The level of affective commitment among international students

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship of affective commitment, institution image and student incentive among the international students in Malaysia. The primary aim for this research is to find out the factor that influence the level of affective commitment among international students in Malaysia. It is discovered that the student incentive and institution image were the main reason of level of affective commitment among international students in Malaysia. The target of respondents was 384 which successfully answered by the international students through the questionnaire. By using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) the data collection was analysed. The SPSS Statistical addresses the whole statistical analysis, reporting for the better decision making and performance. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used in this research to investigate the relationship between low rate of discrimination, student’s incentive, institution image towards the level of affective commitment among international student in Malaysia. The result shows the strength of the relationship between low rate of discrimination and the level of affective commitment among international students, whereby student incentive and institution image factors was at highly moderate level, followed by indicated the strength of low rate of discrimination factor toward the level of affective commitment among international students in Malaysia. Based on this research can understanding that the low rate of discrimination, student incentive and institution image influence the level of affective commitment among international students in Malaysia

Investigation of capabilities of electromagnetic tomography for pipeline imaging

In industrial process, pipeline leakage often only noticeable pipe condition is critical henceforth causing damages to its internal content. Therefore, pipeline inspection and monitoring work is highly demanding to take early precautions. Electromagnetic Tomography (EMT) is capable to produce images of the internal structure of an object by using external sensors without disrupting it. The coil sensors are placed around the object where the source coil transmits an oscillating magnetic field while the rest acts as receiver and measure the received signals. The measured signal provides the magnetic field distribution of the pipe, and will differ according to the materials’ passive electrical properties. In this paper, we investigate the capability of using EMT to identify metallic pipe openings by conducting a finite element analysis simulation study. The design and parameters of the EMT system, as well as the results of using the EMT model to detect various degree of metallic pipe openings is presented. The results confirm that the EMT imaging as a promising tool for inspection of metallic pipelines where the magnetic field of the investigated region differs according to the pipe opening and material of the pipeline

Assessing Factors Contribute to Unclaimed Properties in Selangor--Post-pandemic Scenario

Real estate planning is the exertion plan, which must be made to distribute the property owned by the property owner to the beneficiaries when the owner passes away in order to prevent problems or arguments later on. This paper aimed to study the effect between knowledge, heir’s awareness, and complex administration process toward unclaimed properties among residents in Selangor in the context of post-pandemic scenario. This study reviewed the literature of past research of factors that influenced unclaimed properties. The construct variables used in this study were knowledge, awareness, and complex administration process. This study adopts online survey questionnaire to collect 384 valid responses from the residents in Shah Alam, Selangor. These collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the results were gathered through pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings revealed all variables were significantly influenced by unclaimed properties. The implication of this study was to focus on smaller sample in Selangor while sample size should give another significant outcome. Government and state authority must come up with mountainous strategies to overcome this issue by imposing several initiatives. Keywords: faraid, heirs awareness, knowledge, Malaysia, unclaimed propertie

Low concentration of Bisphenol a induces proliferation of gastric cancer cells, HGC-27

Bisphenol A, an endocrine disrupting compound that affects human homeostasis. Studies on BPA are focusing on the impact of BPA in reproductive function and brain development. However, the effect of BPA on gut especially gastric cells is not well explored. Gut is directly in contact with ingested BPA; therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of BPA exposure on gastric cells proliferation at safe recommended concentration. Human gastric cancer cells (HGC-27) were treated with BPA at different concentration (low: 10-9M, 10-7M; high10-5M, 10-4M) and time point (24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr). Cell viability assays were determined using MTS assay. Cells were further stained with Alexa Fluor-635 (F-actin) and Fluorescein (Hif-1α) protein for immunocytofluorescence. Data were analysed using ANOVA (p<0.05, n≥3). Cells treated with 10-9M BPA showed significance increase of cell viability after 48 hr (Mean ±SEM; 146%±0.03, p=0.01) and 72 hr (113%±0.03, p=0.00) compared to 24 hr treatment (77%±0.11, p=0.002). Similarly, cell treated with 10-7M BPA showed a significance increase after 48 hr (141%±0.03, p=0.03) and 72 hr (190%±0.03, p=0.02) compared to 24 hr cells treated with 10-7M (88%±0.05, p=0.01) and untreated (100%±0.07). Lower concentration of BPA increases the condensation of F-actin in all HGC-27 cells. Meanwhile, translocation of Hif-1α protein were observed in all BPA-exposed cells. Findings of this study revealed that BPA induced proliferation and condensation of F-actin structure of gastric cancer cells at low concentration

