13474 research outputs found
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Airborne optical image classification model for detection of Ganoderma disease in oil palm / Mohamad Izzuddin Anuar
No full textOne of the most common diseases in Malaysia in oil palm is Ganoderma basal stem rot (BSR) and causes significant yield loss during oil palm lifetime. Early disease detection of the Ganoderma BSR disease has been developed using lab-based technologies. However, those technologies require the sampling of each oil palm in the field which consumes loads of labour and time. This study uses airborne optical remote sensing (AORS) images from multispectral and hyperspectral drones for detection of Ganoderma BSR disease in oil palm. Object-based Image Analysis (OBIA) was used to classify between Ganoderma BSR Disease Severity Index (GDSI). In OBIA, the segmentation parameters, the Edge is set to 30 while Merge is set to 70 to segment each of individual oil palm canopy fronds and avoid overlapping between canopies. Then, two classifiers which are 1) Support Vector Machines (SVM); and 2) K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) were used to classify the segmented oil palm canopy into GDSI. Multispectral image classification using OBIA resulted a good accuracy (>90%) but unable to classify the mild/early disease severity. This study introduces a new procedure to process hyperspectral image for GDSI classification that starts with image colour-balancing, image transform using Continuum-Removed (CR) and First Derivative of Spectral Reflectance (FDSR), denoising using Savitzky-Golay filter and generating new images using significant wavelengths. Then, the new images were analysed using OBIA and results show high overall accuracy (92.5%) for GDSI classification with 85 % accuracy for early/mild Ganoderma BSR infection classification. The result showed that hyperspectral image performed better for detection of the early infection of Ganoderma BSR disease in oil palm compared to multispectral imag
Corpus-assisted discourse analysis of online news on coastal plastic pollution in Kerala / Gokul Jayakumar
No full textThe present study examined the news media portrayal of coastal plastic pollution in Kerala, a Southwestern Indian state that has made the headlines for its poor crisis management. Increasing rates at which plastic-filled garbage has swamped Kerala’s coasts account for a severe plastic waste crisis that affects the livelihoods of its marine and terrestrial lives. Such situations were attributed to a lack of ecological intelligence in Kerala, the most literate state in India, which is vital to realize the importance of nature conservation. Many of Kerala’s urban and large peri-urban populace, which includes high school and college students, read English-language newspapers. Newspapers likely influence their readers, and newspaper readership for young Keralites will enhance their ability in future problem-solving. Newspaper articles are an important source of information for intellectuals and laymen alike. It is also known that many studies in ecolinguistics have used newspaper reports as primary data for their analysis. Thus, this research provides insight into how Kerala’s coastal plastic pollution has been constructed in the online articles of India’s most widely-read English newspaper, The Times of India. A corpus-assisted discourse analytic approach was employed to identify salient language patterns and investigate social actors’ roles in the news reports on this issue based on Theo van Leeuwen’s social actor approach. The analysis revealed the issue has been portrayed as plastic pollution along the coastline, including references to the effects of microplastics and coastal ecology. Further examination demonstrated inadequate news coverage on the roles of social actors, while exclusion strategies of individual actors were significantly observed over collective groupings. Researchers highlighted a lack of a corpus-assisted approach to analyze environmental news discourses in Kerala. This study adds to the genre for discourse analysts who investigate news media portrayals
Application of magnetic anchors to align collagen fibres for axonal guidance / Devindraan Sirkkunan
No full textThe use of ex-vivo treated hydrogels such as electro- and microfluidic-spun scaffolds that necessitate surgery for application has led to the rise in the research of injectable hydrogel in recent years. Its use could circumvent the need for surgery. However, methods to control these hydrogels’ internal structure must be developed, as it is highly defined in their ex-vivo counterparts. Here, we have developed a “magnetic anchor” method to improve the orientation of collagen fibers within 3D scaffolds. This procedure sees the use of (Gold Magnetic Nanoparticles) GMNP “anchors” capped with (Collagen Mimetic Peptide) CMPs that attaches them to the collagen fibers and aligns these strands through the application of a magnetic field during the solidification process. This study also compares the “magnetic anchor” method and the “magnetic particle string” method that has been proven to improve the orientation of collagen fibers. It was shown in this study that the application of CMP/GMNP in a magnetic field greatly improves alignment of the collagen fibers, which in turn, improves the orientation of (Pheochromocytoma Cells) PC12 neurites. This collagen alignment was even greater in magnitude compared to the “magnetic particle string” method, which requires the utilization of a higher concentration of magnetic nanoparticles. The growth of these collagen fibers was also improved as they were significantly longer using the “magnetic anchor” method. Furthermore, the PC12 cells grown in collagen gels treated using the “magnetic anchor” method showed comparable cellular viability to the untreated collagen