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DisclaimerThe views, opinions and commentaries expressed in the Re:Search Bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the Editorial Board, Research Resources Centre, nor Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS) unless expressly stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of CUCMS. Facts contained herewith are believed to be true as of the date that it is published. All content, materials, and intellectual property rights are owned and provided for by CUCMS and its members. CUCMS makes no guarantees or representations whatsoever regarding the information contained herewith including the truth of content, accuracy, safety, or the absence of infringement of rights of other parties. In no circumstances shall CUCMS be held liable for the contents, materials, advertisement contained in this publication.

Editor’s Titbit The start of 2018 has been colourful. This period was filled with so many events and activities pertaining to research. Firstly the application for FRGS grants has opened and this is a golden opportunity for our researchers to bid for this prestigious national grant. Then the data collection for Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) has also started to evaluate the institutions research-related achievements in 2017. MyRA is the benchmark used by Malaysian universities in order to evaluate the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in terms of quantity and quality of research as well as quantity and quality of researchers. In order to reach our aim of scoring two stars for this time around, the contribution and commitment of each and every member of CUCMS is essential. More about this is shown in the RMU Update section.

This issue is special as we are turning the limelight on our beloved and respected Pro-Chancellor, YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr R. Palan, so that we can be inspired by his story and dedication to bring CUCMS to greater heights.

Our researchers have been very active and several of our academicians’ work is showcased in Crème de la crème in the form of extended abstracts and also posters. The various faculties of CUCMS have also shared their research updates and it is exciting to see such dedication and that our research is thriving!

The Hot Topic selected for this issue is The 4th Industrial Revolution, which seem to be the buzzword everywhere. The Editorial Members have come together to get the input from all faculties in order to give a well-rounded discussion of the topic. Any suggestions for a suitable focus for our bulletin are welcome and can be forwarded to the Editorial Members.

RRC has started the year with the RRC Roadshow which is set to be an annual event. One of the main focuses of the event was to introduce Research Resources Centre (RRC) activities and function to all CUCMS staffs. Apart from this RRC have also conducted our Research Enhancement Workshop Series (REWS), this time the topic was Essential Grantsmanship. More about the roadshow and other events by RRC can be read in the RRC Highlights section.

Our postgraduates also have been active with many activities such as the journal club session and also a recent PhD viva for Dr Rafidah Bahari. A peek into the daily work of our executive from the Finance Department, highlights from Library and an interesting piece on the freeze-drying process are all in this issue as well.

So much is in store for you in this issue, and we wish you Happy Reading!

Dr Wan Rosalina Wan RosliEditor

Editor’s Titbits 2From the horse’s mouth :

Malaysia Research Assessment (MyRA) year 2017 3RMU Updates: National Grants 4

RMU Updates: CUCMS FRGS Timeline 5Hot Topics: Industry 4.0 6

Hot Topics: Industry 4.0 - Its contribution to the health care sector 7

Hot Topics: Pharma 4.0:Transforming the Pharma Industry 101st CUCMS Research Week 11

Centre for Languages and General Studies (CLGS) Update 19Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Update 21

Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (FTCM) Update 25

Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP) Update 27Book Club: An Innovative Strategy to Nurture Leadership 28

Book Reviews 29What is ‘research feasibility’? 30

1-Minute-Lesson with Najib: What is “Impact Factor”? 32Learning Tournament – Gamification in Education 33

Research Poster: Freeze -Dried Strawberry Powder Reduced Lipid Profiles And

Improved Reproductive Parameters In Obesity Induced Male Rats 34Research Poster:

Research in Action: Developing Patient Education Material for the Malaysian Population Through Research 35

Crème de la crème : Impact of Standardized Warfarin Treatment Protocol on

Anticoagulant Effect 36RRC Highlights: RRC Roadshows 39

RRC Highlights :Training Session for FRGS Internal Reviewers 40

RRC Highlights: Research Enhancement Workshop Series (REWS) 03/2017: Essential Grantsmanship 41

Employee of the Quarter Award 42Personality focus: Eldrina Binti Paimin 43

Postgraduate Column: Viva Voce 44Postgraduate Column: The Journal Club 45

Lab Profile: Freeze Dryer 46#Library – Books On Approval 47

Mark Your Calendar & Editorial Board 48

ContentTable of

About Our Cover Image This image by Aida Faridah Bt Mohd Shaiden, an undergraduate student from CUCMS Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Programme is the Winner (People’s Choice Category) during CUCMS Research Week held 20th – 24th November 2017.

Abstract of the research:The Tiger’s Milk Mushroom has been traditionally used for more than 350 years due to its tastiness and high nutritional values. In China, it is used to treat liver cancer, gastric ulcers and chronic inflammation of the liver.

In my research, I am studying the anticancer activity of Tiger’s Milk Mushroom to evaluate its potential as an anticancer agent. There are a lot of cancer drugs currently available, but there is still a need to develop new anticancer drugs because of the rising recurrence of mammalian tumours and the severe side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents.

The image shows the process of “treating” cancer cells with the mushroom extract. Later, the percentage of cancer cells that survived the “treatment” will be counted. This is among the very early steps in drug discovery.

Hopefully, in the future, more of the world’s natural products can be explored and discovered. Nature awaits!

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The Malaysia Research Assessment instrument is used to gauge the research, development and innovation (R&D&I) activities in public universities and tertiary institutions. Participation of CUCMS in this exercise will provide benchmark of the quality of research done in our university and it will also enable CUCMS researchers to gain access to national grants such as FRGS, TRGS and PRGS. The outcome of the R&D&I assessment and achievement is categorised into six levels, with ‘six stars’ being the highest level and ‘one star’ the lowest. The track record for CUCMS is shown in Figure 1:

Figure 1 CUCMS MyRA rating, 2013-2017

Data collection has started since early January 2018 and all MyRA coordinators in all faculties, centres and administrative centres are busy ensuring that all relevant information is taken into consideration. The various sections that are considered in MyRA are as follows:

Section Criteria % Data Provider

A General Information - HR

B Quality and Quantity of Researchers 25 Faculty, HR, RRC

C Quality and Quantity of Research 30 Faculty, RRC, Library, FinanceD Quantity and Quality of Postgraduates 15 Admission, CGSE Innovation 10 Faculty, RRCF Professional Services and Gifts 7 Finance, Lab, IT, FacilitiesG Networking and Linkages 10 Corporate, FacultyH Support Facilities 3 Lab, Library

Total 100

Hopefully we will keep our stars for this year!

Internal Audit for (MyRA) 2017Beginning this year, the annual MyRA exercise will include an internal audit process that aim to increase the integrity of the data submitted to the Ministry of High Education (MoHE). The internal audit for CUCMS is a self-audit exercise that is done according to established guidelines by MoHE to ensure that the research management system is done effectively, systematically and towards continuous improvement. The process compared to last year is depicted in Figure 2.

From the horse’s mouth

Assessment year 2016

Self-audit by RMC

Document audit

Site audit/ Centralized audit

Assessment year 2017

Self-audit by RMC

Internal audit

Document audit

Site audit/ Centralized audit

Malaysia Research Assessmentyear 2017(MyRA)

RMU Update

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Internal auditors have been carefully selected as representatives of MoHE in CUCMS and they are:1. Prof Rosnah Ismail (Lead auditor)2. AP Ahmad Asmadi Yusof3. AP Zainol Akbar Zainal

All internal auditors and Dr Wan Rosalina Wan Rosli, Head of Research Management Unit had attended a special training session held by MoHE on 15 – 18th January 2018. The internal audit for CUCMS is set on 19th & 20th March 2018 with a closing meeting on 26th March 2018. In preparation for the audit, a coordination meeting organised by QuaMEC was held on 2nd March 2018 to discuss the planning for the internal audit and it was attended by the internal auditors, RRC and MyRA coordinators.

Updates from Mesyuarat Penyelarasan BPKI JPT Bersama RMC IPT BIL. 1/2018 on 9th January 2018, held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Putrajaya.

NationalGrants

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CUCMS FRGS TimelineIn relation to the opening of FRGS, RRC wish to encourage interested academic staff to make the necessary preparations accordingly. The application must be submitted online through the MyGrants system.

Please keep in mind these points if you are aiming for FRGS1. The research required must be a research that can produce a new concept / theory / concept / method / model /

process; 2. And Research that enhances existing policies, methodologies and modelling solutions; 3. Or Research involves humanitarian and community issues for the purpose of increasing the value of life both

nationally and globally;4. Or Potential research to contribute to the country’s strategic agenda.The timeline of the application shall be as follows:

TIMELINEFUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH GRANT SCHEME (FRGS) PHASE 1/2018

17th JANUARY 2018 – 6th APRIL 2018 ACTION BY ACTIVITIES DEADLINE

Researcher Fill up the online application at http://mygrants.gov.my/main.php(Please do not click the COMPLETE button) 15/1/2018 –15/3/2018

CUCMS FRGS Panel Workshop on the evaluation of research proposals 1/2/2018

Researcher Evaluation at MyGrants University Level (Please do not click the COMPLETE button) 15/3/2018-13/4/2018

Researcher Amendments of proposals at mygrants.gov.my and submit the proposal by clicking the COMPLETE button 15/3/2018-13/4/2018

RMC Evaluation at the RMC at mygrants.gov.my 2/4/2018–16/4/2018

Researcher

Final amendments of proposals

Submit the proposal at the last page at the Application Form Submission and at the Status, select COMPLETE , then scroll down and click on the SAVE button

Application Form SubmissionStatusApplication Date

Preview

Application Form Submission

2/4/2018–16/4/2018

RMCChecking and verification of proposals at http://mygrants.gov.my/main.php

Submission date of the proposal to MOE13/4/2018–16/4/2018

RMC Submission date of the proposal to MOE 16/4/2018

Some important notes for CUCMS researchers:

1. For researchers who have not yet registered in the MyGrants system, please do so at: http://mygrants.gov.my/main.php 2. MOHE only accepts applications online. If you are newly registered, please inform RRC for status verification.

*Without verification, you will not be able to be recognised in the system.3. Researchers who have updated or changed their profile in the MyGrants System – do note that the system will

change your status from Verified to Unverified and this status is not visible to our team unless we search you by name. Therefore, you need to email/inform RRC to ensure that you are verified.

4. Please familiarise yourself with the MyGrants System by consulting the various guidelines on the website.

Lastly, the very best of luck to you and your team. Our prayers for your success.

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1st Industrial Revolution: Use of water, steam and mechanically driven production facilities.2nd Industrial Revolution: Electric power-driven mass production based on division of labour.3rd Industrial Revolution: Use of IT, electronics and controls for automated and high productivity.

Now we embark on the 4th Industrial Revolution which is more commonly known as Industry 4.0 which was announced in the World Economic Forum in January 2016. Industry 4.0 is a smart industry that includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing and cognitive computing. This Industry 4.0 will have a big impact on the education system of the country especially the higher education institutes as they must prepare the students for the jobs that will be on offer in the future in line with Industry 4.0. Our Education Ministry has already framed our Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025 and to further enhance it they will announce the Education 4.0 Malaysia framework very soon.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) last year published a report entitled “The Future of Jobs” in which it identified the 10 key skills that employers will want in the future which will be:

1. Complex problem-solving2. Critical thinking3. Creativity4. People management5. Co-ordinating with others6. Emotional intelligence7. Judgement and decision-making8. Service orientation9. Negotiation10. Cognitive flexibility

So how do we prepare the students for the future jobs? This would not be easy, but it has to be started before we lag behind the others.

The most important aspect will be to bring in internet learning into our system as much as we can. This is not referring to online courses but internet learning which is supervised by the educator. The amount of information, updates and studies are massive on the internet and this will only help the students to enhance the above said key skills. Not to forget the traditional way of face to face learning is very much needed to emphasize whatever is being acquired through internet learning. It is also very important to encourage students to be involved in research but bearing in mind this research must carry significance and benefit to the community.

Another important factor to tackle Industry 4.0 through education will be to train students only in specialized knowledge and skills. For example, if a student is pursuing a degree in Microbiology, let the student solely concentrate on the subject only. This will create specialised employees for the future. If we are talking about robotics taking over the human job and humans will only supervise in the future, why not deploy robots to teach the students especially and for skilled based training? Only when you are accustomed to something you will be able to do your best.

