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FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ART OF SCULPTURE IN CHINA’S LONGMEN GROTTOES: “RELIGIOUS COLORS, CULTURE, AND RELIEF SCULPTURE”
No full textThis paper examines the art of sculpture in China from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty, focusing on the Longmen Grottoes located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. The study focuses on the religious colours and relief techniques of Longmen Grottoes sculpture, exploring the influence of Buddhism on the styling of Chinese royalty and the development of sculpture in later generations. By comparing the statues of the Longmen Grottoes of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and the Tang Dynasty, the sculptures are analysed in terms of their demeanour, colour, statue assemblage, and relief content. It is found that religious concepts have had a profound influence on the evolution of Chinese sculpture art at different historical stages. At the same time, with the change of times, religious ideas also influenced the development of sculpture technology. In addition, by analysing the typology and modelling mechanics of the representative sculptures of Buddha, Bodhisattva and Flying Sky in the Longmen Grottoes, the sculpture modelling is integrated with the Buddhist beliefs, classics and national culture of the time. Ultimately, the influence of religious culture on ancient Chinese sculpture art is explored to provide new perspectives for the establishment of a sculpture teaching and modelling system with local characteristics
PROJECTION MAPPING AS A MEDIUM FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE CASE OF THAI MENORA
No full textProjection mapping is a video projection technology in which video is mapped onto a surface. Then, it turns everyday objects such as buildings, walls, runways, stages, or any surface that can be manipulated in interactive displays and graphical videos. Projection mapping is very suitable for presenting creative content based on historical storytelling. It provides uniqueness to attract the public\u27s attention to get a new experience in projection mapping and add general knowledge about history today. However, traditional methods of presenting historical narratives often struggle to capture public interest, especially among younger audiences, resulting in declining awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage. The main objective of this paper is to develop an interactive and creative storyline of the history of Thai Menora as a projection mapping for people interested in knowing about history. Next, the methodology used to make this projection mapping is the ADDIE model, which consists of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The completed projection mapping has been successfully developed using Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition and Filmora software, which uses content and audio elements to map the historical content. Based on the results from the usability testing on the public, all the feedback from the respondents agreed that projection mapping is very effective in presenting the storyline history of Thai Menora. Overall, the research investigated the interactive storyline history of Thai Menora through projection mapping
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMPREHENSIVE LIGHTWEIGHT APPLICATION SECURITY PROCESS FRAMEWORK IN CAPTURING SECURITY REQUIREMENTS AMONG NOVICE DEVELOPERS
No full textExisting evaluations of the security requirement framework often have a limited focus on capturing security requirements, leaving gaps in understanding their effectiveness and usability. This study investigates the effectiveness and usability of the Comprehensive, Lightweight Application Security Process (CLASP) framework in capturing and documenting security requirements, particularly for novice developers. This research examines how effective and usable the CLASP framework is in assisting novice developers in identifying security requirements. This study employed an experimental methodology, dividing participants into groups, providing structured educational materials, and guiding them through the CLASP framework using a controlled case study. Participants prepared security requirements by completing the CLASP templates, and CLASP framework effectiveness was evaluated using task completion rates and “task with error” analysis. CLASP’s usability was evaluated based on the System Usability Scale (SUS). Using an online bakery system as a case study, 55 undergraduate students assessed CLASP\u27s effectiveness and usability regarding documentation quality and overall usability in enhancing security requirements identification. Results indicate high usability scores, particularly for novice developers, and validate the efficiency of the CLASP frameworks. However, limitations such as a small sample size, reliance on self-reported feedback, and the focus on a single case study are acknowledged. The findings from this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence of CLASP’s impact on improving security documentation practices
BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW OF DRUG ADDICTION RESEARCH: PUBLICATION PATTERNS, KEY CONTRIBUTORS, AND EMERGING TOPICS
No full textDrug addiction remains a widespread problem that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. This study highlights the current research trend on drug addiction publishing patterns and the most used author keywords. A total of 13,476 relevant documents were obtained from the Scopus database for detailed analysis. This study used several analytical tools, including Microsoft Excel for frequency analysis, VOSviewer for data visualisation, and ScientoPy for running and executing relevant publication data retrieved and analysis. The results were presented using typical bibliometric indicators such as publication growth, author keywords analysis, publishing countries and productive authors. The findings showed a significant increase in drug addiction publications since 2006, highlighting the growing relevance of drug addiction and its broader societal impacts. The top three research studies based on a country analysis show that the United States has become an active publisher, followed by China and Italy. Importantly, these studies emphasised that the scholarly practices prevalent in drug addiction research have been impressively propagated. The trends will assist researchers in recognizing various fields and identifying the core areas, proactive institutions, and productive authors published in this knowledge for supplementary investigation. Furthermore, by examining the most popular keywords, the findings of this study enabled researchers to identify potential areas for future research, particularly in drug use prevention, laws and government policies to prevent the rising rate of addiction, and improved social well-being in comparison to drug use, which could be studied in the last five years
