Rome Ⅲ survey of irritable bowel syndrome among ethnic Malays

AIM:To survey irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) using Rome Ⅲ criteria among Malays from the north-eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia.METHODS:A previously validated Malay language Rome Ⅲ IBS diagnostic questionnaire was used in the current study.A prospective sample of 232 Malay subjects(80% power) was initially screened.Using a stratified random sampling strategy,a total of 221 Malay subjects(112 subjects in a "full time job" and 109 subjects in "no full time job") were recruited.Subjects were visitors(friends and relatives) within the hospital compound and were representative of the local community.Red flags and psychosocial alarm symptoms were also assessed in the current study using previously translated and validated questionnaires.Subjects with IBS were sub-typed into constipation-predominant,diarrhea-predominant,mixed type and un-subtyped.Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to test for association between socioeconomic factors and presence of red flags and psychosocial alarm features among the Malays with IBS.RESULTS:IBS was present in 10.9%(24/221),red flags in 22.2%(49/221) and psychosocial alarm features in 9.0%(20/221).Red flags were more commonly reported in subjects with IBS(83.3%) than psychosocial alarm features(20.8%,P < 0.001).Subjects with IBS were older(mean age 41.4 years vs 36.9 years,P = 0.08),but no difference in gender was noted(P = 0.4).Using univariable analysis,IBS was significantly associated with a tertiary education,high individual income above RM1000,married status,exsmoker and the presence of red flags(all P < 0.05).In multiple logistic regression analysis,only the presence of red flags was significantly associated with IBS(odds ratio:0.02,95%CI:0.004-0.1,P < 0.001).The commonest IBS sub-type was mixed type(58.3%),followed by constipation-predominant(20.8%),diarrheapredominant(16.7%) and un-subtyped(4.2%).Four of 13 Malay females(30.8%) with IBS also had menstrual pain.Most subjects with IBS had at least one red flag(70.8%),12.5% had two red flags and 16.7% with no red flags.The commonest red flag was a bowel habit change in subjects > 50 years old and this was reported by 16.7% of subjects with IBS.CONCLUSION:Using the Rome Ⅲ criteria,IBS was common among ethnic Malays from the north-eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Financial Integration Among the ASEAN 5 ＋ 3 Stock Markets： A Preliminary Look at the First 10 Years of the New Millenium

The purpose of this study is to investigate the financial integration of the stock markets of the ASEAN 5 ＋ 3 countries. These countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, and South Korea. The research determined the stock return volatility for each country＇s index during the first decade of the new millennium. The findings showed that there is the presence of integration and co-integration with Philippine index＇s return with the index＇s returns of the following countries： Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Furthermore, there is evidence of volatility clustering in these stock markets. The study concluded with the policy implications of greater integration in light of the planned cross trading among four ASEAN bourses, namely, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia by 2012.

Effect of Foliar Copper Fertilizer on Pineapple cv. N36 Planted on BRIS Soil at East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The physical and chemical properties of BRIS soil are unsuitable for agricultural purposes. A proper fertilizer and crop management practices are required. An attempt was made to convert this land into a sustainable production land for pineapple. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effect of foliar copper fertilizer on the growth and fruit quality of pineapple cv. N36, for fresh consumption planted in Entisol type BRIS soil at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The complete randomized design （CRD） method with three replications was used at 0 to 6.6 kg.ha^-1 of copper sulfate. Results demonstrated that the unpleasant effect of BRIS soil on brix value was restored with copper fertilizer. The most suitable quantity of foliar copper fertilizer for pineapple cv. N36 planted in Entisol type BRIS are between 1.6 to 3.3 kg.ha^-1 of copper sulfate.

The Empowerment of Elderly People-in South East Asia： The Social Responsibility of the Young Generation in the Region

This paper puts a focus on the empowerment of the elderly people in modern society. The expected increasing of elder population is a reminder of more social responsibility for the younger generation who has to learn a lot from the experiences of elderly people for the society. While it is acknowledged the importance of addressing the increase of aging population issue in other countries, this paper focuses on selected three countries of Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam as the fact that these three countries are economically rapidly developing, and highly expecting the possible aging population issues. This paper briefly highlights the importance of elderly people by discussing on a brief view on elderly population： a reminder of social responsibility of the young generation, understanding the elderly and their experiences of the life, community organizing for empowering the elderly people, the meaningful participation and elderly empowerment, and the implication for social work practice with the elderly.

当一个贫穷的人走进了大学

当蜘蛛网无情地查封了我的炉台 当灰烬的余烟叹息着贫困的悲哀 我依然固执地铺平失望的灰烬 用美丽的雪花写下：相信未来

基于智力城镇化的特色小镇产业培育探索——以辽宁通远堡镇为例

我国城镇化正处于劣势的体力城镇化阶段,特色小镇作为新型城镇化的主力军,体力化威胁仍不可避免。为缓解特色小镇体力化困境,文章基于智力城镇化的相关理论,以辽宁通远堡镇为例,围绕特色产业展开智力化培育的探索。结合链式产业思维,以智力投入、智力主体、智力产出三大环节为基础,以智力要素创新性地打造智力链条,构建可持续的特色产业,带动城镇化转型升级,以期为辽宁省乃至全国特色小镇培育提供借鉴。