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Possible decay modes in the heavy to superheavy island of range 98 < Z < 120 within the relativistic mean-field approach / Theeb Y. T. Alsultan
No full textThis thesis aims to explore alpha radioactivity in superheavy nuclei using semi-empirical and microscopic approaches. The primary objectives include: firstly, examining the influence of nuclear rotation on the decay half-lives of superheavy nuclei within the range 98 ::; Z ::; 120 using the axially deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in the continuum (DRHBc), which incorporates recent semi-empirical formulae to provide a systematic understanding of alpha-radioactivity. The findings suggest that the predictions made by all semi-empirical formulae align more closely with the available experimental data when considering the rotation effect. However, it has been demonstrated that the impact of nuclear rotation gradually diminishes as the atomic nucleus becomes heavier. Secondly, the in-medium effects are incorporated into the R3Y NN potential through density-dependent nucleon-meson coupling within the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) framework. This relativistic medium-dependent R3Y, called DD-R3Y NN potentials, are for the first time used to obtain the nucleus-nucleus potential as input into the Preformed cluster-decay model (PCM). The penetration probability is calculated using the WKB approximation, and the preformation probability (Pa) is estimated using a recently derived formula, which is based on parameters well known to influence the radioactivity of the a -particles. A close correlation is observed between the a-preformation factor and the crucial role of the pairing correlation in the a-decay process. Furthermore, the Pa values for the even-even nuclei are generally found to be of higher magnitude than those for the odd-A nuclei. The results further affirm the odd-even staggering effect on the Qa values and its accompanying effects on other observables such as the charge radii and the decay half-lives, which can be largely attributed to the pairing correlation and Pauli blocking of the unpaired valence nucleons. Thus, correlations are established between bulk properties and decay properties in the ground state of207•208Th isotopic chains
Performance evaluation of a low energy pulsed plasma thruster / Lee Hong Chun
No full textPulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) is an established electric propulsion system with low cost and simple design. The research on PPT has grown a lot recently due to the demand and increasing interest in low cost and miniature sized satellites. In the PPT, plasma is produced through the surface breakdown of solid PTFE propellant, with the resulting selfinduced Lorentz force propelling the plasma to generate thrust. In this work, the performance of a side-fed, tongue-flared PPT operated at a range of lower discharge energy of 0.5 to 2.5 J has been investigated. The tongue-flared electrode geometry and side-fed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) solid propellant configuration are used as these have been known to produce excellent thrust efficiency. The impulse bit (Ibit), specific impulse (Isp), mass bit (mbit) and thrust efficiency (η) are measured by a torsional thrust stand and these performance parameters are compared to those reported in other PPTs of similar range of discharge energy. Degradation of the solid PTFE propellant is evaluated from the Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) imaging and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis of the PTFE bars after 10,000 discharges. It is found that at discharge energy around 2 J and above, the performance parameters are consistent with those in other PPT systems of similar configuration. Discrepancy observed at energies below 2 J is attributed to the low mass bit related to the discharge behaviour. Triple Langmuir probe is used to measure the spatial distribution of the plasma characteristics, such as electron temperature, Te and electron density, ne. These measurements were carried out up to 30 degrees angle from the centreline. The velocity of plasma ions was determined by calculating transit times from the point of initial surface discharge on the PTFE surface to the probe locations. It showed non-symmetry behaviour in the perpendicular plane, this afforded us a better overall view on how the plasma plume expanded and could facilitate further model simulations of PPT. Comparison with other PPT systems which were operated at a wide range of energies validated this low energy PPT. The measured values of Te and ne were consistent with those reported for other PPTs within the same order of energy range
Analysis of the practical application of Kodaly method by music teachers in Mianzhu Middle School, China / Wenxuan Wu
No full textOngoing reforms in China's education system have highlighted the importance of junior high school music education in developing students' musical literacy and overall development. The Kodaly Method, with its focus on personalized and participatory teaching, is poised to enhance music education practices. The study delved into the practical application of the Kodaly Method at Mianzhu Middle School. Through in-depth interviews with two music teachers, this qualitative research explored the effectiveness of the Kodaly Method in aligning with the school's music curriculum standards. The findings indicate that, although the Kodaly Method has made significant strides in Chinese music education, regional disparities and varying levels of emphasis on music education persist. At Mianzhu Middle School, the two teachers demonstrated a foundational understanding of the Kodaly Method, incorporating Curwen hand signs and the Movable-do system into their classroom instruction. The method effectively enhanced students' musical interest and comprehension of abstract music theory. However, challenges such as limited parental involvement in music education and the need for continuous integration and adaptation with other teaching methodologies were identified. While the Kodaly Method is well-implemented at Mianzhu Middle School, further exploration of its practical application in junior high school settings is essential. This study serves as a reference for educational practices and reforms at Mianzhu Middle School and other schools with similar educational contexts
