Concerns toward Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in office building tend to risen since most people spend their working hours
indoors compare to outdoors. Exposure to indoor pollutants is a considerable problem. Therefore, there is a need to monitor IAQ in
order to deter further air quality deterioration in the workplace. The objective of this study is to determine the level of IAQ parameter
in selected academic office. The important IAQ parameters considered in this study were the air temperature, air velocity, relative
humidity, CO2, CO, TVOC, formaldehyde and respirable particulate matter. Measurements were conducted using commercial IAQ
instruments. From the study it was found that the levels of TVOC and respirable particulate matter were higher than the recommended
limit during photocopying activities. The formaldehyde, CO2 and CO level were observed to be acceptable for an office based on
Industry code of practice on indoor air quality (ICOP-IAQ 2010). Results shows that the temperature and air velocity are located at
acceptable value of 22-25 ºC and 0.1-0.1 m/s. Findings also show high relative humidity that exceeded the requirement level of 40%-
70%. Detail investigations are needed in order to provide certain guidance in improvement of IAQ conditions in office environment.
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is required to absorbed the chemical and at the same time to maintain the air quality. This
study is purposed to create new design of LEV system that believe can remove air contaminants in the chemical store buildings. This
research was conducted using two (2) types of LEV system which are 4 air-inlets LEV (type 1) and 3 air-inlets LEV (type 2). That LEV
has been simulated using ANSYS FLUENT software for their air flow performances. LEV material and the cost of production were
considered parameter for fabricating and effectiveness of LEV system. Results show that air velocity in LEV type 1 was gradually
uniform throughout its ducting network but it increased at the 90º bend section with a maximum air velocity of 31.054 m/s. In the LEV
type 2, the air flow simulations depicted uniformity velocity values of 8.12 m/s, 8.58 m/s and 7.69 m/s at every inlet respectively. The
finding suggests that LEV type 2 was more efficient compared to LEV type 1 due to increasing streamline air velocity.
Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to strenuous physical activities. This study aims to determine the prevalence
of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), analyse the body postural risks related to work tasks and identify relevant MSS risk factors
among pineapple plantation workers. This was a cross-sectional study performed at a pineapple plantation in Johor in 2016. MSS,
information on socio-demographic background and occupational history were collected via structured questionnaires. Identification
and risk assessment of ergonomic hazard and postural risk analysis were performed for a subset of workers. Data were entered into
statistical software and analyse according to relevant objectives. A total of 108 workers participated in this study. The prevalence
of MSS was 87.0% and was highest for the lower back (64.8%). In terms of ergonomic hazards, Harvesting were categorised as a
task with the highest risk. Harvesting was also the task with the highest postural risk. From the multivariate analysis, lower back
pain is mainly contributed by a working tenure of 10 to 25 years (Odds Ratio, OR: 3.90; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.05-14.4) and
more than 25 years (OR: 7.45 (95% CI 1.26 to 44.0). Workers who worked more than 7-hour daily have a higher risk for reporting
lower back pain. Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to excessive bending, twisting and carrying of heavy loads that may be
linked to MSS. Effective preventive strategies are required to address MSS in this population in order to minimize risk for subsequent
musculoskeletal disorders.
Computer work is common at shared service centres and employees are exposed to risk of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Although employees at this service centre had already been advised to complete an ergonomics self assessment using a checklist and
consult an occupational health doctor if symptomatic, almost half participants responded they were either unaware or unsure of the
company’s ergonomics self assessment checklist and all did not mention consulting an occupational health doctor if symptomatic.Most
participants had at least one musculoskeletal symptom. The main location of musculoskeletal symptom reported was shoulder, neck
and lower back. This was consistent with main location of musculoskeletal symptoms reported due to work which were shoulder, neck
and lower back. Most of the musculoskeletal symptoms affected wellbeing at work and almost half were at least moderately severe.
The incorrect posture often observed were: upper arm not close to body, shoulder not relaxed and hand not in-line with forearm..
