Effect of colour of highlighted text on memory retention among different gender

The effect of colour on memory had been studied by many researchers recently. However, there is no known research focus on the colour of highlighted text. This study examined the effect of colour of highlighted text and gender differences towards memory retention. The samples of study involved 60 undergraduate students in University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Qualitative result is obtained through experimental design research. This experiment used three different colours of highlighted reading materials which included red colour of highlighted text, blue colour of highlighted text and neutral that acts as a control group. 10 females and 10 males participants are assigned to each of the group for the memory test. Results are collected and analysed by using Two-Ways Independent Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results showed that there is no significant effect of highlighted colour text and gender difference on memory retention. Results and limitations are discussed for further improvement

Preceding human metapneumovirus infection increases adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and severity of murine pneumococcal pneumonia

BackgroundCoinfection with respiratory virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae has been frequently reported in several epidemiologic studies. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of preceding human metapneumovirus (hMPV) inoculation on subsequent pneumococcal infection.MethodsHep-2 and A549 cells were infected with hMPV then inoculated with S. pneumoniae. Bacterial adhesion was measured using colony forming unit and cytometric-fluorescence assays. In vivo bacterial adhesion was examined in hMPV-infected mice after inoculation of fluorescence-conjugated S. pneumoniae. Pulmonary inflammation (bacterial titers, cytokine levels, and histopathology) of hMPV-infected mice was investigated after inoculation with S. pneumoniae.ResultsIn vitro results of bacterial infection with S. pneumoniae on A549 and Hep-2 monolayer cells showed that even though cellular adherence was variable among different serotypes, there was significantly enhanced bacterial adherence in A549 cells with preceding hMPV infection. In addition, in vivo study of hMPV-infected mice showed increased adhesion of S. pneumoniae on the bronchial epithelium with delayed bacterial clearance and exacerbated histopathology. Furthermore, mice with preceding hMPV infection showed repressed recruitment of airway neutrophils with decreased expression of neutrophil chemoattractants during pneumococcal infection.ConclusionThese results suggest that hMPV-infected airway cells, especially the lower airway epithelium, express increased adherence with S. pneumoniae. Furthermore, hMPV-infected mice showed impaired recruitment of airway neutrophils, possibly leading to delayed bacterial clearance and exacerbated pulmonary inflammation, after secondary infection with pneumococcal isolates

Household Transmission of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus, Taiwan

During August–November 2009, to investigate disease transmission within households in Taiwan, we recruited 87 pandemic (H1N1) 2009 patients and their household members. Overall, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus was transmitted to 60 (27%) of 223 household contacts. Transmission was 4× higher to children than to adults (61% vs. 15%; p<0.001)

Can metal-tolerant endophytic biocontrol agents promote plant-growth under metal stress?

Five metal-tolerant endophytic isolates (Bipolaris sp. LF7, Diaporthe miriciae LF9, Trichoderma asperellum LF11, Phomopsis asparagi LF15, Saccharicola bicolor LF22), with known metal-tolerance attributes and biocontrol activities against Ganoderma boninense, were tested for growth-promoting activities independent of (in vitro) and associated with plants (height, weight, root mass and stem circumference) (in vivo). Results revealed that metal-tolerant endophytes did not significantly render benefit to host plants as plant growth was compromised by the presence of metals. Lower production of indole-acetic acid (0.74-21.77 μg mL-1), siderophores (8.82-90.26%), and deaminase activities of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (3.00-69.2 μmol mg protein-1 hr-1) were observed

Consumer intention to use QR code

This study examines how the users' perception of QR code affects their attitude towards QR code, particularly in the context of Malaysian local university students. Next, the study examines the relationship between their attitude towards QR code and their intention to use the QR code. Empirical analysis via multiple regression analysis affirmed that PIQ influences PU and PSQ influences PEoU. Additionally, both PU and PEoU influences the attitude of users, which leads to the influence of attitude towards the user's intention to use to QR code. The functionality of QR codes can be utilized by business entities to serve for their company and create revenue. However, the companies must modify the content of the QR code application according to the minimum requirements and perception of the users. The results of this research offer essential guidelines for companies to tailor the information of their campaigns to the users' preferences. Next, future researches can utilize the proposed theoretical framework to exploit the potentials of QR code in the marketing field

