Stress is a major health issue in this century especially related to occupation. Malaysia receives numerous of migrant workers each year who may encounter health issue which related to high stress level. This study was aimed to correlate stress levels of migrant workers to their blood pressure (BP), their stress prevalence and the occupational factors associated with their stress levels. Respondents were from Subang, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. Questionnaires were given and BP reading was taken. Overall, the respondents comprised of 113 Indonesians, 68 Nepalese, and 38 Bangladeshis. Although the migrant workers live in stressful work environment, their health conditions are not compromised. This was reflected by their BP readings. Most of the migrant workers are male, married with secondary education. A total of 85.4% of the migrant workers had higher than average perceived stress levels, with >50% very high perceived stress levels. Occupational factors related to stress among migrant workers are large amount of work, insufficient time to complete work, no feedback allowed on workplace policy, differences of opinion in department, departmental personnel cannot get along with others, poor working environment. The majority of migrant workers in the Klang Valley work as domestic helpers, and staff in service and manufacturing sectors. Occupation-related problems are prominent stress factor. Although the stress levels were high, this did not apparently impact their health.
The relationship of personality and depression has been a long time interest in the psychology field. Therefore, with the help of Beck’s Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II) and the Big Five Personality Model, this study aimed to measure the relationship the between personality and depression in order to see which personality trait would be the most likely to have a risk of developing depression. A sample of 100 respondents among the Management and Science University were chosen by accidental sampling. There were questions for five personality traits asked in order to correlate five different traits in particular with depression score. On the other hand, gender was also one of the variables in comparing the two variables. With the use of the Big-Five Personality model, it was revealed that most of the students were within the healthy and positive personality ranges, with Neuroticism being the most likely personality trait that would potentially develop depression. The findings showed BDI-II score among the respondents was borderline of mild and moderate, while the Big-Five Personality test indicated high scores in agreeableness and openness traits. There was no gender difference in term of BDI-II score and most of the personality traits except agreeableness in which female scored significantly higher than male. The relationship of BDI-II score were significantly correlated with Neuroticism and Conscientiousness traits.
Social participation with reference to older persons refers to their integration into the social network of their family and friends, as well as their integration into the communities they live in and into the society as a whole, in as much as their socialization and engagement in recreational, cultural, educational, and spiritual activities are concerned. A social network is a network of social interactions and personal relationships, which are very essential for an individual’s well-being. People are linked together with family and friends, and also with wider communities on account of shared interests, sympathies or living circumstances. Individuals may also form less cordial networks with people whom they encounter through various activities and life situations. Developing and maintaining social relations and social communications are essential and necessary among eldely. However, due to illness and health problems among elderly, they tend to be alone and lost contact with their peers. In addition, getting older reduces the number of friends, and if we add the loss of the own partner, may lead to their social isolation. Such situations are likely to grow increasingly, given the global demographic changes.
The intramuscular injection in mice always lead to a great difficulty because of its small size. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of intramuscular routes and intraperitoneal routes in the delivery of pcDNA3.1/HisB-MIC3 as a DNA vaccine towards toxoplasmosis. In this study two set of mice (A and B), each set were divided into four groups. Group one was injected with sterile distilled water, group two was injected with 50 µg of empty pcDNA3.1/His B, group three was injected with 50 µg of pcDNA3.1/His B-MIC3 and group four was not injected at all. The mice in set A was injected through intramuscular route and mice in set B was injected through intraperitoneal route. The IgG titre was determined using Mouse Toxoplasma IgG ELISA Kit. Both group injected with pcDNA3.1/His B-MIC3 as vaccine showed increase in IgG titre. Mice injected with pcDNA3.1/His B-MIC3 in intramuscularly shows about the same IgG titre with mean (0.128 ± 0.005 IU/ml) compared to mice injected with the same vaccine through intraperitoneal injection with IgG titre mean (0.11 ±0.021IU/ml). This result suggested that the is no significant different in IgG titre in mice injected through intramuscular injection or intraperitoneal injection. So, in the future intraperitoneal injection can be used to study the efficacy of the vaccine in mice.