The musculoskeletal symptoms reported were consistent with observation of incorrect posture. There is an urgent need to enhance the
effectiveness of the ergonomics program at this service centre.
A cross sectional study was conducted among tea plantation workers in Cameron Highlands from July to December 2006 to study the prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with it. One hundred and six tea plantation field workers participated in the study. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Time motion studies were also conducted for 3 different job categories. The prevalence of back pain experienced throughout their work in the plantation was 81.1% and the prevalence of low
back pain experienced in the past 12 months was 64.2%. Feeling the need to work as fast as possible was a significant predictor of low back pain and increased the risk by 3.5 times, therefore it is suggested that both the management and workers give serious attention to this particular aspect to reduce the incidence of low back pain.
MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors*; Prevalence; Low Back Pain*
Psoriasis is an incurable autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal red, itchy and scaly skin. This work examined the modulation of inflammation, hyperproliferation and immune cell markers following topical application of fish oil (FO) in comparison to the antipsoriatic agents, betamethasone dipropionate (BD) and salicylic acid (SA), to GsdmA3(Dfl)/+ mice, a hair loss mutant which also exhibits epidermal hyperproliferation akin to psoriasis. The mice were dosed with 100 mg of the test formulation and after 10 days, the mice were sacrificed, skin sections excised and subjected to immunohistochemical determination of COX-2, K17 and MAC-1; and immunofluorescence of Ki-67. Unchanged expression of the proinflammatory enzyme COX-2 was observed in all treatments, suggesting the noninvolvement of COX-2 in the aetiology of cutaneous aberration seen in GsdmA3(Dfl)/+ mice. Intense staining of K17 and MAC-1 in the FO-treated group mirrored the epidermal thickening seen observed in live mice by optical coherence tomography (OCT). The ratio of Ki-67-positive nuclei per 100 basal cells indicated that hyperproliferation of keratinocytes occurred in FO-treated mice and the opposite was true for BD-treated mice. There was a positive correlation (R (2) 0.995) between Ki-67 and the epidermal thickness data observed previously. In all immunochemical procedures, the combined BD, SA and FO formulation did not show any significant difference with the control group, reflecting observations seen previously. In conclusion, the epidermal changes observed following topical FO treatment on GsdmA3(Dfl)/+ mice involves an increase in cellular proliferation and macrophages, although COX-2 does not appear to play an important role.
MeSH terms: Alopecia; Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Betamethasone; Epidermis; Fish Oils; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Inflammation; Macrophages; Psoriasis; Staining and Labeling; Keratinocytes; Salicylic Acid; Control Groups; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Cell Proliferation; Mice
Two human parvoviruses were recently discovered by metagenomics in Africa, bufavirus (BuV) in 2012 and tusavirus (TuV) in 2014. These viruses have been studied exclusively by PCR in stool and detected only in patients with diarrhoea, although at low prevalence. Three genotypes of BuV have been identified. We detected, by in-house EIA, BuV1-3 IgG antibodies in 7/228 children (3.1%) and 10/180 adults (5.6%), whereas TuV IgG was found in one child (0.4%). All children and 91% of the adults were Finnish, yet interestingly 3/6 adults of Indian origin were BuV-IgG positive. By competition EIA, no cross-reactivity between the BuVs was detected, indicating that the BuV genotypes represent distinct serotypes. Furthermore, we analysed by BuV qPCR stool and nasal swab samples from 955 children with gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, or both, and found BuV DNA in three stools (0.3%) and for the first time in a nasal swab (0.1%). This is the first study documenting the presence of BuV and TuV antibodies in humans. Although the seroprevalences of both viruses were low in Finland, our results indicate that BuV infections might be widespread in Asia. The BuV-specific humoral immune responses appeared to be strong and long-lasting, pointing to systemic infection in humans.
