Editorial Board - Faculty - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Editorial
Board
ADVISOR:
PROF. IR. DR. SHEIKH HUSSAIN
SHAIKH SALLEH
CHIEF EDITOR:
DR. MALARVILI BALAKRISHNAN
MEMBERS:
MOHD NAZRI BAJURI
MOHD REDZUAN JAMALUDIN
NASTASHA MD NASSIR
CHAN TECK KENG
GRAPHIC:
MOHD REDZUAN JAMALUDIN
MOHD NAZRI BAJURI
CAMERAMAN:
HAIROL AKMAL JAWAHIR
Words from the
Chief Editor
With the grace and blessings from God, the editorial board
of FKBSK proudly presents its first bulletin. As the chief editor, I
would like to thank the management board of FKBSK for giving me
and my team this honorable opportunity. I also would like to take
this opportunity to thank all the editorial members for successfully
completing this first bulletin.
In our first bulletin, we would like to give information related
to the establishment of this faculty, as well as brief profile of the
staff. The major task of this first bulletin is to briefly report major
happenings and current researches conducted at the faculty .
Lastly, I would like to thank all the contributors who willingly
supported the whole process of establishing this first bulletin
NAZRI BAJURI
REDZUAN JAMALUDIN
Dr. Malarvili Balakrishnan
23 December 2008
NASTASHA
2
CHAN TECK KENG
BULLETIN FKBSK
WELCOME
Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Allah SWT for the
blessing so that we can continue our lives and carry out our responsible towards our beloved Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Faculty of Biomedical & Health Science Engineering (FKBSK) is a newly established faculty in UTM to champion the teachings and research in biomedical sciences and engineering. The faculty offers innovative Biomedical Engineering programs for both undergraduates and post-graduates (masters program) with a balance course in Biomedical & Health
Science Engineering , and a special emphasis on clinical and industrial applications. Publication of this bulletin is to become the major forces to promote the latest information, innovation, activities, future planning and etc related to FKBSK. Through this bulletin, FKBSK
is confident that the reader will get the latest information and news about the faculty.
Our major tasks and challenges now, in order to stay relevant and always ahead, are publishing and adjusting our academic programs, researches focus and innovations to the
global trend which is increasingly dependent on accuracy, safety, relevant cost and efficacy
of medical modalities. Those trends require a paradigm shift in focus for our teaching and
research. With our expertise in interdisciplinary approach of medical and engineering, we
are moving fast to capture the opportunity to make a critical difference through innovations and also educating the leaders of tomorrow. This step is important to fulfill the Key
performance Index (KPI) of the faculty so that the objective of university which is to become Research University or APEX University is accomplished.
Last but not least, hoping that UTM and the country as a whole would be fully equipped
with the manpower and technologies in this emerging and demanding field of engineering.
SELAMAT DATANG
Pertama sekali, saya mengambil kesempatan ini untuk memanjatkan kesyukuran ke hadrat Illahii kerana dengan limpah kurniaNya dapat kita meneruskan kehidupan dan melaksanakan tanggungjawab kita kepada Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Fakulti Kejuruteraan Bioperubatan dan Sains Kesihatan (FKBSK) adalah sebuah fakulti
di UTM yang baru ditubuhkan untuk menerajui bidang pengajaran dan kajian dalam
sains bioperubatan dan kejuruteraan. Fakulti ini menawarkan program kejuruteraan
bioperubatan dan sains kesihatan yang seimbang untuk pra-siswazah dan pascasiswazah, yang memberi penekanan terhadap aplikasi klinikal dan industri. Penerbitan
buletin ini merupakan satu usaha untuk mempromosi informasi, inovasi, dan aktiviti
terkini serta perancangan di masa hadapan dan segala perkara yang berkaitan dengan
FKBSK. Melalui buletin ini juga, para pembaca boleh mendapat informasi terkini agar
mereka sentiasa didedahkan dengan isu-isu semasa dunia.
Kini, cabaran kami adalah untuk memperbaiki mutu program akademik dan bidang
kajian supaya setanding dengan tren global. Unsur-usur tadi berkait rapat dengan ketepatan, keselamatan, kos yang bersesuaian dan kelancaran modaliti-modaliti perubatan.
Kesemua unsur tersebut memerlukan anjakan paradigma untuk pengajaran dan kajian.
