Browse publications by year: 2017

Fulltext En route to economical eco-friendly solvent system in enhancing sustainable recovery of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer

Irdahayu NMNM, Shantini K, Huong KH, Vigneswari S, Aziz NA, Azizan MNM, et al.

Eng Life Sci, 2017 Sep;17(9):1050-1059.
PMID: 32624855 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201600217

Separation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] from bacterial cell matter is a critical step in the downstream process with respect to material quality and eco-balance as P(3HB-co-4HB) is widely used for biomedical applications. Therefore, an efficient and eco-based extraction of P(3HB-co-4HB) using a combination of NaOH and Lysol in digesting the non-polymeric cell material (NPCM) digestion is developed. The NaOH and Lysol show synergistic influence on the copolymer extraction at a high purity and recovery of 97 and 98 wt% respectively. The optimized cell digestion method was found applicable to a vast batch of cells containing copolymers from various 4HB monomer compositions. At the largest extraction volume of 100 L, P(3HB-co-4HB) with a purity of 89 wt% was extracted with a maximum recovery of 90 wt%. The method developed has also eliminated the cell pretreatment step. The extraction method developed in this research has not only produced an economic and efficient copolymer recovery but has also retained the copolymer quality, in term of its molecular weight and thermal properties. It demonstrates a practical and promising downstream processing method in recovering the copolymer effectively from the bacterial biomass.
Fulltext Pest categorisation of Hishimonus phycitis

EFSA Panel on Plant Health (PLH), Jeger M, Bragard C, Caffier D, Candresse T, Chatzivassiliou E, et al.

EFSA J, 2017 Oct;15(10):e05037.
PMID: 32625321 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5037

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Hishimonus phycitis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) for the EU. H. phycitis is a well-defined species, occurring in tropical and subtropical Asian countries from Iran to Malaysia. H. phycitis is polyphagous. Hosts of particular relevance to the EU include Citrus spp. and Solanum melongena. While harmful in its own right as a leafhopper extracting host nutrients through feeding, it is regarded in the Middle East more significantly as a vector of Witches' broom disease of lime phytoplasma, which limits production of Citrus aurantifolia, and in India as a vector of brinjal little-leaf phytoplasma impacting S. melongena yields. H. phycitis is currently regulated by Council Directive 2000/29/EC, listed in Annex II/AI as Hishomonus phycitis (sic). Eggs planted on host plants for planting could provide a pathway for entry into the EU. The EU has eco-climatic conditions that are also found in countries where H. phycitis occurs although it is unknown whether H. phycitis occurs in those areas. There is therefore considerable uncertainty around EU establishment. Any establishment is likely to be limited to the warmest areas around the Mediterranean. As a free-living organism with adults capable of flight, spread within the EU would be possible but confined to the limited area where establishment could occur. Measures are available to inhibit entry via traded commodities (e.g. prohibition on the introduction of Citrus plants for planting; sourcing other hosts from pest free areas). H. phycitis does satisfy all of the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess to be regarded as a Union quarantine pest. It is uncertain if eggs of H. phycitis would carry phytoplasmas into the EU as transovarial transmission from infected females to eggs has not been demonstrated.
ASP2397: a novel antifungal agent produced by Acremonium persicinum MF-347833

Nakamura I, Yoshimura S, Masaki T, Takase S, Ohsumi K, Hashimoto M, et al.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 2017 Jan;70(1):45-51.
PMID: 27599768 DOI: 10.1038/ja.2016.107

The novel antifungal agent ASP2397 (Vical's compound ID VL-2397) is produced by the fungal strain MF-347833 that was isolated from Malaysian leaf litter and is identified here as an Acremonium species based on its morphology, physiological properties and 28S ribosomal DNA sequence. Because of its potential importance for producing novel antifungal agents, we determined the taxonomic and biologic properties of MF-347833. We show here that ASP2397 is a cyclic hexapeptide that chelates aluminum ion and is therefore similar to ferrichrome, a hydroxamate siderophore. However, ASP2397 differs structurally from licensed antifungal agents such as amphotericin B, triazoles and echinocandins. To understand the relationship between chemical structure and biological function, we isolated certain ASP2397 derivatives from the culture broth, and we further chemically converted the metal-free form to other derivatives.