A study on first-mile mode choice to Mass Rapid Transit System in Klang Valley / Ikeh Bleshius Obinna
No full textThe Mass Rapid Transit system in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, is one of the crucial transportation networks that urban and suburban inhabitants use for their daily commutes. Providing excellent first and last-mile transport mode is crucial in developing a sustainable transportation in a country. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Klang Valley, Malaysia, serves a distinct function in urban transportation. It has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion, hence promoting the development of a sustainable transport system within the city. The issue of traffic congestion exacerbates as commuters fail to utilise public transportation. The study identified several issues, including a limited range of travel options, inadequate coverage of public transport networks in certain areas, and households with lower incomes having fewer choices for transport modes. This study examined five modes of first-mile transport in Klang Valley, which are “Walking”, “Motorcycle”, “Private Car”, “e-Hailing Services” and “Shuttle Buses”. This study gathered information through online surveys and hardcopy surveys, which were shared to travellers at six Mass Rapid Transit stations. The data examined individual-level and contextual factors influencing first-mile travel behaviour. The results reveal that despite varying contexts, the six determinants such as age, status, professions, monthly income, and travel distance significantly explain individual mode choice in first-mile travel
Innovative work behavior among academic staff in higher education institutions in China / Qingjin Lin
No full textIn order to achieve the innovation and goals of higher education institutions (HEIs) and to effectively meet the increasing competition and challenges, HEIs are looking for different ways to encourage innovative work behavior among academic staff. Based onsocial exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resources (COR)theory, this study explored the potential mechanisms and boundary conditions of the relationship between multifactorial antecedents (organizational justice, perceived organizational support (POS), transformational leadership, ethical leadership, and cultural intelligence (CQ)) and innovative work behavior of academic staff. Data were collected from academic staff and their immediate leaders in 226 HEIs in China. The results showed that (1) all four antecedent variables including POS, transformational leadership, ethical leadership, and CQ could significantly contribute to innovative work behavior, except for organizational justice, which had a non-significant direct relationship with innovative work behavior; (2) the mediating mechanism of work engagement between CQ and innovative work behavior was non-significant; however, organizational justice, POS, transformational leadership, and ethical leadership were allpositively associated withinnovative work behavior through the mediating role of work engagement; (3) psychological empowerment acted as a moderator between multifactorial antecedents (organizational justice, POS, transformational leadership, ethical leadership, and CQ) and innovative work behavior of academic staff. Based on this, this study also discusses and highlights theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and recommendations
Production and perception of English lexical stress patterns of Thai and Chinese speakers / Li Xinrui
No full textThis dissertation examines Thai and Chinese English, characterized as a variety of English that may exhibit a lack of identifiable lexical stress. Consequently, this might impact the mutual capacity to be recognized in English. There are two main experiments. Firstly, to test the differences in English acoustic features produced by Thai and Chinese L1 speakers, trisyllabic English words with controlled parts of speech obtained from the British National Corpus (BNC) were used. Analyzing the impact of various tonal languages on the lexical stress on English words by studying how Thai and Chinese L1 speakers produce and perceive speech. Praat is used to visualize the acoustic properties of 25 English words generated by four speakers from Thailand and Mainland China. Then, the production results are used as a comparison item for the perception accuracy to study the L1 language effect on L2 lexical stress perception by different language groups. Acoustic analyses of both groups’ production indicated they implemented word stress with a longer vowel duration. The stress perception results showed that both Mandarin Chinese and Thai listeners could recognize more than half of the stress positions. A careful examination of the produced acoustic data suggested that average F0 may have been responsible for their stress perception, especially in Chinese groups. The overall
findings suggest strong L1 influences on the recognition of L2 English lexical stress. Meanwhile, stress familiarity and word classes also play the great role in stress perception. Further extensive acoustic research on the production and perception of stress in L2 by speakers of tonal languages will enhance our comprehension of how the prosodic system of L1 influences the learning of lexical stress in L2, resulting in a completer and more precise framework for understanding the acquisition of lexical stress across different English varieties. Future studies are needed to do a comparative analysis between the production of English non-word stimuli and real-world stimuli to fully consider the intonation influence
Unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema diagnosis and monitoring system using bioimpedance analysis on a smartphone application / Syarifah Aisyah Syed Ibrahim
