Development of compact circular polarized antenna for WLAN application

Matching the polarization in both the transmitter and receiver antennas is important in terms of decreasing transmission losses. The use of circularly polarized antennas presents an attractive solution to achieve this polarization match which allows for more flexibility in the angle between transmitting and receiving antennas, reduces the effect of multipath reflections, enhances weather penetration and allows for the mobility of both the transmitter and the receiver. Compact circularly polarized microstrip antenna with Circular Polarization (CP) property for wireless communication system at 2.45 GHz is presented. Microstrip patch antennas being popular because of light weight, low volume, thin profile configuration which can be made conformal. Wireless communication systems applications circular polarization antenna is placing vital role. In this study it was applied DGS to produce circular polarization. The single fed circular polarized microstrip antenna is etched on a FR4 with dielectric substrate of 4.3 with the height of 1.6 mm. The axial ratio of approximate 2.1 dB and the radiation pattern results prove that the designed antenna meets the CP criteria. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement and the proposed antenna is suitable for WLAN applications

The integration of knowledge management in the operations of Malaysian banks

The globalization of financial markets forced bankers to be knowledge-based and be more efficient in managing knowledge in their banking operations. The importance of this function is accentuated further by the call from the Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia) to integrate the concepts of knowledge management in banking operations. In this paper, we discuss a research model called: Banking Knowledge Management Model (BKMM),which encompasses knowledge creation, knowledge retention and knowledge sharing and more importantly, how each of these elements can be integrated to enhance the quality of banking operations. The various components of BKMM are explained and we illustrate the application of BKMM in two Malaysian commercial banks. We find that the two banks apply the concept of knowledge management in line with BKMM but differ in their knowledge management approach. Despite different approach, both banks derive many benefits from applying knowledge management in their operations. We expect a wider application of BKMM by other banks in Malaysia would create a culture that promote and enhance knowledge management in the banking sector

Factors impeding the industrialized building system (IBS) implementation of building construction in Malaysia

In Malaysian construction industry, Industrialised Building System (IBS) has been introduced to replace the traditional construction method. While the government has been making significant efforts to encourage the IBS adoption, the uptake of IBS in Malaysia construction projects remains low. This study seeks to identify the barriers to the uptake of IBS and to propose the strategies to enhance the implementation IBS in Malaysian housing construction process from the perspectives of consultants. Interviews were conducted with five selected experienced individuals who were working with consultants (civil and structure engineer and quantity surveyor). The results revealed that, lack of knowledge and insufficient skilled workers are the main factors that impede the IBS uptake in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the most strategy proposed by the interviewees is to increase the facilities and incentives in order to expand research and development in IB

Review on learning orientations

The need has arises towards the consideration of individual difference to let learners engage in and responsible for their own learning, retain information longer, apply the knowledge more effectively, have positive attitudes towards the subject, have more interest in learning materials, score higher and have high intrinsic motivation level. As regard to the importance of individual differences, Martinez (2000) has grounded a new theory, which is Intentional Learning Theory that covered individual aspects of cognitive, intention, social and emotion. This theory hypothesizes that the fundamental of understanding how individual learns, interact with an environment, performs, engages in learning, experiences learning, and assimilate and accommodate the new knowledge is by understanding individual’s fundamental emotions and intentions about how to use learning, why it is important, when the suitable time, and how it can accomplish personal goals and change. The intent of this theory is to focus on emotions and intentions of an individual regarding why, when and how learning goals are organized, processed, and achieved. In conclusion, Learning Orientations introduced by this theory describes the disposition of an individual in approaching, managing and achieving their learning intentionally and differently from others

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activites of Selected Cinnamomum Species (Lauraceace) and Melicope Cf. Hookeri T.G. Hartley (Rutaceae

