MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 137 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Captive breeding challenges posed by Malaysian and Bornean Peacock-pheasants (Polyplectron malacense and P. schleiermacheri)

Corder J, Davison G

Zoo Biol, 2021 Jul;40(4):346-351.
PMID: 33724508 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21600

We describe unique reproductive features of two threatened Galliformes species, the Malaysian peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) and Bornean peacock-pheasant (P. schleiermacheri). These features pose challenges to successful captive breeding to build up sustainable populations for conservation purposes. Single egg clutches in both species mean that reproductive rates are low and population increase is slow. The very rounded eggs of Bornean Peacock-pheasant cause difficulties for egg orientation in incubators. Single chicks with special requirements are poorly suited to rearing by broody bantams and successful husbandry requires increased human time, commitment, and skills.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing, Animal
Urbanization and low-income housing in Malaysia: impact on the urban Malays

Agus MR

Warasan Prachakon Lae Sangkhom, 1990 Jan;2(2):205-21, 242-3.
PMID: 12283536

The focus of this study is on urbanization in Malaysia. "This paper is divided into three parts. The first part examines the trend of uneven urban development in West Malaysia. The second part discusses the change [in] ethnic composition of urban population between 1970 and 1980 intercensal period. The third part analyses the impact of the urbanization process on the Malays in the context of housing problems of the lower income groups." (SUMMARY IN THA)

Matched MeSH terms: Housing*
A modelling study of the event-based retention performance of green roof under the hot-humid tropical climate in Kuching

Chai CT, Putuhena FJ, Selaman OS

Water Sci Technol, 2017 Dec;76(11-12):2988-2999.
PMID: 29210686 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.472

The influences of climate on the retention capability of green roof have been widely discussed in existing literature. However, knowledge on how the retention capability of green roof is affected by the tropical climate is limited. This paper highlights the retention performance of the green roof situated in Kuching under hot-humid tropical climatic conditions. Using the green roof water balance modelling approach, this study simulated the hourly runoff generated from a virtual green roof from November 2012 to October 2013 based on past meteorological data. The result showed that the overall retention performance was satisfactory with a mean retention rate of 72.5% from 380 analysed rainfall events but reduced to 12.0% only for the events that potentially trigger the occurrence of flash flood. By performing the Spearman rank's correlation analysis, it was found that the rainfall depth and mean rainfall intensity, individually, had a strong negative correlation with event retention rate, suggesting that the retention rate increases with decreased rainfall depth. The expected direct relationship between retention rate and antecedent dry weather period was found to be event size dependent.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Using a contingent valuation approach for improved solid waste management facility: evidence from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Afroz R, Masud MM

Waste Manag, 2011 Apr;31(4):800-8.
PMID: 21169007 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2010.10.028

This study employed contingent valuation method to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of the households to improve the waste collection system in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objective of this study is to evaluate how household WTP changes when recycling and waste separation at source is made mandatory. The methodology consisted of asking people directly about their WTP for an additional waste collection service charge to cover the costs of a new waste management project. The new waste management project consisted of two versions: version A (recycling and waste separation is mandatory) and version B (recycling and waste separation is not mandatory). The households declined their WTP for version A when they were asked to separate the waste at source although all the facilities would be given to them for waste separation. The result of this study indicates that the households were not conscious about the benefits of recycling and waste separation. Concerted efforts should be taken to raise environmental consciousness of the households through education and more publicity regarding waste separation, reducing and recycling.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing*
A survey of recycling behaviour in households in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Afroz R, Hanaki K, Tuddin R, Ayupp K, Ayup K

Waste Manag Res, 2010 Jun;28(6):552-60.
PMID: 19942645 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X09353434

This paper examines the factors that might influence recycling behaviour of the households in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Information on recycling activity, socio-economic characteristics, and attitudes of the households towards recycling were obtained from interviews with 456 households in Dhaka. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the dominant factors that might influence the recycling behaviour of the households. The results showed that environmental consciousness, the availability of storage space, and age (25-35 years) are significant positive predictors of recycling behaviour (at the 1% level). Another variable Income 2 (TK3,000-15,000) is also positively correlated with recycling (at the 5% level). Establishment of a recycling programme could be an effective strategy in implementing sustainable waste management in Bangladesh. For this strategy to succeed, however, active partnership between households and the waste management service department is required. The households' attitudes toward recycling should, therefore, be taken into consideration as should the results of this study, which are important indicators of households' positive attitudes toward sustainable waste management in Dhaka.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Investigation of construction wastes generated in the Malaysian residential sector

