bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis Of The Enantiomers Ratio Of Citronellal From Indonesian Citronella Oil Using Enantioselective Gas Chromatography
Authors: Cahyono Edy , Dwi Pranowo Harno , Muchalal Muchalal , Triyono Triyono
Published: October 2017

Citronellal 97,3% has been isolated from Java citronella oil (Cymbopogon winterianus) from Yogyakarta Indonesia by fractional distillation under reduced pressure (5 cmHg, 110-120 oC). Citronellal has two optical isomerics that can be separated by capillary column of chiral GC phase. Enantioselective capillary GC with heptakis(2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-β-cyclodextrin (β-DEX-225) as stationary phase has been used for analysis of the enantiomers ratio of citronellal. The analysis of enantiomer ratio showed that citronellal contain of 88.21% ee of (R)-(+)-citronellal. Physical properties of isolated citronellal showed that the compound was (+) enantiomer. Structure identification of citronellal was carried out by GC-MS, IR, and 1H NMR, resulted identical fragment and spectra with standard citronellal. Theoretical study with semiempirical-AM1 method showed that energy of (R)-(+)-citronellal on the β-DEX 225 was lower than its (S)-(-)-citronellal.
Photodecolorization of methylene blue over EGZrO2/EGZnO/EGFe2O3/HY photocatalyst: Effect of radical scavenger
Authors: Abdul Jalil Aishah , Sapawe N. , Triwahyono Sugeng
Published: October 2017

The photocatalytic activity of methylene blue (MB) was investigated in aqueous solutions under solar radiation using electrogenerated metals supported on HY zeolite (EGZrO2/EGZnO/EGFe2O3/HY) catalyst. The prepared catalysts were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunnauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis (BET). An amount of 0.375 g L−1 EGZrO2/EGZnO/EGFe2O3/HY was found to be the optimum dosage for 10 mg L−1 MB, which gave almost complete photodecolorization of MB (99.5%) after 1 h of contact time at pH 9. Next, the effect of inorganic salts such as NaCl, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and KI was also studied. It was found that the presence of the Cl− and CO3−2 ions obstructed the photodecolorization, but the presence of SO42− accelerated the reaction. The presence of I− ions did not affect much on the decolorization rate. Furthermore, the addition of H2O2 significantly enhanced the photodecolorization for the 50 mg L−1 of MB solution under similar optimum conditions. It was also found that the radical scavenging agents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol (MeOH) suppressed the decolorization, with DMSO being the most effective. The simple preparation of the photocatalyst and low amount of metal loading required exhibits the great potential of the system that could be applied in textile or other industries wastewater treatment.
Polyaniline and their Conductive Polymer Blends: A Short Review
Authors: Abd Razak Saiful Izwan , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Aizan , Hashim Shahrir , Yahya Mohd Yazid
Published: October 2017

This short review discusses recent research regarding conductive polymeric blends containing polyaniline (PANI). Conducting PANI was reviewed in view of their properties to be used as a conducting component in several polymer matrix composites. Conductive PANI blends shows promise since the discovery of conducting polymers itself. These composite materials have introduced practical applications in various fields, including electromagnetic shielding and microwave absorption, static electricity dissipation, conducting membrane materials, conductive paint coatings and sensor materials. Highlights were made on PANI containing composites of polyethylene, polyamides, rubbers and elastomers, including other conventional thermoplastics and thermosets. Their electrical properties (percolation threshold and resistivity), blends preparation, drawbacks and potential usage were discussed in detail.
Marangoni Mixed Convection Boundary Layer Flow in a Nanofluid
Authors: Remeli Amirah , Md Arifin Norihan , Nazar Roslinda , Ismail Fudziah
Published: October 2017

The problem of Marangoni mixed convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer that can be formed along the interface of two immiscible fluids in a nanofluid is studied using different types of nanoparticles. Numerical solutions of the similarity equations are obtained using the shooting method. Three types of metallic or nonmetallic nanoparticles, namely copper (Cu), alumina (23AlO) and titania (2TiO) are consideredby using a water-based fluid to investigate the effect of the solid volume fraction or nanoparticle volume fraction parameter ϕ of the nanofluid. The influences of the interest parameters on the reduced velocity along the interface, velocity profiles as well as the reduced heat transfer at the interface and temperature profiles were presented in tables and figures.
The Classification of Multiple Intelligences of People with Epilepsy using Fuzzy Inverse Model
Authors: Awang Siti Rahmah , Aripin Rasimah , Rafia Md. Hanip , Ahmad Tahir
Published: October 2017

