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Students' learning style detection using tree augmented naive Bayes
No full textStudents are characterized according to their own distinct learning styles. Discovering students' learning style is significant in the educational system in order to provide adaptivity. Past researches have proposed various approaches to detect the students' learning styles. Among all, the Bayesian network has emerged as a widely usedmethod to automatically detect students' learning styles. On the other hand, tree augmented naive Bayesian network has the ability to improve the naive Bayesian network in terms of better classification accuracy. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of the tree augmented naive Bayesian in automatically detecting students' learning style in the online learning environment. The experimental results are promising as the tree augmented naive Bayes network is shown to achieve higher detection accuracy when compared to the Bayesian network
Application of liquid biphasic flotation for betacyanins extraction from peel and flesh of Hylocereus polyrhizus and antioxidant activity evaluation
No full textThis study investigated the use of liquid biphasic flotation (LBF) which composed of alcohol and salt for betacyanins extraction from peel and flesh of red-purple pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). Betacyanins have received a great deal of research attention owing to their promising antioxidant activity. The operating parameters of LBF, including types/concentrations/volumes of alcohol and salt, addition of sodium chloride, flotation time and types/concentrations of crude extract, were adopted for the betacyanins extraction. Overall, the highest values of betacyanins concentration in alcohol-rich top phase (Ct), separation efficiency (E) and partition coefficient (K) of betacyanins that reveal a maximum betacyanins extraction from the peel (95.989%, 88.361% and 24.168, respectively) and flesh (95.488%, 94.886% and 21.195, respectively) were successfully achieved with LBF. In addition, both the peel and flesh extracts of red-purple pitaya provided different hues and intensities of red color, and their antioxidant properties were well retained
Aedes aegypti(Linnaeus) larvae from dengue outbreak areas in Selangor showing resistance to pyrethroids but susceptible to organophosphates
No full textThe resistance status of Selangor Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae against four major groups of insecticides (i.e., organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids) was investigated. Aedes aegypti were susceptible against temephos (organophosphate), although resistance (RR 50 = 0.21–2.64) may be developing. The insecticides susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti larvae were found heterogeneous among the different study sites. Results showed that Ae. aegypti larvae from Klang, Sabak Bernam and Sepang were susceptible against all insecticides tested. However, other study sites exhibited low to high resistance against all pyrethroids (RR 50 = 1.19–32.16). Overall, the application of synergists ethacrynic acid, S.S.S.- tributylphosphorotrithioate and piperonyl butoxide increased the toxicity of insecticides investigated. However, the application failed to increase the mortality to susceptible level (>97%) for certain populations, therefore there are chances of alteration of target site resistance involved. Biochemical assays revealed that α-esterase, (Gombak, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam strains) β-esterase (Klang and Sabak Bernam strains), acetylcholinesterase (Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam strains), glutathione-S-transferase (Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam strains) and mono-oxygenases (Gombak, Hulu Langat, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat strains) were elevated. Spearman rank-order correlation indicated a significant correlation between resistance ratios of: DDT and deltamethrin (r = 0.683, P = 0.042), cyfluthrin and deltamethrin (r = 0.867, P =0.002), cyflyuthrin and lambdacyhalothrin (r = 0.800, P =0.010), cyfluthrin and permethrin (r = 0.770, P =0.015) deltamethrin and permethrin (r = 0.803, P =0.088), propoxur and malathion (r = 0.867, P = 0.002), malathion and temephos (r = 0.800, P = 0.010), etofenprox and MFO enzyme (r = 0.667, P =0.050). The current study provides baseline information for vector control programs conducted by local authorities. The susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti should be monitored sporadically to ensure the effectiveness of current vector control strategy in Selangor
Mode Splitting Based on Polarization Manipulation in Few-Mode Fiber
No full textWe report a mode splitting technique for LP01 and LP11 modes based on polarization manipulation in a few-mode fiber (FMF) by using a three-paddle two-mode fiber polarization controller (TMPC). In the characterization test, LP01 and LP11 modes are simultaneously excited in a two-mode fiber (TMF) based on core-offset splicing technique. By employing the TMPC, the LP01 and LP11 modes in the TMF are aligned into two perpendicular polarization states and then separated by a polarizing beam splitter (PBS). The output LP01 and LP11 modes from the PBS have high mode extinction ratio (>30 dB), good power stability (≤0.5 dB), and stable mode profile position over the wavelength range of 1530-1560 nm (C -band). The proposed technique is a simple and efficient method for mode manipulation and management in various space-division multiplexing applications
Characteristics of persons with spinal cord injury who drive in Malaysia and its barriers: a cross sectional study
No full textStudy design: Cross sectional study. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, characteristics of and barriers to driving among persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: SCI Rehabilitation Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study on persons with SCI who attended the UMMC SCI Rehabilitation Clinic between June 2015 and November 2016. The questionnaire comprised demographic data, clinical characteristics, driving variables, Spinal Cord Independence Measure III, WHOQOL-BREF, and Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique Short Form. Malaysians aged greater than 18 years old with any etiology and levels of SCI, had no other physical disabilities and not suffering from progressive illness were recruited. A single investigator administered the questionnaire via face-to-face interviews. Results: A total of 160 participants were included in this study. Overall, 37% of persons with SCI drove and owned a modified vehicle. Almost half of persons with paraplegia (47%) drove, but only 12% of tetraplegia did. A majority (93%) of those who drove aged below 60 years, and had higher level of independence in activity of daily living. More drivers (81%) compared to non-drivers (24%) were employed; drivers also reported better community reintegration and quality of life. Three commonest barriers to driving included medical reasons (38%), fear and lack of confidence (17%), and inability to afford vehicle modifications (13%). Conclusions: The percentage of persons with SCI driving post injury is low. Based on the findings of this study, more efforts are needed to motivate and facilitate persons with SCI to drive