The CEO@Faculty programme was announced by our Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia which appoints CEO’s from the industry as Adjunct Professors to share their knowledge with lecturers and students. This is a great initiative to close the gap between public and private sectors and between the industry and academics. This will be an important step to face Industry 4.0.

In conclusion the Industry 4.0 will have a huge impact on the education system and despite the barriers we need to find the best way to adapt to it.

Hot Topics:

By: Sivasuthan Letchumanan

Hot Topics

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Hot Topics: INDUSTRY 4.0: Its contribution to the health

care sector

Industrial revolutions are technological leaps which have culminated in products which are highly mechanized and automatized. The world has witnessed three industrial revolutions principally in the fields of mechanization, use of electrical energy and widespread digitalization. Following this, the future dream was to devise efficient manufacturing systems that would control their own manufacturing processes. This future expectation, has coined the term “Industry 4.0” for the current 4th industrial revolution [1]. The fundamental concepts of Industry 4.0 collectively are implementation of products which are autonomously controlled, merger of physical and cyber levels, decentralized self-organisation and adaptation to human needs [1].

Innovation in medicine is of two types. The innovations built on scientific theory and learned skills are known as evolutionary. Whereas the discovery of drugs and devices that can change the current scenario of medical care is known as revolutionary [2]. The various innovations target preventive care, early diagnosis and state of art patient care.

The following are a few innovations which have revolutionised the health care sector:

1. Real-Time Smart Phone Monitoring

Using a novel smartphone adapter (Image 1), patients are now able to capture and transmit single-lead ECG data via a PDF format to their healthcare providers. The person’s finger contact on the smartphone case activates ECG recording of bipolar lead I. The input is then transmitted from the case to the speaker of the smartphone using frequency modulation of an ultrasound or Bluetooth signal. Once captured, the ECG can be viewed in real-time and transmitted to the patient’s health care provider for review [3].

Image 1: Real-time smart phone monitor

2. Artificial intelligence for diagnosis of cardiac diseases

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms which have been developed using mathematical formulas are used to diagnose heart diseases. The recorded heart sounds provide the Phonocardiogram (PCG) signal input. Four amplitude parameters of the PCG signals are extracted using filter

techniques and interpreted to diagnose various heart diseases [4]. Artificial intelligence using data mining and neural networks is widely used to compute the parameters suggestive of a diagnosis of heart attack and various types of arrhythmias [5], [6], [7].

3. ECG devices

ECG patch monitor (Image 2) is seen as an alternative technique for ambulatory ECG monitoring. This adhesive, single-lead ECG monitor powered with a lithium polymer battery is applied to the left pectoral region. A system on the chip converts analogue ECG signals to digital format, removes artefact using an accelerometer, and transmits the data using a low-power Bluetooth low-energy processor [8].

Image 2: ECG patch monitor

4. Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring

Frequent vital sign measurement is mandatory in Cardiac care unit (CCU) and intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Recent innovations have incorporated biosensors comprising of a pulse oximeter, a skin temperature sensor, telemetry leads, and a non-invasive continuous blood pressure sensor all in the form of a small monitor (Image 3). This system uses existing Wi-Fi networks to transmit the procured data to the health care provider [9].

Image 3: Wireless vital sign monitor

By: Reshma M Ansari

Hot Topics

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5. Hand-held ultrasound

Hand-held ultrasound (Image 4) comprising of a probe connected to a handheld viewer has revolutionized echocardiography. The probe wirelessly transmits data via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a tablet-based tool and central electronic medical records for image storage and subsequent interpretation and advanced diagnostics [10]. The results of a study which compared the pTTE with the standard transthoracic echocardiography (sTTE) concludes that the portable ECG can used as an effective screening tool which significantly improves the diagnostic strategy in clinical practice [11]. The pocket-sized portable transthoracic echocardiography (pTTE) for measurement of cardiac chamber size, function and assessment of valvular regurgitation is efficient, reliable and cost-effective [11].

Image 4: Hand-held ultrasound

6. Multiple parameter testing

External devices adhered to the precordium which use a validated algorithm by assessing physiological signals predict impending cardiac failure. The Multi-Sensor Monitoring in Congestive Heart Failure (MUSIC) trial studied this algorithm which uses a combination of bioimpedance, heart rate, respiratory rate, activity duration, and body posture tailored to each participant. Complex haemodynamics such as stroke volume and cardiac output were monitored non-invasively using the CoVa necklace (Image 5). These breakthrough innovations have the potential to drastically improve the management of heart failure [12] [13].

Image 5: CoVa necklace for multiple parameter testing

Challenges that lie ahead in the usage of the advanced technological medical devices [14]: • Need for Validation, Cost-Effectiveness: Large scale

studies are needed to validate the data, determine the safety, cost-effectiveness and efficacy of the technology employed in these devices.

• Data Security: Online security should be fool proof while employing such devices, as a data breach could be catastrophic and can invade the patients’ privacy and has the potential to induce personal harm.

• Reimbursement and Medico-Legal Issues: The data extracted from these devices requires analysis by a health care provider. This new technology revamps the way physicians are being paid and efforts should be taken to reimburse telemedicine physician services.

• Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, Algorithms: The enormous amount of data produced by the biosensors needs understanding and effective management. This calls for the need for rapid development of software for data analysis.

7. Robot-assisted surgeries

Robotic surgery has evolved as the ‘gold standard’ operative procedure due to its potential benefits [15]. The surgeries that commonly employ robots are prostatectomy, hysterectomy, nephrectomy and cardiac surgeries. Systematic reviews on robotic surgeries have come up with the following conclusions on its clinical and economic impact [16]: • Clinical effectiveness: Robotic surgeries were statistically

found to reduce length of hospital stay, blood loss, and post-operative complications. However, the operative time was significantly higher than that of open surgeries.

• Economic benefits: Though shorter lengths of hospital stay incurred reduced costs, the cost involved in acquiring, operating and maintaining surgical robots raised the overall operating costs.

• Impact on health services: The adoption of robotic surgeries undoubtedly is revolutionising health services to a greater extent. Since the investment made in acquiring this technology is large, it is advised that institutions that adopt this technology to stringently monitor their costs and outcomes. They should also consider keeping the span of usage of the technology over a longer duration and multiple indications.

Image 6: Robotic surgery

Robot-assisted surgery training:

Robotic training poses several unique challenges. The training sessions should be conducted by the conventional open and laparoscopic surgeons and the mentoring surgeon. All the three should have the same view as the trainee and be able to take over when the patient’s safety is compromised [15]. Trainees do have a fear of extensive working hours, litigation and financial constraints when subjected to robot-assisted surgeries. This has introduced the new technology of surgical simulation (Image 7) which has been validated as a training and assessment tool. Surgical simulator training can be separated into two broad categories: 1. Physical (mechanical) simulators: The task is performed

under videoscopic guidance within a box trainer. These simulators do not provide feedback to the operating surgeon.

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2. Virtual reality’ (VR) simulators: The task is performed on a computer-based platform and artificially generated virtual environments. Refinement in computer processing has led to more sensitive VR simulators which provide feedback.

Image 7: Robotic simulation training

Conclusion

Primarily Information technology (IT) driven changes in manufacturing systems is termed as “Industry 4.0” [1]. In healthcare, the novel concept of Industry 4.0 promotes prevention, innovation and an imperative to drive growth. The focus is on early diagnosis, added therapeutic values and favourable risk-benefit balance at an acceptable cost for the patient. The development of such highly complex, dynamic, and integrated information systems is attractive as a product-to-service orientation paradigm shift that is expected alongside the emergence of new types of enterprises with specific roles. However, it is also a challenging task for policy makers to ensure that the products are safe and effective for the end users [2].

References[1] Lasi H, Fettke P, Kemper H-G, Feld T, Hoffmann M (2014) Industrie 4.0. WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK. doi: 10.1007/s11576-014-0424-4.

[2] Ciani, O., Armeni, P., Boscolo, P. R., Cavazza, M., Jommi, C., & Tarricone, R. (2016). De innovatione: The concept of innovation for medical technologies and its implications for healthcare policy-making. Health Policy and Technology, 5(1), 47-64.

[3] Lau JK, Lowres N, Neubeck L, Brieger DB, Sy RW, Galloway CD, Albert DE, Freedman SB. iPhone ECG application for community screening to detect silent atrial fibrillation: a novel technology to prevent stroke. Int J Cardiol. 2013;165:193–194.

[4] Prakash, D., Mageshwari, U. T., Prabakaran, K., & Suguna, A. (2013). Detection of heart diseases by mathematical artificial intelligence algorithm using phonocardiogram signals. Int. J. Innov. Appl. Stud, 3(1), 145-150.

[5] Patil, S. B., & Kumaraswamy, Y. S. (2009). Intelligent and effective heart attack prediction system using data mining and artificial neural network. European Journal of Scientific Research, 31(4), 642-656.

[6] Reed, T. R., Reed, N. E., & Fritzson, P. (2001). The analysis of heart sounds for symptom detection and machine-aided diagnosis. In 2nd Conf. Modeling and Simulation in Biology, Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering, Delft, The Netherlands, 1-6.

[7] Yaghouby, F., Ayatollahi, A., & Soleimani, R. (2009). Classification of cardiac abnormalities using reduced features of heart rate variability signal. World Applied Sciences Journal, 6(11), 1547-1554.

[8] Barrett, P. M., Komatireddy, R., Haaser, S., Topol, S., Sheard, J., Encinas, J., & Topol, E. J. (2014). Comparison of 24-hour Holter monitoring with 14-day novel adhesive patch electrocardiographic monitoring. The American journal of medicine, 127(1), 95-e11.

[9] (Schmalgemeier H, Bitter T, Bartsch S, Bullert K, Fischbach T, Eckert S, Horstkotte D, Oldenburg O. Pulse transit time: validation of blood pressure measurement under positive airway pressure ventilation. Sleep Breath. 2012;16:1105–1112.

[10] Testuz A, Müller H, Keller PF, Meyer P, Stampfli T, Sekoranja L, Vuille C, Burri H. Diagnostic accuracy of pocket-size handheld echocardiographs used by cardiologists in the acute care setting. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2013;14:38–42.

[11] Kitada, R., Fukuda, S., Watanabe, H., Oe, H., Abe, Y., Yoshiyama, M., & Yoshikawa, J. (2013). Diagnostic Accuracy and Cost‐Effectiveness of a Pocket‐Sized Transthoracic Echocardiographic Imaging Device. Clinical cardiology, 36(10), 603-610.

[12] Anand IS, Greenberg BH, Fogoros RN, Libbus I, Katra RP; MUSIC Investigators. Design of the Multi-Sensor Monitoring in Congestive Heart Failure (MUSIC) study: prospective trial to assess the utility of continuous wireless physiologic monitoring in heart failure. J Card Fail. 2011;17:11–16.

[13] Anand IS, Tang WH, Greenberg BH, Chakravarthy N, Libbus I, Katra RP; MUSIC Investigators. Design and performance of a multisensor heart failure monitoring algorithm: results from the Multisensor Monitoring in Congestive Heart Failure (MUSIC) study. J Card Fail. 2012;18:289–295.

[14] Walsh, J. A., Topol, E. J., & Steinhubl, S. R. (2014). Novel wireless devices for cardiac monitoring. Circulation, 130(7), 573-581.

[15] Abboudi, H., Khan, M. S., Aboumarzouk, O., Guru, K. A., Challacombe, B., Dasgupta, P., & Ahmed K. (2013). Current status of validation for robotic surgery simulators–a systematic review. BJU international, 111(2), 194-205. [16] Ho, C., Tsakonas, E., Tran, K., Cimon, K., Severn, M., Mierzwinski-Urban, M., & Corcos, J. (2012). Robot-assisted surgery compared with open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. CADTH technology overviews, 2(2).

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Hot Topics:

Idea behind Pharma 4.0 Industry The growing era of the Internet has drastically transformed many industries including the healthcare industry. The pharma industry as a heart of healthcare is no exception to this. The idea behind Industry 4.0 is not having a smart factory alone but to connect human resources, data, and physical machines in a cyber-physical network. Physical assets such as smart robots will follow a common standards, enabling flexible pre-configuration

on the-fly and modular replacement of resources. A key element of the concept is the ‘Internet of Things’, which will establish intelligent machine-to machine connectivity within and beyond company walls. Implementing a system that is a connected and collaborated healthcare value chain should have a positive effect on drug development and innovation.

