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Glove-based approach to online signature verification

Kamel NS, Sayeed S, Ellis GA

IEEE Trans Pattern Anal Mach Intell, 2008 Jun;30(6):1109-13.
PMID: 18421114 DOI: 10.1109/TPAMI.2008.32

Utilizing the multiple degrees of freedom offered by the data glove for each finger and the hand, a novel on-line signature verification system using the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) numerical tool for signature classification and verification is presented. The proposed technique is based on the Singular Value Decomposition in finding r singular vectors sensing the maximal energy of glove data matrix A, called principal subspace, so the effective dimensionality of A can be reduced. Having modeled the data glove signature through its r-principal subspace, signature authentication is performed by finding the angles between the different subspaces. A demonstration of the data glove is presented as an effective high-bandwidth data entry device for signature verification. This SVD-based signature verification technique is tested and its performance is shown to be able to recognize forgery signatures with a false acceptance rate of less than 1.2%.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing*
Fulltext Physical properties of single jersey bamboo cotton fabric produced on home knitting machine

Ainil Huda Abu Talib, Siti Nuranis Syazana Misron, Nurul ‘izzah Mohd Fu’ad, Nurul Ariesha Zamri, Eryna Nasir

Borneo Akademika, 2020;4(1):13-24.
MyJurnal

The Silver Reed Model LK150 knitting machine is a home knitting machine which is
extremely lightweight and compact, making it preferable by most home knitters.
There are various knitwears with interesting patterns can be made using this model. In
the field of garments manufacturing by using flatbed knitting machines, it is
important to understand the physical properties of fabric so that their impact on
dimensional changes can be predicted to produce the most suitable end use. The
samples were produced by using a blended bamboo/cotton yarn, with a composition
of 30% cotton and 70% bamboo. The main objectives of this study are to to evaluate
the physical properties of single jersey fabric knitted on home knitting machine by
using different stitch dials and to relate the physical properties with different stitch
lengths. Then, all tests were conducted to compare the physical properties of samples
between three different stitch dials and the effects of before and after washing. The
physical properties measured in this research were stitch length, stitch density, weight,
thickness, absorbency and shrinkage. The result indicated that the longer the stitch
length, the higher the percentage of the water impact penetration. Meanwhile, there
was a slight reduction on the density, thickness and fabric weight. In addition, the
result after three times washing showed that the samples only had slight changes in
density, thickness, weight and stitch length, but has significant changes on the water
impact penetration.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Catalytic gasification of empty fruit bunch for enhanced production of hydrogen rich fuel gas

Mohammed, M.A.A., Salmiaton, A., Wan Azlina, W.A.K.G., Mohamad Amran, M.S., Omar, R., Taufiq-Yap, Y.H., et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2012;20(1):139-149.
MyJurnal

Oil palm is widely grown in Malaysia. There has been interest in the utilization of oil palm biomass for production of environmental friendly biofuels. The gasification of empty fruit bunches (EFB), a waste of the palm oil industry, was investigated in this study to effectively and economically convert low value and highly distribution solid biomass to a uniform gaseous mixture mainly hydrogen (H2). The effects of temperature, equivalence ratio (ER) and catalyst adding on the yields and distribution of hydrogen rich gas products were also investigated. The main gas species generated, as identified by GC, were H2, CO, CO2, CH4 and trace amounts of C2H4 and C2H6. With temperature increasing from 700 to 1000 °C, the total gas yield was enhanced greatly and reached the maximum value (~ 90 wt. % ) at 1000°C with a big portion of H2 (38.02 vol. %) and CO (36.36 vol. %). Equivalence ratio (ER) showed a significant influence on the upgrading of hydrogen production and product distribution. The optimum ER (0.25) was found to attain a higher H2 yield (27.42 vol. %) at 850°C. The effect of adding catalysts (Malaysian dolomite1, P1), Malaysian dolomite2 (GML), NaOH, NaCl, CaO, ZnO, NiO) as a primary catalyst on gas product yield was investigated, and it was found that adding dolomite showed the greatest effect with the maximum H2 yield achieved (28.18 vol.%) at 850°C.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Gendering of avatars for online self-representation