MeSH terms: Acremonium/metabolism*; Aluminum/chemistry; Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification*; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*; Antifungal Agents/chemistry; Ferrichrome/pharmacology; Malaysia; Peptides, Cyclic/isolation & purification; Peptides, Cyclic/pharmacology*; Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics; Coordination Complexes/isolation & purification; Coordination Complexes/pharmacology*; Coordination Complexes/chemistry
Fulltext Synthesis, Antibacterial and Lipoxygenase Inhibition Studies of N-(Alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamides

Abbasi MA, Rehman AU, Siddiqui SZ, Sheeza A, Nazir S, Ahmad I, et al.

Turk J Pharm Sci, 2017 Apr;14(1):49-55.
PMID: 32454594 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.84756

Objectives: The present research work was aimed to synthesize some new sulfonamides bearing 1,4-benzodioxin ring, which might have suitable antibacterial potential and can be used as possible therapeutic agents for inflammatory ailments.
Materials and Methods: The synthesis was accomplished by the reaction of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-amine (1) with 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (2) using 10% aqueous Na2CO3 to afford N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (3). Further the parent molecule 3 was reacted with different alkyl/aralkyl halides (4a-e) to achieve N-(alkyl/aralkyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamides (5a-e), using polar aprotic solvent; N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and catalytic amount of lithium hydride as base. The characterization of synthesized compounds was conducted by contemporary spectral techniques e.g., IR, 1H-NMR and EI-MS. Then these molecules were subjected to screening against various bacterial strains and their inhibitory potential against Lipoxygenase was also ascertained.
Results: The screening results against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains revealed that N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (3), N-(2-bromoethyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (5a) and N-(2-phenethyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (5b) showed good inhibitory activity as compared to standard Ciprofloxacin. Moreover, N-(3-phenylpropyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (5c) and N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfon-amide (5e) displayed decent inhibition against lipoxygenase enzyme relative to standard Baicalein.
Conclusion: On the basis of results obtained it can be concluded that the synthesized sulfonamides may provide an overall indispensable basis to introduce new drug candidates for the cure of inflammatory and other associated diseases.
Fulltext Antibiotic resistance profiling and phenotyping of Aeromonas species isolated from aquatic sources

Odeyemi OA, Ahmad A

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2017 Jan;24(1):65-70.
PMID: 28053573 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2015.09.016

This study aimed to investigate antibiotics resistance pattern and phenotyping of Aeromonas species isolated from different aquatic sources in Melaka, Malaysia. A total of 53 Aeromonas species were isolated from the following sources: sediment (n = 13), bivalve (n = 10), sea cucumber (n = 16) and sea water (n = 14) and resistance to 12 antibiotics - Tetracycline (30 μg), Kanamycin (30 μg), Oxytetracycline (30 μg), Ampicillin (10 μg), Streptomycin (10 μg), Gentamicin (10 μg), Sulphamethoxazole (25 μg), Nalixidic acid (30 μg), Trimethoprim (1.25 μg), Novobiocin (5 μg), Penicilin (10 μg) and Chloramphenicol (10 μg) was tested. The results obtained from this study reveal multi drug resistance pattern among the isolates. All the isolates were completely resistant to Ampicillin, Novobiocin, Sulphamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, respectively but susceptible to Tetracycline (100%), Kanamycin (5.7%), Gentamicin (5.7%) and Oxytetracycline (24.5%). Antibiotics phenotyping of the bacteria revealed 21 different phenotypes among the isolates.

