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Web-based course management such as Moodle platforms is gaining popularity in e-learning in higher education. However, there is very little published research that has linked the Self-Determination Theory to technology usage. The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the influence of UTAUT2 constructs and Intrinsic Motivation (autonomy, competence and relatedness) on behavioural intention and actual use of Moodle in Blended Learning. The questionnaire, based on the adapted Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and the UTAUT2 constructs, was administered to 370 postgraduate students from Universiti Utara Malaysia. PLSSEM was used to analyse the results. Findings of this study revealed that Intrinsic Motivation influenced behavioural intention to use Moodle. All nine latent variables moderately influenced the actual use of technology. The findings of this study have important implications, and further research is suggested to explore the effects of intrinsic motivation on the actual use of learning management systems. Future studies could investigate variables for determining the acceptance of learning management systems such as technological, pedagogical and content knowledge.

The application of information technology and communication (ICT) in education has a significant impact on teachers. Administrators pressure them to use ICT to improve the quality of teaching and to learn in the classroom. However, teachers are still skeptical of the ability to embody pedagogical strategies through the use of ICT. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between principals' technology leadership and teachers' self-efficacy. The study also determined the dimensions of technology leadership that are predictors to the empowerment of teachers' self-efficacy in using ICT. There are two instruments used, namely NETS-A and TSES. The respondents of the study consisted of 376 teachers in Malaysia. The study was conducted based on a quantitative approach, and respondents were selected through multi-level sampling. The results of the t-test found no significant difference for the gender of teachers on the improvement of self-efficacy. Through correlation testing, there was a moderate relationship between technology leadership and teachers' self-efficacy. Even so, there is 24% of the influence of technology leadership that affects teachers' self-efficacy. Two contributing dimensions are excellence in professional practice and digital citizenship. In summary, principals can generate a revival of teachers' self -efficacy if they wisely encourage them to use ICT. Principals should be role models to teachers and students in ensuring that the concept of pedagogy in the classroom is always carried out through an ICT approach.

In student-centered learning, UUM Foundation students (FS) must take a more active role in building knowledge. The goal of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of internet-based learning for UUM FS students during the COVID-19 disaster, as well as the ways in which students protect themselves when using the internet. University students have been obliged to go online due to the COVID-19 disaster and the introduction of Movement Control Order (MCO). During the COVID-19 tragedy, there were a number of hurdles that impacted the effectiveness of internet-based learning, including internet connectivity and budgetary difficulties. At this point, even student safety is crucial. The effectiveness of internet-based learning and safety among UUM FS are investigated in this study using a descriptive-normative approach. Physical data collection could not be done due to MCO. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to choose 130 pupils from a group of 200. In addition, Google Meet and WhatsApp were used to conduct interviews to obtain replies to questions about internet-based learning and safety. In comparison to before COVID-19, 119 percent of respondents (92 percent) spent more than 4 hours per day. During the COVID-19 disaster, 48 percent or 62 FS preferred Zoom app for internet-based learning, and 56 percent of FS evaluated themselves as having the highest level of safety. In an interview, FS stated that internet-based learning has numerous advantages, including the ability to submit assignments via the e-learning UUM portal, which he considers to be one of the best. FS are also less likely to become infected because they do not have to interact with other people. The study's findings revealed that internet-based learning is quite successful, according to FS. Students' safety is also ensured because they are not needed to leave their homes or places of residence in order to complete their studies. UUM FS must survive, be self-sufficient, and adjust to the changes despite the COVID-19 disaster.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the mediating effect of employee engagement (EE) on the relationship between employee relation practice and employee performance in Malaysian private universities (MPUs). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. A sample of 314 teaching staff was used out of the target population (10,473) of the research, while simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used in order to determine the research sample. Data for the research were collected from the target participants via questionnaires, and partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to evaluate the research hypotheses. Findings: The outcome of the research revealed that employee relation practice (ERP) has a substantial effect on employee performance (EP), and EE partially mediates the relationship between ERP and EP. Practical implications: The outcome of this study has urged the universities' management to focus on building effective and sustainable ERP that will ensure academic engagement that can result to sound academic performance and university growth. Originality/value: This research has contributed significantly to the body of knowledge by operationalizing EP, ERP and EE literature. In extension, this research contributes to develop the literature of leaders, acknowledging the ERP as an important tool for leadership growth.