Cheong, Lee Mei, Fariza Hann Abdul Razak

CREAM : Current Research in Malaysia (Penyelidikan Terkini di Malaysia), 2013;2(2):89-100.
MyJurnal

This exploratory study is part of an on-going project about digital cultures on ageism, anonymity, and gendering. An avatar is the graphical representation of the online user. The study investigates the avatars drawn by a group of 76 young adults studying in a local university. A face-to-face interview was conducted to ascertain the features drawn. Results show that the avatars are more characterized by the sexual features related to the body, face, clothes, and a major number of context elements. The females tend to represent themselves in greater detail than the males. The former created gendered identities for themselves according to their offline gender identity and social contexts. The study illustrates that the hand drawing is an effective tool that analyses the online representation in an unobtrusive way. The expressions of gendering show that gender is consciously constructed. Gendering of avatars does permeate the virtual world. This study is a valuable addition to the growing body of work on social interaction in cyberspace.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Field tests of repellent M-1960 against leeches

AUDY JR, HARRISON JL

Med J Malaya, 1954 Mar;8(3):240-50.
PMID: 13164694
Matched MeSH terms: Clothing*
Adaptive Fanger's model for optimum thermal comfort setting for lecture halls in Malaysia

Pau, J.S., Pao, William K.S., Shaharin A. Sulaiman, Halawa, E.

CREAM : Current Research in Malaysia (Penyelidikan Terkini di Malaysia), 2013;2(2):43-59.
MyJurnal

Unnecessary air conditioning for thermal comfort causeds energy over consumption. As air conditioning has become irreversible, one of the solutions is to run air conditioners at minimal energy without sacrificing the comfort of occupants in air conditioned space. The approach to thermal comfort is the key to successful thermal comfort research. Fanger's model has been adopted by ASHRAE and ISO standards but its universal applications have been debated. In recent decades, adaptive model that regards humans as adaptive beings has been accepted. The static and deterministic nature of Fanger's model has limited its application in hot, humid countries, such as Malaysia. This research aims to integrate the theories of Fanger and adaptive model into a new model which is applicable in Malaysia by taking the case in lecture halls. The new Fanger's Adaptive Model is established through normalization of the thermal sensation distribution obtained in thermal chamber by Fanger. The PMV range of 80% satisfaction has been widened to -1.3 to +1.3 which adopted the theories of adaptive model, where humans have the ability to adapt to environment. The research also includes field observations on Malaysian students clothing and activity levels in lecture halls. Previous field study results which proposed 25.3°C comfort temperature for lecture halls in Malaysia together with the field observation results were used to verify the new model. About 95% of PMV falls within the new range at this comfort temperature. It is proven that Fanger's model is semi-adaptive and probabilistic and the integration of Fanger's Adaptive Model is more accurate in predicting thermal comfort in hot and humid climate.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Microclimate inside a tropical greenhouse equipped with evaporative cooling pads

Diyana Jamaludin, Desa Ahmad, Rezuwan Kamaruddin, Hawa Z. E. Jaafar

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(1):255-271.
MyJurnal

Tropical greenhouses require active evaporative cooling system such as pad-and-fan to ensure a suitable microclimate for crop production. Excess heat causes indoor temperature to become hotter than desired resulting in detrimental effects to crop growth and production. Solar radiation intensity and outside temperature affect temperature and relative humidity level inside a greenhouse, while wide gradients in temperature and relative humidity can cause problems related to crop growth and production uniformity. A 300 m2 greenhouse, equipped with evaporative pad and four exhaust fans at each end walls, was used in the study. Horizontal and vertical profiles of the temperature and relative humidity inside the greenhouse were investigated. Results showed that temperature increased from evaporative pad area to exhaust fans area in a horizontal plane, while relative humidity showed an inverse pattern from temperature. In the vertical plane, temperature increased, while relative humidity decreased from lower level to the upper level. ANOVA results showed that in overall, temperature and relative humidity inside the greenhouse were uniform as there was no significant difference at 95% confidence interval. Thus, it was concluded that greenhouse cooling system by evaporative pad and exhaust fans are suitable for application in a tropical country such as Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Body measurement using 3D handheld scanner