The essential oils of nine Cinnamomum species (C, sintoc, C. pubescens, C. impressiscostaturn, C. subavenium, C, microphyllum, C. scortechinii, C. rhyncophyllum, C. aureofulvum and C. verum) were investigated by means of gas chromatography (GC) and combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (GUMS). The chemical components of the essential oils (leaf, stem bark and twig oils) were identified by co-chromatography with authentic samples on three columns of different polarity, comparison with Kovats retention indices, capillary GUMS and proton NMR on selected isolated components. The essential oils were made up of one, two or all three of the following class of compounds; monoterpenes and sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and benzyl esters. Some of the chemical components observed in the oils are (E)-methyl cinnamate, safrole, benzyl benzoate, linalool, terpinen-4-01 and camphor which are commercially important chemicals in the flavour and pharmaceutical industries. The distribution and occurrences of be used as a chemotaxonomic marker for species identification. Cinnamomum species (C. impressicostatum, C. pubescens, C. microphyllum) and Melicope cf. hookeri were selected for a study of their chemical constituents and biological properties. All of these species have not been reported previously on their chemical constituents. Phytochemical analysis of the bark and stem parts of C. impressicostatum yielded safrole (IS), (@-methyl cinnamate (17), (apiperonylprop- 2-enal (1 16), cinnamic acid (1 17) and P-sitosterol (1 18). Similar analysis on the bark of C. pubescens also afforded safrole (IS), (@-methyl cinnamate (17), (E)-piperonylprop-2-enal (1 16) and P-sitosterol (1 18) as well as (E)- piperonylprop-2-en01 (119). Antimicrobial test using the disc diffusion method showed that the chloroform and the hexane extract of the two species contained almost solely (8-methyl cinnamate, which were active against fungus. The presence of (Q- piperonyl-2-enal (1 16) and (Q-piperonylprop-2-en01 (1 19) were reported for the first time from the genus Cinnamomum. Phytochemical investigation on the stem and bark of Cinnamomum microphyllum resulted in the isolation of a coumarin; scoparone (120), benzyl benzoate (4), Psitosterol (118) and mixtures of pinoresinol-type lignans; pinoresinol (121), syringaresinol (37) and medioresinol (122). The lignan mixture was found to possess significant antioxidant activity against three antioxidant a autooxidation of linoleic acid, xanthinelxanthine oxidase superoxide scavenging assay and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Phytochemical investigation on the leaves and bark of Melicope cf. hookeri T.G. Hartley resulted in the isolation of three flavonoids, two coumarins and sterols. The three flavonoids; ayanin (57), ombuin (123) and kumatakenin (124) together with Psitosterol (1 18) were isolated from the leaves. The bark extract afforded ayanin (57), P-sitosterol (lls), urnbelliferone (102) and scopoletin (125). Crude extracts of M. cf. hookeri were screened for antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and TPAinduced ear oedema assay. The extracts failed to show significant antimicrobial or antioxidant activity. However, the leaf ethyl acetate extract showed strong antiinflammatory activity with the chloroform extract (95%) and methanol extract (92%) showing the highest inhibitions as compared to the petroleum ether extract (70%). The presence of flavonoid compounds in the species probably contribute to the antiinflammatory activity of the plant extract

Integrating Technology in Government Internal Audit: Catalysts and Challenges

In an era marked by digital transformation, various sectors, including government entities, are reevaluating their operational methodologies. This research delves into the pivotal elements influencing the adoption of Information Technology (IT) within the internal audit departments of governmental agencies. The study is grounded in detailed interviews conducted at three distinct government organizations, revealing the intricate dynamics of incentives, barriers, and the prospective benefits associated with IT integration. Preliminary results suggest that a myriad of factors critically shape the strategy toward IT implementation. These include the anticipated enhancements in audit efficiency and effectiveness due to IT adoption, the level of support from senior management, budgetary constraints, and the lack of specialized IT expertise. The findings offer insightful recommendations for government bodies, aiming to aid them in navigating the complexities of IT integration. This study not only highlights the significant role of supportive leadership and resource allocation in facilitating IT adoption but also underscores the need for skill development in this domain. Ultimately, it serves as a strategic guide for government agencies to optimize their auditing processes through effective IT integration

Evaluation of long term oral administration of gamma irradiated tualang honey in specific pathogen free sprague-dawley rats

Gamma irradiated Tualang honey (GITH) is reported to have high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities along with its anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. A detailed study to evaluate its long term oral administration is therefore, necessary. The study design was adapted from The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guideline no. 452 with slight modifications. A total of 120 healthy male and female specific pathogen free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats (6±1 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n=10-20 each) fed with different GITH doses [0 (Group I), 0.2 (Group II), 1.0 (Group III) and 2.0 g/kg body weight] (Group IV) daily for six months. Weekly body weight, mortality and morbidity, physical appearance and behavioural characteristics were recorded. After six months, blood sample of overnight fasted rats were analysed for haematology and clinical biochemistry parameters. Full gross necropsies were conducted followed by the determination of absolute and relative organ weights (ROW) were determined. Adrenal glands, kidneys and liver were then subjected to histological assessments. The study revealed that no morbidity and mortality were observed and no significant changes in body weight recorded between all groups. Group II (male and female) possessed significantly higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) when compared to Group IV (male) and other groups (female). Higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) values were observed in female rats (Group II) when compared with other groups. Group IV (male) have lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) when compared to Group I and II. Significantly lower alanine transaminase were observed in all GITH treated groups (male) in comparison with control group. No noticeable changes in gross appearance of rats internal organs were seen with no marked changes in absolute and ROW. Histological examinations revealed normal morphology of adrenal glands, kidneys and livers for all the rats. Histomorphometry analysis of adrenal glands revealed lower width of zona fasciculata regions in all GITH treated groups (male) and Group III (female) when compared to Group I. Dilatation of Bowman‟s space were observed in Group IV (male) in comparison to Group I and III. Significant variations of binucleated hepatocytes size in Group II and III as compared to Group I (male); and Group IV when compared to Group II and III (female) was observed. In conclusion, long term oral administration of GITH does not produce any detrimental effects in the body weight, physical and behavioural characteristics, as well as clinical laboratory analysis and histopathological parameters. Hence, overall findings suggested that GITH preserved the normal functions of adrenal glands, kidney and liver of SPF rats and may contribute to positive effects that warrant further evaluations

