A Semi-Automatically Assessable Design for a Hands-On Compilers Course

This paper describes the author's experience with ahands-on compilers course designed and carried on in theGerman University in Cairo. The five main points are the courseobjectives, the course organization, the author's approach toformulating the lab exercises – an approach recommended forprogramming courses in general (which is also the maincontribution as it offers a method for “semi-automatic” gradingwithout the need for an automatic assessment system, besidesdocumenting the author's experience categorizing and offering ahands-on compilers course), the small language “invented” forwhich the lexical analyzer, syntactic analyzer and interpreter areto be written by the students (which is the course's ongoingproject) and the adopted grading scheme. Besides, having thecourse’s project seamlessly integrated within the other exercises(as opposed to a separate bulk at the end of the course) is anotherpoint stressed in its design. An idea for a system for automatingthe whole process is proposed at the end

The Role of Digital Library in Bridging the Language Divide: Comparison Study of Arabic and Other Languages

Developing countries are often said to suffer the disadvantages created by a ‘digital divide’ – the gap between the digitally advantaged and the digitally disadvantaged. Much of the attention given to the digital divide had focussed on the most severely disadvantaged countries (particularly in Africa and parts of Asia). This study was examined the phenomenon in the context of developing Arab countries, with a particular focus on the capacity of digital libraries to bridge the ‘divide’ as it applies to research and scholarly communication. This will entail a case study of University of Jordan.A particular focus of the study will be on assessing the particular challenges and frustrations facing Arabic-speaking researchers in their use of networked information services. That is, while the term digital divide is often used as a means of expressing the technology gap between developed and developing countries, it may well be that a further divide is created because of the domination of the languages and content of the developed world in the networked environment.The research will investigate the potential for digital library services to better serve Arabic-speaking scholars, in particular though the increased access to scholarly publishing in Arabic. It will also explore the policy initiatives and constraints that may impact upon the future development and implementation of digital library services for the benefit of Arabic-speaking scholars. There are no current published studies that deal with the capacity of digital libraries to address the digital divide in the developing Arab World. The findings of this research will provide important recommendations aimed at improving the capacity for digital libraries in Jordan and the wider Arab World to promote Arabic scholarship. Keyword: Digital Libraries, Arab world, Arabic languag

The Impact of the Use of Flipped Classrooms and E-Learning Strategies on Academic Achievement and Student Satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of the use of flipped classrooms and e-learning strategies in teaching the scientific research unit on the development of achievement and student satisfaction. The researchers used the semi-experimental curriculum to identify the impact of E-learning and flipped classroom strategies in teaching first-year university students.    The study sample consisted of 106 students divided into two groups, the first being made up of 59 students taught using e-learning and the second being made up of “47” students studying using flipped classrooms. The researchers prepared the content of the scientific research unit to fit the e-learning and flipped classroom strategies. The researchers also prepared a test on the scientific research unit as well as a measure of satisfaction with the use of e-learning and flipped classroom strategies in teaching. The results of the study show that the level of student satisfaction who used the e-learning strategy was acceptable on average (1.85) and the level of student satisfaction who used flipped classroom strategy was also acceptable on average (1.81). Besides, the results indicate no statistically significant differences between students' levels of satisfaction that used e-learning and flipped classrooms. The results also show a statistical difference in students' achievement levels in favor of the post-test for students who used the e-learning strategy and students who used the flipped classroom. There were also no statistically significant differences in the level of the post-achievement test due to the different learning strategies used. The study concludes with providing some recommendations and suggestions. &nbsp

Antinociceptive Activity of Methanolic Extract of Clinacanthus nutans

Methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (MECN) has been proven to possess antinociceptive activity that works via the opioid and NO-dependent/cGMP-independent pathways. In the present study, we aimed to further determine the possible mechanisms of antinociception of MECN using various nociceptive assays. The antinociceptive activity of MECN was (i) tested against capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged against selective antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes (β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine); (iii) prechallenged against antagonist of nonopioid systems, namely, α2-noradrenergic (yohimbine), β-adrenergic (pindolol), adenosinergic (caffeine), dopaminergic (haloperidol), and cholinergic (atropine) receptors; (iv) prechallenged with inhibitors of various potassium channels (glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraethylammonium chloride). The results demonstrated that the orally administered MECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reversed the nociceptive effect of all models in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg MECN was significantly (p<0.05) inhibited by (i) antagonists of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors; (ii) antagonists of α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and (iii) blockers of different K+ channels (voltage-activated-, Ca2+-activated, and ATP-sensitive-K+ channels, resp.). In conclusion, MECN-induced antinociception involves modulation of protein kinase C-, bradykinin-, TRVP1 receptors-, and glutamatergic-signaling pathways; opioidergic, α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and nonopioidergic receptors as well as the opening of various K+ channels. The antinociceptive activity could be associated with the presence of several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds and their synergistic action with nonvolatile bioactive compounds

