Unemployment and job vacancy dynamics in Malaysia: ARDL approach to co-integration analysis

This paper examines the long-run co-integration relationship between unemployment and macroeconomic variables in the Malaysian labour market. Econometric methods of Auto-regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Method is employed. This study found that there is a stationary long-run co-integration relationship between unemployment and macroeconomic variables in Malaysia. Unemployment in Malaysia does not suffer due to mismatch in the labour market. Economic growth and foreign direct investment are found to be crucial in reducing unemployment in Malaysia

Ecdysis failure in Asian horseshoe crab larvae of Tachypleus gigas under laboratory observation

Horseshoe crab has recently been categorized as a halal commodity which exposed them to un-sustainable exploitation. As grouped among the arthropods, Asian horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas, rely on ecdysis to grow. The stage of ecdysis itself is the most crucial step in their life cycle and could cause death if it cannot be completed successfully. This study investigated the different types of ecdysis failure in the larval stage using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique. Samples of the molted skeleton that were left behind after the ecdysis process were immediately collected and prepared for SEM. Three types of molting failures were identified from the observation prosomatic failure, opishosomatic failure, and appendage failure. These failures were classified according to the position of the larvae body part where the exuviae were stuck at. Two out of three failures, pro-somatic and opisthosomatic ecdysis failure would cause death instantly as the exuviae stuck at the vital organ, gills, and prevent it to function well in the breathing process. The micrograph obtained from the SEM study could be an important record for an evolutionary and growth study of this living fossil. It will also contribute to the understanding of the conservation effort for the species

Tuberculosis contact tracing in low and middle income countries: a systematic review

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries reflects improper, delayed or missed diagnosis. Contact screening should be utilized both as an efficient and effective targeted approach to intensify TB case finding. Methods Through a comprehensive systematic literature review of online database, this paper aims at providing an insight into the current practice of TB contact screening and to provide evidence based practice for formulation of appropriate policies in low- and middle-income countries. There are 24 articles included in this review from studies published from 2005 to 2014. Results Findings in literature varies substantially. Generally, contact screening is better intensified with clear operational guidelines, adequate training, include close contact outside household as appropriate and follow up at least for 1 year. Prioritizing high risk close contacts is helpful in resource limited setting. Tuberculin skin test is still of value as screening tool and intensified case finding must be accompanied with effective management protocol. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended especially for children especially less than 5 years old, unvaccinated, malnourished, living with person having HIV and close contact with MDR-TB. Conclusions Policy recommendations in improving TB management must incorporate complementary strategies to enhance case finding, effective management protocol for follow up or prophylaxis treatment, training for public health capacity and concerted dedication from various stakeholders

Tuberculosis Contact Tracing in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries reflects improper, delayed or missed diagnosis. Contact screening should be utilized both as an efficient and effective targeted approach to intensify TB case finding. Methods Through a comprehensive systematic literature review of online database, this paper aims at providing an insight into the current practice of TB contact screening and to provide evidence based practice for formulation of appropriate policies in low- and middle-income countries. There are 24 articles included in this review from studies published from 2005 to 2014. Results Findings in literature varies substantially. Generally, contact screening is better intensified with clear operational guidelines, adequate training, include close contact outside household as appropriate and follow up at least for 1 year. Prioritizing high risk close contacts is helpful in resource limited setting. Tuberculin skin test is still of value as screening tool and intensified case finding must be accompanied with effective management protocol. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended especially for children especially less than 5 years old, unvaccinated, malnourished, living with person having HIV and close contact with MDR-TB. Conclusions Policy recommendations in improving TB management must incorporate complementary strategies to enhance case finding, effective management protocol for follow up or prophylaxis treatment, training for public health capacity and concerted dedication from various stakeholders

Secured MyVirtualPDA using advanced encryption standard

One of the most useful features in any personal digital assistant (PDA) is that it can accumulate information needed including easy-to-forget details. Some of the information stored is likely to be very sensitive including credit card numbers, personal identification, and passwords. To protect this sensitive data, most PDAs offer password protection as a basic authentication. However, to rely on this type of protection alone is not enough. As the writing of secret message cryptography, also known as science and mathematical lock and key (Schafer, 2003), evolved people rely on the encryption process to increase their level of data protection

Human capital inequality and income inequality: Developing countries

This paper examines the effect of human capital inequality on income inequality in Developing Countries.Gini coefficient is used as a consistent measurement for both inequalities. This paper also adds a few control variables: Globalization Index, GDP percapita and total population.It uses dynamic panel data two-Step System Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) for 52 countries over the period of 1970-2010. The empirical results show that human capital inequality has a significance positive effect on income inequality.This result is similar with the theoretical framework,where the human capital inequality and income inequality are positively correlated.However, other control variables such as Global and total population are insignificant with income inequality except for GDP percapita at 5 and 10 percent level.Thus, in order to reduce income inequality and to give citizens equal opportunities, governments of developing countries and policymakers need to minimise human capital inequality

Do indoor environments influence asthma and asthma-related symptoms among adults in homes? A review of the literature

This review summarizes the results of epidemiological studies focusing on the detrimental effects of home environmental factors on asthma morbidity in adults. We reviewed the literature on indoor air quality (IAQ), physical and sociodemographic factors, and asthma morbidity in homes, and identified commonly reported asthma, allergic, and respiratory symptoms involving the home environment. Reported IAQ and asthma morbidity data strongly indicated positive associations between indoor air pollution and adverse health effects in most studies. Indoor factors most consistently associated with asthma and asthma-related symptoms in adults included fuel combustion, mold growth, and environmental tobacco smoke. Environmental exposure may increase an adult’s risk of developing asthma and also may increase the risk of asthma exacerbations. Evaluation of present IAQ levels, exposure characteristics, and the role of exposure to these factors in relation to asthma morbidity is important for improving our understanding, identifying the burden, and for developing and implementing interventions aimed at reducing asthma morbidity