Software-based Malaysian sign language recognition

This work presents the development of a software-based Malaysian Sign Language recognition system using Hidden Markov Model. Ninety different gestures are used and tested in this system. Skin segmentation based on YCbCr colour space is implemented in the sign gesture videos to separate the face and hands from the background. The feature vector of sign gesture is represented by chain code, distance between face and hands and tilting orientation of hands. This work has achieved recognition rate of 72.22%

Open source in libraries: Implementation of an open source ILMS at Asia e-University library

Open source systems for libraries have improved significantly to gain the confidence of librarians. The main focus of the paper is to describe the selection process and criteria that led to the implementation of Koha the first open source Integrated Library Management System at the AeU Library. A study was made based on the set criteria used to compare and contrast with the more popular propriety library management systems. The paper presents the findings of the study which led to the selection of Koha, and a brief introduction to features of open source systems for libraries. The reasoning and conditions for accepting Koha are discussed. A brief account of the implementation process and related experience of the open source ILMS are given. AeU library implemented the various modules of the system: cataloging, online public access (OPAC), circulation, patron management and acquisitions. The expanding influence and acceptance of OSS in libraries is here to stay. Malaysian libraries may need to look into the credible options and benefits of utilizing open source systems and harness this development in ILS

iMSL: Malay sign language for the deaf and hearing-impaired

Malay Sign Language (MSL)or Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia is a language that has been used by the deaf people in Malaysia. The deaf and hearing-impaired people go to special schools to learn the MSL. Incurrent age, technology could be utilized for the purpose of providing MSL course for the hearing-impaired people and their stakeholders. With the provision of the technology-based MSL course,learning MSL not only happen in schools, but also at home, or anywhere. This makes the learning activity pervasive.Based on that argument, this study aims at proposing a model for an interactive MSL (iMSL). Accordingly, this paper discusses the background concept for the needs and design of the iMSL. It contains the problem that lead for the iMSL, and activities and techniques to involve

Oral Cancer Awareness and its Determinants among a Selected Malaysian Population

Objective: To assess oral cancer awareness, its associated factors and related sources of information among a selected group of Malaysians. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all Malaysian ethnic groups aged >= 15 years old at eight strategically chosen shopping malls within a two week time period. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. Significance level was set at alpha<0.05. Results: Most (84.2%) respondents had heard of oral cancer. Smoking was the most (92.4%) recognized high risk habit. Similar levels of awareness were seen for unhealed ulcers (57.3%) and red/white patches (58.0%) as signs of oral cancer. Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, occupation and income were significantly associated with oral cancer awareness (p<0.05). Conclusions: There was a general lack of awareness regarding the risk habits, early signs and symptoms, and the benefits of detecting this disease at an early stage. Mass media and health campaigns were the main sources of information about oral cancer. In our Malaysian population, gender and age were significantly associated with the awareness of early signs and symptoms and prevention of oral cancer, respectively.Article Link: http://koreascience.or.kr/article/ArticleFullRecord.jsp?cn=POCPA9_2013_v14n3_195

Malaysian Sign Language Mobile Learning Application : A recommendation app to communicate with hearing-impaired communities

Malaysian Sign Language (MSL) is an important language that is used as the primary communication method for the deaf communities with the others. Currently, the MSL is poorly known by the Malaysians and the existing platform of learning the sign language is inefficient, not to mention the incomplete functionality of the existing mobile learning application in the market. Hence, the purpose of developing this application is aimed to increase the knowledge and recognition of the public towards the MSL and allows them to learn the sign language more effectively. One of the features in this application is sign detection, which could analyze the image captured by phone camera into sign meaning. The application also comprised various categories of the sign for efficient learning and quiz to test user knowledge against their learned sign language. Besides, there is a feedback module for the user to express their opinions and suggestions towards the application to the developer. This application is aimed to help the public to learn MSL efficiently by selecting the category of sign they wish to learn and test themselves by using the quiz module. Besides, the application could also detect the unknown sign by capturing the image and analyze it. The application helped to raise the recognition of MSL among the public and expose the public to the sign language knowledge. It had also become a small help in breaking the barrier of communication between the deaf communities and the public

