Repositori Digital KPT Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi
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Sonographic Renal Length In Malaysian Infant Population: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study
No full textThe early neonatal stage is an important period of growth and development. Organ maturity takes place at a relatively more rapid rate during this early stage of life. An insult at this stage could potentially result in physical and functional impairment of the affected organs. The kidneys are one of the organs demonstrating similar predisposition. Medical personnel have been reliant on ultrasound examination of the kidneys for years to determine various characteristics including the appropriate renal lengths. However the lack of local data means that Malaysian doctors are dependent on data from other overseas populations, which may or may not be suitable for our local infant population. Our primary aim is to determine the range of normal sonographic renal length amongst infant population up to the age of 1 year old in IIUMMC and HTAA in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. We also aim to investigate any differences of the sonographic renal lengths between male and female infants in these centres. Finally we aim to propose a simple mathematical equation to enable estimation of ideal renal length based on an infant’s age. All children under the age of 1 who have had ultrasound of the kidneys which were reported as normal were included in the study. Five age groups were formed based on examples from previous studies. Data were mined from the Radiology Information Systems of both centres. A total of 463 cases were selected. Two important data were obtained – an individual infant’s age, their sonographic renal lengths for both kidneys as well as their gender. Their respective sonographic renal lengths were tabulated according to their respective age group, following which a group mean as well as their corresponding 95% confidence interval were derived. We derived and tabulated the means and 95% confidence intervals for both right and left kidneys separately for each individual group. We found no significant difference in the sonographic lengths of either kidneys comparing between the male and female gender. Two separate linear regression equations were formulated for the right and left kidneys respectively.We formulated a practical table of normal sonographic renal lengths according to age for infants, useful in day to day practice
Demystifying the Sacred and the Profane in Religious Consumption: An Exploration of Islamic Consumption in the Malaysian Marketplace through the Lens of Consumer Culture Theory
No full textThe global Muslim population is an expanding market, anticipated to grow to 3 billion by 2060. This is nearly a quarter of the world’s population (Pew Research Center, 2017). Along
with this comes increasing attention on halal (permissible) products and services, and institutions are shaping their marketplace offerings to fulfil the growing demand for these
products. One area that generates much research interest is Islamic financial services. This includes Islamic life insurance which despite many theological debates, has seen growth in its
consumption in Muslim-majority as well as Muslim-minority countries (Thomson Reuters, 2018a). However, little is known about this consumption. By studying the literature on Islamic consumption and marketing as well as Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), this research aims to explore the dynamic influences of the sacred and the profane in shaping
consumption and the marketplace in religious context. A total of 44 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with Takaful and conventional life insurance consumers, those
who consumed both types of life insurance, non-insured consumers as well as agents. These interviews aimed to understand the underlying meanings assigned towards the consumption of Islamic life insurance, including consumers’ lived experiences of their religious beliefs, the social and cultural environments in which they consume the service. It was evident from the research that there are different layers of reasoning that influence Malaysian Muslims’ choices in consuming life insurance. This is due to the complex and multifaceted symbiosis between the sacred and the profane as well as the religious beliefs, which in this case refers to
the halal and the haram. Therefore, the perceived sacredness and profaneness of Islamic life insurance is critical in its consumption because of these multiple layers of influence
The Effects of Fibre Moisture Content During Manufacturing on the Properties of Flax/Epoxy Composites
