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The Ecobiology of Toroviruses (Tobaniviridae) and Their Association with The Enteric Diseases in Animals and Humans
No full textTorovirus (ToV) is one of the responsible for causing gastroenteritis diseases in animals and humans worldwide. Since its discovery in the 1970s, ToVs remained one of the important causative agents for gastroenteritis and diarrhoea in horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals including humans. Therefore, the ecobiology and association of ToVs in animals and humans remained to be elucidated. The molecular basis of ToVs in animals and humans has been well described. ToVs can be recognised as enveloped viruses with non-segmented and positive-sense of RNA genome, and pleomorphic shape. In addition, the recent epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and suitable prevention and control measures are also explained in this review. Clinical signs of ToV infection are vary; these include pyrexia, diarrhoea, dehydration, lethargy, depression, and death. Various diagnostic methods were used in the detection of ToVs such as electron microscopy, RT-PCR, haemagglutination inhibition, ELISA, and neutralisation assay. At present, no vaccine is available for ToV, but the virus can be prevented by applying good hygiene, strict biosecurity, and proper sanitary conditions
Challenges in Discord Application Among Quantity Surveying Students
No full textThe global epidemic continues to have a significant impact on the world due to the recent and unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Even the education industry has been severely disrupted and affected. All universities have been forced to change their learning methods from face-to-face to e-learning. Hence, it is necessary to utilize technological aids such as Discord as it can naturally capture the attention of students. On top of that, the features of Discord, especially the integration of text chat, voice call and screen sharing can fulfil most of the students’ requirements during online learning. This paper aims to explore the challenges associated with the Discord application among QS students. Through the use of a quantitative method, a set of questionnaires is distributed to the TARUMT students enrolled in the Quantity Surveying course (year 1 to year 4). Out of 200 questionnaires, 87 responses have been received and were analyzed using frequency statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha analysis, and Descriptive analysis. The results revealed several challenges, including limitation of upload size, disconnected discord application, random audio cut offs, privacy issues and engaging in harassment. In conclusion, the results identified the most and the least significant issues that may affect students' use of Discord applications. This data is valuable in shaping appropriate strategies for Quantity Surveying education
Effect of Occupational Therapy with Contrast Bath as an adjunct in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
No full textBackground: Pain is an unpleasant feeling experienced by individuals caused by any stimuli or damage to the bodily structure which in turn makes the individual withdraw from the stimulus. Thus, in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome cases, pain indirectly affects the functioning of the individual resulting in dependence and disability. Occupational therapy tend to increase independence in daily living of individuals. Contrast bath can reduce pain on immersion thereby increasing the independence in the individual.
Objective: To assess pain and Range of Motion of wrist and hand. To evaluate pain and range of motion after providing contrast bath.
Methodology: This study was done in a rehabilitation setup in Madurai, Tamilnadu with 4 subjects presented with a case of complex regional pain syndrome. Subjects were selected on the basis of selection criteria. Pain is assessed using Wong – Baker FACES pain rating scale and ROM using Goniometer. Contrast Bath has been given for 3 weeks, followed by occupational therapy. After 3 weeks, post-test evaluations have been done.
Result: Comparison of mean score of pre-test and post-test have shown that the pain is reduced from 6 to 4 in the Wong – Baker FACES pain rating scale and goniometric assessments indicated an increase in range of motion by 5 to 15 degrees.
Conclusion: There was a reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion in wrist and fingers after application of contrast bath
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Active Correction Exercises in Forward Head Posture in Young Adults
No full textBackground: The forward head posture is terrible habitual posture of neck that is characterized by forward cervical vertebral translation and upper cervical vertebral hyperextension. Forward head posture for prolonged period of time puts extra strain on posterior aspects of cervical region including ligaments which alters scapular kinetics and kinematics.
Objective: To evaluate and assess the efficiency of active correction exercises in forward head posture of young adults.
Methodology: A Total 30 subjects with forward head posture were chosen using convenient sampling technique based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were split into two groups (Intervention group-15, Conventional group-15). The Intervention group received active correction exercises for Thoracic Spine, Sternocleidomastoid, Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, Deep Cervical Flexors. Conventional group were not given any intervention. As an outcome measure, the APECS posture evaluation and correction system was utilized to assess pre- and post-test measurements.
Result: The mean value of pre-test was 25.720 and the post-test was 39.140 for conventional group and the mean value of pre-test was 22.187 and the post test was 25.533 for intervention group.