Herbal-based slimming products which are consumed orally may be contaminated with heavy metals as well as
microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the safety level of these slimming products by determining heavy metals
and microbial contamination in different batch production. Six different brands of herbal-based slimming products (A, B,
C, G, H and I) with three different batch productions (1, 2 and 3) were investigated (n =18). Five heavy metals Arsenic,
Cadmium, Chromium, Copper and Zinc were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
(ICP-MS). The presence of microorganisms was determined by total aerobic count and the bacteria were identified. The
samples’ moisture content was determined by calculating the percentage of water loss after drying process. All batches
of samples A and B had high content of zinc, over the permissible level of 5ppm while, 6 samples contained Chromium
above the permissible level (1.5 ppm). All 3 batches of sample A presented with the highest total daily intake of heavy
metals. Bacteria were present in all the samples tested with the highest numbers in samples G, H and A followed by
B, I and C. The highest number of fungi was found in product A while product I was free from fungal contamination.
Aspergillus spp. was the predominant fungus present in the samples. There was a weak correlation between moisture
content and bacteria (r = 0.087) and fungal (r = 0.253) presence in the samples. As some herbal slimming products
contain heavy metals as well as microorganisms, consumers need to be more vigilant and discerning when selecting
products to be consumed.
In the present study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of Schiff base complex, [N-(3,5-dichloro-2-oxidobenzylidene)-4-chlorobenzyhydrazidato](o-methylbenzyl)aquatin(IV) chloride, and C1 on MDA-MB-231 cells and derived breast cancer stem cells from MDA-MB-231 cells. The acute toxicity experiment with compound C1 revealed no cytotoxic effects on rats. Fluorescent microscopic studies using Acridine Orange/Propidium Iodide (AO/PI) staining and flow cytometric analysis using an Annexin V probe confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in C1-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Compound C1 triggered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) releases in treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The Cellomics High Content Screening (HCS) analysis showed the induction of intrinsic pathways in treated MDA-MB-231 cells, and a luminescence assay revealed significant increases in caspase 9 and 3/7 activity. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis showed that compound C1 induced G0/G1 arrest in treated MDA-MB-231 cells. Real time PCR and western blot analysis revealed the upregulation of the Bax protein and the downregulation of the Bcl-2 and HSP70 proteins. Additionally, this study revealed the suppressive effect of compound C1 against breast CSCs and its ability to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate the chemotherapeutic properties of compound C1 against breast cancer cells and derived breast cancer stem cells, suggesting that the anticancer capabilities of this compound should be clinically assessed.
MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy*; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*; Breast Neoplasms/pathology; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Female; Humans; Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism; Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism*; Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology; Apoptosis/drug effects*; Cell Line, Tumor
Our aim is to study the inflammatory response towards the collagen-coated and non-coated polypropylene meshes in rats and the urodynamic investigation post-operatively. Forty-two female Sprague Dawley were divided into 7 groups of 6 rats; Control, Day 7 and 30 for Sham, Avaulta Plus (MPC), Perigee (MP). UDS were taken at days 7 and 30. Mesh with the vagina and bladder wall was removed and sent for immunohistochemical examination. Results showed intense inflammatory reaction on day 7 in the study groups which decreased on day 30. IL-1, TNF-α, MMP-2 and CD31 were observed to decrease from day 7 to day 30. NGF was almost normal on day 30 in all groups. UDS showed no difference in voiding pressure. Both Study and Sham groups had shorter voiding interval (VI) on day 7 but significantly lower in MPC. VI had significantly increased on day 30 in all groups. Voided volume was significantly lower in the mesh groups even when an increase was seen on day 30. In conclusion, the higher levels of IL-1, TNF-α and MMP-2 in collagen-coated polypropylene mesh imply greater inflammation than the non-coated polypropylene mesh. Mesh implantation can lead to shorter voiding interval and smaller bladder capacity.