No full textDue to increased awareness of environmental issues, considerable attention has recently been given to the development of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Flax fibres and other natural fibres have various advantages; such as low cost, abundance, renewability and can offer respectable mechanical properties. However, flax fibre is a hygroscopic material and concern has been raised for composites manufacturing at high fibre moisture content (MC) which could have a negative effect on the mechanical properties of flax fibre composites. In this study, the relationship between weight percentage (wt.%) fibre MC and the mechanical performance of flax/epoxy composites was investigated. Using dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) analysis, an increase in fibre MC with increasing ambient relative humidity (RH) was observed. The flax fibre absorbed as high as 14.8 wt.% MC. A novel method of estimating MC was developed using a standardized flax fabric sample which was useful for monitoring fibre MC during composites manufacturing. The fibre-matrix interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was evaluated using the microbond technique and IFSS was found to reduce consistently with increasing fibre MC for untreated-fibre composites. Tensile, flexural and low velocity impact tests were conducted on the flax/epoxy composites, and in general properties reduced with increasing fibre MC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also indicated weak fibre-matrix interface of composites as shown by fibre pull-out and the formation of gaps between the fibres and the matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed high fibre MC plasticised the epoxy matrix, with values of glass transition temperature reducing from 162.0 ºC to 156.6 ºC. The measured propagation Mode-I interlaminar fracture energy, GIC propagation, increased from 1.81 kJ/m2 (at 2.3 wt.% fibre MC) to 2.48 kJ/m2 (at 6.6 wt.% fibre MC) due to toughening of the matrix with increasing MC, resulting in a larger plastic zone at the crack tip. A mechanism of moisture interaction at the fibre-matrix interface during untreated flax/epoxy composites manufacturing is proposed, suggesting weaker fibre-matrix interface resulted from disruption of crosslink formation between reactive groups on the surface of the moisturized fibre and the epoxy matrix. Alkaline and silane fibre surface treatments, and combinations of both, were found to reduce fibre moisture absorption between 10-70% RH. Microbond tests showed that IFSS was generally improved after surface treatments with 3.0% NaOH giving the highest values. In most cases, the tensile and flexural properties of treated composites were lower than untreated composites due to loss of tensile properties of flax fibre after being treated, which the weakened internal structure of fibres as a result of swelling. Mode I GIC propagation of treated composites was significantly improved compared to untreated composites at low MC due to a stronger fibre matrix interface
Demand for Takaful and Microtakaful in Malaysia
No full textThis thesis examines three main ideas that focus on takaful and microtakaful demand in Malaysia using a mixed methods approach. Takaful is Shariah-compliant insurance that is based on a mechanism of shared responsibility, cooperation and mutual assistance. The importance of takaful and microtakaful in transferring risk across related parties in the event of loss attracts research in this area as there is a lack of empirical evidence in developing countries, specifically in the Malaysia context.
The first essay investigates why the demand for microtakaful is low in Malaysia using a qualitative study. Microtakaful is a distinctive form of micro-insurance that is geared and customized towards meeting the needs and circumstances of low-income populations who require protection from unforeseen financial misfortunes and difficulties. Findings suggest an interactive model: that low demand in microtakaful schemes is influenced by three interconnected issues: affordability, customer awareness and perception, as well as past shock experience. In addition, this study identifies important elements regarding the takaful basis risk issue and customer complaints issue as a result of clients’ past experience. The model highlights the interplay between these three issues and challenges existing research that focuses solely on conceptual research on microtakaful demand among low-income households in Malaysia.
The first empirical chapter exhibits the factors determining the demand for takaful and microtakaful that are related to financial protection among households, to understand the demand for takaful and microtakaful. Probit regression is used to examine why some people participate in takaful and some do not; this is done through a questionnaire survey. Additionally, this study examines the impact of risk-coping mechanisms on respondents and shock experience on takaful and microtakaful demand. The findings reveal variables that are statistically significant for takaful and microtakaful demand but have a positive or negative impact on explaining why some people join takaful and some do not.