It is normally agreed that medicinal plants and their products are safer than their artificial counterparts; nevertheless, some plant products may show efficacious but have low therapeutic index or safety margin. Carica papaya fruits, leaves, seed and latex are used medicinally for various types of ailments. The Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs nowadays are not useful in all cases because of their side effects which is associated with gastric irritation, bleeding, and ulcers. This study was considered to assess the effectiveness of methanol extract of Carica papaya seeds as compared to the treatment alternative of the Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs which is indomethacin 50mg/kg. Objective: The main objective is to know the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory effect of the methanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds as compared to the treatment alternative of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activity-Indomethacin 50mg/kg. Method: The maceration method was used to extract the Carica papaya seeds by using Methanol, two different doses of extract of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg were administered orally after inducing the paw edema using the 1% of carrageenan. Then, the length of the paw edema was measured by using veneer caliper. Results: In the rat paw edema model, 500mg/kg of Carica papaya seeds shows 71.43%, 250mg/kg shows 63.91% and standard Indomethacin 50mg/kg treatment showed 88.72% of percentage inhibition. The results are statistically analyzed using One Way ANNOVA test. Conclusion: Post hoc analysis using Effect Scheffe test shows significant difference between group 1 and group 2, 3 and 4 (p ˂ 0.001) respectively at all time. The results showed it is significant value (p< 0.001) for the Methanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds regardless of its doses.
The hotel industry has long struggled to establish what truly makes hotel employees motivated and satisfied with their jobs. Thus, to effectively address this problem, the leader can use punishment behavior as to motivated employee in order to increase their job satisfaction and the organization’s commitment. This study examined the attributes of leaders that influenced their use of contingent and non-contingent punishment and the results of using punishment on employees’ job satisfaction and the organization’s commitment. Therefore, the data of this study were collected from F&B employees in five-star hotels, Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle. The data collection was conducted by using drop-off and pick-up method (DOPU). Multiple regression analysis was employed according to respective objectives in this study. The results revealed that leader punishment behavior which consisted of two dimensions, namely contingent punishment and non-contingent punishment, were significantly related to employees’ job satisfaction and commitment towards the organization. This study also found that contingent punishment positively influence on employees’ job satisfaction and the organization’s commitment while non-contingent punishment negatively impacted employees’ job satisfaction and commitment to the organization.
Diabetes mellitus is a silent disease and is now recognized as one of the fastest growing threats to public death in almost all countries of the world. One of the important complications of diabetes mellitus is the foot related complications. Diabetic foot is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patient. Increase the knowledge and awareness of Diabetic foot complication in diabetic patient could be one of the preventable measures. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and practice regarding foot care among patients with diabetic foot complications. A cross-sectional study performed on patients who attended the diabetic foot clinic and for those admitted for diabetic foot complications from the 1st September 2015 to 25th September 2015. The patients were interviewed with a questionnaire of 15 ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions, on foot care knowledge and practice. Score of 1 was given for each ‘yes’ answer and 0 for a ‘no’ answer. The level of knowledge and practice were categorized into good, satisfactory or poor. The result was tested using chi-square in SPSS version 21. A total of 150 patients were included in this study. There were 75 male (50.0%) and 75 female (50.0%) with the majority of patients were over 55 years old (113 patients, 75.3%). Majority of the patients (64.0%) had poor foot care knowledge while 75 patients (50.0%) had poor foot care practice. In conclusion, based on our cross-sectional study that was done, most diabetic patients still have poor knowledge and practice regarding their diabetic foot care. Educational strategies regarding foot care should be emphasized and empowered within the diabetic population.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a prolonged global issue recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) which is projecting into global healthcare impacts and becoming global economic burden. In response, demand for newer antimicrobial agents became overwhelming focusing especially on the plant-based research due to rich source of phytochemicals. Limonoids are active phytochemical found in Swietenia macrophylla King (Sky fruit) and Triphasia Trifolia (Limeberry) originating from Meliaceae and Rutaceae family, respectively. The research objective of the study is to evaluate the synergistic antifungal assay of the isolated fraction of limonoids from sky fruit and limeberry seeds against Candida albican and Aspergillus fumigatus. The preliminary sensitivity tests were carried out using macrodilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. The synergistic test was performed using modified double-disk synergy test (MDDST) in which it has been modified to substitute the antimicrobial agents with phytochemicals. The findings showed an MIC of 31.25mg/mL and 7.81mg/mL for Swietenia macrophylla King and Triphasia Trifolia respectively for the selected fungal pathogens. Preliminary assay indicates minimum antifungal efficacy of both extracts against Candida albicans (>11mm;9mm) and Aspergillus fumigatus (>29mm:25mm) compare with Caspofungin (>13mm and 30mm) as positive control. The synergistic antifungal test showed a promising equipotency on Candida albicans (4:1;16mm) compare with Aspergillus fumigates (1:4;23mm) based on the concentration and zone of inhibition. Thus, sky fruit and limeberry seeds showed significant equipotency with the current marketed antifungal agent.