Umar UA, Shafiq N, Isa MH

Waste Manag Res, 2018 Dec;36(12):1157-1165.
PMID: 30114979 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X18790359

The construction sector is among the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia; it consumes a vast amount of natural resources and produces a massive volume of construction and demolition waste. The waste is collected in a decentralised manner by sub-contracted companies. It is challenging to obtain reliable information on the amount of construction waste generated, because it is hard to determine its exact quantity and composition. Therefore, this study proposes a quantitative construction waste estimation model for residential buildings according to available data collected from the Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia. In the development of this model, a theoretical investigation of the construction procedure and the construction waste generation process was conducted. The waste generated rate was determined as 25.79 kg m-2 for new residential constructions, which translates into about 553,406 t of anticipated waste annually.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Molecular epidemiology of Clostridium difficile isolated from piglets

Putsathit P, Neela VK, Joseph NMS, Ooi PT, Ngamwongsatit B, Knight DR, et al.

Vet Microbiol, 2019 Oct;237:108408.
PMID: 31585650 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108408

Information on the epidemiology of C. difficile infection (CDI) in South-East Asian countries is limited, as is data on possible animal reservoirs of C. difficile in the region. We investigated the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in piglets and the piggery environment in Thailand and Malaysia. Piglet rectal swabs (n = 224) and piggery environmental specimens (n = 23) were collected between 2015 and 2016 from 11 farms located in Thailand and Malaysia. All specimens were tested for the presence of C. difficile with toxigenic culture. PCR assays were performed on isolates to determine the ribotype (RT), and the presence of toxin genes. Whole genome sequencing was used on a subset of isolates to determine the evolutionary relatedness of RT038 (the most prevalent RT identified) common to pigs and humans from Thailand and Indonesia. C. difficile was recovered from 35% (58/165) and 92% (54/59) of the piglets, and 89% (8/9) and 93% (13/14) of the environmental specimens from Thailand and Malaysia, respectively. All strains from Thailand, and 30 strains from Malaysia (23 piglet and 7 environmental isolates) were non-toxigenic. To our knowledge, this is the first and only report with a complete lack of toxigenic C. difficile among piglets, a feature which could have a protective effect on the host. The most common strain belonged to RT038 (ST48), accounting for 88% (51/58) of piglet and 78% (7/9) of environmental isolates from Thailand, and all 30 isolates tested from Malaysia. Piglet RT038 isolates from Thailand and Malaysia differed by only 18 core-genome single nucleotide variants (cgSNVs) and both were, on average, 30 cgSNVs different from the human strains from Thailand and Indonesia, indicating a common ancestor in the last two decades.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing, Animal
Area of hock hair loss in dairy cows: risk factors and correlation with a categorical scale

Lim PY, Huxley JN, Green MJ, Othman AR, Potterton SL, Brignell CJ, et al.

Vet J, 2015 Feb;203(2):205-10.
PMID: 25577022 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.11.005

Data from 3691 dairy cows from 76 farms were used to investigate the risk factors associated with the area of hair loss over the lateral aspect of the hock and the correlation between the area of hair loss (as calculated using a hock map) and hock lesion scores determined using a pre-existing categorical scale. Six factors were associated with a greater area of hair loss, including cows with locomotion score 3, a cleanliness score (10/28 to 18/28), high daily milk yield (25.1-58.1 kg), poor body condition score (1-1.5), duration of winter housing (≥41 days) and some combinations of cubicle base and bedding materials. Compared with cows housed in cubicles with a concrete base and whole straw or rape straw bedding, cows housed in cubicles with concrete bases with sand or chopped straw bedding had smaller areas of hair loss and cows housed on a mattress base with whole straw or rape straw bedding had larger areas of hair loss. Area of hair loss, as measured on hock maps, was not significantly different between cows with score 1 (median 23.6 cm(2)) and score 2 (median 20.3 cm(2)) on the categorical scale for hock lesions. This suggests that the categorical scale was not reflecting the extent of hair loss and that hock maps are a good alternative for studying the dynamics of hock lesions over time.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing, Animal
Fulltext PARTICULATE RESUSPENSION DURING THE USE OF VACUUM CLEANERS ON OFFICE CARPETS IN UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU

SYAFIQAH ASYIQIN ROHADI, IZAN JAAFAR, ISMANIZA ISMAIL, TENGKU AZMINA IBRAHIM

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(2):41-48.
MyJurnal

The household activities such as vacuuming may elevate the concentration of particulate matter in indoor environments. Cleaning workers and occupants inside closed room may be exposed to the fine particulate matter and at risk of developing numerous respiratory symptoms. This study aims to determine the concentration of the particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) that might arise during vacuuming activities and estimated the surface compartmental residence time of particulate matter in indoor environment after each vacuuming activities. The PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations throughout vacuuming were measured in forty-seven offices in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu using the TSI Dust Track DRX. Based on the concentrations measured, the surface compartmental residence time was then estimated using standardized equations taken from literature. The result shows that highest particulate matter concentration was nearly eleven times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines of 25 µg/m3 for PM2.5 concentration (PM2.5 was 270 µg/m3, PM10 was 421 µg/m3), while the particulate matter were estimated to remain lingers inside the air for around 1-4 days before being deposited on the surface. In conclusion, the usage of vacuum cleaners may contribute to more particulate matter being released inside the air due to the resuspension phenomenon. Therefore, it is important for the occupants to maintain proper ventilation after each vacuuming activities took place.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON SELECTED SECTORS TOWARDS ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MALAYSIA

NURUL FARHANA SENAWI, NOR FATIMAH CHE SULAIMAN, NOR FATIMAH CHE SULAIMAN

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(3):83-92.
MyJurnal

Government expenditure plays an important role in the country’s economic growth. Budget allocations through the annual budget presented have their strategies to ensure that the allocated budget can improve the growth and development in Malaysia and also can be enjoyed by all Malaysian. The government’s expenditure has contributed to the expansion of this country’s development from various sectors. However, there are various problems involving government expenditure such as low level of health, homeless poor people, weak public transportation and illegal immigrants. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between government expenditure on health, education, housing, transportation and defence sectors towards economic growth. The data used is secondary data from 1980-2017 for 38 years from the Department of Statistics, Malaysia and World Bank Data. The method used in this study is Descriptive Analysis and Autoregressive Distributed Lagged Model (ARDL). The result showed that economic growth and government expenditure on health, education, transportation, and defence has a long-run relationship. Therefore, the government should increase more expenditure on crucial sectors such as education, transportation, defence and health that will strengthen economic growth in the long run.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Efficacy of diethylcarbamazine and pirimiphos-methyl residual spraying in controlling brugian filariasis

Chang MS, Ho BC, Chan KL

Trop. Med. Parasitol., 1991 Jun;42(2):95-102.
PMID: 1680246

A control programme against subperiodic brugian filariasis was implemented in three villages, (Kg. Ampungan, Kg. Sebangkoi and Kg. Sebamban) in Sarawak, Malaysia. In Kampong Ampungan, the mass administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC-citrate) combined with residual house spraying of pirimiphos-methyl reduced microfilarial rate to 8% of the pre-treatment level and microfilarial density (MfD50) to 44% of the pre-treatment level over a period of four years. In Kampong Sebangkoi and Kampong Sebamban, where only mass DEC therapy was applied, the microfilarial rate and MfD50 declined distinctly in the second blood survey but increased gradually in two subsequent follow-up blood surveys. In Kg, Ampungan, we observed a significant reduction of infective biting rate (88.3%), infection rate (62.5%) and transmission potential (88.1%) of Mansonia bonneae at the fourth spray round. The corresponding reduction rates in Kg. Sebangkoi and Kg. Sebamban were 35.3%, 26.7%, 42.2% and 24%, 30.8% and 15.4% respectively. The biting density of the vector was reduced by 79.8% indoors and 31.8% outdoors at the sprayed village, while only a slight decrease in densities (17.9% indoors and 12.4% outdoors) was observed at the unsprayed village. Bioassay tests revealed that pirimiphos-methyl had a substantial fumigant effect on the vector. The integrated control measure in controlling subperiodic brugian filariasis is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Communities Living in Hotspot and Non-Hotspot Areas of Dengue in Selangor, Malaysia

