Lumpur Research Articles

Association between physiological responses and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expressions in the vulnerable populations of Kuala Lumpur.

Continued heat exposure can cause physiological and cellular responses. This study investigated the association between physiological responses and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expressions in Kuala Lumpur's urban vulnerable population. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 54 participants from four areas classified as experiencing moderate to strong heat stress. Physiological measurements included core body temperature, heart rate, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. RT-qPCR and ELISA were also performed on blood samples to assess HSP70 gene and protein expressions. Despite indoor heat stress, participants maintained normal physiological parameters while there were significant indications of HSP70 expression at both the gene and protein levels. However, our study found no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between physiological responses and HSP70 expressions. This study shows no interaction between physiological responses and HSP70 expressions in the study population, revealing the complex mechanisms of indoor heat stress in vulnerable individuals.

Urban Resilience in the Face of Natural Hazards: Leveraging Machine Learning to Assess Landslide Risk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Urban Resilience in the Face of Natural Hazards: Leveraging Machine Learning to Assess Landslide Risk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Increased Interest in Reading and Writing in Students of SB Kampung Bharu Kuala Lumpur Malaysia through Image Media

Increased Interest in Reading and Writing in Students of SB Kampung Bharu Kuala Lumpur Malaysia through Image Media

Examining determinants of book-tax difference: Insights from Malaysian multinational corporations

This research investigates the factors affecting the book-tax differences of multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Malaysia. The sample for this study consists of MNCs with subsidiaries in tax haven countries listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index. About 67 MNCs were selected after eliminating 32 companies with inadequate data and one with extreme outliers. A secondary data approach was employed, utilising multiple regression analysis. Selected corporate characteristics, including deferred tax liabilities and assets, taxable income, interest coverage ratio, return on assets, and effective tax rate, were used as independent variables. Descriptive analysis revealed evidence that corporations with a high return on assets (ROA) typically benefit from very high levels of book-tax differences (BTDs). Furthermore, the results indicate that a high interest coverage ratio may partly explain the outcomes leading to an increase in differences recorded between book income and taxable income. Thus, this supports the idea that a positive relationship exists between the interest coverage ratio and BTD. Hence, this study contributes to the tax literature and informs policymakers on factors influencing BTD, especially MNCs with subsidiaries in tax haven countries. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by offering insights into the factors influencing MNCs' strategic tax planning decisions in the Malaysian context. Policymakers should address the unfair allocation of the worldwide tax base, where a reasonable portion of the earnings made by MNCs doing business in a nation should be subject to taxation in that nation.

Urban heat island patterns in garden cities: Putrajaya as a case study

The garden-city model, characterised by sprawling urban expansion and extensive open spaces, features green and water surfaces alongside substantial road networks, large parking lots and unshaded lands. This diverse landscape contributes to uneven air temperature distribution within the city. Our study investigated urban heat island (UHI) patterns in various urban environments within Putrajaya, focusing on rural, business, residential and near-water areas. Atmospheric data were collected over a year. Putrajaya exhibits two distinct UHI patterns: cool-day-hot-night in residential zones and hot-noon-temperate-elsewhere in impermeable areas. Business areas display alternating patterns based on seasonal climatic conditions and anthropogenic factors. The efficacy of artificial water bodies as a UHI countermeasure in garden cities depends on the size of the water body and the nature of the surrounding land cover. Shaded and green areas exhibit UHI intensities limited to 3°C, while impermeable areas, regardless of proximity to water surfaces, experience UHI up to 6°C. Overall, the garden-city model tends to restrict UHI variations within −1 to 3°C compared to −2 to 4°C in nearby Kuala Lumpur.

Experiences and Barriers Related to Breastfeeding among Nigeria Immigrant Mothers Living in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - A Qualitative Study

Experiences and Barriers Related to Breastfeeding among Nigeria Immigrant Mothers Living in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - A Qualitative Study

An Accident Prediction Model Based on ARIMA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Using Time Series of Actual Accidents and Related Data

Recently, there has been an emerging trend to analyse time series data and utilise sophisticated tools for optimally fitting time series models. To date, Malaysian industrial accident data is underutilised and lacks informative records. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the Malaysian accident database and further evaluate the optimal forecasting models in accident prediction. The model’s input was based on available data from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia (DOSH), from 2018 until 2021, with 80% of the dataset to train the models and the remaining 20% for validation. The negative binomial and Poisson distribution prediction showed a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 33% and 51%, respectively. It indicated that the negative binomial performed better than the Poisson distribution in accident frequency prediction. The available time series accident data were gathered for four years, and stationarity was checked in R Studio software for the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test. The lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) and other error values were used to justify the best model, which was the ARIMA(2,0,2)(2,0,0)(12) model. The ARIMA models were considered after the data showed autocorrelation. The MAPE for both ARIMA in R and manual time series were 40% and 49%, respectively. Therefore, the accident prediction by using R Studio would outperform the manually negative binomial and Poisson distribution. Based on the findings, industrial safety practitioners should report accidents to DOSH truthfully in the era of digitalisation. It could enable future data-driven accident predictions to be carried out.

