19672 research outputs found
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Factors associated with online sexually transmissible infection information seeking among young people in Malaysia: an observational study
No full textThe Internet is an important resource of information about sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among young people. Little is known of the facilitators of online STI information seeking. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with online STI information seeking among youth in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Malaysian youth aged 18-25 years who were recruited through social media. Results: Among 1530 respondents who completed the survey, 57.1% sought online STI information in the past 12 months mostly from general Internet websites, health websites, and Facebook. Respondents' overall STI knowledge was low. Young people who had higher STI knowledge (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.87-3.25, P = 0.000), had intention-to-seek online STI information (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.23-3.30, P = 0.000), identified as homosexual or bisexual (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.08-2.57, P = 0.020), experienced STI symptoms (OR = 1.51, 95%CI = 1.02-2.22, P = 0.040), were in a relationship (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08-1.86, P = 0.012) and had high perceived quality of online STI information (OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.09-1.83, P = 0.009) were more likely to seek online STI information. Conclusions: Findings suggest the need to increase STI knowledge and perceived quality of online STI information among Malaysian youth. Young people with low STI knowledge, who are heterosexual, sexually active without STI symptoms and single would benefit from reliable sources of online STI information for STI prevention. © 2019 CSIRO
Are sociodemographic characteristics and attitude good predictors of speeding behavior among drivers on Malaysia federal roads?
No full textObjective: The increasing number of road crashes and fatalities on Malaysian federal roads is a cause for concern. The main causes of road crashes and fatalities on federal roads have been attributed to the speeding behavior among drivers. As such, this research investigates the possible predictors from sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes in predicting speeding behavior among drivers on Malaysia federal roads. Methods: A face-to-face survey was conducted via purposive sampling on 300 drivers at rest areas at 6 crash hotspots on Malaysian federal roads. A set of questions related to speeding behavior was developed. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions related to sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, 37 questions regarding attitudes toward speeding, and 1 question regarding speeding behavior. Subsequently, the sociodemographics were analyzed using binary logistic regression and the attitude variable was analyzed using factor analysis and binary logistic regression. Results: The findings from the sociodemographic data revealed that male gender, single/separated status, broad driving experience, crash experience, and leisure/vacation trip purposes emerged as significant predictors for speeding behavior. Additionally, the results of factor analysis for the attitude variable revealed 3 components: Affective, behavioral, and cognitive. These 3 components are originally derived from the ABC model of attitude (affective, behavioral, and cognitive) that was adapted in this study. Furthermore, the findings from binary logistic regression appeared consistent with the model assumption, signifying that behavioral aspects significantly influenced speeding behavior among drivers. Nevertheless, affective and cognitive components were insignificant predictors. Furthermore, strong agreement with speeding countermeasures was observed among the participants. Conclusion: In conclusion, sociodemographic characteristics and attitude have been proven to affect speeding behavior among drivers on Malaysian federal roads. The findings have important implications in designing driver risk profiles on federal roads to develop suitable countermeasures based on the 4E approach (engagement, education, enforcement, and engineering) to enhance road safety. © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Is terrorism, poverty, and refugees the dark side of globalization?