Dengan pengalaman kami dalam pendekatan terhadap perubatan dan kajian, kami dapat
bergerak aktif untuk mendapatkan peluang untuk memberikan perubahan dalam kemudahn klinikal melalui pelbagai inovasi dan mendidik bakal pemimpin negara. Langkah
ini amat penting bagi mencapai objektif KPI fakulti supaya matlamat universiti iaitu
untuk meningkatkan keupayaan universiti dari universiti berfokus yang diklasifikasikan
oleh pihak KPT ke arah universiti penyelidikan mahupun universiti APEX tercapai.
Akhir kata, saya berharap agar UTM dan negara secara keseluruhannya akan diperkukuhkan dengan tenaga kerja dan teknologi dalam bidang ini yang semakin mendapat
tempat dan permintaan yang meningkat.
BULLETIN FKBSK
3
The 28th August 2007 marked another day in history for UTM
when the Ministry of Higher Education approved the establishment of a new faculty, the Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science Engineering (FKBSK).
The paperwork for the new faculty was prepared by the pioneering committee
selected from various faculties with expertise in the field of biomedical engineering and health science. All the hardwork and determination finally paid off with
the approval of the first ever faculty in Malaysia with engineering specialization
in health care. Prof. Ir. Dr. Sheikh Hussain Shaikh Salleh has been appointed as
the Dean whilst Prof. Dr. Jasmy Yunus as the Deputy Dean.
UTM has already started one program in biomedical engineering with its first
intake of 27 students in July 2005. The program is currently handled by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and will be fully transferred to the new faculty
once the first phase of the faculty building is completed. The academic staff involved in this program comes from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and several lecturers from the
medical field.
Three more undergraduate programs and one Master program by coursework will be
offered in the near future. The Master program will introduce the concept of clustering, where students are given the choice of five clusters - Biomechanics & Biomedical
Materials, Medical Imaging & Radiology, Instrumentation & Biosignal Processing,
Therapy & Rehabilitation, and Health Care Management System. In conjunction with
this, the postgraduate studies by research paperwork for Masters and PhD degrees
had been prepared for submission.
The new faculty consists of four departments, one centre of excellence, and centre for medical diagnostics. The four departments are
the Department of Biomechanics and Biomedical Materials, Department of Instrumentation and Signal Processing, Department of
Clinical Science and Engineering, and Department of Therapy and
Rehabilitation.
These departments were carefully selected by the pioneering committee as they represent the major components in the field of Biomedical Engineering. Furthermore,
UTM had experts in these fields that would allow proper development in the respective fields of specializations.
Biomedical instrumentation is a branch of biomedical engineering dedicated to the
advancement of technologies for diagnosis and therapy. Some of the equipment related to this field includes the electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor the electrical activities of the heart, and electroencephalogram (EEG) for brain monitoring.
As most of us knew, clinical science is a field of study involving medical principles
using controlled procedures to evaluate results. Clinical engineering, on the other
hand, supports and advances patient care through engineering and managerial theories. The integration of the two provides an impetus for the development of state-of-the-art medical and health-care technologies.
4
BULLETIN FKBSK
Therapy and rehabilitation are other important aspects in health science where treatments are carried out to restore or improve the patients‟ health and functionality.
Another area in biomedical engineering that is central to the development of health care services is biomechanics and biomedical materials. The field includes the development of medical devices and implants to restore functions of human organs. In orthopedic sciences
and craniofacial reconstruction, the developments of biocompatible
materials coupled with advanced mechanics have resulted in prosthetic devices and implants which have substantially improved survival rate.
The new faculty already has a centre of excellence, the
Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBE). Research at
the centre involves hearing screening, sign language,
speech therapy and rehabilitation, with numerous
awards been won at various international conventions.
The new faculty building will also has a high-tech Auditorium block
fully equipped and complete with wireless access to the internet. The
block will become another landmark in the area consisting of a large
theatre, several large seminar halls, lecture theatres, tutorial rooms,
computer labs, a large resource centre, a prayer room, and several cafes
which can cater for 800 students at any particular time.
The block will be the most demanding section of the faculty where all student activities are located - lectures,
tutorials, tests, exams, presentations, and student societies. During semester breaks, the entire auditorium
block can be turned completely into an international
convention centre. With its prime location at Taman
Universiti and its surrounding amenities, the auditorium
block will be an attractive place to hold conventions,
symposiums or conferences.
The establishment of the Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science
Engineering in UTM has been long overdue, as world class universities
throughout the world have boasted their achievements in biomedical
sciences and engineering.
In addition, developed nations spent billions of dollars into research
and development in this field. The new faculty has undeniably sealed
BULLETIN FKBSK
5
In order to extend the effective and mutually
beneficial cooperation and develop academic and cultural exchange in education, research and other areas,
FKBSK (UTM) and University of Saarland agreed to
cooperate towards the internationalization of higher
education. The areas of cooperation will include any
programs offered at either university which is felt to
promote the above mentioned goals. The related areas
are as follows:

Biomedical Engineering.

