Risk modification of colorectal cancer susceptibility by interleukin-8-251T>A polymorphism in Malaysians

AIM: To investigate the allele and genotype frequencies and associated risk of interleukin (IL)-8-251T>A polymorphism on colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility risk. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 255 normal controls and 255 clinically and histopathologically confirmed CRC patients were genotyped for IL-8-251T>A polymorphism employing allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. The relative association of variant allele and genotypes with CRC susceptibility risk was determined by calculating the odds ratios (ORs). Corresponding χ 2 tests on the CRC patients and controls were carried out and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using Fisher's exact test. The allele frequencies and its risk association were calculated using FAMHAP, haplotype association analysis software. RESULTS: On comparing the frequencies of genotypesof patients and controls, the homozygous variant AA was significantly higher in CRC patients (P = 0.002) compared to controls. Investigation on the association of the polymorphic genotypes with CRC susceptibility risk, showed that the homozygous variant IL-8 -251AA had a significantly increased risk with OR 3.600 (95% CI: 1.550-8.481, P = 0.001). In the case of allele frequencies, variant allele A of IL-8 -251 showed a significantly increased risk of CRC predisposition with OR 1.32 (95% CI: 1.03-1.69,P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Variant allele and genotype of IL-8 (-251 T>A) was significantly associated with CRC susceptibility risk and could be considered as a high-risk variant for CRC predisposition.

Verification of Depth Adjustment Factor in Eurocode 5 for Tropical Hardwood Timbers

The depth adjustment factor for bending strength stated in Eurocode 5(EC5)is only applicable to timbers having a characteristic density below 700 kg/m^(3).However,most Malaysian timbers are hardwood,some with a characteristic density reaching above 700 kg/m^(3).Therefore,the objective of this study was to examine whether the depth adjustment factor stipulated in EC5 is valid for Malaysian hardwood timbers.Six timber species were selected for this study,namely Kapur(Dryobalanops C.F.Gaertn.),Kempas(Koompassia Maingay ex Benth.),Keruing(Dipterocarpus C.F.Gaertn.),Light red meranti(Shorea Roxb.ex C.F.Gaertn.),Geronggang(Cratoxylum Blume)and Balau(Shorea Roxb.ex C.F.Gaertn.).The determination of bending strength and characteristic density was conducted according to BS EN 408:2010 and BS EN 384:2016,respectively.A graph for mean bending strength vs.(150/h)was plotted for each timber species.The power function was selected to analyze the relationship between the two variables.The power of the regression equations varied depending on the characteristic density of the timber species.For species with a characteristic density below 700 kg/m^(3),such as Kapur,Keruing,and Light red meranti,the power was between 0.16 to 0.17.In contrast,for species having a characteristic density above 700 kg/m^(3),namely Kempas and Balau,the power was higher at 0.23 and 0.24,respectively.Geronggang was an exception to this pattern.These values are close to the depth adjustment factor given in EC5,which is 0.2.Based on the results,it can be suggested that the adjustment factor of 0.2 is also applicable to Malaysian hardwood timbers with a characteristic density above 700 kg/m^(3).

Evaluating the Efficiency of CBAM-Resnet Using Malaysian Sign Language

The deaf-mutes population is constantly feeling helpless when others do not understand them and vice versa.To fill this gap,this study implements a CNN-based neural network,Convolutional Based Attention Module(CBAM),to recognise Malaysian Sign Language(MSL)in videos recognition.This study has created 2071 videos for 19 dynamic signs.Two different experiments were conducted for dynamic signs,using CBAM-3DResNet implementing‘Within Blocks’and‘Before Classifier’methods.Various metrics such as the accuracy,loss,precision,recall,F1-score,confusion matrix,and training time were recorded to evaluate the models’efficiency.Results showed that CBAM-ResNet models had good performances in videos recognition tasks,with recognition rates of over 90%with little variations.CBAMResNet‘Before Classifier’is more efficient than‘Within Blocks’models of CBAM-ResNet.All experiment results indicated the CBAM-ResNet‘Before Classifier’efficiency in recognising Malaysian Sign Language and its worth of future research.

Ocular syphilis: resurgence of an old disease in modern Malaysian society

Dear Editor,Syphilis is a spirochaetal bacterial sexually transmitted disease（STD） caused by Treponema pallidum. Outbreaks of syphilis have been described in Western communities, especially in men who have sex with men（MSM） and people infected with human immunodeficiency virus（HIV）^（[1]）. Reports of the condition from Asian countries remains limited.