This study aims to identify the effect of Principals' Technology Leadership on Teachers' Technology Integration in Malaysian secondary schools. This is a crosssectional survey where systematic random sampling was carried out to select 47 principals and 375 teachers from National Secondary Schools in the northern region of Kedah, Malaysia. Two questionnaires were used: Principals Technology Leadership Assessment (PTLA), which is based on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)--Standards for Administrators (2014) was administered to principals, while the Learning with ICT: Measuring ICT Use in the Curriculum Instrument was administered to the teachers from the same schools as the principals. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS Version 25, and SmartPLS was used for inferential analysis. Although the findings showed that the levels of Technology Leadership; the five constructs of ISTE (2014), and Teachers' Technology Integration were at high levels but, there was no significant relationship between Principals' Technology Leadership and Teachers' Technology Integration in the selected schools in the northern region of Kedah. Principals' preparatory programmes should emphasize leadership based on technology to enhance the integration of technology in classrooms. Further research on professional development for principals' is recommended.

This study was conducted to identify whether the epistemological teacher-beliefs contributes towards the educational research practice in the classroom. This study involved 500 secondary schools teachers in the East Peninsular Malaysia whereby a mixed-method approach using a standard questionnaire and interview was used. In this study, a questionnaire on Teachers' Perception towards Epistemology (Knowledge) was adapted from Hofer & Pintrich (2002), and to measure Teachers' Perception towards Educational Research, researchers have adapted the questionnaires from Broekkamp & Van Hout-Wolters (2007). The findings from Pearson Correlations showed that there is a weak positive relationship but significant (r=0.26, p = 0.00), whereas multiple regression analysis showed that epistemological teacher-beliefs (ß=0.26, p<0.05) is a predictor for educational research. Furthermore, interview findings showed that the element of epistemological teacher-beliefs understanding and the support of school administrators is a contributing factor to the success of educational research in schools. It was recommended among others that the school leaders should continue to strengthen educational research practices among teachers as an effort to improve teaching quality and the effectiveness of the schools.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the level of Principals' Technology Leadership and the five constructs namely Visionary Leadership, Digital Age Learning Culture, Excellence in Professional Practice, Systemic Improvement, and Digital Citizenship in schools. In addition, the relationship between Principals' Technology Leadership and Teachers' Technology Integration was also researched. Besides that, the effect of Professional Development as a moderator on the mentioned relationship was also investigated. Methodology: Systematic random sampling was carried out to select 90 principals and 645 teachers from National Secondary Schools in Kedah in this cross-sectional survey. The Principals Technology Leadership Assessment (PTLA) which is based on National Education Technology Standards--Administrator, NETS-A (2009), and Survey of Technology Experiences' were administered to principals, while the Learning with ICT: Measuring ICT Use in the Curriculum Instrument was administered to the teachers. Findings: The study showed that there is a significant relationship between Principals' Technology Leadership and Teachers' Technology Integration. Furthermore, Professional Development has a significant effect on the relationship between the two variables. Significance: Professional Development emphasising ICT must be carried out for school principals so that they can become technology leaders and motivate teachers to integrate technology in the classroom to prepare students as skilled workers for Industrial Revolution 4.0.

