Headmaster Technology Leadership in Malaysia Elementary Schools

Headmaster technology leadership increasingly important in education today. This leadership, providing various positive effects to the headmaster, teachers, students and schools. Therefore, headmaster need to master this leadership to take up the leadership role of technology in schools. Based on the Headmaster Technology Leadership Model by Chang (2003), a study based on interviews conducted on 6 headmasters serving in Johor, Malaysia. This study aims to review i) the role of the headmaster in Johor as a technology leader in school ii) the challenges faced by headmaster to serve as a technology leader. Analysis of the findings from interviews found the headmaster in Johor play a role as a technology leader in the school. However, the findings have found the effort in ICT development by the headmaster in schools is different based on the needs of the school. Therefore, there is no single fixed pattern headmaster role as a technology leader. In addition, the role of the headmaster as a technology leader is not comprehensive of the five dimensions as suggested by Chang (2003). Headmaster of Johor advised to make improvements to the school led to the transformation of technology-based education

Phase I clinical trial of the Src inhibitor dasatinib with dacarbazine in metastatic melanoma.

BackgroundSrc inhibitors sensitise melanoma cells to chemotherapy in preclinical models. The combination of dasatinib and dacarbazine was tested in a phase I trial in melanoma.MethodsPatients had ECOG performance status 0-2 and normal organ function. Dacarbazine was administered on day 1 and dasatinib on day 2 through 19 of each 21-day cycle. Both were escalated from 50 mg b.i.d. of dasatinib and 800 mg m(-2) of dacarbazine. Available pre-treatment biopsies were sequenced for BRAF, NRAS, and C-Kit mutations.ResultsDose-limiting toxicity was reached at dasatinib 70 mg b.i.d./dacarbazine 1000 mg m(-2), and was predominantly haematological. In 29 patients receiving dasatinib 70 mg b.i.d., the objective response rate (ORR) was 13.8%, the clinical benefit rate (ORR+SD) was 72.4%, the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 20.7%, and the 12-month overall survival (OS) was 34.5%. Two out of three patients who were wild type for BRAF, NRAS, and c-KIT mutations had confirmed partial responses, and one had a minor response.ConclusionThe recommended phase II dose is dasatinib 70 mg b.i.d with dacarbazine 800 mg m(-2). PFS and OS data for dasatinib at 70 mg b.i.d. with dacarbazine compared favourably with historical controls. Preliminary data support evaluating tumour mutation status further as a biomarker of response

Screening and evaluation of local bacteria isolated from shellfish as potential probiotics against pathogenic Vibrios

The present study was carried out to isolate, screen and evaluate potential candidates of local bacteria isolated from tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon and slipper cupped oysters Crassostrea iredalei as probiotics in shellfish aquaculture. A total of 144 of bacteria were successfully isolated from the intestine and stomach of 20 tails of healthy adult tiger shrimp P. monodon, while 136 were successfully isolated from the digestive tract, gills and inner shells of 10 healthy adult C. iredalei. The number of potential isolates was narrowed down to two from tiger shrimp, and one from slipper cupped oyster after in vitro screening assays. The three isolates, labeled as G11, I24 and S66, were identified as Virgibacillus sp., Bacillus sp. and Exiquobacterium sp., respectively, using 16S rDNA gene analysis. The antagonistic ability of the isolates towards Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi were conducted in stagnant and liquid modes via spot lawn and broth co-culture assay, respectively. In these assays, all the potential probionts were inhibitory to both pathogenic vibrios. In the in-vivo assay, Artemia was used as host and treated with different concentrations of potential probionts (10⁴, 10⁶ and 10⁸ CFU ml⁻¹), and challenged with V. alginolyticus ana V. harveyiat 10⁵ CFU ml⁻¹ Respectively, Artemia treated with probiont Gl 1 at all concentrations and challenged with V. alginolyticus had increased survival (70-80 %), which was significantly higher as compared with group with only the pathogen (20 %). Meanwhile, probiont I24 increased the survival of Artemia by 70 % at a concentration of 10⁸ CFU ml⁻¹ after being challenged with V. alginolyticus and Artemia treated with 10⁶ CFU ml⁻¹ of probiont S66 had increased survival of 90% after being challenged with V. harveyi. Thus, the three isolates might have potential applications as probiotics in shellfish aquaculture against vibriosis