Ghani NA, Shohaimi S, Hee AK, Chee HY, Emmanuel O, Alaba Ajibola LS

Trop Med Infect Dis, 2019 Feb 15;4(1).
PMID: 30781369 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010037

BACKGROUND: Dengue has affected more than one-third of the world population and Malaysia has recorded an increase in the number of dengue cases since 2012. Selangor state recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Malaysia. Most of the dengue infections occur among people living in hotspot areas of dengue. This study aims to compare Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among communities living in hotspot and non-hotspot dengue areas.
METHOD: Communities living in 20 hotspot and 20 non-hotspot areas in Selangor were chosen in this study where 406 participants were randomly selected to answer questionnaires distributed at their housing areas. Total marks of each categories were compared using t-test.
RESULT: Results show that there were significant mean differences in marks in Knowledge (p value: 0.003; 15.41 vs. 14.55) and Attitude (p value: < 0.001; 11.41 vs. 10.33), but not Practice (p value 0.101; 10.83 vs. 10.47) categories between communities of non-hotspot and hotspot areas. After considering two confounding variables which are education level and household income, different mean marks are found to be significant in Knowledge when education level acts as a covariate and Attitude when both act as covariates.
CONCLUSION: Overall results show that people living in non-hotspot areas had better knowledge and attitude than people living in hotspot areas, but no difference was found in practice. This suggests that public health education should be done more frequently with people with a low education background and low household income, especially in hotspot areas to fight dengue outbreak and make dengue cases decrease effectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Structural analysis of raw and commercial farm edible bird nests

Kew PE, Wong SF, Lim PK, Mak JW

Trop Biomed, 2014 Mar;31(1):63-76.
PMID: 24862046 MyJurnal

Edible bird nests (EBNs) are consumed worldwide for various health benefits. EBNs are nests built from the saliva of swiftlets of Aerodramus species. The global market for EBNs is on the rise, especially from Hong Kong and mainland China. In the past, EBNs were harvested mainly from natural caves; however in the recent years, there has been a rapid growth of swiftlet farming. Little is known about the actual composition of EBNs except for protein, carbohydrate, ash and lipid contents, amino acids, vitamins and macro/ micronutrients. Besides the biochemical components of EBNs, are there any other structures that are associated with EBNs? This paper reports on the structural analysis of raw unprocessed farm and processed commercial EBNs. The raw EBNs were purchased from swiftlet farms in five locations in Peninsula Malaysia: Kuala Sanglang (Perlis; 6° 16' 0"N, 100° 12' 0"E), Pantai Remis (Perak; 4º 27' 0" N, 100º 38' 0" E), Kluang (Johor; 02º 012 303N 103º 192 583E), Kajang (Selangor; 2º 59' 0"N, 101º 47' 0"E) and Kota Bharu (Kelantan; 6º 8' 0"N, 102º 15' 0"E). The commercial nests were purchased from five different Chinese traditional medicinal shops (Companies A-E). A portion of each EBN was randomly broken into small fragments, attached to carbon tape and coated with gold and palladium particles for examination and photography under a scanning electron microscope. Structural analysis revealed the presence of mites, fungi, bacteria and feather strands on both the raw and commercial nests. Mite eggshells and faecal pellets, and body parts of other arthropods were seen only in the raw nests. The commercial nests had a variety of unidentified structures and substances coated on the nests' surfaces that were not found on the raw nests. The presence of these contaminants may jeopardise the quality of EBNs and pose health risks to consumers. Further identification of the mites and their allergens, fungi and bacteria are on-going and will be reported separately.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing, Animal
Fulltext Vertical distribution of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lau KW, Chen CD, Lee HL, Izzul AA, Asri-Isa M, Zulfadli M, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2013 Mar;30(1):36-45.
PMID: 23665706 MyJurnal

