Smoking problem is considered as one of the hot topics for many years. In spite of overpowering facts about the dangers, smoking is still a bad habit widely spread and socially accepted. Many people start smoking during their gymnasium period. The discovery of the dangers of smoking gave a warning sign of danger for individuals. There are different statistical methods used to analyze the dangers of smoking. In this study, we apply an algebraic statistical method to analyze and classify real data using Markov basis for the independent model on the contingency table. Results show that the Markov basis based classification is able to distinguish different date elements. Moreover, we check our proposed method via information theory by utilizing the Shannon formula to illustrate which one of these alternative tables is the best in term of independent.
Dyspepsia is a common gastroenterological problem with an estimated global prevalence between 7 and 40%. Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a major economic burden to patients and healthcare systems and significantly affects patient quality of life. The ROME III definition of FD divides it into two subgroups, epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, the former being more associated with reflux disease and the latter with gastric dysmotility. The global incidence and prevalence of FD continues to rise, but the reason for this is not clear. Rising global obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease rates may be contributing to the rise in FD. Socioeconomic and cultural demographic changes such as changing dietary habits and rapid urbanization, particularly in the developing countries, are likely to be influencing the course of FD and the way it presents.
Words have a habit of appearing in recurrent patterns. These recurring patterns may take the
form of phrasal verbs, collocations, and other multi-word expressions (MWEs). Since these
patterns constantly re-occur in both speech and writing, it would seem prudent to teach
vocabulary to ESL learners in the manner in which words actually present themselves: in
typical chunks. A common example of such a chunk would be “to deal with the problem”, in
which “deal with” and “problem” are collocates. This paper contains three sections. The first
examines what phrasal verbs and collocates are in the first place, and why they are particularly
important for learners. The second part is a review of recent studies that support the teaching
of MWEs and chunking pedagogy. This paper concludes by discussing the potential of
incorporating chunking pedagogy in one’s own ESL vocabulary teaching.
Among most important aspects in conducting a clinical trial are random sampling and allocation of subjects. The processes could be easier if done with familiar software used for data entry and analysis instead of relying on other programs or methods. The objective of this article is to demonstrate random sampling and allocation using SPSS in step-by-step manners using examples most relevant to clinicians as well as researchers in health sciences.
Multivariate analyses depend on multivariate normality assumption. Although the analyses are available in SPSS, it is not possible to assess the assumption from the basic package. Statistical assessment of the normality is available in a specialized package, SPSS Amos, in form of Mardia's multivariate kurtosis. However, graphical assessment of the normality by chi-square versus Mahalanobis distance plot is not available in both of the packages. The aim of this article is to present the steps to construct the plot in SPSS in a point-and-click manner as expected by most SPSS users.
The road safety campaign among car drivers is an ongoing program of the road safety campaigns which is aimed at decreasing the number of accidents involving car drivers and lowering the risks that they might face on the road. It is also aimed at creating good manners among car drivers and at discarding bad habits during driving to avoid accidents. A pre-test was carried out in the early stage of this campaign to assist in the identification of the most effective messages to be advertised in the media. It was carried out in Selangor on 493 respondents randomly chosen to answer the questionnaire provided. Only car drivers were chosen as respondents. The results show that the majority of respondents understood the messages given in the advertisements and fulfilled the requirements of the targeted group. In addition, the respondents said that these advertisements are sufficiently effective to create awareness on road safety through right driving behaviour.
The habit of chewing betel quid has been practised since ancient times. Although the world has gone through modernization, a significant proportion of people still practices this habit. Substantial evidence has shown that betel quid chewing is associated with the occurrence of oral cancer and precancerous lesions, which has a tremendous psychosocial impact on an individual's life. Thus it becomes significantly important to dentistry to look into this matter. Since betel quid chewing is one of the causes of oral cancer, effort in cha~ging this habit is essential. This article addresses this issue.
This study was to obtain baseline information and its associated factors on oral
cancer awareness, practice of risk habits and mouth self-examination (MSE) among selected highrisk
indigenous community in Sarawak. (Copied from article).