How the Industry 4.0 affect Pharma Industry?The pharmaceutical industry could see great benefits from the rise of industry 4.0. By integrating the industry 4.0 concept into the pharmaceutical industry, the workflow of the manufacturing process can be optimized. Industry 4.0 technology will allow for continuous, real-time monitoring of the manufacturing process so that any irregularity will be predicted and restricted. The fundamental cause analysis also will be done by the system to ensure best product quality. An integrated supply chain also can be achieved with the improvement of traceability.

Challenges in transforming to Pharma 4.0Like many other industries, the pharmaceutical industry is challenged with several obstacles when it comes to developing, producing and marketing products in the transformation global marketplace. First, the cost of fitting out pharmaceutical manufacturing sites according to Pharma 4.0 principles has been cited as a barrier, but the cost will be offset by an increase in productivity and reduction in waste. Second, finding enough adequately skilled staff to run the analytic is also proving difficult as it is still new. Last, but not least, security is another concern. As most of the machines will be connected to the Internet, there is the possibility and threat from hackers.

Pharma 4.0: Innovative or disruptive?The pharmaceutical industry needs to be responsive to the changing environment and to develop new ways of providing patients with improved health outcomes and to be competitive in future. The Internet of things may be seen as a disruptive technology to many, but those who will gain real advantages from it will be those who see the possibilities and make it happen for them and society. In the end, we should know by now from human history that is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.

By: Najwa Mohamad

PHARMA 4.0: Transforming the Pharma Industry

Hot Topics

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The 1st CUCMS Research Week was held on 20th-24th November 2017. The aim is to provide a platform for researchers and students to share research output and ideas, as well as to promote research activities and values in CUCMS. Various research activities such as book forum, research talks, research colloquium, 3 Minutes Thesis competition, Image of Research competition, essay writing and research grant application workshop have been conducted during the week. 3 Minutes Thesis Competition3 Minutes Thesis competition is modeled after the successful 3MT® competition which was first developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. The aims of this competition were to challenge CUCMS postgraduate students or early career researchers to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes.

Image of Research CompetitionThe Image of Research Competition aims to showcase the thriving research in CUCMS through pictures. It is hoped to capture the hearts and minds of the CUCMS audience to be intrigued by research.

Essay Writing CompetitionEssay Writing aims to provide a platform for finding talented school students to participate relating to topic of Health and Medicine. This competition involved schools around Klang Valley and one school from the northern region.

Research TalkSeveral research topics have been delivered by keynote and plenary speakers to further nurture the research culture of CUCMS. Speakers from various institutes have shared their valuable experiences in research. The topics include:1) Nutraceutical Research: From Bench to Product - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shamima Abdul Rahman (CUCMS)2) Research: Past, Present and Future - Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. M. Jegathesan (Member Board of Governors, CUCMS)3) Cancer Genetics: Research Reflecting the Desire to Impact Lives - Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam (Sunway

University)4) Cosmetic Research: Reaching Beyond the Fantasy - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hazrina Abd. Hadi (IIUM)5) Medical Research: Orthopaedic Innovation Research - Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak (CUCMS)6) Challenges in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 - Mr. Mohd Khairul Annuar Othman (DreamEDGE Sdn. Bhd.)7) Digital Dental Solution Centre - Mr. Muhammad Khalis Othman (DreamEDGE Sdn. Bhd.)

CUCMS Research Colloquium (CRC)The main objective of CUCMS Research Colloquium (CRC) is to enhance the academic culture and aura of the University. The CRC has broadened the horizon of the existing Postgraduate Research Colloquium (PGRC) as it has been opened to participation from a wider audience that includes researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students and external participants. For CRC 2017, 14 papers have been accepted for oral presentation and 18 papers for poster presentation. From these numbers, 10 papers are from external participation. CRC 2017 covers various research scopes such as Psychology, Public Health, Basic & Biomedical Sciences, Complementary Medicine, Natural Product & Drug Discovery, Medical Education and Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice.

REWS 03/2017: Grant Application Workshop The third series of Research Enhancement Workshop Series (REWS) was also conducted during the 1st CUCMS Research Week. The 2 days’ workshop held on 23rd-24th November 2017 was focusing on grant writing and application. The workshop invited speakers who are involved in assessment of MOHE grants to share tips and how to write winning grants, i.e., Prof. Dato’ Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed (UiTM), Prof. Dr. Zamberi Sekawi (UPM), Prof. Dr. Jamalludin Ab Rahman (IIUM) and Prof. Dr. Rosnah Ismail (CUCMS). Potential CUCMS researchers have been selected to equip them with the skills to develop effective grant proposals for use in applying for national and international research grants.

1st CUCMS Research Week: 20th-24th November 2017By: Intan Zarina Zainol Abidin

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Congratulations to all winners!

3 Minutes Thesis CompetitionNum. Name1st Dr. Nabilah Hisham 2nd Anne Noor Sri Juwaneeta Jamaludin 3rd Dr. Mohamad Jahidul Islam

Image of Research Competition (People’s Choice)Num. Name1st Aida Faridah Bt Mohd Shaiden 2nd Siti Aishah Binti Muhamad3rd Siti Sarah Binti Zamri

Image of Research Competition (Judge’s Choice)Num. Name

1st Natasha Amanina Binti Zulkiflee 2nd Nur Asyiqin Bt Masenwat 3rd Raudhatul Falah Binti Imam Syafii

Essay Writing CompetitionNum. Name School Title1st Muhammad Rafiuddin Bin Abd

RahimSekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mohamad Jiwa, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Fenomena Hyper ACTV-1

2nd Muhammad Sufi Bin Sayuthi Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mohamad Jiwa, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Kehidupan Sang Perintis Teknologi Moden

3rd Nur A’amirah Binti Fakhrul Arifin Sekolah Agama Menengah Bagan Terap, Sabak Bernam, Selangor.

Minhaj SC-Islami

Cons Wan Nur Afiqah Thaqifah Binti Mohd Kamil

Sekolah Agama Menengah Bagan Terap, Sabak Bernam, Selangor.

Sains Metropolitan

Cons Siti Hawa Maisarah Binti Muhamad Alias

Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mohamad Jiwa, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Klon

CUCMS Research Colloquium (Poster Presentation)Num. Name Title1st Tang Cher Hing (Eric) Orchidaceae at Ayer Hitam Forest, Threats and Conversation2nd Aina Yazrin Ali Nasiruddin Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Antibiotic Usage Among Hospital Visitors in

Hospital Putrajaya3rd Nurdiana Jamil Examining the Impact of Biologic Response Modifiers on Modifying the Rheumatoid

Arthritis Disease Activity - A Pilot Study

CUCMS Research Colloquium (Oral Presentation) Num. Name Title1st Imtiaz Khalid Mohamed In silico antibacterial activity studies and syntheses of aminoalkylnapthols as peptide

deformylase inhibitors in Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophillus2nd Dr. Amalina Syafiqah Zakaria Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following the 2015 Sabah Earthquake3rd Norhafizah Ab Manan Predicting 30-day major adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary

intervention in a Malaysian population

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Imtiaz Khalid Mohamed - Winner for CUCMS Research Colloquium (Oral Presentation) Officiation Speech by Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Ridzwan Abu Bakar

Registration Book of Abstracts

Exhibition Poster judging

Poster judging Research Image judging

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Research Presentations Research Presentations

Research Presentations Programme Books

Forum Forum

Organising Committee

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3 Minutes Thesis Competition Exhibition by DreamEDGE

Invited speaker-AP Dr. Hazrina Abd Hadi (IIUM) Invited speaker-Prof. Dr. Abhimanyu (Sunway University)

Keynote speaker-Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. M. Jegathesan Speaker-Prof. Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak (President CUCMS)

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Faculty / Centre Updates Centre for Languages and General StudiesBy: Farah Azizah Omar

Using TEDTalksin the Classroom Workshop

On 2 November 2017, two CLGS staff, Mdm. Nurhafizah Shaharuddin and Mdm. Farah Azizah Omar attended a workshop on ‘Using TEDTalks in the Classroom’ held by Cengage Learning Asia. TED, short for Technology, Education, and Design are influential, usually short videos that are put on by expert speakers, covering almost all topics with a growing library of lessons for educators to choose from. With a motto “Ideas worth spreading,” the workshop participants were briefed that it is almost like TED Talks were made for the classroom — after all, spreading ideas is fundamental to what education is all about.

Emotional Intelligence TrainingOn 7 November 2017, Mdm. Nurhafizah Shahruddin represented CLGS to attend an Emotional Intelligence training held at Al-Razi, CUCMS. Emotional Intelligence (EI) competencies are at the heart of effective workplace relationships and productivity. According to research, up to 90% of the difference between outstanding and average leaders is linked to emotional intelligence. This one-day training enabled the participants to focus on managing their emotions under pressure, increase their personal leadership by learning how to manage their emotional brain in the most difficult moments.

Public Awareness CampaignFor the first time ever, the English Unit, CLGS conducted a public awareness campaign as its final project for Fundamental English 2 course. The campaign, which took place on 13 December 2017, aimed to promote awareness related to healthcare, environmental, crime and justice, and current issues among CUCMS students and staff. The campaign that involved students from several programmes, namely Foundation in Science, Foundation in Allied Science, Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health and Diploma in Psychology, successfully attracted many internal and external visitors. The campaign departed from the idea of bringing the community engagement aspect into the language classroom. This revolutionary teaching learning methodology enabled the learners of language to experience a practical communication use with the public outside the four-walls of the classroom. This then brought benefits to the learners in terms of being familiarised with the language cues used by the public, using effective conversation strategies as they embark into verbal exchanges.

Events by CLGS

“I enjoyed every moment talking to the visitors. They asked us questions and we got to answer them in the most appropriate

ways. I have learned this in class and now I could see how to apply it”

Mohd Asraf RozeniDOSH, Sem 4

“When you are in class, you get too comfortable when talking to your classmates, but for this event, we have to push ourselves

out from the comfort zone and converse confidently with strangers. This project helps prepare me to use English with the

public professionally.” Arslan Charyyev

FIS, Sem 2 Students demonstrated and explained Basic CPR to the visitors

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The campaign received overwhelming responses from staff and students of CUCMS

Students explained their campaign to the visitors through many creative ways

Market DayIt used to be that if you graduated from university, with good grades, you were guaranteed a job in your chosen field. But as more and more people go to university, this is no longer the case. Graduates now more than ever need to show prospective employers that they have a more rounded skill set. Problem-solving, flexibility and adaptability, taking the initiative, self-awareness, and resilience are all “skills” which graduates need to have to be competitive in the market today. And, these are all key entrepreneurial skills as well. Realising that these skills can be taught and honed in professional undergraduate programmes, CUCMS made entrepreneurship education a compulsory subject under Matapelajaran Pengajian Umum (MPU) to improve diploma and undergraduate’s entrepreneurship skills.

On 21 December 2017, the students’ signature learning experience for entrepreneurial education culminates in Market Day, where students get the real-world experience selling their products, to the public. Prior to the event, the students are required to prepare their business plan in a matter of weeks, present their plan and later design a product and sell it to the staff and students of CUCMS. Through this event, the students themselves were happy to talk about their products. Most had been surprised to learn that marketing involved a lot more than simply telling customers what the product was and asking them to buy.

CUCMS academic staff also showed their support to the students in this project

Local mouth-watering homemade ‘kuih’ were sold by students for the event

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Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS)Faculty / Centre Updates

By: Norhafiza Abdul Ghani

CFS Educational and Team Building Camp is a programme organized by the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) with the aim to incorporate the three Learning Domains, namely Cognitive, Psychomotor and Affective elements. It is a newly designed module which involves the CFS’s Affective Domain unit and Biology Unit. CFS Educational and Team Building Camp is an initiative and effort by CFS with the integration of knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviour

to overcome such problem. The main objective of this programme is promoting stronger ties and deeper understanding among the students. Cooperation among the students is expected to bring about a harmonious condition, creating an environment conducive to learning various aspects of life apart from subjects taught in class.