No full textWe present a new model on the impact of terrorism on the Deglobalization process. The channels are faster poverty expansion, largest flows of refugees, expansion of trade protectionism, and last but not least, the dramatic expansion of economic desgrowth. This new model is entitled “The Deglobalization Global Evaluation Model (DGE-Model)”. The objective of the DGE-Model is to offer policy-makers and researchers a new analytical tool to study the impact of terrorism on the Deglobalization process of Muslim countries. The applicability of the DGE-Model is not limited to a specific group of Muslim countries or regions, nor is it constrained by the development stage. In short, the DGE-Model is a simple, flexible and versatile tool to study the link between terrorism and Deglobalization. Finally, we apply the DGE-Model to three Muslim countries, namely Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Our sample period is 1999–2018, a period which witnessed acceleration of Deglobalization and expansion of terrorism in those three countries. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V
Modeling climate-smart decision support system (CSDSS) for analyzing water demand of a large-scale rice irrigation scheme
No full textClimate projection at local scale is one of the crucial challenges that affects the development of water management-related mitigation plans. Moreover, the currently available climate models do not directly simulate some of the hydro-climatic parameters (e.g., effective rainfall, reference evapotranspiration, irrigation requirements), which are of interest in irrigation sector. Modeling crop-water demands under changing climate involves several step-by-step approaches that are tedious and time-consuming for many water users. This study developed a water management tool, hereafter called Climate-Smart Decision-Support System (CSDSS), for modeling water demand of rice irrigation schemes under climate change impacts. The CSDSS is a user-friendly interactive program consisting of three main modules integrated in MATLAB and a graphical user interface development environment (GUIDE). The model runs with ten Global Climate Models (GCMs) and three emission scenarios (RCP 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5). It can generate several hydro-climatic parameters based on a daily water balance model, with input data from GCMs projections, crop, soil and field conditions. The model allows water managers to make fast decision for paddy water management. The generated outputs can be obtained through individual GCMs as well as through multi-models (ensemble) projection and can be converted into excel format for further analysis. The model was applied to evaluate the impacts of climate change on irrigation water demand and other key hydro-climatic parameters in Tanjung Karang Rice Irrigation Scheme in Malaysia for the period 2010–2099 with reference to the baseline period of 1976–2005. The results show that irrigation water demand will increase during the off-season (January–June) but decrease during the main season (July–December) due to significant contribution from effective rainfall in the latter season. The CSDSS tool can be used for managing water resources under changing climate and would, therefore, be helpful in promoting appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies that can lead to more sustainable water use at farm level. Some future improvements of the tool, due to methodological limitations of the study, will however improve its performance. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
Incidence, patterns and risk factors of injury & illness among athletes during the malaysian higher education games (SUKIPT) 2018
No full textBackground: Despite regularly participating in international and national level multisport events, there is still limited data on the pattern of injuries and illnesses and factors associated with injuries and illnesses in Malaysia. Such information is crucial to instil preventive measures because sustaining injuries during competition could hamper the athlete’s performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the incidence, patterns and risk factors of injuries and illnesses among athletes throughout SUKIPT 2018, from the 2nd to the 10th of February 2018. All injuries and illnesses treated by tournament medical personnel were reported using a standardised online injury reporting form. This form was adapted from the injury surveillance form used by the International Olympic Committee. Results: A total of 6071 athletes from 80 contingents took part in SUKIPT 2018. During the nine days of competition 323 injuries and 48 illnesses were reported, resulting in an incidence of 5.3 injuries and 0.8 illness per 100 athletes. Approximately 6% of the athletes sustained at least one injury or illness. Conclusion: In summary, the incidence of injuries and illnesses among athletes during SUKIPT was 5.3 and 0.8 per 100 athletes, respectively. Muscle strain/rupture/tear was the most common pattern of injury while collision with another athlete was the most frequent mechanism of injury. Meanwhile, the respiratory system was the most commonly affected by illness and infection was the most prevalent cause of illness. © 2019, (publisher name). All Rights Reserved
Influence of degree of substitution on the host-guest inclusion complex between ionic liquid substituted β-cyclodextrins with 2,4-dichlorophenol: An electrochemical, NMR and molecular docking studies