THE POLITICS OF FAKE NEWS AND SUSTAINING NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY: 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN RETROSPECT
No full textInformation and its authenticity are necessary for a viable political system. This is because once ‘political’ news about certain issues or situations in the polity is not trusted or deemed as false, the importance of such information may be treated by the public with nonchalance. This study examines the implications of misinformation during the just-concluded 2023 general elections in Nigeria and the extent to which it has created distrust in the minds of the masses regarding the information the government disseminated to the public. It adopts the conspiracy perspective on fake news as a theoretical guide to show the prevailing situation in the nation. Data for this paper will be retrieved from secondary sources, specifically those with relevant information on the 2023 elections. These will be explained using the discourse analysis method of data analysis. Findings from the study reveal that misinformation regarding candidates and the election umpire was peddled during the 2023 general elections. This led to low voter turnout in some parts of the country. The study suggests that the government take stringent sanctions against those involved in spreading unverified news to control the damage of such information on the polity
ISLAMIC DIGITAL INHERITANCE IN MALAYSIA: THE ROLE OF POLICYMAKERS
No full textThe adoption of e-wallet in Malaysia are proliferating with 90 percent of the Malaysia actively use e-wallet, has introduced significant challenges in its inheritance. Despites the widespread adoption of e-wallet, existing e-wallet service providers policies do not address the transfer of digital assets upon the account holder\u27s death. This will add the existing gap on billions of ringgits in unclaimed money and raises concerns about compliance with both Islamic inheritance laws and financial regulations. This study aims to examine the role of policymakers in addressing these challenges and ensuring the inheritance of e-wallet could occur. Hence, to achieve this objective, qualitative research approach including library-based research and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as lawyer, estate planner and e-wallet service providers have been conducted. The findings revealed the critical role of Bank Negara Malaysia in establishing structured and legal procedural frameworks for e-wallet inheritance. Key informants emphasize the need for mandated policies, standardized procedures and enhance regulatory oversight to facilitate the proper transfer of e-wallet to the heirs. With unclaimed money reaching RM12 billion in 2024, this study highlights the urgent need for regulatory intervention and proposes a policy framework that integrates shariah principles with digital finance governance. This will endure the legal clarity, financial sustainability, and the protections of Muslims heirs’ rights in Malaysia’s evolving digital economy
Transforming Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis: Implementing Vision Transformer (ViT) for MRI Images Classification
No full textAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder and the leading cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Early detection of AD is crucial for timely intervention, as the disease significantly impacts cognitive functions and daily activities. Diagnosing AD in clinical settings remains challenging due to subtle early symptoms, diverse presentations, lengthy diagnostic processes, and inconsistent criteria that heavily rely on medical expertise. Accurate and timely diagnosis during the early stages is essential for effective treatment and intervention. Modern imaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), have become essential in diagnosing Alzheimer’s by providing detailed insights into structural brain changes. This study explores the application of the Vision Transformer (ViT) model for classifying MRI images of Alzheimer’s patients, focusing on enhancing accuracy and reliability through data augmentation during pre-processing. A dataset of 8,000 MRI images, categorised into four groups—non-demented, very mild demented, mild demented, and moderate demented—was used to evaluate the ViT model. The experiment achieved promising results, with an accuracy of 98.19%, sensitivity of 96.34%, specificity of 98.80%, and an F1-score of 96.37%. These findings underscore the model’s effectiveness in distinguishing between affected and unaffected individuals, minimising misdiagnosis and enabling timely clinical interventions. However, some challenges remain, particularly in the classification between “Non-Demented” and “Very Mild Demented” cases. Future research should focus on enhancing data augmentation techniques and increasing data diversity in these categories to improve the model’s performance further. The ViT model holds great potential for advancing Alzheimer’s diagnosis, offering a valuable tool for early detection and intervention in clinical settings
ENHANCING CRITICAL THINKING IN FIQH LEARNING: THE ROLE OF STRATEGIES AND MEDIA INTEGRATION IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION
No full textPurpose – Fiqh learning has traditionally focused on cognitive aspects, such as recalling concepts or matching problems with answers in classical texts. Consequently, it has often neglected the cultivation of learners\u27 critical thinking skills. This study aims to analyze students’ critical thinking practices in fiqh learning, explore the instructional strategies employed, and identify the types of technology used in fiqh learning activities. Additionally, it investigates the continuity between critical thinking, learning strategies, and technology in the context of fiqh education.