This programme was attended by 200 students, 20 faculties and 10 CUCMS staff and was held on 10 to 11 March 2017 at Herbal Camp, Hulu Langat. There were a lot of activities that were conducted during CFS Educational and Team Building Camp such as Explorace, Night Walk, Team Building activities, Presentation Night, Running-Man, Sharing-session with the owner of Kem Herba Hulu Langat and Jungle Walk to Hutan Simpan Hulu Langat. All these activities are designed to achieve the objective of this program.

This programme can be said to have successfully engaged all the Foundation students and built a good team spirit among them. The programme also gives good motivation to the students to be a person that has confidence, leadership and tolerance. They also learnt how to respect others, be responsible with the task given and creative in carrying out their duties. From the academic perspective, CFS Educational and Team Building Camp successfully brought the students out of class to learn through the environment around them. This is an example of a practical learning session where students find it easier to understand and relate to the theories learned in the classroom.

CFS Educational & Team Building Camp

On the 29th till 30th January 2018 at the Bayview Hotel Langkawi, Norhafiza Abdul Ghani attended the 1st International Research Conference of Social Sciences (IRCSS 2018) organized by Global Academic Excellence (GAE) and she presented her paper title Relationship Between Continuous Assessment and Academic Performance in Organic Chemistry Among Foundation Students at Medical Private University. IRCSS 2018 offers a collaborative environment to academicians, researchers and practitioners to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Social Sciences. The conference provides a platform for intellectuals from various fields and disciplines in Social Sciences to debate and discuss the current worldwide issues as well as finding solutions to the problems.

International Research Conference of Social Sciences

Bayview Hotel, Kedah(IRCSS 2018)

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We created a lot of wonderful memories together in this programme and it would be one of the best memorable programmes that can be remember by Foundation students in their life. We hope this programme will be one of the remarkable programmes conducted by CFS to produce holistic students who are intellectually, emotionally and spiritually balanced based on the philosophy of this University.

Briefing at CUCMS before departing to Kem Herba Hulu Ice Breaking activity. Students create a flag for their team

Briefing before going to Jungle Walk and Explorace Morning Exercise

Performing Solat together Male Students enjoy with the ‘Running Man’ Activity

Students enjoy the Water Activity 1st Runner Up of the Overall Event

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Meet the Parents Day is an annual event organised by the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) since the year 2008 to promote interaction between parents and the Centre’s fellow academic staff. In this programme, parents are appraised of their children’s performance in various aspects from the lecturers’, mentor’s and Director’s point of view. Besides, it serves as a platform to discuss parent’s expectations and they may voice out problems faced by their child which are not within the reach of the fellow lecturers. The most important objective is to find solutions on how parents and academics can cooperate to ensure student success. Parents were also given an opportunity to meet representatives from CUCMS Finance Department and Student Affairs Department, to check the outstanding balance or settle the tuition fees payment or to make clarification to queries pertaining to hostel related matters and facilities provided for students.

End of last year, CFS continued this good tradition for the current batch, Batch 12 of Foundation in Science (FIS) and Batch 6 of Foundation in Allied Science (FAS) on the 25 November 2018, Saturday from 8am until 5pm. On the day, parents received a copy of transcripts for the completed semester 1 result, Mid Semester result for the current semester 2, and the MTP 2017 program book. CFS Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basir Bin Abidin officiated the opening ceremony, followed by a Multimedia presentation video from the FOSA. The video is regarding their journey throughout the semesters in Foundation. There were excellent students who obtained GPA of 3.50 and above in the previous Semester 1 2017/2018 who received the High Achiever Award. The climax of the event is a consultation session with respective units. It creates an opportunity for parents to meet all academic staff, to discuss how to work together in making sure that their children are on the right track in achieving the score to the faculty and fulfilling their dreams in becoming future healthcare professionals, as well as to create close rapport with all related parties.

Based on the feedback received, it reflects the high satisfaction rate among the parents concerning the organization of this event. Most of the parents appreciated the event and were excited to get the latest updates from the lecturers and university about their children in CUCMS Foundation. Hopefully, this MTP event will continue to be further enhanced and the bond between parents and lecturers will be more close in producing noble, intellectual and spiritual children.

MEET THE PARENTS DAY

CFS

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CFS Lecturers and Executives with the Student MTP Committee

CFS Lecturers and Executives

Students who obtained GPA 3.50 and above received High Achiever Awards

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Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (FTCM)

The 1st Malaysian International Integrative Healthcare Conference 2017 was a one of its kind conference which provided a platform for all the healthcare professionals. It was organized by the Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (FTCM), CUCMS from 27th to 30th of October 2017. It brought together experts from all the different fields ranging from Psychiatry, Psychology, Homeopathy, Occupational therapy, Physiotherapy, Ayurveda, Siddha and Varma, Malay Medicine, Neurofeedback, Nutrition and Special Needs Educationist etc. at one place. The theme of this conference was ‘Integrated Management of Children with Special Needs’. The conference was a grand success and over 250 participants gained lot of knowledge and insights into the management of children with special needs. This conference has created a milestone in the development of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Malaysia and is a bold step from the Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine of CUCMS. With a huge success and the feedback of organizing more such integrative conferences from the participants and healthcare field professionals, the Faculty of T&CM has announced 2nd Malaysian International Integrative Healthcare Conference 2019 on 6 & 7th of April 2019. The theme of this conference will be ‘Different Approaches in The Management of Skin Diseases & Allergies’.

Conference Speakers, delegates, CUCMS students & conference members

MoU signing ceremony with Sandhya Maarga Holistic Living Academy, Malaysia by the Dean of Faculty of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, AP Dr. Ibrahim Usman Mhaisker

1ST MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE CONFERENCE 2017 (MIIHC)

Faculty / Centre Updates

By: Faisal Mohammed Hanif Girach

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Delegates, speakers and students enjoying the ‘Drumming session’ during the Pre-Conference workshop

Question and answer session during Pre-Conference

Autistic children who performed during the conference. They are here with the Pro-Chancellor of CUCMS, Tan Sri Dato Dr. R. Palan.

CUCMS president Prof Dato Dr. Mohamad Abdul Razak giving the Keynote address

DG, CCRH, Ministry of AYUSH, India - Dr. R. K. Manchanda receiving memento from the Pro Chancellor of CUCMS after his plenary session

talk

MOU signing ceremony with Sai Ram Homeopathic medical college & CUCMS witnessed by the Dean of Faculty of Traditional and

Complementary Medicine, AP Dr. Ibrahim Usman Mhaisker, Mr. Kalaiarasu & Dr. R. K. Manchanda.

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Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP)

Talk Series:NANOPARTICLE TRACKING ANALYZEROn 15th February 2018, Faculty of Pharmacy, CUCMS has organized a talk series regarding Nanoparticle Tracking Analyzer. The talk was given by the representative from the Polaris Science Company, Singapore attended by FOP academicians and lab staff at the Ungku Aziz meeting room. This talk was aimed at researchers and academicians working in development of advanced drug delivery systems and its act as an additional tool for teaching on this topic. The covered topics included new approaches or methods used for analyzing nanoparticle concentration, particle size and zeta potential together with the advantages using ZetaView® rather than conventional machine. This is an opportunity for FOP’s academician to develop the knowledge regarding analyzing nanoparticles by using modern analysis tool that can determine the particle concentration by video frame assessment counting. The participants were also be exposed to advantages using ZetaView® such as the antivibration design, of the machine, broad measurement range, fast results, autoscan over up to 100 sub volumes and the machines have excellent accuracy, sensitivity and flexibility that fits for a pilot case study.

The talk also, described the Nano-flex® 180˚ DLS system that is designed to measure size distributions in the range between 0.8 and 6500 nm. The speaker mentioned it is suitable to analyze samples of broad size distributions with high resolution. On the other hand, it is possible to perform analyses from very low concentrations up to as high as 40%. This technology has so far not been applied to any IPTA or IPTS in Malaysia and it has been used in other countries such as Singapore. This talk series is providing new insights and inspiration to the researchers and academicians to put forward their ideas and knowledge for the betterment of future generations and together to put the research and analysis work in an extremely elite and high standard.

Faculty / Centre Updates

By: Najwa Mohamad

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Leaders are made; not born. And what do great leaders have in common? Their curiosity and thirst for self-betterment and knowledge. All very successful individuals read. A lot; but selective materials that promote their self-enrichment or even as simple as serving as inspiration.

The textbook definition of leadership deciphers leadership as “the process through which an individual attempt to intentionally influence another individual or group to accomplish a goal.” In other words, a leader motivates and empowers a group of people to act and achieve a common goal. Therefore, though academic qualification is not a necessity, the passion for lifelong learning is required.

One might argue that reading is a solo activity, therefore does not promote the sharpening of skills necessary of excellent leadership. On the contrary, although reading can be often solitary, discussion of book contents is not, therefore giving birth to masses of “book clubs” all over the continent. (Of course, the most famous one that we know is the Oprah Winfrey Book Club!)

An article in the Harvard Business Review cites that benefits of membership in a book club can be reaped by entrepreneurs and professionals alike. A book club nurtures a habit of systematic reading, polishes literacy skills and facilitates an insight to better understand diverse perspectives of various individuals and backgrounds. Book clubs encourage their reading members to engage in the current assigned topic and debate it, to allow for different perspectives to emerge and everyone to walk away with a more holistic and rounded understanding of the issue.

With this in mind, the CUCMS Book Club was officiated and launched on the 24th January 2018 by CUCMS Pro-Chancellor YBhg Tan Sri R. Palan. The CUCMS Book Club to be run by CHAMP-YLDP 24 as its secretariat with the foremost quest of being a literary enrichment center in Cyberjaya and neighbouring localities by providing a friendly atmosphere for effective book discussions as well as to provide a space for engagement with local communities over exchange of ideas and discourse.

To date, 4 books dissections have been done since its establishment and another 8 book titles are already in-line for monthly review. The selected books revolve around leadership and self-enrichment and would benefit all individuals in all fields of work. Citizens of CUCMS are welcomed to each book club session for a mutually beneficial chat!

CUCMS book club inaugurated by Tan Sri Dato Dr. R. Palan

Book Club: An Innovative Strategy to

Nurture Leadership By: Jahidul Islam Mohammad, Nurdiana Jamil

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Reviewed by:Ibrahim Usman MhaiskerDean, FTCM, CUCMS

ReviewDana Ullman, the author of many books on homeopathy, is known for his contributive books esp. on homeopathy. The Homeopathic Revolution: Why Famous People and Cultural Heroes Choose Homeopathy, provides the common person as well as the health care professional with exacting information and realistic stories on what homeopathy is and why renowned people throughout history have chosen to use it.

The Homeopathic Revolution is a fun read because of the stories and anecdotes about the cultural heroes and famous people who have used homeopathy throughout history. The book begins with a discussion on conventional medicine and then covers homeopathic philosophy, principles and practices. But, the heart of this book are the stories which are about sports superstars, entertainers, physicians and scientists, politicians and other leaders throughout history with plenty of references providing reliable evidence to support his work and the field of homeopathy.

In the section of physicians, it is extremely heart-warming that Sir William Osler, known as the father of modern medicine, expressed great support for homeopathy and its founder by stating “No individual has done more good to the medical profession than Samuel Hahnemann”.

Overall, this book is an imperative addition to any medical professional’s library, but, more importantly, a great read for those wishing to learn about the treasured system of medicine known as homeopathy.

Call number: BF 561 . W545 1998

Author: Dana Ullman

The Homeopathic Revolution: Why Famous People and Cultural Heroes Choose Homeopathy

Book Review

Reviewed by:Jason Lee Wai ChowDean, FOBM, CUCMS

ReviewThis book is interesting, provocative and counterintuitive in many aspects of the decision-making process, presented in a conversational yet penetrating, qualitative yet analytical manner. Its focus is on the decision making process rather than on the outcomes.

The book is divided into several sections, namely, “How do you make Decisions?” which has a section on personality tests which helps you to understand yourself better and rationally breaks down any size problem in business and personal life; “Common biases and errors that most of us make (and how to overcome them)” where he offered useful insights on sunk costs, emotional involvement error, self-serving bias, and hindsight bias; and “Advice your mother never gave you” containing insightful information on decision making.