Due to conservation and rehabilitation efforts, mangrove forests represent some of the largest environmental niches in Malaysia. However, there is little information on the potential risks posed by mosquitoes that are directly and indirectly associated with mangrove forests. To study the potential health risk to humans active within and in close vicinity of mangrove forests, this research focused on the day biting habits of mosquitoes in mangrove forests of Kedah, Malaysia. The bare leg catch (BLC) method was used to collect adult mosquitoes during a 12-h period from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in both disturbed and less disturbed areas of mangroves. In total, 795 adult mosquitoes from 5 genera and 8 species were collected, and over 65% of the total mosquitoes were collected from the less disturbed area. The predominant species from the less disturbed area was Verrallina butleri; in the disturbed area the dominant species was Culex sitiens. The peak biting hour differed for each species, with Aedes albopictus and Cx. sitiens recorded as having a bimodal biting activity peak during dawn and dusk. For Ve. butleri an erratic pattern of biting activity was recorded in the less disturbed area but it peaked during the early daytime for both collection points. Overall, the distinct pattern of day biting habits of mosquitoes within mangroves peaked during dawn and dusk for the less disturbed area but was irregular for the disturbed area throughout the day. The presence of vectors of pathogens such as Ae. albopictus for both areas raises the need for authorities to consider management of mosquitoes in mangrove forests.
To evaluate the correlation of the intragranular textures on the physical properties of coarse aggregates, four aggregates samples consisting of three granitoid sources and one limestone have been studied. The role played by intragranular textures (mineral assembladge, grain size and grain boundaries) in influencing the physical properties are potentially significant to the fact that such textural variation may complicate the aggregate strength. This study indicates that the aggregates exhibited variation in textural habits. The granitoid aggregates, which is rich with silicate composition has typical heterogranular textures of porphyritic and equigranular grain structures. Whereas the limestone aggregate comprises of bioclast and peloid allochems cemented by micrite and spar. The granitoid aggregates showed better dispersed characters and had extremely interlocking crystal boundaries which have more physical strength compared to a carbonate aggregate.
The responsible behaviour of consumers that purchase green computers is a form of sustainable consumption, as green computers use less energy resulting in less CO2 emissions and the use of fewer toxic metals and materials during their production. The research question is how to encourage such behaviour. Although prior research has provided some answers by investigating the antecedents of the behaviour, it has done so through a piecemeal approach from the angles of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the value-belief-norm (VBN) theory, and habits. The present research aims to investigate the antecedents of the responsible acquisition of computers behaviour (RACB) among Malaysian consumers by integrating the TPB and the VBN theory with the habits variable. Hypotheses and a research framework were developed based on these theories and a survey questionnaire was used to collect information on the green computer purchase behaviour of computer owners aged 17 and over in Malaysia. A total of 1,000 usable surveys were completed and structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data collected. The findings reveal that the TPB, the VBN theory, and the habits variable can be integrated to explain RACB, which is formed when biospheric values trigger subjective norms that subsequently result in the formation of habits that lead to intentions of acquiring green computers and RACB. The study's findings show that although personal norms do not affect RACB, subjective norms affect ascriptions of responsibility, personal norms, and RACB. The findings provide insights to policymakers, NGOs, manufacturers, and marketers that can assist them in designing strategies for the effective promotion of RACB.
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in different populations may vary according to different environments, social customs and habits. This study was designed to measure the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among patients with different malignancies and to ascertain the association between common risk factors and disease transmission.
INTRODUCTION: This study sets out to investigate any differences in dietary practices between adolescents in Singapore and Malaysia.
METHODS: An adolescent dietary practices survey was conducted in Singapore and Malaysia involving 200 adolescents (100 from each country) aged 11 to 21 years in order to have a better understanding of the adolescents' dietary practices. Dietary practices were assessed by a self-administered dietary practices questionnaire (DPQ).
RESULTS: The major differences identified between adolescents' dietary practices in Singapore and Malaysia are related to alcohol consumption and venue for taking of lunch. More Malaysian adolescents have their lunch prepared at home (32.9 percent), compared with 7.2 percent of Singaporean adolescents. More adolescents in Malaysia drink alcohol (49.4 percent), compared with only 21.7 percent of Singaporean adolescents.
CONCLUSION: From the dietary practices survey of adolescents from Singapore and Malaysia, it may be concluded that while general dietary practices are similar, the major differences identified were significantly (p-value is less than 0.05) higher alcohol consumption by Malaysian adolescents and significantly (p-value is less than 0.05) more Malaysians took their lunch at home compared with Singaporeans. The reasons for the differences are discussed in the paper.