Biotechnology

Nanotechnology

Mathematics and Computer Science.
However, any specific program are subjected to
mutual consent, availability of funds and the approval
of both universities. Such program include;
 Exchange of faculty members.

Exchange of students (undergraduates and postgraduates).

Collaborative research projects.

Joint conferences.

Collaborative teaching projects.

Exchange of information, publication and materials
for academic purposes.

Exchange cultural program.
At this moment, FKBSK in collaboration with
Ministry of Health (Malaysia) and Computational Diagnostic Biocybernetics Unit-University of Saarland
(Germany) has a project entitled ‘Developing an Effective Model of Newborn Hearing Survey based on ABR
Technology’.
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BULLETIN FKBSK
Briefing on Newborn Hearing by Hospital Sultanah Aminah
specialist to Prof Sheikh Hussain (middle) and delegates
from Germany, Dr. Danial J. Strauss (left) and Dr. Wolfganq
Delb(right)
CENTRE FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
The Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBE), part of the Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, is at the
fore-front of research and education in Biomedical Engineering. Established in
2004, CBE stands at the forefront of the university‟s aspiration of being a research
university or discovery university by the year 2010. CBE has established a close
relation with Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as well as Universiti
Teknologi Mara as collaborative partners to remain at par with the development of
medical and medicine technology around the globe.
IR. DR. ENG EKO
SUPRIYANTO
DR YUSOF
IR DR
MOHAMMED RAFIQ
CBE established itself early as a particularly distinctive element in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The expertise in biomedical signal processing found within
the University is complemented by a range of top-class research institutes including
the SIRIM, MIMOS and other renowned research centre. Biomedical Engineering
in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has also proved extremely successful in combination with other disciplines. Examples of such fruitful interdisciplinary co-operations
include power disturbance analysis, speech processing, speech synthesis and linguistic, athletic training and performance verification and cognitive science.
DR MALARVILI
Electrocardiogram Signal Analysis
DR. ABDUL HAFIDZ
Speech Signal Processing
DR. ADEELA
Speech Therapy
Power Quality Analysis
MR MOHD NAJEB
MR TAN TIAN SWEE
Newborn Hearing Screening
AHMAD KAMARUL
ARIF IBRAHIM
KAMARULAFIZAM
ISMAIL
MOHD HAFIZI
OMAR
MOHD RUSYAIDIN
MOHAMED
MUHAMMAD ASRAF
MANSOR
RONISHAM
SEALI
TING CHEE MING
BULLETIN FKBSK
ZAMRI MOHD
ZIN
7
Ir. Dr Eng. Eko Supriyanto
He is currently leading a group research named CLEANER which is
stand for Clinical Engineering and Application Research group. The areas of research are clinical study and investigation, medical imaging, early intervention,
medical therapeutic and health care management. Some of the projects have received prestigious award. His project entitles „Early Intervention Support System
for Special Children-Elissa” received Best of the Best Award at Malaysia Innovator
Award 2007. Besides that, his also received Best Paper Award at Conference on
Manufacturing and Electronics Technology, 2008 with the project entitles „A Low
Cost RFID Reader”. And the latest one, his project entitles „A Novel Low Cost
Ultrasound Sonoimprometer‟ has awarded with gold medal at National Research
and Innovation Competition 2008.
Until now, the group has obtained 2 UTM grants, 4 MOSTI grants and 1
MOHE grants with total fund more than RM 1 Million. Five tested prototypes, 3
patent applications, 5 awards as well as some journal and conference papers are the
main group achievements.
Some research projects at this time are Breast Imaging, Fetal Imaging,
Bone Imaging, Ultrasound for Fat Reduction, Glucose in Urine Measurement, Mobile Telemedicine, Prenatal Management System, and Early Intervention Support
System for Special Children.
„A Novel Low Cost Ultrasound
Early Intervention Support System
for Special Children-Elissa
A Polymer Based Ultrasound
Power Meter
MOLECULAR IMAGING
GENETIC ENGINEERING
IMAGE GUIDED
THERAPEUTIC
UBIQUITOUS PATIENT MONITORING
INTELLIGENT TRAINER
Future research direction of this group
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BULLETIN FKBSK
Ir. Dr. Mohammed Rafiq bin Dato’ Abdul Kadir
The Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (Bio-TEG) was established in August 2006 by its founder, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Rafiq bin Dato‟ Abdul Kadir, to champion the research, development and commercialization in the
field of biomechanics and biomedical materials. The group consists of four research units – orthopaedics & craniofacial, cardiovascular & cardiothoracic, biomedical materials & manufacturing, and biomedical computing & imaging. The
group strongly believed in the value multidisciplinary pursuits where engineering
techniques and technologies from various disciplines are utilized to address the
needs within the medical sector. Fellows attached to the group come from various faculties – Dr. Nazri Kamsah (FKM), Dr. Kahar Osman (FKM), Assoc. Prof.