gels. This proves the “magnetic anchor” method does not have any adverse effects on cellular growth. The neurites projecting from the differentiated PC12 cells were also much more aligned using the “magnetic anchor” method. The directionality of 86% of the neurite cells on scaffolds fabricated with the “magnetic anchor” method were shown to align within ±30° of the mean threshold. The is a vast step up in the technology used to align collagen fibers as the “magnetic particle string” method was only capable of aligning 38% of the neurite extension within this mean threshold. In summary, this method is an improvement over current nanoparticle technologies used to align collagen fibers, as it uses less nanoparticles to produce collagen fibers that are much more aligned and in turn guides the neurites to greater alignment. This capability to remote control the alignment of injectable collagen scaffolds opens new strategic avenues in the research for treating debilitating neural tissue pathologies
Reka bentuk program latihan industri mata pelajaran Perniagaan untuk pelajar sekolah menengah atas / Chris Floridah M Mappah
No full textKajian ini bermatlamat untuk membantu memperkukuhkan asas pengetahuan dan kemahiran yang dipelajari secara teori di dalam bilik darjah melalui reka bentuk program latihan industri mata pelajaran Perniagaan bagi pelajar sekolah menengah berfokus kepada 5 elemen iaitu objektif, kandungan, bahan bantu latihan, strategi dan penilaian. Sehingga ke hari ini, situasi latihan secara praktikal tidak berlaku dalam konteks kurikulum mata pelajaran Perniagaan di sekolah menengah atas. Kurikulum Perniagaan ini mengandungi pelbagai saranan pelaksanaannya namun terdapat beberapa perkara yang tidak selari. Ketidakselarian itu adalah seperti keperluan penerapan elemen STEM dalam PdP, keterhadan sumber dan bahan PdP yang bersesuaian dengan keperluan industri serta berlakunya penyampaian kurikulum berstrategi rutin yang boleh menyebabkan proses dalam menghasilkan idea merancang perniagaan di Kertas 3 SPM turut menjadi masalah. Isu ini jelas menampakkan tidak berlakunya gabungan elemen “mental” dan “manual”, iaitu tiada korelasi antara teori dan praktikal. Oleh itu, terdapat keperluan membangunkan sebuah reka bentuk program latihan industri mata pelajaran Perniagaan untuk pelajar sekolah menengah atas. Kaedah Fuzzy Delphi (FDM) diaplikasi dengan penglibatan lima belas orang pakar. Pakar yang dipilih adalah dalam kalangan warga pendidikan di sekolah, pegawai pendidikan di peringkat negeri dan kementerian serta ahli akademik di peringkat pengajian tinggi awam. Semakan dokumen dan kajian-kajian lepas dilaksanakan. Ianya disusuli dengan mengadakan sesi temu bual separa berstruktur bersama dengan tiga orang pakar rujuk bagi tujuan membangunkan Instrumen Fuzzy Delphi. Setelah instrumen Fuzzy Delphi lengkap dihasilkan, ianya ditadbir bersama 15 orang pakar dengan kaedah temu bual yang sama. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan, kesepakatan pakar dicapai terhadap 26 item kajian dengan memenuhi kesemua syarat teknik pengiraan Fuzzy Delphi. Pakar menerima semua kriteria yang merangkumi (a) objektif, (b) kandungan, (c) alat bantu latihan, (d) strategi, dan (e) penilaian ke atas reka bentuk program latihan industri. Kajian lanjut turut menyarankan agar aspek kehendak dan ekonomi pelajar dipertimbangkan termasuk juga aspek motivasi dan niat pelajar, selain mencadangkan industri hadir ke sekolah serta reka bentuk yang selari bagi kesemua elemen. Implikasi reka bentuk program latihan industri kajian ini adalah, ianya boleh menjadi sebuah rujukan yang relevan untuk disemak bersama kurikulum Mata Pelajaran Perniagaan di sekolah menengah yang juga diharap dapat membantu merangka program latihan industri yang berpandukan elemen objektif, kandungan, strategi dan penilaian bagi membantu mengembangkan idea dan kesediaan pelajar merancang perniagaan dan sebagai pelengkap kepada teori yang dipelajari kepada praktikal yang relevan untuk masa kini dan masa hadapan
An analysis of morphosyntactic features of Chinese English using multicompetence theory / Liang Min
No full textIn recent years, with the development of education and the continuous introduction of new curriculum reforms in China, the subject of English has occupied an increasingly important position in the education and instruction of colleges and universities. There are thousands of ethnic Chinese Students (CE) from very different backgrounds. The present paper explores a study of CS with a particular interest in morphosyntactic features. This dissertation also reviews recent literature on CE and its contribution to the Expanding Circle of English. The study focuses on the usage of English amongst postgraduate international students from China at the Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data are collected through face-to-face and audio-call unstructured interviews and regular communication using online messaging apps. During interviews, participants are asked undesigned questions. The data have been closely analysed to determine its morphosyntactic features and shed light on Vivian Cook's multicompetence theory. The reasons behind these features' formation are discussed from five aspects 1) teaching material and teaching method, 2) Teacher’s competence, 3) the absence of systematic learning, 4) Education environment 5) First language interference, based on the analysis and discussion. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. Pedagogy implications are given by the research findings
Development and initial evaluation of the molar incisor hypomineralisation early detection and intervention training module (MIH-EDIT) for dental therapists / Sarah Lim Wan-Lin