The purpose of the paper is to analyse knowledge sharing behaviour among non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research focuses on the mediation impact of perceived risk on trust and knowledge sharing behaviour. The research also proposes actions that can be taken by higher learning institutions to enhance trust among the staff in order to create a knowledge sharing environment at the workplace. This research applied confirmatory factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the proposed measurement model and proved the research hypotheses. The findings from the research show that perceived risk plays a strong mediating role between trust and knowledge sharing behaviour among the nonacademic staff of higher learning institutions. The SEM analysis also confirmed that the research model shows a good fit. This research highlights issues concerning knowledge sharing practices among non-academic staff and provides some recommendations to the managers to address these issues. The researchers agreed that more research needs to be done in this area as there are aspects that are yet to be explored. The findings of this research serve to add to the literature on knowledge sharing focussing on non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of succession planning practice (SPP) on employee engagement (EE) and employee performance (EP) in Malaysian private universities (MPU). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used a survey research design, and the study unit of the analysis consists of the academic staff of MPU. In the selection of the sample from the focused respondents (10,473) of the study, a stratified and simple random sampling method was used, and the study sample consists of 314 MPU academic staff. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the focused respondents while partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses. Findings: The findings revealed that SPP has a significant effect on EP, and the relationship between SPP and EP is partially mediated by EE. Practical implications: Sound succession systems for achieving academic staff performance should be put in place by the university management. Furthermore, the outcome of this research urges the policymaker to come up with a sound policy that can allow internal talents of the university to hold key leadership positions of any nature when the need arises before considering external talents, with that the talents will be satisfied and put decisive effort to achieve a positive result. Originality/value: This paper has made a significant contribution to the knowledge and operationalization of the EE, EP and SPP literature. The research also assists the university management to mobilize qualified and talented staff for an unexpected and sudden resignation of staff which saves the university the cost of hiring and development, and at the same time, it encourages internal hiring.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of talent management (TM) practices on employee performance (EP) among academic staff of Malaysian private universities (MPU) through employee engagement (EE). Design/methodology/approach: This paper used both descriptive and quantitative approaches, while the research unit of analysis consists of MPU academic staff. A simple random and stratified sampling approach was utilized in this study while, the research sample consists of 314 MPU academic staff. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the target population, while partial least squares--structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the study hypotheses through a bootstrapping approach. Findings: This paper results demonstrated that TM practices (succession planning practice, promotion practice and performance appraisal practice) have a significant effect on EP, while EE mediates the relationship between TM practices and EP in MPU. Practical implications: This paper encourages university management to adopt and invest in TM practices for effective EE to achieve and sustain EP. Originality/value: This paper has made a significant contribution to knowledge and to the operationalization of EE, EP and TM practices literature, which could help to develop theory, model, practice and research in areas of work performance.

This research aims to identify the type of culture at a High Performance School (HPS) and Low Performance School (LPS) in the state of Kedah. The research instrument used to measure the type of organizational culture was adapted from Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (Cameron & Quinn, 2006) based on Competing Values Framework Quinn and Rohrbaugh (1983) Model. Two HPSs and two LPSs representing 129 teachers were chosen as research samples. Research findings showed that the current dominant culture in both HPS and LPS is Hierarchy (M=36.76, M=30.63 & SD = 8.23, SD=7.83) consecutively. Both types of schools practice Market culture and the average scores for both types of schools are the same whereby HPS (M=25.7, SD=8.56) and LPS (M=25.94, SD=8.32). However, HPS practices less Clan culture (M=21.15, SD=8.74) compared to LPS (M=24.18, SD=6.97). The Clan culture is more prominent in LPS compared to HPS. Both types of schools practice Adhocracy less which are (M=17.75, SD=6.94) in HPS and (M=19.81, SD=6.78) in LPS respectively. The findings showed that teachers in both types of schools would like to have the Clan culture practiced in their schools with the same average scores, M=34.89, SD=8.22. HPS prefers the Market culture (M=26.01, SD=6.32) compared to LPS Market culture (M=23.01, SD=0.22). However they accepted Adhocracy less in HPS (M=20.02, SD=8.31) and LPS (M=21.58, SD=7.89). Nevertheless, Hierarchy culture in HPS (M=19.32, SD=6.45) and in LPS (M=21.05, SD=6.68) are widely practiced. From the comparisons made, it can be concluded that both types of schools widely practice the Hierarchy and Market cultures in schools. The recommendations for further studies were also suggested.