Each chapter opens with a scenario related to a particular issue in decision-making and the author goes on to justify how irrational people were by their decisions based on research findings. Anecdotes are presented along a common theme, challenging us on how to address irrationality of decision making. Each chapter ends with useful decision tips.

I particularly find interesting and thought provoking the consideration of sunk costs in the decision-making process. The author asserted that many of us are sucked in by sunk costs and act irrationally when it comes to ignoring past expenditures of time, money or effort. Ignoring sunk costs can make us look indecisive, inconsistent and wasteful. We want to save face and avoid admitting, especially in public, that an earlier decision was a mistake. He went on to assert that a knowledge of sunk costs helps us to make better decisions as the decisions we make today influence only the future, not the past. Hence, we should not pay attention to past losses and costs when making decisions, in other words, ignore sunk costs. No current decision can correct the past.

Another thought provoking point is the downside of experience in decision making. The common argument in favour of experience in decision making follows the logic that we learn from our mistakes about what works and what doesn’t, i.e. we gain experience and that experience helps us to make better decisions in the future, hence experience allows us to learn from our mistakes. Robbins argued that experience can reduce decision quality when it leads to arrogance, overconfidence, and inaccurate perceptions or when it limits creativity. Overconfidence is more likely to undermine decision quality when it is applied in a different context or when conditions change. Experience can reduce one’s ability to see “outside the box” when faced with new and novel decisions that require innovative solutions.

Key take aways: You can improve your decision making skills; it all starts with goals; use the rational process whenever possible; there are costs in doing nothing as the decision to do nothing is still a decision; know your personality tendencies; be your own devil’s advocate by seeking information that disconfirms your beliefs; don’t try to create meaning out of random events as you have to accept that there are events in life that are outside your control; increase your options; and finally, its OK to make mistakes.

I am glad that towards the end of the book Robbins acknowledges that although rationality is idealized in the decision making process, it is culturally biased. As such rationality in decision making is defined within the cultural context where it exists.

This book contains a wealth of research insights on decision making process and encourages readers to apply them today and become more effective decision maker. Robbins concluded that ignorance is not bliss in decision making.

Author: Stephen P. Robbins

Decide & Conquer Make Winning Decisions and Take control of Your Life

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Overview In general terms, research feasibility is a process of evaluating

the possibility of conducting a particular project with the overall objective of optimum completion in terms of timelines, targets and cost.

This enable researchers to assess whether the idea can lead to relevant findings and the methods used are sustainable

But In reality…Many research face problems such as:

� Delays in meeting timelines � Insufficient funds and resources � Unforeseen logistical difficulties � Insufficient subject/patients/ respondents

Which lead to: � Wasted time � Wasted resources � Delay in making the treatment/ knowledge available to benefit

others

Before we go further, do you think there are any differences between feasibility studies and pilot studies?Several definitions of both terms exist and the jury is still out on whether pilot studies are a subset of feasibility studies or are they different terms.

According to definition by Whitehead et al., (2014) Contemp Clin Trials, 2014 May, 38(1):

Feasibility study: It is an overarching term for preliminary studies

Pilot study: A specific type of study which resembles the intended trial in

aspects such as having a control group and randomisation.And another take on it by Eldridge et al., (2016) PLoS One. 2016 Mar 15, 11(3):

Feasibility study: It asks whether something can be done, should we proceed

with it, and if so, how.

By: Wan Rosalina Wan RosliWhat is ‘research feasibility’?

Pilot study: A pilot study asks the same questions but also has a specific

design feature: the future study or part of it is conducted on a smaller scale.

**For the sake of our discussion today, let’s define the term feasibility study more broadly to encompass any sort of study that can help investigators prepare for full-scale research leading to intervention.

Now, we must be aware that a feasibility study does not necessarily include..

� A randomised design: the design will be determined by how it is proposed to reduce the uncertainty in the parameters of interest

� An evaluation of the outcome of interest: that is left to the main study

� A primary outcome: if a feasibility study involves carrying out a small randomised controlled trial it is for the purpose of evaluating/testing trial processes not the intervention

� The usual sort of power calculation: the sample size should be adequate to estimate the critical parameters (e.g. recruitment rate) to the necessary degree of precision

So, when to do feasibility studies?Feasibility studies may be indicated when..

� Community partnerships need to be established, increased or sustained.

� There are few published studies or existing data � The target population need unique consideration � Prior studies were inadequate/ unsuccessful � What are we looking for in a feasibility study?

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS FOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES

1. FINANCIAL The feasibility study should: Give an appropriate estimate of the funds needed inclusive of unforeseen costs from logistics, regulatory requirements, other supporting factors etc. •This way, a real estimation can be done while developing the budget.

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2. OPERATIONAL Area of Focus The Feasibility Study Asks… Sample Outcome of Interest

IMPLEMENTATION To what extent can a new idea, program, process or measure be successfully delivered as proposed?

• Degree of execution• Success or failure of execution• Amount, type of resources needed to

implement• Factors affecting implementation• Positive/ negative effects on target participants• Ability of participants/ personnel to carry out

intervention activities• Cost analysis• Determination of logistical requirements to

fulfil set criteria (regulatory, ethics).

PRACTICALITY To what extent can an idea, program, process or measure be carried out with intended participants using existing means, resources, and circumstances and without outside intervention?

LOGISTICS What are the required logistical element that need to be considered? (Example: transportation of personnel, samples, equipment, etc).

Adapted from Bowen et al., (2009), Am J Prev Med. 2009 May ; 36(5): 452–457

3. SCIENTIFIC Area of Focus The Feasibility Study Asks… Sample Outcome of Interest

ACCEPTABILITY To what extent is a new idea, program, process or measure judged as suitable, satisfying, or attractive to program deliverers? To program recipients?

• Satisfaction• Intent to continue use• Perceived appropriateness• Fit within organizational culture

DEMAND To what extent is a new idea, program, process or measure likely to be used (i.e how much demand is likely to exist?)

• Perceived positive or negative effects on organization

• Actual use• Expressed interest or intention to use• Perceived demand

INTEGRATION What is the level of system change needed to integrate the program or process into existing infrastructure or program?

• Perceived fit with infrastructure• Perceived sustainability• Costs to organization and policy bodies• Fit with organizational goals and culture• Positive or negative effects on organization• Disruption due to expansion component

EXPANSION To what extent can a previously tested program be expanded to provide a new program or service?-Focuses on potential success when done in a different population or different setting

ADAPTATION How to change program contents or procedures to be appropriate in new situation? It is important to describe the actual modifications to accommodate the context and requirement of a different format, media, or population.

• Degree to which similar outcomes are obtained in new format

• Process outcomes comparison between interventions use in two populations

LIMITED EFFICACY TESTING Does the new idea, program, process or measure show promise of being successful with the intended population, even in highly controlled setting?- Test the intervention in a limited way (use convenience sample, shorter follow-up etc)

• Intended effects of program or process on key intermediate variables

• Effect-size estimation• Maintenance of changes from initial change

Adapted from Bowen et al., (2009), Am J Prev Med. 2009 May ; 36(5): 452–457

Alright, now we know what to focus on. What are the issues that need to be addressed?Points to consider to assess feasibility

Clinical relevance Does the study have the support/interest of the relevant community? For interventional studies, is the study compatible with current practice: is there sufficient consistency in practice across sites (e.g.

is the control/comparator, treatment schedule etc. appropriate)? Does the Chief Investigator have adequate expertise, experience and time to lead the study? Expertise in the subject area is NOT in

itself evidence of sufficient expertise to deliver a clinical study.

Participant Numbers What evidence is there that sufficient participants can be recruited at the proposed sites? The number of people who attend a particular clinic or other setting with the condition of interest may by itself be insufficient

evidence. It may be helpful to see detailed audit figures if available confirming that there are sufficient participants who meet the inclusion

criteria for the proposed project. Do local, regional or national patient databases exist to facilitate the identification and recruitment of participants? What percentage of eligible participants is likely to enrol to the study? Are there factors that make refusal more likely (e.g. more visits than normal care, additional interventional procedures required etc.)? Are there any on-going or planned studies that could conflict with the study and limit recruitment at sites?

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1-Minute-Lessonwith Najib

Publishing should be part of the research culture, naturally. Often times, it is also necessary for graduation and career progression. In that regard, particular attention is given to quality of one’s publications, especially publications in “high impact factor” journals. What is “Impact Factor”?

The impact factor (IF) is a measure of the frequency with which the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year. It is used to measure the importance or rank of a journal by calculating the times its articles are cited. In other words, it somewhat indicates how “important” are articles published in a particular journal based on the assumption that statistically speaking, the higher the IF, the better is the chance for the articles published in that journal to be cited by others. But this is not necessarily true!

The calculation of IF is based on a two-year period and involves dividing the number of times articles were cited by the number of articles that are citable in a journal. For example the formula to calculate IF of a journal for 2017 is as follows: If A = the number of times articles published in 2015 and 2016 were cited by indexed journals during 2017; and B = the total number of “citable items” published in 2015 and 2016. Hence, A/B = 2017 impact factor of a journal. For example if 50 articles published in 2015 and 2016 were cited by indexed journals of the 240 “qualified articles” of a journal for the two years, then the 2017 IF for the journal will be 50/240 = 0.21.

To put things into perspective, generally speaking journals in wide areas of research, say biochemistry, will potentially have more citations from within the research area and also related fields, such as medicine and pharmacy – compared to journals in more ‘specialised’ and narrower fields of research such as psychiatry, and hence receive higher impact factor. For example, in 1987 Annual Review of Biochemistry received an IF of 35.1, while Current Opinion in Psychiatry, a journal in a relatively smaller research field had an IF of 3.5!).

In other words, one obvious limitation of over reliance on journal IF to indicate objective and quantitative measure of the author’s scientific achievement is the very fact that citation rate of article determines journal impact, but the reverse is often not true! That is why, these days the scientific population are slowly migrating to perhaps more “objective” ways to indicate scientific achievement such as H-Index. That, will be another day

What is “Impact Factor”?

Logistics How many sites need to be involved? Will participants receive all relevant care at the recruiting sites or will continuing and shared care sites be involved? Have all care sites been included in the feasibility studies? If the study protocol deviates significantly from normal practice, are investigator sites able to accommodate this in terms of:

1. Clinical time – can the investigator/clinical team accommodate study visits and procedures? 2. Facilities – is there sufficient space available to run the study? 3. Equipment – do sites have the equipment needed e.g. fridges, freezers, non standard equipment? 4. Pharmacy support – can the department manage study drugs as required? 5. Laboratory support – can the department handle the samples, provide any out of hours cover needed etc? 6. Radiology support – is there capacity for additional imaging? 7. Excess treatment costs –this issue can be a significant block for studies 8. Assessment of study outcomes

Training Has the study team fulfil the requirements for training? Training can be generic or trial-specific. Some, but not all, people contributing to studies need to complete generic training in GCP. If they do require training, is there agreement that they can be released to carry this out and is enough training available locally? How

will training be resourced? Is high staff turnover anticipated during the study period?

The BenefitsAfter doing a feasibility study, you can

Determine whether the research question is worth answering Identify possible problems with recruitment strategy Highlight logistical problems Identify areas of research that need detailed planning. Set realistic targets/ milestones Develop an effective budget Anticipate regulatory and ethical challenges Determine overall commitment of potential partners in the research Allows contingency planning --> anticipate worst case scenarios

In a nutshell, feasibility study is a wise investment and increase % success although it cost time, money and effort.

33

There is distinctive different and reaction from students when you said, “We will do revision for exam in the next class” and “We will play games in the next class”. Although the objective is same, which to recall back the learning experiences and as well as fast revision for the subject before the exam but the enthusiasm, energy level, involvement and engagement of students are completely different in both of the scenario especially if in the end of the game there is reward for them.

The term gamification was first coined by Nick Pelling in year 2003 (Yang, 2014; Leaning, 2015). Gamification in education is using the content of lesson and the kind of involvement that gamers experience with the objective of facilitating learning and influencing students’ behavior. Recently the author has been exposed with the technique when attending Accredited Training Professional (ATP) (http://smrfuntraining.com/ATP.aspx) organized by SMR Group and supported by Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS).