No full textLymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment can significantly impact the quality of life for affected individuals. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of lymphedema are crucial for effective management. However, current methods are inconvenient, expensive, and limited accessibility. This thesis presents the development of a portable system for diagnosing and monitoring unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (UBCRL) using bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and a smartphone application. The developed UBRCL system utilises BIA technique via bioimpedance spectroscopy frequency analysis. The bioimpedance analyser includes an impedance analyser unit (AD5941), isolating capacitors (0.47 μF), limiting resistors (1 kΩ), electrostatic discharge protection unit, calibration resistors (1 kΩ), and ADuCM3029 microcontroller. The AD5941 embeds an AC voltage signal generator, high-precision current meter, differential voltage meter, and Discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The DFT processes measured data, calculating real and imaginary parts, while the ADuCM3029 microcontroller computes bioimpedance values. The system applies tetrapolar electrode configuration for uniform current distribution and eliminates skin contact impedance. Frequencies from 5 kHz to 200 kHz with 400 μA are delivered to the upper limbs through source electrodes. Resultant bioimpedance measurements are captured using sense electrodes. The bioimpedance measurements are wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone application via Bluetooth. Data is sent to the Google Cloud Function to extrapolate Cole parameters, specifically the resistance at zero frequency (R0), and evaluate inter-arm R0 ratio. The R0 ratio is stored in Firestore database and on the app, aiding UBCRL diagnosis and monitoring. The smartphone application was developed using the Flutter framework. The app functions to initiate measurements with the bioimpedance analyser and provides a user interface for diagnosing and monitoring UBCRL. The UBCRL system was tested and validated using passive loads and clinical validation involving 45 healthy participants and 100 unilateral BCRL patients. The results were compared with established devices: LCR meter and Quadscan 4000. The validation results using passive loads against an LCR meter demonstrated high accuracy and precision with 0.5% error, 0.01 standard deviation, 0.08% precision, and R–squared value of 0.999. Validation results compared with Quadscan 4000 showed negligible difference (p > 0.05), indicating high similarity with the commercial device. The clinical validation showed that the developed UBCRL system could differentiate between healthy and lymphedema-affected upper limbs. The R0 ratios were significantly different between healthy participants and stage 0 and those with stage 1 (p < 0.001) and stage 2 (p < 0.001) lymphedema. The UBCRL detection threshold in Malaysia was identified as 1.077 for dominant affected and 1.047 for non–dominant affected individuals. Mean and standard deviation dominant affected individuals were: stage 0 (1.034 ± 0.021), stage 1 (1.145 ± 0.035), stage 2 (1.394 ± 0.090). For non–dominant affected individuals: stage 0 (0.989 ± 0.029), stage 1 (0.989 ± 0.014), stage 2 (1.447 ± 0.712). These findings demonstrate the potential of the developed UBCRL system for diagnosis, monitoring and effective treatment management of UBCRL. The system is non-invasive, portable and affordable, increasing access particularly in resource-limited settings
The nexus between happiness and economic performance: New insights from global panel data / Lee Yok Yong
No full textThe global financial crisis has prompted the reconsideration of gross domestic product as an all-encompassing measure of standard of living and societal progress. Accordingly, there is a growing consensus to pursue growth-oriented policies that incorporate happiness. Nevertheless, conventional economic growth models predominantly focus on macroeconomic factors and under-recognise happiness as an engine of the standard of living. This study aims to investigate the effect of happiness on the standard of living, the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between happiness and the standard of living, and the channels (i.e. human capital, labour productivity and life expectancy) through which happiness improves the standard of living. The empirical model adopted in this study is grounded on the augmented Solow model. The panel datasets from 104 countries spanning 2006 to 2018 were scrutinised. The two-step difference generalised method of moments robust standard errors was applied to examine the effect of happiness on the standard of living measured by income per capita. The empirical results imply that increasing happiness can lead to an improvement in the per capita income, ranging from 1% to 3%. Importantly, the positive effect of happiness on the standard of living is approximately four times greater in developed countries than in developing countries. The existing literature addressing the effect of happiness on the standard of living is ambiguous, often underplaying the potential moderating effect of institutional quality in explaining the divergent findings. The moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between happiness and the standard of living was explored using a two-step system generalised method of moments. The empirical results indicate that the relationship between happiness and the standard of living is contingent on the aggregate institutional quality. The rule of law and voice and accountability significantly influence this relationship in developing countries. Despite theoretically identifiable channels through which happiness improves the standard of living, empirical evidence remains scarce, revealing a research lacuna. Non-recursive structural equation modelling was conducted to determine the mediating effects of human capital, labour productivity and life expectancy on the relationship between happiness and the standard of living. The empirical results reveal that labour productivity is the dominant mediator in the relationship between happiness and the standard of living, applicable in both developing and developed countries. Developing countries exhibit equal importance for human capital and life expectancy, whilst life expectancy surpasses human capital as a mediator in developed countries. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of governments implementing growth-oriented policies incorporate happiness. It provides policy-relevant implications, emphasising investment in people and ensuring inclusivity. The enhancement of human capital, increased labour productivity, and extended life expectancy contribute to the development of skills, creativity, and efficiency among the people, who are the greatest assets of any country