No full textA mono- and di-substituted ionic liquid-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-ILs) were synthesized and their host-guest inclusion complex with 2, 4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) were evaluated by electrochemical study. First, both β-CD-ILs which is β-CD-1-BIMOTs and β-CD-2-BIMOTs were fabricated on carbon paste electrode (CPE) for determination of 2,4-DCP. The cyclic voltammetry results indicate that both β-CD-IL/CPEs exhibit higher oxidation peak current compared to native β-CD/CPE. Both complexes possess high sensitivity, stability and reproducibility. However, as the degree of substitution of ionic liquid (IL) increases, the selectivity of β-CD-IL towards 2,4-DCP decreases. Thus, it can be deduced that the degree of substitution of IL is influencing the host-guest inclusion complex of β-CD-ILs with 2,4-DCP. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
Effects of pulse cycle number on the quality of pulsed atomic-layer epitaxy AlN films grown via metal organic chemical vapor deposition
No full textThe effect of different numbers of Al and N2 pulse cycles on the quality of AlN films prepared via the pulsed atomic-layer epitaxy (PALE) technique and epitaxially deposited on a c-plane sapphire substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition were investigated. The characteristics of AlN/sapphire were studied by atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. AlN film deposited with the PALE technique with the highest number of pulse cycles (1050) was observed to exhibit highly uniform spherical AlN grains and a dense film surface with a root mean square roughness of 0.46 nm. Transition of the E2 (high) peak from the Raman spectrum shows that the strain compression in PALE AlN films is inversely proportional to the number of pulse cycles. © 2019 The Japan Society of Applied Physics
Effect of graphene infusion on morphology and performance of natural rubber latex/graphene composites
No full textNowadays developments of most flexible electronic devices have significantly increased due to high demand on healthcare applications of daily life activities. Given these development factors, the production of nanoparticles-polymer composite improves the functionality of stretchable or improves interfacial adherence between the matrix and nanoparticles. In this research work, graphene used as functional filler materials into the polymer (natural rubber latex) matrices is presented. The surface morphology of pure natural rubber latex (NRL) and natural rubber latex/graphene (NRL/G) composite were observed by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was recorded to investigate the elements and functional groups present in the graphene and NRL and in the NRL/G composite. Furthermore, the mechanical and conductivity properties of the pure NRL and NRL/G composite are studied. The mechanical property and conductivity test were performed by a universal testing machine and two-point probes measurement respectively. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature
Enhancement of cybersecurity awareness program on personal data protection among youngsters in Malaysia: An assessment
No full textCybersecurity awareness program has been used as a medium to educate and make awareness among youngsters on personal data protection. However, it is still unclear the extent to which the effectiveness of this cybersecurity awareness program among youngsters require an assessment. This to ensure the current content of cybersecurity awareness program is consistently updated and aligned with current Internet usage among youngsters. Our assessment was systematically conducted using Kirkpatrick's Four Learning Evaluation Model as conceptual framework; which consists of four phases of sequential assessment; Phase 1 -Reaction, Phase 2- Learning, Phase 3 - Behavior and Phase 4-Result. This study used mixed method research methodology in conducting the assessment and the instruments used in Phases 1 until 4 respectively were survey, pre-test and post-test survey, observation of web recording and focus group interview. The findings from this study revealed that youngsters do have positive reaction towards the program content, reported to have changes in terms of their knowledge and skills and practice of desired behavior on personal data protection. However, the undesired behavior also revealed practiced among youngsters and this suggest improvement required to the current module used to educate youngsters. The improvements include i) Decision making process in using personal data, ii) Management of online application iii)Management of online contents iv)Management of password and username. The result of this assessment is significant to the stakeholders in terms of providing insight into the effectiveness level of current module used to educate youngsters and assist them to decide better module. © 2019, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
The effect of organisational culture on students' cognitive, skill-based, and affective learning outcomes in higher education in Saudi Arabia [El efecto de la cultura organizacional en los resultados de aprendizaje cognitivo, basado en habilidades y afectivo de los estudiantes en la educación superior en Arabia Saudita]
No full textThe current study aimed to analyze the effect of organizational culture on students cognitive, skill-based and affective learning outcomes in Saudi higher education institutions. It has been conducted a quantitative research methodology by distributing questionnaires which contained 95 items to faculty members at two Saudi higher education institutions. 496 responses were further analysed using the SPSS (V23) and PLS-SEM. Results indicated that organisational culture has a direct and significant positive effect on students’ cognitive, skill-based, and affective learning outcomes in the context of Saudi higher education. The present study has a potential to reflect positively on the Ministry of Education, academic leaders, as well as support the higher education institutions. © 2019, Universidad del Zulia. All rights reserved