Brunei-Muara District Research Articles

Parental Awareness of the Preschool Orthoptics Visual Screening in Brunei-Muara District and Factors Contributing to Defaulters.

The preschool orthoptics visual screening program began in Brunei Darussalam in 2004 to detect amblyopia, a common cause of treatable visual disorders in children. Amblyopia can be asymptomatic, easily missed, and cause permanent adverse visual consequences; hence, it is necessary to be screened. The parental role in ensuring timely visual screening is pivotal to their child's visual well-being and educational success. This study explored parental awareness and reasons for their nonattendance. A cross-sectional study of 401 parents was conducted in the Brunei-Muara district in private kindergarten schools and maternal and child health clinics. A self-designed and self-administered questionnaire was used. Data collected was analysed using RStudio in the form of descriptive and analytic statistics. The study findings showed that 52.8% defaulted their screening and there was a significant association between parental awareness and the defaulters (p < 0.05). Only 39.9% of parents were aware of the screening service availability, and 50.1% had not taken their children for an eye check. The most significant sociodemographic factor that influenced awareness of the importance of vision screening was parental employment status (p = 0.013), revealing a 4.43 times higher likelihood of default if the father was unemployed. This study found that with each additional child, parents are 1.25 times less likely to seek eye screening (p < 0.05). The main reason for nonattendance was a lack of awareness of the situation and parents believed that their children were seeing well. Mitigating child visual screening defaults requires a community-focused approach.

Manganese Detection and Removal from Surface Water: A case study from Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant

The study of water contamination, especially in developing countries, has become more crucial in recent years as the demand for clean, drinkable water has increased. Brunei Darussalam’s primary water supply comes from surface waters, and each year, BND $ 9 to 10 million is spent on chemicals for water treatment. Recently, the Mengkubau dam, which supplies water to the Brunei Muara District, has been upgraded in terms of its height to meet the increased demand. Because of this, the amount of manganese in raw water went up, especially during the rainy season. This caused problems for the Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant (MWTP). So, a study was done to find out where the extra manganese was coming from and how it could be stopped to help solve the problems in a more cost-effective and long-term way. Rock samples from the dam and rainfall data, as well as the data for manganese concentration in the raw water, were collected to understand the source of manganese. The results showed that the rocks contributed to the manganese concentration in the raw water, which increased by almost nine folds. Furthermore, rainfall influences manganese concentration because concentration is higher in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Also, an experiment was done to see if water lettuce, or Pistia stratiotes, could be used as a sustainable and cost-effective treatment. The efficiency of manganese removal through water lettuce varies depending on the exposed weather condition. The highest removal efficiency of 97% was achieved when the water lettuce was placed in the shade.

Meteorological variability and predictive forecasting of atmospheric particulate pollution.

Due to increasingly documented health effects associated with airborne particulate matter (PM), challenges in forecasting and concern about their impact on climate change, extensive research has been conducted to improve understanding of their variability and accurately forecasting them. This study shows that atmospheric PM10 concentrations in Brunei-Muara district are influenced by meteorological conditions and they contribute to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere. PM10 predictive forecasting models based on time and meteorological parameters are successfully developed, validated and tested for prediction by multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and artificial neural network (ANN). Incorporation of the previous day's PM10 concentration (PM10,t-1) into the models significantly improves the models' predictive power by 57-92%. The MLR model with PM10,t-1 variable shows the greatest capability in capturing the seasonal variability of daily PM10 (RMSE = 1.549μg/m3; R2 = 0.984). The next day's PM10 can be forecasted more accurately by the RF model with PM10,t-1 variable (RMSE = 5.094μg/m3; R2 = 0.822) while the next 2 and 3days' PM10 can be forecasted more accurately by ANN models with PM10,t-1 variable (RMSE = 5.107μg/m3; R2 = 0.603 and RMSE = 6.657μg/m3; R2 = 0.504, respectively).