The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distribution and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ovitrap surveillance was conducted for 4 continuous weeks in multiple storey buildings in 4 residential areas located in Selangor [Kg. Baiduri (KB)] and Kuala Lumpur [Student Hostel of University of Malaya (UM), Kg. Kerinchi (KK) and Hang Tuah (HT)]. The results implied that Aedes mosquitoes could be found from ground floor to highest floor of multiple storey buildings and data from different elevation did not show significant difference. Ovitrap index for UM, KB, HT and KK ranged from 0 - 29.17%, 0 - 55.56%, 8.33 - 83.33% and 0 - 91.17% respectively. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found breeding in HT, KK and KB; while only Ae. albopictus was obtained from UM. The results indicate that the invasion of Aedes mosquitoes in high-rise apartments could facilitate the transmission of dengue virus and new approaches to vector control in this type of residential area should be developed.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing*
Fulltext Vertical dispersal of Aedes (Stegomyia) spp. in high-rise apartments in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Wan-Norafikah O, Nazni WA, Noramiza S, Shafa'ar-Ko'ohar S, Azirol-Hisham A, Nor-Hafizah R, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2010 Dec;27(3):662-7.
PMID: 21399609

A preliminary study on the vertical dispersal of Aedes populations in high-rise apartments was carried out in Presint 9, Putrajaya, Malaysia. Ovitraps were placed indoors within four blocks of high-rise apartments from the ground floors (0.0 - 3.0 m) until up to the tenth floors (28.1 - 30.0 m). Aedes aegypti was the dominant species found in the ovitraps (87.85%), while Aedes albopictus was found in lower numbers. From total number of larvae collected (650), 40.92% of these larvae were obtained from the fourth block; Block D. The peak density of Aedes sp. was observed at level 6 (16.1 - 18.0 m), while Ae. aegypti was found until the tenth floor (28.1 - 30.0 m). In contrast, Ae. albopictus was found only up to the sixth floor (16.1 - 18.0 m). A poor correlation of the mean number of Aedes larvae collected with the level of high-rise apartments occupied (N=40; ρ=-0.349) was also observed which indicated the possibility of lesser Aedes populations to be found at higher level of high-rise apartments. Therefore, larger scale studies are strongly recommended to examine the vertical dispersal of Aedes mosquitoes.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing*
Fulltext Biorational control programme for the German cockroach (Blattaria: Blattellidae) in selected urban communities

Shahraki G, Bin Ibrahim Y, Noor HM, Rafinejad J, Shahar MK

Trop Biomed, 2010 Aug;27(2):226-35.
PMID: 20962720 MyJurnal

This study assessed the effectiveness of a biorational control approach using 2% hydramethylnon gel bait on German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) in some residential and hospital buildings in South Western Iran. In total, three buildings consisting of 150 apartment units and 101 hospital units were monitored weekly via sticky trap for German cockroach infestations over a period of eight months. These infested units were randomly subjected to intervention and control treatments. Pamphlets and posters were provided and lectures were given to support the educational programmes as a tactic of the biorational system. Survey on cockroach index for intervention units showed 67-94% recovery to achieve clean level of infestation for intervention units of the residential buildings and 83% for the hospital. Mean percentage reductions for treatment groups throughout the 15-week treatment period were 76.8% for the residential buildings and 88.1% for the hospital, showing significant differences compared to the control groups. Linear regression of infestation rates were recorded weekly after treatment and their negative slope for treatment groups substantiated significant reductions for interventions. The results of this study showed that biorational control method, using gel bait, educational programmes and sanitation, is an effective way to manage German cockroach infestation.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Dengue vector surveillance in insular settlements of Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia

Lim KW, Sit NW, Norzahira R, Sing KW, Wong HM, Chew HS, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2010 Aug;27(2):185-92.
PMID: 20962714 MyJurnal