Bee pollen extract of Malaysian stingless bee enhances the effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cell lines

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of methanolic bee pollen extract(BPE) of Malaysian stingless bee [Lepidotrigona terminata(L. terminata)]and its synergistic effect with cisplatin(a chemotherapeutic drug) on MCF-7 cancer cell line.Methods: The antioxidant activity of BPE from L. terminata was measured by using1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH) assay. Antiproliferative activity at different concentrations of BPE and cisplatin was determined through using MTT assay on MCF-7 and L929 cell lines. An interaction effect(synergistic, additive and antagonistic) between BPE and cisplatin was determined by Compu Syn software based on MTT assay data.Results: The EC50(50% decrement of DPPH inhibition) of BPE was 0.5 mg/m L.L. terminata BPE exhibited antiproliferative activity on both cancer and normal cell lines.The IC50(concentration of drug that was required for 50% of cell inhibition in vitro) of BPE on MCF-7 was 15 mg/m L whereas in normal cell line L929 was 26 mg/m L. The IC50 for cisplatin on MCF-7 was 20 mmol/L. The combination effect of BPE and cisplatin on MCF-7 cells showed that BPE at 15 mg/m L was able to potentiate the inhibitory effect of cisplatin at all different concentrations(2.5–20.0 mg/m L). The average of cancer cells inhibition which was potentiated by BPE was around 50%. A combination index values of less than 1 reported in the Compu Syn software further proved the synergistic effect between BPE and cisplatin, suggesting that BPE was working synergistically with cisplatin.Conclusions: Our study therefore suggested that BPE of Malaysian stingless bee,L. terminata is a potential chemopreventive agent and can be used as a supplementary treatment for chemotherapy drugs. BPE might be able to be used to potentiate the effect of chemotherapy drugs with the possibility to reduce the required dose of the drugs. The molecular mechanisms of how the BPE exerts antiproliferative activity will be a much interesting area to look for in future studies.

The effectiveness of internal audit in Malaysian public sector

Internal audit in Malaysian public and private sector organizations underwent a steady organic growth since gaining a foothold in the management process in the 1970s. The management of the Malaysian public sector is continuously maturing in facilitating foreign input in national development, echoing similar advances expounded by the internal audit units of private sector organizations. The main difference being the public sector addresses the interest of a much wider group of stakeholders. Rapid development in infrastructures and industries positioned Malaysia on the fringes of globalization and the world market. This enlarges the crucial role of internal auditing to ensure transparency, integrity, quality and improved service delivery; among myriad positive aims, remain the end point of any process area. This study explored the significance of internal auditing in the Malaysian public sector, and its subsequent extent and influence in public sector hierarchy and decision making. Data was collected from responses to a questionnaire distributed to head of internal auditors, internal auditors and other staff of internal audit departments from various categories of public sector departments and agencies in Malaysia. The study concluded that the internal audit function in the public sector in Malaysia is curtailed by understaffing and hampered by inadequate support from top management while, the auditors seldom extend their full cooperation. The auditors themselves lack appropriate knowledge and training on effective auditing approaches. The negative perception accorded to internal audit led to inaction by management on recommended remedies which only serve to nullify the positive contribution internal audit potentially holds to elevate the service delivery quality of the public sector.

Immunomodulatory effects of selected Malaysian plants on the CD18/11a expression and phagocytosis activities of leukocytes

Objective:To investigate the effects of 20 methanolic extracts from Malaysian selected plants on CD18/11 a expression and phagocytosis activity of leukocytes using flow cytometry analysis.Methods:The effects of methanolic extracts on CD18/11 a expression and phagocytosis of leukocytes were measured by labelling the cells with CD18-fluorescein isolhiocyanaie and ingestion labelled with Escherichia coli-fluorescein isothiocyanate and then analyzed using flow cytometer.Results:About 12 out of 20 methanolic extracts of selected Malaysian medicinal plants significantly(P≤0.05) inhibited the CD18/1 la expression of leukocytes at both concentrations of 6.25 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL in dose dependent manner.The most active inhibitory was shown in Citrus aurantifolia(Christm.) Swingle and Alpinia galangal(L.) Willd.at dosage 100ug/mL.Moreover,the Orthosiphon aristatus(Blume) Miq(O.aristatus).showed the highest stimulatory activity at the concentration of 100 μg/mL.Other than that,four plant extracts significantly(P<0.05) rose the phagocytosis activities of leukocytes in dose dependent manner.However,Annona muricata L.and O.aristatus showed the highest stimulated activities at the 100 pg/mL concentration.Conclusions:The results suggest that methanolic extracts of Cirrus aurantifolia.Alpinia gaiangal,O.aristatus and Annona muricata are able to modulate innate immune system and can potentially be recognized as therapeutic agents for modulating immune system.

