Staphylococcus aureus carriage in selected kindergartens in Klang Valley

Introduction: Nasal colonisation of S. aureus in healthy children was 18% to 30%. One to three percent of them were colonised by Methicillin-resistant Staphlycoccus aureus (MRSA). Although MRSA infection has become increasingly reported, population-based S. aureus and MRSA colonisation estimates are lacking. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus carriage among children. Methods: Nasal samples for S. aureus culture were obtained from 250 children from three kindergartens in the Klang Valley, after consent was obtained from the children and their parents. Swabs were transported in Stuart medium, and inoculated on mannitol-salt agar within four hours of collection. Identification and disk diffusion test were done according to guidelines. Polymerase chain reaction was done on MRSA isolates for the presence of mecA and lukS/FPV genes. Results: Overall prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were 19.2% (48/250) and 1.6% (4/250) respectively. mecA gene was present in all isolates, 50% isolates carried Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) gene. Sccmec type I was found in 2 isolates and the remaining isolates has Sccmec type V. Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA carriage were similar to other studies. However, risk of contracting severe infection might be higher due to presence of PVL gene in half of the MRSA isolates

A systematic literature review on attractiveness and learnability factors in Web applications

User interface design is an essential element for consideration in Web application development. Usability (ISO/IEC 9126-1:2001) or operability (ISO/IEC 25010:2011) is one of non-functional requirements which must be taken into consideration when designing a user interface. Attractiveness and learnability are among the sub criteria under the operability factor. Analysis of these criteria may be used to evaluate user interface design. This study has adopted a systematic literature review method to study existing works concerning the two factors of operability. The outcome of the review provides insight into existing works on attractiveness and learnability factors in software applications generally and Web applications specifically

A critical review of play among children in the light of prophetic traditions

Introduction Recently primary school management has been experiencing the dilemma of a contracted period of recess time due to time constraint to fulfil the academic demands. However, little is known as to how beneficial this move is. It is also unclear if leisure time and play among children is encouraged from the Islamic point of view and if it correlates with children cognitive ability. Method Critical review on Prophetic traditions guiding leisure time and play among children and its relationship on children’s cognitive ability were employed. Thematic analysis was done to demonstrate the findings. Result Various types of leisure activities have been observed during the times of the Prophet. There were children leisure activities that the Prophet himself involved in, even encouraged others to join. Play could increase the cognitive ability of the children for various reasons. However, findings on time allocation appropriate for the play and leisure activity was mixed. Conclusion The importance of leisure and play activities extend beyond fun and socialization. In the light of prophetic guidance it is intended to achieve goodness in this world and the hereafter while it also has implications on children’s cognitive ability. Future research direction is also discussed