Geochemical baselines of potentially toxic elements in Brunei-Muara soils, Brunei Darussalam: Towards environmental assessment and risk management

We present a comprehensive study on the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the topsoil and subsoil of Brunei-Muara District in Brunei Darussalam. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, and the threshold values for PTEs in both soil layers were determined. Adopting the Tukey's inner fence method, we recommend baselines for PTEs. The study delved into the distribution patterns and potential sources of PTEs in Brunei-Muara, and we identified traffic and agricultural activities as significant contributors to the presence of As, Cr, Cu, and Pb. Industrial and agricultural areas exhibit spatial associations with Mn, Ni and Zn. Cadmium (Cd) was determined to be negligible in Brunei-Muara's soils. Furthermore, geochemical mapping unveiled highly acidic soil conditions in the region, characterized by variations in pH between the topsoil (2.13–8.00) and subsoil (1.89–6.76) layers that generally facilitate mobility of heavy metals. We employed Principal Component Analysis on the log10-transformed data to examine the behavior and mechanisms governing the mobility and retention of PTEs in the soil. This helped us to better characterize the element distribution within the baseline and the recognition of three additional processes enriching the topsoil and subsoil in PTEs. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the distribution, sources, and behavior of PTEs in the soils of the Brunei-Muara District, which can greatly aid environmental monitoring and management endeavors.

Single mothers: financial challenges and experiences in Brunei-Muara district

PurposeThis paper examines the financial challenges of single mothers in Brunei, illustrating how single parenting affects their lifestyle choices and the coping mechanisms these mothers employ to grapple with their financial hardships.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with five single mothers living in the Brunei-Muara district. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsResults revealed participants described operating with a single income, covering bills alone, the high cost of living in Brunei and the absence of alimony contributed to their financial challenges. Financial stress caused them to change their spending habits, switch to cheaper alternatives, make sacrifices and struggle to meet the needs of their children. Coping mechanisms adopted by single mothers utilized social support, generating side income, and the unique roles of children played a significant role in cushioning the impact of their financial difficulties.Originality/valueSingle mothers are on the rise in Brunei. There is an acute lack of studies emphasizing the financial hardships experienced by single mothers in Brunei. This study attempts to narrow the missing gap and seek avenues of justice for single mothers in a progressive, equitable society.

Public knowledge of and attitudes toward genetics and genetic testing in Brunei Darussalam.

The world has been experiencing encouraging research in genetics, but current public knowledge, awareness, and perception of this area remain unknown for Brunei Darussalam. This study aimed to investigate the Brunei population's genetics and genetic testing literacy, and their attitude toward them. A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting public population in Brunei Darussalam. Questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes were randomly distributed in frequented venues in the Brunei-Muara district and uploaded online for distribution through social media. Responses were scored and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Overall, the sample population (n = 474) comprised 75.7% female, 64.3% aged 18-29 years old, 39.7% with a bachelor's degree, and 2.3% and 5.3% with a personal history and family history of genetic disease(s), respectively. Younger participants scored higher for disease-related questions and showed more concern on the impact of testing on employment but were more fearful of testing. Higher educational qualifications were associated with a higher knowledge score, a more optimistic view on DNA research, and less reluctance to take a genetic test for an untreatable disease. Participants with a personal history of genetic disease(s) were more knowledgeable and displayed higher curiosity. Participants with a family history of genetic disease(s) were also more knowledgeable and would want testing even for an untreatable disease. Significantly less was known about the social consequences of testing compared to the medical possibilities. Investigating the knowledge and attitudes of the population is vital preceding efforts toward national adaptation of genetic testing, keeping in mind the various obstacles and issues surrounding the subject.

Field study of bats in Brunei Darussalam

Studying model organisms in their natural environments is essential for advancing bioinspired science and technology. Echolocating bats can be models to inspire new technology for sonar sensing, mobility with flapping flight as well as the integration of these two capabilities. Bat species belonging to genera such as Rhinolophus and Hipposideros stand out for their ability to navigate and hunt prey in dense vegetation. To further the study of echolocation and flight strategies in these genera, field-based research methods have been used to observe, record, and capture bats in Brunei Darussalam. This work was conducted at Andulau Forest Reserve on the border of Belait and Tutong Districts, various other field sites in Tutong District, as well as at Mata Mata in Brunei-Muara District from June 2022 through August 2022. Harp traps were primarily used to capture bats, a less invasive capture technique compared to other types of netting and thought to be more effective against the sophisticated echolocation capabilities of these bats. Acoustic recordings were collected at trap sites and upon processing. These recordings can be utilized to advance passive acoustic monitoring and to improve software that can distinguish species based on sonar characteristics which can also support general biodiversity monitoring.