One of the most challenging problems faced by people with epilepsy (PWE) is employment. But, from human resource managers’ point of view, they need reliable information before they can hire the PWE. A fuzzy model is developed to meet the need for both parties. The model is to help PWE identify their intelligence strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the probability of being employed. This paper presents a new fuzzy algorithm, namely Fuzzy Inverse ATIE (FIA) which is integrated to a crisp Logistic regression model to obtain a fuzzy model. Then based on the model, an ideal combination of eight intelligences which were based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence was determined to improve the probability of PWE to be employed. The results show that with the suggested combinations, the probability, P(Y=1), is closed to 1. It can be concluded that the fuzzy model developed using the FIA algorithms has successfully improved the probability of PWE to be hired based on the best parameters of the eight intelligences.
A Decision Making Method using Fuzzy Soft Sets
Authors: Abdul Razak Samsiah , Mohamad Daud
Published: October 2017

The introduction of soft set theory by Molodstov has gained attention by many as it is useful in dealing with uncertain data. It is advantageous to use due to its parameterization form of data. This concept has been used in solving many decision making problems and has been generalized in various aspects in particular to fuzzy soft set (FSS) theory. In decision making using FSS, the objective is to select an object from a set of objects with respect to a set of choice parameter using fuzzy values. Although FSS theory has been extensively used in many applications, the importance of weight of parameters has not been highlighted and thus is not incorporated in the calculation. As it depends on one’s perception or opinion, the importance of the parameters may differ from one decision maker to another. Besides, existing methods in FSS only consider one or two decision makers to select the alternatives. In reality, group decision making normally involves more than two decision makers. In this paper we present a method for solving group decision making problems that involves more than two decision makers based on fuzzy soft set by taking into consideration the weight of parameters. The method of lambda – max which frequently utilize in fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) has been applied to determine the weight of parameters and an algorithm for solving decision making problems is presented. Finally we illustrate the effectiveness of our method with a numerical example.
The Role of Curcuma Longa Rhizomes Ethanolic Extract on Human Lymphocytes Treated by Bickel by Using G Banding Technique and Karyotyping
Authors: J. Hashim Farah , S. Shawkat Muayad , N. Al-Rikabi Abdul Ameer
Published: October 2017

Curcuma longa L., which belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, is a perennial herb distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, being widely cultivated in Asiatic countries, Curcuminoids are inherent compounds of the species C. longa, there are three main compounds of this pigmented curcuminoid complex, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is the major component of this plant, being responsible for the activities. Crude extract of Curcuma longa rhizomes was prepared by using ethanol and Chemical detection was performed in order to investigate the secondary metabolites compounds of ethanolic crude extract. Reversed high performance liquid chromatography carried out for the detection and estimation of curcumin in the crude extract. Otherwise cytogenetic study of the effect of C. longa crude extract and standard curcumin on the normal human lymphocyte blood cells done after exposure to nickel chloride (NiCl2), furthermore, karyotyping was performed by using MetasystemIkaros. Chemical detection of crude extract showed positive result for alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, phenols, Terpens, flavonoids, cumarines and resins while showed negative result for Saponins and Steroids. While the results of the cytogenetic study revealed that the effect of C. longa crude extract and standard curcumin reduced the genotoxic effect of nickel chloride (NiCl2) on the normal human lymphocyte blood cells. Karyotyping showed that genotoxic effect of nickel chloride appeared as aberration in chromosome number 18. While lymphocytes treated with C. longa crude extract or standard curcumin showed no chromosomal aberration, at the same time no chromosomal aberration were observed after treatment with combination of NiCl2 and crude extract or combination of NiCl2 and standard curcumin which indicated the ability of standard curcumin and C. longa crude extract to prevent the effect of nickel chloride. Further medical cytogenetic and molecular testing to get better understanding the protective role of Curcuma longa rhizomes, crude extract against heavy metal induced chromosomal aberrations in human blood cultures.
The effect of Tinospora crispa extract against Spodoptera exigua on Spinacia oleracea
Authors: Isa Norai , Aziz Satar Syazwani , Bakhari Nor Aziyah , Fadzilah Siti Nur Amirah Diana , Boon Tik Lim , Wan Kamaruddin Wan Zarina
Published: October 2017

