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The act of reading, roles and motivation of participants of Kuala Lumpur book appreciation club / Nuraina Fadhilah Sulaiman
No full textThis study attempts to look at the effect of book club discussion towards the act of reading, its role in community practice. Knowledge power is essential and crucial in developing the nation to harness the power of information and communication technology. One of the prominent ways to do this is to cultivate and create a reading culture in the society. Along the line of globalization and changes in the dimension in which people connect with each other, book club has also evolved with the emergence of the Internet and social media. From past studies, joining a book club can enhance people to read more and inculcate the love of reading in general. Book club in its very essence is community-based. It needs participants of all joiners to make it work. Now that book clubs have also evolved online, it is also worth researching the roles and effect of these book clubs online to its members in its discussion and in community practice. Apart from that, online book clubs that are not connected to education strain will produce readers that read simply for the joy of reading and pleasure. This feature makes online book clubs, which are rapidly developing, worth studying further. Thus, this study aims to analyse the effect of discussion to the act of reading of its participants, role of a book club in community practice, and reading motivation of participants in KL Book Appreciation Club (KLBAC). For this study, a qualitative approach was adopted, and focus group interviews were adopted at one of these online book clubs in Malaysia. The study showed that most participants revealed that they have used the book club and participated in the activities as means of connecting to other people in finding like-minded people while engaging in moral discussions. The voluntary involvement in KLBAC has helped to develop a higher intrinsic motivation to read while introducing a bigger variety of reading mate discussion horizons, especially in critical thinking discussions while at the same time emphasizing the importance of moderators in such activity. The discussion on the backstory of the reading materials, help in improving the book storyline, and cultivating an active to shed light on act of reading of the participants, social place of a book group in society, and their motivation
Development of a wearable patch forglucosemonitoring and insulin delivery / Nurfarrahain Nadia Ahmad
No full textThe development of a closed-loop artificial pancreas system that mimics the function of the real human pancreas has greatly improved the quality of life for those living with diabetes. Here, the development of disposable components of the artificial pancreas device, which consist of a ninja spinning blade’s like microneedles (MNs) array, a finger powered-extraction tool for sensing with diodicity-enhancing components, and a bioinspired patch, are presented. The mechanical-fluid dynamics and structural strength of each component are studied through analytical, simulation, and experimental methods. The microneedles with grooves reduce the interaction contact during the insertion process, resulting in a 50% reduction in the insertion force required compared to the non-grooved ones. Dual release patterns (bolus-basal therapy) are achieved through the combination of spontaneous capillary flow in the outer grooves for instant delivery and the dissolution of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers from their microneedles' bodies for sustained delivery. A minimal vortex formation is achieved by optimizing bore design for extraction and diagnosis purposes. Both designs demonstrated von Mises stress lesser than their material strength, making them robust enough for insertion without fracture. For the extraction tool, the output pressure became uniform after 20 seconds of duty cycles and the flow rate remained at nearly constant levels of 2.2 μL/min. When the serpentine microchannel and hydrogel-assisted reservoir are added to the microfluidic system integration, the diodicity increases by 34% (Di = 1.96) compared to the Tesla integration (Di = 1.45) used alone. There are no signs of backflow based on an experimental visual and weighing analysis. A tree frog pad embedded with the protuberances of the vulgaris octopus design of adhesive patch provides a robust adhesion system under various environmental conditions (dry, moist, under water, and under oil), against various substrate roughness, lesser compressive preloading force, withstand attachment up to 24 hours, and no significant deterioration under multi-attachment-detachment cycles. The designed bioinspired patch reached 57.3 kPa – 116.4 kPa of normal adhesion strength and 29.8 kPa – 93.47 kPa of shear adhesion strength. These results imply that our design may pave the way for developing conformal wearable artificial pancreas devices for daily use without compromising their lifestyle routines
Influence of spouse support and marital satisfaction on the relationship between job satisfaction and teaching abilities of female teachers at universities in Guangxi, China / Yang Qi
No full textAlthough teachers' job satisfaction has been studied for a long time, there has been little
past research on the job satisfaction of married female university teachers in their social
identities, and even less research on teachers' teaching abilities in specific contexts.