Analisis keperluan golongan belia gelandangan di Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur / Nurmahfuzah Razak
No full textGelandangan merupakan satu permasalahan sosial sejagat. Gelandangan berpunca daripada interaksi pelbagai faktor yang saling terkait, termasuk faktor individu, sosial dan faktor struktural. Golongan gelandangan terdiri daripada pelbagai latar belakang; termasuklah golongan belia gelandangan yang merupakan tumpuan kajian ini. Walaupun terdapat pelbagai bentuk intervensi dan perkhidmatan telah disediakan oleh pelbagai pihak, permasalahan gelandangan masih tidak mampu ditangani secara sepenuhnya. Hal ini menimbulkan persoalan sama ada program bantuan dan perkhidmatan yang disediakan memenuhi keperluan golongan belia gelandangan ini. Bagi memahami dengan lebih mendalam berkenaan bentuk keperluan golongan belia gelandangan, satu kajian kualitatif telah dilakukan untuk mengenalpasti faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan belia menjadi gelandangan, menganalisis masalah dan defisit keperluan yang dihadapi oleh golongan belia gelandangan, dan mencadangkan serangkaian tindakan pemantapan terhadap program-program intervensi sosial sedia ada untuk memenuhi keperluan golongan belia gelandangan agar mereka dapat hidup berdikari dan kembali berintergrasi ke dalam masyarakat. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan teknik temubual secara mendalam bagi mengumpulkan maklumat daripada 22 orang belia gelandangan yang hidup bergelandangan di jalanan serta tinggal di bilik sewa di sekitar kawasan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. Kajian ini mendapati golongan belia gelandangan dapat memenuhi keperluan fisiologi mereka; namun, masih tidak mampu memenuhi keperluan keselamatan, keperluan kasih sayang, punya-mempunyai (belonginess) dan penerimaan (acceptance), keperluan kendiri, keperluan kognitif, keperluan kemahiran dan keperluan kesempurnaan diri masih tidak mampu dicapai secara sepenuhnya. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar program intervensi sosial yang dirancang dan dilaksanakan perlu memenuhi defisit keperluan serta mampu memperkasakan golongan belia gelandangan agar mereka dapat keluar daripada kehidupan bergelandangan dan kembali berintegrasi ke dalam masyarakat
Knowledge and perception of palliative care among final year undergraduate dental students in Malaysia / Reenaraj Kaur Sandhu Gurnam Singh
No full textBackground: Patients in palliative care need specialized dental attention encompassing operative and preventive care, as well as emotional support. However, some dentists lack the requisite knowledge. Thus, palliative care training among future dentists is vital in maintaining oral hygiene, conducting examinations, and addressing potential complications for these patients. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to: i) assess the knowledge and training received about palliative care among dental students, ii) to assess students’ perception on the subject of palliative care and the need to introduce this subject in dental undergraduate curriculum, and iii) to compare the level of knowledge and perception on palliative care training between students in universities with and without Special Care Dentistry (SCD) in their curriculum. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered online questionnaire (via Google Forms) to assess the adequacy and perception of palliative care teaching among Malaysian dental students. After the pilot study, the final questionnaire was distributed in six universities in Malaysia, consisting of three with special care dental training and three without. Participants answered true/false questions assessing their knowledge of palliative care (10-items) and a 5-point Likert scale for perceptions (5-items). Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The questionnaire was sent out to the whole sample of 346, of which 298 participated, giving an overall response rate of 86%. Most students received palliative care training through lectures (88.3%). The students’ knowledge on the definition, aim and common oral conditions in palliative care was moderate. However, 62.8% of them failed to understand that palliative care does not postpone death. There were 79.9% of the students who were unable to understand the concept of patient centered communication in palliative care. Also, some of them (25.8%) did not know the correct position when providing oral hygiene care and 22.5% of them did not know that morphine is a common pain control medication in palliative care. Most of the students agreed to have palliative care included as part of their undergraduate syllabus and dentists should be included as part of the palliative care team. Universities with SCD in the syllabus had a significant association (p-value = 0.002) with the perception of dentists joining a palliative care team, by majority of student who strongly agreed (27.3%) as compared to universities without SCD (15.3%). Conclusion: There was inadequate knowledge in certain aspects of palliative care among the students. The knowledge and perception of the subject of palliative care was better in students in universities that offered SCD in their syllabus. Therefore, there is a need to introduce palliative care in Malaysian dental undergraduate syllabus either through SCD subject or directly as a topic on its own