The next empirical chapter investigates trust in takaful. Building trust plays a central role in the financial services system. This third essay examines the influence of socio-demographics, socio-economics, risk coping mechanisms, financial inclusion and social capital on trust in takaful using a household survey of 526 respondents. The findings show that gender, marital status, income and employment have a negative significant impact on trust in takaful. Interestingly, ROSCA plays an important role in increasing or decreasing trust in takaful. Therefore, this empirical chapter provides a new understanding of why some people trust and some people doubt takaful. This new understanding should help to improve predictions of the demand for takaful in Malaysia by exploring trust in takaful
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN ISLAMIC SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (ISE) IN MALAYSIA
No full textThe combination of social and economic objectives in Malaysian Islamic Social Enterprises (ISE) has created complexity and tensions between financial governance and accountability. To date, no proper standards and guidelines exist to monitor and
govern the functions of ISEs. Therefore, this study provides insights into the financial management, financial governance and accountability in ISEs. Based on stakeholder theory, financial management practices will influence ISEs’ financial governance to enhance their accountability. Questionnaire surveys were sent to financial officers of Malaysian ISEs. Data from 102 questionnaires were analysed using SmartPLS-SEM
(Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling) to test the hypotheses formulated. The results indicate that financial management practices are determinants of ISEs’ financial governance, and, in turn, is a determinant of ISEs’ accountability.
ISEs’ financial governance acts as a mediator in this relationship, while no direct relationship was found between financial management practices and accountability, except for Islamic work ethic. Additional analysis reveals relationships among
financial management practices to enhance ISEs’ financial governance and accountability, such as between financial disclosure and internal control. Theoretically, this study provides empirical evidence of financial management, financial governance and accountability relationships in Malaysian ISEs. The findings also emphasise the roles of financial governance to enhance accountability in Malaysian ISEs. This study adds to the body of knowledge by defining and conceptualising ISEs from an Islamic perspective. Methodologically, it developed an instrument for accountability in Malaysian ISEs that combines general accountability and Islamic accountability. From the practical perspective, the findings suggest the need to establish a function or authorised body to monitor and govern Malaysian ISEs. This body could benefit from the instrument developed to assess accountability levels in Malaysian ISEs. The findings could also be used by the management of ISEs to improve their financial management and financial governance in order to achieve good accountability. Future research may explore non-financial factors that could also affect accountability of the
ISEs. Views from multiple respondents in the same ISEs could be considered to enhance understanding of the ISEs
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL WELLBEING OF NEWLY MARRIED COUPLES: PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE
No full textPrudent financial management is a critical factor to achieve better financial well-being. The failure of many individuals in managing their finances, resulting in bankruptcy, distress and divorce. Recognizing the importance of financial management practices as a roadmap towards future financial well-being, a study on young and newly married couples is imperative. This study intends to attain a profound understanding of financial
management practices among urban Malays young couples. This study also deliberatesthe understanding of these couples on financial well-being. It takes the phenomenological
approach and analyses qualitative data collected through a series of in-depth interviews. The interviews explore the actual experience of five couples in managing day-to-day household finances in terms of the resource management system, distribution of household financial responsibilities, expenditure control, savings and investment preferences, enabling richer data to be obtained. The study also sought to uncover the
couples’ understanding of financial well-being. Several financial management practices themes emerged from the data. The study indicated that managing finances is a process
which needs to be implemented at a young age. Therefore, the findings suggested that families form an effective way of controlling the flow of money as soon as they enter into