Mohamed Najib Salleh, Halim Mad Lazim, Hendrik Lamsali

Movement Health & Exercise, 2018;7(1):179-187.
MyJurnal

Body measurement is the first process that must be encountered before any
custom-made compression garment can be designed. The current practice of
obtaining the measurement is by traditional methods using tools like
measuring tape. However, this method is considered to be time-consuming
and usually not accurate. The most popular solution to the problem is by using
non-contact measurement. The development of the 3D whole body scanner
has made non-contact body measurement become a reality due to its capacity
to capture a vast amount of information. However, the cost to buy the whole
body scanner is quite expensive. Moreover, their sizes are also bulky which
make them less portable. Thus, a handheld body scanner provides a solution
to the problem. Despite that, current handheld scanner only provide image
and visualization aspect, but not the measurement aspect. This paper reports
the development of a method to acquire body data from a 3D handheld
scanner. In this new method, the point cloud of a body part was collected
using the handheld scanner. Then, the data was transformed into point
coordinates. Several processes were developed to filter the number of points
to allow for faster processing time and increasing the measurement accuracy.
In the first process, only points at specific height/layers are selected. In the
second process, the remaining points are rearranged according to their height
and angle. In the last process, the number of points is further reduced. In this
process, the number of points per layer is limited to 72 points. Results show
that the method can be used to determine body measurement.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Fluorescence characteristics of 3-nitro-2-phenoxypyridine and 3-nitro-2(4-methyl)phenoxypyridine

Abdullah, Z., Halim, Z.I.A., Bakar, M.A.A., Idris, A.M.

ASM Science Journal, 2009;3(1):39-44.
MyJurnal

3-Nitro-2-phenoxypyridine and 3-nitro-2-(4-methyl)phenoxypyridine were obtained when 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine was treated with phenol and p-cresol, respectively. Fluorescence studies were carried out in various solvents, in capped and uncapped conditions and for differing concentrations. Both 3-nitro-2-phenoxypyridine and 3-nitro-2-(4-methyl)phenoxypyridine were fluorescent compounds but 3-Nitro-2-(4-methyl)phenoxypyridine was more fluorescent than 3-nitro-2-phenoxypyridine in all the solvents used. The fluorescence intensity decreased with concentration and time.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Cutaneous larva migrans: a neglected disease and possible association with the use of long socks

Hamat RA, Rahman AA, Osman M, Unyah NZ, Abdullah WO, Isa NH

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2010 Feb;104(2):170-2.
PMID: 19732927 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2009.07.019

Cutaneous larva migrans is a common parasitic skin disease that can be easily prevented by wearing 'protective' footwear. However, this has been under-emphasized in terms of what constitutes the protective footwear. Even though the disease resolves spontaneously, the significant duration of the disease along with severity of pruritus make treatment unavoidable. Here, we present a very long-standing creeping eruption, which puzzled many attending clinicians handling the case, and the possibility of long socks as a causal effect on the development of cutaneous larva migrans infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing/adverse effects
Fulltext Chemical reaction and variable viscosity effect on mixed heat and mass transfer convection for Hiemenz flow over a porous wedge with heat radiation

Kandasamy, R., Azme, Hashim, I., Ismoen, M.

ASM Science Journal, 2008;2(1):23-33.
MyJurnal

The effect of chemical reaction and variable viscosity on mixed convection heat and mass transfer for Hiemenz flow over a porous wedge plate was studied in the presence of heat radiation. The wall of the wedge was embedded in a uniform Darcian porous medium to allow for possible fluid wall suction or injection and had a power-law variation of both the wall temperature and concentration. The fluid was assumed to be viscous and incompressible. Numerical calculations were carried out for different values of dimensionless parameters and an analysis of the results obtained showed that the flow field was influenced appreciably by the buoyancy ratio between species, thermal diffusion and suction/injection at wall surface. The effects of these major parameters on the transport behaviours were investigated methodically and typical results illustrated to reveal the tendency of the solutions. Representative results are presented for the velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions. Comparisons with previously published works were performed and excellent agreement between the results were obtained. It is predicted that this research might prove to be useful for study of the movement of oil or gas and water through the reservoir of an oil or gas field, in the migration of underground water, in filtration, and water purification processes.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among 15-year-old adolescents participating in the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team Study (MyHeARTs)