Utility of Parental Mediation Model on Youth’s Problematic Online Gaming

The Parental Mediation Model PMM) was initially designed to regulate children’s attitudes towards the traditional media. In the present era, because of prevalent online media there is a need for similar regulative measures. Spending long hours on social media and playing online games increase the risks of exposure to the negative outcomes of online gaming. This paper initially applied the PMM developed by European Kids Online to (i) test the reliability and validity of this model and (ii) identify the effectiveness of this model in controlling problematic online gaming (POG). The data were collected from 592 participants comprising 296 parents and 296 students of four foreign universities, aged 16 to 22 years in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study found that the modified model of the five-factor PMM (Technical mediation, Monitoring mediation, Restrictive mediation, Active Mediation of Internet Safety, and Active mediation of Internet Use) functions as a predictor for mitigating POG. The findings suggest the existence of a positive relation between ‘monitoring’ and ‘restrictive’ mediation strategies and exposure to POG while Active Mediation of Internet Safety and Active mediation of Internet use were insignificant predictors. Results showed a higher utility of ‘technical’ strategies by the parents led to less POG. The findings of this study do not support the literature suggesting active mediation is more effective for reducing youth’s risky behaviour. Instead, parents need to apply more technical mediations with their children and adolescents’ Internet use to minimize the negative effects of online gaming

ICT Competencies among School Teachers: A Review of Literature

The rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has attract the interest of the Malaysia's Ministry of Education. Ministry aims to have all teachers received ICT training and to integrate ICT in teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers as the driving force for ICT literate society must prepare themselves with knowledge and skills in ICT. Different competency among teacher in mastering the skills and knowledge of ICT requires a benchmark to help them to know their personal ability. National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) recommended by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a benchmark that can support and enhance teaching and learning in education. This paper attempts to examine the relevant literature review of ICT competency of teachers in the country and abroad. Teachers who successfully meet NETS-T should be a guide to others while any criticism should make changes for the better

Technology Leadership in Malaysia's High Performance School

Headmaster as leader of the school also plays a role as a technology leader. This applies to the high performance schools (HPS) headmaster as well. The HPS excel in all aspects of education. In this study, researcher is interested in examining the role of the headmaster as a technology leader through interviews with three headmasters of high performance schools. Various topics related to technology leadership among headmaster have been discussed based on National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A) 2009 recommended by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). From the conversation, the headmaster of HPS have played their leadership role of technology in schools by meeting the various components of NETS-A. In terms of challenges, the online internet is a major obstacle to promoting the use of ICT in the school. The hard work and effort by the headmaster of HPS in the field of ICT has shown a good result and outcome. The headmaster of other schools should have to emulate the great efforts HPS headmasters to create a generation of young literates

Pengetahuan Teknologi Pedagogi Kandungan (PTPK) dalam kalangan guru pendidikan khas bermasalah pendengaran

Untuk menangani cabaran abad ke-21 khususnya dalam bidang pendidikan, seseorang guru perlu memiliki cukup pengetahuan supaya mereka tidak ketinggalan dalam era globalisasi. Guru pendidikan khas bermasalah pendengaran (PKBP) turut tidak terkecuali. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidik Pengetahuan Teknologi Pedagogi Kandungan (PTPK) terhadap 220 guru PKBP dari segi tujuh komponen iaitu: Pengetahuan Kandungan (PK), Pengetahuan Pedagogi (PP), Pengetahuan Pedagogi Kandungan (PPK), Pengetahuan Teknologi (PT), Pengetahuan Teknologi Kandungan (PTK), Pengetahuan Teknologi Pedagogi (PTP) dan Pengetahuan Teknologi Pedagogi Kandungan (PTPK) serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhinya (jantina, pengalaman mengajar, bidang pengajaran). Secara keseluruhannya, guru PKBP mempunyai tahap PK, PP, PPK dan PT yang tinggi namun apabila pengetahuan ini digabungkan menjadi PTK, PTP dan PTPK, tahapnya turun kepada sederhana. Menariknya, faktor jantina dan pengalaman mengajar masih merupakan faktor peramal kepada pengetahuan teknologi guru walaupun teknologi digital telah diperkenalkan ke sekolah sejak tiga dekad yang lalu. Secara khususnya, dapatan kajian menunjukkan guru lelaki PKBP mempunyai tahap PT, PTK, PTP yang lebih tinggi dan signifikan berbanding dengan guru perempuan. Selain itu, dapatan kajian turut menunjukkan bahawa guru PKBP berpengalaman mempunyai tahap PK, PP dan PPK lebih tinggi dan signifikan tetapi PT mereka adalah lebih rendah berbanding guru PKBP novis. Walau bagaimanapun, tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan bagi semua tujuh komponen PTPK berdasarkan bidang pengajaran iaitu Bahasa, Kemanusiaan, Sains dan Matematik serta Teknik dan Vokasional dalam kalangan guru PKBP. Cadangan dan implikasi daripada hasil kajian dibincangkan untuk mempromosikan dan memudahcarakan pengintegrasian teknologi dalam kalangan guru-guru PKBP di Malaysia