Dr. Mohd Hasbullah Idris (FKM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fadzilah Adibah Abdul Majid
(FKKKSA), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mat Uzir Wahit (FKKKSA), and Dr. Habibollah
Haron (FSKSM).
Current research area in orthopaedics and craniofacial includes implants development for Asian population, artificial bone substitution and human joint tribology. Cardiovascular and cardiothoracic research includes stenting technology for
various diseases, drug delivery system, and advanced surgical techniques. In the
area of materials and manufacturing, research includes the development of bioactive composite, magnesium-based biodegradable material, and surface coating and
texture. A number of researchers are also looking at various developments of
three dimensional imaging modalities such as MRI, CT Scan and ultrasound.
3D model of the lumbar vertebra L3 with a prototype artificial intervertebral disc.
A FESEM image of a ceramic
foam which has cancellous-like
structure as a scaffold for stem cells
A rectangularly tapered hip
stem modeled inside a human femur to simulate hip
arthroplasty (left) and the
A rectangularly tapered hip
stem modeled inside a human femur to simulate hip
A cancellous bone
structure reconstructed
BULLETIN FKBSK
9
Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Hafidz Hj. Omar
He is the project leader for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Group. His research areas include Sports and Fitness, Sports Massage, Leadership in Organization, Sport Culture and
Coaching. He published seven textbooks for Malaysia Secondary and Primary school.
BLOW BALL: MULTI-GAMES BREATHING EXERCISE TO INCREASE LUNG CAPACITY AND MAXIMUM OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (VO2MAX)
A „Smart Multi-games‟ to encourage players to control and exercise breathing technique. It helps to increase cardio-respiratory system performance
with digital sensor attached to a blow pipe. Multi-games breathing exercise
blow ball use the principle of soccer, carom, snooker, billiards and lawn
bowl. Blow ball as an entertaining game while performing many breathing
techniques such as shallow, deep, fast or slow breathing while blowing the ball
into the target. Digital sensor attached to evaluate the forced expiratory capacity of each blow that gives informative feedback instantly.
LOW-COST AUTOMATED DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR U.K.J.K.
This system is based on the manual Ujian Kecergasan Jasmani Kebangsaan (U.K.J.K) that has been widely used in Malaysian school. A person
only needs a single 4-pins removable memory device to store his ID,
name and data. The data collected from other stations can also be
stored into the system. Data can be transferred through existing power line of wireless network from each station to a computer and saved in a networked database for references.
HAJJ AND UMRAH PILGRIMAGE SIMULATION STUDIO:
FITNESS, ENERGY AND NUTRITION MONITORING SYSTEM
Hajj is compulsory for all Muslim. It‟s a physically challenging journey.
Therefore, individual fitness is one of the important preparations in order to
perform this ritual duty perfectly. Until today, there is no systematic fitnesstraining, testing and evaluation program for those who plan to perform Hajj.
This simulation program will also be a bonus for teachers teaching “Hajj and
Umrah” in the subject of Pendidikan Islam. Teaching with Hajj and Umrah
with simulation will attract students‟ attention and secure a lasting understanding. Systematic fitness-training, testing and evaluation program for those who
plan to perform Hajj. Teaching using software with simulation can be attractive. This practical approach will reinforce student‟s understandings of the topic.
10
BULLETIN FKBSK
STAFF
PROFILE
FKBSK Bulletin publishes the profile of selected FKBSK staff for each of its
publication. For this publication, we publish the profile of Dr. Malarvili
Balakrishnan.
Current Research
Name: Dr. Malarvili Balakrishnan
Development of Heart Rate Variability based Clinical Decision Support System
using Time-Frequency Approach
Qualificatons:
400
A computer assisted system is proposed by utilizing the heart rate
variability (HRV) to help the medical
practitioners diagnose early changes
in Autonomic Nervous System. Time
-frequency signal analysis is used to
analyze the HRV as it suits the na0.1-0.05-0.2
ture of HRV which is non-stationary. Time signal
BEng (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
350
Time (secs)
300
2001)
250
MEng —Biomedical Signal processing
200
150
(Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2004)
100
PhD– Medical Sciences
50
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
PSD
Normalized Frequency (Hz)
(School of Medicine, The University of
10
Queensland, Australia,2008)
2
Development of QT Dispersion Algorithm as an Automatic Predictor of Sudden
Cardiac Death (Heart Attack)
The project is aimed to develop an algorithm
to compute QT dispersion (QTd)
comprised with graphical user interface for
diagnosis of heart disease in particular sudden cardiac death or better known as heart
attack.