Quah SW, Abdul Majid H, Al-Sadat N, Yahya A, Su TT, Jalaludin MY

PLoS One, 2018;13(7):e0200736.
PMID: 30024934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200736

BACKGROUND: This study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D ≤ 50 nmol/L) among 15-year-old Malaysian adolescents. By identifying potential risk factors, prevention strategies and interventions can be carried out to improve the vitamin D status in adolescents.
METHODS AND FINDINGS: Stratified random sampling design was used to select adolescents from 15 urban and rural secondary schools in Selangor, Perak and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data collection was carried out from 1st April 2014 to 30th June 2014. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, sun exposure and sun protective behaviours, clinical data and environmental factors were collected. Blood for total vitamin D was sampled. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Total 1061 participants were analyzed (62% were female; mean age 15.1 ± 0.4 years). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 33%. Mean vitamin D was lower in female (53 ± 15 nmol), obese (body fat percentage (≥25%m; ≥33.8%f) (56 ± 16 nmol/L), Malays (58 ± 18 nmol/L) and Indians (58 ± 15 nmol/L). In multivariate analysis, female (OR = 5.5; 95% CI: 3.4-7.5), Malay (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.3-8.0), Indian (OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6-12.0) and those always wearing long sleeve (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.4) were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency. For female participants, ethnicity {Malays (OR = 6.7; 95% CI: 2.0-18.5), Indian (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.8-19.3)} was an important risk factors. Cloud cover, school residence, skin pigmentation, sun-exposure and sun-protective behaviours were not significant risk factors. The limitation of this study was recall bias as it relied on self-reported on the sun exposure and protective behaviours. The diet factors were not included in this analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among Malaysian adolescents was considerable. Gender, ethnicity and clothing style were important risk factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Effects of pressure garment on spasticity and function of the arm in the early stages after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Ooi HK, Chai SC, Kadar M

Clin Rehabil, 2020 Apr;34(4):515-523.
PMID: 32037862 DOI: 10.1177/0269215520905050

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pressure (Lycra) garment on the spasticity and function of the arm in the early stages after stroke.
DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Occupational therapy unit of a public hospital.
SUBJECTS: A total of 46 adults with stroke.
INTERVENTION: After random assignment, for six weeks, both intervention group and control group received a 2 hour/week conventional occupational therapy program, with the intervention group receiving an extra 6 hour/day pressure garment application (long glove).
MAIN MEASURES: Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test. Eligibility measures: Mini Mental State Examination and Modified Modified Ashworth Scale. Assessments were performed at baseline and six weeks postintervention.
RESULTS: There were 21 participants with the mean age of 51.19 (8.28) years in the intervention group and 22 participants with the mean (SD) age of 52.82 (8.71) years in the control group. The intervention group had median (interquartile range (IQR)) post-stroke duration of 1 (1) month, while for the control group, they were 2 (2) months. There was no difference in spasticity, and both perceived and actual arm functions between the groups at six weeks after baseline.
CONCLUSION: Wearing a pressure garment on the arm for 6 hours daily had no effect in controlling spasticity or on improving arm function in the early stages after stroke.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing*
On the Choice of the Prior Distribution in the Bayesian Analysis for the Evaluation of Mini-Roundabouts as a Road Safety Measure

Kamarulzaman bin Ibrahim

Sains Malaysiana, 1996;25.