Effect of projected sea level rise on the hydrodynamic and suspended sediment concentration profile of tropical estuary
No full textKuala Pahang, an estuary located in the East Coast of Malaysia is projected to experience a 0.03, 0.14 and 0.31 m increase in sea level in the years 2020, 2060 and 2100, respectively. To predict how tide and current speed affect suspended sediment concentration, the MIKE 21 HD and ST models were used to simulate the hydrodynamics and sediment transport at Kuala Pahang. The study is limited to the Southwest Monsoon period and the model was conducted as a localised analysis at the Kuala Pahang estuary. The results of hydrodynamic modelling of 2014 baseline showed the difference in water level between spring and neap tide had influenced the current speed as the maximum flow velocity varies between 0.20 and 1.95 m/s. The Southwest Monsoon affects current flow in two ways, namely through the sea dominated flood tide and through river discharge during ebb tide. Meanwhile rising in sea level had increased 10% of the current speed in year the 2060 based on the 2014 model. Sediment transport modelling showed that the averaged suspended sediment concentration (SSC) fluctuated between 55–1532 mg/l in the year 2014 and could reach a maximum value up to 5091 mg/l in the year 2100, even with an increment of only 0.10 m/s maximum current speed. The profound impact of SLR on hydrodynamics and SSC is significant at the Kuala Pahang estuary and has a direct impact on the socio-economic and livelihood of local communities. This projection model can provide an effective management for the sustainability of estuary ecosystem and is relevant for understanding future hydrodynamic and suspended sediment patterns
Factors influencing the intention of kedayan muslims to perform the traditional culture associated with syncretism
No full textIn the study of religion, syncretism has been conveyed as a controversial concept and has become an issue for debate because it depicts ‘impurity’ or ‘inauthenticity’. The term has been widely used by some Western scholars to elaborate on its practice among Ancient and Christian societies, and at the same time, it is also used in the context of Muslim communities, particularly in describing the practice of traditional cultures in Malaysia that were rejected by Muslim reformers. In practice, however, traditional culture cannot be easily distinguished from Muslim practices. Thus, what explains the desire of some Muslims to continue practising elements of their traditional culture associated with syncretism? This paper aims to discover the factors influencing the intention of the Kedayan people to practise elements their traditional culture that are associated with syncretism. Data were self-administered among 414 respondents and analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results of this study revealed that the Kedayan people have a tendency to continue with practices of their traditional culture that may still contain remnants of syncretism. In addition, the results also revealed their agreement with the common perception of traditional culture and subjective norms as factors influencing Kedayans’ intention to practise their traditional culture
Design of mechanical bracing device for clubfoot treatment
No full textClubfoot is one of the complex three-dimensional deformities of the foot. In Malaysia, clubfoot remains a significant problem and yields an unpredictable outcome due to the late presentation for treatment and ignorance of parents. Invasive and non-invasive treatment is applied for clubfoot. However, relapse can occur after the treatment, and the patient needs to use a bracing device for post-treatment maintenance. In this paper, the design of a new mechanical bracing device for clubfoot treatment is presented. Engineering design approach was applied to the device development. Problem identification and customer requirement, conceptual design, preliminary design, detail design and final design were conducted before the fabrication process. The device consists of adjustable foot width, dorsiflexion, shoe, a horizontal plate, foot pad and foot height. The prototype was fabricated, and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted for evaluation purpose. The device consists of multi-adjustable joint that can be considered as a new concept for the bracing device
From status inconsistency to revisionism: Russian foreign policy after color revolutions
No full textThis paper delves into the shifts in the foreign policy of Russia, considering what has determined Russia's grand strategy orientation after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It also attempts to offer an explanation of why Russia becomes discounted with the 'constitutive and normative structure', and how its foreign policy shifted toward the anti-status quo orientation, especially after the color revolutions. The main purpose of this paper is to explain the shift in Russia's foreign policy, from the search for the 'greatpowerness' status via different enhancement strategies in light of status quo in the 'revolutionary decade', to revisionism after the color revolutions in Commonwealth of Independent States region (2003-2005). To substantiate this, the study uses process-tracing and document analysis to show the changes in Russia's foreign policy. As demonstrated in this paper, power rendered is unable of directing or disinclined to direct its policies toward status quo, due to internal effects of perceived 'status immobility' resulting from the failure of several status enhancement strategies. Accordingly, the shift in Russia's foreign policy was a result of changing the Russian perception from status inconsistency to status immobility
Intelligent human resource information system (i-HRIS): A holistic decision support framework for HR excellence
No full textNowadays, Human Resource Information System (HRIS) plays a strategic role in the decision making process for effective and efficient Human Resource Management (HRM). For Human Resource (HR) decision making, most of the researchers propose expert systems or knowledge-based systems. Unfortunately, there are some limitations in both of expert system and knowledge-based system. In this paper, we have proposed a framework of Intelligent Human Resource Information System (i-HRIS) applying Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) along with Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD) to improve structured, especially semistructured and unstructured HR decision making process. Moreover, the proposed HR IDSS stores and processes information with a set of Artificial Intelligent (AI) tools such as knowledge-based reasoning, machine learning and others. These AI tools are used to discover useful information or knowledge from past data and experience to support decision making process. We have likewise attempted to investigate IDSS applications for HR problems applying hybrid intelligent techniques such as machine learning and knowledge-based approach for new knowledge extraction and prediction. In summation, the proposed framework consists of input subsystems, decision making subsystems and output subsystems with ten HR application modules