Pendidikan Islam di Era Society 5.0: Perspektif Nurcholish Madjid dalam Dinamika Kontemporer

Era Society 5.0 membawa perubahan drastis dalam dunia pendidikan, termasuk pendidikan Islam yang dihadapkan pada tantangan mengintegrasikan teknologi berbasis Artificial Intelligence (AI) dan Internet of Things (IoT). Namun, hambatan seperti keterbatasan infrastruktur, kurangnya kesiapan tenaga pendidik, dan resistensi terhadap perubahan masih menjadi kendala utama. Pemikiran Nurcholish Madjid menawarkan pendekatan yang relevan, dengan menekankan pentingnya nilai-nilai inklusivitas, pluralisme, dan humanisme dalam pendidikan Islam. Perspektif ini tidak hanya mendorong penguatan moralitas dan spiritualitas tetapi juga beradaptasi terhadap kebutuhan zaman melalui inovasi berbasis teknologi. Dalam penulisan ini menggunakan Metode penelitian library research atau studi kepustakaan yang update dan relevan, adalah metode penelitian yang dilakukan dengan mengumpulkan dan menganalisis data dari berbagai sumber literatur yang relevan. Penelitian ini juga memperhatikan pentingnya pengembangan kurikulum pendidikan Islam yang responsif terhadap tantangan Society 5.0. Kurikulum tersebut harus mampu mengintegrasikan literasi teknologi, data, dan manusia dengan nilai-nilai keislaman universal. Di sisi lain, pendidikan Islam perlu menjadi wadah pembinaan karakter yang bercirikan pada etika, moralitas dan spiritualitas dalam menghadapi dampak negatif disrupsi teknologi. Dengan pendekatan ini, pendidikan Islam diharapkan tidak hanya relevan tetapi juga mampu berkontribusi dalam menciptakan generasi yang kompeten secara global dan kokoh secara moral

Checkpoint kinase inhibitor AZD7762 strongly sensitises urothelial carcinoma cells to gemcitabine

Background: More effective chemotherapies are urgently needed for bladder cancer, a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We therefore explored the efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and AZD7762, a checkpoint kinase 1/2 (CHK1/2) inhibitor, for bladder cancer. Methods: Viability, clonogenicity, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were assessed in urothelial cancer cell lines and various non-malignant urothelial cells treated with gemcitabine and AZD7762. DNA damage was assessed by ?H2A.X and 53-BP1 staining and checkpoint activation was followed by Western blotting. Pharmacological inhibition of CHK1 and CHK2 was compared to downregulation of either CHK1 or CHK2 using siRNAs. Results: Combined use of gemcitabine and AZD7762 synergistically reduced urothelial carcinoma cell viability and colony formation relative to either single treatment. Non-malignant urothelial cells were substantially less sensitive to this drug combination. Gemcitabine plus AZD7762 inhibited cell cycle progression causing cell accumulation in S-phase. Moreover, the combination induced pronounced levels of apoptosis as indicated by an increase in the fraction of sub-G1 cells, in the levels of cleaved PARP, and in caspase 3/7 activity. Mechanistic investigations showed that AZD7762 treatment inhibited the repair of gemcitabine-induced double strand breaks by interference with CHK1, since siRNA-mediated depletion of CHK1 but not of CHK2 mimicked the effects of AZD7762. Conclusions: AZD7762 enhanced sensitivity of urothelial carcinoma cells to gemcitabine by inhibiting DNA repair and disturbing checkpoints. Combining gemcitabine with CHK1 inhibition holds promise for urothelial cancer therapy

DNA vaccination for prostate cancer: key concepts and considerations

While locally confined prostate cancer is associated with a low five year mortality rate, advanced or metastatic disease remains a major challenge for healthcare professionals to treat and is usually terminal. As such, there is a need for the development of new, efficacious therapies for prostate cancer. Immunotherapy represents a promising approach where the host’s immune system is harnessed to mount an anti-tumour effect, and the licensing of the first prostate cancer specific immunotherapy in 2010 has opened the door for other immunotherapies to gain regulatory approval. Among these strategies DNA vaccines are an attractive option in terms of their ability to elicit a highly specific, potent and wide-sweeping immune response. Several DNA vaccines have been tested for prostate cancer and while they have demonstrated a good safety profile they have faced problems with low efficacy and immunogenicity compared to other immunotherapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the positive aspects of DNA vaccines for prostate cancer that have been assessed in preclinical and clinical trials thus far and examines the key considerations that must be employed to improve the efficacy and immunogenicity of these vaccines