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Oral health perceptions among malaysian elite athletes and para-athletes: Psychosocial impacts, sports performance, and barriers to care / Lynn Ko Wei Linn
No full textBackground: Oral health is an integral part of general health and is paramount for optimal athletic performance and maintaining good quality of life. Aim: To compare the perception of oral health status and its impact on psychosocial aspects and sports performance among Malaysian elite athletes and para-athletes. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted with Phase I being an institutional cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative study utilising purposive sampling of elite athletes and para-athletes using a questionnaire adapted from the Oral Health Screening Toolkit for Athletes developed by University College London, UK. Data collection was carried out February-June 2022 for elite para-athletes; and April 2023-February 2024 for elite athletes. This was followed by semi-structured interviews conducted May-July 2024. The interview explored perceived oral health status, impacts on psychosocial aspects and sports performance, barriers to accessing routine oral care, and suggestions for improving oral healthcare delivery. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data were analysed thematically to identify key patterns and differences between the two groups. Results: A total of 57 elite para-athletes and 57 elite athletes were age and sex matched for comparative analysis. There were no significant differences in perceived health and oral health status among elite athletes and para-athletes. Oral health related psychosocial impacts were not significantly different between elite para-athletes (Median=8.33, IQR=20.83) and elite athletes (Median=8.33, IQR=25.00). The total impact score for sports performance was significantly lower in elite para-athletes (M=9.23, SD=12.14) compared to elite athletes (M=17.07, SD=21.59) with a difference of -7.84 (95% CI,-14.3 to -1.3). Thematic analysis revealed that oral health impacts athletes' psychosocial well-being and performance, affecting their confidence, social interactions, and training routines. Barriers to oral healthcare include limited accessibility, high treatment costs, and time constraints, highlighting the need for tailored strategies such as improved access, integrated services at sports institutions, educational campaigns, and supportive policies. Conclusion: This is the first study comparing self-reported oral health among elite athlete and elite para-athlete population in Malaysia. The study highlights the need for improved oral healthcare access and services for elite athletes and para-athletes. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring athletes maintain optimal oral health, supporting both their social well-being and sports performance
Dual functionalized coconut shell bioadsorbent with chlorella microalgae and magnesium oxide for enhanced CO2 capture / Nuradila Zahirah Mohd Azmi
No full textThe increasing carbon dioxide emissions resulting from industrial and human activities require the implementation of effective carbon capture systems. Adsorption using solid adsorbents, such as activated carbon has emerged as the most preferred among other technologies due to its simplicity and wide range of applications for CO2 adsorption and utilization. Nevertheless, conventional solid adsorbents have limitations such as the need for complex regeneration processes, poor efficiency, dependence on non-renewable resources, and high energy consumption for production. Hence, this study aims to develop a green bio-adsorbent from coconut shell (CS) which is a type of agricultural waste, to capture CO2, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. CS was chosen as a precursor for the synthesis of a bio-adsorbent due to its abundant access, with a worldwide production of 63.7 million metric tonnes annually. However, raw CS exhibits low adsorption efficiency due to lower carbon-to-surface ratio and surface area availability. To overcome this limitation, potassium hydroxide was used to activate the carbonised CS, hence promoting the development of a porous structure in an energyefficient and alkaline environment. Further enhancement involved dual-functionalisation using Chlorella microalgae and magnesium oxide (MgO) to introduce nitrogen and metal oxide functional groups, enhancing CO2 capture further due to basicity. The characterisation revealed the successful development of the ternary composite bioadsorbent, functionalised with microalgae and MgO (HCS-N-Mg), with specific surface area of 1045 m2/g, which is as high as the conventional activated carbon, and containing nitrogen and MgO functional groups. XRD analysis of HCS-N-Mg reveals crystalline peaks at 36.8°, 42.9°, and 62.4°, confirming the successful impregnation of MgO. The CO2 adsorption experiments were conducted using High-Pressure Volumetric Analysis, examining the effects of temperature and pressure using a design of experiments. The dual functionalised CS with microalgae and MgO, HCS-N-Mg, exhibits 50% higher CO2
adsorption capacity (2.63 mmol/g) than pristine bio-adsorbent, HCS (1.75 mmol/g). Statistical analyses suggest that the adsorption capacity of HCS-N-Mg is influenced by pressure, temperature, and their interaction. Adsorption isotherms show that the nonlinear Sips model best describes the CO2 adsorption onto HCS-N-Mg, indicating multilayer adsorption with surface heterogeneity of n=2.3, providing various adsorption sites for CO2 binding. Additionally, thermodynamic analysis confirms the chemisorption and stability of HCS-N-Mg at 25-75°C, with an enthalpy of -20.45 kJ/mol, compared to -13.23 kJ/mol for HCS, with stable adsorption at 25-50°C, indicating higher stability at elevated temperatures. Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to determine the CO2 adsorption mechanism onto bio-adsorbent surfaces. DFT result demonstrated that the dual-functionalisation enhances the binding interactions between the carbon surface and CO2. Compared to conventional adsorbent, HCS-N-Mg outperforms by 40%, highlighting the potential of microalgae and MgO in advancing carbon capture technology and addressing environmental challenges