An integral art of the Bayesian approach which is not present in the classical approach is the prior distribution. Different researchers may have different level of prior knowledge regarding the parameter of interest before seeing the data. Sometimes different prior distributions can result in different decisions, as such investigations have to be careful in making the choice of the prior distribution. In this paper, we compare results from the Bayesian analyses based on three possible choices of the prior distributions, which are uniform prior, lognormal prior and an improper prior, in the evaluation of the effectiveness of mini-roundabouts. Data from five before and after studies into the effect of mini-roundabouts when replacing priority junctions are used. The effects of the different prior distributions are distinguishable from the analysis of an anamolous 'desk-drawer' study. The uniform and improper prior pull the estimated treatment effect away from one more than the lognormal prior. The results based on lognormal prior depict a less worst scenario of the ineffectiveness of mini-roundabouts and this may correspond to the deficiency in engineering design at only a few sites. Consequently, it is more appropriate to use the lognormal prior in the analysis of mini-roundabouts as a road safety measure.
Satu ciri yang penting dalam kaedah Bayesian yang tidak ada dalam kaedah klasik ialah taburan prior. Sebelum melihat data, mungkin setiap penyelidik mempunyai tahap pengetahuan prior yang berbeza berkenaan sesuatu parameter yang ingin dikaji. Kadang-kala taburan prior yang berlainan boleh menghasilkan keputusan yang berlainan. Oleh itu, pengkaji perlu berhati-hati dalam memilih taburan prior. Dalam kertas-kerja ini, kami bandingkan keputusan dari analisis Bayesian berdasarkan tiga pilihan taburan prior yang menasabah iaitu prior seragam, prior lognormal dan prior tak wajar untuk menilai keberkesanan bulatan mini. Data dari kajian-kajian sebelum dan selepas terhadap kesan mengantikan persimpangan dengan bulatan mini digunakan. Kesan taburan prior yang berlainan dapat dibezakan berasaskan keputusan analisis terhadap satu kajian 'laci-meja' yang ganjil. Prior seragam dan prior fak wajar felah menyebabkan anggaran nilai kesan rawatan melebihi satu lebih dari prior lognormal. Keputusan berasaskan prior lognormal ini menunjukkan senario yang kurang teruk tentang kurang berkesannya bulatan mini dan mungkin ini boleh dikaitkan dengan rekabentuk kejuruteraan yang tidak baik di beberapa tempat sahaja. Dengan itu, prior lognormal adalah lebih sesuai digunakan untuk menilai bulatan mini sebagai langkah keselamatan jalanraya.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Formulation and process improvement for chili shrimp paste using sensory evaluation

Nadia Sarina, M.F., Mohd Adzahan, N., Sobhi, B., Ab Karim, M.S., Karim, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2010;17(4):927-936.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to improve the formulation of chili shrimp paste (CSP) based on sensory evaluation in terms of acidity, source of acid and coarseness of chili paste and to improve the production process of CSP. The effectiveness of dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) as a microbial reduction agent was also evaluated. To produce CSP with different coarseness, a milling machine was used. Two types of preference test were conducted, i.e. ranking and hedonic. The preferred pH level was 4.0, the best acid source was kalamansi juice, and the most preferred coarseness for chili paste was when milling plates with a gap of 120 µm was used. DMDC has no effect on microbial reduction due to the presence of fat globules in CSP which hindered the inactivation action. Milling can substitute pounding as it is much faster and can produce a uniform CSP with higher volume.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Development of a green combat armour from Rame-Kevlar-polyester composite