No full textIn Malaysia, dental therapists (DTs) are uniquely positioned to assist with molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) early detection and intervention. However, existing literature has highlighted that majority of DTs have not received sufficient training in this area. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop and implement the MIH-EDIT among DTs; 2) assess DTs’ awareness about MIH and aspects on continuous education at baseline; 3) compare DTs’ perception towards MIH and confidence in MIH early detection and intervention before (T0) and immediately after implementing the MIHEDIT (T1); 4) compare DTs’ knowledge scores (KS) and 5) scores for MIH detection using photographic scoring (PS) at T0, T1 and two weeks after implementing the MIHEDIT (T2) and 6) determine the association between DTs’ sociodemographic characteristics (SC) and their KS and PS at T1. This study was divided into two phases: Phase I (Development) and Phase II (Implementation and Evaluation). In Phase I, module content development and validation, consensus photographic scoring, questionnaire adaptation and pilot study were systematically carried out until all module materials and study instruments were finalised. In Phase II, the MIH-EDIT e-booklet was distributed and a 1-day training using pre-recorded presentation slides with live question and answer (Q&A) sessions was implemented among DTs in Sarawak. DTs answered the questionnaire and MIH detection using photographic scoring at T0, T1 and T2. Besides descriptive statistics, DTs perception and confidence at T0 - T1 (McNemar test), KS and PS at T0, T1 and T2 (repeated measures ANOVA) were compared. Association (independent sample t test/ one way ANOVA and ANCOVA) between DTs’ SC and their KS and PS at T1 were determined. The MIH-EDIT was first developed and then implemented among 187 DTs (89.9% response rate). At baseline, only 31.3% reported receiving information regarding MIH and 79.5% were keen for further training. There was a significant increase in the proportion of positive responses for all questions related to perception towards MIH and confidence in MIH early detection and intervention from T0 - T1 (p0.05) was found between DTs’ SC and their mean KS at T1 whereas the mean PS for DTs who had a clinical job scope (21.35�}4.89) was significantly higher (p=0.025) compared to those who had a nonclinical job scope (18.62�}5.57) at T1. Within the study limitations, the MIH-EDIT immediately improved DTs perception towards MIH and confidence in MIH early detection and intervention. The MIH-EDIT increased DTs knowledge level on MIH and improved their ability to detect MIH over the short-term. Knowledge-wise, the MIHEDIT was suited to all DTs regardless of their SC. However, DTs with a clinical job scope performed better in the MIH detection using photographic scoring
Location accuracy improvement in bluetooth low energy based indoor positioning system for remote asset monitoring / Dasmond Roy Philips
No full textManufacturing industry is a fast-growing industry, not only in Malaysia but globally as well. Manufacturing processes are very crucial to this industry as it is the core business of the industry. Hence, companies should ensure smooth flow in their manufacturing processes by meeting their daily output targets in order to sustain in the global market. This is where asset tracking system comes in crucial to the industry. To ensure a smooth flow of manufacturing processes, all assets have to be tracked and made sure to be available at all times for use, to prevent unnecessary and unplanned delays in production. Asset tracking system is a dedicated system, deployed to monitor the movement of assets within an environment, in our case, within production floors. Commonly, location accuracy within an asset tracking system is often compromised due to many factors. This research project mainly aims to improve location accuracy of the asset tracking system through implementation of machine learning algorithms and parameters tuning. Machine learning algorithms that were involved in this research are Support Vector Regression (SVR), Decision Tree (DT) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). Parameters tuning involves elevation angle, tag height, data rate and movement pace of the tags. KNN algorithm delivered lowest RMSE value of 0.631m whereas for parameters tuning, elevation angle of 55˚, tag height of 2.5m, data rate of 50Hz and slow pace combination gives lowest RMSE value of 0.219m respectively. Combining both machine learning and parameters tuning approaches, lowest RMSE value of 0.015m was achieved
Hybrid decontamination method for facial respirators using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and microwave generated steam / Thirumaaran Gopalan
No full textThe unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused a significant escalation in global demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE especially face masks acts as primary respiratory protection against this lethal virus. The worldwide shortage of masks issues due to ever-expanding demand poses a serious threat to health workers worldwide who battling this pandemic on the frontlines. Decontaminating face masks for reuse purposes could be a rewarding solution to mitigate the issue. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide (aHP), and Microwave-Generated Steam (MGS) are among the investigated decontamination methods that exhibit astounding virucidal results while preserving the integrity and performance of the treated mask. This research aims to investigate the decontamination efficiency of the hybrid decontamination system (UVGI + aHP) and (UVGI + MGS) on an N95 respirator contaminated with Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). A mask sterilizing machine prototype equipped with UVGI and aHP decontamination system was designed and developed. Virus viability tests were conducted to measure the efficiency of the selected decontamination treatments. In these tests, N95 respirators inoculated with viable FCoV were treated with selected three decontamination systems in a single and hybrid treatment design by applying varying exposure times. UVGI achieved a log reduction of at least 3 at a lower treatment time compared to MGS and aHP. MGS exhibits higher efficiency in achieving 4 log reduction compared to the other two single treatments. Results exhibit that the tested rapid treatment time of aHP was not effective against the virus. In addition, hybrid decontamination of (UVGI + MGS) achieved at least 4 log reduction in microbial load faster than single treatments of MGS and UVGI. The results indicated that the hybrid decontamination procedure is effective in achieving higher log reduction values
