The elimination of local currencies by the creation of European Monetary Union manifested the fall of an important barrier against financial integration. Nonetheless, 2010 Eurozone sovereign-debt crisis, considered as a paradigm shifting event, led some to believe that it triggered a reversal of the integration process. Even though co-integration of equity markets among the Euro Zone countries have attracted the attention of numerous studies, the researches examining the same topic but relying on Shariah indices and specifically focusing on the effect of 2010 Eurozone sovereign debt crisis are not many. The study collects data for five stock markets’ Shariah indices, namely Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France and Italy starting from 6th September 2010 to 7th June 2013. Employing time series econometrics (known as eight steps), the study derives results suggesting that there is a strong long-run (theoretical) relationship, i.e. cointegration, among Euro Zone stock markets even after the crisis, which is believed due partly to the fact that the indices chosen are Shariah-compliant that have unique common characteristics compared to their conventional peers. As policy implications of the empirical results, it is not possible to make permanently high profits from the portfolios that are diversified only within Euro Zone markets and approximately four-decade of effort exerted by the European political institutions to create one common market is yielding optimistic results.
The skin can be vulnerable to various microbial infection. Although antibiotics are clinically proven to be useful in the treatment of bacterial skin infections, they are largely subjected to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. This has led to the screening of several medicinal plants for their potential antimicrobial activity since they are less expensive, has reduced occurrence of adverse effects and widespread availability. The aim of this research will focus on evaluating the antibacterial activity of different extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes that causes skin infections. Leaves were extracted separately with 95% methanol and 95% ethanol using maceration process. Phytochemical screening was done for each extract and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for each extract against both bacteria using 10 different concentrations ranging from 10mg/ml up to 100mg/ml via disc diffusion method in triplicates. Two concentrations above the MIC from each extract were selected and antibacterial assay of the different extracts against the two bacteria respectively was performed using disc diffusion method in triplicates. MIC for methanolic extract against both bacteria was 10mg/ml, while MIC for ethanolic extract was 10mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and 30mg/ml against Streptococcus pyogenes. Methanolic extract of the plant at a concentration of 90mg/ml and 100mg/ml was statistically significant against Streptococcus pyogenes with a significance value of 0.00 (p
Providing quality food and beverage services has become one of the critical issues in the tourism industry and several studies have been paying attention to it. On the other hand, there seems to be a paucity of data on service quality Jordanian hotels, making it difficult to fashion an appropriate management intervention. Also, there has been insufficient attempt to relate customers’ perceptions of service quality to their socio-demographic characteristics as well as the characteristics of organizations delivering the service. This study, therefore, analyzes customers' perceptions of service quality in the food and beverage service department in Jordanian hotels, an essential requirement for customers in Jordan.
Oxidative stress and bacterial pathogens are two main health issues currently. This research was aims to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of leaf and branch extracts from mulberry plant. The methanolic (80% v/v) extracts of mulberry leaf and branch were examined for their antioxidant properties by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial activity of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was examined using disc diffusion method, broth microdilution method and Checkerboard assay. Mulberry branch extracts showed higher antioxidant activity compared to leaf extracts, with its IC50 value was 0.443 mg/mL and 0.559 mg/mL respectively. Mulberry leaf extracts demonstrated a larger inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus (12.83 ± 1.26 mm) compared to the branch extract and the combination of leaf and branch extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of both plant materials was less than 0.79 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, and 50 mg/mL for Escherichia coli. The combination of both plant materials produced an indifferent effect against Staphylococcus aureus (∑FIC = 2.0) and Escherichia coli (∑FIC = 4.0). In conclusion, the findings showed that methanolic extracts of mulberry leaf and branch contain antioxidant and antibacterial properties that have potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry.
Banking services are currently undergoing a transformational shift. Contextual banking access to banking services when consumers want it, where they want it, in a manner they want it, fitting their life style is becoming the norm among banking consumers. This is fuelled by widespread adoption of smart phones and social networks which has transformed the consumer behaviour, thus expanding consumer expectations from banks. Consumers tend to demand user experience similar to what Tech giants are offering. Traditional banks have the opening to lead this transformation. However, they need to become agile and re-configure the way they do things. Traditional banks need to reach out to potential consumers’ way before financial decisions are made, thus attracting millennials. Number of Banks in the United States are already using Facebook messenger for customer support and also for normal transactions thus simplifying consumer experience with the Bank. The Government of Malaysia has an ambitious plan of getting everyone online as means of pushing the country towards the next income level while generating more employment and foreign income while taking modern education techniques to rural communities. Despite the potential, the usage of social media among the banking sector remains relatively low. Many banking customers are reluctant to consume financial services through social media. The aim of this paper is to understand the determinants of consumer intention to use social media among the banking sector in Malaysia based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
Only a handful of countries use earprints for forensic investigation and the practice of using earprints as an evidence in a court of law remains arguable. This study was conducted to determine if an earprint could be traced back to an individual and show significant difference when compared to an earprint from another and to identify the difference(s) between genders. The earprints of 50 males and 50 females between the ages of 18-40 were collected and analysed. The digital overlay method was employed and measurements (angles and lengths) were compared between prints. The overlay method as well as the measurements show clear difference(s) among individuals and prove that each ear is unique and that earprints can be used for individual identification. Although the measurements showed some differences in the tragus angle, helix-tragus length as well as antitragus-helix length between the genders, the differences were too small to bear any significance.