Methodology – A mixed methods approach was adopted, using an explanatory sequential design. The study began with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by qualitative exploration. A total of 254 students from eight universities in East Java, Indonesia, participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through online questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and tests of difference. Qualitative data were gathered through observations and interviews and analyzed through data condensation, presentation, and conclusion drawing.
Findings – The results indicate that students’ critical thinking practices in fiqh learning are generally neutral and somewhat inconsistent. Problem-based learning (PBL) and research-based learning (RBL) emerged as the most frequently applied strategies, with PBL noted as particularly effective in fostering critical thinking. The study highlights that these strategies are most effective when supported by various forms of instructional media. The integration of contextual learning strategies with multimedia use enhances students’ critical thinking engagement in fiqh learning.
Significance – This study provides practical insights for lecturers in selecting appropriate learning strategies and media to promote critical thinking in fiqh education. While RBL and PBL strategies, supported by multimedia, show strong potential to enhance critical thinking, they are not definitive solutions. Effective strategies and media should be tailored to the characteristics and needs of students. Continued development of both RBL and PBL strategies and multimedia use is essential. Ultimately, fiqh learning in higher education should employ instructional approaches that enhance deeper understanding and critical engagement with the subject matter
RESEARCH TRENDS OF AUGMENTED REALITY IN BIOLOGY LEARNING: CONTENT AND BIBLIOMETRIC MAPPING ANALYSIS
No full textPurpose - Through the use of content analysis, this study was aimed at identifying the patterns in research conducted during the past decade and investigating the bibliometric outcomes of articles focused on augmented reality (AR) utilization in biology learning.
Methodology - This study conducted a bibliometric analysis. To perform the bibliometric mapping analysis, 116 articles were reviewed. A total of 111 articles published between 2014 and 2023 in the Scopus database were selected for the content analysis. The bibliometric analysis centered on 69 selected articles.
Findings - The most frequently used keywords in these articles were “AR,” “development,” and “application.” Furthermore, among the articles reviewed, it was observed that there was a recent focus on marker-based material on paper. This finding indicates that the focus of the latest articles is AR media modeling, use, comparison with conventional media, and AR development in a biology learning context. Saidin, Iftene, and Bonete were the most frequently cited authors in this field. The content analysis shows that development and practical guidance have been the most extensively examined variables in the articles. Development and experimental studies were the most frequently used research designs in the last ten years.
Significance - Future research in this field will be improved by using mixed-methods examining variables that enhance students’ interpersonal skills, and not just by developing and knowing the extent to which users can operate AR applications
TEACHING THINKING SKILLS THROUGH VISIBLE THINKING ROUTINES (VTRs): SHAPING DISPOSITIONS OF PRE-SERVICE ESL TEACHERS
No full textPurpose - The teaching of thinking skills is not only dependent on pedagogical skills, but also on dispositions. In Malaysia, the teaching of thinking skills is prominent in policy documents, yet weakly embedded in subject teaching. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the dispositions of ESL pre-service teachers towards Visible Thinking Routines (VTRs), which are a collection of thinking tools that facilitate different types of thinking. The goal was to identify the salient features of VTRs which shaped the dispositions of ESL pre-service teachers towards teaching thinking.
Methodology - Data consisted of 117 written reflective accounts and four focus group discussions involving fifteen pre-service teachers. The participants had experienced VTRs in the following two ways: as learners and as “teachers”.
Findings - Participants were largely open and positive towards VTRs. Two main themes reflected this inclination, and they were related to the inherent quality of VTRs which fostered active learning environments, and the systematic framework for teaching thinking skills that VTRs provided. At the same time, there were some less favourable dispositions which were mainly due to finding the “right” routine and implementing VTRs, which resulted in the process being time-consuming.
Significance - To shape positive dispositions towards teaching thinking, pre-service teachers should be explicitly taught how to teach thinking and be immersed in a culture of thinking at the teacher education level. This might result in getting pre-service teachers’ acceptance and “buy-in” towards research-based thinking tools such as VTRs, which can be used to integrate thinking skills into subject teaching. Openness to use these tools could later result in “dispositions in action” in these pre-service teachers’ professional careers in the future