The emergence of biodegradable pesticides as safe option has reduced the problems that result from the use of synthetic insecticides, thus creating a renewed interest in their development and use in integrated pest management of crops. The objective of this study was to investigate the insecticidal properties of the chloroform (CETC), ethanol (EETC), petroleum ether (PEETC) and ethyl acetate (EAETC) extracts of Tinospora crispa on small mottled millow moth (Spodoptera exigua) infesting spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The stem of the plants used in the experiment were collected from the locality, washed, shade dried, grind into powder and exhaustively extracted with four different solvents; starting with petroleum ether, followed by chloroform, ethanol, and ethyl acetate. A commercial pesticide, Cyperin (CCP) was included in the treatments as a standard check alongside the untreated (control). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replicates. The efficacy of the treatments was based on reduction in Spodoptera exigua and percentage reduction in population of the pests. The results showed that EETC and PEETC significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the population of Spodoptera exigua at 61.2% and 51.6% respectively. Though the other two; CETC and EAETC were not significant in reducing the population of the pests, they were better than the control. All the extracts of Tinospora crispa tested were not as effective as the commercial pesticide, Cyperin, CCP (91.5%) in reducing Spodoptera exigua population. Among the tested extracts, EETC was found to be more effective, hence its use by resource poor farmers is recommended in the protection of Spinacia oleracea against the infestation of Spodoptera exigua.
Equilibrium and kinetic studies of acid dye adsorption on palm oil empty fruit bunch
Authors: Tahir Norini , Abdul Majid Zaiton
Published: October 2017

Palm oil empty fruit bunch (POEFB), an agricultural waste, used as low-cost adsorbent for removal Acid Orange 51 (AO51) dye from aqueous solutions was studied. Batch mode experiments were carried out at room temperature (28 ± 2) °C to study the effects of contact time and initial dye concentrations (10-200 mg/L). The equilibrium adsorption data of AO51 dye on empty fruit bunch were analyzed by three isotherms, namely the Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich isotherm and Temkin isotherm model. The result indicated that the equilibrium sorption fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm, displaying higher regression coefficient, R2value. The monolayer adsorption capacity of POEFB was found to be 166.67 mg/g. The kinetic data obtained at different concentrations have been analyzed using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It was shown that pseudo-second-order kinetic model could best describe the adsorption kinetics.
Probabilistic sticker systems
Authors: Selvarajoo Mathuri , Wan Heng Fong , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Turaev Sherzod
Published: October 2017

A model for DNA computing using the recombination behaviour of DNA molecules known as a sticker system has been introduced by Adleman in 1994. A sticker model is an abstract computational model which uses the Watson-Crick complementary principle of DNA molecules. Starting from the axioms – incomplete double stranded sequences, and iteratively using sticking operations, complete double stranded sequences are obtained. It is known that sticker systems with finite sets of axioms and sticker rules generate only regular languages. Hence, different types of restrictions have been considered to increase the computational power of sticker systems. In this paper, we introduce probabilistic sticker systems in which probabilities are initially associated with the axioms, and the probability of the generated string is computed by multiplying the probabilities of all occurrences of the initial strings used in the computation of the string.
Numerical simulation on convection-diffusion in an overlapping stenosed artery
Authors: Abdullah Ilyani , Talib Amira Husni , Che Mohd Sabri Siti Noor Izzati
Published: October 2017

Consider an unsteady Newtonian blood flow coupled with mass transport in which flowing through an artery with the presence of an overlapping stenosis. The flowing blood is governed by nonlinear partial differential equations while the convection-diffusion equation to blood is employed to couple with the Newtonian equation in order to characterize the mass transport of blood-borne components such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This mass transport refers to the movement of blood-borne molecules from flowing blood into the artery wall, or vice versa. These coupled equations are solved numerically using finite-difference method with an appropriate prescribed initial and boundary conditions. The graphical results of velocity profiles and mass concentration of the solute are presented along the distributions over the entire considered arterial segment. These results show the important role of mass transport in stenosed artery.
Integral equation with the generalized neumann kernel for computing green’s function on simply connected regions
Authors: M. Murid Ali H. , M. A. Alagele Mohmed , M. S. Nasser Mohamed
Published: October 2017

This research is about computing the Green’s functions on simply connected regions by using the method of boundary integral equation. The method depends on solving a Dirichlet problem using a uniquely solvable Fredholm integral equation on the boundary of the region. The kernel of this integral equation is the generalized Neumann kernel. The numerical method for solving this integral equation is the Nystrӧm method with trapezoidal rule which leads to a system of linear equations. The linear system is then solved by the Gaussian elimination method. Mathematica plot of Green’s function for atest region is also presented.
Phenolic constituents from the tree barks of garcinia cf cymosa and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities
Authors: Yuliar Yuliar , Manjang Yunazar , Ibrahim Sanusi , Achmad Sjamsul Arifin
Published: October 2017

Two isoprenylated xanthones, α-mangostin (1) and β-mangostin (2) were isolated from the tree barks of Garcinia cf cymosa, along with the flavanol epicatechin (3). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-3 exhibited moderate in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp, while in the 1,2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant assay system only compound 3 showed moderate free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 value of 41.8 ppm.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using psidium guajava leaf extract
Authors: Taha Amel , Shamsuddin Mustaffa
Published: October 2017