Bacteriophage is a virus that infects the bacterium and it is very host species-specific. Antibiotic resistant is major concern in medical world. Therefore, a new alternative treatment is vital to combat against the persistent superbugs. This study is to isolate host-phages extracted from sewages and marsh water and tested against Fusobacterium ulcerans (ATCC 49185). Sewage water and marsh water samples were collected in Shah Alam, Selangor and filtered through 6 µm, 0.45 µm and 0.22 µm syringe filter membrane. The isolation of the phages-specific for Fusobacterium ulcerans were conducted through Viral Suspensions Phage Assay and Double Layer Assay (DLA) measured by the presence of plaque. Bacteriophage titers were quantified through number of phage particles in the pure stock of phage suspensions that are able to infect Fusobacterium ulcerans. 329 plaques forming unit were isolated from the marsh water and 51 plaques forming unit were isolated from sewage. The cultivation of phages from both water samples were subjected to 9.7 x 109 Phage Forming Unit (PFU/ ml) for marsh water and 1.39 x 109 PFU/ml sewage water respectively on six replicates. The results on marsh water shown (2.2 x 104, 1.8 x 105, 1.5 x 106, 1.4 x 107, 1.1x 108 and 9.8x 108 PFU/ml) and (4.5 x 103, 3.9x 105, 6.1x 106, 8.2 x 106, 1.2 x 108 and 1.4 x 109 PFU/ml) for sewage water. The study revealed that virus titre increased based on the number of PFU/ml and constantly increased based on dilution factor. The increased titre suggest that virus isolate have higher therapeutic against Fusobacterium ulcerans. The study of the isolation of phages-specific for Fusobacterium ulcerans is important for the prospective intervention on tropical skin ulcer infection.
Bacterial infections have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality over the recent years and gastrointestinal infections are one of the common diseases caused Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella typhi. Treatment involves usage of wide spectrum antibiotics like fluoroquinolones often leads to development of antibiotic resistance and by implementing medicinal plants usage in treating diseases are believed to be effective against bacteria, the need for conventional therapy and risks of antibiotic resistance are reduced. Ipomoea aquatica (Family: Convolvulaceae) are commonly known as kangkung leaves. Various pharmacological activities such as anti- hyperglycaemic, anti- inflammatory and diuretics were explored except for its antibacterial activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity between methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. I. aquatica leaves were extracted with 95% methanol and 95% ethanol and their phytochemical properties were determined. MIC was determined for both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, using concentrations ranging from 10mg/ml up to 100mg/ml via disc diffusion method. Two concentrations were chosen from each extract to evaluate antibacterial activity using disc diffusion method with ciprofloxacin as positive control and distilled water as the negative control, done in triplicates. Data was entered on SPSS statistics version 23 and analysed using one way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey. Based on ANOVA, antibacterial activity was more profound in concentrations from methanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves against Salmonella typhi, where the both concentrations at 40mg/ml and 100mg/ml showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi when compared to the positive control Ciprofloxacin (5mg/disc), producing a significant value p< 0.05. Both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves produced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi.
Many studies have shown that fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant compounds are beneficial to health. Many studies started to highlight the potential of beetroot; which is rich with betalain pigments, as the new alternative antioxidant supplementation due to its high capacity of free radical scavenging activity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from sunlight can penetrate more than just skin tissues, thereby disturbing the balance of erythrocytes antioxidant enzymes level, particularly glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in Sprague Dawley rats (SD) supplemented with beetroot juice at different concentrations upon UV-induced oxidative stress. The total betalain content that was measured spectrophotometrically showed that 500 mg/kg of beet root juice contained approximately ten fold-higher levels of betalain pigment, compared to 250 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. DPPH test performed on different concentrations of beet root juices showed that the antioxidant activity of beetroot juice increases in concentration-dependent manner, only 500 mg/kg non-diluted beetroot juice exhibited 100% free radical scavenging activity. The erythrocytes suspension of SD rats treated with different concentrations of beetroot juices were assayed for GPx and SOD activity which showed an increase of the activity of these enzymes in concentration-dependent manner, especially in non-diluted preparation. We found that non- diluted (500 mg/kg concentration) beetroot juices exhibited highest antioxidant activity which offer significant protection against oxidative stress by elevating the activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in scavenging free radicals.