Hand-arm vibration disorder among grass-cutter workers in Malaysia

Prolonged exposure to hand-transmitted vibration from grass-cutting machines has been associated with increasing occurrences of symptoms and signs of occupational diseases related to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out using an adopted HAVS questionnaire on hand-arm vibration exposure and symptoms distributed to 168 male workers from the grass and turf maintenance industry who use hand-held grass-cutting machines as part of their work. The prevalence ratio and symptom correlation to HAVS between high and low–moderate exposure risk groups were evaluated. Results. There were positive HAVS symptoms relationships between the low–moderate exposure group and the high exposure group among hand-held grass-cutting workers. The prevalence ratio was considered high because there were indicators that fingers turned white and felt numb, 3.63, 95% CI [1.41, 9.39] and 4.24, 95% CI [2.18, 8.27], respectively. Less than 14.3% of workers stated that they were aware of the occupational hand-arm vibration, and it seemed to be related to the finger blanching and numbness. Conclusion. The results suggest that HAVS is under-diagnosed in Malaysia, especially in the agricultural sectors. More information related to safety and health awareness programmes for HAVS exposure is required among hand-held grass-cutting workers

Isolation and Characterization of Diesel – Degrading Bacteria from the Antarctica

Several isolates of bacteria with diesel-degrading capability have been isolated and characterized from Antarctica. Three strains; isolates J2(p), J7(p) and G(k) were isolated and selected for further investigations. Microbiological analysis such as gram staining and molecular phylogenetics were used to identify the bacteria. Bacterial growth optimization was studied based on carbon source, nitrogen source, pH and temperature. Biodegradation of diesel oil was monitored by quantitative gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The log phase for isolate J2(p) and G(k) were shown in between day four and day six while the log phase for isolate J7(p) was found in between day six until day eighth. Isolate J2(p), J7(p) and G(k) were identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Rhodococcus sp., respectively using substrate utilization patterns (Biolog). Isolate J2(p) and G(k) showed optimum growth at 3% diesel concentration whilst isolate J7(p) was optimum at 2.5% diesel. Isolate J2(p) exhibits an optimum concentration of ammonium sulphate at 2% whilst isolate J7(p) and G(k) exhibit an optimum concentration of ammonium sulphate at 1%. The optimum pH for growth of all isolates J2(p), J7(p) and G(k) were pH 7.13, 7.15 and 7.23, respectively. All the isolates showed that 10°C was the optimum temperature for bacterial growth. The biodegradation of diesel oil by isolate J2(p) increased in efficiency from the second to the sixth day of incubation, increasing from 1.4 to 18.8% and remain constant until the eighth day. The biodegradation efficiency decreased from 18.8 to 6.3% after the eighth day. The Biodegradation efficiency (BE) of isolate J2(p) was negligible until day 2 where a linear increase in BE to 19% on the sixth day occurs. For isolate J7(p), the biodegradation efficiency was between the second and eighth day of incubation, which increasing from 0.8 to 18.7%. Then it decreased from 18.7 to 9.4% between the eighth day and tenth day of incubation. The biodegradation efficiency of isolate G(k) increase from 0.9 to 17.4% from the second to the sixth day of incubation before decreasing to day ten from 17.4 to 9.9%. Isolate J2(p) was chosen for the screening of enzyme assays. Activity was detected in isolate J2(p). The enzymes activity was distributed in cell-free extracts, soluble fraction and particulate fraction with respective activities for each fraction for n - alkane oxidizing enzyme at 0.04, 0.19 and 0.23 μmol/min-1, DCPIP-dependent dehydrogenase at 0.002, 0.006 and 0.02 μmol/min-1 and aldehyde reductase activity at 0.02, 0.09 and 0.24 μmol/min-1