Area of research:
Physiological signal processing, Pattern
Recognition with an emphasis on biomedical applications, Time-frequency
signal analysis, Multi-modal signal
processing, Computer aided medical
diagnosis system, Biomedical data acquisition
Time-Frequency Analysis of Heart Rate
Variability for Neonatal Seizure Detection
There are a number of automatic techniques available for detecting epileptic
seizures using solely electroencephalogram (EEG), which has been the primary
diagnosis tool in newborns. Results of ongoing time-frequency
BULLETIN FKBSK
11
OFFICIAL VISIT BY
Y.B. DATUK DR. ADHAM BIN BABA
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY
MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
December 2008
Picture: Demo of current
research at FKBSK by researchers to Dr. Adham Baba
Picture: Official ceremony of cabin
handing over by to FKBSK Dean.
The cabin is a temporary solution to
accommodate the increasing number of staff
HANDING OVER OF CABIN
TO DEAN OF FKBSK
October 2008
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BULLETIN FKBSK
ENGINEERING ACC
SEMINAR,
Picture: Students of FKBSK
listening to speech regarding
bachelor and masters program
by Dean and Assoc. Dean of
FKBSK
STUDENT-STAFF MEETING
22 October 2008
Picture: Briefing on EAC
documentation by Prof. Ir.
Fatimah Bt. Mohd Nor to
FKBSK staff
CREDITATION COUNCIL
, 6 November 2008
Picture: FKBSK staff enjoying
potluck delicacies
EID FITR
CELEBRATION 2008
BULLETIN FKBSK
13
The International Summer School on Signal Processing
and Its Application (ISSSPA) is a series of summer school
program dedicated to signal processing research. It is a forum that gathers well known experts, lecturers, researchers
and PhD students from various universities and industrial
groups involved in the development of new applications of
Digital Signal Processing (DSP). The first ISSSPA took place
at Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algiers 2004. The second
at the University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem 2005,
the third at the University of Jijel 2006 and the fourth at the
Boumerdes University 2007.
For the 2008 session, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
through Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science Engineering together with Faculty of Electrical Engineering and International Symposium on Signal Processing and Its Application (ISSSPA) steering committee proudly host the 5th
ISSSPA in Malaysia from June 18 - 19, 2008. Lectures were
conducted by Prof. Maamar Bettayeb and Prof. Karim AbedMeraim from University of Sharjah, U.A.E,
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BULLETIN FKBSK
Areas of interest include topics such as :
• Satellite, Radar & Sonar processing
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• Signal Processing in Geophysics (Seismic Sig
nal Processing, Petroleum Prospecting)
• Stochastic Processes in Power Systems
• VLSI for Signal & Image Processing
• Signal Processing Using Neural Networks
• Biomedical Signal & Image Processing
• Biometric Systems & Security
• Image Processing
• Filtering, Segmentation, Classification
• Time Frequency Signal Processing
• DSP for Telecommunications, and
the applications are oriented toward the above mentioned
fields.
Academic staffs and researchers from FKBSK had
organized a trip to the Spastic School Johor at 38,
Jalan Dato Menteri, 80100 Johor Bahru on 12th November 2008.
The main objective of the trip is to seek opportunities for future collaboration projects in helping the
special children diagnosed with Cerebral palsy (CP)
problems. CP is a non-progressive brain damage
resulting in the disorder of movement and posture.
Thus, a child diagnosed with CP has an obvious
motor disability.
The trainee from the Spastic School had guided the
FKBSK team for a tour around the school. Facilities
visited were the workshop room, the physiotherapy
room, occupational therapy, speech therapy room,
and the primary school classroom. The FKBSK
team was impressed by the explanation given by the
trainee on the activities and needs of the school. The
school requires more support from universities on
designing custom made equipments and tools specifically for the students.
the discussion, a preliminary conclusion had been
identified on the possible research collaboration.
