counting analysis (angular gyrus and medial temporal gyrus), six for FFD analysis (BA20, BA30, anterior cingulate, fusiform gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, and frontal lobe), and only a single area (BA33) showed significant volume differences between huffaz and non-huffaz. The results have highlighted the sensitivity of VOI-based analysis because of its local nature, as compared to the global analysis by box-counting and FFD.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Infection - Control Among IIUM Kuantan Nursing Students During Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

Introduction: Infection Control (IC) is a procedure and evidence-based practice applied in healthcare settings that can prevent the transmission of pathogens and microorganisms to health care workers, patients and visitors. It is reported that nursing students were found lacking knowledge and skills regarding standard precautions in infection control. Low knowledge and skills were reported to have a negative effect on the students’ compliance to standard precautions. Objectives: This study aims to discover the knowledge, attitude and practice on infection control after COVID-19 outbreak among nursing students. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 nursing students in IIUM Kuantan using online self-administered questionnaire. Data was interpreted in descriptive and inferential analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: From 194 nursing students who participated in the study, the nursing students with good knowledge, attitude and practice were 57.2%, 56.2 % and 53.1%, respectively. There is association between gender and level of attitude (p=0.047). The results presented show that nursing students that have good knowledge showed significantly good attitude (p=0.002) and good attitude showed significantly good practice (p=0.001). Conclusion: The nursing student’s level of knowledge, attitude and practice were fairly good. There are association between gender and level of attitude but there are no significant associations between the other sociodemographic characteristics and level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control. There are also associations between level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control.

Knowledge and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene among Nursing Students in IIUM Kuantan

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene management includes the use and proper disposal of clean menstrual management materials during menstruation while dysmenorrhea is discomfort, pain, and cramps at the uterine origin during menstruation. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the knowledge and practices of menstruation and menstrual hygiene, screening of dysmenorrhea among nursing students in IIUM Kuantan and the relationship between the selected socio- demographic with level of knowledge and practices of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 undergraduate nursing students in IIUM Kuantan. The questionnaires distributed consisted mainly four parts which is socio- demographic data, the level of knowledge, practices of menstruation and menstrual hygiene and screening dysmenorrhea among the respondents. Results: The result highlighted that majority of nursing students (90.6%) have good knowledge, while (74.6%) students have good practices of menstrual hygiene. High percentage of dysmenorrhea was reported among the students (89.2%). There was a significant difference between year of study and practices of menstrual hygiene (p=0.033). Conclusion: The knowledge and practices of menstruation was good among nursing students in IIUM Kuantan. However, they need to improve in certain areas regarding knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene.

Yield Performance of Ficus carica as Affected by Different Rate of Chicken Manure

The objectives of this study are to study the development of the fruit of Ficus carica as affected by the different rates of chicken manure. The experiment was conducted at Glasshouse and Nursery Complex (GNC), IIUM Kuantan Campus. The experiment was arranged in a randomized, completely block design (RCBD). Four rates of chicken manure used were 0 g (T1), 150 g (T2), 300 g (T3) and 450 g (T4) respectively. Based on this study, it showed that there was a significant difference between treatments on all parameters collected. From all parameters, thirteen parameters showed the highest value from treatment consist of 450 g of chicken manure (T4). Meanwhile, no fruit produces from treatment with no fertilizers applied (T1). This indicates that higher performance was produced from the greater amount of chicken manure used. So, it was recommended to increase chicken manure rate on fig to increase yields productivity.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Dengue among Kuantan Medical Campus Students of International Islamic University of Malaysia

Background: Dengue has become an important public health problem in the world. It is an infectious disease caused by dengue virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquito. The understanding the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the general community on dengue prevention are helpful to give information for good strategic planning and engaged the community with dengue control. The knowledge on preventive measures in dengue is important to decrease the mortality rate, but the implementation of knowledge among individuals to reduce dengue is still an issue.
 Study Objectives: This study aims to examine the KAP regarding dengue among IIUM Kuantan students. Besides that, this study also aims to find the factors associated with KAP of dengue and to assess the relationship between KAPs regarding dengue among IIUM Kuantan students.
 Methods: This study used cross-sectional study, and 135 respondents were selected by using convenience sampling method. The questionnaire consists of 67 questions which were divided into four parts (socio-demographic characteristic, knowledge regarding dengue, the attitude of dengue and practice on prevention of dengue). In this study, to evaluate the KAP of dengue among students in IIUM Kuantan. Independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test, and Pearson test were used to find all related factors influencing KAP of dengue.
 Results: This study shows that the level of KAP of dengue among students in IIUM Kuantan was relatively high. All the respondents have very good level of KAP towards dengue prevention, symptoms and transmission. There was a significant difference in attitude among marital statuses (p=0.004). The students from FOM had better knowledge (p=<0.001) as compared to FOD and better attitude scores than KOP (p=0.001). This study also depicted that dengue knowledge-attitude towards dengue prevention was significantly correlated (p=0.005).
 Conclusion: the KAP regarding dengue among IIUM Kuantan students was good.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.19(2) 2020 p.245-253