Association between climate variables and pulmonary tuberculosis incidence in Brunei Darussalam

We investigated the association between climate variables and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) incidence in Brunei-Muara district, Brunei Darussalam. Weekly PTB case counts and climate variables from January 2001 to December 2018 were analysed using distributed lag non-linear model framework. After adjusting for long-term trend and seasonality, we observed positive but delayed relationship between PTB incidence and minimum temperature, with significant adjusted relative risk (adj.RR) at 25.1 °C (95th percentile) when compared to the median, from lag 30 onwards (adj.RR = 1.17 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.01, 1.36]), suggesting effect of minimum temperature on PTB incidence after 30 weeks. Similar results were observed from a sub-analysis on smear-positive PTB case counts from lag 29 onwards (adj.RR = 1.21 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.45]), along with positive and delayed association with total rainfall at 160.7 mm (95th percentile) when compared to the median, from lag 42 onwards (adj.RR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.49]). Our findings reveal evidence of delayed effects of climate on PTB incidence in Brunei, but with varying degrees of magnitude, direction and timing. Though explainable by environmental and social factors, further studies on the relative contribution of recent (through primary human-to-human transmission) and remote (through reactivation of latent TB) TB infection in equatorial settings is warranted.

Organic matter characteristics and hydrocarbon generating potential of the Miocene Belait Formation, Brunei-Muara district, Brunei Darussalam

The characteristics of the source rocks in the early to late Miocene Belait Formation of Brunei Darussalam have been evaluated through the application of Rock-Eval and biomarker analyses, as well as by organic petrographical examination. Analyses have been performed on coal, coaly shale/carbonaceous claystones and shale samples from the Formation, retrieved from outcrops across the Brunei-Muara district, and covering a wide lateral extension of the Formation. The geochemical results indicate that the coal and some carbonaceous samples (with TOC from 14.1% to 67.7%) from the Belait Formation have “good to excellent” generating potential, quantity and quality, due to their high S2 and TOC values, which are consistent with the intermediate hydrogen index (HI) values ranging from 144 to 258 mg HC/g TOC. Organic material of “fair to good” quantity, quality and hydrocarbon generating potential is recorded for the coaly shale samples in the Belait Formation. Non-coal samples generally have the lowest potential as source rocks, due to their low TOC, HI and S2 values. Within the Formation, the coal layers together with a number of coaly shale and shale layers contain type III (gas prone) and type II-III (mixed oil and gas) kerogens. This is proven by the dominance of huminite, often of fluorescent varieties, which is confirmed though maceral analysis, as well as a trend of n-alkanes skewed towards heavier compounds. Evidence of the possible generation of liquid hydrocarbon is offered by the fact that liptinite is the second most abundant maceral group in most of the samples, as well as by the perhydrous nature of part of the huminite. Furthermore, kerogen type IV (dry gas) has been identified in a majority of the coaly shale samples. Facies analysis of the Belait Formation through the use of maceral indices and biomarkers data indicates that the coals were deposited in a mangrove setting in a lower delta plain, where mainly herbaceous and arboreal plants were growing. The depositional conditions were predominantly oxic, with a possible marine influence, and hence brackish conditions. All samples are found to be thermally immature to early mature, with Tmax values ranging from 356 °C to 441 °C, huminite reflectance values of up to 0.46% and high carbon preference index (CPI) values.

PhaseKinetics for assessing the compositional evolution of petroleum generated from the early to Late Miocene source rock, Belait Formation, Brunei-Muara district, Brunei Darussalam

The Early to Late Miocene Belait Formation in Brunei-Muara district has been investigated using the PhaseKinetic approach for compositional petroleum generation kinetics. The source rock characteristics of the selected coal and coaly shale samples indicate kerogen type III-II and type III with moderate HI recorded in the range of 156–258 mg HC/g TOC. The Rock Eval pyrolysis data also show immature organic matter with maximum recorded Tmax values of 415 °C. Pyrolysis gas chromatography (PyGC) reflects that the source rocks generated petroleum grading from paraffinic-naphthenic-aromatic (P–N-A) high wax to gas and condensate, which can be interpreted as heterogeneous kerogen derived from terrigenous higher land plant material. The main activation energies range of two selected coal samples (S24 and S27) are located at 49–52 kcal/mol accounting each for only 15% of the total bulk reaction. Assuming a 3 °C/My geologic heating rate, calculated onset temperatures for the generated hydrocarbon at transformation ration, TR = 10% were 105–120 °C for the two samples. The end of hydrocarbon generation at approximately TR = 95% is expected to occur at temperatures around 170 °C and above. MSSV pyrolysis gas chromatography affirms the existence of high wax paraffinic kerogen type–III–II with some marine input for one end member sample (S24). The 4-component compositional kinetic model indicates that the maximum generation of different petroleum components of sample S24 is predicted at lower values of temperature and vitrinite reflectance if compared with sample S27. The other end member of sample (S27) is more typically humic coal-like with type-III kerogen generating mostly gas and condensate.