This paper is about task manager we use in operating system, the existing task manager is difficult to use; as it do now provide multiple end task function. Task manager is the application that help user to manage the running application in order to optimize the computer performance. Simple task manager allow user to view and end multiple task, this allow user to optimize their tasks in an easier way. Besides, simple task manager also provided virus scanning, this allow user to scan the application to ensure it is not virus.
Ensuring computer-generated document and the statements contained to be admissible in court as evidence, there are several requirements that must be fulfil as indicated in Section 90 from the Evidence Act 1950 Laws of Malaysia. Firstly is that the computer-generated document is produced in its ordinary use and normal condition. It is must be tendered by the person who is the same maker of those particular document or statement. Third, attachment of certificate signed by the person who responsible for the production of the document from the computer. Alongside with this study, the law enforcement in IP warden department from Royal Malaysia Police (RMP, also known as PDRM) currently performs their work tasks of tracking investigation paper manually, facing difficulties to maintain efficiency and accuracy in meeting with deadlines. Therefore, in this study, I develop a software based on their requirements regarding their work tasks and ensuring meet the requirements of admissibility of documentary evidence in court. Accessing the Investigation Paper Tracking System (IPTS) requires two-step login authentication by using security image and security code user set during registration. Additionally, it comes with set reminder and prompts notification regarding the investigation paper. Subsequently it will automatically generate certificate 90A (2) based on user login, in which, this meet the requirement of tendered and signed by the same person who produced the computer-generated document.
Teachers who are working in primary and high school are at a risky occupational group that is usually affected by musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). However, the symptoms and severity for the affected teachers are less known as there is a lack of epidemiological studies on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among teachers. The main purpose of the study was to measure the awareness of ergonomics and MSD and to identify the association of MSD and working posture factors among school teachers in the city of Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, as well as to identify the best preventive steps to be taken. This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary and secondary school teachers using questionnaire. The questionnaire was slightly modified using Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) to evaluate pain on the neck, shoulder, hand, and elbow, upper and lower back pain. Two hundred and six out of 400 teachers responded to the questionnaire. A good number (61.9%) of primary school teachers were not aware about ergonomics and 53.8% of secondary school teachers were willing to admit they were not aware of ergonomics. Primary and secondary school teachers were slightly aware on MSD with 53.2% of primary school teachers and 67.5% of secondary school teachers. One or both knees pain were associated with school teachers (P=0.032). School teachers were associated significantly with the working posture factors; standing for a long time during class sessions (P=0.001), prolonged writing on the upper part of whiteboard or blackboard (P=0.035) and improper height between chair and teacher (P=0.037). In conclusion, the awareness of ergonomics and MSD among primary and secondary school teachers in Shah Alam, Malaysia, is poor and thus, educational programs on ergonomics and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorder introduced among primary and secondary school teachers would help to enhance work efficiency.
Ferns are an important phytogenetic bridge between lower and higher plants. Historically they have been used in many ways by humans, including as ornamental plants, domestic utensils, foods, and in handicrafts. In addition, they have found uses as medicinal herbs. Ferns produce a wide array of secondary metabolites endowed with different bioactivities that could potentially be useful in the treatment of many diseases. However, there is currently relatively little information in the literature on the phytochemicals present in ferns and their pharmacological applications, and the most recent review of the literature on the occurrence, chemotaxonomy and physiological activity of fern secondary metabolites was published over 20 years ago, by Soeder (Bot Rev 51:442-536, 1985). Here, we provide an updated review of this field, covering recent findings concerning the bioactive phytochemicals and pharmacology of fern species.
This article discusses several potential waqf instruments in higher education. It examines the potential financing instruments of higher education in using waqf instruments in the development of waqf at the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN). This study was conducted by interviewing five Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), Selangor Wakaf Corporation (PWS), Negeri Sembilan Wakaf Corporation (PWNS), Johor State Islamic Council MAINJ) and Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP). As commonly known, MAIN is the sole trustee of a waqf estate in the country. Therefore, the instruments that have been implemented in MAIN are more practical for higher education. In addition, the discussions in this article also put forward several proposals to realise waqf instruments in higher education.
Curriculum is the most important factor that influences the quality of an educational institution because it determines the achievements of the purposes and objectives of education in an institution. This article attempts to explain the significance of implementation of fard ain and fard kifayah in practice within the Islamic education curriculum. It explains the meaning and classifications of knowledge of fard ain and fard kifayah according to the scholars in the past and present. Furthermore, concepts related to fard ain and fard kifayah such as the balance in practising fard ain and fard kifayah, criteria of values and virtues in knowledge, the nature and objective of man’s life, and the dynamic nature of both fard ain and fard kifayah are also discussed.
