Northern Peninsular Malaysia Research Articles

Reappraisal of the Javanese Bullfrog complex, Kaloula baleata (Müller, 1836) (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae), reveals a new species from Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species of Narrow-mouthed frog of the genus Kaloula is described from northern Peninsular Malaysia. Kaloula latidisca sp. nov. is genetically and morphologically most similar to K. baleata and K. indochinensis but differs from those and other congeners by the unique combination of the following characters: (1) adult males SVL 49.2-56.2 mm (x̅=53.5 ± 3.0; N=4); (2) finger tips expanded into large, transversely expanded discs (disc width 2.8-3.1 mm, x̅=3.0 ± 0.1); (3) inner metatarsal tubercle large, oval, distinctly raised, slightly shorter than first toe; (4) three subarticular tubercles on fourth toe; (5) toe webbing formula: I 1-2 II 1-3 III 2-3.5 IV 4-2 V; and (6) yellow to orange irregularly shaped patch on the axillary, inguinal and posterior region of thigh.

Disputes on Nature-Based Tourism Development in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Nature-based tourism is an increasingly significant economic resource for developing countries. However, in such countries the development and management of nature-based tourism destinations are bedeviled by structural and operational limitations in local planning processes. The Malaysian experience provides a salient case in point. This article outlines the problems and constraints facing local and national decision makers during the development and promotion of nature-based tourism in the State of Perlis. Three key governance issues constraining the effective development of natural tourism opportunities are discussed. These issues are identified as (1) weaknesses of government policies, (2) disorganized administration systems, and (3) limited operational budget. The article proposes that in order for the State of Perlis to pursue and develop a sustainable nature-based tourism industry these issues must be urgently addressed.

Proximal and distal outcomes of organizational socialization among new teachers: a mediation analysis

This study was designed to examine the relationship between socialization experience and the task performance of new teachers. It proposed to do this by testing a structural model. In explicating the relationship between the two constructs, teacher engagement in workplace learning activities and wellbeing were included in the structural model as plausible mediators. The study used a survey research method to gather data from a sample of 182 beginning teachers in northern peninsular Malaysia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and AMOS 16.0. The findings indicate that the structural model adequately fits the data. There is a significant indirect influence of socialization factors on the task performance of new teachers, with 81% of the variance explained.

The mitochondrial 16 s rRNA reveals high anthropogenic influence on land snail diversity in a preliminary island survey

A total of 30 specimens belonging to five species, namely; Cryptozona siamensis, Sarika resplendens and Sarika sp. from the family Ariophantidae as well as Quantula striata and Quantula sp. from the family Dyakiidae were collected from the Langkawi Island in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. All specimens were identified through comparisons of shell morphology and amplification of a 500bp segment of the 16S rRNA mtDNA gene. To assess phylogenetic insights, the sequences were aligned using ClustalW and phylogenetic trees were constructed. The analyses showed two major lineages in both Maximum Parsimony and Neighbour Joining phylogenetic trees. Each putative taxonomic group formed a monophyletic cluster. Our study revealed low species and intraspecies genetic diversities based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences. Thus, this study has provided an insight of land snail diversity in populations of an island highly influenced by anthropogenic activities through complementary use of shell morphological and molecular data.

A new species of lowland karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northwestern Peninsular Malaysia

A new species of lowland karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887, C. grismeri sp. nov. is described from the southeastern base of the Banjaran Bintang in northern Peninsular Malaysia. It is differentiated from its congeners by a unique combination of characters including size, coloration and scalation. Cnemapis grismeri sp. nov. is most closely related to C. mcguirei, an upland species endemic to the Banjaran Bintang. This phylogeographic pattern is also seen in the upland and lowland Banjaran Bintang species of Cyrtodactylus bintangtinggi and C. bintangrendah, respectively (Grismer et al. 2012). The discovery of yet another endemic gekkonid in the poorly explored karst regions of Peninsular Malaysia underscores the necessity for concentrated collecting efforts in these unique landscapes.

Symptoms of PTSD Among Adolescents in Malaysia 4 Years Following the 2004 Tsunami

While physical infrastructure is quickly rebuilt following a natural disaster, the psychological effects on victims are often neglected. This study investigated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents exposed to the 2004 tsunami in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. The randomly selected participants were 216 adolescents living in small villages affected by the tsunami. The study used a cross-sectional design in which PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index. Results showed that 8.3% of the participants had severe symptoms of PTSD, 39.8% had moderate symptoms, 42.1% had mild symptoms, and 9.7% had no significant symptoms. Females had significantly higher criterion B symptom scores than males. Multiple regression analysis results indicated that number of lifetime traumas and age were significant predictors of PTSD scores. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was high even 4 years after the tsunami, a finding consistent with previous studies. The findings are discussed and several recommendations put forward.