Nanomaterials are attracting a lot of attention nowadays as they show different chemical and physical properties that are dependent on their size and shape. Different techniques have been used for synthesis metal nanoparticles but the use of plants for synthesis of nanoparticles could be advantageous over other environmentally methods as this eliminates the cost and the non toxicity is main feature. Here a simple biosynthesis approach was applied and gold nanoparticles were synthesized by using psidium guajava leaf extract as reducing and capping agent. Two different parameters were studied which are the metal ion concentration and volume of plant broth. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was also monitored as function of reaction time. The formation of gold nanoparticles was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the size of particles was confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. TEM analysis showed that the AuNPs were mostly spherical in shape with an average size of 15 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy that the active biomolecules present in the Psidium guajava leaf extract act as capping and stabilizing agent for the AuNPs.
Microstructure studies of strontium titanate thin films prepared by sol-gel dip coating method
Authors: Maarof Saleha , Deraman Karim , W. Shamsuri W. Nurulhuda , Ismail Bakar , Mat S.Asiah
Published: October 2017

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) thin films were deposited on corning glass by using dip coating method. Strontium nitrate, titanium (IV) isopropoxite, ethylene glycol and nitric acid have been use to prepared sol-gel of strontium titanate. Structural and its surface morphologies of the films were characterize by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), respectively. It have been determine that the films were strontium nitrate compound for as-prepared sample with lattice parameter; a = b = c = 0.78 nm and strontium titanate compound for annealing at 500 °C temperature with lattice parameter 0.39 nm. The films annealed at 500 °C showed the films were polycrystalline with orientation; (110), (111), (200) and (211). The grain sizes were in the range of 17.4 to 60.7 nm and surface roughness in range 22.9 to 70.1 nm.
On properties of the graph of fuzzy topographic topological mapping
Authors: Sayed Mohamed , Ahmad Tahir
Published: October 2017

Fuzzy Topographic Topological Mapping (FTTM) is a novel noninvasive technique to determine the location of epileptic foci in epilepsy disorder patients. The model which consists of topological and fuzzy structure is composed into three mathematical algorithms. There are two FTTMs, namely FTTM Version 1 and FTTM Version 2. FTTM Version 1 is homeomorphic to FTTM Version 2. The homeomorphism of FTTM can be presented using graphs. This paper presents some properties of the graph of FTTM.
Comparison between genetic algorithm and prey-predator algorithm
Authors: Tilahun Surafel Luleseged , Choon Ong Hong
Published: October 2017

Metaheuristic algorithms are useful in solving complex optimization problems. Genetic algorithm (GA) is one of the well known and oldest metaheuristic algorithms. It was introduced in 1975 and has been used in many applications varying from engineering to management and many other fields as well. However, Prey-Predator algorithm (PPA) is one of recently introduced algorithm, in 2012, inspired by the interaction between preys and their predator. The motivation and the search mechanism for these two algorithms are different. In this paper the comparison of these two algorithms both from theoretical aspects and using simulation on selected benchmark problems is presented. According to the results, PPA performs better than GA in the selected test problems.
Effect of time complexities and variation of mass spring model parameters on surgical simulation
Authors: Sulaiman Salina , Sing Yee Tan , Bade Abdullah
Published: October 2017

Physically based models assimilate organ-specific material properties, thus they are suitable in developing a surgical simulation. This study uses mass spring model (MSM) to represent the human liver because MSM is a discrete model that is potentially more realistic than the finite element model (FEM). For a high-end computer aided medical technology such as the surgical simulator, the most important issues are to fulfil the basic requirement of a surgical simulator. Novice and experienced surgeons use surgical simulator for surgery training and planning. Therefore, surgical simulation must provide a realistic and fast responding virtual environment. This study focuses on fulfilling the time complexity and realistic of the surgical simulator. In order to have a fast responding simulation, the choice of numerical integration method is crucial. This study shows that MATLAB ode45 is the fastest method compared to 2nd ordered Euler, MATLAB ode113, MATLAB ode23s and MATLAB ode23t. However, the major issue is human liver consists of soft tissues. In modelling a soft tissue model, we need to understand the mechanical response of soft tissues to surgical manipulation. Any interaction between haptic device and the liver model may causes large deformation and topology change in the soft tissue model. Thus, this study investigates and presents the effect of varying mass, damping, stiffness coefficient on the nonlinear liver mass spring model. MATLAB performs and shows simulation results for each of the experiment. Additionally, the observed optimal dataset of liver behaviour is applied in SOFA (Simulation Open Framework Architecture) to visualize the major effect.
Distribution of chromium, copper, lead and zinc in soil from kimanis, papar, sabah
Authors: Pungut Hazerina , Musta Baba , Asgari Nurul Fadzilah
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses the distribution of selected heavy metals namely chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in soil from Kimanis, Papar, Sabah. Fourteen soil samples were collected from soil originated from sedimentary rock of Crocker Formation and Quaternary deposit. The Crocker Formation consists of thick sandstone unit and inter-bedded sandstone and shale unit with the age of Late Eocene to Early Miocene. The physico-chemical analysis of soil include the pH value, moisture content, organic content and particle size. Soil of Crocker Formation were classified as sandy loam and sandy clay loam, while Quaternary deposit were classified as sand, sandy loam, sandy clay loam and clay with loam. The result of analysis shows the soils were acidic with pH values range from 3.06-5.65. Organic matter content ranges from 0.98%-7.63% and moisture content were 13.8%-60.51%. All heavy metals were analyzed using ICP-OES. The result of analysis indicated that Zn shows the highest value then followed by Cu, Pb and Cr. Soil sample from Crocker Formation show significantly high Zn and Cu content, where SC6 and SC7 have Zn value of 274.36 μg/g and 127.82 μg/g respectively, whereas 127.98 μg/g of Cu. The distribution of heavy metals in soil samples are controlled by the mobility and leaching process during chemical weathering and also adsorption by clay particles and organic matter as well as the human activities within the area.
Zinc oxide nanowires synthesized using a hot tube thermal evaporation under intermediate heating period
Authors: Sakrani Samsudi , Amin Peshawa Omer , Suhaimi Syahida
Published: October 2017

