a b s t r a c tThe total isoflavones in tempeh and selected local soy products was determined. Raw tempeh contained 26 ± 6 mg daidzein (Da) and 28 ± 11 mg genestein (Ge) while fried tempeh contained 35 ± 11 mg Da and 31 ± 11 mg Ge in 100 g (wet basis). Total isoflavone content in 100 g of raw tempeh, based on a dry weight, was 205 ± 56 mg and significantly reduced to 113 ± 41 mg in 100 g of fried tempeh. Tempeh in batter was deep-fried for 30 min which reduced 45% of the total isoflavone content compared to the raw one. Raw tempeh contained the highest total content of isoflavone among the studied local soy products. Total isoflavone content in processed soy foods like egg tofu and home made soybean drink were significantly lower than other soy products studied.

Background: Sugar is widely consumed in Malaysia, and the excessive intake of sugar has been associated with cognitive functions. However, the association between sugar intake and cognitive impairment among Malaysian older adults is yet to be determined. Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between types and sources of sugar intake and cognitive functions and to identify their risk in predicting cognitive impairment (MMSE score <24). Subjects and methods: A total of 1,209 subjects aged ≥60 years were recruited through multi-stage random sampling from selected states in Malaysia. Dietary intake was derived using a 7-day dietary history questionnaire and supplemented with a quantitative food frequency questionnaire for added sugar intake. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment as defined by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) less than 24 was 31.9%, while the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was 13.1%. The median (IQR) for total sugar intake was 44.60 g/day (26.21–68.81) or 8 tsp, and free sugar intake was 33.08 g/day (17.48–57.26) or 6 tsp. The higher intake of total sugars, free sugars, sucrose, lactose, sugar-sweetened beverages, sugar-sweetened cakes, and dessert was found to be significantly associated with a lower MMSE score, after adjusting for covariates. On the other hand, the consumption of cooked dishes and fruits was significantly associated with a better MMSE score. The adjusted OR for risk of cognitive impairment (MMSE score <24) was 3.30 (95% CI 2.15–5.08) for total sugars and 3.58 (95% CI 2.32–5.52) for free sugars, comparing the highest with the lowest intake percentiles. Conclusion: Excessive sugar consumption among older adults showed a notable association with poor cognitive functions, but longitudinal studies and clinical trials are further needed to clarify the direction of causality and to investigate the underlying mechanism.

Acute awareness of environmental problems following continuous environmental deterioration drives growing SMEs to adopt green purchasing practices. SMEs are recognized as the main source of environmental risk and bottleneck in adopting green purchasing practices. This is mainly due to SMEs are lack of information and resources or expertise to deal with the environmental issues. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing green purchasing adoption for EMS IS0 14001 SMEs in Malaysia. A cross-sectional approach using survey was conducted among all the EMS 14001 certified SMEs listed under the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) 2012 directory. A research model been proposed as supported with stakeholders theory. The research model comprises of green purchasing adoption as a dependent variable while government regulations, customer pressures, top management support, supplier relationship and perceived benefits as independent variables and corporate social responsibility as moderating variable. Results show that only government regulations, customer pressures and perceived benefits were found to be positively and significantly influencing green purchasing adoption for SMEs in Malaysia. Limitations and suggestion for future research are discussed.Keywords: Green Purchasing Adoption; SMEs; Malaysia..

Hypertension is a worldwide problem and a major global health burden with high salt intake as one of the factors often related to it. Public exposure to a high salt diet has contributed to the increase in prevalence of hypertension among the Malaysian population. Improving the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to salt intake is a key component of effective blood pressure control. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the association of KAP of healthy salt intake toward blood pressure among the elderly residing in a semi urban area of Klang Valley Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted among Malay elderly, aged 60–81 years old residing in Bandar Baru Bangi. Subjects were required to answer the questionnaire via face to face interview regarding KAP of Salt Intake, together with sociodemographic and health profiles. Anthropometry parameters and blood pressure were measured. A total of 94 elderly [57.5% women with mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 26. 46 ± 4.16, 42.5% men with mean BMI of 27.31 ± 5.19] have participated in the study. Results indicated that the overall KAP score was average (57.4%). However, majority showed a positive attitude toward reducing the salt intake. BMI was found to have significant correlation with blood pressure (r = 0.278, p &lt; 0.05). Higher education level was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) associated with good knowledge scores while younger subjects have a positive attitude toward healthy intake of salt (p &lt; 0.05). Subjects with higher knowledge scores were also observed to have the more controlled blood pressure compared to those who scored less. Attitude and practices score showed no significance difference (p &gt; 0.05) with blood pressure. Younger age, higher level of education and living partner or elderly was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Overall, this study showed that knowledge toward healthy salt intake, BMI, education level, and living with others were significantly associated with the blood pressure among the elderly. Further education and intervention is required to improve knowledge on healthy salt intake among elderly as part of the prevention from hypertension.