MeSH terms: Aeromonas; Ampicillin; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chloramphenicol; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Gentamicins; Kanamycin; Malaysia; Novobiocin; Oxytetracycline; Sea Cucumbers; Streptomycin; Sulfamethoxazole; Tetracycline; Trimethoprim
Knowledge, attitude and willingness to counsel patients regarding e-cigarettes among academic health professionals in Malaysia

Yaldrum A, Ramachandra SS, Arora S, Gujjar KR, Dicksit DD, Squier CA

Tob Prev Cessat, 2017;3:6.
PMID: 32432181 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/68748
MeSH terms: Adult; Health Personnel*; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Electronic Cigarettes*
Fulltext Evapotranspiration and water source of a tropical rainforest in peninsular Malaysia

Lion M, Kosugi Y, Takanashi S, Noguchi S, Itoh M, Katsuyama M, et al.

Hydrol Process, 2017 Nov 30;31(24):4338-4353.
PMID: 32336875 DOI: 10.1002/hyp.11360

To evaluate water use and the supporting water source of a tropical rainforest, a 4-year assessment of evapotranspiration (ET) was conducted in Pasoh Forest Reserve, a lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia. The eddy covariance method and isotope signals of rain, plant, soil, and stream waters were used to determine forest water sources under different moisture conditions. Four sampling events were conducted to collect soil and plant twig samples in wet, moderate, dry, and very dry conditions for the identification of isotopic signals. Annual ET from 2012 to 2015 was quite stable with an average of 1,182 ± 26 mm, and a substantial daily ET was observed even during drought periods, although some decline was observed, corresponding with volumetric soil water content. During the wet period, water for ET was supplied from the surface soil layer between 0 and 0.5 m, whereas in the dry period, approximately 50% to 90% was supplied from the deeper soil layer below 0.5-m depth, originating from water precipitated several months previously at this forest. Isotope signatures demonstrated that the water sources of the plants, soil, and stream were all different. Water in plants was often different from soil water, probably because plant water came from a different source than water that was strongly bound to the soil particles. Plants showed no preference for soil depth with their size, whereas the existence of storage water in the xylem was suggested. The evapotranspiration at this forest is balanced and maintained using most of the available water sources except for a proportion of rapid response run-off.
Trastuzumab-decorated nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo tumor-targeting hyperthermia of HER2+ breast cancer

Hamzehalipour Almaki J, Nasiri R, Idris A, Nasiri M, Abdul Majid FA, Losic D

J Mater Chem B, 2017 Sep 21;5(35):7369-7383.
PMID: 32264187 DOI: 10.1039/c7tb01305a

In this study, a magnetic core-shell modified tumor-targeting nanocarrier (MNPs-PEG-TRA) was engineered and demonstrated for the efficient in vitro and in vivo hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the initial nanocarriers and modified via PEGylation followed by immobilization of Trastuzumab (TRA) with tumor-targeting function towards cancer cells. The hyperthermia performance of the developed targeting drug delivery system was explored using an in vitro study with SK-BR-3 cancer cells and an in vivo study using animal models (mouse) with DMBA-induced breast cancer. The average size of the engineered system was about 100 nm and its zeta potential was about +13 mV, whereby the stability of the system in biological media is enormously enhanced while the possibility of it being removed via the immune system is diminished. The investigation was pursued based on comparing the changes in growth inhibition rates of HSF 1184, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and SK-BR-3 cell lines at different temperatures (37 °C, 40 °C, 42 °C, and 45 °C). Compared with bare MNPs and MNPs-PEG, a remarkably enhanced hyperthermia effect using MNPs-PEG-TRA was observed not only in cultured SK-BR-3 cells in vitro but also in an in vivo DMBA tumor bearing mice model. These results are attributed to an about 4 fold higher concentration of MNPs-PEG-TRA carriers in the tumor site compared to the other organs confirming the considerable potential of the magnetic tumor-targeting hyperthermia concept for breast cancer treatment.
Fulltext Cosmos caudatus extract/fractions reduce smooth muscle cells migration and invasion in vitro : A potential benefit of suppressing atherosclerosis