This study was aimed to identify the association of teachers' attitude towards the implementation of Staff Development Training with Knowledge Sharing Practices among the lecturers of the Teacher Training Institution (TTI). In addition, this study was also to examine the differences in attitudes towards the implementation of Staff Development Training and differences of knowledge sharing practices of lecturers based on demographic factors (gender, teaching experience, and academic qualifications). This is a quantitative approach in cross-sectional survey to collect data on the attitude towards staff development training and knowledge sharing practices among lecturers. The population of this study involved 748 lecturers from TTI in Perlis, Kedah, and Pulau Pinang. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 336 samples from the population. The instruments used in this research were Attitude of Staff Development Training (Siti-Zanariah, 2010) and Knowledge Sharing (Siti-Zanariah, 2010). Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 19.0 was used for analysis of data. The descriptive data analysis involved the description of the respondents such as frequency and percentage, while the second part of inferential analysis was to test the hypotheses, using Pearson correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. This study had found that there was a significant and positive association between attitude towards SDT with knowledge sharing practices, a significant difference and positive attitude towards SDT based on gender and teaching experience and a significant and positive difference in terms of knowledge sharing practices based on gender, teaching experience, and academic qualifications. However, the results revealed that there were no significant differences in the attitudes of SDT based on academic qualifications. This research also discussed about the findings, implications, and contributions to the body of knowledge and the country, as well as the direction of future research.

Technology leadership is being redesigned to accelerate technology integration in schools to develop and sustain the skills needed to produce skilled manpower. Previous studies showed that the factors that prevented leaders and teachers from integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) in schools are lack of ICT training, teacher ICT competency, and access to ICT resources. This shows that there is a gap in technology integration in schools. This study aims to identify the importance of technology leadership for technology integration based on gender and professional development. This is a quantitative study using cross-sectional design. A total of 90 respondents were selected by systematic random sampling from 190 national secondary schools. The importance and performance matrix analysis revealed that professional development had high performance and was an important variable in the prediction of teachers' technology integration, but gender was not. Thus, school management should give priority to digital age learning culture and digital citizenship constructs to accelerate teachers' technology integration in schools.

The government has assured all Malaysians that no one; both in rural and urban areas; would be deprived of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development. This calls for a need for teachers nationwide to make necessary adjustments to the teaching and learning process. This paper takes a closer look at the barriers faced by teachers in integrating ICT tools in teaching the English language in the classrooms. This study aimed at determining the reasons teachers do not use ICT in the classrooms, even though they are provided with sufficient technical supports. A total of twelve English teachers from an Independent Chinese secondary school were interviewed and their views were analysed through thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that although the school was highly resourced with ICT tools and facilities, barriers such as teachers' hesitancy in integrating ICT, amount of workload, lack of time, teaching experience and age and lack of ICT skills were impeding the teachers to incorporate ICT in their teaching. Thus, sufficient training, motivation, encouragement, flexible time and task arrangement for teachers are necessary in order to provide opportunities for them to incorporate ICT resources into their teaching. Future research could focus on more effective ways to overcome the barriers of ICT integration in education.

"Moodle" also known as Learning Management System is freely available to educators. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) encourages students and instructors to utilize the teaching and learning process. Moodle enables lecturer to create sequences and facilitate activities for their students, auto-marked online quizzes and exams, navigation tools, files download, grading, student progress tracking, online calendar, etc. This paper investigated the relationships between the constructs that may influence preservice teachers' acceptance of Learning Zone (Moodle) in their learning process and assessing the influence of variation on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and the habit to the behavioral intention or intention of usage. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) is verified and found that the regression model revealed 29.5% of the variance in student's intentions with facilitating conditions and hedonic expectancy are considerable predictors of the behavioral intention. Based on this, recommendations for prospect research in the application of UTAUT2 are discussed.

This study explored on perception, usage and obstacles of using ICT in teaching English Language among secondary school English teachers. The advancement of technology has given a space for teachers to boost teaching and learning of English language in secondary schools. It is believed that integration of ICT could enhance quality of teaching and make learning very effective. This paper first examined on secondary school English teachers' perception about the integration of ICT in teaching English lessons. It is found that the majority of teachers have positive views about the integration of ICT in teaching English. Then, the study revealed about the usage level of ICT among secondary school English teachers. The findings showed that teachers are utilizing ICT equipments only for certain tasks such as finding for information and preparing PowerPoint presentations. They do not have much exposure about the other opportunities provided by ICT. Next, researchers identified the dominancy of obstacles faced by secondary school English teachers in ICT integration with English lessons. Finally, this study provides some implications of the study and recommendations which are useful for researchers to expand their study in this area. In addition, this study too provides information for teachers on the advantages of ICT. Therefore, teachers could make adjustment to their teaching methodology which may lead to effective ICT integrated teaching and learning of the English language.