Conclusion: As a result of this finding, it has been concluded that exercises on correcting forward head posture were more effective than conventional group
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Its Association with Computer Workstation Ergonomics among Undergraduates in Malaysia
No full textBackground: Advanced technology promotes students to utilize computers widely for educational purposes, leading to increased musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among undergraduates. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of various MSK pain and its association with computer workstation ergonomics among undergraduates in Malaysia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire among 390 undergraduates. Data on Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Computer Workstation Checklist were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the prevalence of MSK pain and its association with computer workstation ergonomics was analysed using the chi-square test. Results: 79.1% and 52.7% of the participants reported MSK pain in the past 12 months and 7 days respectively. This study also revealed that pain in the neck, elbow, wrist, lower back, hip, knee, and ankle in the past 12 months were associated with the computer workstation ergonomics, namely the height of the armrest, keyboard, and input device, monitor’s viewing distance and level, the usage of a comfortable keyboard, comfortable input device and document holder, with p<0.05. Whilst pain in the neck, wrist, and knee in the past 7 days were associated with the chair seat width, monitor’s distance and height, obstruction under the table, and usage of document holder, with p<0.05. Conclusion: This study revealed that more than half of the undergraduates have experienced MSK pain and there is an association with computer workstation ergonomics. Therefore, undergraduates should be educated on the proper computer workstation ergonomics as a preventive measure for
MSK pain
Perception and Capacity of People with Disabilities Entering the Malaysia Construction Industry: Preliminary Findings
No full textPeople with Disabilities (PWDs) seek the same chances and experiences as everyone
else, yet due to a number of hurdles they are frequently excluded from fulfilling jobs. There are
few statistics available globally to give an accurate knowledge of the number of workers with
disabilities, and there is still a dearth of study on employment, disability, and construction,
particularly in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the students and trainer at the Industrial
Training and Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities (PLPP) in Bangi, Selangor feel
about participating the construction industry and their capacity to do so. It investigates how eager
and capable students are to meet the requirements of IR4.0 in the construction industry. The
interviews with 2 students who have physical disabilities, and 1 instructor are included in the
data. These students are registered and classified as physical disability by the Malaysian Social
Welfare Department. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Extracting, grouping, and
interpreting keywords or phrases into themes. The results show the PWDs have a high motivation
to have an added-on skill in IR4.0 courses like drone, BIM and VR which will open bigger
opportunity to enter construction industry. It also reveals that the participants have a basic skill
of AutoCAD which shows that they able to perform a technical understanding
Ke-kere African Management Model: Galvanizing the Management DNA
No full textSeveral years after conceptualization of management thoughts a great gap and deep silence still engulf the African perspective to management, this could not have been far-fetched but for the fact that earlier conceptualization of management thoughts was westernized. This paper’s focus is to corroborate concerns raised by African scholars for the dare need of African perspective to management thoughts and espouse a functional proposition that leverage management thoughts in the African context. The paper evaluates classical management theories which formed the foundation of management thoughts; it further examined the western characteristics of these theories. After reviewing existing African management concepts, the paper developed a new model in African management thoughts known as the Ke-kere African management model, the underlying philosophy of this model is that “organization needs are insatiable” thereby corroborating the lean-management concept. After making effort to see classical management theories applicability in Africa, the paper concludes that although classical management theories have western characteristic but has immensely contributed to management practices in Africa till date; economic industrial democracy popularly known as management by objective, bureaucratic management theory which serve as the operative framework of the Nigerian Civil Service are few instances to mention
FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN PREFERENCE FOR DOUYIN (TIKTOK) IN CHINA
No full textThe high rate of Internet use per capita in China has contributed to the meteoric rise in the
number of people using Douyin. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that
contribute to the preference for Douyin held by Chinese consumer behaviour among Chinese
in China. The models developed by Brackett and Carr (2001) serve as the primary basis for this
investigation's theoretical framework. Concerning factors include service quality,
technological advancements, marketing strategies, and advertising campaigns. Using the
reseach method of convenience sampling, a total of 450 samples were obtained from Internet
users in China. The findings of this investigation indicated that all three factors contributed to
China's fondness for Douyin as a literary form. According to the findings of the study,
marketing and advertising are the variables that have the most impact on people's decisions to
use Douyin; hence, the company implication might invest more money in these endeavours.
This study demonstrated that the research gap may be analysed from the point of view of the
underlying theory, which is the study's addition to the theoretical body of knowledge. At the
very conclusion of the study, more restrictions as well as proposals for the future are discussed
Machine Learning-Based Analysis of Paddy Crop Conditions
No full textMalaysia, heavily reliant on rice as a staple food, faces challenges in ensuring sufficient supply
due to the persistent issue of plant diseases affecting productivity. Despite being the 22nd largest
rice producer in Asia, the country imports 30 to 40 percent of its annual consumption, totaling 2.7
million tonnes. While Kedah and Perlis contribute significantly to local production, overall output
falls short of meeting demand. The government aims to enhance productivity for self-sufficiency
and cost reduction. Plant diseases, including brown spots and leaf blasts, hinder rice growth,
leading to yield loss. Current manual detection methods prove costly, inefficient, and prone to
errors. A shift toward innovative, automated solutions is imperative to address these challenges
and secure the stability of Malaysia's rice supply. This research will apply three machine learning
algorithms which are support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR) and random forest
(RF) to predict the paddy conditions based on the physical appearances. The result shows that the
RF has better performance on the accuracy score of 83
Continuance Intention to Use Online Travel Agent Applications in Post-Pandemic in Indonesia: Technology Acceptance Model Theory
No full textThis study aims to investigate the factors that influence travelers' intentions to continue using
Online Travel Agents (OTA) applications in the post-pandemic era, using the technology
acceptance model as a framework. This study used the quantitative method to evaluate the data
obtained. In total, 240 users of the Online Travel Agents application in Indonesia have been
analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling Smart Partial Least Square 3.2.9 for measurement
and structural model analysis. The results found that perceived ease of use and perceived
usefulness have an influence on trust in using OTA applications and trust influences the
continuance intention in using OTA applications in post-pandemic. Understanding the evolution
of online travel agent applications in the era following the pandemic is crucial for policymakers
and stakeholders in the tourism industry. This understanding can assist in making well-informed
decisions regarding regulations, infrastructure, and resource allocation, which are essential for
supporting the growth and development of these platforms in the post-pandemic travel landscape.
Additionally, examining the utilization of online travel agent applications in the context of the
post-pandemic era can provide insights into the role of technology in shaping and influencing
travel behavior and decision-making. Furthermore, it can also contribute to the identification of
effective strategies for attracting tourists and promoting sustainable tourism practices through
regulations, investments, and marketing efforts