SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world since its discovery in China, and Malaysia is no exception. WGS has been a crucial approach in studying the evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in the ongoing pandemic. Despite considerable number of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID and NCBI databases, there is still scarcity of data from Malaysia. This study aims to report new Malaysian lineages of the virus, responsible for the sustained spikes in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic. Patients with nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs confirmed COVID-19 positive by real-time RT-PCR with CT value < 25 were chosen for WGS. The selected SARS-CoV-2 isolates were then sequenced, characterized and analyzed along with 986 sequences of the dominant lineages of D614G variants currently circulating throughout Malaysia. The prevalence of clade GH and G formed strong ground for the presence of two Malaysian lineages of AU.2 and B.1.524 that has caused sustained spikes of cases in the country. Statistical analysis on the association of gender and age group with Malaysian lineages revealed a significant association (p <0.05). Phylogenetic analysis revealed dispersion of 41 lineages, of these, 22 lineages are still active. Mutational analysis showed presence of unique G1223C missense mutation in transmembrane domain of the spike protein. For better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Malaysia especially with reference to the reported lineages, large scale studies based on WGS are warranted.

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Building condition is an important issue in all over the world to enhance safety, health and sustainability of built environment. The objective of this study is to determine the most frequent causes of building failures in order to avoid the building from collapses, cracks and so on. The collection of data has been done among the engineers, workers and public. The questionnaire was distributed among engineers, contractors and public with 100 respondents. This survey focuses on two main parts of the safety which are building design and building management. The building designs are divided into four main criteria which are building structure, service design, building fitting and hazard environment. Meanwhile, the item of building management is focused on the management criteria. Results are analysed using statistical approach. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to evaluate the efficiency of the models' fitness and goodness. The survey shows that all criteria are importantly needed in maintaining the safety of building after completing the contraction process.

Multiple linear regressions (MLR) model is an important tool for investigating relationships between several response variables and some predictor variables. This method is very powerful and commonly used in finance, economic, medical, agriculture and many more. The main objective of this paper is to compare mean square error (MSE) and the average width between alternative linear regression models and linear regression model. The alternative method in this study is a combination of four methods, namely multiple linear regression method, the bootstrap method, a robust regression method and fuzzy regression through the construction of algorithms by using SAS software. Typically, the alternative method optimized by minimizing the mean square error (MSE) and average width. The results of the study showed a positive improvement for the estimation of parameters generated through these alternative methods

The obturation quality of GuttaFlow Bioseal in curved root canals is not commonly investigated although there has been a current approach toward utilizing this material in extracted molars in recent years. This study assessed the obturated surface area, extrusion of root filling material beyond the apical foramen and duration of obturation procedure in curved root canals using monocone obturation technique. Access cavity was prepared in 20 human mandibular molars. Root canals with curvature of more than 10 as determined according to Schneider’s method were included. Samples were prepared using Hyflex CM rotary files and divided into two groups (n=10): Group 1 [gutta-percha cone and GuttaFlow Bioseal] and Group 2 [gutta-percha cone and RoekoSeal Automix root canal sealer]. The duration of obturation procedure was recorded and obturation radiographs were taken. Samples were bisected and the mesial roots were sectioned horizontally to obtain 3 root segments; apical, middle and coronal. All resected roots were mounted on brass stubs, sputter-coated with thin platinum coating and observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 70x magnification. The SEM images were transferred to the SketchAndCalc Area Calculator software. No statistically significant differences in the obturated surface area and extrusion of root filling material were observed between Group 1 and 2, irrespective of the status of root canal curvature. Duration for obturation in severe root canal curvatures between Group 1 and 2 were statistically significant. Obturated surface area and extrusion of root filling material were not affected by the root canal curvature, however duration for obturation using GuttaFlow Bioseal in severe root canal curvatures was slightly longer.