Therefore, this study aims to examine whether the marital satisfaction and spouse support
of married female university teachers have a mediating effect on their job satisfaction and
teaching ability. The author conducted the research in a quantitative way, theoretical
validity and reliability of variable scales were established in the study context prior to
data collection, and then a total of 556 married female teachers from 8 universities in
Guangxi, China participated in the questionnaire collection of this study. Then, the author
uses descriptive analysis, multiple linear analysis and Module 4 of PROCESS (multimediators)
to further analyse the research data. The results show that female university
teachers' job satisfaction (Mean=3.6473, SD=.65561) and marital satisfaction
(Mean=3.7286, SD=.70586) are both in high satisfaction level, and also their satisfaction
performance is often evident. At the same time, female teachers perform well in terms of
the current state of perceived spouse support (Mean=3.7300, SD=.68724), presenting the
main outcome dimension of presence and showing more recognition and existential
satisfaction with the implementation and current state of their own teaching abilities (Mean=3.8015, SD=.64941). Furthermore, the research results show that the job
satisfaction of married female teachers has a significant impact on teachers' marital
satisfaction, spouse support and teaching ability, which means when teachers' job
satisfaction is improved, the other three aspects will also be followed by a positive
development. In the verification of mediating variables, it shows that the marital
satisfaction of married female university teachers has a significant mediating effect on
the relationship between job satisfaction and teaching ability of teachers; while their
spouse support is not significant mediating effect on the relationship between job
satisfaction and teaching ability. In a sense, therefore, this study has deepened and
clarified the basic characteristics about teachers’ teaching abilities, includes specific
dimensions of presentation of teaching abilities. At the same time, the single-gender
specific study also prepares the ground for future comparative studies between male and
female teachers on the relevant dimensions. It is therefore, which hoped that this study
will enable universities and academic departments to pay attention to the situation of
teachers and to optimise policies and support for teachers in terms of working hours,
career development and work-life balance with gender detail perspective. It is also hoped
that female teachers themselves will pay attention to the long-term significance of their
married life, as well as to their own life satisfaction and well-being, in order to be better
prepared to demonstrate their teaching abilities and to ensure the quality of their teaching
Investigation of mechanisms involved in mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines / Muhammad Aiman Akmal Shahhiran
No full textBreast cancer has recorded an incidence rate surpassing lung cancer in the recent global report, making it as the most prominent cancer worldwide. DHODH inhibitors are studied for cancer therapy because of their capacity in delivering cell cycle arrest as well as other various therapeutic potential in affecting ATP production, membrane potential and ROS in cancer cells. In this study, the mechanisms of action of brequinar sodium and teriflunomide were explored with a specific focus on their effects on the mitochondrial bioenergetics in breast cancer cell lines with various receptor status. Cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle analysis were analysed using MTT assay and PI staining, respectively. Analysis of intracellular and mitochondrial ROS were conducted using ROS detection assay kits. The biochemical assays of respiratory complexes activities were performed spectrophotometrically using mitochondrial complexes assay kits I-IV. Inhibition assay showed that MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cells of the subtypes (ER+/PR+/HER2-, HR+) and (ER-/PR-/HER2-, TNBC), respectively, were responsive to brequinar but not SKBR-3 (ER-/PR-/HER2+, HER2+). Meanwhile, all cancer cells of different subtypes were less responsive to teriflunomide without showing a competitive value of IC50. The normal cell line was also responsive to both DHODH inhibitors, showing that they are not cancer specific. In cell cycle analysis, all responsive cells showed cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase with a higher percentage of cells in S-phase compared to their respective DMSO controls. In Western blot analysis, p130 cellular differentiation biomarker was found to increase in poorly differentiated MDAMB-231 treated with DHODH inhibitors. DHODH expression was also highest in this TNBC cell line that showed the highest sensitivity towards DHODH inhibition. For ROS analysis, both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS were increased in all treated breast cancer cells compared to normal, regardless of their sensitivities to DHODH inhibitors. The complex I activity was affected by DHODH inhibitor in all breast cancer cells without any particular link to the receptor status. DHODH inhibition disrupted the activities of complex II in HER2+ and complex III in HR+ and TNBC cells. The complex IV activity was not affected by the inhibitors but was rather disrupted as a consequence of dysfunctional complex III. In conclusion, the sensitivity of breast cancer cells towards DHODH inhibitors is independent of their ER/PR receptor status but has a closer association with HER2 receptor status. DHODH inhibitors cause cell differentiation in poorly differentiated breast cells. The sensitivity of breast cancer cells to DHODH inhibitors was found to associate with DHODH expression, doubling time, receptor and tumorigenic status. Most interestingly, we have found that MDAMB-231 TNBC cell was the most affected by DHODH inhibition in terms of sensitivity, cell cycle arrest, induction of cell differentiation, production of ROS and mitochondrial complexes disruption. This study has provided a strong motive to integrate DHODH inhibitors in a combinatorial approach as a potential and valuable targeted therapy for the TNBC subtype