VMware as an Intermediate Platform between Windows 7 and Linux Fedora 15 for Real-Time Malaysian Sign Language Translator

This research introduces a virtual interface between Windows 7 and LINUX Fedora 16 based on Virtual Machine ware (VMware) for real-time Malaysian Sign Language (MSL) translation into text and/or voice (in English). The developed method is based on HTK, Gt2k under LINUX Fedora 16 and VC++ 2010 and OpenCV pre 1.1 library under Windows7. The communication between client (Windows7) and server (LINUX Fedora 16) has been established using VMware. The main significance of this approach is that the best characteristics of both operating systems LINUX Fedora 16 and Windows7 have been utilized. Under Windows7, Visual C++ 2010 combined with OpenCV pre 1.1 library supports video processing algorithms and has a power graphical user interface. Meanwhile, the Gt2k for gesture recognition is fully supported under LINUX. Therefore, a client/server technology has secured much time during the MSL recognition system development and helped in terms of algorithms enhancemen

iMSL Interactive Malay Sign Language Courseware for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired

Malay Sign Language (MSL) or Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia is a language that has been used by the deaf people in Malaysia. The deaf and hearing-impaired people go to special schools to learn MSL. In current age, technology could be utilized for the purpose of providing MSL course for the hearing-impaired people and their stakeholders. With the provision of the technology based MSL course, learning MSL not only happen in schools, but also at home, or anywhere. This makes the learning activity pervasive. Based on that argument, this study aims at proposing a model for an interactive multimedia courseware which is called iMSL. Accordingly, this paper discusses the background concept for the needs and design of the iMSL. The objectives of the study include 1) To determine the interface necessity for the iMSL for the deaf and hearingimpaired, 2) To design and developed the iMSL, and 3) To evaluate the usefulness of iMSL through user testing. In accomplishing this study, Waterfall Methodology was adapted. There are involved three phase which are User Requirements, Prototype Development and finally the Testing and Evaluation phase. ADDIE Model also adapted in developing prototype of iMSL. The qualitative approaches such as observation and interview were conducted with four students in standard 1. The result of this study concluded that the technology based on courseware is an alternative tool that can be used to assist the learning process for the deaf and hearing-impaired students. It is easy to understand and help teacher to teach in interesting way

Malay Speech Intelligibility Test (MSIT) for Deaf Malaysian Children

This paper presents a novel approach to objectively measure speech intelligibility of deaf Malaysian children using nonsense syllables as test words. In this study, speech intelligibility of deaf children is measured through the ability to say simple syllables (consisting of a consonant and a vowel) for all the 22 Malay consonants. The MSIT score should indicate how well these children can produce speech; the higher the score, the better their speech intelligibility. The MSIT have been tested with twenty deaf and ten normal hearning Malaysian children and has been verified by five na&iuml;ve and two expert listeners. The application of the test is presented as speech intelligibility index for deaf children in a deaf school. The successful development of the MSIT system serves to assist speech pathologist, therapist, teachers and parents of deaf children to determine the level of Malay speech deficiencies and the effectiveness of corrective measures taken

Augmented reality to memorize Al-Quran for hearing impaired students: a preliminary analysis

Quran learning among the hearing impaired has not been given much attention and exposure. This is due to the difference in the learning method among the hearing impaired compared to the non-hearing impaired. In lieu with this, a preliminary study has been conducted by using a qualitative approach. An interview was conducted with five experienced teachers to identify hearing impaired students’ behaviours and the method used to learn Al-Quran. Meanwhile, an observation with the hearing impaired students was also conducted. The findings show that the Tahfiz Akhyar method is used to memorize the surahs of Al-Quran by orderly arranging the verses using numbers. The memorization technique is based on the teaching of Prophet Muhammad when He taught the companions to learn Al-Quran. However, the result shows that, there are still errors in arranging the verses of the surahs in the correct order using the existing teaching aid. Therefore, these findings will be used as a guideline to develop the teaching aid application integrated with the Augmented Reality technology to help hearing impaired students to memorize the surahs of Al-Quran.Keywords: Augmented Reality, Quran learning, Hearing Impaired, and Memorizatio