The FKBSK will start to transfer current related
ongoing projects such as „early intervention project‟ and „speech therapy project‟ as the start up
project for the Spastic School. The Dean of
FKBSK had agreed to have another tour to visit
the Singapore Spastic School. The objective is to
explore the high-tech custom made equipments
utilized there and seek for other research groups
from different faculties for further collaboration
work. Since this is a charity work and requires time,
effort and financial commitment, the Dean plans
to address this matter to higher management in
UTM for their support. Personel that is interested
to contribute in the research project for helping the
Spastic School may contact FKBSK .
By: Benjamin Pinto
After the tour, a meeting was held between FKBSK
team and the spastic school management. It was
initiated by the introduction of multimedia presentation from the spastic school secretary. The following event was the welcoming speech from the Chairperson of the Spastic School, Yang Mulia Tunku
Yan Nazihah Bte Tunku Laxamana Nasir, as she
addressed the appreciation upon the visit of
FKBSK. Then, the Dean of FKBSK, Prof. Ir. Dr.
Sheikh Hussain Shaikh Salleh gave his speech upon
the related research at FKBSK. Later, the meeting
was continued by the demonstration of various related project by FKBSK researchers.
After the demo, the Dean, FKBSK lecturers, the
Spastic School‟s chairman, secretary, and committee
members had further discussion on the possibility of
collaboration. During
BULLETIN FKBSK
15
The 20th century has seen
the emergence of hospital as the
centre of a technologically sophisticated health care system. This technological innovation which drives
medical care came about from significant contributions of professionals with engineering background.
These biomedical engineers have
unique expertise and they are often
needed to bridge traditional engineering skills into conventional
medical practices. They have become intimately involved in the design and development of devices and
techniques for the diagnosis and
treatment of patients. They are now
considered as part of medical teams
seeking new solutions for the challenging health care problems confronting our society.. Since the
growth of the field of medicine
through Ibn Sina and his masterpiece Al-Qanun fit-Tib (Code of Laws
in Medicine), health care system
mainly comprised of the physician,
his education, and his “utility bag”.
This system has changed at the turn
of the 20th century through rapid
advancements that took place in the
engineering and applied sciences.
The chain reaction of discoveries in
medical sciences started with the
discovery of x-rays in 1895 by
Wilhelm Roentgen. Through advancement of radiological materials
thirty years later, almost all organ
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BULLETIN FKBSK
systems of the body could be visual- The development of complex surgiized via x-ray radiographs.
cal procedures followed the estabFor the first time in history, lishment of these surgical suites,
accurate diagnosis of various injuries with the first heart lung by-pass perand diseases had been made possi- formed in 1939. By 1940s, medical
ble. It was a turning point for the technologies have played a decisive
health care institutions from a pas- role in almost all medical procesive place for the sick and disabled dures.
to an active, technologically adFollowing World War II,
vanced modern hospital as we seen the development of medical devices
today.
and implants accelerated and the
In 1903, Willem Einthoven medical profession benefited indevised the first instrument for tensely from this rapid surge of techscreening and diagnosis of cardio- nological finds. Among these are
vascular diseases by measuring the the developments of new prosthetic
electrical potential of the heart using devices and artificial organs to ima galvanometer. His invention, the prove the quality of life of the diselectrocardiograph, opened up a new abled. In orthopaedic sciences in
age in both electrical engineering and particular, the improvement in the
cardiovascular medicine. In the mid survival rate of endosseus implants
1930s, an active chemical agent have been significant due to the adcalled sulfanilamide was introduced. vancements in materials and meTogether with the discovery of a chanics to suit the nature of bone
powerful antibiotic called penicillin adapting to its external environment.
by Thomas Fleming, the danger of
cross-infection in hospitals was
greatly reduced. Until then, surgeries were so prohibitive due to excessive rate of mortality due to infection. 1930s also seen the full development of blood banks when technology allowed feasible refrigeration
of anticoagulated blood.
This bone adaptation – a situation where bones
remodel themselves according to external mechanical stimuli – has been reported by Ibn Sina in his fourth book of
Al-Qanun fit-Tib under a treatise entitled: “Fracture as a
whole”. However, only from recent technological advances
in three-dimensional imaging modalities, computer technology, modern mechanics and the availability of advanced
engineered materials could this knowledge of bone adaptation be put to good use. Reconstruction of internal organs
and virtual simulations of bone adapting to stresses and
strains have helped in the design of an implant that is appropriately suited to bone‟s external physiological loadings.
The study for improved joint articulation has also
been intense. Analyses on the effects of the physiological
environment have enhanced predictive modeling of implant
components through evaluation of fatigue properties and
accelerated wear mechanisms.