Shariah risk management process for Islamic financial institution in the context of shariah governance framework 2010

Shariah compliance is the backbone of Islamic banks. As an institution established within the ambit of Shariah, Islamic banks are expected to ensure that their aims, activities, operations and management adhere to the Shariah principles and values. Failure to comply with Shariah, will expose Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) to Shariah non-compliance risk. Subsequently, it is an essential duty of the IFIs to manage Shariah risk properly. In order to effectively manage the risk vulnerability of the IFIs, proper measures for risk management have been put in place in different frameworks that are either domestic or international based.In the Malaysian context, IFIs are guided by relevant regulations such as the Shariah Governance Framework 2010, IFSB principles and Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 with regards to Shariah risk management. This research examined the regulatory requirements of the Shariah risk management process for Islamic financial institutions that operate in Malaysia, in the context of the Guidelines on Shariah Governance Framework 2010 issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia. The paper discusses the concept of “risk”, “Shariah risk” and “Shariah non compliant risk” in the context of Islamic Financial Institutions and also examines the process adopted by the Malaysian IFIs in managing the Shariah risk. The hypotheses that the paper seeks to establish are that there are differences between the concept of Shariah risk and Shariah non-compliant risk; and that the Shariah risk management process adopted by the IFIs are different than the conventional risk management process due to the unique features and requirements of the IFIs

A prevalence of elevated ARR in rural Selangor

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of elevated Aldosterone Renin Ratio (ARR) in Rural Selangor. Methods This was a cross sectional study involving subjects in Kuala Selangor and Tanjung Karang. The World Health Survey Kish tables were used to select eligible subjects (≥18 years old) from each household. Their social demography, past medical history, anthropometric measurement and blood pressure were recorded. Blood were withdrawn for Aldosterone (ALD), Plasma Renin Activity (PRA), Creatinine (creat) and potassium (K). Raised ARR is defined as aldosterone/renin ratio of more than 20. Results A total of 392 subjects (age 55 +/- 14.1) were enrolled. Fourty three (11%) subjects showed an ARR > 20. Out of those with raised ARR, 16 (38%) were hypertensive, 2 of which were not taking any anti-hypertensive drugs and 27 subjects (62.8%) were normotensive. Only 2 (4.7%) of them were hypokalemic, one of them being hypertensive. Conclusion The prevalence of raised ARR in Rural Selangor was 11%, and only 4.7% of them were hypokalemic

Antinoceptive activity of methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans leaves : possible mechanisms of action involved

Methanolic extract of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (MECN) has been proven to possess antinociceptive activity that works via the opioid and NO-dependent/cGMP-independent pathways. In the present study, we aimed to further determine the possible mechanisms of antinociception of MECN using various nociceptive assays. The antinociceptive activity of MECN was (i) tested against capsaicin-, glutamate-, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-, bradykinin-induced nociception model; (ii) prechallenged against selective antagonist of opioid receptor subtypes (β-funaltrexamine, naltrindole, and nor-binaltorphimine); (iii) prechallenged against antagonist of nonopioid systems, namely, α2-noradrenergic (yohimbine), β-adrenergic (pindolol), adenosinergic (caffeine), dopaminergic (haloperidol), and cholinergic (atropine) receptors; (iv) prechallenged with inhibitors of various potassium channels (glibenclamide, apamin, charybdotoxin, and tetraethylammonium chloride). The results demonstrated that the orally administered MECN (100, 250, and 500 mg/kg) significantly () reversed the nociceptive effect of all models in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the antinociceptive activity of 500 mg/kg MECN was significantly () inhibited by (i) antagonists of μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors; (ii) antagonists of α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and (iii) blockers of different K+ channels (voltage-activated-, Ca2+-activated, and ATP-sensitive-K+ channels, resp.). In conclusion, MECN-induced antinociception involves modulation of protein kinase C-, bradykinin-, TRVP1 receptors-, and glutamatergic-signaling pathways; opioidergic, α2-noradrenergic, β-adrenergic, adenosinergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic receptors; and nonopioidergic receptors as well as the opening of various K+ channels. The antinociceptive activity could be associated with the presence of several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds and their synergistic action with nonvolatile bioactive compounds