Coastal Erosion in The Unprotected and Protected Sections At Berakas

The coast at Berakas in the Brunei-Muara district of Brunei Darussalam suffers from erosion caused by a combination of fluvial and marine processes. This paper investigates the rate and pattern of erosion along a 1.8-km stretch of coast to compare the difference between the unprotected and protected sections. We used (i) image and spatial analysis and (ii) field geomorphology. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in ArcGIS was used to compare the study area using two Google Earth images. The study found that the unprotected section had receded by 4.6 m between 2009 and 2019, while the protected section had advanced by 8.0 m over the same period; intense gullying and slumping of cliff continued at both sections. The detached headland breakwaters in the protected section were effective in stabilizing the coast. A concrete drain installed parallel to the cliff edge appears to be capable of intercepting storm runoff, but its effectiveness was undermined by lack of maintenance. We conclude that terrestrial-fluvial processes continue to erode coastal land and cause slumping of the cliff face at Berakas. However, coastal protection structures that curb the marine process could stabilize the coastline, even where sediment transport is active.

Source rock characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential in Brunei-Muara district, Brunei Darussalam: a comparative case study from selected Miocene-Quaternary formations

A comparative analysis on source rock properties has been carried out on the Miocene-Pliocene formations as well as the Quaternary terrace deposits using Rock–Eval pyrolysis results and organic petrography as well as some biomarkers results. Samples were obtained from outcrops of the Quaternary terrace deposits, Pliocene-aged Liang Formation together with the Miocene Miri and Setap Shale formations in Brunei-Muara district, with sample lithologies ranging from coal, coaly shale, shale and lignitic sand. High total organic carbon (TOC) and S2 values ranging from 41.8 to 62.4% and 7.40 mg HC/g rock to 122 mg HC/g rock, respectively, are identified in coals of the terrace deposit, Liang and Miri formations, making these as the best potential source rock due to the “good to excellent” generating potential. Meanwhile, a “fair to poor” potential is exhibited for the coaly shale, shale and lignitic sand samples as a result of their low TOC, HI and S2 values. The organic matter is composed of kerogen type III (gas prone) and type II-III (mixed oil and gas prone). Organic matter in all studied formations originate from a terrestrial-source, as proven by the abundance of huminite. Organic petrographical and biomarkers studies suggest that the coals and lignitic sand samples were deposited in a mangrove-type mire in a lower delta setting, under oxic and limnic to limnotelmatic conditions, except sample DD2-1, which is deposited in a less water-saturated environment. The samples display the presence of bi-modal and normal distribution of n-alkanes. For all of the samples, the dominating plant types in the palaeomire are of soft, herbaceous plants and this is supported by the low vegetation index and moderate Paq values. All the studied samples are thermally immature to early mature, as exhibited by the Tmax values that range from 300 to 437 °C and vitrinite reflectance readings of 0.22% to 0.46%.

Applying the hybrid strategy in solving mathematical word problems at the elementary school level

The study was designed to assess the effectiveness of an alternative teaching approach strategy called the Hybrid Strategy. It was intended specifically in minimising the common errors made by students, which were Comprehension and Transformation errors, and aimed at helping students to perceive word problems as a story line to be completed using the Hybrid Strategy. This strategy is a step-by-step guidance to improve students’ visualisations and perceptions of mathematical word problems. The strategy incorporates the use of pictorial representations for students’ visualisation and interrogative words (who, what, where, when and how) using the mnemonic Mr. How and his 4 Warriors to prompt students’ understanding when solving 1-step and 2-step word problems. The study involved 39 Year 5 students from a local government school in the Brunei-Muara district of Brunei Darussalam. The four research instruments were used in collecting the data: diagnostic pre-test, diagnostic post-test, Newman’s Error Analysis interviews and general observations during intervention lessons. Analyses from students’ written test responses revealed that the students committed all five types of Newman error and the most common type of errors occurred in this study are Comprehension errors. Further analyses showed that the use of the Hybrid Strategy in minimising Comprehension and Transformation errors was successful. However, there was only a slight improvement of students’ scores in their post-test, contributing to only a minor extent of the effectiveness of the Hybrid Strategy used in this study. Additionally, slight positive shifts of students’ perceptions were observed towards solving mathematical word problems.