Two-step hydrothermal synthesis of manganese oxide impregnated fruit waste derived adsorbent for cationic dye removal / Fathimath Afrah Solih
No full textThe global production of biomass waste is significant, with an estimated 180 billion tonnes generated yearly. In recent years, research has increasingly focused on resource recovery from non-toxic biomass waste due to its high carbon content, renewability, and abundant availability. Therefore, considering the notable characteristics of agricultural waste biomass, this study aims to develop a low-cost fruit-waste-based adsorbent to remove the cationic dye from aqueous solutions. Unlike conventional biomass-based adsorbents, this study introduces a novel hybrid synthesis combining avocado seeds and banana peels, chemically modified to optimize adsorption performance. These inexpensive, carbon-rich biomass materials have mesoporous surfaces and contain oxygenated functional groups, which are crucial for dye removal. Furthermore, hydrothermal carbonization is an innovative and energy-efficient thermochemical process that enhances the yield of adsorbent materials. To further enhance its performance, the adsorbent underwent phosphoric acid activation and manganese oxide impregnation. Chemical activation enhances the physicochemical characteristics of the biomass materials, while manganese oxide impregnation reduces agglomeration and facilitates electrostatic attractions for removing cationic dyes. The physicochemical analysis revealed the metal-impregnated adsorbent (HA/Mn) and acid-activated adsorbent (HA) from avocado seed and banana peel (RA) demonstrated a significant increment in surface area (666 m2/g) compared to activated HA (535 m2/g) and unmodified RA (1.19 m2/g). The functional group analysis indicates that HA/Mn is an efficient adsorbent as the modification introduces additional hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, phosphate, and manganese functional groups. Adsorption study also revealed that HA/Mn completely removed the colour, which is 37% to 33% higher than that of the raw avocado seed (63%) and raw banana peel (67%), respectively. HA/Mn also shows 29 % increase in adsorption capacity (199 mg/g) compared to the raw adsorbent banana peel (112 mg/g) and 18 % higher than raw avocado seed (181 mg/g). The validation study demonstrated that HA/Mn is the most efficient with a COD removal of 85 % with 18 % more colour removal and 23 % increased adsorption capacity compared to RA. Besides, kinetic and isotherm studies confirmed that HA/Mn fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Redlich-Peterson isotherm model with a β value of 0.9412, suggesting a dominantly homogenous chemisorption process. This study also integrated machine learning in biomass-based dye removal, significantly improving large-scale predictability and efficiency. The Random Forest Regression Model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting dye removal efficiency, both at the laboratory and large-scale application levels, enhancing the scalability of this approach. The reusability study revealed that HA/Mn has a 48 % higher regeneration capacity, leading to an over 80 % reduction in adsorption costs, making it a highly economical alternative to commercial adsorbents. Additionally, HA/Mn has a higher removal colour efficiency of 6-18 % in industrial wastewater than in commercial AC with a surface area of >100 m2/g. In summary, these findings advance adsorption science by introducing a novel, scalable, and economically viable hybrid adsorbent, reinforcing the role of biomass-based solutions in sustainable dye wastewater treatment and circular economy initiatives
Teachers’ experiences in the implementation of 21st century learning in national primary schools / Jane Chee Wan Zhen
No full textThe current implementation of 21st century learning by educators is only moderate, adversely impacting educational quality. This mediocrity stems from various factors, including pedagogical deficiencies, decreased motivation, limited professional development, inadequate support and time constraints. Understanding the perceptions and experiences of teachers is crucial as prior research has identified teachers’ beliefs as significant predictive variables of their 21st century teaching abilities and attitudes, which subsequently influence the implementation process and student success. Therefore, this study aims to understand the perceptions and experiences of teachers in the implementation of 21st century learning in public primary schools and how these experiences give meaning to the teachers. Through the three data collection techniques, which included interviews, journal writing entries and document analysis, a phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to investigate the phenomenon and its impact on the 10 teachers selected from Public Primary Schools based on their 21st century teaching experiences. The data collected was then coded using thematic analysis to identify the themes present in the teachers’ perceptions and experiences. According to the research findings, the teachers have comprehended the purpose of 21st century learning, which involves the student-centred education of knowledge, competencies and skills to prepare