However, finding suitable materials as a substitute
to the articular cartilage and the naturally occurring synovial
lubrication is no easy task. Various combinations of materials (metal-on-metal, metal-on-polymer, metal-on-ceramic,
and ceramic-on-ceramic) have been tried with varying degrees of success. As wear particles from these materials are
detrimental to osseointegration – the intimate relationship
between bone and foreign material – intensive research is
currently ongoing to enhance wear properties of suitable
substitute materials. Recently, polyurethane-elastomer layers have been found effective in reducing friction by improving the lubrication mechanisms, which results in reduced wear and increased service life.
Along with the advancement in musculoskeletal
system biomechanics, research and development of cardiovascular system has also received much attention. The basic principles of pulmonary circulation which was first explained by Ibn Al-Nafis about 800 years ago have recently
being simulated in an effort to better treat patients diagnosed with heart abnormalities. The field of bio-fluid mechanics emerged, with vascular prosthesis and heart valves
some of the outcomes directly related to research of this
nature. Together with the capability of accurate diagnosis
of heart disease through advanced medical procedure such
as cardiac catheterization and angiography, a new era of
cardiac and vascular surgery was established.
Advances in biocompatible materials, both synthetic and natural, have found applications in soft tissue
replacement and in hard tissue repair. The success of hy-
droxyapatite – a calcium phosphate based material which
share similar characteristics to bone mineral – in promoting
bone growth into skeletal sites have been profound. Together with the current technology for constructing materials with cancellous-like structure, these materials found application as bone grafts – substitute materials for replacing
bone tissue in a defect. Further refinements in its structural, mechanical and biological performance are currently
under way to extend its use in load bearing applications.
Second generation biomaterials are now being developed with the aim of creating fully functioning organs
through the incorporation of stem cells into bioactive ceramics or biodegradable polymeric porous scaffolds. Following the growth of the cells in vitro, the living composite
is then transplanted into the diseased or abnormal site. As
the porous scaffold degrades over time, the embedded stem
cells will generate specific tissues depending on the site
where the composite is being transplanted. The scaffold
must therefore have a balance between mechanical and
mass transport properties. It must have adequate strength
initially to survive the harsh environment inside human
body, and has a properly designed porosity to allow smooth
biological delivery for regeneration of natural tissues. Balancing the two parameters proved to be a challenging task,
as improvement in one would compromise the other.
However, recent advances in computational topology design (CTD) as well as rapid prototyping (RP) have made it
possible to construct scaffolds with optimised architecture.
A deep understanding of the relationships between processing, microstructure, properties and biological response is
the key for advancing these biological composites to new
limits.
The impact of technological discoveries on medical
sciences has been intense. The health care systems worldwide have transformed from a passive institution into a
technologically sophisticated centre of excellence with technical and clinical staff operating the latest medical gadgets.
Biomedical engineers have played a significant role to this
advancement and will continue to play a major role in reshaping the future of medicine and health care systems.
By :
Engr. Dr. Mohammed Rafiq bin Dato‟ Abdul Kadir
BULLETIN FKBSK
17
FKBSK STAFF
(ACADEMIC)
Prof. Ir. Dr. Sheikh
Hussain Shaikh Salleh
-Dean .
-Area of Research:
Signal Processing
- Qualification:
Assoc. Prof Dr Rosbi b
Mamat
- Senior lecturer
- Head Department of Biomedical Instrumentation and
Signal Processing.
- Area of Research: Artificial
Intelligence & Advanced
Microprocessor System
- Qualification:
Teknologi Malaysia)
 B.Eng. (Bridgeport, US)
 Ph.D (Sheffield, UK)
 M.Eng (Sheffield, UK)
 B.Eng (Wales, UK)
Prof. Dr. Jasmy Yunus
- Deputy Dean
- Area of Research:
Rehabilitation Engineering,
Speech Therapy, Medical
Electronics
- Qualification:
 Ph.D(Kent, U.K.)
 M.Sc. (Kent, U.K.)
 B.Sc. (Leeds, U.K.)
Ir. Dr. -Ing. Eko Supri- - Qualification:
yanto
 Ph.D(Hamburg,Germany)
- Senior lecturer
 M.Eng(Institut Teknologi
- Area of Research:
Bandung, Indonesia)
Medical Electronics, Medical
Imaging, Clinical Engineer
 B.Eng. (Institut Teknologi
ing
Bandung, Indonesia).
Ir Dr. Mohammed Rafiq b. - Qualification:
Dato' Abd Kadir
 Ph.D.(Imperial College
- Senior lecturer.
London)
- Area of Research:

M.Sc (Imperial College
Biomechanics, Biomaterial,
London)
Bioengineering.