A year-long ovitrap surveillance was conducted between November 2007 and October 2008 in two insular settlements (Kampung Pulau Ketam and Kampung Sungai Lima) within the Malaysian island of Pulau Ketam. Eighty standard ovitraps were placed indoors and outdoors of randomly selected houses/locations. Results demonstrated an endemic baseline Aedes population throughout the year without weekly large fluctuations. Kampung Pulau Ketam has high Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus population, but only Ae. aegypti was found in Kampung Sungai Lima. Aedes aegypti showed no preference for ovitraps placed indoor versus outdoor. However, as expected, significantly more outdoor ovitraps were positive for Ae. albopictus (p<0.05). Trends in Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti populations mirrored each other suggesting that common factors influenced these two populations.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes in a university campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Wan Norafikah O, Chen CD, Soh HN, Lee HL, Nazni WA, Sofian-Azirun M

Trop Biomed, 2009 Aug;26(2):206-15.
PMID: 19901907 MyJurnal

Ovitrap surveillance was initiated for eight continuous weeks to determine the distribution and abundance of Aedes sp. mosquitoes in the University of Malaya campus, Kuala Lumpur, and the impact of meteorological conditions on the Aedes populations. Two study areas within the campus were selected: Varsity Lake and Seventh Residential College. The abundance of Aedes populations in Varsity Lake was indicated by ovitrap index (OI) which ranged from 60.00%-90.00%. The mean number of larvae per ovitrap of Aedes albopictus in Varsity Lake ranged from 11.23+/-2.42-43.80+/-6.22. On the other hand, the outdoor OI for Seventh Residential College ranged from 73.33%-93.33%, respectively, while the mean number larvae per ovitrap for this area ranged from 19.33+/-4.55-35.27+/-5.46, respectively. In addition, the indoor OI of Seventh Residential College ranged from 0.00%-30.00%, while the mean number of larvae per ovitrap for Ae. albopictus ranged from 0-5.90+/-3.55. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) of Ae. albopictus population between Varsity Lake and Seventh Residential College. The studies showed a correlation between OI and mean number of larvae per ovitrap for outdoor Ae. albopictus populations in Varsity Lake and Seventh Residential College (r=0.794). There was also a correlation between the mean larvae number per ovitrap of Ae. albopictus obtained from eight weeks indoor ovitrap surveillance in Seventh Residential College with rainfall (r=0.584). However, there was no correlation between the mean larvae number per ovitrap of Ae. albopictus in both study areas with temperature and relative humidity. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were found neither indoor nor outdoor in both study areas. This study indicated that the principal dengue vector in the university campus was most likely Ae. albopictus.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Scanning electron micrographs of Blomia tropicalis (Acari:Astigmata: Echimyopodidae), a common house dust mite in Malaysia

Mariana A, Santhana Raj AS, Tan SN, Ho TM

Trop Biomed, 2007 Dec;24(2):29-37.
PMID: 18209705

Many finer taxonomic characters of Blomia tropicalis are not distinctly visible under conventional light microscopy. Scanning electron micrographs of this mite are therefore presented in this paper for better appreciation of the inconspicuous features of the morphology of the species. The differences in morphology of male and female B. tropicalis are also briefly discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing
Fulltext Dengue vector surveillance in urban residential and settlement areas in Selangor, Malaysia

Chen CD, Benjamin S, Saranum MM, Chiang YF, Lee HL, Nazni WA, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2005 Jun;22(1):39-43.
PMID: 16880752

Ovitrap surveillance was conducted in two urban residential areas (Taman Samudera Timur and Taman Samudera Selatan) and in a settlement area (Kampung Banjar), which is located 16 km from Kuala Lumpur city center, Malaysia. In Taman Samudera, dengue cases were reported monthly in 2003/2004. Thus, a study was initiated to determine the distribution and abundance of dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The ovitrap surveillance indicated that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were present both indoors and outdoors. The residential sites had 73 - 79% of the ovitraps with just Ae. aegypti population and Kg. Banjar had 56% of the ovitraps with just Ae. aegypti. In the indoor and outdoor of the residential areas, together with the settlement area, the Ae. aegypti density was significantly more than Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) by 3 - 50 folds. There was no significant difference in the larval numbers of Ae. aegypti between indoors and outdoors (p > 0.05), thus implicating that adult gravid female Ae. aegypti are present both indoors and outdoors and they do oviposit indoors and outdoors. Ae. aegypti can be incriminated as the principal dengue vector in the urban residential site, Taman Samudera and in the settlement area, Kg. Banjar.

Matched MeSH terms: Housing

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links