Zinc oxide nanowires have been synthesized using a hot tube vacuum evaporation method. Essentially, ZnO powder and silicon substrate were placed in upper and lower streams of a horizontal quartz tube, respectively and heated via a furnace up to 960 C for about 1 hour. During the heating process, evaporated ZnO vapour was transported to lower stream and deposited onto the substrate containing Au catalyst at constant pressure of 1 torr. The substrate tilt angles were chosen for 0° and 30° and argon flow rates between 1.1-5.0 sccm. Observation on FESEM/EDX and field emission resultsrevealed the optimal growth of ZnO nanowires which occurred at an angle 30° and flow rate of 5 sccm. Parameters such as atom% of Zn and O and aspect ratio were measured and analysed.
Synthesis of iron sand into nano Mn-Ferrite
Authors: Yulianto Agus , Sulhadi Sulhadi , Isnaeni Azis Ahmad Lutfi , Dayati Eli
Published: October 2017

Magnetic material, Mn-Ferrite, was prepared from iron sand using precipitation and sol-gel methods. The methods were applied to produce a homogenous and nanosized powder. The precipitation process was taken place at room temperature. MnO2 and Fe3O4 were dissolved with HCl solution to obtained MnCl2, FeCl2 and FeCl3 and the resulted solution were mixed. NH4OH and NaOH solutions were added into mixed solution to produce precipitated material. At the heating temperature of 70°C, 59% of (Mn,Fe)2O3 was obtained with its particle size around 1-10 nm. By applying sol-gel method, the iron sand was processed into iron (III) nitrate using nitric acid. Then Iron (III) nitrate was mixed with manganese (II) nitrate in the EG solvent and heated for 2 hours in 100°C until gel was formed. To get the powder, the gel was dried at 150°C for 2 hours and then continued into 350 -700°C for 2 hours. The XRD characterization shows that the powder produced from 350°C heating contain 100% of (Mn,Fe)3O4 with spinel cubic structure. At the heating treatment of 700°C, the compound was changed into (Mn,Fe)2O3 and MnFeO3. By applying Scherrer method, it was known that the average particle sizewas 1 nm and homogenous. The XRF characterization of the material resulted by both of the methods indicates that there were impurity elements such as Ti, Mo, Zn, Ca, Cu and Ni exist in the sample, since the study was used row material of iron sand.
Students’ Experience on Their Communicative Learning Teaching in English Speaking Class
Authors: Abas Aslinda , Jaffri Hadijah
Published: October 2017

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of activities such as oral presentations, role play and group discussions in students’ achievement. The implementation of oral teaching activities have been carried out within the timeframe set by the researchers to study if there is a connection between these activities and the achievement of MUET Speaking among students in Maahad Johor. The combinations of quantitative and qualitative methods were used with the involvement of 70 samples completed a questionnaire for the quantitative data. Through pilot tests conducted, items used in the questionnaire over the validity of the set (> 0.6). The results showed that there was no relationship between oral activities conducted and the achievement in MUET Speaking among students in Maahad Johor  with p = 0,962, which is more than the value of α = 0.05. In order to confirm this finding, the researcher then used interview sessions to obtain information in details. Results of interviews with 4 respondents found that they gave a very positive opinion on those oral activities that have been carried out. According to them, they have learnt several Speaking methods, but its effectiveness has not been seen in the achievement of MUET Speaking. Therefore, some recommendations have been listed in improving the achievement of MUET Speaking in the future.
A Questionnaire-based Approach on Technology Acceptance Model for Integrated Multiple Ankle Technology Device on Patient Psychology
Authors: Mohd Latip Hadafi Fitri , Omar A. H. , Jing Tan Mei , Shahrom Ardiyansyah
Published: October 2017