Physico-Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Stagnant Surface Water Bodies (Ponds and Lakes) Used for Drinking and Domestic Purposes in Niger Delta, Nigeria

The surface water quality of some stagnant water bodies (ponds and lakes—Obi Lake, Usede pond, Oguta lake, Omuku pond, Ugheghe pond, Karabodone lake, Abua lake, Ikarama lake, Tenmako lake, and Adiegbe lake) in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria have been investigated experimentally by analysing the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of the surface water samples. Results show: pH (5.10 - 7.40), temperature (26.4°C - 31.0°C), turbidity (7.83 - 27.7NTU), electrical conductivity (13.5 - 34.8 μS/cm), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (1.07 - 19.5 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (1.90 - 21.5 mg/l), suspended solids (SS) (9.70 - 37.3 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.7 - 8.7 mg/l), total dissolved solids (TDS) (33.8 - 187.0 mg/l), total phosphorus (0.73 - 2.47 mg/l), ammoniacal nitrogen (AN) (0.018 - 4.70 mg/l) and total fecal coliform count (TFCC) (nil - 2175 cfu/ml). Results on the water quality using Malaysian Water Quality Index (WQI) show that Usede pond and Obi Lake belong to Class II with values that are 75.24 and 76.73 respectively. The WQI of Oguta lake, Omuku pond, Ugheghe pond, Karabodone lake and Abua lake are 67.46, 65.64, 65.87, 50.77, and 67.01 respectively and belongs to class III. The WQI of Ikarama lake, Tenmako lake, and Adiegbe lake are 43.38, 37.60, and 41.40, respectively and belongs to class IV and is described as fair.

On the National Symptoms of Boar Crossing the River:One Hundred Years of Solitude in a Malaysian Chinese Village

After the famous“Rainforest Trilogy”such as Monkey Cup and Elephants,Zhang Guixing,a Malaysian Chinese writer in Taiwan,recently published another Nanyang story Boar Crossing the River,in the background of anti-Japanese War,focusing on the massacres and resistance of the Chinese in Krokop,a Malaysian Chinese village in Borneo from 1941 to 1945 according to a list of“Committee for the Relief of Refugees of the Motherland”.In this novel,Zhang Guixing changes the accustomed narrative mode of individual family history,expands the description to the group images of the Chinese in Krokop,highlights their patriotic sacrifice,and saves the reality of the slaughter of the compatriots by magic means such as the myths and legends of Borneo and masks in children’s imagination.It is also noteworthy that the novel talks about the relationship between individual freedom and national identity in depth,and describes the tragic fate of cross-national love in the period of national opposition.These nation-state discourses in Boar Crossing the River are Zhang Guixing’s biggest transitions when missing in the literary world for 17 years,which indicate a landmark progress in his spiritual history.

Embedding Economic Excellence： A Transformational Definition of ＂Corporate Governance＂ for Malaysia

The Malaysian government has carefully crafted policies to ensure that the nation achieves its aspirational goal to become a developed nation by 2020. Crucial for which is the success of the Securities Commission＇s ＂Corporate Governance Blueprint 2011＂ and ＂Capital Market Master Plan 2＂ designed to provide a business environment which attracts investment and talent. Somewhat overlooked in these otherwise robust policy shifts has been a critical critique of the definition, nature, and purpose of corporate governance itself. Recognizing this oversight, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia＇s Deputy Prime Minister, has directed that the definition of corporate governance be rejuvenated for the 21st century. This paper looks to answer that challenge by recommending the following transformational definition for corporate governance： ＂the proactive implementation of accountable ethical processes, procedures, and policies that inspires innovative aspirational economic activity to produce sustainable wealth and prosperity for shareholders, stakeholders, and society＂.

＂I＇m here to discuss my final grade!＂ A study of the speech act of complaint by Malaysian ESL learners

The present study investigates the preferred strategies of the speech act of complaint by Malaysian ESL learners. The subjects were selected from Malaysian university students majoring in English at University Sains Malaysia. Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire in the form of a discourse completion task and a semi-structured interview. The responses were analyzed based on Rinnert and Nogami＇s （2006） taxonomy of the speech act of complaint to examine the main components of complaint, the level of directness and the degree of mitigation. It is anticipated that the findings will be able to provide valuable insights into teaching and learning English in non-native settings.