Delay and energy-aware routing for efficient data collection in wireless sensor networks / Ihsan Ali
No full textNowadays, Sensor nodes are widely employed to monitor environmental conditions but face significant challenges, including power supply and rapid, reliable data transmission. The reliance on batteries, especially rechargeable ones, poses a challenge as recharging or replacing them is often not feasible in hazardous environments such as war zones or disaster-stricken areas. Consequently, prolonging battery life is crucial in designing Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Equally important is the synchronization of time between sensor nodes; without it, significant connectivity issues could arise within the network, leading to delayed transmissions and the loss of critical data. Thus, developing an effective routing strategy is key to extending battery life, conserving power, reducing transmission delays, and enhancing throughput. These factors necessitate the creation of an energy-efficient routing algorithm to minimize energy consumption and extend sensor lifetimes. In smart communities, WSNs support various applications, including healthcare and environmental monitoring. The use of multiple mobile sinks across the network for prompt data collection presents a challenge in cost-effective data management, especially in time-sensitive WSNs applications. The presence of several mobile sinks creates a trade-off between maximizing network lifetime and minimizing delay in large-scale, time-sensitive WSNs. The primary challenge is to find a balanced solution that optimizes network lifespan and minimizes communication delays.
Different methods for data collection in WSNs have been extensively investigated in existing research, yet the results (total energy consumption, throughput, and end-to-end delay) remain inconclusive. To address relay node selection and data scheduling issues, Energy-Efficient Scheduling (EES) and Energy-Efficient Un-Scheduling (EEUS) methods have been introduced using the Improved Discrete Bat Algorithm (IDBA) along with the Adaptive Warshal Floyd algorithm (AWF). The hybrid method, IDBA-AFW, aims to enhance the original IDBA by incorporating the Adaptive Floyd-Warshall algorithm for graph transformation and optimization. The main objectives are to identify optimally reliable nodes and perform effective data scheduling in WSNs, thereby maximizing throughput, minimizing energy consumption, and reducing end-to-end delay. The AFW algorithm reduces unnecessary computations by focusing only on useful edge entries in the graph, thereby expediting the optimization process. The IDBA-AFW evaluates the fitness of relay nodes based on multiple criteria, such as energy efficiency, throughput, and end-to-end delay. Both Bat Algorithm parameters and AFW parameters are adaptively tuned to balance exploration and exploitation throughout the optimization process. Evaluations and comparisons with existing solutions show that EES and EEUS using IDBA-AWF significantly improve data collection in terms of energy consumption, throughput, and end-to-end delay
Effects of cleaning agents on flexural modulus and light transmittance of polypropylene dental material / Liew Liang Huey
No full textIntroduction: Polypropylene is commonly used as a clear plastic retainer in orthodontics. Clear plastic retainers are popular due to aesthetic, good patient acceptability and cost-effectiveness. To date, no ideal cleaning methods for retainers are found in the current literature. Previous studies have primarily focused on the effect of commercial chemical cleaning agents on the flexibility and translucency of polypropylene. However, the effects of baking soda, different concentrations of vinegar and Polident® Pro Retainer & Guard remain unexplored. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of baking soda, vinegar, and Polident® Pro Retainer & Guard on the flexibility and translucency of polypropylene dental materials. The objectives were to compare the flexural modulus and light transmittance of polypropylene dental material at baseline and after 30 days of exposure to these cleaning agents and analyse the mean difference in flexural modulus and light transmittance among the cleaning agents after the 30-day period. Methodology: Eighty-five polypropylene thermoforming foil (Erkolign, Erkodent) of 1-mm thickness were thermoformed onto a stainless-steel block of 65 mm x 60 mm x 6 mm using thermoforming machine (Erkopress ES-200E, Erkodent). These foils were cut into two dimensions: (A) 50.8 mm x 12.7 mm and (B) 50.0 mm x 35.0 mm. Specimens sized (A) and (B) were assigned randomly to five groups with 17 samples per