How the LEARNING TOURNAMENT conducted

Before Learning Tournament DayThe students divided into several groups, and each group will need to prepare questions and answers related to assign topic/topics. The questions should be categorized into easy, medium and hard. At the same time all the members shall revise all topics in the subject.

Learning Tournament DayThere are a few rules that all the groups shall adhere. First, there must be only one speaker whose tasks are (1) to read their question to other groups and (2) to answer the question posed to them. Second, when answering the question, the speaker shall start answering within 60 seconds once they have been asked. They can discuss in the group before answer the question but only the speaker allowed to answer. This to ensure everything under control or else the room will be noisy and out of control. Marks for correct answer will be given and for those incorrect questions, there will be marks deduction. The marks can be decided based on the toughness of the questions. Example; for correct answer; Easy = + 10, Medium = + 15, Hard = + 20 and for incorrect answers, the deduction as follow; Easy = - 3, Medium = - 5, Hard = - 10.

After Learning Tournament The facilitator (lecturer) shall imposed that this is just a game and winner or loser does not really matter. The matter is the revision and the recall of the subject is the real objective of the tournament.

ObservationDuring the learning tournament, the author can observe that engagement and involvement of all the students in the class and mostly all the important exam questions will be questioned. This situation intensifies retention (Palan, 2011) of the subject and highlights the importance of certain topics in the subjects. Besides that, the team spirit and winning attitude can be observed. Sometimes there could be some disagreement between the groups and this is the moment that the facilitator need to play the role effectively to avoid any conflict between the groups and when the facilitator made any decision it should be justify properly without bias. The element of trust and respect should be maintained at all level of the tournament.

Conclusion Gamification in education through learning tournament can ensure the revision of subject to be fun and full engagement by the students compare to traditional revision method which sometimes can be stressful. The role of facilitator is great important to ensure there is balance and non-bias during the learning tournament.  Reference1. Yang, Y. (2014). Three Questions to Ask Before You Embark on Gamification. eLearn, 2014(11), 4.2. Leaning, M. (2015). A study of the use of games and gamification to enhance student engagement, experience and achievement

on a theory-based course of an undergraduate media degree. Journal of Media Practice, 16(2), 155-170.3. Palan, R. (2011). The Magic of Making Training

By: T. Hari Krishnan

Learning Tournament – Gamification in Education

34

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Introduction

Obesity, is a worldwide epidemic and Malaysia has been named to have the highest obese population among the South East Asian countries. Obese is defined as having a BMI > BMI of 20–25 kg/m2. It leads to several diseases, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, fatty liver diseases, cancer and also been implicated with reduce reproductive functions. Obesity is also accompanied by chronic low grade inflammation with permanent increased oxidative stress (OS). OS damages cellular structures together with under-production of anti-oxidant mechanisms, leading to the development of obesity-related complications. Hence, antioxidant supplement may be able to improve obesity related damages . Schroder (2010) reported that consumption of fruit caused more weight loss with a slight reduction in BMI as compared to vegetable.

Previous works have reported that strawberry can increase antioxidant content in the body and have many biological activities such as anti-carcinogenic , anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and most importantly, found to have anti-obesity properties (Amini et al.,2013). Strawberry, fresh or in dried form, has been established as having a high content of antioxidant (Basu et al., 2009). A number of studies have used freeze dried strawberry powder to see its potential benefit in obesity related conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and metabolic syndrome.

Table 1 below indicates the important dietary components of freeze-dried strawberry powder.

(Basu et al, 2009)

Objectives

Methods

Results

A – Effect of FSP on body weight and BMI

Table A – Effects of FSP consumption to body weight gain, BMI and % body fat of obesity-induced rats

Table B – Effects of FSP on body weight of obesity-induced rats during a 12-week treatment

B – Effect of FSP on lipid profiles

Table C – Effects of FSP on levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in obesity-induced rats

C – Effect of FSP on sperm parameters

Table D – Effects of FSP on sperm parameters of obesity-induced rats

D – Effect of FSP on male reproductive hormones

Table E – Effects of FSP on reproductive hormones of obesity-induced rats

** All results are presented as mean values SD of n = 7with P<0.05

This study is partly sponsored by Faculty of Health Sciences andIRMI - 600-IRMI/MyRA 5/3/LESTARI (0063/2016)

Discussion

A - Effect of FSP on body weight and BMIHFD caused increased in body weight gain as seen in Table A. Consumption of HFD with FSP, brought the weight back to normal (Table A – body weight gain after HFD and FDSP). This occurred even when daily food consumed remain at the same amount. A twelve-week treatment of HFD together with FSP showed a significant reduction in body weight (Table B). This was also observed by Abdulazeez (2014) when FSP was given to diabetes-induced rats. However, BMI value did not go down as expected to be when weight is reduced. The same results were also observed by Basu et al (2009). In terms of % body fat, rats given HFD and FSP showed significantly reduced value compared to HFD alone.

B – Effect of FSP on lipid profilesLevels of triglycerides and cholesterol were shown to have reduced significantly in rats fed with HFD and FSP (Table C). The same effects were also observed in studies by Abdulazeez (2014) on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Basu et al (2009) found significant reduction in the total cholesterol levels of women with metabolic syndrome given a 4-week 50g FSP twice daily compared with the baseline data. They however did not detect any change in the triglyceride levels.

C – Effects of FSP on sperm parametersAs seen in Table D, obese rats have significantly lower sperm counts and reduced number of normal sperms compared to non-obese rats. Sperm motility also was affected by increased in BMI hence obesity. This is in agreement with a study by Fernandez et al (2011) on obesity effect on sperm motility. FSP seemed to significantly reversed the impact of obesity on sperm count, sperm motility and normal sperm morphology. A report by Bakos et al (2010) summarised effect of paternal BMI on blastocyst development and assisted reproductive outcomes. Binder et al (2015) found that obesity changed the spermatozoa mRNA level which could explain the compromised sperm morphology as seen from the current findings.

D – Effects of FSP on reproductive hormonesAs seen in Table E, obesity caused reduction in all reproductive hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH). This is in accordance with a report by Davidson et al (2015). In the current study, FSP seemed able to revert the level of all three hormones to near normal.

The current study seems to be the only research which has looked into the potential of using strawberry in ameliorating obesity effect on sperm parameters. It is hence surmised here that FSP may confer as protection against obesity on lipid status and reproductive parameters in male.

References

To:1. Determine freeze dried strawberry powder effects

on lipid profiles of obese male rats2. Investigate freeze dried strawberry powder effects

on sperm parameters of obese male rats.

Professional Healthcare, Enhancing Life http://fsk.uitm.e

1. Giampieri F, Tulipani S, Alvarez-Suarez M, Mezzetti QB, Battino M. The strawberry: composition, nutritional quality, and impact on human health. Nutrition 2012; 28:9-19.2. McDougall, GJ, Kulkarni NN, & Stewart D. Berry polyphenols inhibit pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. Food Chemistry 2009; 115: 193–199.3.Gita Amini, Saeed Irian, Ahmad Majd, Sedigheh Mehrabian . Antoxidant effects of strawberry fruits at two penological stages. Journal of Herbal Drugs 2013; Vol 4, No 2, 63-68.4. Basu A, Wilkinson M, Penugonda A, Simmons B, Betts NM, Lyons TJ. FDSP improves lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation in women with metabolic syndrome: baseline and post-intervention effects. Nutrition Journal 2009; 8:435. Abdulazeez SS. Effects of freeze-dried Fragaria x ananassa powder on alloxan-induced diabetic complications in Wistar rats. J of Taibah University of Medical Sciences;9(4): 268–273.6. Abdulazzez SS. FDSP ameliorates alloxan induced hyperlipidaemia in diabetic rats. Biomedical Res. (2014), http://www.alliedacademies.org/6. Schroder KEE. Effects of fruit consumptions on body mass index and weight loss in a sample of overweight and obese dieters enrolled in a weight-loss intervention trial. Nutrition (2010). 26:727-7347. Bakos HW, Henshaw RC, Mitchell M, Lane M. Paternal body mass index is associated with decreased blastocyst development and reduced live birth rates following ART. Fertility Sterility (2010) doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.11.044 8. Binder NK, Sheedy JR,Hannan NJ,Gardner DK. Male obesity is associated with changed in spermatozoa Cox4il mRNA level and altered seminal vesicle fluid composition in a mouse model. Mol. Human Reprod (2015). 21(5):424-4349. Fernandoz CDB, Bellentani FF, Fernandez GSA, Perobelli JE, Favareto APA, Nascimento AF, Cicogna AC, Kempinas WDG. Diet-induced obesity in rats leads into reduced sperm motility. Reprod Biology & Endocrin (2011). 9:3210. Davidson LM, Millar K, Jones C, Muhammad Fatum & Coward K. Deleterious effects of obesity upon the hormonal and molecular mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis and male fertility. Human Fertility (2015).18(3):184-193

FREEZE-DRIED STRAWBERRY POWDER REDUCED LIPID PROFILES AND IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN OBESITY-INDUCED MALE RATS

Rozzana Mohd Said1, Nur Rohmah Suwandi2, Zulkhairi Amom1, Shamima Abdul Rahman3, Hamzah Fansuri Hassan1

1 Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300 Puncak Alam, Malaysia; 2STIKes AisyiyahBandung, West Java, Indonesia ; 3Depatment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CUCMS, Jln Teknokrat 3, Cyberjaya 4, Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Conclusion

Testosterone LH FSH

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Table 1: Composition of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Values per 50 g of the freeze-dried strawberry powder (10% fresh

weight)

Carbohydrates (g) 33.0Protein (g) 3.5Fat (g) 0.5Calories (kcal) 150.0Moisture (%) 10.0Ash (g) 3.17Vitamin C (mg) 109.0Total Phenolics (mg) 2006.0Total Anthocyanins (mg) 154.0Ellagic acid (mg) 41.0Phytosterols (mg) 50.0Total dietary fiber (%) 8.0

Period of treatment (weeks)

GroupsNCD HFD HFSP (3.4%)

HFD

and

FSP

trea

tmen

t per

iod

1 456.71 5.88 530.00 8.87a 524.29 4.89a

2 467.57 5.53 537.86 7.60a 529.43 6.40a

3 474.86 5.01 544.57 8.74a 533.86 9.01a

4 479.86 5.61 550.00 9.04a 538.29 10.47a

5 485.86 4.22 556.29 9.36a 546.86 10.42a

6 492.57 3.95 564.14 8.82a 555.00 9.70a

7 496.71 4.23 573.00 9.02a 561.00 9.71b

8 502.71 4.15 583.00 5.80a 566.57 9.54b

9 506.29 4.03 593.00 4.03a 572.14 9.92b

10 509.86 3.72 604.14 3.72a 577.00 9.31b

11 513.43 4.79 615.29 4.79a 583.43 10.01b

12 517.29 5.53 626.29 5.53a 594.00 10.08b

Serum levelsGroups

NCD HFD HFSP (3.4%)TG (after HFD induction)

mmol/L 0.64 0.12 1.42 0.18a 1.24 0.28a

TG (after FDSP treatment) mmol/L 0.84 0.24 2.00 0.23a 0.80 0.20

CH (after HFD induction) mmol/L 1.17 0.21 1.95 0.22a 1.70 0.57a

CH (after FDSP treatment) mmol/L 1.5 0.29 2.35 0.63a 1.5 0.41

35

36

Salihah Aidit, Yee Chang Soh, Chuan Seng Yap, Tahir M. Khan, Chin Fen Neoh, Shazwani Shaharuddin, Yaman W. Kassab, Rahul P. Patel and Long C. Ming

INTRODUCTIONAtrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes a significant public health problem and is considered the most common arrhythmia of clinical significance (Zubaid et al., 2013). AF patients with additional risk factors for ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism should be prescribed with chronic oral anticoagulants, of which warfarin remains the gold standard. Both local and international literature have pointed out the lack of proper standard treatment guidelines and recommendations regarding how to manage patients taking warfarin. The treatment is often complicated when patients are on dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients discharged from hospital with concomitant aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin are subjected to greater risk of bleeding events. Furthermore, patients’ outcomes can be affected by interactions of warfarin with food or traditional and complementary medicines. To the best of our knowledge, only one study so far has been conducted in Malaysia to evaluate pharmacists’ management of warfarin treatment, but this particular study did not evaluate the impact of the warfarin medication therapy adherence clinic (WMTAC) protocol, which was implemented in January 2013 (Thanimalai et al., 2013). The main aim of the study was to compare the international normalized ratio (INR) and percentage of time in therapeutic range (TTR) levels among a group of AF patients who received warfarin under usual medical care (UMC) before the Malaysian warfarin protocol was implemented, and among group of AF patients who received warfarin under the WMTAC after the implementation of the protocol. This study also aimed to determine the therapeutic outcomes (for example, the number of bleeding events) and interventions conducted by the WMTAC pharmacists

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using pre- versus post-WMTAC protocol design. AF patients who followed up in the warfarin clinics between 2009 and 2014 were considered and their medical records were retrieved. This study consisted of two groups:(1) Group 1 (pre-protocol group): patients were recruited from January 2009 until December 2012. This group consisted of patients who were initiated on warfarin under standard medical team management known as UMC before the WMTAC protocol was introduced. The warfarin clinic was mainly led by physicians and a referral to a pharmacist was only made when necessary.(2) Group 2 (post-protocol group): patients were recruited from January 2013 until December 2014, after implementation of the new Ministry of Health (MOH) WMTAC protocol. This group was managed by both pharmacists and physicians and called the WMTAC group. In this group, pharmacists were more involved, and have expanded role in patient education and counseling.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONCharacteristics of PatientsIn this study, 126 patients were recruited for UMC group, and 106 patients documented under WMTAC group. The Median (±IQR) age of patients was 66 (±10) years. Majority were Chinese (57%) and 53% were females.