Sports injury is an issue that frequently occurs among athletes. The most common sports injuries are ankle sprains. Hence, to overcome this problem, the National Sports Institute and the Malaysia Sport School has set up special clinics for athletes undergoing rehabilitation treatment. In RMK 10 (2010-2015), the government aims to provide the best medical facilities and producing high value medical device.  In spite of the advancement and variety of available ankle rehabilitation technology device, there is an eminent need to investigate the current position on the acceptance of these rehabilitation devices to assist patient recovery. Therefore, in this study technology acceptance model is designed to investigate the user acceptance on ankle rehabilitation technology device application in healthcare industry. The purpose of this study is to design a quantitative approach based on the technology acceptance model questionnaire as its primary research methodology. It utilized quantitative approach based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to evaluate the system of ankle rehabilitation technology device. The related constructs for evaluation are: Perceived of Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, User Satisfaction and Attribute of Usability. All these constructs are modified to suit the context of the study. Moreover, this study outlines the details of each construct and its relevance toward the research issue. The outcome of the study represents series of approaches that will  be apply to check the suitability of an ankle rehabilitation technology device on patient in healthcare industry and how well it achieve the aims and objectives of the design.
Computer Based X-Ray Computed Tomography Training System for Engineering Education
Authors: Ramlee Muhammad Hanif , Yunus Jasmy , Supriyanto Eko
Published: October 2017

X-ray computed tomography (called CT) scanner is a powerful and widely used medical imaging modality in the hospital. The CT machine is very expensive and it can produce dangerous radiation when a person operates the machine. This makes it difficult for biomedical engineers and radiographer students to learn its working principles. In order to overcome this problem, a computer based CT scanner trainer system has been developed. The system is implemented using National Instrument’s Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW). At the beginning, it was started with the studying of existing CT scan machine. After gathering information, development process continued to develop generator component, x-ray tube subsystem, detector subsystem, imaging subsystem, and finally is reconstruction subsystem. The trainer system that has been developed is able to be used to train students on how to use CT scanner especially to get high quality images with lowest possible radiation. This will help biomedical engineers and radiographer students to have a better understanding of CT scanner in term of its working principle and to prevent radiation hazard during the learning process.
Predicting Role of Social Support and Academic Stress on Life Satisfaction among Malaysian Adolescents
Authors: Yaacob Siti Nor , Mei Yee Sophia Foo , Wan Gan Su
Published: October 2017

This paper aimed to examine the predicting role of social support (family and friends) and academic stress on life satisfaction among adolescents in Malaysia. A total of 359 secondary school students (mean of age= 16.26; 133 male adolescents, 37.0%) in Selangor were selected with cluster sampling method. Self-administrated questionnaires with existing established measurements were used for collecting response. Prior to conducting regression analysis, Pearson correlation analysis was ran for testing the relationship between social support (family and friends), academic stress and life satisfaction. Results showed that both social support from family (r = .433, p < .01) and social support from friends (r = .483, p < .01) had significant positive relationship with life satisfaction. On the other hand, academic stress (r = -.011, p > .05) was failed to significantly related to life satisfaction. Thus, only social support from friends and family were included in regression analysis. By controlled respondents’ background, social support from friends (β = 0.382, p < 0.001) and social support from family (β = 0.297, p < 0.001) were found to be the predictors of adolescents’ life satisfaction. By interpreting the unstandardized beta values, social support from friends contributed higher predicting effect on adolescents’ life satisfaction as compared with social support from family. In order to increase life satisfaction among adolescents, intervention should focus on the social support that provided by both family members and friends.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents in Malaysia
Authors: Ling Tin Zhi , Ai Pheng Jessemine Khoo , Wan Sin Wong , Soon-Aun Tan
Published: October 2017

The increased rates of behavioral problems among adolescents are alarming in Malaysia. Previous studies indicated that individuals’ personality traits may contribute to the engagement of behavioral problems among adolescents. However, there are still limited published researches in Malaysia context. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of personality traits on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among adolescents in Malaysia. There were 480 school-going adolescents aged between 13 to 17 years old, recruited by using multistage cluster sampling method from Selangor, Perak and Kedah states of Malaysia. Two instruments used in this study were Big Five Inventory (BFI), and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The results of the study showed that the higher the level of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness and the lower the level of neuroticism were linked to the low tendency in the engagement of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among adolescents in Malaysia. Regression analyses indicated that personality traits of neuroticism appeared to be the strongest predictor for both adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Findings of the study stressed the importance of understanding adolescents’ personality traits when studying on adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Hence, the provision of social skills and coping strategies among adolescents are necessary to promote better human development.
A Study on Parental Involvement and Academic Achievement in Elementary School Students
Authors: Kuan Ng Wee , Chuen Tan Wee
Published: October 2017

