In vitro immuno-modulatory activity of aqueous quercus infectoria gall extract

Immuno-modulatory entities have now become an important part in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases and immune deficiencies. There are many local plants from which the bioactive compound can be extracted. One of the important herbal plants that attracts the attention of many researchers is Q. infectoria (manjakani). The effect of its gall extract on macrophages can enhance our knowledge on its immuno-modulatory activity. In this study, macrophages J774A.1 were treated with aqueous Q. infectoria gall extract with a concentration of 62.5, 31.25 and 15.625 ug/ml. The proliferation of the cells was studied using MTT assay after treating the cells for respectively 24, 48 and 72 h. Apart from this, the phagocytic activity was measured using a flow cytometer and the results were analyzed after 72 h of treatment. Multi-analyte ELISArray was used in the detection of cytokines with 62.5 ug/ml treated macrophages. It was observed that the proliferation of J774A.1 was greater in all concentration of treated compared to untreated macrophages. In the same way, treatment with aqueous Q. infectoria extract also showed an increased in the phagocytic activity of the macrophages. Although treating the macrophages with 62.5 ug/ml of extract increased the absorbance value in IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, TGF-β and TNF-α but they are not statistically significant from untreated macrophages. Hence it could be suggested that an aqueous Q. infectoria gall extract could show some effect on the immuno-modulatory activities of macrophages. More study can be carried out to give a detail and accurate result such as DNA study or quantifying the cytokine productions

The Challenges of Drone Application in the Construction Industry

Drone technology is currently being used in many areas, and the increasing prevalence of drones is evident in all areas. Drones were first used for military purposes and now they have become an important part of military actions. In recent years, drone technology has become widespread in various industries including journalism, filmmaking, aerial photography, shipping, delivery. However, drone technology is still in its infancy and has not had a significant impact on the construction industry in Malaysia. Therefore, the study's objective was to assess the challenges preventing the application of drone technology in the Malaysian construction industry. The methodology used for this research was qualitative, which is data collection through interviews with three drone experts. The respondents in this research were directors of construction companies that use unmanned aerial vehicles for their operations. The findings showed that drones faced the challenges of unfamiliarity, lack of knowledge, reticence to adopt new technologies, privacy issues, and security issues. These challenges faced by drone technology will not prevent its application in the Malaysian construction industry. However, Government support is important in promoting the use of drone technology and raising people's awareness of drone technology in the construction industry

Optical properties of reduced graphene oxide-coated tellurite glass doped at different erbium composition

Graphene-based nanomaterials have significant potential to be used as coating materials for glass performance. In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated tellurite glass was synthesized via melt-quenching and low-cost spray coating techniques for improving the optical properties in the glassy matrix. The structural properties investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the structural arrangement of an amorphous nature phase meanwhile, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis proved the morphological structure images of rGO onto the tellurite glass surface. The refractive index value of rGO-coated glass was found higher in the range of 2.402 - 2.775 due to the graphene-based effects. The optical bandgap energy value of rGO-coated glass was improved from 1.913 - 2.980 eV which correlated to the changes in rGO absorption characteristics. The Urbach energy showed a high number of defects in absorption with the presence of rGO structures. By virtue of improved optical properties, the rGO-coated glass may be beneficial to be used as a glass coating material f or high optical performance of fiber optics

Optical performance of neodymium nanoparticles doped tellurite glasses

A series of neodymium NPs doped tellurite glass with composition of (TeO2)0.7(B2O3)0.3]0.7 (ZnO)0.3}1- x (Nd2O3 NPs) x (x = 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mol%) was fabricated via melt-quenching method. Density and molar volume were measured and analyzed for the glass series. The optical properties of neodymium NPs doped tellurite glass were measured by UV–Vis spectrometer, photoluminescence and Z-scan technique. The optical band gap energy of the glass network was in the range of 3.178–3.209 eV. The upconversion emission of the laser glass excited at 800 nm was found in the ultraviolet region. Electronic polarizability, oxide ion polarizability, optical basicity and metallization criterion were calculated. Moreover, linear absorption coefficient, α, nonlinear refractive index ƞ (cm2/W), nonlinear absorption, β (x 10−3) and third order susceptibilities, χ (x 10−6) were measured. The optical efficiency of neodymium NPs doped tellurite glass exhibited excellent properties for its application in laser glass