Seroprevalence of enterovirus 71 and no evidence of crossprotection of enterovirus 71 antibody against the other enteroviruses in kindergarten children in Taipei city

Background/PurposeEnterovirus 71 (EV71) infection may cause severe neurological and cardiopulmonary complications, especially in preschool children. This study is to investigate the seroprevalence and seroconversion of EV71, and the crossprotection of EV71 antibody against other enteroviruses among kindergarteners.MethodsOverall 228 children in a public kindergarten were enrolled during two academic years, 2006 and 2007, in Taipei, Taiwan and we measured their EV71 neutralizing antibody. When the participants had herpangina; hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD); febrile illness or respiratory symptoms, throat swabs were sampled and processed for viral culture and enterovirus real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Questionnaires, completed by the participants’ guardians, surveyed the history of allergy and annual incidence of symptoms related to enterovirus infection.ResultsSeropositive rates of EV71 were 20% (32/163) in 2006 and 6% (4/65) in 2007. The rate of EV71 seropositivity increased with age (p < 0.01) in 2006 but it did not differ between genders (p = 0.14). No seroconversion was observed from 2006 to 2007. Herpangina occurred in 64% of children with EV71 seropositivity and 48% of those without EV71 antibodies (p = 0.12). Non-71 enterovirus infection, confirmed by viral study, occurred in 53% (19/36) of the EV71-seropositive children and in 53% (102/192) of EV71-seronegative children (p = 0.89). No participants had EV71 infection during the study period.ConclusionEV71 did not frequently circulate in Taipei City from September 2006 to June 2008. Presence of EV71 neutralizing antibody was not associated with lower incidence of enterovirus infection caused by non-71 serotypes

Influenza A Virus PB1-F2 Gene in Recent Taiwanese Isolates

Influenza A virus contains eight RNA segments and encodes 10 viral proteins. However, an 11th protein, called PB1-F2, was found in A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1). This novel protein is translated from an alternative open reading frame (ORF) in the PB1 gene. We analyzed the PB1 gene of 42 recent influenza A isolates in Taiwan, including 24 H1N1 and 18 H3N2 strains. One H1N1 isolate and 17 H3N2 isolates contained the entire PB1-F2 ORF of 90 residues, three amino acids (aa) longer than the PB1-F2 of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 at the C terminal. The one remaining H3N2 isolate encoded a truncated PB1-F2 with 79 residues. The other 23 H1N1 isolates contained a truncated PB1-F2 of 57 aa. Phylogenetic analysis of both the HA and the PB1 genes showed that they shared similar clustering of these Taiwanese isolates, suggesting that no obvious reassortment occurred between the two genomic segments