marriage. In fact, activities performed by these couples were driven by the state of affairs and desire to achieve financial independence. Therefore, the wisdom in managing finances at present and the prudently crafted initiative steps for their long-term planning are seen as a roadmap towards achieving a higher level of financial well-being in the future. The financial viability is realized with the idea of controlling spending activities, thrifty, vigilant and diligently making this process a regular routine. In addition, adherence to religious teachings is also an important pillar in balancing the well-being of life on a wider concept
Analisis Keberkesanan Kos Ujian Genetik Kanser Kolorektal Dibandingkan Dengan Kaedah Saringan Semasa
No full textKanser kolorektal (CRC) adalah punca kedua kematian akibat kanser di dunia. Kira-kira 3-5% daripada CRC dikaitkan dengan sindrom kanser keturunan. Individu yang mengandungi mutasi germline mempunyai risiko tinggi untuk mendapat CRC pada usia muda. Ujian genetik dapat mengenal pasti gen yang menyebabkan sindrom kanser kolon ini. Saringan awal akan membawa kepada strategi pencegahan dan pemantauan untuk pesakit CRC dan keluarga mereka. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untukmenentukan analisis keberkesanan kos ujian genetik CRC. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk keratan rentas untuk menentukan analisis keberkesanan kos ujian genetik CRC berbanding dengan kaedah saringan semasa CRC dari perspektif pembekal. Pengumpulan data merangkumi kos dan kualiti hidup yang berkaitan dengan kesihatan (HRQoL) daripada 222 pesakit CRC dan 159 ahli keluarga dari tiga hospital umum. Kaedah pengkosan berasaskan aktiviti, kaedah “atas ke bawah” dan dimantapkan dengan maklumat dari carta alir klinikal digunakan untuk menganggarkan kos pembekal. HRQoL pesakit dan ahli keluarga diukur menggunakan borang soal selidik EQ-5D-5L. Data dari kajian Malaysia mengenai survival kanser (MySCan) digunakan untuk mengira kelangsungan hidup pesakit. Keberkesanan kos mengukur kos per setiap tahun hidup (LY) dan kos per setiap tahun hidup yang diselaraskan kualiti (QALY). Kos pembekal untuk ujian genetik CRC adalah tinggi berbanding dengan kaedah saringan semasa. Kaedah saringan semasa mempunyai penjimatan kos berbanding ujian genetik. Menggunakan analisis survival selama 10 tahun, jangkaan LYs yang diselamatkan untuk pesakit CRC melalui ujian genetik adalah 0.89 tahun dan QALYs yang diperolehi adalah 0.39 tahun. Kajian ini mengira kos per setiap LY yang diperolehi dan kos per setiap QALY diperolehi. Nisbah keberkesanan kos tambahan (ICER) ujian genetik dari kaedah saringan semasa adalah RM 31.30. Ujian genetik kanser kolorektal adalah sangat kos efektif mengikut takat ambang yang gariskan oleh MaHTAS keberkesanan kos intervensi kesihatan
THE PRACTICES OF GREEN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL (GIC) AMONG UITM EMPLOYEES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
No full textThe relationship between the intellectual capital (IC) and the natural environment known as green intellectual capital (GIC). GIC is making by the combination of three variables which include green relational capital (GRC), green structural capital (GSC), and green human capital (GHC). Higher institutions should deal with the ongoing environmental crisis. While college and university-based environmental education and research are of paramount importance, campus planners, architects and facility managers are in a unique position to make significant contributions to environmental towards green campus operation. This study is a guide for UiTM to take action to implement green policies towards sustainable campus. To achieve the research aim, the researcher should understand the component in Green Intellectual Capital and practices of GIC among UiTM employees. This research project carried out using a quantitative approach, which is, conducted on an online survey of all UiTM staff. All results were analyzed using SPSS software, derived from the questionnaire data collection. Shortly, all of these respondents are averagely aware that these three main variables under the Green Intellectual Capital are averagely important and effective towards sustainable campus. Some suggestions for future research also included in this report
ENHANCED ACTIVE FRONT STEERING CONTROL USING SLIDING MODE CONTROL UNDER VARYING ROAD SURFACE CONDITION