A Descriptive Profile of Selected Brunei Convicts: Viewpoint

The case study (N = 54) described the participants using biographical attributes (age, type of offenses committed, education, marriage, employment, marital status of parents, repeat offenses, and district of residence) about criminality. Theft and drug-related offenses were first and second top crimes. Youths aged 18-29 were more involved in stealing and rape than older peers. Half of the theft convicts were employed and the other half unemployed before incarceration suggesting common underlying causes for stealing such as low education and low income (or poverty) among participants. Elderly convicts (aged 30-40) were most engaged in drug offenses, incest, and adultery compared to younger counterparts. First and repeat crimes were equally high across the participants' educational level, marital status, and parents' marital status. Most of the crimes were committed in the Brunei-Muara district. The findings call for mental health testing and appropriate interventions for crime perpetrators. Further mixed methods research was recommended.

Geochemical distribution and behaviour of mercury and arsenic in the Brunei-Muara District, Brunei Darussalam

Both mercury and arsenic are toxic elements which can affect human health and ecosystems negatively. Monoelemental geochemical maps were constructed to identify the spatial distribution of both mercury and arsenic in Brunei Muara District of Brunei Darussalam. This paper is a product of a pilot project aiming at constructing the geochemical atlas of Brunei Darussalam. Extensive field work and sampling enabled us to collect 187 subsoil samples with a sampling density of 1 km2. Both mercury and arsenic were analyzed in the fine fraction and the relevant geochemical maps were constructed and correlated with the geological, land use and different vegetation types maps of Brunei Darussalam. Certain anomalies observed on heat maps can be linked to anthropogenic activities in industrial and urbanised areas, as well as to analyze mobility of these elements due to natural phenomena and different types of soils.

Risk assessment for forest fire in Brunei Darussalam

The rise in global warming triggered by climate change and increased slush and burn activities particularly in Indonesia has been a major concern for deteriorating air pollution in Borneo regions in last two decades. Brunei Darussalam is facing increasing fire risk particularly during the dry season (February to April) of the year. The study is an effort to focus on the recent rise of fire events in Brunei Darussalam as fires can tremendously downgrade the quality of the country’s well-known forestry; affect the economy and most importantly, health of the people. Geographical Information System (GIS) have been widely used by researchers to study fire risk assessment. The ArcGIS software is used for Optimized Hot Spot Analysis, Inversed Distance Weighted (IDW), and Kriging to compare and analyse the data and prepare a map for identifications of hotspot areas. High temperatures due to the El Nino phenomenon and low precipitation contribute greatly to the forest fire outbreaks. Results show that the Brunei-Muara district is mostly affected compared to Tutong and Belait districts. From the hotspots identified, the percentages of forest areas affected are 53%, 64%, 25% in Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts respectively.

Evaluation of various GIS-based methods for the analysis of road traffic accident hotspot

In order to establish objective criteria for road traffic accident (RTA) hotspots, this paper examines the application of three different hotspot analysis methods to both identify and rank the RTA hotspots. The three methods selected are the network Kernel Density Estimation (KDE+) method, the Getis-Ord GI* method, and a recently proposed risk-based method that accounts for RTA frequency, severity and socioeconomic costs - STAA method. The study road, Jalan Tutong, is a major dual-carriageway connecting major residential and commercial areas from the west of Brunei-Muara district and beyond to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The RTA data consists of cases reported to the police during a 5-year period from 2012 to 2016. The RTA data were digitised and prepared, before being imported into ESRI ArcGIS 10.2 software for analysis using each of these methods. The outcomes, particularly the location, extent and priority of the RTA hotspots, are subsequently compared to results from road safety audits, in order to determine the relative merits and drawbacks of each method. The findings from the comparative study would be useful to recommend the most suitable method to identify and rank the RTA hotspots for the study road.

