Keakraban Obama, Najib terserlah

Presiden Amerika Syarikat, Barack Obama yang melakukan kunjungan ke Malaysia dalam rangka lawatan rasmi ke empat negara Asia menunjukkan keakrabannya dengan negara ini, khususnya dengan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Ra­zak

The Converts and Zakat Distribution in State of Selangor

The knowledge about zakat distribution method is a vital issue because it leaves an impact to the converts regarding fairness and satisfaction. The aim of the study is to analyze the zakat distribution method in the state of Selangor. In addition, the study is to delve the statisctics in the form of assistance programs received by the converts in Selangor. The study employs mixed method which adopts both quantitative and qualitative studies. The quantitative study employs the questionnaire instrument to 454 converts in Selangor. Meanwhile, the qualitative study employs the library study. The finding of the study indicates that there are twelve zakat distribution methods. The study also shows the statistics in the form of assistance program received by converts.There are fifteen forms of aid received by converts. In the one hand, the highest form of assistance program received by converts are hari raya allowance and monthly financial assistance which are amounted to 54.4% and 47.6% respectively. On the other hand, the lowest form of assistance program is printing and publication assistance which is amounted to 7%. The implication signifies that the zakat distribution method is dessiminated either in the form of money as well as services. Thus, the study finds that the zakat authority in Selangor has fairly distributed the funds into 1/8 of the right of zakat recipients

Low temperature production of wollastonite from limestone and silica sand through solid-state reaction

AbstractWollastonite was produced using solid-state reaction from limestone and silica sand. Limestone containing a high percentage of CaO (55.10%) and silica sand with 99% SiO2 were used as starting materials. The ratios of limestone/sand used were 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 with various firing temperatures, namely 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 and 1450°C. The raw materials and fired products were characterised for mineral phases, chemical composition of content such as CaO, SiO2 and loss on ignition (LOI), density and microstructure. CaSiO3 with an α-phase was detected at firing temperatures as low as 1300°C, together with olivine and quartz phases, obtained from a 1:1 ratio. No α-CaSiO3 was detected for 2:1 and 3:1 ratios; only olivine and larnite phases were present. The density of the product was 2.93gcm−3, which is close to the theoretical value, with a specific surface area of 3.23m2g−1. This study shows that the Malaysian limestone and silica sand can produce good properties of wollastonite materials

Physico-mechanical properties of polymer concrete containing micro-filler of palm oil fuel ash

Objective of this study is to present a research conducted on ground (fine) and unground (coarse) POFA in polymer concrete (PC) followed by determination on the physico-mechanical properties of PC. Physical properties of micro-fillers and mechanical properties of produced PCs were characterized. Calcium carbonate and silica sand were also used as micro-fillers for comparison purpose. The samples were subjected to compression and flexural. Morphology images of the particles were captured under morphology test to support the findings. Results showed that fine POFA micro-filler has a highly promising potential in becoming PC filler compared to coarse micro-filler. Additionally, its produced PC had comparable strength to PC with calcium carbonate. From the strength development and sustainability stand point, fine POFA has demonstrated its capability to produce quality and sustainable P

Gender Disparity in School Participation and Achievement: The Case in Malaysia

AbstractGender differences with regard to academic performance remain one of the more challenging issues in educational research. Gender disparity in education has traditionally focus on the under participation of girls and still is in some parts of the world. In a number of countries, including Malaysia, gender disparity in basic and higher education are in favor of girls both in terms of participation and performance. The dual purpose of this paper is to address and to understand the nature of the issue by analyzing the trends of student participation and performance; and secondly, to seek whether student engagement and burnout are possible factors contributing to school dropout and low achievement. There are evidence in the literature to show student engagement and student burnout accounted for gender differences in school performance. The results of the analysis of secondary data reflected a trend that shows girls outperformed boys in national examinations across school levels and types. These trends are confirmed by results of a survey of the level of student engagement and student burnout on a sample of students aged 12, 14 and 16 which seems to suggest that boys are less engaged than girls, and experience more burnout. The findings are discussed in the context of developing support for students, particularly boys, to be more engaged, and less burnout in school and in learning

Fabrication and characterization of semi-refined carrageenan films incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles

In this study, a packaging film was developed using semi-refined carrageenan, incorporating varying concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the properties of the SRC-based film. The films were prepared through a casting method, and the resulting samples were characterized in terms of their functional, mechanical, and physical properties. The SRC film containing 1 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated the highest tensile strength. However, with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles at any concentration (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%), the elongation at break of the SRC film decreased in comparison to the SRC film without TiO2 nanoparticles. Moreover, as the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased from 1 to 7 wt%, the moisture content, and water solubility of the SRC films decreased. The FTIR spectra analysis provided valuable information on the interaction between SRC and TiO2 nanoparticles. The results suggest that incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles into semi-refined carrageenan films shows promise for developing packaging materials with improved mechanical strength and physical performance

Mastery issues and teaching approaches for the electrical technology certificate programme at community colleges on the topic of measuring instruments

The teaching approach has a significant impact on a student's ability to master a course. The purpose of this study is to identify the level of competence and explore the teaching approaches used by community college lecturers for the Electrical Technology Certificate Programme for the topic of Measuring Instruments. This study employs a qualitative approach with an explanatory research design that includes interview data gathering procedures with eight lecturers who have taught electrical courses before. According to the findings, students' comprehension of the issue of measurement instruments is still at a modest level. While students must learn the concept of measuring instruments, it is a fundamental knowledge. Teaching and learning approach must be adjusted and improved to improve students’ understanding. According to the data, the lecturers' teaching methods are also traditional. Lecturers are enthusiastic about implementing improvements to the teaching and learning process, such as the use of engaging learning modules to increase students' understanding and skills, particularly in the area of measurement instruments

Process simulation of bis (2- Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate and its recovery using two-stage evaporation systems

To preserve the petroleum feedstock and eliminate the environmental problems peculiar to polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles littering the environment. Chemical recycling method was adopted to convert PET into useful products of prosperous sizeable industrial application. This work employed ASPEN PLUS V8.8 to simulate chemical glycolysis depolymerisation process of PET plastic wastes, using plug flow reactor for commercial production of pure bis (2- hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The data for modelling were gotten from the experimental PET glycolysis depolymerisation work. Excess ethylene glycol (EG) was used to degrade PET waste with zinc acetate (Zn(Ac)2) as the active catalyst. The optimum operating conditions of the reaction were mean particle size PET of 127.5 μm, EG:PET (w/w) ratio of 5:1,469 K temperature, 101325 N/m 2 pressure and 3 h residence time. Reaction results were 100 % depolymerisation of PET, 85.24 % yield of BHET and 14.76 % Oligomer. Purification of the BHET was done with two stages evaporation processes using flash columns and crystallizer. Higher temperature and lower pressure were observed to increase the efficiency of the evaporators, but the heat duties increased and momentarily reduced the BHET recovery. BHET recovery was observed to decrease with increase in temperature in the case of crystallisation operation. This work achieved a higher yield and purity of BHET, a higher EG removal for re-use and less heat duties demanded in comparison to previous works. The processes with its operating conditions can be used for future scaling up of commercial processes

Kajian terhadap penggunaan IBS dalam projek swasta di kawasan Lembah Klang

The construction sector based on industry or lndustrialised Building System is a method of construction using the industrialised building materials at the manufacturing plant.This method can replace the conventional method which is able to reduces the amount of foreign labor as well as to improve the quality of construction, lower cost and reduction in construction time.This study is intended to create a guideline that can be used to encourage all private construction projects In the Klang Valley implement the IBS System in 2015.Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the level of IBS usage in the building construction. There are about 400 private sector projects in the Klang Valley has been identified as a sample for this study in which 184 private projects are using IBS technology achieved a score of 55% and above.The findings of this study had identify the perceptions, barriers exist and the measures to be taken in the implementation and the criteria for developing a business model that can be used to be a concept of IBS in the private sector

PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF WIRELESS PNEUMATIC GEAR SHIFTER

Conventional design of transmission gear shifter is basically consists of mechanical linkage of gear lever attached on the side of motorcycle engine with pivot directly connected to the gear shifting mechanism. Shifting up and down of gear positions are performed by moving foot or toe upward and downward on the lever respectively. For disable rider (rider requires special need), shifting gear for manual transmission type of motorcycle with or without clutch system is difficult. In this research, a pneumatic gear shifter is designed and fabricated. It consists of pneumatic circuit with actuator, tanks and air compressor. The movement of gear lever is performed by the pneumatic actuator. Pneumatic tanks are installed to achieve optimum pressure.  It also controlled by wireless system for convenient purpose and buttons installed at the handle. Simple experiment is performed to measure the force for each gear position