Purpose: In a world in which successful learning is believed to rest on the methods of teaching and the performance of students is determined by teacher quality, it is clear that teachers are the backbone of student learning attainments. In such a scenario, teacher development, welfare, motivation, and satisfaction are crucial for better teaching performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the motivator and hygiene factors among excellent teachers in Malaysia and to explore factors that lead to satisfaction and cause dissatisfaction among excellent teachers in Malaysia. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses quantitative design to determine the motivator and hygiene factors among excellent teachers. For the sample size, 306 excellent teachers participated in this study and data were analysed using principle component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the dominant factor among Herzberg's motivator and hygiene factors. Findings: From the findings, the results showed that the satisfaction of excellent teachers was low in terms of "personal growth" (motivator) and "supervision" (hygiene). The paper concludes by calling upon the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MoE) to consider both motivator and hygiene factors, and what causes satisfaction and dissatisfaction among excellent teachers. Research Limitations/Implications: This study has some limitations to be considered, especially in terms of sample size. The low number of excellent teachers participating in this study is due to the scarcity of face-to-face data collection, in that an online survey was deemed to be the only means to reach the excellent teachers. This is due to the lack of a list of excellent teachers in some state districts, making it difficult to determine those schools which have excellent teachers. In addition, it is also due to logistical and geographical difficulties in reaching certain schools and meeting the excellent teachers. In recognition of such difficulties in undertaking research on excellent teachers in Malaysia, the researchers in this study urge the Malaysian MoE, as well as state districts and regional offices, to update the profile of excellent teachers by creating records and a list of all excellent teachers in Malaysia to facilitate future research. In this scenario, the findings of this study should be used with caution and not be generalized to other contexts, schools, regions, or states. Practical Implications: To be fully cognizant about the excellent teachers' scheme was introduced to uplift the standard of teaching in Malaysia, and the recipients of this scheme or status (excellent) are considered to be the "cream of the crop" in the teaching profession in Malaysia and for non-excellent teachers to emulate, it is vital to look into their well-being as well as their growth. With the results of this study, the authors can say that the implications for practice touch many aspects of the professional and personal development of Malaysian excellent teachers. Specifically, it is imperative that the factors that intrinsically and extrinsically motivate excellent teachers in Malaysia and the causes of dissatisfaction are identified. In addition, the implications also place emphasis on paving ways for the personal growth of excellent teachers and to provide leeway for them to pursue their own personal happiness. Furthermore, the implications of the lack of proper supervision of school principals on excellent teachers should be avoided, and, in general, hygiene factors could be used as positive implications to improve excellent teachers' teaching practices and performance. Originality/Value: This research is original as it calls MoE attention to the well-being of excellent teachers in Malaysia. As excellent teachers in Malaysia are selected and promoted among teachers in Malaysia in order to improve teaching and learning in Malaysia. They are appointed to be a role model for other teachers to emulate. With this position, excellent teachers are expected to contribute to the development of their schools and others and they can be posted anywhere as well as called at any time for help. Therefore, it is worthy to know how satisfied those excellent teachers are regarding government policy. Hence, it is important to know what motivates and satisfies them.