Moshawih S, Cheema MS, Ibraheem ZO, Tailan ND, Hakim MN

Porto Biomed J, 2017;2(6):293-300.
PMID: 32258785 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbj.2017.03.008

HIGHLIGHTS: Cosmos caudatus Ethanolic extract fractionation by n-butanol produced a phenolics-saponin rich fraction.Cosmos caudatus butanol fraction was the most potent in all antioxidant and MTT assays.High concentrations of all fractions increased cells migration and invasion in vitro.Butanol fraction intermediate concentration maximally inhibited VSMC migration and invasion.Mild concentrations of crude and butanol fractions showed the best invasion inhibition index.
BACKGROUND: Cosmos caudatus Kunth is a medicinal herb used traditionally in Latin America and South East Asia to retard aging, rigidify bones and for several cardiovascular uses.
OBJECTIVE: Is to assess C. caudatus extract/fractions' antioxidant and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migration and invasion inhibition capacity in vitro.
METHODS: Cosmos caudatus shoots were extracted by cold maceration in 50% ethanol to produce crude (CEE), and then the extract was fractionated to butanol (Bu.F), and aqueous fractions (Aq.f). Phenolics and saponins were quantified in extract and fractions by colorimetric methods and their antioxidant capacity was assayed in four different tests. Cytotoxic effect and safety level concentrations were determined for the fractions by using MTT assay. Migration and invasion inhibitory potential were measured in vitro at three different concentrations equivalent to (IC10, IC25, and IC50). Finally, invasion inhibitory index was calculated to obtain the best fraction(s) that show(s) the highest ratio of cell invasion inhibition to the total cell migration inhibition.
RESULTS: Butanol fraction yield was the lowest; nevertheless, its phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities as well as its potency were the highest. Unlike other fractions, Bu.F was strongly correlated with all antioxidant assays experimented. In addition, it has the highest inhibitory effect at IC25 against VSMCs migration and invasion that accounts for 53.93% and 59.94% respectively. Unexpectedly, Bu.F and CEE at IC10 displayed the highest invasion inhibitory index (approx. 68%).
CONCLUSION: Butanol fraction of C. caudatus offers a potentiality for the discovery of new leads for preventing atherosclerosis.
Fulltext Anger rumination, revengeful thought and anger displacement among young people

Nurul Fazliana Abd Rahman, Keat, Ooi Boon

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):108-114.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to explore Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement, and Revenge Planning among the young people in accordance with the issues of community violence in the modern society these days. Specifically, this study compared the differences of Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement and Revenge Planning by gender as well as to examine the relationship between the three variables. This study involved 120 respondents who were chosen through convenience samplings among the university students. The instrument used for this research is Scale for Anger Rumination, Anger Displacement and Revenge Planning. Data were analyzed by using coefficient correlation and independent sample T-Test. The research findings pointed that there were significant differences between gender in terms of Anger Rumination. However, there were no gender differences identified in terms of Anger Displacement and Revenge Rumination and Revenge Planning. As for correlation, there was a significant relationship between Anger Rumination and Revenge Planning, but there was no correlation between Anger Rumination and Anger Displacement.
Fulltext Development and characterization of niosomal in-situ gel for ocular drug delivery system of ketorolac tromethamine

Goudanavar, Prakash, Jambanna M. V, Acharya, Ankit, Fattepur, Santosh, Nilugal, Kiran