An analysis on the efficiency of green roof in managing urban stormwater runoff

Modernization has created new impervious urban landscape contributed to major catastrophe. Urban drainage system incapable to convey the excess rainwater resulting in flash flood due to heavy rainfall. The combination of green roof on building have tremendously proved to control stormwater efficiently. This study is conducted to review the efficiency of intensive and extensive green roof in reducing urban storm water runoff. This study identifies characteristic of green roof that contributes to lessening urban storm water runoff. Data was collected based on rigorous literature reviews and analyzed using meta-analysis. Overall, findings revealed intensive green roof performed better in reducing storm water runoff compared to extensive green roof. Green roof performance increases as the depth of substrate increased. Origanum and Sedum plants are both highly effective for intensive and extensive green roofs. The performance of green roof reduces as degree of roof slope increased

Phytoextraction potential of Rhizophora apiculata: a case study in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Malaysia

Disposal of industrial wastewater has resulted in increased concentration of heavy metals (HMs) along the coastline of Malaysia. However, little is known about the accumulation capacity of HMs by Rhizophora apiculata in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR) Malaysia. The aim of this study is to measure the concentration of HMs in different ages of mangrove forests. In this study, 15 and 80-year old trees of Rhizophora apiculata were selected for experimentation. Thirty samples of leaves, roots and sediments were analyzed to measure the concentration of HMs in 15 and 80-year-old trees. The measured concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) in leaves, roots and sediments were used to compare bio- concentration and translocation factor between the abovementioned two age groups. Concentration of Mn came out to be significantly higher in leaves than in sediment. This suggested that Rhizophora apiculata was an efficient Mn-extractor. On the other hand, it was found less efficient in extracting heavier metals (Fe, Cu and Zn) from the sediment, as their concentration was lower in leaves and roots as compared to sediments. The translocation factor was highest for Mn, indicating high mobility of Mn from roots towards the leaves. Bio-concentration factor was also found highest for Mn (3.52) followed by Zn (1.88), Cu (1.33) and Fe (0.26). Therefore, it can be concluded that Rhizophora apiculata is more efficient in extracting Mn as compared to Zn, Cu and Fe

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Effects of tangible and intangible green elements of stratified residential property on local authority property tax assessment revenue in Johor Bahru

Property tax assessment revenue is the main income of local authority and is used to provide services and maintenance to the community. Past research has found the link between property value and property tax whereby any differences affecting property value reflect the property tax assessment value. Over decades, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between green elements and property value. Past research has identified tangible elements of green building: green envelope components that affect property value. However, to date, no research has been conducted to determine the effect of both tangible and intangible green elements on property value. Henceforth, this research intends to identify and measure the effect of intangible green elements on local authority property tax revenue. Three objectives have been outlined in this research which are, 1) To identify tangible and intangible green elements on the property, 2) To measure the effect of tangible and intangible green elements on property value, and 3) To validate the effect of tangible and intangible green elements on local authority property tax assessment revenue. A comprehensive review of literature and guidelines by green rating tools was conducted and analysed through systematic analysis. The findings are used to construct questionnaires and distributed among property valuers to identify the effects of tangible and intangible green elements on property value. Furthermore, hedonic models through multiple regression analysis were developed to measure the percentage of value increment and decrement for each green element. The results are then used to validate the effect of tangible and intangible green elements on local authorities’ property tax assessments revenue. The findings show local authorities’ property tax assessment revenue is estimated to increase by 36.4% if the property under their administrative area implements green elements that have a positive effect on the value and decrease by 7.0% if the property under their administrative area implements green elements that have a negative effect on value. This research is significant for the local authority to support sustainable agenda by promoting green building development at the local level

Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Aluminium-Aluminium Oxide Metal Matrix Composites

In this research study, aluminium-aluminium oxide (Al-Al2O3) metal matrix composites (MMCs) of different percentage reinforcements of aluminium oxide were prepared. Three different types Al-Al2O3 composite specimens having 10%, 20% and 30% volume fractions of aluminium oxide were fabricated using conventional powder metallurgy (PM) route. These composite specimens were fabricated under different compaction loads 15 ton and 20 ton. The effects of volume fraction of aluminium oxide particulates and compaction load on the properties of Al-Al2O3 composites were investigated. The obtained results revealed that density and hardness of the composites are significantly influenced by volume fraction of aluminium oxide particulates. Results also showed that density, hardness and microstructure of Al-Al2O3 composites are markedly influenced depending on the compaction load. The increase in the volume fraction of Al2O3 enhances the density and hardness of the Al-Al2O3 composites. It was found that for 20 ton compaction load, the composites show increased density and hardness as well as improved microstructure than the composites prepared under 15 ton compaction load. Moreover, optical micrographs revealed that aluminium oxide particulates are almost uniformly distributed in the aluminium matrix. It was also observed that after sintering process, flat and undistorted specimens were prepared successfully