students for the future, its significance in fostering holistic learning in students by enabling effective and meaningful learning, and their roles and responsibilities in mastering 21st century teaching techniques to ensure quality education. Despite poor working conditions, teachers have sought countermeasures and formed positive beliefs, leading to increased interest, motivation, and competencies. Consequently, this served as a greater incentive for them to overcome their challenges. The meaningful experiences have also promoted positive feelings and enhanced their personal and professional growth. Their self-improvement efforts have resulted in a better quality of life and a renewed sense of purpose, to produce competent students for further education and the workforce, as well as global success. However, Continuous professional development programs on student management and other support measures are necessary, as the implementation of 21st century learning among teachers is still at a moderate level. In conclusion, understanding the perceptions and experiences of teachers has proven crucial for the successful integration of 21st century learning, as these factors act as determiners of their professional competencies and student outcomes
Learners’ beliefs and investment in their English pronunciation learning: A case study of English major undergraduates in a China university / Zhang Yanmei
No full textIn China, the examination-oriented education approach, which places greater emphasis on accuracy than fluency, has caused many English language learners to struggle with their English pronunciation. At the tertiary level, although English major university students demonstrate improvement in their overall English proficiency when they enter their universities, many of them are still struggling with their English pronunciation. To respond to this scenario, researchers have identified and analyzed a number of factors that influence English pronunciation learning, such as confidence, learning motivation, anxiety, and attitude. Nevertheless, little attention is given to the role of learners’ beliefs and investment as possible factors that influence English pronunciation learning. To fill the gaps, the current study provided a comprehensive understanding of English major students’ English pronunciation learning beliefs and investment, as well as the congruence of their beliefs and their investment behaviors in and out of class, to understand the process that happened between them. Employing a multiple-case study, the data collection techniques of this qualitative study included in-depth interviews, observations,diaries, and document analysis. The data were analyzed with the help of NVivo 12. This study found that five English major students hold three different beliefs about their English pronunciation learning goal: native-likeness, intelligibility, and a dilemma between native-likeness and intelligibility. Additionally, the study discovered that beliefs regarding the status of English pronunciation learning also emerged as positive or negative among participants. Moreover, beliefs about English pronunciation learning strategies included cognitive strategy, social strategy, metacognitive strategy, affective strategy, and memory strategy. Differences and similarities appeared when these professed beliefs were compared to the applied investments. Based on observations both inside and outside of class, it was found that there were two types of investment behaviors: diverse investment and incidental learning. The participants justified their investments based on the personal and contextual factors that mediate their beliefs and investments. Concerning the findings, congruence and in-congruence were identified into three groups: positive congruence, negative congruence, and incongruence. Further, the thematic and case study findings were discussed in relation to the existing body of knowledge, followed by an illustration of significant conclusions, including some implications, contributions, limitations, and future suggestions
The effectiveness, durability and patient impacts associated with thermoformed vs direct 3D-printed retainers over a 6-month period: A randomised controlled trial / Boo Hui Shan
No full textTitle: The Effectiveness, Durability And Patient Impacts Associated With Thermoformed Vs Direct 3d-Printed Retainers Over A 6-Month Period: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Following orthodontic treatment, retainer wear is essential to prevent relapse. Thermoformed retainers (TFR) are a popular choice among patients. Advancements in 3D printing technology has enabled the fabrication of direct 3D printed retainers (3DPR), offering a more efficient and eco-friendlier alternative. This study aimed to evaluate and compare changes in post-treatment stability, retainer thickness, mechanical properties, and patients' Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) between TFR versus 3DPR over six months. This is a prospective, single-centre, two-arm parallel, open-label randomised controlled trial. Thirty subjects (4 males, 26 females, mean age 22.70± 4.30 years old) were recruited and allocated equally in a 1:1 ratio to either the TFR (Erkodur, 1.0mm foil) or 3DPR (NextDent Ortho Flex resin, designed with 0.75mm thickness) groups. After debond, retainers were worn part-time at night. Intraoral scans were conducted at three time points: baseline (T0), at three months (T1), and at six months (T2). Little’s Irregularity Index (LII), intercanine width (ICW), intermolar width (IMW), arch length (AL), overjet (OJ) and overbite (OB) were measured digitally. The thickness of the retainers was measured at various locations using an electronic digital thickness gauge at T0 and T2. Mechanical