Enhancement of electrode design for non-invasive stimulus application

Existing electrodes can be classified into two categories which are invasive and non-invasive electrodes. The non-invasive electrodes can be further classified into wet or dry electrodes. Most of the off-the-shelf electrodes are made from rigid substrates which have the high level of motion artifacts. To overcome this motion artifact, flexible electrodes have been slowly introduced in the market. Flexible electrodes can be made from various types of material such as the substrate. This paper presents a work on designing a new flexible dry electrodes using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and silver by means of dispenser printing technology. Polyester cotton fabric was selected as the substrate in this electrode designed. Results from the experiment show that the conductivity of the proposed flexible electrode is comparable with the conventional pre-gelled electrode when applied to an electrical stimulator device. Eight out of ten subjects under test described no difference in comfort between the proposed electrodes and pre-gelled electrodes. © 2017 IEEE

The impact of FDI inflows on R&D activities in developing countries: a panel data analysis

This study investigates the impact of FDI inflows on R&D activities in 48 developing countries for the 1996-2013 periods. The results based on the system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) estimator show that FDI inflows tend to discourage R&D activity in developing countries. Additionally, there is evidence that R&D activity benefits from import and stronger legal protection

Financial integration - growth nexus: a quantile regression analysis

Our study aims to examine the role of economic development in moderating the relationship between international financial integration and economic growth, and we find that international financial integration has a positive impact on economic growth by and large. However, the growth impact of international financial integration does not exist in countries where economic development is too low or in highly developed countries. This suggests that policy makers, especially in developing countries, should ensure the presences of capabilities in order to gain from the financial market integration. The method involves a quantile regression technique on cross-sectional data of 73 countries

FDI inflows and R&D activity in developing countries

This study investigates the impact of FDI inflows on R&D activity in 48 developing countries for the 1996-2013 periods. The results based on the system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) estimator show that FDI inflows discourage R&D activity in developing countries. This finding is consistent with the view that foreign R&D investment is a substitute for domestic R&D efforts. This suggests that firms in developing countries are more inclined toward imitation of the existing products rather than innovation of a new technology. However, domestic R&D activity appears to benefit from imports of machinery and equipment, stronger legal protections, better human capital and higher economic growth

Silvered Langur (Trachypithecus cristatus) Survey in Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Miri, Sarawak

A rapid and passive primate survey using a scanning technique was conducted in Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary (Sibuti WS) from 11th to 16th July, 2018. This study provided the first confirmed record of the presence and the diet of silvered langur in the wildlife sanctuary. A group of silvered langur that comprise 20 to 30 individuals were observed in the vicinity of the sanctuary. The diurnal langur feeds on fig plants (Ficus sp.), simpoh air (Dillenia suffruticosa) and tree from the family Leguminosae. However, this langur population appears to be isolated and is probably decreasing due to limited food sources, intra- and interspecific competition, and hunting pressure by local people

Herpetofauna surveys at CFS ecological corridor (J-PL2: Panti Forest Reserve-Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve), Johor, Malaysia

Herpetological surveys were conducted at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve of Johor in March and April 2019. These forest reserves are identified as one of the designated primary linkages under the Central Forest Spine (CFS) Masterplan, named as J-PL2 or previously known as CFSII PL3. The objective of the study is to document updated list of herpetofauna species recorded at the J-PL2. During this study, onehectare study plot was established at Panti Forest Reserve and Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve, respectively. Each study plot was equipped with 10 transect lines. A total of 25 pitfall traps were deployed at each study plot. These traps were set for five consecutive nights per session, with a total of two sampling sessions per site. In addition, active search was also conducted for a minimum of two hours at each site during every sampling session. As a result, a total of 30 individuals comprising of 13 species of herpetofauna were recorded at J-PL2. Panti Forest Reserve harbour highest number of herpetofauna with nine species (five families) followed by Ulu Sedili Forest Reserve with six species (five families). Amphibians was the most species captured in Panti Forest Reserve with six species, whilst the number of species recorded for both amphibians and reptiles at Ulu Sedili was similar with three species. Furthermore, five species of the herpetofauna representing by one amphibian and four reptiles are new additional recorded herpetofauna species when compared to a compilation of previously listed species at both forest reserves. Pelobatrachus nasutus, Draco haematopogon and Naja sumatrana are among the latest species recorded through this study. Referring to this information, hopefully the significance of J-PL2 as an important shelter for various herpetofauna species could be reflected and proper conservation actions must be undertaken to protect and sustain their population

The effect of electrical stimulation in improving muscle tone (Clinical)

Electrical stimulation (ES) and also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) involves the use of electrical current to stimulate the nerves or nerve endings that innervate muscle beneath the skin. Electrical stimulation may be applied superficially on the skin (transcutaneously) or directly into a muscle or muscles (intramuscularly) for the primary purpose of enhancing muscle function. The basic theoretical premise is that if the peripheral nerve can be stimulated, the resulting excitation impulse will be transmitted along the nerve to the motor endplates in the muscle, producing a muscle contraction. In this work, the effect of mere electrical stimulation to the muscle bulk and strength are tested. This paper explains how electrical stimulation can affect the muscle bulk, muscle size, muscle tone, muscle atrophy and muscle strength. The experiment and data collection are performed on 5 subjects and the results obtained are analyzed. This research aims to understand the full potential of electrical stimulation and identifying its possible benefits or disadvantages to the muscle properties. The results indicated that electrical stimulation alone able to improve muscle properties but with certain limits and precautions which might be useful in rehabilitation programme

FDI and income inequality in ASEAN-5 countries: a quantile regression approach

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of FDI inflows on income distribution in ASEAN-5 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). Specifically, it investigates whether the inflows of FDI is associated with a greater income inequality within these countries. The empirical results, based on quantile regression analysis and data over 1970-2011 period, reveal that FDI inflows have an inequality-reducing effects in Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. However, the findings for Singapore and Indonesia suggest that FDI perpetuates inequality

Virtual reality application integrated with learning analytics for enhancing English pronunciation: A conceptual framework

English pronunciation is a key component for speaking a good English language. In particular, an individual who can pronounce correctly can communicate and express their ideas clearly with others in daily life. However, from literatures, public speaking anxiety and communication problems because of pronunciation problem still happen among some students. Moreover, previous studies also reported the usefulness of Virtual Reality (VR) application and learning analytics for enhancing the English learning performance of students. Thus, this paper aims to introduce a conceptual framework of VR application (VR Talk) integrated with learning analytics to assist students in improving their English pronunciation. The design of VR application (VR Talk) integrated with learning analytics for enhancing students' English pronunciation are also demonstrated in this paper. Several implications of this VR application (VR Talk) integrated with learning analytics are explained. It is believed that through the usage of such VR application, students are expected to make improvement on the clear pronunciation in English language, to build their confidence and to improve their speaking skill. This VR Talk will also help to bring students into digital world to catering for the demands of 21st century education

An analysis of a flexible dry surface electrodes

In the medical field, electrodes are commonly used either to retrieve signals or to conduct current. Most of the off-the-shelf surface electrodes are made from metal or rigid substrates. This paper presents a work on designing a new flexible dry electrodes using poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and silver by means of dispenser printing technology. The polyester cotton fabric was selected as the substrate in this electrode designed. To analyse the new proposed composites of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and silver, different mixtures have been applied. Results from the experiment show that the conductivity of the proposed flexible electrode is comparable with the commercialized pre-gelled electrode when applied to an electrical stimulator device. Eight out of ten subjects under test described no difference in comfort between the proposed electrodes and pre-gelled electrodes