The Potential Effect of Coconut Water as Natural Healer in Adult Patient with Chronic Periodontitis: A Preliminary Clinical Study

Introduction: Mechanical and chemical debridement had been practiced as one of the management for chronic periodontitis. Recent interest and advances in the field of alternative medicine has promoted the use of various herbal and natural products for multiple uses in the field of medicine. As for it, coconut water is one of the potential natural sources that have various health benefits. Materials and method: Randomized control study was chosen as study design in this research project. 12 patients who have moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were selected from patients whom attended Polyclinic Kulliyyah of Dentistry, IIUM Kuantan Campus from November 2016 to January 2018. After stratified random sampling done, the subjects divided into 2 groups; Intervention Group and Control Group. All patients will go for ultrasonic scaling and root planning by using hand instruments. 6 patients in Intervention Group were given fresh coconut water to drink during daytime. The first re-assessment was done after 6 weeks. The control group of another 6 patients didn’t receive any medicament. Paired sample t-test was used to analyse the pre and post intervention data. The study had obtained ethical approval from IREC (IREC 849). Results: Probing depth (PD) at mid-buccal site and bleeding on probing (BoP) shown significant result (p<0.05 ) in intervention group. There is no significant difference noted in the control groups, which are for PD, BoP and Plaque Score (PS) variables. Conclusion: Coconut water has potential benefit in reducing the periodontal pockets with chronic periodontitis as an adjunct after mechanical debridement.

The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Physiological Halitosis. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Introduction: VCO oil pulling therapy has been used as a remedy for oral malodour in traditional Indian folk. Main objective for this research is to study on the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis among IIUM Kuantan Campus students. The specific objectives are to evaluate the effect of VCO oil pulling on physiological halitosis and to compare the efficacy of VCO with conventional mouthwash in reducing physiological halitosis. Materials and method: 20 convenient samples were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups, mouthwash and VCO based on single blind randomized controlled trial. Subjects required swishing oil pulling (group A) or rinsing with mouthwash (group B). Breathing analysis was recorded during pre-assessment, post assessment (on day 1short term and day 14-long term) using organoleptic 1, organoleptic 2 (selfassessment) and Tanita device. The results were analysed using paired t-test in SPSS version 22. IREC approval: 2018-061. Result: There were significant difference between pre and post assessment of mouthwash in short term (p<0.001) and long term (p=0.002) period of usage and between group VCO pre and post assessment in short term (p=0.001). However, there was no significant (p<0.05) between group of VCO and mouthwash. Conclusion: VCO has potential to reduce physiological halitosis in immediate observation after the oil pulling procedure. VCO oil pulling and gargling with commercial mouthwash had no significant difference in reducing physiological halitosis.

Food Preference of Oryzaephilus Surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) to Different Types of Plant Products

Abstract Oryzaephilus surinamensis is one of the stored product insect that commonly found in Malaysia. The biological study through host range or food preferences of O. surinamensis is important for the development of sustainable management practice to control its infestation. The objective of this study was to identify the food preference of O. surinamensis to different plant products in relation to food type and moisture content. Twenty adult of O. surinamensis were exposed to three different group of food; dried fruits (date, raisin, apricot, fig), grain/cereals (rice, barley, oat grout, dried maize), and nuts (almond, ground nut, walnut, cashew nut) for 240h in laboratory Kulliyyah of Science, IIUM Kuantan. Moisture content in each food was also measured. It was found out that the most preferred food by O. surinamensis is oat groat of cereal grain group with medium level of moisture content. Further analysis on food moisture suggested that under current experimental conditions (temperature of 27℃ and 64% relative humidity within 240h of exposure), food moisture content does not affect pest infestation and distribution.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Cholera among Non-Academic Staff of International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan Medical Campus