Analgesia combinada raquiperidural em trabalho de parto: seus efeitos sobre o desfecho do parto

ResumoJustificativa e objetivosA analgesia combinada raquiperidural (RP) tornou‐se uma opção cada vez mais popular para o trabalho de parto tradicional devido ao seu rápido início de ação e ao resultado confiável. Este foi um estudo prospectivo de amostragem conveniente para determinar os efeitos da RP sobre o desfecho do parto.MétodosForam incluídas 110 parturientes primigestas saudáveis, com gestação única de ≥ 37 semanas e na fase ativa do trabalho de parto. As pacientes foram designadas para os grupos RP (n=55) ou não RP (n=55) com base em seus consentimentos para a analgesia combinada RP. As parturientes do grupo não RP receberam outros métodos de analgesia para o parto. As durações do primeiro e segundo estágio do trabalho de parto, as taxas de parto vaginal instrumental e cesariana de emergência e os escores de Apgar foram comparados.ResultadosA média de duração do primeiro e segundo estágio do trabalho de parto não foi significativamente diferente entre os dois grupos. As taxas de parto instrumental não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos, RP (11%) versus não RP (16%). A incidência ligeiramente maior de cesariana no grupo RP (16% versus 15% no não RP) não foi estatisticamente significativa. O desfecho neonatal em termos de índice de Apgar foi inferior a 7.ConclusãoNão houve diferenças significativas em relação à duração do trabalho, às taxas de parto vaginal instrumental e cesariana de emergência e ao desfecho neonatal em parturientes que receberam RP para analgesia de parto em comparação com aquelas que não receberam.AbstractBackground and objectivesCombined spinal–epidural (CSE) has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional labour epidural due to its rapid onset and reliable analgesia provided. This was a prospective, convenient sampling study to determine the effects of CSE analgesia on labour outcome.MethodsOne hundred and ten healthy primigravida parturients with a singleton pregnancy of ≥37 weeks gestation and in the active phase of labour were studied. They were enrolled to the CSE (n=55) or Non‐CSE (n=55) group based on whether they consented to CSE analgesia. Non‐CSE parturients were offered other methods of labour analgesia. The duration of the first and second stage of labour, rate of instrumental vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section, and Apgar scores were compared.ResultsThe mean duration of the first and second stage of labour was not significantly different between both groups. Instrumental delivery rates between the groups were not significantly different (CSE group, 11% versus Non‐CSE group, 16%). The slightly higher incidence of cesarean section in the CSE group (16% versus 15% in the Non‐CSE group) was not statistically significant. Neonatal outcome in terms of Apgar score of less than 7 at 1 and 5min was similar in both groups.ConclusionThere were no significant differences in the duration of labour, rate of instrumental vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section, and neonatal outcome in parturients who received compared to those who did not receive CSE for labour analgesia

Coping strategies for sexual problems and sexual dysfunction amongst Malay women with breast cancer : a qualitative study

Introduction: Women’ sexuality becomes complex after breast cancer diagnosis and sexual health is highly neglected in the management of the illness. Aims: To explore the coping and strategies to overcome sexuality problems and sexual dysfunction among women with breast cancer. Material and Methods: Using the in-depth and photo-elicitation interview methods, this qualitative study following phenomenological analysis was conducted on fourteen married female respondents with breast cancer and had the positive result for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) screened by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6 items) from Kelantan, Malaysia. The interviews data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and managed in analytic computer software NVivo11 Pro. The transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis by referring to the meaning-making theory. Main Outcome Measures: We identified overlapping themes of coping and strategies among women with breast cancer to overcome sexual problems and sexual dysfunction which correspond with meaning-making theory. Results: Three themes have emerged. Women with breast cancer that developed sexuality problem and sexual dysfunction strived to accept the illness using religious belief and conform by altering sexual practices. These individuals positively look for a solution by seeking formal healthcare advice, modify their physical appearance, active discussion with the husband and support from other survivors. A few of them passively struggle with the subject by averting the intimacy and receptive toward polygamy. Conclusion: This study highlighted the various mechanisms that emphasized the pivotal role of religious belief and relationship context as key factors in the coping strategies among women with breast cancer in Malaysia. The finding may not be generalized to other countries

The Challenges of the Implementation of Construction Robotics Technologies in the Construction