properties were assessed by comparing five used retainers (T2) with unused counterparts from each group. Participants completed the OHIP-14(M) questionnaire at all time points. Intention-to-treat protocol was employed, and the trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05968625). Result showed one dropout occurred in the 3DPR group. There were no significant differences in post-treatment stability between both groups in LII, ICW, IMW, AL and OJ except for OB across all time points. Comparing the median differences in post-treatment stability between TFR and 3DPR at the initial 3-month (T0-T1), subsequent 3-month (T1-T2), and the overall 6-month (T0-T2) periods, revealed no significant differences. The TFR was significantly thinner than the 3DPR at both T0 and T2. The median reduction in thickness after six months was not significant for most landmarks, except for the mesiopalatal cusp and the average reduction of the upper retainer. In terms of mechanical properties, upper and lower TFR exhibited significantly greater Martens hardness, indentation modulus, and indentation hardness at T0 and T2, along with a higher elastic index at T2. After six months, TFR exhibited an increase in the mean differences across all mechanical property parameters, whereas 3DPR demonstrated a reduction. Significant mean differences were found between groups for all parameters of mechanical properties. OHIP-14 scores showed no significant median differences between groups, except for psychological disability domain at T2. Both groups reported improvements in OHRQoL with TFR showing significant improvements in functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and total OHIP-14 score, while the 3DPR group showed significant improvements in physical pain, psychological discomfort, and total OHIP-14 score. No harm was observed. In conclusion, both TFR and 3DPR showed comparable post-treatment stability after six months of part-time wear. Thickness reductions were clinically insignificant for both. TFR demonstrated increased mechanical properties, suggesting better durability compared to 3DPR. Both groups adapted well to their retainers, leading to improved OHRQoL
Spatial gene variation mechanism based on rural tourism for traditional villages in Southern Shanxi, China / Li Yanan
No full textRural tourism, owing to its significant economic benefits, has become an almost indispensable option for the development of traditional villages in China, particularly under the national policies of rural revitalization and poverty alleviation. The advantage of rural tourism in traditional villages lies in their spatial environment, which has been refined over time and embodies the wisdom of the local people. The charm of this spatial environment is rooted in the intergenerational inheritance of spatial genes. However, as an external factor, rural tourism inevitably impacts the spatial environment of traditional villages and affects the continuity of these spatial genes. Many problems induced by rural tourism such as spatial homogenization, decreasing number, and weakening of social ties in traditional villages have been confirmed by previous studies, making the spatial variation of traditional villages caused by rural tourism that must be studied. This study borrows the concept of spatial genes from human geography to explore how rural tourism, as an external factor, changes traditional villages' spatial genes. This thesis aims to establish a spatial variation mechanism framework for traditional villages due to rural tourism that will ensure the continuity of the spatial environment of traditional villages genetically. Because local villagers are the creators, users, and continuers of spatial genes, this study adopted a villager-centered mixed research methodology, including questionnaires, UAV observation, and semi-structured interviews. Finally, the spatial variation mechanism framework was developed through triangulation by comparing and validating questionnaires, UAV observations, and interview data. The research data of this study are based on four traditional villages in southern Shanxi, China. Initially, a questionnaire survey is conducted to validate 13 indicators of rural tourism'simpact on the spatial environment of traditional villages in economic, social, and cultural dimensions, and find out the effect parameters of each indicator. Subsequently, the spatial condition of the four traditional villages was acquired through UAV observation. Then semi-structured interviews probed the villagers' intrinsic motivations behind spatial changes. Finally, by comparing and verifying these three kinds of data through the triangulation method to identify the indicators of spatial variation in traditional villages and quantify their impact levels, alongside uncovering the intrinsic causes of such changes. This process elucidates the mechanism of spatial variation in traditional villages, thereby informing a villager-centered guidance framework for tourism development within traditional villages to ensure the continuity of spatial genes and contribute to the sustainable development of traditional villages based on rural tourism
Developing a data management model for BIM integration in facilities management / Wan Siti Hajar Wan Nasharuddin