Properties enhancement using oil palm shell nanoparticles of fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Oil palm shell (OPS) nanoparticles were utilized as filler in fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites. The OPS nanoparticles were successfully produced from the raw OPS using high-energy ball milling process. Fundamental properties including morphology, crystalline size, and particle size of the OPS nanoparticles were determined. Tri-layer natural fiber reinforcement (kenaf–coconut–kenaf fiber mat) polyester hybrid composites were prepared by hand lay-up techniques. The influences of the OPS nanoparticles loading in the natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composites were determined by analyzing physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the composites. Results showed that the incorporation of the OPS nanoparticles into the hybrid composites enhanced the composite properties. Further, the natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composite had the highest physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal characteristics at 3 wt.% OPS nanoparticles loading

Prevalence of thyroid disorders and thyroid autoantibodies among coastal communities of Malaysia (part of nationwide study of thyroid disorders in Malaysia)

Objectives To determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders and thyroid autoantibodies in the coastal communities of Malaysia. This study is part of a nationwide study looking into the prevalence of thyroid disorders. Methods A cross sectional study was performed in two coastal districts of rural Selangor. A village from each district was chosen where a participant from each household from the village was selected using KISH tables. Sociodemographic data, medical history, anthropometric measurement and thyroid examination were performed. The presence of goiter was recorded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) goiter grading system. Blood withdrawn was tested for thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies. Thyroid antibodies analyses were done using Immulite 2000 system. Lowest detectable limit for anti-thyroperoxidase (antiTPO) and antithyroglobulin (antiTG) are 10 IU/mL and 20 IU/mL respectively. Low, moderate and high titre is defined 40 - 100 IU/mL, 101-1000 IU/mL and >1000 IU/mL respectively. Results A total of 418 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 54.1 ± 14.2 years. Majority were Malays (86.8%), followed by Indians (11.7%) and Chinese (1.4%). Among respondents, 2.9% had Grade 1 and 8.9% had Grade 2 goitre. A mere 3.4% had clinically palpable thyroid nodules. A total of 411 blood samples were available for thyroid level assessment, with 1.9% of respondents were found to have hypothyroidism while 85.6% had TSH in the range of 0.32-2.5 mIU/L. The prevalence of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism was 0.2% and 1.7% AFES 2015 10 – 13 December 2015 respectively. On the otherhand, 3.4% of respondents were hyperthyroid (TSH < 0.32 mIU/L) with prevalence of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism being 0.5% and 2.9% respectively. Among 417 samples which were available for antiTPO analysis, 8.9% has detectable antiTPO titre (>40.0 IU/mL), with 4.3% had moderate and 2.4% had high antiTPO titres. One respondent (10%) from among those with high antiTPO titres was found to have T3 thyrotoxicosis. Fourty percent of euthyroid respondents with high titre and 38.9% with moderate titre had high normal TSH, in the range of 2.51 – 5.00 mIU/L (p<0.001). Among 417 samples which are available for antiTG analysis, 3.4% and 5.3% had low detectable and moderate antiTG titres respectively. Only 0.5% (2 respondents) had high antiTG titre (>1000 IU/mL) and found to be hypothyroid. Among those with moderately positive titre, 9.1% were hyperthyroid and majority (63.6%), although euthyroid, had TSH levels between 0.32 – 2.50 mIU/L (p<0.001). Conclusion The low prevalence of thyroid antibodies and thyroid disorders in coastal communities could be attributed to the iodine sufficient status in those areas. Euthyroid respondents with moderate and high antiTPO titres tend to have higher TSH levels, while those with moderate and high antiTG titres had lower TSH levels

Prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in rural areas in Selangor and Perak

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in the rural population of Perak and Selangor. Methods This was a population based cross-sectional study involving subjects in Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Bidor. The World Health Survey Kish tables were used to select eligible subject (≥18 years old) from each selected household. A Case Report Form (CRF) was used to record their social demography, past medical history, anthropometry measurement and blood pressure (BP). Hypertension was defined as a blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension controlled was defined as a blood pressure of < 140/90 mmHg. Results A total of 761 people participated in this study. Of which 287 (37.8%) were males and 473 (62.2%) were females. Out of this, 271 (35.6%) were hypertensive. The study showed 36 (4.7%) subjects were not aware that they have hypertension. Only 76% of hypertensive subjects were on HPT medication. One hundred and five (51%) subjects were on monotherapy, 66 (32%) were on dual therapy, 27 (13.1%) on triple therapy, 8 (3.9%) were on more than 3 medications. 73 (26.9%) of the hypertensive subjects were not on any HPT medications having a SBP of 133.9 +/- 17 and DBP of 86.2 +/- 49.3