In situ soil 222Rn and 220Rn and their relationship with meteorological parameters in tropical Northern Peninsular Malaysia

This study focused on the relationship between soil 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations and meteorological parameters (temperature, pressure, humidity, and terrestrial gamma radiation) in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. Measurements of in situ soil 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were performed in surface air and at a sampling depth of 50cm using two active techniques: RAD7 radon detector and radon continuous monitor (Sun Nuclear Corporation). The surface air 222Rn concentration ranged from 6Bqm−3 to 79Bqm−3, whereas at the depth of 50cm, the 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations varied from 133Bqm−3 to 143,059Bqm−3 and from 55Bqm−3 to 403Bqm−3, respectively. The gamma dose rate (DR) in air was measured using a GR-135 spectrometer (Exploranium). The dose rate varied from 80nGyh−1 to 258nGyh−1. The 222Rn concentration in the soil (143kBqm−3) was high considering that the concentration in typical soil samples is only 40kBqm−3. The 222Rn concentration in surface air varied within the recommended activity values prescribed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Weak positive and negative correlations were observed between the (222Rn and 220Rn) concentrations and the meteorological parameters.

Changing domesticity of Aedes aegypti in northern peninsular Malaysia: reproductive consequences and potential epidemiological implications.

BackgroundThe domestic dengue vector Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in indoor containers. However, in northern peninsular Malaysia, they show equal preference for breeding in both indoor and outdoor habitats. To evaluate the epidemiological implications of this peridomestic adaptation, we examined whether Ae. aegypti exhibits decreased survival, gonotrophic activity, and fecundity due to lack of host availability and the changing breeding behavior.Methodology/Principal FindingsThis yearlong field surveillance identified Ae. aegypti breeding in outdoor containers on an enormous scale. Through a sequence of experiments incorporating outdoors and indoors adapting as well as adapted populations, we observed that indoors provided better environment for the survival of Ae. aegypti and the observed death patterns could be explained on the basis of a difference in body size. The duration of gonotrophic period was much shorter in large-bodied females. Fecundity tended to be greater in indoor acclimated females. We also found increased tendency to multiple feeding in outdoors adapted females, which were smaller in size compared to their outdoors breeding counterparts.Conclusion/SignificanceThe data presented here suggest that acclimatization of Ae. aegypti to the outdoor environment may not decrease its lifespan or gonotrophic activity but rather increase breeding opportunities (increased number of discarded containers outdoors), the rate of larval development, but small body sizes at emergence. Size is likely to be correlated with disease transmission. In general, small size in Aedes females will favor increased blood-feeding frequency resulting in higher population sizes and disease occurrence.

Evaluation of Health Risks due to Natural Radioactivity in Domestic Water Sources from Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Evaluation of Health Risks due to Natural Radioactivity in Domestic Water Sources from Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Cadaver Wrapping and Arrival Performance of Adult Flies in an Oil Palm Plantation in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

There is accumulating evidence that criminals wrap dead bodies in an attempt to conceal evidence. To anticipate the forensic implications of this phenomenon, we examined whether flies that are naturally associated with cadavers exhibit a delay in attendance or differ in species composition and abundance patterns because of the presence of wrapping material. Wrapped and exposed carcasses of dead monkeys placed in an oil plantation in Kedah, Malaysia, were visited over 50 d. On daily visits to each of the six carcasses, visiting adult flies were sampled using hand nets. Flies of 12 families were encountered. Calliphoridae (Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart and C. megacephala (F.) was the most prevalent family, followed by Sphaeroceridae. Some families tended to be more abundant in WRCs (i.e., Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Phoridae), whereas others (i.e., Piophilidae, Sepsidae, and Psychodidae) were more prevalent in exposed carcasses. Wrapping delayed the arrival of all fly species encountered, with delays varying from 1 to 13 d depending on species. Wrapping did not affect species composition of flies, but prolong the occurrence of some species. The results of the current study emphasize the need to take into consideration the presence of a wrap when estimating postmortem interval.

Cadaver Wrapping and Arrival Performance of Adult Flies in an Oil Palm Plantation in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

There is accumulating evidence that criminals wrap dead bodies in an attempt to conceal evidence. To anticipate the forensic implications of this phenomenon, we examined whether flies that are naturally associated with cadavers exhibit a delay in attendance or differ in species composition and abundance patterns because of the presence of wrapping material. Wrapped and exposed carcasses of dead monkeys placed in an oil plantation in Kedah, Malaysia, were visited over 50 d. On daily visits to each of the six carcasses, visiting adult flies were sampled using hand nets. Flies of 12 families were encountered. Calliphoridae (Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart and C. megacephala (F.) was the most prevalent family, followed by Sphaeroceridae. Some families tended to be more abundant in WRCs (i.e., Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Phoridae), whereas others (i.e., Piophilidae, Sepsidae, and Psychodidae) were more prevalent in exposed carcasses. Wrapping delayed the arrival of all fly species encountered, with delays varying from 1 to 13 d depending on species. Wrapping did not affect species composition of flies, but prolong the occurrence of some species. The results of the current study emphasize the need to take into consideration the presence of a wrap when estimating postmortem interval.