Universal health coverage is a key health target in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that has the means to link equitable social and economic development. As a concept firmly based on equity, it is widely accepted at international and national levels as important for populations to attain 'health for all' especially for marginalised groups. However, implementing universal coverage has been fraught with challenges and the increasing privatisation of health care provision adds to the challenge because it is being implemented in a health system that rests on a property regime that promotes inequality. This paper asks the question, 'What does an equitable health system look like?' rather than the usual 'How do you make the existing health system more equitable?' Using an ethnographic approach, the authors explored via interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation a health system that uses the commons approach such as which exists with indigenous peoples and found features that helped make the system intrinsically equitable. Based on these features, the paper proposes an alternative basis to organise universal health coverage that will better ensure equity in health systems and ultimately contribute to meeting the SDGs.
MeSH terms: Anthropology, Cultural; Conservation of Natural Resources; Goals; Privatization; Rest; Socioeconomic Factors; Focus Groups; Universal Coverage; Economic Development
In this paper, we report a compact and ultra-wide band antenna on a flexible substrate using the 5-(4-(perfluorohexyl)phenyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde compound for microwave imaging. In contrast to other microwave based imaging systems, such as an array of 16 antennas, we proposed a bi-static radar based imaging system consisting of two omnidirectional antennas, which reduces complexity and the overall dimension. The proposed compact antennas are 20 × 14 mm2 and designed for operating at frequencies from 4 to 6 GHz. To allow for implantation into a bra, the electromagnetic performances of the antennas must be considered in bending conditions. In comparison with the recently reported flexible antennas, we demonstrated both electromagnetic performance and imaging reconstruction for bending conditions. For the proof of concept, the electromagnetic performances both at flat and bending conditions have been verified using a homogeneous multilayer model of the human breast phantom. Our results demonstrate that the antenna, even at bending conditions, exhibits an excellent omni-directional radiation pattern with an average efficiency above 70% and average gain above 1 dBi, within the operational frequency band. The comprehensive aim of the realized antenna is to design a biodegradable and wearable antenna-based bra for early breast cancer detection in the future.
The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of supervisory relationship on supervision satisfaction among trainee counselors. The Supervisory Relationship Questionnaire (SRQ) is to measure the supervisory relationship and Supervisory Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) is used to measure supervision satisfaction. The finding shows that supervisory relationship and its subscales (Safe Base, Structure, Commitment, Reflective Education, Role Model and Formative Feedback) have a positively significant relationship with supervision satisfaction among trainee counselors (safe base: r = 0.73, p < 0.05, structure: r = 0.65, p < 0.05, commitment: r = 0.69, p < .05, reflective education: r = 0.70, p < 0.05, role model: r = 0.51, p < 0.05, formative feedback: r = 0.71, p < 0.05 and supervisory relationship: r = 0.79, p < 0.05). The findings of this research also found that supervisory relationship, safe base and role model variables have significant influence on supervision satisfaction among trainee counselors with F (1, 98) = 169.59, p < 0.05, Adjusted R2 = 0.63 for supervisory relationship variable, F (3, 96) = 68.68, p < 0.05, Adjusted R2 = 67 for safe base variable and F (2, 97) = 96.47, p < 0.05, Adjusted R2 = 0.65 for role model variable. Supervisory relationship variable has the greatest influence (β = .79) while role model variable has the least influence (β = - 0.28) on supervision satisfaction. As for the theoretical implication, the finding of this research has proven Marina Palomo’s theoretical framework in ‘Bi-directional Model of the Supervisory Relationship’. Meanwhile in practical implication, this research has raised awareness on the importance of supervisory relationship on supervision satisfaction in counseling supervision.
The media has a powerful ability to influence and shape society’s perceptions towards people with disabilities. The portrayal of individuals with disabilities within the media can often have an enormous impact on the way that are perceived by viewers. In Malaysia, people with disabilities are frequently viewed as pitiful, thus medias are more likely to use the element of sympathy in order to garner support from its targeted audience. The focus of this article is on the portrayal of people with disabilities in a popular television series in Malaysia, Kerana Cintaku Saerah (Because of My Love, Saerah) through the analysis of; self-acceptance by the characters with disabilities, family and society’s acceptance, and disability stereotypes in the Malay society. The findings revealed the ideation of how people with disabilities are treated, as well as exhibits disability stereotypes that exist in the Malay society.