group namely 10% baking soda solution, 2.5% vinegar, 5.0% vinegar, Polident® Pro Retainer & Guard, and distilled water. Specimens sized (A) were tested for baseline flexural modulus and specimens sized (B) were tested for baseline light transmittance. These specimens were placed into their respective beaker separated by glass beads. They were immersed in their respective cleaning agents for 15 minutes except Polident® Pro Retainer & Guard for three minutes as per manufacturer instructions. Subsequently, the specimens were rinsed thoroughly with distilled water and stored in artificial saliva maintained at 37 °C. The specimens underwent this process for 30 days. After 30 days of exposure to cleaning agents, the specimens were tested for flexural modulus and light transmittance respectively. Data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Significant statistical differences were observed in the flexural modulus (p < 0.001) and light transmittance (p < 0.05) of polypropylene dental material between baseline and after 30 days of exposure to cleaning agents. The mean difference in flexural modulus (p = 0.02, < 0.05) and light transmittance (p < 0.001) after 30 days varied significantly among the cleaning agents. Baking soda significantly reduced (p = 0.019) the flexural modulus of the polypropylene compared to 5.0% vinegar. Regarding light transmittance, 2.5% vinegar differed significantly from other cleaning agents except for 5.0% vinegar. Conclusion: Baking soda, vinegar, and Polident® Pro Retainer & Guard affected the flexural modulus and light transmittance of polypropylene dental materials after 30 days of exposure by reducing its flexural modulus, signifying increased flexibility and increasing its light transmittance, indicating increased translucency while mean difference in flexibility and translucency varied between cleaning agents
Parametric modelling of phase change materials (PCM) for enhanced energy efficiency in tropical high-rise office buildings / Zhan Haoxiang
No full textThis comprehensive study, conducted in a high-rise office building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, investigates the strategic integration of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort, utilising a District Cooling System (DCS). The research meticulously evaluates the impact of various PCM configurations on energy consumption and indoor environmental quality, revealing that an optimal PCM selection and thickness can lead to a significant 13.8% reduction in energy usage and a substantial decrease in reliance on conventional cooling systems. Furthermore, the study demonstrates a notable improvement in thermal comfort, with a reduction of 115 discomfort hours, which is pivotal for occupant well-being and productivity in tropical climates. The optimal PCM configuration identified is a 10mm thickness of RT22HC, which effectively balances energy savings and thermal comfort. The synergistic interaction between PCMs and DCS operations is highlighted, with PCMs moderating indoor temperatures more effectively and reducing the DCS load, contributing to further energy savings. The study projects that PCMs can sustain their role in enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort over the long term, despite future climate changes, suggesting that adaptive strategies may be necessary to address potential climatic shifts. In conclusion, this research advocates for the strategic use of PCMs in tropical office buildings as a sustainable solution for energy conservation and thermal management, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote green building practices
Developing a building contract administration framework for graduate architects managing housing projects / Tiew Si Yee
No full textThe building contract administrator (usually the architect) is assigned to all the project matters from the time of signing the building contract until the work is accepted and final payment has been made. As the number of projects is increasing and the scope of the building contract administrator is huge, architects are unable to hands-on every project and they require the involvement of graduate architects to assist in their work. Ultimately, graduate architects play a vital role in supporting building contract administration (BCA) of housing projects in Malaysia. Previous research showed that architectural firms are dissatisfied with the quality of graduate architects and they have to re-train to make them fit for their jobs before starting their practice. The architectural education syllabus did not overcome the gap between institutions and the dynamic real world causing graduate architects to spend more time exploring while supporting BCA to acquire the necessary skills and experience. Hence, the purpose of this research is to enhance the performance of graduate architects while supporting BCA of housing projects in Malaysia through the development of the BCA framework by identifying the types of obstacles, root causes, and mitigation measures and understanding the relationship between these variables. A mixed methodology was implemented to achieve the purpose of the research. A quantitative method was used to determine the sub-themes and sequence arrangement of the BCA framework. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) survey data collected from graduate architects were analysed using statistical analysis, factor analysis, and relative importance index (RII). The relationship between variables was investigated using mediation analysis. A qualitative method was used to obtain a detailed description of the phenomenon through seven (7) selected case studies that involved documentation reviews and semi-structured interviews with twenty (20) respondents. Data collected are analysed using thematic and content analysis. A focus group was undertaken with practicing architects to validate the draft framework. The research concluded that there are 5 themes of management in BCA. Findings from the quantitative method concluded that obstacles faced by graduate architects (or named performance barriers) while supporting BCA are deficient in BCA management. The root causes of the obstacles (or named BCA skills) are inadequate skills in BCA management and mitigation measures to resolve the obstacles (or named competence development) is to instill knowledge in BCA management. Mediation analysis results showed variables from performance barriers to be the sub-theme of the content framework. Findings from the qualitative method concluded that strategies for letter writing, authority submission, materials assessment, etc. are required in BCA management. The contribution of this research to the existing knowledge is the development of a BCA framework that serves as a reference tool for graduate architects’ professional development in building contract administration. Academics can use the outcome of this research as a reference in their teaching modules which will help students to think about complex situations of building contract administration
Loan loss provisions and bank value: Relationship and the influence of economic policy uncertainty and non performing loans / Lai Wan Fei
No full textLoan loss provisions are utilized to mitigate potential loan losses, yet the relationship between these provisions and bank value has remained ambiguous, largely unexplored due to limitations in existing financial theories, regulatory standards, and empirical studies. These sources often fail to thoroughly examine how risk management practices, such as loan loss provisions, influence bank value, leaving a significant gap in knowledge. This study is the first to reveal a notable negative relationship between loan loss provisions and bank value, highlighting significant nonlinearity in loan loss provisions and the moderating impacts of economic policy uncertainty and non-performing loans, using a panel data regression analysis of US banking data. The nonlinear models indicate that reducing loan loss provisions could adversely affect bank value, potentially driven by the intention to increase compensation payouts. Conversely, the adoption of negative loan loss provisions appears to positively impact bank value, attributed to the generation of excess capital for enhancing financial stability. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of loan loss provisions on bank value are found to be mitigated by economic policy uncertainty and non-performing loans, with variations observed across different bank sizes, levels of prudence, and during financial crises. This study suggests the need for careful monitoring and regulation of loan loss provisioning to maintain high financial stability and integrity. These findings, which remain robust after extensive robustness and endogeneity checks, significantly advance the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impact of loan loss provisions on bank value
Malignant transformation in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: A retrospective study / Low Yin Kuan
No full textBackground: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) are chronic inflammatory diseases associated with T-cell mediated immunological dysfunction and are classified as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Studies have provided evidence of malignant potential of OLP and OLL but studies targeting Asian population is lacking. There is inconsistency in the malignant transformation (MT) rate of OLP and OLL. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the MT rate of OLP and OLL diagnosed at the Oral Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. The specific objectives were to determine the prevalence of OLP/OLL diagnosed at the Diagnostic Oral Pathology Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. This study also sought to determine the socio-demographic, clinical features, histopathological features and MT rate of OLP and OLL in patients seeking treatment at the Oral Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by retrieving pathologic reports of OLP, OLL and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) with a provisional diagnosis of OLP and OLL from the year 2008-2018. Clinical notes of the retrieved cases were reviewed to look for evidence of malignant transformation. Histopathological slides were reviewed to evaluate the histopathological features of OLP, OLL and OLP/OLL with dysplasia. Results: The prevalence of OLP/OLL was 5.7%. Most of the cases were OLL, followed by OLP and OLP/OLL with dysplasia. The overall MT rate for OLP was 1.89%. The specific MT rate for OLP, OLL and OLP/OLL with dysplasia was 0%, 0% and 12.5% respectively. The most common dysplastic features seen were premature keratinization in single cell and generalized premature keratinization. Conclusions: OLP/OLL with dysplasia showed the highest MT rate. It is important to regularly follow-up OLP and OLL patients, particularly those with dysplastic changes