Fear of failure among perfectionist students

Fear of failure (FOF) has been reported as a construct that hinders individuals from achieving higher, working harder, and even moving from one stage of development to another. Studies indicated that university students with traits perfectionism tend to develop FOF, which prevented them for achieving better accomplishment in their academic life. In order to obtain further knowledge to curb FOF among this population, this study investigates which one of the three dimensions of perfectionism (self-oriented, other-oriented, socially prescribed) is the main predictor of FOF. 351 participants from the target population of 4,000 undergraduate students from UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were recruited via convenience sampling to provide us with their data through a Google Form. Perfectionism dimensions were measured by the multidimensional perfectionism scale and fear of failure by the performance failure appraisal inventory. The collected data was analyzed via simple and multiple regression by multiple regression technique, and the findings showed that self-oriented and other-oriented perfectionism did not significantly predict the fear of failure. However, socially prescribed perfectionism was the only significant predictor of the fear of failure among the perfectionism model, therefore indicating that it was the most significantly predictor as well. In conclusion, students are more likely to be afraid to fail when they believe that there is a social standard of perfection that they have to follow.

Information needs on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its management in children and adolescents: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to explore the information needs related to insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the children’s perspectives as...

Criminological Insights: A Comprehensive Spatial Analysis of Crime Hot Spots of Property Offenses in Malaysia's Urban Centers

This study examines property crime trends in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya from 2015 to 2020, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and comprehensive crime data from the Royal Malaysia Police. It focuses on the relationship between property crime rates and the delineation of police station jurisdictions across Selangor State, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory (KLFT), and Putrajaya Federal Territory (PFT). The objective is to understand the dynamics of property crime, its evolution, and the influence of the National Transformation Program on crime prevention strategies. By assessing the spatial distribution of property crimes, this research aims to identify underlying trends and the efficacy of hot spot policing. The analysis is underpinned by an extensive review of secondary data from the Intelligence/Operations/Records Division of the Royal Malaysia Police Headquarters, enabling a deep dive into the spatial characteristics of property crime within these regions. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of crime prevention in Malaysia, underscoring the importance of GIS technology and the need for strategic interventions tailored to specific crime patterns. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and law enforcement to formulate evidence-based strategies, enhance public safety, and inform future crime prevention efforts.

Associations between meteorological variation and hospitalisations for rotavirus infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ObjectivesRotavirus (RoV) infections have emerged as a significant public health concern around the world. Understanding the relationship between climatic conditions and hospitalisations due to RoV infections can help engage effective prevention strategies. This study aims to investigate the potential associations between meteorological variability and RoV-related hospitalisations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. MethodsHospitalization data from a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur over a twelve-year period were retrospectively collected. Concurrently, meteorological data were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) including variables of temperature, humidity, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure to further demonstrate relationship with RoV-associated hospitalisations. ResultsThe results indicated positive correlations between increased rainfall, rainy days, humidity, and RoV-related hospitalisations, suggesting the influence of environmental factors on the transmission of RoV. ConclusionsThis study highlights positive associations between meteorological variations and hospitalizations for RoV infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Further investigations, including national-level data, are needed to deepen our understanding of these associations, particularly within the context of Malaysia and to develop targeted interventions for disease prevention and control.

Strategies of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur in Resolving Education Problems for Undocumented Children of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

This article aims to highlight the strategies used by the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to address the educational challenges faced by the children of undocumented Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The research focus on the concept of national interest also aims to provide further understanding of how diplomacy and foreign policy can be used to protect children's rights and improve their access to education. The research methodology used is a descriptive qualitative method, focusing on the concept of national interest to answer the research questions posed in this journal article. The research findings reveal that the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has implemented several strategies to address the educational challenges for children of undocumented Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. The findings may encourage cooperation between countries to exchange information and best practices in addressing similar education issues at the international level. In addition, the focus on the concept of national interest shows the potential to integrate education aspects in foreign policy plans to ensure the protection of national interests. This includes the establishment of guidance and assistance centers in the registration process to obtain the National Student Identification Number (NISN). The ethical implications of this research include attention to children's right to education, especially children in vulnerable situations. The results can also serve as a basis for further research, by evaluating the effectiveness of the strategies that have been implemented and identifying other areas that require further attention.