Robotics is one of the advanced technologies that is used in various aspects of the construction industry to improve the efficiency and the performance of construction projects. The adoption of construction robotics technologies is significant strategies to maintain and improve productivity in the construction industry. Even though the implementation of construction robotics technologies can improve productivity, many Malaysian contractors do not embrace the existence of robotic technology and still practicing the traditional method due to many challenges. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to investigate the challenges of the implementation of construction robotics technologies in the Malaysian construction industry and the improvement method. The data of the research were achieved through a quantitative method, which questionnaires were distributed to 180 G7 contractors in Kuala Lumpur. Subsequently, 50 valid responses were retrieved and the collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The findings revealed that the two (2) main challenges of the implementation of construction robotics in Malaysia were the high cost to maintain and update process the technologies. The finding also showed that strategic partnership with a high technology company was the best method to improve robotics implementation. In conclusion, this study is believed to be useful information in improving the implementation of robotics technologies in construction projects particularly around Klang Valley

Effects of personality trait, motivation factors on performance of customer service personnel (CSP): a case of MPH bookstores

Staff performance has been discussed widely and endlessly. Several theories have been used in order to measure performance. Previous research found that personality and motivation showed a significant relationship towards staff performance. The objective of this study is to investigate which type of personality among Big 5 personality traits could be a predictor of staff performance and also which level of Maslow’s theory contributed most towards performance. Questionnaires have been distributed to eight departments in Head Office and twelve outlets around Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley. Results showed that extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience are positively correlated with performance, while social, self-esteem and self-actualization correlate positively with performance. The result shows that the three predictors of extrovert (Beta = 0.505; t = 7.661; Sig = 0.001), agreeableness (Beta = 0.219; t = 0.3475; Sig = 0.001), social (Beta = 0.143; t = 2.551; Sig = 0.013) and conscientiousness (Beta = 0.143; t = -0.136; Sig = 0.013) accounted for 34.4% increase in change in job satisfaction. MPH also does not forget a person with an agreeableness type of personality trait. However, organization should not consider the conscientious character. In terms of motivation, social need is the predictor for performance of the staff

Measuring Sustainability Elements in PR1MA Affordable Housing

Housing has become a vital instrument in daily life, not because of the cost and function’s only but housing can provide other attributes of a feasible urban life. Thus, Malaysia's government has struggled to cater affordable housing to counter economic concerns and adopt a sustainable housing development aspect for a better quality of life. However, even the housing affordability of low and middle-income earners has been improved, but some of them are remains in debating. The objective of this paper is to measure the sustainability element in PRIMA affordable projects in Malaysia as well as to determine the satisfaction level of sustainable affordable housing practice among PR1MA residents. The data were collected from 97 survey forms distributed amongst PR1MA residents through Google form and self-administered and were considered as useful data for further analysis. The results show that only social and environmental elements were determined as sustainability elements in PR1MA affordable housing in selected PR1MA projects in Malaysia. Moreover, the results revealed that majority respondents have low satisfaction level on economic sustainability in sustainable affordable housing practice within their residential area. Thus, this result has a significant contribution to the stakeholders who are directly or indirectly participated in affordable housing development and specifically PR1MA projects. This result also helps the policy makers and practitioner for emphasizing several important elements for developing affordable housing in future

Satisfaction of using hearing protection devices among industrial workers

TheprevalenceoNfoise-InducedHearingLosisincreasingwodrlwide.Majorfactorscontributetothisituationis the breach of the preventive measures. Thstisudy aimed to identify factors that caused the industrial workers to ignore the usage of thehearing protection device(HPD). Sem-istructured focus group disucssion was conducted to the sawmill workers of Pahang, Malay.siPaurposive sampling method was performed to obtpaainrticipants,who was exposed to continuous noise, working tinhe industrial fieldand frequently or never used the HPD during working. Participants werediffered in term of gender, age, working experience and job. The condufcotceuds group discussion was recorded and all related information was transcribed. Analysis of the theme for the study was conducted using QSR Nvivo 9.2. Three mnaithemes were identified which are: uncomfortable, less awareness and barrier in communication. 58% of the workers reported on uncomfortable feeling wh2il%e 4were lack of awareness and 25% feel that the devices createad barrier in communication. Therefore, asncuomfortable feeling was the main cauosfe the industrial workers not to wear the HPD, new types of HPD that follows user requirement should be invented