Zainab Shakir Radif, Aidy Ali, Khalina Abdan

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2011;19(2):339-348.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted for the development of the green protection garments. For this purpose, laminate composite material was developed from Kevlar 29-ramie-unsaturated polyester resin. The aim of this study was to develop a solid body armour that meets the specific requirements of ballistic resistance. This composite is subjected to high impact loading. The target was shot using gas gun machine that is supported by camera hardware to capture the projectile speed. In order to achieve the goal of the research, several experiments were conducted with the aim to estimate the ballistic limit, maximum energy absorption, composite failure mode, life time rupture, target geometry, and environmental effect. The results of these experiments indicated that the maximum ballistic limit validated at impact speed is in the range of 250 m/s to 656.8 m/s for the second protection level. The targets are improved in term of the impact response with the increase in the relative humidity, i.e. the range of 50% ± 20%, whereas, reduction of resistance results in the increase of temperature. The range of temperatures was between 20oC and 70oC. A limited delamination was generated under multiple shots. Targets geometry plays a major role in increasing the impact response. Hence, the results present a high resistant impact for pairs from the panels with total thickness arrived to 15
mm ± 3 mm. This body armour is one of the most economical armour products, in which common materials are used in its production, particularly to reduce the amount of Kevlar, and this could further lead to a decrease in its production cost. On the other hand, this armour meets the ballistic threats under 623 m/s of 15 mm ± 3 mm target thickness and 837.5 m/s of 25 mm ± 2.mm. Thus, the armour is equivalent to the third level of protective ballistic limits in the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Attitude towards sex: study of secondary schoolchildren in Selangor state

Maha, A., Azhar, M. Z., Sherina, M. S., Sharmili, V., Rampal, L., Abdah, A., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2010;6(1):33-61.
MyJurnal

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is one of the leading health problems worldwide. There is an increasing rate among the ages between 13 to 49 years old. School based intervention is an important component of community-based interventions for HIV/AIDS and is the best stage to promote abstinence which is best maintained among those not sexually experienced. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine attitude towards sex among secondary school children in Selangor state. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Four out of nine districts in Selangor state were selected at random. Students were divided according to gender, academic performance (good or poor) with no behavioural problems
and students with evidence of behaviour problems (at risk). Results: Out of 149 students, the majority (56.4%) were females. The majority of students did not think sex should be discussed in depth and do not speak to parents, teachers, religious teachers, counselors, relatives, doctors or nurses but speak to friends regarding sex. More than half watch pornography. A significantly higher percentage of male students in the weak and at-risk group admit to thinking of intimacy (hugging and kissing) with the opposite gender. A higher number of these students would try sex out of curiosity, for fun, because it was difficult to say ‘no’ to and that they would like it. A significantly higher percentage will try sex because they did not want to hurt their girlfriends’ feeling by saying ‘no’. While the majority of students think intimacy will end in sex, a significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students think just talking with the opposite gender will end in sex. The majority of male students responded feeling attracted to the picture of a girl in sexy clothing but a significantly higher percentage of at-risk students also felt attracted to the picture of a girl properly attired. A significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students say parents do not say sex before marriage is wrong and a significantly higher percentage of
male students of weak and at-risk groups say girlfriends say sex before marriage is okay. A significantly higher percentage of weak and at-risk students speak to doctors regarding sex and think sex should be discussed in depth. Conclusion: Weak and at-risk male students appeared to have a more vulnerable attitude towards sex. This may predispose them to risky sexual behaviours leading to HIV/AIDS. Poor academic performance and behaviour problems may not be different as potential sexual risk predictors. The information obtained will be useful in designing intervention programmes in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Fulltext Occupationally Acquired Plasmodium knowlesi Malaria in Brunei Darussalam

Koh GJ, Ismail PK, Koh D

Saf Health Work, 2019 Mar;10(1):122-124.
PMID: 30949391 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.09.002

Simian malaria is a zoonotic disease caused by Plasmodium knowlesi infection. The common natural reservoir of the parasite is the macaque monkey and the vector is the Anopheles mosquito. Human cases of P. knowlesi infection has been reported in all South East Asian countries in the last decade, and it is currently the most common type of malaria seen in Malaysia and Brunei. Between 2007-2017, 73 cases of P. knowlesi infection were notified and confirmed to the Ministry of Health in Brunei. Of these, 15 cases (21%) were documented as work-related, and 28 other cases (38%) were classified as probably related to work (due to incomplete history). The occupations of those with probable and confirmed work related infections were border patrol officers, Armed Forces and security personnel, Department of Forestry officers, boatmen and researchers. The remaining cases classified as most likely not related to work were possibly acquired via peri-domestic transmission. The risk of this zoonotic infection extends to tourists and overseas visitors who have to travel to the jungle in the course of their work. It can be minimised with the recommended use of prophylaxis for those going on duty into the jungles, application of mosquito/insect repellants, and use of repellant impregnated uniforms and bed nets in jungle camp sites.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing
Predictive factors of sun protection behaviour among global airline pilots