The main purpose of this research is to uncover the factors influencing consumers in Malaysia to embrace electric vehicles (EV). This study aims to provide valuable insights for infrastructure providers, car manufacturers, and regulators, enhancing their understanding of the driving forces behind EV adoption in Malaysia. This study seeks to establish a relationship between environmental factors, price of electric cars, and availability of charging stations in relation to electric vehicle. To achieve this, we employ a quantitative research method. Survey questionnaires of around 400 sets have been distributed online due to convenience purposes of collecting and analysing the data sample. For data analysis, we utilized the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) guides the selection of psychological variables in this study, including attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. The findings reveal that the price of EVs and environmental factors significantly influence consumer adoption. This finding contradicts some previous research and highlights the need for more extensive charging infrastructure to promote EV adoption. The study's regression analysis indicates that environmental factors have the most substantial impact on consumer adoption, followed by car pricing. While the availability of charging stations is essential, it does not seem to significantly influence consumer adoption in Malaysia. This study provide recommendation for policymakers and car manufacturers to provide incentives and subsidies to lower EV prices, implementing tax breaks for EV consumers, and collaborating to enhance charging station accessibility. An extensive awareness campaign on the environmental benefits of EV adoption is also advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customer loyalty is a critical factor for the long-term success of all businesses, especially in the Malaysian apparel industry and its growth where the competition is intense. This study addresses the growing demand for improved fashion trends and brand recognition among consumers in Malaysia, which has intensified competition in the apparel sector. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of online brand image, country of origin and online customer loyalty on apparel shoppers' loyalty. To achieve this, research framework is designed to present an in-depth understanding of identified variables towards customer loyalty. In this study, a comprehensive survey using online questionnaire for data gathering was used and 147 valid responses were obtained from Malaysian online shoppers of apparels. Data were analysed by employing multiple regression analysis. The results demonstrate that both online brand image and country of origin exert a positive influence on customer satisfaction, thereby contributing to enhanced customer loyalty within the clothing and footwear industry in Malaysia. Additionally, this research emphasizes the importance of ethical purchasing decisions when shopping online, as these decisions encourage responsible consumption and reduce environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic segregation has become an emerging feature in Malaysia's education system even though the institutional role of education should have been a unifying force for the country's multi-ethnic society. The underlying problem is that, at all levels of education provision in Malaysia, alternative streams are allowed to coexist alongside mainstream education provided by the government. Alarmingly, these alternative streams are not reinforcing what mainstream education is trying to do: foster ethnic integration. Instead, the alternative streams have become divided along ethnic lines. This paper looks at the development of Malaysia's education system and examines two main factors that have contributed to the current state of ethnic segregation: enrolment choices and preferential policies. These two factors have in one way or another helped to strengthen the coexistence of alternative streams alongside mainstream education from which ethnic segregation emerges. These alternative streams have become competing rather than supplementary/complementary forces capable of challenging mainstream education. This paper explains how these two factors contribute to ethnic segregation at all levels of education notwithstanding their causal relationships at certain levels of education. Second, it evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the measures taken by the Malaysian government to desegregate the education system. (Contains 56 footnotes.)

