Entrepreneurial Marketing in Village Owned Enterprises (VOEs): A Qualitative Study of Village Owned Enterprises in Indonesia

This study explores the main dimensions of the entrepreneurial marketing concept in village-owned enterprises and assesses how far marketing strategies are currently consistent with the entrepreneurial marketing approach. This research method is qualitative with a semi-structured in-depth interview approach based on seven elements of the entrepreneurial marketing concept with twelve directors of selected village-owned enterprises. Data were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by ATLAS.ti software. The findings from this research show that village-owned enterprises have succeeded in adapting and implementing the entrepreneurial marketing concept, which is essential for their business. The main motivation for this research is that empirical investigation of entrepreneurial marketing from the perspective of village-owned enterprises has received little attention

Detection of Leptospira species in environmental samples by amplification of 16S rRNA and rpoβ genes

This study attempted to identify and determine distribution of Leptospira spp. in environmental samples using 16S rRNA and rpoβ genes amplification. The samples were collected from high risk areas in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 105 environmental samples consisting of soil and water were subjected to direct DNA extraction and PCR reaction. PCR products were analysed using gel electrophoresis and subjected to sequence analysis. Thirteen out of 105 (12.38%) samples were amplified for 16S rRNA with an expected amplicon size of 330 bp, while 50 out of 105 (47.62%) samples showed amplification using rpoβ primers, but were not of expected size. Of the 13 16S rRNA amplified samples, only 5 were identified as Leptospira in the gene sequence analysis and clustered under uncultured group via phylogenetic tree. This study showed the DNA-based approach using PCR and sequence analysis is able to detect the presence of Leptospira, although environmental samples may contain diverse microbial populations that may complicate the detection. Overall, the study suggested the importance of surveillance for Leptospira from environmental samples

Seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies among market workers and food handlers in the central state of Malaysia

Objective:The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars, and to assess the usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening method for leptospiral antibodies in a high-risk healthy community. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 231 market workers and food handlers in wet markets and food premises from two localities in central Malaysia. Respondents' background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using ELISA and microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among healthy workers was 46.3%. Detection of seropositivity was higher by MAT (46%) than ELISA (15%). We observed high seropositivity among local workers (49%), food handlers (49.5%), females (60.8%) and those aged 34 years and older (46.3%). Local strain LEP175 was the predominant serovar, followed by WHO strain Patoc. Conclusion: Overall seroprevalence among healthy food handlers and market workers was high in this study. The workplace places susceptible individuals at risk of leptospirosis

Impact of routine PCV7 (Prevenar) vaccination of infants on the clinical and economic burden of pneumococcal disease in Malaysia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as a priority for inclusion into national childhood immunization programmes. Pneumococcal vaccine has yet to be included as part of the national vaccination programme in Malaysia although it has been available in the country since 2005. This study sought to estimate the disease burden of pneumococcal disease in Malaysia and to assess the cost effectiveness of routine infant vaccination with PCV7.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A decision model was adapted taking into consideration prevalence, disease burden, treatment costs and outcomes for pneumococcal disease severe enough to result in a hospital admission. Disease burden were estimated from the medical records of 6 hospitals. Where local data was unavailable, model inputs were obtained from international and regional studies and from focus group discussions. The model incorporated the effects of herd protection on the unvaccinated adult population.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At current vaccine prices, PCV7 vaccination of 90% of a hypothetical 550,000 birth cohort would incur costs of RM 439.6 million (US$128 million). Over a 10 year time horizon, vaccination would reduce episodes of pneumococcal hospitalisation by 9,585 cases to 73,845 hospitalisations with cost savings of RM 37.5 million (US$10.9 million) to the health system with 11,422.5 life years saved at a cost effectiveness ratio of RM 35,196 (US$10,261) per life year gained.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>PCV7 vaccination of infants is expected to be cost-effective for Malaysia with an incremental cost per life year gained of RM 35,196 (US$10,261). This is well below the WHO's threshold for cost effectiveness of public health interventions in Malaysia of RM 71,761 (US$20,922).</p

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira in rats and phylogenetic analysis using outer membrane lipoprotein Lipl32 gene at two major public markets

Introduction: Limited studies have been documented on the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in public markets serving the community in sub-districts of Selangor. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in rats using a gene encoding an outer membrane lipoprotein LipL32. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using LipL32 primers on sixty kidney samples of rats trapped at two locations of study; Pasar Borong Selangor in Seri Kembangan and Pasar Basah Bandar Baru Bangi in Bangi. Results: Out of 60 samples analysed, 36.7% were positive for the presence of LipL32. All positive samples highly matched (>94%) nucleotide sequence for LipL32 of pathogenic Leptospira and related to the pathogens through phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion: The detection of LipL32 indicates the potential presence of pathogenic Leptospira species at public markets. Although only 60 rats were successfully trapped, the rats are mobile and might further transmit the pathogenic organisms to other areas