Launching a hotline service is just one stage in the process of dealing with customers. Crucial to meeting its objectives is the development of human resources to imple-ment the hotline. This is to ensure that quality and standard are demonstrated in or-der to justify its existence. This paper presents the findings and reflection of an ac-tion research intervention to improve the Hotline Complaint Service of a local au-thority, the Kuching City South Council in Sarawak, Malaysia. The action research process in this study involved five mini cycles of planning, acting, observing and reflecting. Visits, participant observations, interviews and questionnaires were used in the data collection process. The data were analyzed using content analysis, and the findings validated through triangulation methods. The findings suggest that there was still room for improvement in the Council’s Complaint Service. An on-the-job experience for the hotline staff was implemented during which a guideline called the “13 Basic Principles in Effective Telephone Handling”; a “Handbook” on services provided by the Public Cleansing Division; and “Form A” were created and imple-mented. This study shows that action research is an important component of human resource development interventions that provides employees the opportunity to ac-quire the knowledge and skills through on-the-job experience to improve their per-formance and enhance the efficiency and productivity of their organization.
This study aims to determine the relationship between non-financial compensation factors and employees retention in a selected hotel industry. A survey methodology was used in this study. A total of 120 questionnaires were administered to employees who are currently working in the hotel industry. Using the Pearson’s Correlation analysis test, this study analysed the relationship between employees retention and financial compensation factors which include opportunities for training and promotion, job challenges, recognition and the working environment. Multiple Linear Regression was used to determine the dominant factor that contributes to retention of employees. The results revealed that there was a significant relationship between the factors and employees retention. The results indicated that the working environment is the most dominant factor that contributes to employees retention.
Perceived work environment could be described as the opinions and attitudes of workers towards their work condition. Elements of perceived work environment such as physical environment, supportive work environment, and perceived work tasks may possibly be important factors that influence the occurrence of accidents. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived work environment and the occurrence of accidents within an electronic manufacturing industry in Kuching, Sarawak. A cross-sectional survey utilizing a bilingual self-report questionnaire was conducted to garner data from 50 workers. Independent t-test and Pearson moment correlation were used to assess data. The results indicated that the occurrence of accidents was not affected by age group. Although physical environment and perceived work tasks did not demonstrate significant relationships with the occurrence of accidents, supportive work environment exhibited a significant inverse relationship, thereby indicating that accidents could be lowered in the presence of higher supportive work environment. Thus, support and help from co-workers are essential determinants of safety at the workplace.
MeSH terms: Accidents; Attitude; Cross-Sectional Studies; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Workplace; Self Report; Manufacturing Industry
This research aims to identify the issues among female engineers in the perspective of their career success. The issues that were identified are work-life balance, gender stereotyping and slow progression on the career success. The research design is a qualitative approach by in-depth interview. The research design which consisted of ten items aimed to explore female engineers’ satisfaction of working in the construc-tion industry, unequal employment in the workplace, persistent problems in managing work-life balance, the role of gender in developing career success and also factors that positively and negatively affect the retention of female engineers in the construc-tion industry. Five participants were recruited from various construction companies in Malaysia. Four of them were interviewed via phone calls and one via electronic mail. The findings from this research show that work-life balance issue is the main issue. Other issues include gender stereotype, nature of work and the competition among male and female engineers. From these findings, one recommendation is that the top management of an organization can provide full support to the employees so that they can be more productive in the workplace and are able to balance their work and non-work responsibilities.
The article highlights a preliminary study on smoking and its impact on absenteeism and stress in the work place. The article also includes an application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in explaining the behavior of smoking. The Theory of Planned Behavior which was proposed by Icek Ajzen is used to predict an individual’s behav-ioural control and intention which are influenced by attitude and social norms to per-form a behaviour. This article also discusses previous researches done on smoking and its relationship with absenteeism and stress among employees in organizations.