Background: Cholera is a water and food-borne infectious disease caused by Vibrio cholerae. Cholera usually causes fatality in the case of severe infections. Furthermore, cholera outbreaks are still recurring over time, especially in many developing countries. Cholera outbreak may be due to lack of basic knowledge, awareness and preventive attitude among public. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding cholera among non-academic staff of IIUM Kuantan community, to find the related factors of KAP regarding cholera and to find the association between KAP regarding cholera.
 Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. This study used convenience sampling. The sample size for this study is 100 and was analyzed by using SPSS software using various tests. Those tests were independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal Wallis test and correlation test. There are six independent variables affecting knowledge, attitude and practice regarding cholera which are genders, marital statuses, and categories of occupation, different faculties, age-groups and level of education.
 Results: Categories of occupations showed no significant difference between administrative and clinical staff knowledge (p=0.360) and practice (p=0.437) level. Respondent’s attitude however showed significant difference (p=0.034) between clerk and clinical staff. As for other sociodemographic variables, the results showed no significant difference for knowledge, attitude and practice level. The results showed low positive correlation between knowledge and practice regarding cholera (r=0.338), between attitude and practice regarding cholera (r=0.331) and between knowledge and attitude (r=0.233).
 Conclusions: KAP practice scores were at an acceptable level.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(3) 2019 p.527-535

The impact of community learning program to a Kuantan dental students

Community learning program is an important part in the education of medical and dental students all over the world. Final year dental students IIUM Kuantan session 2017-2018 were given a self-administered questionnaire, (N=58). All respondents agreed that they have a responsibility to serve the community and aware their role in community. 98% agreed that participating in the outreach activity made the aware of the roles in other discipline and the needs of the community. The complaints include workload and insufficient preparation time. The program positively impacted these students and enhanced their social responsibility by exposing them to the community.

Diet intake and caries status among final year students in IIUM Kuantan campus

Abstract One of the most significant factors for caries is diet intake.100 final year students IIUM Kuantan Campus was undergone clinical examination and completed self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Chi-square test was used. Majority of respondents took 3 to 4 times food intake per day. Almost half of respondents did snacking between meals. Among the respondent, 41% has low, 35% has moderate and 24% has high DMFT score respectively. Majority of the final year students has low DMFT, mild inflammation gingiva, and high plaque score. Lastly, sugary food did have significant effect to the DMFT.

Investigation and Monitoring of Groundwater Level: Building Crack Near to IIUM Kuantan

The objective of this study is to analyze groundwater level on slope that effect the slope stability. In this research, the instrumentation monitoring equipment were applied to investigate the groundwater due to the rainfalls that effected to slope stability. Groundwater level were related to rainfall intensity and pore water pressure as the simulation of behavior of the groundwater pattern through slope model were produced. The result indicates that the pore water pressure and groundwater level are facilitated to be fluctuated by heavy rainfall. Moreover, the different part of slopes need to be compared and it was found that the bottom part of the slope has high concentration of groundwater and pore water pressure due to the rainfall cumulative effects. The result also indicates that the bottom slope is worse when it is subjected to a high groundwater level. Thus, the rising of groundwater level due to rainfall was the main reason for the slope resulted in unstable condition.

Comparison of Bacterial Loads from the Lift Buttons of a Kulliyyah and a Library at IIUM Kuantan and Identification of the Bacteria from Selected Buildings

Introduction: Lift buttons are among the potential fomites in transmitting infectious microorganism to the community. The daily use of lift buttons by different people with various hygiene practices can contribute to the colonization of microorganism on the touched surfaces. There is a little published research on microbial colonization on lift buttons in Malaysia, especially in the campus setting. Hence, this study aimed to identify and compare the bacterial load on lift buttons from a kulliyyah (faculty) and the library at IIUM Kuantan. Materials and Methods: A total of 42 swab samples were collected aseptically from the lift buttons and cultured on nutrient, mannitol salt and MacConkey agar for bacterial enumeration and isolation. Gram staining, microscopy examination and molecular amplification of the 16S rDNA gene by polymerase chain reaction were performed for further characterization of the bacteria. Results: Out of 42 swab samples collected (kulliyyah: n = 25, library: n = 17), 88.4% of the samples confirmed the presence of bacteria with the lift buttons in the kulliyyah showed a higher percentage of bacterial isolation (92%) compared to the library (84%). Grampositive cocci clustered bacteria dominated the isolates followed by Gram-positive bacilli, Gram-positive cocci tetrads and Gram-negative coccobacilli. Based on culture growth, Gram-staining features and 16S rDNA gene sequencing, isolated bacteria were identified as Staphylococcus sp., Staphylococcus kloosii, Bacillus cereus, Kocuria palustris, Yersinia mollaretii, Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., and other Gram-positive cocci. Conclusion: The results revealed a high bacterial load on lift buttons which can be a source of bacterial transmission.