The changing roles of women today from traditional family caregivers to multitasking financial providers require specific protection to preserve their natural role as mothers. Such protection which include job security, health, maternity leave, maternity benefits, and others are to ensure that women are able to balance multiple roles. Pressures on any of their roles may adversely affect society and the economy in terms of labour market, when expectant mothers go off-ramping or when women choose to exercise their fertility decision-making. Many studies indicate a negative relationship between maternity policy and fertility which proves that women need support to serve both functions. There is also a difference in terms of the maternity policies between developed and developing countries which indicates a diverse approach in addressing the issue even though both face the same declining fertility rate problem. Islam does not object to the idea of career women in general. However, a set of guidelines has to be followed to preserve the sharīʿah. Among others, Islam promotes the maternal nature of women by encouraging them to continue breastfeeding when they are on-ramping. Thus, this paper intends to assess the fertility decisions made based on the women’s understanding of their firm’s maternity policy by conducting survey interviews. Even though the study finds that maternity policy does not directly affect the fertility decisions of the women involved, there are still recommendations to be made to improve current maternity policy practices by firms in general to promote a healthier working environment for women.
The inquiry on nature has long been the subject of philosophical exposition since the time of the Greeks. Nature was considered by them as inanimate and material, thus leading to the corruption of the understanding of being in relation to nature in the West. This gave rise to the disenchantment of nature through a secularising philosophical programme which appropriated key concepts divested from its truth to construct a secular worldview. This worldview is such that it rejected any form of nonempirical or metaphysical reality in nature. In response to this conflict in the West, there are those who take the position of a perennialist in reference to the philosophia perennis (literally “eternal wisdom”), who believe in the rediscovery of the sense of the sacred through revival of the “tradition” inherent in every religion of the pre-modern age. The perennial aspect is an eternal, universal and permanent underlying spiritual method that comprehends nature which was claimed to be derived from various religions and traditions. This paper is meant to illustrate the traces of secular framework in the perennial philosophy. The discussions are divided into two sections. The first section will look into the transference of meanings of nature by following the main problems that befit the West: the problems of order, God and finally man. The second section will situate the perennialists within the conceptual development of nature in Western civilisation by classifying and comparing particular characteristics of the proponents of the perennial philosophy with others that used the same name to appropriate them in the postmodern movement to reclaim the meaning of nature. The latter section also offers a brief overview of their concept of genuine cosmologies in every tradition as a means to revive the sense of the sacred.
This article aims to offer some insights on how the issue of justice overrides inter-faith relations in Malaysia. Materials used for logical analysis include relevant verses of the Qurʾān and Ḥadīths and their authoritative interpretations including Ethics; official government records; and, baseline data of recent research. Of concern here is Justice in all its dimensions, such as the national language, democratic politics, fair economics, and acceptance of rich multi-cultural traditions. A brief analysis of the imperative character traits of courtesy and kindness—kesopanan dan kesusilaan in Rukun Negara or the Malaysian national principles—is carried out in the context of the Malaysian term muhibbah, identified as “affectionate friendship.” The origin of such a friendship is the notion of “biological brotherhood” in the worldview of Islam. The article shall also examine social disunity and enmity from the moral and ethical lens, arguing thus that disunity is an effect of the moral vice of envy, which is caused by rancour, which in turn, resulted from anger.
Pharmaceutical delivery systems are developed to improve the physicochemical properties of therapeutic compounds. Emulsions are one of these drug delivering systems formulated using water, oils and lipids as main ingredients. Extensive data are usually generated on the physical and chemical characteristics of these oil-in-water and lipid emulsions. However, the oxidative tendency of emulsions is often overlooked. Oxidation impacts the overall quality and safety of these pharmaceutical emulsions. Additionally, introducing oxidatively unstable emulsions into biological systems further promotes oxidation in situ. Products of these reactions then continue to pose serious harm to cells and fuel other physiological oxidation reactions. Consequently, the increase of oxidation products leads to oxidative damage to biological systems. Thus, emulsions with lower lipid peroxidation are more stable and will reduce the negative effects of oxidation in situ. Preventive measures during the formulation of emulsions are important. Many naturally occurring and cost effective substances possess low oxidation tendencies and confer oxidative protection when used in emulsions. Additionally, certain preparatory methods should be employed to reduce or better control lipid peroxidation. Finally, emulsions must be evaluated for their oxidation susceptibility using the various techniques available. Careful attention to the preparation of emulsions and assessment of their oxidative stability will help produce safer emulsions without compromising efficacy.