This paper reports the results on the pilot study of the latest trend of work environment- teleworking. This study was conducted about a year ago with the primary objective of exploring the issues of teleworking relevant in the Malaysian context. Based on snapshot case studies on a local bank, two telecommunication companies, and a foreign consulting firm, we attempted to explore the decision-makers’ view on the potentials and prospects of teleworking in the Malaysian business. The literature categories were used as the context to develop questions for the unstructured interviews. Questions revolved around the perceived or actual reasons for adopting teleworking, teleworking options, and job suitable for teleworking. Among the key human resource issues included were training needs, performance appraisal, compensation, provision of teleworking equipment and industrial relations. Other interesting findings were the differences in corporate culture and management style of these organisations.
Osteoporosis defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is a major and growing public health problem in both sexes particularly in women. It is a condition in which the bone become brittle and fragile, due to hormonal changes as well as vitamin D and calcium deficiency. The objective of this study to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of osteoporosis prevention among menopause in Salak South, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 228 respondents have participated in this study with the age of 30 years old and above. Data was collected and then analyzed by using SPSS version 23.0. Independent T test were used for data analysis. About 61.8% respondents had a good knowledge score, 98.2% had a good attitude score and 86.5% had a good practice score. The level of knowledge, attitude and practice were associated significantly with marital status (p>0.05). In conclusion, there is a need to increase health promotion activities via various form of social media and the rough community based health education to create awareness about the disease which would to help lower burden of disease in society and
In today’s world managing monthly budget is a very important task, things are getting expensive day to day and pays are getting lesser, the only way to manage monthly budgets is to track the expenses and plan the expense in order to manage the monthly budget well. The project aim is to create a key for Android users on how to achieve their finances in any circumstance thru tracking the expenses every day. Finally, this pays to societal well-being. Beside that it will also give expert tips to the users on how to manage budget effectively.
This study was conducted to explore Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement, and Revenge Planning among the young people in accordance with the issues of community violence in the modern society these days. Specifically, this study compared the differences of Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement and Revenge Planning by gender as well as to examine the relationship between the three variables. This study involved 120 respondents who were chosen through convenience samplings among the university students. The instrument used for this research is Scale for Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement and Revenge Planning. Data were analyzed by using coefficient correlation and independent sample T-Test. The research findings pointed that there were significant differences between gender in terms of Anger Rumination. However, there were no gender differences identified in terms of Anger Displacement and Revenge Rumination and Revenge Planning. As for correlation, there was a significant relationship between Anger Rumination and Revenge Planning, but there was no correlation between Anger Rumination and Anger Displacement.
Task manager is the application that help user to manage the running application in order to optimize the computer performance. Existing task manager is inconvenient; as it does not provide multiple end task function. This study aims to (i) provide a categorized processes, (ii) to show necessary information about the processes, (iii) to allow group end task function, (iv) to provide online virus scan function with local databases.A survey is done through online using google questionnaire, Windows OS user is the target for interview. The agile system is utilised for prototype development. The product is then tested section by section and the developer will fix the error and bugs when present. The results shows that the improved user interface is simple and tidy as 95% of respondent answered that it is very convenient. On the other hand, 90% of respondents wish that the task manager provides virus scan function and about 98% of respondents requested the task manager to provide multiple end task function. In addition, 52.3% of respondents could not know which process is safe to close and only 47.7% of respondents could know which process is safe to end. In conclusion, Processes Manager is a useful application that help user to speed up the computer performance especially for the beginners who are not expert into
This work deals with the formulation of ocular niosomal in-situ gel of Ketorolac tromethamine for improved bioavailability. Ketorolac tromethamine loaded niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method using cholesterol and different surfactants. Niosomal in-situ gel was prepared using HPMC (K15M) and Carbopol (934P) to maintain the drug localization for extended period of time. The niosomes formulations were characterized for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release and niosomal in-situ gel were evaluated for visual appearance, clarity, pH measurement, drug content measurement, rheological study, and stability testing. Niosomal vesicles were discrete and spherical in shape, 2.09µm-5.59µm in size, 19.32%-53.06% entrapment efficiency and showed sustained release behavior. The formulation F10 shows the highest entrapment efficiency with 53.06%. Drug loaded niosomal in-situ gel sustained the drug release (71.74%-86.20%) for 24 hours. The mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian diffusion controlled first order kinetics for niosomal in-situ gel formulation. Stability study indicated that the prepared niosomal in- situ gel remained more stable at refrigeration (4-8˚C) and room temperature (25±2˚C) as compared to (45±2˚C) in humidity control oven for 3 months. FT-IR and DSC studies revealed the integrity of the drug in the formulations. Thus, the present study conclusively demonstrates the feasibility of effectively formulating Ketorolac tromethamine niosomal in situ gels which are capable of releasing the drug for extended periods of time.
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.