No full textIn vehicle lateral dynamic control, the handling quality or steering ability of the vehicle is determined by the yaw rate response performances. The uncertainty of tire cornering stiffness due to varying tire-road adhesion coefficient, p caused by road surfaces perturbation during cornering manoeuvre may influence the transient performances of yaw rate response. Therefore, in this research, the enhanced control law of robust yaw rate tracking controller using the Sliding Mode Control (SMC) algorithm is proposed for active front steering (AFS) control strategy to improve the yaw rate response as desired. The vehicle lateral dynamics behaviors are described using the linear and nonlinear vehicle models. The linear 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) single track model is used for controller design while the nonlinear 7 DOF two-track model is used for simulation and controller evaluations. The sliding surface of SMC is design based on yaw rale tracking error information. The control law equation is enhanced by integrating the uncertainty of cornering stiffness at the front wheels and to ensure the controller stability, the Lyapunov stability theory is applied. The transient performances and performance indices of AFS control responses are evaluated using the step steer and single lane change cornering manoeuvres test for varying values of p at dry, wet and snow or icy road surfaces. The simulations results demonstrated that the proposed enhanced control law using SMC is able to track the reference yaw rate with similar transient response performances. The proposed enhanced control law
also provided low performance indices of 1TAE and LAE compared to the conventional control law using SMC and robust CNF control for lower value of n at wet and snow or icy road surface. In terms of percentage of differential performance indices, the proposed control law has a better tracking ability of up to 58.45% compared to two other control laws. Therefore, this research concluded that the proposed enhanced control law using SMC has overcome the cornering stiffness uncertainty in AFS control strategy for different road surfaces during cornering manoeuvre and this enhancement is expected as a knowledge contribution to vehicle lateral dynamic study
Mechanical properties and bioactivity of Ti-Nb-Ha composite fabricated by Mechanical alloying
No full textTitanium is the most popular metallic biomaterial for orthopaedic implant owing to their excellent mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. However, the mismatch of elastic modulus and poor bonding with bones due to its bioinert behaviour has been identified as the major reason that lead to the implant loosening and eventual failure of the implantation. The present work investigates the mechanical performances and bioactivity of titanium-niobium-hydroxyapatite (Ti-Nb-HA) composite prepared by mechanical alloying and powder metallurgy. To study effect of HA and Nb,HA and Nb were varied from 0 to 15 wt.% and 0 to 40 wt.%, respectively. The powders of Ti, Nb and HA were mixed in a high energy ball mill for 2 hours at 200 rpm and followed by compaction under 500 MPa and sintering at 1200°C. Due to the brittleness of HA, the incorporation of HA decreased the compressive strength (1001.24 MPa to 160.94 MPa) and microhardness (300.53 HV to 85.47 HV). Adding HA contribute to the poor bonding with matrix which is more pronounced to reduce the elastic modulus from 65.10 GPa to 29.91 GPa. With the increasing in HA content, the composite displayed good bioactivity characteristics evaluation in HBSS for 30 days. The highest bioactivity was exhibited by composite with 15 wt.% HA due to the highest apatite (3.40%). Factor affecting the bioactivity are believed to be caused by HA decomposition during sintering process that produces CaO and CaTiO3. As a result, the presence of these Ca2+ ions increased the calcium concentration and accelerated the apatite growth. Higher Nb
content improved the compressive strength (199.95 MPa to 300.11 MPa) and microhardness (120.97 HV to 269.90 HV) due to solid solution strengthening. However, the presence of TiO2 and Ti2P decrease compressive strength with 40 wt.% Nb. Apart
from that, the elastic modulus was slightly decreased with the rise of Nb content. The highest amount of β phase is obtained by 30 wt.% Nb (76%). Increasing in Nb content to 40 wt.% decreases elastic modulus owing to decrement in β phase as a consequence of HA decomposition that lead to the formation of TiO2 and Ti2P. The presence of β phase, high solubility of Ti2P and functional groups of OH- act as favourable site for apatite growth in composite consisting different amount of Nb. Upon immersion test in HBSS for 30 days, the highest bioactivity was attained by 30 wt.% Nb and followed by 40 wt.% Nb, 20 wt.% Nb, 10 wt.%. The enhanced of apatite growth in 40 wt.% Nb was found to be caused by the presence of biocompatibility phases of TiO2 and Ti2P. Composite with addition of 10 wt.% HA and 30 wt.% Nb displayed the best properties and holds great potential in providing mechanical support and bioactivity enhancement
in getting similar cortical bone characteristics