No full textThis research examines the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the Facilities Management (FM) phase, highlighting the significance of comprehensive facilities data to enhance the development and efficacy of the BIM model. A major challenge identified is the frequent delayed involvement of facilities managers, typically occurring only during the post-construction stage, which impedes the integration process. Furthermore, a lack of BIM literacy among FM personnel limits the full potential of BIM applications in FM. The primary aim of this study is to explore and establish a structured model for enabling effective Building Information Modelling (BIM) application in the Facilities Management (FM) phase. The study establishes three specific objectives: to determine the critical BIM FM information, to deduce a mechanism for the information integration process, and to develop a structured BIM FM integration model tailored to the Malaysian context. A Sequential Explanatory Research Design, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, was employed to achieve these objectives. The research was conducted in three phases, each addressing one objective through distinct methods: A systematic literature review (SLR), a survey, and semi-structured interviews. In the SLR phase, 15 records were selected from 785 identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. These records were analysed to identify 15 key requirements for FM-related tasks in BIM, which formed the basis for structuring the subsequent survey. The survey, distributed among FM and BIM professionals, achieved a sample size of 93 respondents. Quantitative data from the survey were analysed using SPSS and SmartPLS software, leading to the development of a measurement and structural model that illustrates the relationship between Facilities Data (FD), BIM Exchange Format (EXBIM) and the Level of Development (LOD) BIM Model in the BIM model. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 12 respondents to validate the proposed integration model. The findings revealed that the FD variable, encompassing managerial, legal, commercial, and technical data, is a significant factor in enhancing BIM application at the FM stage. Consequently, the study developed the BIM FM integration model, incorporating the FD, BIM Exchange Model (EXBIM), and LOD variables. This model is intended to serve as a foundation for improving the coherence and effectiveness of BIM applications in FM, ultimately contributing to the advancement of FM digitalisation in Malaysia
Strengths, weaknesses, and musicianship cultivation in group and individual piano lessons for young beginners: Teachers’ perspectives / Ng Wan Rong
No full textPiano education in Malaysia can be conducted in two settings which are the
individual piano lessons and group piano lessons. Majority of students in Malaysia are
attending individual piano lessons while group piano lessons are slowly gaining
popularity nowadays. Teachers who spent many years teaching both individual piano
lessons and group piano lessons understand the scenarios better than any other party.
This study aims to gather opinion from teachers focusing on the strengths and
weaknesses of both class settings. Moreover, this study also explores the interaction
between lesson structure and piano teaching in both class setting, affecting the
musicianship cultivation of young beginners. This study employed a qualitative research
methodology to gather insight of musicianship cultivation in both class settings by
conducting interview with five experienced piano teachers. Semi-structured interviews
contributed most of the finding in this study. The main finding in this study includes the
strengths and weaknesses in both individual piano lessons and group piano lessons. The
second main finding discusses how the lessons’ structure and piano teaching in group
and individual piano lessons impact the musicianship cultivation. From this study,
teachers and music schools can understand the strengths and weaknesses of both class
settings and develop musicianship effectively among young beginners. Parents may
consider the pros and cons of both class setting to meet their children’s needs. Departing
from previous research, this study is the first study to investigate the teachers’
perspectives on the relationship between musicianship cultivation, individual piano
lesson and group piano lessons in Malaysia
The integration of digital technology in construction project management / Chiew Wei Jie
No full textThe construction industry in Malaysia is navigating a pivotal digital transformation, as underscored by initiatives like the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) and the Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan. This research explores the integration of digital technologies in project management within this sector, emphasizing current adoption levels, challenges, and strategies for improvement. Utilizing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with industry experts, the study uncovers insights into tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and extended reality (XR). Key findings highlight the advantages of these technologies in enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and safety. BIM serves as a central platform for stakeholders, promoting unified project understanding and streamlined communication. IoT facilitates real-time monitoring, resource management, and safety enhancements, while XR offers immersive visualizations for risk identification and design refinement. Despite these benefits, significant barriers persist, including high initial costs, limited ROI evidence, and workforce skill gaps. Resistance to change and the reliance on conventional methods further hinder widespread adoption. The research proposes actionable recommendations, including fostering stakeholder understanding, integrating technologies into cohesive platforms, and prioritizing upskilling initiatives. These measures aim to enhance the industry's readiness for digital transformation, ensuring sustainable productivity improvements and competitive growth. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to leverage digital innovation in construction project management