Accrual accounting transition in Federal government of Malaysia: Current status and challenges / Khairunnisa Yahya
No full textThe International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) were purportedly grounded the accounting reforms, providing governments across the globe with the opportunity to improve fiscal transparency, accountability and performance. Taking Federal Government of Malaysia (FGoM) as the setting, the research seeks to understand the current progress in the adoption of Malaysia Public Sector Accounting Standards (MPSAS) (accrual-based IPSAS), identify major challenges that occur during implementation phases as well as assess the effectiveness of accrual financial reporting from the implemented reform. Drawing on institutional change model from a theoretical standpoint, the research acknowledges that ongoing reforms are influenced by the political and socioeconomic environment, acting as barriers and causing delays. Research findings also highlights the importance of well-structured governance and comprehensive reform strategy. The data reveals challenges during the transition phase, including the complexity of developing a financial system for a large and distinctive government, as well as difficulties in managing organizational cultural change, capacity building, and expertise. Furthermore, the findings indicate that accrual-based reporting is perceived as a powerful tool for enhancing fiscal accountability and transperancy, while also emphasizing the importance of cautious disclosure to prevent misinterpretation. This research also underscores the need for a holistic approach during the design and implementation of accounting reforms. It prompts policymakers and practitioners to tailor reform strategies to the specific context of their respective jurisdictions
The effects of mindful exercise on the physical and psychological consequences of primary osteoporosis in older patients / Lyu Fang Fei
No full textPrimary osteoporosis, predominantly driven by the natural ageing process, stands as the most common form of osteoporosis. The implications of osteoporosis extend beyond the physical to encompass multifaceted psychological aspects. Mindfulness is considered a positive psychological consequence since it is effective against pain and negative emotions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an adapted mindful exercise (ME) programme on physical (pain and balance) and psychological (mindfulness, kinesiophobia, anxiety and depression) consequences of primary osteoporosis in older patients. This study was based on the theory of functional consequences and adopted a quantitative design comprising two phases. Phase one is an adaptation and feasibility study for the ME programme while phase two is a randomised controlled trial to assess the effects of the exercise programme. Phase one was conducted between October 2022 to February 2023, and phase two was conducted between February 2023 to October 2023 at the Pain Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 128 patients who met the study criteria were enrolled and randomised to the control or intervention group. Scores on the heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed during the first week of the intervention to ensure the strenuousness of the exercise programme. The other variables (pain, balance, mindfulness, kinesiophobia, anxiety and depression) were measured using the Chinese version of validated instruments (Global Pain Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form, Tampa Kinesiophobia-11 Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at five-time points: T0 (baseline: pre-intervention), T1 (Week 4: during), T2 (Week 8: during), T3 (Week 12: immediately post-intervention) and T4 (Week 16: 4 weeks post-intervention). Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. Normality and homogeneity of the variances were tested using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively. The data was analysed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to test the main and interaction effects of group (independent factor) and time (repeated-measures factor) on the variables. The results revealed significant improvements in pain dimension of the GPS (T3, and T4), feelings dimension of the GPS (T3), balance (T3), mindfulness (T1, T2, T3, and T4), kinesiophobia (T2, T3, and T4), anxiety (T2, T3, and T4) and depression (T3, and T4) in the intervention group compared with the control group (all p 0.05). This study rigorously investigated the effectiveness of an adapted ME programme in enhancing both physical and psychological outcomes among older patients with primary osteoporosis. In addition, the findings of this study provided the baseline information and influence factors on all the study parameters in the Chinese context to raise awareness of osteoporosis. Besides that, the study furnished evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of the ME programme for older patients, particularly in alleviating pain, anxiety, and depression, while also enhancing balance ability