Determinants of Hospital Length of Stay in Respiratory Infections: Insights from Cheras, Malaysia

Respiratory virus infections pose a significant public health concern, contributing to increase morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigated the determinants of hospital length of stay (LOS) for patients with Influenza-like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). A quantitative study was conducted in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1 September 2022 until 28 February 2023. Demographic data, viral infection status (influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19), and environmental factors (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and particulate matter levels) were collected for 632 patients. The data were analysed using ordinal logistic regression in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The results revealed that older age and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with longer hospital stays, highlighting their significance as risk factors during respiratory outbreaks. Unexpectedly, patients tested positive for the investigated viruses experienced shorter LOS, indicating potential comorbidities or co-infections. Environmental factors played a critical role, with temperature, humidity, and wind speed significantly influencing LOS. These findings provided valuable insights for healthcare resource allocation during epidemics and underscored the need for comprehensive diagnostic tools and further research to enhance prediction accuracy.

Maternal Satisfaction during COVID-19 Pandemic Birthing: A Cross-sectional Study

The birth pandemic has created major challenges to the quality and efficiency of health care systems, maternity care providers and women’s childbirth experiences. This study was conducted to determine maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care and its relationship with intrapartum mothers in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 intrapartum women using systematic random sampling. Maternal satisfaction was examined using 26-item questionnaires with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.88. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. The results of this study showed that the majority of respondents were between the ages of 31 and 36 years, Malay, housewives (93.8%), had secondary education (93.1%), and had an income between RM4000 and RM4999 per month (97.6%). In addition, the results of the study found that 94.7% of respondents had a high level of satisfaction with intrapartum care, and 86.7% had a positive overall perception of intrapartum care. In addition, a weak but significant positive correlation was found between maternal satisfaction and mother’s perception of intrapartum nursing care (r = 0.371; p ≤ 0.001). Understanding the mother’s satisfaction with intrapartum care can help to optimise her well-being and prepare her for infant care.

Home Medication Management and Practices among Post-stroke Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in a University-based Primary Care Clinic in Malaysia

Effective medication management practice (MMP) improves compliance of chronic conditions management and reduces medication error for better clinical outcomes. This is important for stroke survivors with multiple comorbidities and post-stroke complications. This study aimed to determine appropriateness of home MMP and its associated factors among post stroke patients. This was a cross-sectional, single-centre study involving 120 stroke patients of a primary care medical centre in Kuala Lumpur between January and March 2021. The assessment of MMP appropriateness relied on scores obtained through a set of questions administered via face-to-face, online or telephone interview. The mean age of participants was 65.1 (SD 11.7) years. 55.8% of participants had inappropriate home MMP; where the majority did not update their medication list (86.3%), did not memorise the medication’s name (75%), and did not return the leftover medication to the pharmacy (63.3%). Female gender (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.18-6.35, p-value: 0.019), household income (> RM4850) (AOR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.03-7.69, p-value: 0.043), and number of clinic appointments (>2) (AOR: 5.27, 95% CI: 1.44-19.24, p-value: 0.012) were significantly correlated with better home MMP. The MMP among post-stroke patients was poor. Better home MMP were associated with female gender, higher socioeconomic status, and more frequent clinic appointments. Concerted health education should be provided, particularly focusing on medication management to improve home MMP in post-stroke patients and ultimately improving their overall health outcomes.

Price Model for Transit-Oriented Developments in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract The idea of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) was to foster urban development around railway networks and has been strategically built and applied since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Previous studies reported positive, negative, or irrelevant impact of TOD on prices of surrounding real estate. The study aims to evaluate the impact of TOD on property prices in Kuala Lumpur. It utilizes secondary data obtained from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), Malaysia, after data cleaning, Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Forty-Nine (9549) Housing Transactions between the periods 2009 and 2018 were used. The research design was quantitative, and the Hedonic Price Model (log-log model) was used for data analysis. The model revealed a multiple correlation coefficient (R) of 0.891 and an adjusted R2 value of 0.794, indicating that 79.4% of the house price variation is explained by the model. The F value of 996.921, which is statistically significant, indicates that the predictors significantly combine to predict the price of TOD areas in Kuala Lumpur. The coefficient for LnTrainsta is 0.056, indicating that there was a positive relationship between residential house prices and TOD in Kuala Lumpur; this explains that house prices increase by 5.6% for every 100 meter closer to the rail transit station.