 B.Eng (Imperial College,
Assoc. Professor Dr. Abdul
Hafidz bin Hj. Omar
- Senior Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Sports Rehabilitation &
Training, Rehabilitation
Engineering, Sports Injury
Dr. Malarvili Balakrishnan
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Physiological signal process
ing.
- Qualification:
Dr. Yusof Omar
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Occupational Safety
Management.
 M. Sc (UKM)
 M.D. (UKM)
Dr. Adeela Arooj
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Qualification:
Dr. Jeong Jinsoo
- Senior Lecturer .
- Area of Research:
Noise cancellation &
Speech Enhancement.
 B.Eng (Busan)
 M.Eng (New York Univer-
Mr. Tan Tian Swee
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Biomedical Signal Process
ing, Speech Processing,
Medical Electronics.
Mr. Syed Mohd Nooh Bin
Syed Omar
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Medical imaging, Medical
Therapeutic, Clinical
Engineering.
Mr. Najeb b Jamaludin.
- Tutor
- Area of Research:
Data Acquisition System,
Signal Electronics Design,
Biomedical Signal Process
ing.
Arief Ruhullah b A. Haris
- Tutor
- Area of Research:
Sport Science, Medical
Electronics, Biomedical
Signal Processing
18
 Ph.D. (Edinburgh, U.K.)
 M.Sc.(Universiti
 Ph.D (The University of
Queensland, Australia)
 M.Eng (UTM)
 B.Eng (UTM)
 MBBS Lahore, Pakistan .
& Sports Psychology
- Qualification:
 PhD (UTM)
 MSc (Tulsa, USA)
 BSc (Tulsa, USA)
- Qualification:
- Qualification:
sity)
 Ph.D (Massey University)
- Qualification:
Mr Akram Gasmelseed
- Qualification:
Abdalla Mukhtar
 M.Sc (Budapest, Hun- Lecturer
gary).
- Area of Research:

BSc (Budapest, Hungary)
Medical Electronics, Medical
Computing .
- Qualification:
Mr Lukman Hakim Ismail
- Lecturer
- Area of Research:
Clinical Engineering,
Healthcare Management.
- Qualification:
Maheza Irna Mohamad
Salim
-Tutor
- Area of Research:
Medical Imaging
- Qualification:
 B.Eng (UTM)
 M.Eng (UTM)
 B. Eng (Tokyo Denki
University, Japan)
 MSc (Tokyo Denki University, Japan)
- Qualification:
 M.Eng (UTM)
 B.Eng (UTM)
- Qualification:
 BEng. (UTM)
 MEng (UTM)
BULLETIN FKBSK
 M.Mngt (UTM)
 B. Sc (UKM)
 PhD (UTM)
 B. Eng (UM)
FKBSK STAFF
(ADMINISTRATION)
Tn Hj Mokhtar bin Kader
Saripah Rabiah
Hamidah Hassan
Aizat bin Jamil
Deputy Registrar
Dean Personal Assistant
Clerk
Clerk
Aisah bte Salleh
Hairol Akmal bin Jawahir
Clerk
Technician
Masliyana bte. Khalid
Clerk
Megat Mohd Shahimi
Noh
Office Assistant
BULLETIN FKBSK
19
DID YOU KNOW?
1.
A study by researcher Frank Hu and the Harvard School of Public
Health found that women who snore are at an increased risk of
high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
2.
3.
Did you know that you can actually die from a broken heart? Studies
have shown that people who had experienced great loss or sadness
can develop cracks in their heart which could lead to death.
The short-term memory capacity for most people is between five and
nine items or digits. This is one reason that phone numbers were kept
to seven digits for so long.
RIDDLES
Reading with the lights off
Sergi and Sally where sitting in their family room one night. While Sergi was watching
T.V his wife Sally was reading. All of a sudden the power went out and Sergi decided
to go to bed, but Sally kept on reading.
With no use of artificial light, Sally kept on reading. How?
» ANSWER
Sally was blind... she was reading a book by Braille.
How Can This Be?
A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally,
she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner
together.
How can this be?
» ANSWER
The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry.
Filling the room
An old man wanted to leave all of his money to one of his three sons, but he didn't know
which one he should give it to. He gave each of them a few coins and told them to buy
something that would be able to fill their living room. The first man bought straw, but
there was not enough to fill the room. The second bought some sticks, but they still did
not fill the room. The third man bought two things that filled the room, so he obtained his
father's fortune.
What were the two things that the man bought?
» ANSWER
BULLETIN FKBSK
20
The wise son bought a candle and a box of matches. After lighting the
candle, the light filled the entire room.