INR and TTR Levels before and after starting the ProtocolDifferences in INR levels between pre- and post-protocol groups were tested using Mann–Whitney test (Table 1). Although INR level of WMTAC group is significantly higher than UMC group, the reported values were both within targeted INR range. To facilitate comparison between interventional groups, patients’ results in terms of TTR were divided into five groups (Table 2). TTR level was higher in WMTAC group, but was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the results showed an improvement in TTR group 61–80 increasing from 35.1 to 42.3%. In addition, TTR group 81–100 also showed a positive improvement as the TTR level improved from 21.9% to 39.1%. This result indicates a positive impact of pharmacist-managed WMTAC clinic. Connolly et al. (2008) reported that a minimum TTR of 60% is vital to achieve treatment benefit of warfarin. Patients who failed to achieve such target were documented to have significantly greater risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and systemic embolism event (White et al., 2007). Hence, the findings of current study show the benefits of pharmacists’ interventions in warfarin therapy. Young et al. (2011) stated that both models of care (UMC and pharmacist-led) may provide high-quality warfarin management, resulting in TTR of over 60% in both groups. Nonetheless, the results indicated that the patients from pharmacist care group have significantly greater TTR (73%) than UMC group (65%). The study also documented higher expanded TTR in pharmacist led group (p < 0.001). The warfarin therapy from this study was managed by delivering optimization of anticoagulation therapy using an evidence-based protocol developed by pharmacists (Young et al., 2011). Meanwhile, studies done previously (Witt et al., 2005; Young et al., 2011) have suggested that coordinated care and systemic approach in anticoagulation management lead to improved outcomes and reduced adverse events. Point-of-care INR clinic by pharmacists has also been reported to increase TTR significantly among warfarin patients (Rossiter et al., 2013).

Impact of Standardized Warfarin Treatment Protocol on Anticoagulant Effect

Crème de la crème

37

Table 1: Difference TTR & INR levels

UMC (n = 126) WMTAC (n = 106) p valueMean INR (SD) 2.09 (0.31) 2.18 (0.30) 0.04*Mean TTR (SD) 59.25 (20.74) 63.97 (19.41) 0.12

Mann–Whitney-testTable 2: Time in therapeutic range (TTR)

TTR reading (%) UMC (n =126) WMTAC (n = 106)

[Range 1 - 100]

1-20 17 (11.2) 15 (9.9)

21-40 33 (21.9) 39 (19.2)

41-60 51 (33.8) 42 (27.9)

61-80 53 (35.1) 64 (42.3)

81-100 33 (21.9) 59 (39.1)

Pharmacist’s RecommendationThe results showed that expanded therapeutic INR range was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.04. According to the WMTAC protocol, an expanded INR reading within 0.2 of the actual reading can be accepted without any complications. Similar expanded range has been used in other studies. In this study, a few interventions were included during consultation with patients during WMTAC, for example, pharmacists’ recommendation in terms of dosage adjustment, expanded therapeutic INR range, and missed doses for the past week detected during WMTAC. Pharmacists also counsel and monitor on drug–drug interactions, food interactions, and consumption of traditional medicine or supplements. Patients were educated with a list of green vegetables to eat and a list of several common traditional medicines or supplements. The results show the positive impact of pharmacists’ recommendations in the WMTAC, as the number of pharmacist recommendations accepted by the physician was significantly increased in the WMTAC compared to the UMC group (p = 0.01). The pharmacists involved in WMTAC use the warfarin protocol and have undergone training to learn about dosage adjustment. Adjustment is done on the spot after the patients’ INR is detected. Hence this method also reduces patients’ waiting time in the clinic.

Conclusion: There was a significant positive association between the pharmacist-led WMTAC and anticoagulation effect (therapeutic TTR, INR). The identified findings revealed that expanded role of pharmacist in pharmacist-managed warfarin therapy is beneficial to optimize the warfarin therapy. This study also highlighted the critical roles that pharmacists can actively play to ensure optimal anticoagulation pharmaceutical care.

References

1. Chugh SS, Havmoeller R, Narayanan K, et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: A global burden of disease 2010 study. Circulation 2014;129:837-847

2. Alonso A, Bengtson LG. A rising tide: The global epidemic of atrial fibrillation. Circulation 2014;129:829-8303. Razali Omar, Wee Siong Teo, David Foo, Chee Kok Han, Ahmad Nizar Jamaluddin, Lip Ping Low, Tiong Kiam Ong, Atrial Fibrillation in

Singapore and Malaysia: Current Trends and Future Prospects, Journal of Arrhythmia, Volume 27, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 171-185, doi.org/10.1016/S1880-4276(11)80042-6.

4. Wong JS, B R, A F, I R, Fong AY 2013 Prevalence of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation in Malaysian patients with hypertension. Med J Malaysia 68:141-143.

5. Ministry of Health (Malaysia) 2012 Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Practice Guideline Malaysia. Available from: http://www.moh.gov.my/attachments/8337.pdf. Accessed 22 May 2016.

6. Thanimalai S, Shafie AA, Hassali MA, Sinnadurai J 2013 Comparing effectiveness of two anticoagulation management models in a Malaysian tertiary hospital. Int J Clin Pharm 35:736-743.

7. Krska J, Jamieson D, Arris F, McGuire A, Abbott S, Hansford D, Cromarty J 2002 A classification system for issues identified in pharmaceutical care practice. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 10:91-100.

8. Rosendaal FR, Cannegieter SC, van der Meer FJ, Briet E 1993 A method to determine the optimal intensity of oral anticoagulant therapy. Thromb Haemost 69:236-239.

9. Poon IO, Lal L, Brown EN, Braun UK 2007 The impact of pharmacist-managed oral anticoagulation therapy in older veterans. J Clin Pharm Ther 32:21-29.

10. Rossiter J, Soor G, Telner D, Aliarzadeh B, Lake J 2013 A Pharmacist-Led Point-of-Care INR Clinic: Optimizing Care in a Family Health Team Setting. Int J Family Med 2013:691454.

38

Registration Fees

CategoryEarly Bird

Early Bird Combo*

Regular Regular Combo*After 1 May 2018 &

ONSITEPre-conference RM 200 - RM 200 -

Conference

Students (Local / International)

RM 200 RM 380 RM 250 RM 430

Delegates RM 300 RM 450 RM 350 RM 500International Delegates RM 450 RM 600 RM 500 RM 650

Post-conference Tour RM 100 RM 100 RM 100 RM 100* Combo ( Pre-Conference Fee + Conference Fee)

Who Should Attend?

• Undergraduates & postgraduates pharmacy students

• Provisionally registered pharmacists (PRPs) & fully registered pharmacists (FRPs) from hospitals and various fields

• Community & industrial pharmacists • Pharmaceutical, medical and life sciences

students & researchers• Manufacturing bioengineers• Halal industry partners & corporation• Cosmetics industry corporation

Pre-Conference Workshops(24 August 2018):

• Halal Pharmaceuticals• Clinical Pharmacy Preceptorship• Scientific Writing• Rodent Handling• Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Conference Highlights:

• Nanotechnology in Cosmeceuticals • Disaster Medicine• Personalised Medicine• Supercritical Fluid Technology • Complimentary Therapies in Oncology• Future Pharmacy Specialisation in Asia

Main Scientific Tracks:

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry• Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences• Pharmaceutical Technology & Industry• Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice

Challenging the Inquisitive Minds: Frontier of the Future

4TH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2018For Pharmacy Students and Young Graduates

25 - 26 AUGUST 2018CYBERJAYA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

(CUCMS)

For registration, visit our website at:

www.iprc2018.cybermed.edu.my www.facebook.com/prc.cucms secretariat.prc@cybermed.edu.my Notification of acceptance:

Within 14 days of abstract confirmation notification

Final Abstract Submission:1 JUNE 2018

iPRC2018 is a great platform for young pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students, graduates and new researchers to showcase their research and further heighten their interest in research. iPRC2018 will showcase current Asia and global pharmacy

developments and pharmacy practices.

Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Fukuoka University, Japan

Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia

Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

CO-ORGANIZERSORGANIZER

FACULTY OFPHARMACY

Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS)

SUPPORTED BY

39

RRC Roadshows: (4th & 5th Jan 2018)By: Hidayu binti Zainal Abidin

In light of the vision of making CUCMS a full-fledged university, research is undeniably important in advancing CUCMS to be world-renowned in academic excellence. In line with this, the Research Resources

Centre (RRC) organized an annual RRC Roadshow which aims to showcase the various opportunities and services offered by RRC and also to explain the role and contribution of each faculty, centre and departments in fulfilling the requirements of the MyRA exercise. This two slots session of briefing and question and answer session was held on 4 Jan to 5 Jan at Al-Razi Training Room with total number of 41participants.

RRC Highlights

40

Training Session for FRGS Internal Reviewers (2nd Feb 2018)By: Hidayu binti Zainal Abidin

FRGS Internal Reviewer is established to ensure that Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS) meets the highest standards of grant proposals and consistently supports the best projects. It will assess

grant applications in a timely manner through the MyGrants system, make objective and constructive recommendations for researchers to improve the quality of their research proposals, keep to the highest integrity and moral conduct in evaluating the research proposals, to ensure the confidentiality of the research proposals that are being evaluated and to declare any conflicts of interest that may exist during the evaluation of any research proposals.

On second February 2018, a special training has been run and guided by the experienced Prof. Dr. Rosnah Ismail. Seven appointed CUCMS FRGS Internal Reviewers attended the training.

41

Research Enhancement Workshop Series (REWS)

By: Hidayu binti Zainal Abidin

Grantsmanship is the art of acquiring peer-reviewed research funding. Grants provide money and other resources to aid and assist organizations in funding and completing projects that benefit the public. The skills that were taught in this workshop have cultivated the CUCMS academician to develop an effective grant proposal for use in applying for national and international grants. The honorable speakers for the 2 days’ workshop were Prof. Dr. Rosnah Ismail (CUCMS), Prof. Dr. Krishna Gopal Rampal (CUCMS), AP Dr. Muhammad Najib Mohamad Alwi (CUCMS), Prof. Dato.’ Dr. Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed (UiTM), Prof. Dr. Zamberi Sekawi (UPM) and Prof. Dr. Jamalludin Ab Rahman (IIUM).

03/2017:ESSENTIAL GRANTSMANSHIP(23rd & 24th NOVEMBER 2017)

42

CUCMS has adopted quality culture since 2010. Our journey started with ensuring quality of programs & accreditation, ISO certification and quality related trainings. Finally, monitoring and measuring progress are the natural steps to enhance quality processes.