Teacher’s feedback in teaching science in a bilingual Bruneian primary classroom

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the use of feedback to students by a primary teacher teaching the science topic “Life Cycle” in a Year 5 bilingual Bruneian science classroom.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a discourse analysis of one primary science teacher’s use of feedback to his students when teaching the topic “Life Cycle.” The participant was a male primary science teacher who taught a Year 5 science class in one of the government schools in the Brunei-Muara district. Direct observations and video recordings of the teacher’s three consecutive lessons on the topic “Life Cycle” were collected. The transcripts were developed from the teacher–student interactions in the three lessons. The “Questioning-based Discourse” approach (Chin, 2006) was used to analyze the different types of feedback, and the students’ cognitive processes that emerged from the lesson transcripts. The frequencies of the feedback and students’ cognitive processes were calculated using percentages.FindingsThe findings from the three lesson observations indicate that the teacher’s feedback showed a range of strategies which consisted mostly of accepting students’ answers and feedback to elicit, to focus, to probe, to clarify and to extend, respectively. The findings also reveal that the cognitive processes of the students ranged from recalling, predicting, hypothesizing, evaluating and explaining. The analysis shows that the teacher only practiced low-level questioning and the feedback given to the students was mostly for accepting the students’ answers rather than challenging students’ ideas.Practical implicationsThe findings reported in this study provide useful insights into the importance of teacher–student interactions in the teaching and learning of science. The “Questioning-based Discourse” analytical framework is worthwhile to analyze the science teacher’s talk and consequently to improve teachers” skills in giving feedback that fosters productive students’ responses.Originality/valueThis paper highlights the need for science teachers to analyze their classroom talk and it recommends how to give useful feedback to students to promote higher cognitive processes amongst students. Brunei has been described as a country where there is a linguistic divide determined by the quality of the school that a student attends (Deterding and Salbrina, 2013). Improving the quality of interaction between teacher and students in such circumstances is essential.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on Zika virus infection among pregnant women in Brunei Darussalam

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on Zika virus infection among pregnant women in Brunei Darussalam by a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Between February and June 2017, we recruited 234 pregnant women from all government healthcare centres at Brunei-Muara district, using a modified systematic sampling approach. A pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire was used and data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The study participants were mainly Malay (87.2%) and their mean age was 28.0 years. The median knowledge score was 13, out of a possible score of 28. Most participants (92.7%) knew that Zika virus was transmitted by mosquito bites whereas some (34.6%) knew that sexual transmission was also possible. Media (radio, television or newspapers) was the preferred source of updated information on Zika virus, followed by healthcare workers (44.0%), government announcements (43.2%), and social media (38.0%). Pregnant women who were 25 years old or older [Adj. OR=3.62 (95% CI: 1.57, 9.51)], not Malays [Adj. OR=3.32 (95% CI: 1.35, 8.55)], and had an average monthly household income of more than BND $3 000 [Adj. OR=4.06 (95% CI: 1.81, 19.44)] were more likely to score higher for knowledge on Zika virus. The median prevention practice score was 23, out of a possible score of 36. Most participants reported wearing covering clothes (98.3%) and kept their living surroundings clean (99.6%). Most participants (88.0%) agreed that Zika is an important issue in their community. Conclusion: We found a lack of knowledge on Zika virus infection among pregnant women attending government maternal and child healthcare centres in Brunei Darussalam, in particular that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. Such information could be well disseminated at the healthcare centre level. Health literacy studies should be conducted to understand the facilitators and barriers of KAP on Zika virus infection among pregnant women.

Antibacterial properties of parasitic mistletoe - Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser of Brunei Darussalam

Natural products especially from plants have become subject of much interest in drug discovery. Scurrula ferruginea is parasitic mistletoe used traditionally to treat various illnesses. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential antibacterial effect of Scurrula ferruginea native to Brunei Darussalam. The plants were collected from Brunei-Muara district air-dried, pulverized into powder, extracted by water maceration and freeze dried. Later, the extract was screened by disc-diffusion assay for two bacterial strains. The positive controls were Gentamycin and Ampicillin for Staphylococcus aureus while Sulphamethoxazole was used for Escherichia coli. Dimethyl sulfoxide was the negative control for both strains. 100, 200 and 500 mg/ml of the extract were used for the assays. The extracts did not show any inhibition activity against Escherichia coli, while sulphamethoxazole, showed inhibition of 24 mm. Ampicillin, Gentamycin, 100 and 500 mg/ml extract exhibited 29, 20, 8.3 and 10.7 mm inhibition zone, respectively against Staphylococcus aureus. There was an increase in zone of inhibition on Staphylococcus aureus strain with increase in extract concentration. Further investigations including Minimum Inhibition Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration methods as well as investigation on additional bacterial strains will be conducted for confirmation of antibacterial effect of the extract.