Climate and dengue fever : early warning based on temperature and rainfall

Background: Dengue is a viral infectious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The disease causes a significant health burden in tropical countries, and has been a public health burden in Singapore for several decades. Severe complications such as hemorrhage can develop and lead to fatal outcomes. Before tetravalent vaccine and drugs are available, vector control is the key component to control dengue transmission. Vector control activities need to be guided by surveillance of outbreak and implement timely action to suppress dengue transmission and limit the risk of further spread. This study aims to explore the feasibility of developing a dengue early warning system using temperature and rainfall as main predictors. The objectives were to 1) analyze the relationship between dengue cases and weather predictors, 2) identify the optimal lead time required for a dengue early warning, 3) develop forecasting models, and 4) translate forecasts to dengue risk indices. Methods: Poisson multivariate regression models were established to analyze relative risks of dengue corresponding to each unit change of weekly mean temperature and cumulative rainfall at lag of 1-20 weeks. Duration of vector control for localized outbreaks was analyzed to identify the time required by local authority to respond to an early warning. Then, dengue forecasting models were developed using Poisson multivariate regression. Autoregression, trend, and seasonality were considered in the models to account for risk factors other than temperature and rainfall. Model selection and validation were performed using various statistical methods. Forecast precision was analyzed using cross-validation, Receiver Operating Characteristics curve, and root mean square errors. Finally, forecasts were translated into stratified dengue risk indices in time series formats. Results: Findings showed weekly mean temperature and cumulative rainfall preceded higher relative risk of dengue by 9-16 weeks and that a forecast with at least 3 months would provide sufficient time for mitigation in Singapore. Results showed possibility of predicting dengue cases 1-16 weeks using temperature and rainfall; whereas, consideration of autoregression and trend further enhance forecast precision. Sensitivity analysis showed the forecasting models could detect outbreak and non-outbreak at above 90% with less than 20% false positive. Forecasts were translated into stratified dengue risk indices using color codes and indices ranging from 1-10 in calendar or time sequence formats. Simplified risk indices interpreted forecast according to annual alert and outbreak thresholds; thus, provided uniform interpretation. Significance: A prediction model was developed that forecasted a prognosis of dengue up to 16 weeks in advance with sufficient accuracy. Such a prognosis can be used as an early warning to enhance evidence-based decision making and effective use of public health resources as well as improved effectiveness of dengue surveillance and control. Simple and clear dengue risk indices improve communications to stakeholders

Kitchen Wastes Innovation Among The Homemakers : A Case Study In Sibu Town

Inovasi sisa dapur iaitu Enzim Sampah Dapur yang telah diperkenalkan oleh Dr. Joean Oon pada tahun 2008, kini semakin mendapat temp at di Malaysia. Walau bagaimanapun, setiap individu mempunyai faktor yang berbeza bagi menggunakan Enzim Sampah Dapur. Jadi, objektif umum bagi kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti faktor-faktor penggunaan Enzim Sampah Dapur dalam kalangan suri rumah di Bandar Sibu. Dengan menggunakan 'purposive sampling' dan 'snowball sampling', dua kumpulan yang terdiri daripada 20 responden telah ditemubual. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan majoriti suri rumah menyatakan bahawa faktor yang mendorong mereka mengguna Enzim Sampah Dapur adalah ia dapat mengurangkan perbelanjaan untuk membeli barangan komersil kerana ia dapat menggantikan produk yang diggunakan di rumah. Dengan demikian, ia dapat mengurangkan perbelanjaan koso Kepada kebanyakan suri rumah yang tidak mengguna Enzim Sampah Dapur, faktor yang mereka nyatakan ialah tidak tahu tentang Enzim Sampah Dapur. Dari segi etnik pula, didapati bahawa kumpulan yang paling ramai adalah responden Cina berbanding dengan Malay, Than and Kenyah. Kajian ini juga menunjukkan responden yang mengguna Enzim Sampah Dapur sang at berpuas hati dengan keberkesanan produk ini. Ia menunjukkan produk ini memang mempunyai potensi besar untuk diamalkan oleh suri rumah. Namun demikan, kajian ini juga mendapati halangan untuk terse bar luasnya di kalangan suri rumah, iaitu kurangnya maklumat tentang produk ini

Impact of myr against usd exchange rate to zoom video communication stock during pandemic of covid-19

This study is aimed to investigate the impact of MYR against USD exchange rate to Zoom video communication stock after the pandemic of Covid-19 over the period from 27th January 2020 to 6th October 2020. The pandemic of Covid-19 brings a lot of economic issues to a country especially for the exchange rate and more and more people are using the video communication apps for various purpose. The ARDL model would be used to examine the long-run impact and short-run impact of MYR against USD exchange rate to Zoom video communication stock. A long-run impact represent that MYR against USD exchange rate fluctuation are positively influence on the stock price. At the same time, there have no short-run coefficient for the variable for this model where the result shows an insignificance level. Thus, the RM against USD exchange rate is affecting the Zoom video communication stock price in the long-term period. Therefore, in terms of policy relevance, the findings of this article indicate that the governments of these emerging markets should exercise caution when implementing exchange rate policies because they will have an impact on emerging stock markets