Hence, this Employee of the Quarter award is designed to reward and motivate CUCMS staff in the course of their duties and for delivering exceptional services to our customers; essentially based on the specific quarter.

Winners for 3rd quarter of 2017 (July – September 2017) are as follows:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE

Mr. Noor Azli MustapaFaculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS)

Madam Munira Ishak @Mohamad Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS)

Winner for 4th quarter of 2017 (October - December 2017) are as follows:

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATIVE

Dr. Izyan Abdul WahabFaculty of Pharmacy (FOP)

Madam Azzey Dzufarzzyla IsmailQuality Management and Enhancement Centre (QuaMEC)

Employee of the Quarter AwardBy: Azhar Tajul Noor and Su Natasha Mohamad

3rd & 4th Quarter of 2017

43

Can you briefly introduce yourself (which includes your education and career path)

My name is Eldrina Binti Paimin, I was born in Hospital Keningau Sabah on 1981, Married with two daughters. I hold a Master in Education (Administration), University

Putra Malaysia in 2012 and Bachelor of Science, Finance (Hons.) from University Malaysia Sabah, 2004. I have 15 years working experience in the financial and accounting field. I have worked with Chartered Accountants as Audit & Accounts, Account Executive at University Tun Abdul Razak and my current position as an Senior Accounts Executive at Finance Department at Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences.

What is your role in the Finance Department?My role in the Finance department is Accounts Payable (AP), I am reporting to Senior Manager Finance for the preparation and payment cycle includes processing and monitoring payments and expenditures that result in the efficient and effective payment for goods and services received. This provides financial, administrative and executive support by ensuring payments are completed and expenses are controlled by receiving payments request, processing, verifying and reconciling invoices according to established policies and procedures in an efficient, timely and accurate manner. I am familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures, which rely on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

What is your day to day (typical day) work like? The most important thing on a daily basis is to open my email to get any information, news updates and payment inquires if any. Performing day to day management of all payment cycle activities and provide efficient vendor/client service. Receiving payment request, preparing the forecasting payment, checking the Payment Voucher prepared by Assistant Executive and ensuring supporting documents (i.e. invoices PRQ, Quo, PO, DO & PRF meet the University policies). Managing daily bank balances, Petty Cash, Staff Advance & clearance and others tasks related to my role in the finance department.

Can you share with us the most challenging aspect of being an Executive at Finance Department?The most challenging aspect as an Executive in finance is the difficulties to manage information in the AP area. AP activities obviously involve lots of documents and information. As a business grows, so does the number of documents and the problems that come with them. For one, the cost to store these documents increases with every single paper invoice. All these documents are challenging to access, manage, and track, often causing duplicate information, duplicate payments and lower financial transparency. Lack of control and visibility problems represent a lack of control and visibility into AP. Issues concerning compliance costs also force companies to focus on and increase their financial transparency in order to avoid fraud and ensure disclosure and audit requirements can be met.

If you have a chance to share your advice to CUCMS researchers regarding the finance process, what would it be?Effective accounts payable management requires the capability to manage corresponding documents and information. Because of this, minimizing the risk of losing documents, improving document search flexibility, and reducing the human resources needed for managing invoices and AP information are of interest to many organizations. Therefore, it is encouraged that for all who are doing any finance transactions that they do copies of all transactions to enable easy reference in the future.

How can we contact you to request for financial support services? Please feel free to call me on telephone 03-8313 7107 or contact by email eldrina@cybermed.edu.my , if you require any further information.

Personality focusEldrina Binti Paimin

Senior Accounts ExecutiveAccounts & Finance DepartmentCyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS)

Personality Focus

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VIVA VOCE21st December 2017

Centre for Graduate Studies has conducted Viva Voce examination. This examination was held on 21 December 2017. The candidate is Dr Rafidah Bahari registered in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Medical Sciences programme as a Part Time student in academic session 2011/2012 in Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS). Her research is “Development of a Novel Intervention Based Upon Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Approach for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Due to Motor Vehicle Accidents”. She was supervised by Dr. AP. Muhammad Bin Najib Mohamad Alwi (Main Supervisor), AP Dr. Muhammad Radhi Ahmad (Co-Supervisor) and AP Dr Ismail Saiboon (Field Supervisor). The examination panel that examined consisted of two external examiners, Prof. Dr. Amber Haque (UAE University, Al Ain UAE), Prof Dr Rahmatullah Khan Bin Abdul Wahab Khan (University of Sultan Idris Education (UPSI)). The internal Examiner was Prof. Dr. Abdul Hamid bin Abdul Rahman (CUCMS).

By: Ummi Nathrah Abdul Wadud

Postgraduate Column

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a modern prototypical approach to improved postgraduate research, education and training. By: Jahidul Islam Mohammad1, Md Mehdi Hasan2, Shayla Kabir3, Shahriar Jahan4.

A journal club can be delineated as a group of people who gathers regularly to discuss critically articles and journals in the contemporary literature. At present, the journal club is a communal educational tool and its role in contemporary medical education for postgraduate’s education is significant. In addition to enabling members to keep abreast of the current literature, a journal club is an important opportunity to facilitate the postgraduate students and faculties by providing the most current knowledge, training in critical decision making and gaining critical appraisal skills in term of research methodology, clinical epidemiology and statistics(1). In addition, it can be used to facilitate an evidence based approach to problem solving skills, as a tool for formulating guideline and to enable an exchange of insights regarding clinical and research problems. It also provides an opportunity for students, academic and professional for social interaction(2).

The objectives of the journal club are to keep up-to-date of the medical literature, which has prolonged greatly over recent years. Medical resource indexes comprise thousands of medical journals, with more than 400 000 articles added every year(3). So, to address the implication discussed earlier, Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science (CUCMS) continuously inspire the postgraduate students to attend the journal club organized by Center of Graduate Studies (CGS) for to facilitate an exchange of insights regarding research problems, enlightening guideline for continuous development tools, and practice evidence based approach to problem solving method in term of research and education. The identification of the research problem and formulation of the questions are directed by the students and guided by the mentor is the main focus of a journal club(4).

A traditional type of journal club methods adopted by various presenters where the student selects articles related to their research project and lecturer do (supervisor) critique, critical appraisal of the presentation. This process should be structured and conducted following the research objectives of the student using keywords and search filters; an information professional can often help to guide this procedure. Critical appraisal of the selected journal must be reviewed based on structured guidelines. It can be done either by checklist or by computer software(5).

Research problems are then discussed and then transformed into focused, answerable questions by defining the study design, population, intervention, possible comparison and outcome(6).

THE JOURNAL CLUB,

46

A freeze dryer is equipment used in freeze drying for preserving a wide variety of heat-sensitive products such as proteins, microbes, pharmaceutical, tissues and plasma. A freeze dryer is available in CUCMS laboratory for research purposes.

What is Freeze Drying?

Freeze drying has been used in a number of applications for many years. The freeze drying process is usually applied by food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to stabilize, store or increase the shelf life of sensitive biological materials. Freeze drying involves removal of water from sensitive biological products without damaging their chemical or physical structure. The process will allow the products to be preserved easily. The preserved products can be reconstituted later by adding water or solvents.

The modern freeze-drying process was developed during World War II as a method of preserving blood plasma for wounded soldiers which required no refrigeration or caused damage to the chemical structure of the plasma. The process was applied to the food industry after the end of the war and has evolved to other industries since then.

Freeze drying uses a process called lyophilization in order to lower the temperature of the product to below freezing. Then followed by a high-pressure vacuum to extract the water (in the form of vapor). The vapor collects on a condenser, returns to ice and is removed. Finally, a gradual temperature rise eliminates all remaining moisture from to the product. This process retains the physical structure and preserves the product for storage and/or transport purposes. It is an excellent process that is commonly used by industries or research for improving product stability, long-term preservation, product purification and sample preparation.

Advantages of Freeze Drying

� Preserve the sensitive, unstable or heat-sensitive materials without damaging their physical structure.

� Biological products can be handled easily without risk of contamination.

� Freeze dried products can be stored at ambient temperature.

� Transportation cost can be reduced as there is no need for refrigeration or conventional freezing.

**Conventional preservation methods can cause chemical or physical changes to the biological products which would cause a reduction in biological activity and this could render them ineffective.

Applications of Freeze Drying

� Food Industries y Fruits for breakfast cereals; coffee.

� Pharmaceutical Industries y Proteins, enzymes, hormones, vaccines.

� Research y Stabilization and storage of biological products for

R&D.

Biological Products Suitable for Freeze Drying � Vaccines and antibodies � Antibiotics � Blood plasma � Proteins � Enzymes � Hormones � Viruses and bacteria � Antioxidants � Algae � Active pharmaceutical ingredients � Pathological samples and cultures

Freeze Dryer

By: Intan Zarina Zainol AbidinFreeze DryerLab Profile

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#Library – BOOKS ON APPROVALThe selection of library resources is currently within the purview of librarians. Collection development in CUCMS Library involves various participants including the faculty in book selection, the library department in budget making and coordination of the book selection process, the university management in budgetary allocations, procurement department in facilitating the actual procurement, and book suppliers and publishers.

Books on Approval is normally handled by the Acquisitions Unit in the Library. Books on Approval activity is a collection development tool used by university libraries to build collections efficiently. Prior discussion with the supplier is essential which detailing the subject areas the library wishes to acquire.

PROCESS1. Discussion with supplier(s) on the arrangement.2. Supplier(s) display books to be selected by user.3. User (lecturer) selects book and fill up Books on Approval Form provided by CUCMS Library.4. Proceed with normal acquisitions process.5. Double check with Library OPAC and subscribed online database for availability of the material(s).6. For those titles not available, proceed with getting price quotation and management approval.7. Next, proceed with acquiring the required title(s)/material(s). 1st BOOKS ON APPROVAL ACTIVITY IN 2018Date : 8 February 2018Venue : CUCMS Foyer Area

By: Azhar Tajul Noor and Hawa Naimah Kamarudin

Library & Knowledge Management Centre

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Mark Your CalendarEd

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Dr. Wan Rosalina Wan RosliHead RMU

..........................................................................AP. Dr. Muhammad Najib Mohamed Alwi

Director, RRC ..........................................................................

Dr. (H) Faisal Mohammed Hanif Girach Lecturer, FTCM

..........................................................................Azhar Tajul NoorManager, Library

..........................................................................Farah Azizah Omar

Lecturer, CLGS..........................................................................

Su Natasha Mohamad Lecturer, FAHS

..........................................................................Dr. Siti Nurhafizah Saleeza Ramlee

Asst. Prof., FOSH..........................................................................

Dr. Norfaizatul Shalida OmarAsst. Prof., FOM

..........................................................................Dr. Intan Zarina Zainol AbidinSenior Research Officer, RRC..........................................................................

Dr Najwa MohamadAsst. Prof., FOP

..........................................................................Mr. Jeremy Bishop

Lecturer, CLGS..........................................................................

Norhafiza Abdul GhaniLecturer, CFS

..........................................................................Hidayu binti Zainal Abidin

Executive, RRC..........................................................................

Printing Frequency » Once every 4 months » 3 bulletins per annum

Cyberjaya University College of Medical SciencesNo. 3410, Jalan Teknokrat 3,Cyber 4, 63000, Cyberjaya,Selangor Darul Ehsan

Tel : +603 8313 7000Fax : +603 8313 7001Toll free : 1 800 88 28267

www.cybermed.edu.myresearchbulletin@cybermed.edu.my

Published and printed by:

AUG

8th Deadline submission CRGS Application

15th SCIRCIR Meeting

21st Call for CRERC Application

NB :

CRERC – CUCMS Research Ethics Review Committee

CRGS – CUCMS Research Grant Scheme

REWS – Research Enhancement Workshop Series

SCIRCIR – Senate Sub-Committee for Innovation, Research, Commercialization, and Industrial Relation

**Subject to change

AUG

MAY

2nd Deadline submission CRERC Application

16th 16th – CRERC Meeting

30th 30th – Call for CRGS Application

JUNE

20th Deadline submission CRGS Application

27th SCIRCIR Meeting

27th Call for CRERC Application

JULY

11th Deadline submission CRERC Application

20th - 22nd REWS 02/2018

25th CRERC Meeting Call for CRERC Application

25th Call for CRGS Application

MAY

JUNE

JULY