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):92-107.
MyJurnal

This work deals with the formulation of ocular niosomal in-situ gel of Ketorolac tromethamine for improved bioavailability. Ketorolac tromethamine loaded niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method using cholesterol and different surfactants. Niosomal in-situ gel was prepared using HPMC (K15M) and Carbopol (934P) to maintain the drug localization for extended period of time. The niosomes formulations were characterized for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release and niosomal in-situ gel were evaluated for visual appearance, clarity, pH measurement, drug content measurement, rheological study, and stability testing. Niosomal vesicles were discrete and spherical in shape, 2.09µm-5.59µm in size, 19.32%-53.06% entrapment efficiency and showed sustained release behavior. The formulation F10 shows the highest entrapment efficiency with 53.06%. Drug loaded niosomal in-situ gel sustained the drug release (71.74%-86.20%) for 24 hours. The mechanism of drug release was non-Fickian diffusion controlled first order kinetics for niosomal in-situ gel formulation. Stability study indicated that the prepared niosomal in- situ gel remained more stable at refrigeration (4-8˚C) and room temperature (25±2˚C) as compared to (45±2˚C) in humidity control oven for 3 months. FT-IR and DSC studies revealed the integrity of the drug in the formulations. Thus, the present study conclusively demonstrates the feasibility of effectively formulating Ketorolac tromethamine niosomal in situ gels which are capable of releasing the drug for extended periods of time.
Fulltext Task manager improvement using group end-task

Chan, Kai Wee, Falah. Y. H. Ahmed, Adam, Amril Jaharadak

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):82-91.
MyJurnal

Task manager is the application that help user to manage the running application in order to optimize the computer performance. Existing task manager is inconvenient; as it does not provide multiple end task function. This study aims to (i) provide a categorized processes, (ii) to show necessary information about the processes, (iii) to allow group end task function, (iv) to provide online virus scan function with local databases.A survey is done through online using google questionnaire, Windows OS user is the target for interview. The agile system is utilised for prototype development. The product is then tested section by section and the developer will fix the error and bugs when present. The results shows that the improved user interface is simple and tidy as 95% of respondent answered that it is very convenient. On the other hand, 90% of respondents wish that the task manager provides virus scan function and about 98% of respondents requested the task manager to provide multiple end task function. In addition, 52.3% of respondents could not know which process is safe to close and only 47.7% of respondents could know which process is safe to end. In conclusion, Processes Manager is a useful application that help user to speed up the computer performance especially for the beginners who are not expert into
Fulltext An expense control application for android

Khan, Sayeed Ahsan, Alkawaz, Mohammed Hazim, Jaharadak, Adam Amril

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):76-81.
MyJurnal

In today’s world managing monthly budget is a very important task, things are getting expensive day to day and pays are getting lesser, the only way to manage monthly budgets is to track the expenses and plan the expense in order to manage the monthly budget well. The project aim is to create a key for Android users on how to achieve their finances in any circumstance thru tracking the expenses every day. Finally, this pays to societal well-being. Beside that it will also give expert tips to the users on how to manage budget effectively.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice of osteoporosis prevention among menopausal in Salak south, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mohammed Faez Baobaid, Nurain Binti Zainal, Ghazi, Hasanain Faisal, Elnajeh, Maged, Abdal Qader, Mohammed A., Indang Ariati Ariffin

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):68-75.
MyJurnal

Osteoporosis defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is a major and growing public health problem in both sexes particularly in women. It is a condition in which the bone become brittle and fragile, due to hormonal changes as well as vitamin D and calcium deficiency. The objective of this study to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of osteoporosis prevention among menopause in Salak South, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 228 respondents have participated in this study with the age of 30 years old and above. Data was collected and then analyzed by using SPSS version 23.0. Independent T test were used for data analysis. About 61.8% respondents had a good knowledge score, 98.2% had a good attitude score and 86.5% had a good practice score. The level of knowledge, attitude and practice were associated significantly with marital status (p>0.05). In conclusion, there is a need to increase health promotion activities via various form of social media and the rough community based health education to create awareness about the disease which would to help lower burden of disease in society and
Fulltext Evaluation of antibacterial activity of different extracts of ipomoea aquatica leaves against escherichia coli and salmonella typhi