Determination of radioactive elements and heavy metals in sediments and soil from domestic water sources in northern peninsular Malaysia

Soil serves as a major reservoir for contaminants as it posseses an ability to bind various chemicals together. To safeguard the members of the public from an unwanted exposure, studies were conducted on the sediments and soil from water bodies that form the major sources of domestic water supply in northern peninsular Malaysia for their trace element concentration levels. Neutron Activation Analysis, using Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Zaria, Nigeria was employed as the analytical tool. The elements identified in major quantities include Na, K, and Fe while As, Br, Cr, U, Th, Eu, Cs, Co, La, Sm, Yb, Sc, Zn, Rb, Ba, Lu, Hf, Ta, and Sb were also identified in trace quantities. Gamma spectroscopy was also employed to analyze some soil samples from the same area. The results indicated safe levels in terms of the radium equivalent activity, external hazard index as well as the mean external exposure dose rates from the soil. The overall screening of the domestic water sources with relatively high heavy metals concentration values in sediments and high activity concentration values in soil is strongly recommended as their accumulation overtime as a consequence of leaching into the water may be of health concern to the members of the public.

Trimmed L-moments (1,0) for the generalized Pareto distribution

Statistical analysis of extremes is often used for predicting the higher return-period events. In this paper, the trimmed L-moments with one smallest value trimmed—TL-moments (1,0)—are introduced as an alternative way to estimate floods for high return periods. The TL-moments (1,0) have an ability to reduce the undesirable influence that a small value in the statistical sample might have on a large return period. The main objective of this study is to derive the TL-moments (1,0) for the generalized Pareto (GPA) distribution. The performance of the TL-moments (1,0) was compared with L-moments through Monte Carlo simulation based on the streamflow data of northern Peninsular Malaysia. The result shows that, for some cases, the use of TL-moments (1,0) is a better option as compared to L-moments in modelling those series. Citation Ahmad, U.N., Shabri, A. & Zakaria, Z.A. (2011) Trimmed L-moments (1,0) for the generalized Pareto distribution. Hydrol.Sci. J. 56(6), 1053–1060.

An analysis of career advancement among engineers in manufacturing organizations

Purpose – This research aims to study the effect of gender, supervisors' support, and tenure of service on objective and perceived career advancement among engineers employed in Malaysian manufacturing organizations in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. It begins by noting the centrality of inequality in gender and career advancement and also aims at providing a direct picture of tenure of service, which is among the factors least looked at when analyzing career advancement. The study also attempts to analyze the supervisor's support in relation to career advancement. Moderating the elements above are the demographic variables such as age, marital status, education level, and the location of the tertiary education institution.Design/methodology/approach – By using a judgemental sampling method, a total of 158 engineers from ten multinational manufacturing companies were identified for this study.Findings – The findings suggest that career advancement is very much related to gender, supervisor's support, and se...

Measurements of 222Rn activity concentration in domestic water sources in Penang, northern peninsular Malaysia

Measurements of (222)Rn activity concentration were carried out in 39 samples collected from the domestic and drinking water sources used in the island and mainland of Penang, northern peninsular, Malaysia. The measured activity concentrations ranged from 7.49 to 26.25 Bq l(-1), 0.49 to 9.72 Bq l(-1) and 0.58 to 2.54 Bq l(-1) in the raw, treated and bottled water samples collected, respectively. This indicated relatively high radon concentrations compared with that from other parts of the world, which still falls below the WHO recommended treatment level of 100 Bq l(-1). From this data, the age-dependent associated committed effective doses due to the ingestion of (222)Rn as a consequence of direct consumption of drinking water were calculated. The committed effective doses from (222)Rn resulting from 1 y's consumption of these water were estimated to range from 0.003 to 0.048, 0.001 to 0.018 and 0.002 to 0.023 mSv y(-1), for age groups 0-1, 2-16 and >16 y, respectively.