Previous findings indicated that greater parental involvement will lead to better educational outcomes (Hoover-Dempsey & Sandler, 1997). This research aims to examine the relationship between parental involvement and student’s academic achievement. A quantitative survey design was employed in the study. The samples were 150 families/parents of primary 3 students in a primary school at Johor Bahru. Pearson’s r correlation was used to examine the relationship between parental involvement and student’s academic achievement. However, contrary to previous findings, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between parental involvement and student’s academic achievement (n= 110; r= 0.175; p>0.05). In spite of the inconsistency, we found there is a significant relationship between the construct of parental self-efficacy and student’s academic achievement.
How Do You Create Ideas When You Are Excited, Calm, Upset or Fatigued? – The Relationship between Mood State and Creativity
Authors: M. Y. N. Fasiha,
Published: October 2017

Design process is a process an engineer goes through in devising a solution of a problem. The process requires both knowledge and creativity. Idea generation during the conceptualization stage of design process is the process in which creativity is most utilized by designers. Many factors affect the creativity of the created ideas including the mood states of the designers. The aim of this study is to identify how the creative nature of designers at the beginning stage of design in which the process of ideation is applied, is affected by their mood states. For that purpose, a number of student designers are first induced into several mood states before given a design task. The task applied is on designing a solution for improving the use of a commonly used artefact. The creativity of the idea is evaluated based on the fluency, originality, and expansion. As the result, the ‘positive activating mood’ is found to be effective for higher level of creativity.
Validation of Instrument on Teaching Practices Among Lecturers at Community Colleges, Yemen
Authors: Mofreh Samah Ali Mohsen , Abul Gafar Mohamed Najib , Hj Omar Abdul Hafidz , Latif Adibah Abdul , Awg Hj Hamid Dayang Hjh Tiawa
Published: October 2017

This study aims to explore a set of items measuring the lecturers’ teaching practice for developing a true scale of teaching practice. Rasch Model is applied to produce specific measurements on the lecturers’ teaching practice in order to generalize results and inferential studies. The items proved to measure a single dimension of lecturers’ teaching practice. The developed instrument termed LTP covers five dimensions. Construct validity was achieved through the Rasch Model Analysis using the dimensionality, item fit, and item polarity parameters. The reliability of the instrument was achieved by conducting person and item separation analysis, Cronbach alpha, and calculated person and item reliability estimates. The results of Rasch Model Analysis show that the items of LTP fit the model appropriately.
The Effect of Violent Video Game Exposure on the Aggression Level of Undergraduates
Authors: Meng Teoh Yee , Mei Xin Michelle Wong , Chen Goh Yi , Nainee Sarvarubini
Published: October 2017

Video game violence has seen to be one of the factors that cause aggressive behaviour and this act of aggression can be a potential source of violence. This study provide a better understanding on how video game will influence an individual level of aggression through examining the possible contributing factors such as the time spent on playing violent video game, the type of video game with violent content or non-violent content. 100 undergraduates from Universiti of Tunku Abdul Rahman Perak Campus were invited to participate in this study using convenience sampling method. This quantitative research adopted Habitual Video Gaming Violent (HVGV) questionnaire to measure the frequency of video gaming and Buss and Perry (1992) aggression questionnaire to measure the aggression level of participants. The main findings of this study were the content (violent or non-violent) of video game and the frequency of violent video game played will affect an individual’s aggression level. In future research, a larger scale experiment may be carried out in different state of Malaysia and have a more diverse sample, including people of other races and ages to generate a more reliable data.
The Outcome Of Using The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy On Demented Elderly In Malaysia
Authors: Jing Yong Stella Wong , Kim Low Sew , Shuen Pheh Kai
Published: October 2017

The Malaysian government estimated that in 2013, 5.5% of the Malaysian population comprises of senior citizens aged 60 years old and above. Recent research had revealed that 14.3% of the older Malaysians are at risk of Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND; also known as dementia). As the elderly population increases gradually in the country, the chances of them suffering from MND are also expected to increase. MND is often associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills which are severe enough to affect the ability to perform everyday activities among those who are diagnosed with these symptoms. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a brief treatment for those suffering from mild to moderate MND. However, the efficacy of this treatment has not been evident in Malaysia.The aim of the present study is to identify the effectiveness of CST in stabilizing the declination of cognitive functions, as well as improving the quality of life among elderly suffering from mild to moderate MND. Thirty elderly diagnosed with mild and moderate MND will be invited to participate in a single group pre-post trial, involving a 45 minute CST treatment to be administered for 14 weeks on a regular weekly basis. The participants will be selected from residents of care centers elderly at Klang Valley area. The outcomes and effectiveness of the CST will be determined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Quality of Life-Alzheimer’s Disease (QOL-AD). The former instrument will be used to examine the cognitive abilities of the elderly, while the latter will be used to determine issues related to the quality of life based on the participant and caregivers rating report. As the CST efficacies has been proven in several countries such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan, the present study anticipates that it will also be effective in the Malaysia context and helps in treating MND.
Supports From Parents, Optimism, and Life Satisfaction in Early Adolescents
Authors: Chong Shue Ling , Baharudin Rozumah
Published: October 2017