A. Padmavathy, Rasny M.R.M,, Reyadh R, Jiyauddin Khan

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):51-67.
MyJurnal

Bacterial infections have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality over the recent years and gastrointestinal infections are one of the common diseases caused Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Shigella sp. and Salmonella typhi. Treatment involves usage of wide spectrum antibiotics like fluoroquinolones often leads to development of antibiotic resistance and by implementing medicinal plants usage in treating diseases are believed to be effective against bacteria, the need for conventional therapy and risks of antibiotic resistance are reduced. Ipomoea aquatica (Family: Convolvulaceae) are commonly known as kangkung leaves. Various pharmacological activities such as anti- hyperglycaemic, anti- inflammatory and diuretics were explored except for its antibacterial activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity between methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. I. aquatica leaves were extracted with 95% methanol and 95% ethanol and their phytochemical properties were determined. MIC was determined for both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, using concentrations ranging from 10mg/ml up to 100mg/ml via disc diffusion method. Two concentrations were chosen from each extract to evaluate antibacterial activity using disc diffusion method with ciprofloxacin as positive control and distilled water as the negative control, done in triplicates. Data was entered on SPSS statistics version 23 and analysed using one way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey. Based on ANOVA, antibacterial activity was more profound in concentrations from methanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves against Salmonella typhi, where the both concentrations at 40mg/ml and 100mg/ml showed significant antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi when compared to the positive control Ciprofloxacin (5mg/disc), producing a significant value p< 0.05. Both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Ipomoea aquatica leaves produced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi.
Fulltext Fusobacterium ulcerans phage isolation from the environmental sample

Nur Raudhah Azman, Zajmi, Asdren

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):39-50.
MyJurnal

Bacteriophage is a virus that infects the bacterium and it is very host species-specific. Antibiotic resistant is major concern in medical world. Therefore, a new alternative treatment is vital to combat against the persistent superbugs. This study is to isolate host-phages extracted from sewages and marsh water and tested against Fusobacterium ulcerans (ATCC 49185). Sewage water and marsh water samples were collected in Shah Alam, Selangor and filtered through 6 µm, 0.45 µm and 0.22 µm syringe filter membrane. The isolation of the phages-specific for Fusobacterium ulcerans were conducted through Viral Suspensions Phage Assay and Double Layer Assay (DLA) measured by the presence of plaque. Bacteriophage titers were quantified through number of phage particles in the pure stock of phage suspensions that are able to infect Fusobacterium ulcerans. 329 plaques forming unit were isolated from the marsh water and 51 plaques forming unit were isolated from sewage. The cultivation of phages from both water samples were subjected to 9.7 x 109 Phage Forming Unit (PFU/ ml) for marsh water and 1.39 x 109 PFU/ml sewage water respectively on six replicates. The results on marsh water shown (2.2 x 104, 1.8 x 105, 1.5 x 106, 1.4 x 107, 1.1x 108 and 9.8x 108 PFU/ml) and (4.5 x 103, 3.9x 105, 6.1x 106, 8.2 x 106, 1.2 x 108 and 1.4 x 109 PFU/ml) for sewage water. The study revealed that virus titre increased based on the number of PFU/ml and constantly increased based on dilution factor. The increased titre suggest that virus isolate have higher therapeutic against Fusobacterium ulcerans. The study of the isolation of phages-specific for Fusobacterium ulcerans is important for the prospective intervention on tropical skin ulcer infection.
Fulltext Decision-makers perception towards teleworking: a Malaysian experience

Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid, Khatibi, Ali, S. M. Ferdous Azam, Tarofder, Arun Kumar

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):31-38.
MyJurnal

This paper reports the results on the pilot study of the latest trend of work environment- teleworking. This study was conducted about a year ago with the primary objective of exploring the issues of teleworking relevant in the Malaysian context. Based on snapshot case studies on a local bank, two telecommunication companies, and a foreign consulting firm, we attempted to explore the decision-makers’ view on the potentials and prospects of teleworking in the Malaysian business. The literature categories were used as the context to develop questions for the unstructured interviews. Questions revolved around the perceived or actual reasons for adopting teleworking, teleworking options, and job suitable for teleworking. Among the key human resource issues included were training needs, performance appraisal, compensation, provision of teleworking equipment and industrial relations. Other interesting findings were the differences in corporate culture and management style of these organisations.
Fulltext Antioxidant property of beetroot juice stimulates erythrocyte antioxidant enzymatic activity under oxidative stress stimulation