Anthropometrie measurements among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Background Ageing often accompanied by a decline in nutritional status significantly contributes to undernutrition. However, the anthropometrie characteristics and the risk of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia are not known Therefore, the aims of this study are to investigate (1) the age differences of anthropometrie characteristic in elderly men, (2) the magnitude of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia, and (3) the use of body mass index and mid-upper arm circumference in detecting undernutrition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at four residential homes in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 135 male residents aged ≥60 years were recruited in this study. Anthropometrie parameters of body weight, standing height, body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured according to standard techniques. Results Results showed that age-related declines were statistically significant in body weight, BMI and MUAC ( p < 0.05), but not in standing height ( p = 0.067). Based on BMI < 18.5, 14.5% of the participants had undernutrition while 11.9% of the participants were malnourished (MUAC < 23 cm). Regression analysis revealed that there was a close relationship between BMI and MUAC ( r = 0.84). A BMI of 18.5 was found to be equivalent to a MUAC of 22.9 cm. Conclusions This study revealed that there was a risk of undernutrition among institutionalized elderly men in Northern Peninsular Malaysia. This study also showed that MUAC correlates closely with BMI and can be used alternately to evaluate malnourishment among institutionalized elderly men.

Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori among multiracial community in Northern Peninsular, Malaysia: effect of age across race and gender

Objective To study the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection according to age group. Methods H. pylori infection data among 1 965 consecutive patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit collected at Sungai Petani Hospital for oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy (OGD). The patients were divided into 9 age groups (10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, 80–89 and 90–99 years). In addition these groups were further divided into three minor group namely young adults (10–39), older adults (40–69) and geriatric groups (70–99). Results Overall prevalence of infection of H. pylori was analyzed and found that the prevalence increase with age ( P<0.05). When the patients divided by ethnic and gender group with age, prevalence rate among young adults and older adults significantly higher ( P<0.05) compared to geriatric groups across all races and gender ( P<0.05). Furthermore, significantly higher number of males were infected compared to female ( P<0.05) but such trend was only observed among older adult groups. In addition, there is a significant differences in H. pylori infection prevalence rates among ethnic groups (highest in Indians adults, followed Chinese and low in Malays, P<0.05). Conclusions The overall prevalence of H. pylori did increase with age group across ethnicity and gender, in Northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Species Composition and Population Dynamics of Thrips (Thysanoptera) in Mango Orchards of Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Thrips are key pests of mango, Mangifera indica (L.), in Malaysia, including the Northern Peninsular. As Penang has year-round equatorial climate and high of rainfall, the populations of thrips may be subject to variations in composition and size. With a goal of developing an appropriate control strategy, a survey was conducted in Penang to determine species composition and abundance in relation to some environmental factors. Sprayed and unsprayed orchards were sampled on weekly basis through two flowering seasons of 2009 using CO(2) collection technique. Larval population falling into the ground to pupate and adults emerging from the soil were investigated in both orchards. Thrips hawaiiensis (Morgan) and Scirtothrips dorsalis (Hood) were the most prevalent species in the sprayed and the unsprayed orchards, respectively. The abundance of thrips was high during the flowering period of the dry season and decreased during the flowering period of the rainy season. This latter period coincided with decreased temperature and increased relative humidity. Percentage of adult emergence from the soil was lower in the rainy season than recorded in the dry season in both orchards. Taken together, these observations suggest that T. hawaiiensis and S. dorsalis are the main thrips species pests of mango panicles in Penang. Direct control with insecticides focusing on these two species may help to reduce cosmetic injuries and other damages on mango fruits.

Indoor-Breeding of Aedes albopictus in Northern Peninsular Malaysia and Its Potential Epidemiological Implications

BackgroundThe mosquito Ae. albopictus is usually adapted to the peri-domestic environment and typically breeds outdoors. However, we observed its larvae in most containers within homes in northern peninsular Malaysia. To anticipate the epidemiological implications of this indoor-breeding, we assessed some fitness traits affecting vectorial capacity during colonization process. Specifically, we examined whether Ae. albopictus exhibits increased survival, gonotrophic activity and fecundity due to the potential increase in blood feeding opportunities.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn a series of experiments involving outdoors and indoors breeding populations, we found that Ae. albopictus lives longer in the indoor environment. We also observed increased nighttime biting activity and lifetime fecundity in indoor/domestic adapted females, although they were similar to recently colonized females in body size.Conclusion/SignificanceTaken together these data suggest that accommodation of Ae. albopictus to indoor/domestic environment may increase its lifespan, blood feeding success, nuisance and thus vectorial capacity (both in terms of increased vector-host contacts and vector population density). These changes in the breeding behavior of Ae. albopictus, a potential vector of several human pathogens including dengue viruses, require special attention.

A Taxonomic Review ofHipposideros halophyllus, with Additional Information onH. aterandH. cineraceus(Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) from Thailand and Myanmar

Based on recent field surveys in Thailand, Myanmar, and northern peninsular Malaysia, this paper reviews the taxonomy, morphometric and acoustic characters, distribution and ecology of the little known, globally endangered species Hipposideros halophyllus. It lists nine new localities records, including the first from northern and peninsular Thailand, which represent a substantial increase in the species' known range; it confirms the record from northern peninsular Malaysia. In addition, it provides further information on two other small species of the Hipposideros bicolor group, H. ater and H. cineraceus.