This paper reports the findings of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on the extent of computer usage among a group of full time Bachelor of Education undergraduates at the College of Arts and Sciences, University Utara Malaysia. This study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and also looks at the moderating role of gender in the above relationship questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 120 students responded to the survey. Results from the study shows that perceived usefulness (β=0.29, p<0.01), perceived ease of use (β=0.25, p<0.01), and subjective norm was (β=0.15, p<0.05) were positively related to computer usage. The findings also revealed that gender was not a moderator in the mentioned relationship but can be considered as significant independent predictor of usage. Male students exhibited higher usage of the computer compared to the female students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify frequency of periodontal screening and knowledge of Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) as well as management of periodontal diseases (Pds) among government dentists in the states of Negeri Sembilan and Penang, Malaysia. The study was carried out as a self-administered postal questionnaire which was distributed to 120 government dentists in these states. 117 questionnaires were returned. Questions asked were about frequency of periodontal screening, knowledge of BPE and management of periodontal abscesses. 55.6% dentists screen for Pds routinely, 35.9% when they have the time and 8.5% never or very rarely screen. 62.4% of the subjects were very familiar with BPE. Of these, 10.9% use it frequently while 67.12% use it when necessary. There was significant association between knowledge of BPE and years since graduation (p<0.05). To manage periodontal abscesses, 83.8% would do deep scaling on affected teeth, 62.4% take radiographs and 88.9% prescribe antibiotics. Use of radiographs showed signiicant association with years of graduation (p<0.05). In conclusion, only half of government dentists routinely screen for Pds. Younger graduates had better BPE knowledge and were more likely to take radiographs for periodontal abscesses as compared to their seniors. Antibiotics are widely prescribed by dentists to treat periodontal abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in middle-income countries such as Malaysia. There is a significant gap in knowledge between cardiovascular disease-related risk assessments and interventions in the Malaysian population. In this scoping review, we have determined the status of cardiovascular research in Malaysia by prioritising lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions. We searched five electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsychINFO, Embase and Scopus) to identify relevant research articles that had been published. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews served as a guide for the scoping review. Study selection was made using the Covidence platform, screened, and extracted. Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Studies reviewed reported a significant positive association between physical inactivity, smoking, poor dietary patterns, working hours, clustering of lifestyle risk, and cardiovascular disease risk. Most interventions focused on physical activity and a multimodal lifestyle approach, significantly improving primary and secondary cardiovascular disease-related outcomes. The findings suggest improving lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases in this population. It is unclear if these outcomes can translate to higher effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, intervention using the multifaceted lifestyle approach can improve cardiovascular disease-related outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: The Ministry of Health introduced the cluster hospital project in Kuala Pilah district in 2016 to allow sharing of resources between the hospitals in the same vicinity. The aim of this study is to compare the demographic profile, prevalence of cataract blindness and low vision among patients who presented for cataract surgery before and after the programme., Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent cataract surgery in Kuala Pilah Cluster Hospitals between 2010 and 2017. A total of 2539 records of patients were reviewed. Patients were assigned into two groups: Group 1 (2010-2012)- before the programme (2010-2012) and Group 2 (2015-2017) after the introduction of the programme., Results: There was a significant increase in number of cataract cases in the district hospital after the cluster initiative. The mean age of patients undergoing cataract surgery was similar in both groups. The common comorbidities were hypertension (Group 1=57.3%; Group 2=70.8%) and diabetes mellitus (Group 1=40.6%; Group 2=51.1%). In 2010-2012, most of the patients were one eye blind (34.4%), whereas in 2015-2017 majority of patients presented with vision better than 6/18 (43.5%). The proportion of patients with cataract blindness reduced from 6% in 2010-2012 to 4.3% in 2015-2017 (p<0.01)., Conclusion: There is a significant decrease in percentage of patients with cataract blindness and low vision after the introduction of Kuala Pilah Cluster Hospital Program. We believe that that cluster hospital system is effective in improving accessibility to eye care and therefore increases the cataract detection rate.

Precis: This prospective cross-sectional study found that patients with cognitive impairment (CI) are more likely to produce unreliable visual field (VF) tests, especially with higher false-negative (FN) responses and consequent overestimation of mean deviation (MD)., Aim: Aging-associated CI can impair the ability of individuals to perform a VF test and compromise the reliability of the results. We evaluated the association between neurocognitive impairment and VF reliability indices in glaucoma patients., Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Kuala Pilah, Malaysia, and included 113 eyes of 60 glaucoma patients with no prior diagnosis of dementia. Patients were monitored with the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer using a 30-2 SITA, standard protocol, and CI was assessed using the clock drawing test (CDT). The relationships between the CDT score, MD, pattern standard deviation, Visual Field Index (VFI), fixation loss (FL), false-positive values, and FN values were analyzed using the ordinal regression model., Results: Glaucoma patients older than 65 years had a higher prevalence of CI. There was a statistically significant correlation between CDT scores and glaucoma severity, FL, FN, and VFI values (rs=-0.20, P=0.03; rs=-0.20, P=0.04; rs=-0.28, P=0.003; rs=0.21, P=0.03, respectively). In a multivariate model adjusted for age and glaucoma severity, patients with lower FN were significantly less likely to have CI (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.93) and patients with higher MD were more likely to have CI (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.16); false positive, FL, pattern standard deviation, and VFI showed no significant correlation., Conclusion: Cognitive decline is associated with reduced VF reliability, especially with higher FN rate and overestimated MD. Screening and monitoring of CI may be important in the assessment of VF progression in glaucoma patients.