This study examined influences of father and mother support, and optimism on life satisfaction in early adolescents (n = 814; mean age = 13.66 years old) in Malaysia, as well as its variation across gender.  Participants were recruited using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method from secondary school of four educational zones in Kuala Lumpur. Questionnaires comprising demographic items and measures of the social support, optimism and life satisfaction were self-administered by the students at their respective schools.  Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS. Adolescents who received greater support from their parents reported better life satisfaction. Optimism has an indirect effect on relationship between support from mother and life satisfaction. The model was found as not stable across gender. Support from mother contributed to optimism, and optimism contributed to life satisfaction among adolescent boys, while effect was not found among adolescent girls. Findings imply the importance of considering these variables in prevention and intervention efforts involving early adolescents.
Intervention for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SpLD) in Mathematics Disorders: A Framework
Authors: Suhaimin Suza Hamira , Mohamed Mohini
Published: October 2017

For children with learning disabilities, the opportunity to achieve self-determination may help to enhance their own personal satisfaction. To accomplish personal satisfaction and independence, children with learning disabilities need comprehend the learning principal ability framework. Since the calculation is utilized as a part of ordinary living, understanding the essential estimation aptitudes restricted children with learning disabilities can help achieve their personal satisfaction. For children with learning disabilities, learning basic counting skills are important not only for their academic careers but also for their daily life. This study is to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention program on the children’s basic calculation and the type of category disability. The intervention will test teaching with technology and interactive directed teaching. The category of disability in this study is divided into four types: Attention Deficit Hypertension Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Dyslexia and Down Syndrome. A theoretical framework for intervention for children with learning disabilities is proposed from the outcome of this study. By comparing which intervention is suitable for each type category disability, will help teachers choose the right instruction in learning process and also may help children acquire the essential skills they in the future.
Suicide A Selfish Act Or Selfless Act: Does It Really Matter?
Authors: Sandelararan Annie Margaret , Cheah Phaik Kin , Lee Wan Ying
Published: October 2017

Globally, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year with one death every forty seconds. There are more deaths from suicide than from war and homicide together (World Health Organization, 2000). Some researchers concluded that suicide is as an act of eternal response to impermanent problems. One perspective is that suicidal behaviour a selfish act. Conversely, other quarters believe that suicidal behaviour is a selfless act. This study aimed to discuss the religious perspectives of suicide from the Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism views.  As, in the context of religion not all suicides are regarded as selfish acts. This study found that Hinduism accepts a man's right to end his life through the non-violent practice of fasting to death or to save one's honor. Suicide is morally valid if it is practiced one under divine command. Also at the same time, recommendations on suicide prevention in different religious contexts were addressed.
Evaluation of Youth Social Capital Scale in a Malaysian Undergratuate Sample: A Confirmatory Factorial Analysis
Authors: Viapude Glory Nancy , Seng Tan Chee , Yeong Lim Yeong
Published: October 2017

Studies on adolescents’ development have shown that social capital plays an important role in reducing engagement in risky behaviours. However, social capital has been broadly conceptualized. The differences in definition raise the need for a comprehensive scale to capture the full picture of social capital especially among young people. Onyx, Wood, Bullen, and Osburn (2005) developed the 34-itemYouth Social Capital Scale (YSCS), which taps on seven dimensions of social capital (Family and Friends, Participation in Community, Moral Principles, Neighbor Connections, Trust and Safety, Friends and Youth Social Agency). The YSCS is one of the few scales available to measure social capital among young people. Although the YSCS has been found to be reliable and valid, a study using Greece sample revealed that only five out of the seven subscales were psychometrically sound. The inconsistency suggests that structure of the YSCS may vary culturally. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate factor structure of the YSCS in Malaysia context. Confirmatory factor analysis on responses obtained from 194 undergraduates supported the theoretical structure of seven first-order factors and one second order factor upon running the necessary modifications. Specifically, all items loaded on the corresponding seven dimensions as assumed except two items (item 3 and 15). Moreover, a general social capital score can be accounted for by the seven dimensions. The findings offer  preliminary evidence that YSCS is a valid measure of social capital among young Malaysians.However, some items were found conceptually overlapped and modifications are needed to improve qualities of the YSCS.