No abstract

Micro-CT is one of the best modalities in assessing bone morphology and microarchitecture in small animal models. Voxel size is directly related to the image resolution as it influences the bone morphology results. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of t different thicknesses of structures on the trabecular bone qualitative parameters. It was also to find out the most appropriate voxel size when scanning a certain or specific body part with different thicknesses. Five BALB-C breed mice carcasses were scanned using two different voxel sizes of 18 and 35 µm. The scanning acquisition times were recorded to be compared and the trabecular bone parameters measurements were taken. Both trabecular number and trabecular separation were increased in thicker structures meanwhile bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness values were inconsistent with the increment of the structure thickness. The bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness and trabecular separation were higher in larger voxel size and vice versa for trabecular number. The scanning acquisition time has no apparent correlation with the trabecular bone parameters. The thickness of the bone structure did affect trabecular number and trabecular separation significantly but less affecting bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness. All trabecular bone parameters were found affected by the size of scanning voxel size used. The usage of 35 µm voxel was more recommended than 18 µm to save time and give out less radiation dose to specimen unless the detailed features of the trabecular pattern was very important.

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the procedures used to identify breast cancer. It is a straightforward, low-cost, and non-invasive procedure that allows women to inspect their breasts to discover suspicious lumps regularly. Health Sciences students should have sufficient knowledge and good practice to serve as role models and future instructors to the public. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE among female Health Sciences final-year students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 205 students. Results: 42% of students performed BSE monthly, 74% had good knowledge, and 99% had positive attitudes. Programme course (p=0.001) and BSE included in the curriculum (p=0.008) were significantly related to the level of BSE knowledge of students. While the practice of BSE was significantly related to age (p=0.031) and BSE is included in the curriculum (p=0.002). Students agreed that lack of technical knowledge is the main reason they did not perform the BSE. The practice of BSE among the female final year students is inadequate despite most of them having good knowledge and attitude towards BSE. Conclusion: The findings suggested the necessity to strengthen the dissemination of BSE knowledge in public health education and teaching-learning programmes for university students.

Electronic learning (e-learning) has become an integral part of education in line with the rapid advancement of technology. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 had caused the educational institution to shift from traditional learning to e-learning to ensure continuation of learning activities. This shift in learning approach may affect the students' performance if they were not prepared to embrace the changes especially for the newly enrolled students. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the readiness and attitude of newly enrolled, undergraduate medical imaging (MI) students toward e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 81 newly-enrolled, undergraduate MI students participated in this study. Information on socio-demographic factors, attitude and readiness on e-learning were acquired using an online self-administered questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. Majority of the newly enrolled MI students have average readiness (61%, n = 49) and less positive attitude (61%, n = 49) towards e-learning. Age, gender and internet connectivity were found to be correlated with student's readiness. Furthermore, there is significantly positive, very strong correlation between readiness and attitude toward e-learning (p < 0.05, v = 0.359). The result of this study, in summary, is that newly enrolled, undergraduate students had an average readiness and less positive attitude.