Yong SS, Han WH, Faheem NAA, Puvan N, Tan LL, Wong SM, et al.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, 2022 Nov;38(6):541-547.
PMID: 35324018 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12787

BACKGROUND: Airline pilots face significant ultraviolet radiation exposure resulting in an increased risk of sun damage and skin cancers. We aimed to evaluate sun-protective practices and associated factors among airline pilots.
METHODS: We disseminated an online questionnaire evaluating the use of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and protective clothing during daytime hours in the cockpit and during outdoor activities to 346 global commercial airline pilots, and we received 220 completed responses. The Pearson chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test where necessary were used to determine possible factors associated with the use of sun-protective practices. Potential confounders were adjusted for using multivariate analyses.
RESULTS: The most common sun protective behaviour was the wearing of sunglasses during daytime flights (89.5%), followed by the use of caps during outdoor activities (47.7%). More pilots applied sunscreen during daytime flights (14.1%) compared with walk-arounds (8.2%). Males were less likely to use sunscreen during flights (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 0.76), use sunscreen for walk-arounds (aOR = 0.175) and wear long sleeves (aOR = 0.013). Pilots who flew less than 30 h a month in high latitude regions were less likely to use a cap or hat outdoors (aOR = 0.419) or use sunscreen during walk-arounds (aOR = 0.241). Younger pilots were also less likely to use caps or hats outdoors (aOR = 0.446).
CONCLUSION: Male pilots and those who spent less time in high latitudes were less likely to practice sun protection. Targeted educational efforts may be implemented to reduce occupational ultraviolet exposure.

Matched MeSH terms: Protective Clothing
Fulltext Does the attire of a primary care physician affect patients' perceptions and their levels of trust in the doctor?

Zahrina AZ, Haymond P, Rosanna P, Ho R, Rajini AR, Low BT, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(3):3-11.
PMID: 30800227

INTRODUCTION: With increasing evidence of disease transmission through doctors' white coats, many countries have discouraged doctors from wearing their white coats during consultations. However, there have been limited studies about patients' preferences concerning doctors' attire in Malaysia. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate patients' perceptions of doctors' attire before and after the disclosure of information about the infection risk associated with white coats.
METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st June 2015 to 31st July 2015 at three different primary care settings (government, private, and university primary care clinics) using a self-administered questionnaire. A 1:5 systematic random sampling method was employed to select the participants. The respondents were shown photographs of male and female doctors in four different types of attire and asked to rate their level of confidence and trust in and ease with doctors in each type of attire. Subsequently, the respondents were informed of the risk of white coat-carried infections, and their responses were reevaluated. Data analysis was completed using SPSS Version 24.0. Associations of categorical data were assessed using the Chi-Square test, while the overall change in perceptions after the disclosure of additional information was examined using the McNemar test. Results with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 299 respondents completed the questionnaire. Most of the respondents had more confidence and trust in the male (62.5%) and female (59.2%) doctors wearing white coats. A high proportion of the respondents from the government clinic (70.5%) felt more confidence in male doctors dressed in white coats (p-value = 0.018). In terms of ethnicity, male doctors in white coats were highly favored by Malays (61.0%), followed by the Chinese (41.2%) and Indians (38%) (p = 0.005). A similar preference was observed for the female doctors, whereby the highest number of Malays (60.3%), followed by the Chinese (41.2%) and Indians (40.0%) (p = 0.006), had a preference for female doctors wearing white coats. Only 21.9% of the initial 71.9% of patients who preferred white coats maintained their preference (p < 0.001) after learning of the risk of microbial contamination associated with white coats.
CONCLUSION: Most patients preferred that primary care doctors wear white coats. Nevertheless, that perception changed after they were informed about the infection risk associated with white coats.

Matched MeSH terms: Clothing

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