Development, validation, and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P)

BackgroundDuring pregnancy, physiological changes can affect eating and sleeping habits, which may eventually have negative consequences for maternal and foetal health. To better understand these changes, it is essential to develop a reliable questionnaire that addresses lifestyle habits such as snacking and daytime napping. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire-Pregnancy (CPQ-P).MethodsA total of 399 women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy were recruited from government maternal and child health clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and completed a self-administered online questionnaire. Content validity was conducted with an expert panel consisting of 4 members. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using maximum likelihood was conducted to determine the construct validity. Internal consistency was determined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (CAC), while the test-retest reliability was conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsThe questionnaire had an appropriate content validity index of 0.91. The CPQ-P consists of 22 items, measuring 5 constructs, including morning chrono-habits, sleeping habits, evening eating, temporal eating, and pregnancy symptoms. The factor model showed good fit with χ2/df = 2.486, GFI = 0.893, CFI = 0.912, and RMSEA = 0.065. The 22 items in CPQ-P showed fair to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.42 to 0.98). The 5 constructs in CPQ-P were found to have a good to excellent internal consistency (α = 0.612–0.963).ConclusionsThe CPQ-P is a valid and reliable tool for assessing lifestyle habits during pregnancy. The questionnaire can be used to identify areas where pregnant women may need additional support or intervention to adopt healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.Trial registrationNCT05700136 (clinicaltrials.gov). Trial registration date: 26/01/2023.

Introduction to Sharia Economics and Financial Literacy for Elementary School Students

This research delves into the introduction of Sharia Economics and financial literacy among students at the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Recognizing the importance of financial education and ethical financial practices, especially in diverse educational settings, this study aims to bridge the gap in understanding Islamic finance principles and fostering financial literacy among students. The background of the problem lies in the necessity to equip students with comprehensive knowledge of Sharia Economics, aligning with the multicultural context of Kuala Lumpur. The primary objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of integrating Sharia Economics education and financial literacy within the curriculum of an international school. Through a systematic methodology, including surveys, workshops, and curriculum analysis, the research evaluates the students' understanding and engagement with Sharia Economics principles and financial literacy concepts. The findings reveal the significance of incorporating Sharia Economics and financial literacy education in the curriculum, highlighting improved awareness and comprehension among students. The integration of real-life examples and interactive learning methods enhances students' practical understanding of ethical financial practices within the Islamic framework. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of promoting Sharia Economics education and financial literacy among students in international schools, emphasizing its role in shaping responsible financial behaviors and fostering a deeper understanding of ethical economic principles. The implications of this study extend beyond the classroom, emphasizing the broader significance of financial education in promoting economic sustainability and ethical financial practices in diverse global contexts.

Factor Analysis of Office Rent in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre Area

The office rental market often relates to good investment opportunities since it draws a lot of capital but comes with a substantial return. It somehow possessed a complicated market structure, and the heterogeneity of office buildings has become a challenge for investors and real estate practitioners to analyse office rentals data. This research seeks to analyse an office rental factor analysis based on data evidence from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, using two different approaches: Manual SPSS and AutoModel RapidMiner. Quantitative data, obtained through secondary data of office rental transactions, consist of a data set that includes 542 office rental transactions from 2015 to 2021. The results from the two different approaches were significantly related by studying the correlation value achieved through the AutoModel and Spearman rank correlation. The three determinants, namely green certificates, building appearance and design, and amenities and in-house services, can be identified as strong determinants. The research findings also provide support for the use of both manual and automated approaches in factor analysis and suggest that they can be used interchangeably to achieve similar results. This research allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of the office rental market in Kuala Lumpur, and provided real estate practitioners with useful insights into factors that influence office rental prices.

Simulation of the Performance of an Electrically Turbocharged Engine Over an Urban Driving Cycle

The study aimed to estimate the energy recovery potential of a decoupled electric turbocharger and its boosting ability in a spark-ignition engine using simulation-based work. Passenger vehicle engines operate at low loads and speeds, requiring characterization and estimation of energy available for recovery under normal driving conditions. A 1-D numerical model of the engine and boosting system was developed to predict energy recovery over steady-state full-load operating conditions, part-load conditions, and actual, transient Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur drive cycle conditions. The electric turbocharged engine consists of two motors and a battery pack, which were modeled and utilized using GT-Power engine simulation software. The study found that the electrical turbocharger system could recover 0.57 kW and 0.50 kW at 2500 rpm and 3000 rpm, respectively. Part-load studies showed that the maximum amount of electrical energy recovered at 6500 rpm was 5.25 kW. Drive cycle analysis revealed that fuel consumption was the same for both engine models due to the similar turbocharger output performance and lower back pressure caused by the recalibrated wastegate controller. This was partially mitigated by the inclusion of two electric motors. Drive cycle analysis revealed that the electric turbocharger can perform better than a conventional turbocharger when optimized.