AL – Lamki, Khulood Nabhan Mohamed, Muhammad Danial Che Ramli, Khun, Yap Michelle Khai, Yusoff, Maryam Jamielah

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):20-30.
MyJurnal

Many studies have shown that fruits and vegetables containing antioxidant compounds are beneficial to health. Many studies started to highlight the potential of beetroot; which is rich with betalain pigments, as the new alternative antioxidant supplementation due to its high capacity of free radical scavenging activity. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from sunlight can penetrate more than just skin tissues, thereby disturbing the balance of erythrocytes antioxidant enzymes level, particularly glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in Sprague Dawley rats (SD) supplemented with beetroot juice at different concentrations upon UV-induced oxidative stress. The total betalain content that was measured spectrophotometrically showed that 500 mg/kg of beet root juice contained approximately ten fold-higher levels of betalain pigment, compared to 250 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. DPPH test performed on different concentrations of beet root juices showed that the antioxidant activity of beetroot juice increases in concentration-dependent manner, only 500 mg/kg non-diluted beetroot juice exhibited 100% free radical scavenging activity. The erythrocytes suspension of SD rats treated with different concentrations of beetroot juices were assayed for GPx and SOD activity which showed an increase of the activity of these enzymes in concentration-dependent manner, especially in non-diluted preparation. We found that non- diluted (500 mg/kg concentration) beetroot juices exhibited highest antioxidant activity which offer significant protection against oxidative stress by elevating the activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in scavenging free radicals.
Fulltext Analysis on morphological variation of earprints for individual identification and gender differentiation

Jive Kasturi, P, Tan, E.L.Y.

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):13-19.
MyJurnal

Only a handful of countries use earprints for forensic investigation and the practice of using earprints as an evidence in a court of law remains arguable. This study was conducted to determine if an earprint could be traced back to an individual and show significant difference when compared to an earprint from another and to identify the difference(s) between genders. The earprints of 50 males and 50 females between the ages of 18-40 were collected and analysed. The digital overlay method was employed and measurements (angles and lengths) were compared between prints. The overlay method as well as the measurements show clear difference(s) among individuals and prove that each ear is unique and that earprints can be used for individual identification. Although the measurements showed some differences in the tragus angle, helix-tragus length as well as antitragus-helix length between the genders, the differences were too small to bear any significance.
Fulltext An empirical study of behavioural intention to social media use among the banking consumers in Malaysia

Mohd Shukri Ab. Yajid,, Khatibi, Ali, S. M. Ferdous Azam

Journal of Management & Science, 2017;15(2):1-12.
MyJurnal

Banking services are currently undergoing a transformational shift. Contextual banking access to banking services when consumers want it, where they want it, in a manner they want it, fitting their life style is becoming the norm among banking consumers. This is fuelled by widespread adoption of smart phones and social networks which has transformed the consumer behaviour, thus expanding consumer expectations from banks. Consumers tend to demand user experience similar to what Tech giants are offering. Traditional banks have the opening to lead this transformation. However, they need to become agile and re-configure the way they do things. Traditional banks need to reach out to potential consumers’ way before financial decisions are made, thus attracting millennials. Number of Banks in the United States are already using Facebook messenger for customer support and also for normal transactions thus simplifying consumer experience with the Bank. The Government of Malaysia has an ambitious plan of getting everyone online as means of pushing the country towards the next income level while generating more employment and foreign income while taking modern education techniques to rural communities. Despite the potential, the usage of social media among the banking sector remains relatively low. Many banking customers are reluctant to consume financial services through social media. The aim of this paper is to understand the determinants of consumer intention to use social media among the banking sector in Malaysia based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

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