Best Foot Forward for China-Malaysia Relations

The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation took place in Beijing this April. At a press conference on February 15, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that he would attend the forum. Mahathir became the first foreign state leader to publicly confirm attendance at the forum, highlighting his support for joint construction of the Belt and Road and Malaysia’s positive attitude towards upgrading Malaysia-China cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

JOURNEY TO THE NORTHWEST A Malaysian journalist weighs in on Xinjiang’s efforts to counter extremism through education

In late February,11 Indonesian and Malaysian journalists,editors and producers traveled to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China as part of the ASEAN Elites China Tour 2019,where they witnessed happenings on the ground.Asmaliza Binti Mansor,assistant editor of Sina Harian from Malaysia,traveled with the group.The following is an English translation of the highlights of her reports originally published in Malay on the vocational training centers in Xinjiang.

MEDIA CARAVAN THROUGH XINJIANG

Although it was still snowing in late February in northwestern China,an early spring breeze was slowly making its way across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.As part of the ASEAN Elites China Tour 2019 sponsored by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China,11 editors,journalists and producers from Indonesian and Malaysian news outlets,alongside China Report ASEAN journalists,set out on a tour of Xinjiang.

ENERGIZING PROTON

“Hi, Proton!” Greeted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Proton’s first SUV, the Proton X70, was released in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the first model jointly developed by Geely Holding Group and Proton Holdings Berhad since they formed a partnership more than a year ago.“The launch of the Proton X70 is a key step on Proton’s path of recovery,” commented Mahathir, who endorsed Proton’s new model.

BAI TIAN: CHINA-MALAYSIA COOPERATION INTO HIGHER GEAR

On April 25, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi suggested that in the new era, China and Malaysia should make jointly building the Belt and Road a central theme of pragmatic cooperation. On the eve of the 45th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, China Report ASEAN conducted an exclusive interview with Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian.

Fuzzy Logic Based Perceptual Image Hashing Algorithm in Malaysian Banknotes Detection System for the Visually Impaired

Visually impaired persons have difficulty in business that dealing with banknote.This paper proposed a Malaysian banknotes detection system using image processing technology and fuzzy logic algorithm for the visually impaired.The Malaysian banknote reader will first capture the inserted banknote image,sending it to the cloud server for image processing via Wi-Fi medium.The cloud server is established to receive the banknote image sending from the banknote reader,processing them using perceptual hashing based image searching and fuzzy logic algorithm,then return the detected banknote’s value results back to the banknote reader.The banknote reader will display the results in terms of voice message played on the mini speaker attached on it,to allow visually impaired persons knowing the banknote’s value.This hardware mechanism reduces the size and costs for the banknote reader carried by the visually impaired persons.Experimental results showed that this Malaysian banknotes detection system reached an accuracy beyond 95%by running test on 600 different worn,torn and new Malaysian banknotes.After the banknote image being taken by the banknote reader’s camera,the system able to detect the banknote value in about 480 mili-seconds to 560 mili-seconds for a single sided banknote recognition.The banknotes detection speed was also comparable with human observers reading banknotes,with the response of 1.0908 second per banknote slight difference reading time.The IoT and image processing concepts were successfully blended and it provides an alternative to aid the visually impaired person their daily business transaction activities in a better way.

Assessing the Relationship of Corporate Integrity Practices With Accountability of Malaysian Statutory Bodies

Accountability is seen as an organisational performance across private and public sector,including statutory bodies.Yet,does accountability prove instilled in part of integrity practices,especially in less mentioned sector-statutory bodies?This study aims to evaluate the relationship of corporate integrity practices on accountability of Malaysian statutory bodies through questionnaire survey distribution.Based on 194 responses received from top management of Malaysian statutory bodies,it is proven that corporate integrity practices have a positive and significant relationship with accountability.Therefore,statutory bodies are recommended to exercise and implement corporate integrity practices by setting up integrity department and appointing corporate integrity officers.Hence,by upholding corporate integrity practices,it leads to the achievement of accountability of statutory bodies organisations.

Global glance

Auditors to Australian rare earths miner Lynas Corp (ASX: LYC) warned of a material risk to its business, after the company revealed it would not be able to comply with tough conditions imposed by the Malaysian gover nment on its lice nee to operate in the country last year.

Advantages of Malaysian Teaching Writing Strategies——Compare and contrast with Chinese teaching writing in schools

The purpose of this paper is to find out the advantages of English teaching strategies of writing in Malaysian secondary schools through compare and contrast of the teaching strategies in China and Malaysia. The study of this paper focused on the views of the writing skills from Malaysian secondary schools.