An assessment on cinematic composition, narrative structure and semiotics in animated films: a case study of Filem Negara Malaysia’s anthropomorphic animal folktales (Sang Kancil: the animated series) / Azahar Harun

This study concerns the anthropomorphic animal folktale namely Sang Kancil: The Animated Series (SKTAS) produced by Filem Negara Malaysia (National Film Department) during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These animated series are Hikayat Sang Kancil (Xavier, A, 1978); Sang Kancil & Monyet, (Hassan Abd Muthalib, 1984); and Sang Kancil & Buaya (Hassan Abd Muthalib, 1987). In general, the study comprises of two parts, Historical Perspective and Analytical Perspective. In the first part, the study attempts to establish insight regarding the historical background of the agency. Here it identifies some of the important historical events which are crucial for the development of animation production in this country. These events are found in three major periods, Colonial (1949-1956), Post-Colonial (1957-1960), Contemporary (1970- 2000). Among the topics discussed in this section, includes the establishment of the Malayan Film Unit and Film Negara Malaysia, the contribution made by animation pioneers and the review of anthropomorphic animal folktale from 1970 to 2000. In the second part, the study looks at the construction of Sang Kancil: The Animated Series (SKTAS) by analyzing three important aspects, Cinematic Composition, Narrative Structure and Semiotics. Here, it poses the question of what formula did the artist employ to construct the animated series (SKTAS). In context of cinematic, a mix method (qualitative & quantitative) was explored which include a Shot-by-shot analysis and a Statistical Style Analysis (Salt, 1974). This approach aims to establish baseline information regarding the cinematic convention (Duration, Setting and Camera Technique). In context of Narrative, a method called Freytag‘s Pyramid Analysis (Freytag, 1893 cited in Griffith, 2011) was employed. This approach enables the researcher to analyze the narrative structure of the samples thus determining its characteristics (Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Resolution). In context of Semiotics, the study attempts to identify the symbolism element called ‗Signifier and Signified‘ (Saussure, 1966 cited in Berger, 1992) and interpreting its meaning in relation to Malaysian history, politics and culture. The study concludes with a summary of the findings from the earlier chapters (Chapter Four, Chapter Five & Chapter Six)

Kartun bertemakan dakwah islamiyah atas talian: Interpretasi dakwah sarkastik dan satira / Fazlina Mohd Radzi and Azahar Harun

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji akan kesan penyampaian kartun indie yang menggunakan pendekatan dan pengisian berbentuk dakwah Islam dan cara khususnya . Disamping itu, pengkaji turut akan menyusuri permulaan dan perkembangan kartun di Malaysia secara ringkas dari awal zaman sebelum kemerdekaan, kemudian zaman kegemilangan kartun melayu pada tahun 80an dan 90an. Selain itu, kemunculan para kartunis indie yang secara separa masa hadir memenuhi ruangan kartun Malaysia dengan memuat naik melalui halaman ‘facebook‘ , instagram dan juga melalui laman blogspot pribadi di atas talian internet. Pendekatan kajian dan penulisan adalah berdasarkan apresiasi bentuk dan makna karya dan konteks penghasilannya. Metodologi sejarah seni berasaskan analisis mengikut konteks (contextual analysis) dijadikan asas di dalam pengkajian ini. Merangkumi aspek deskripsi, analisis, interpretasi dan pertimbangan digunakan sebagai panduan dalam penelitian karya. Bolehlah disimpulkan karya kartun dakwah Islamiyah di atas talian kini menjadi lebih baik penerimaannya dan kekal dengan elemen sindiran satiranya

How science enhanced animation / Azahar Harun

Science is essential to an animation as brick is to a building. In fact, some of the early works of animation started as a science project rather than a work of art. According to Wells (2001), in the early stage, scientists and innovators were keen on developing media platform rather than furnishing the animation content with narrative and character style. For instance, the the aumatrope is recognised as a the device used by Dr John Aryton Paris to demonstrate a phenomenon called "Persitence of vision" to the British Royal College of Physcians in 1827 (Zell-Ravenheart, 2006) . The device has a single card disc with two pieces of strings attached to it . Each side of the card disc has different figures. To operate Thaumatrope, one need to twist the disc for several times until the strings get tighten and then pull them away to make it spin. As this happen, the two figures from each side of the card disc will merge as one. Thaumatrope is just one of many optical devices that has inspire many scientists and animation artists. In this essay, I will discuss how science can help enhance the understanding of animation

Corporate rebranding design of oil and gas company in Malaysia: case study of SMART Petrol / Amina Syarfina Abu Bakar...[et.al]

The aim of this study is to investigate the existing branding design and the potential of corporate rebranding design for SMART Petrol. SMART Petrol is a 100% Bumiputera companies that are actively involved in the supply and marketing of petroleum products in Malaysia. This company has been approved by the government to develop and modernize and supply of petroleum to gas station mini in rural areas. However SMART Petrol is new and unrecognized petrol station company in Malaysia, this caused lack of consumer’s trust and awareness. Through visual observation and content analysis of existing branding design, these could help restructuring process and trigger a new strategy of branding for SMART Petrol. Social responsibilities seem significant to get closer to the consumers. Due to that corporate rebranding design is important to gain the consumer’s trust and new shareholders to invest to with SMART Petrol for potential booster of the company. Therefore the decision of rebranding for failure organization is important and seems rational

Halal vs non-halal cosmetic: Positioning in Malaysian market / Azahar Harun … [et al.]

An increase of global Muslim population contributes to booming in Halal market. Halal Industries Development Organization predicted that the population will rise to over 30% of the world population by 2030 thus contributes to changing landscape of cosmetic buying behavior among Muslim consumer. Unfortunately, Halal cosmetic products suffer from poor product positioning strategy which makes it difficult to compete with non Halal brands. Therefore, this conceptual paper aims to explore the dimensions that consumers use to evaluate products offered in the market thus proposing a conceptual framework namely Halal Cosmetic Positioning Model (HCPM). Through document reviews, four dimensions i.e. Halal label, product quality, product ingredients and safety have been identified to differentiate Halal cosmetics with non Halal brands. The findings shall be find useful for manufacturers, producers, and marketers of Halal cosmetics in strategizing effective positioning strategies thus capturing Malaysian markets. The outcomes of the study can be verified further by using empirical methods to validate each dimension

Principles and elements of interactive multimedia teaching aids design for hearing-impaired students

Interactive multimedia teaching aids are one of the effective tools for enhancing the learning experiences of students with disabilities. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the availability and appropriateness of such aids for hearing-impaired students. To address this issue, this study conducted a comprehensive contextual document review with a focus on a diverse range of scholarly sources, ensuring a robust foundation for the research through 31 established scholars. The primary objective is to identify the best principles and elements for designing effective interactive multimedia teaching aids that cater to the unique needs of hearing-impaired students. The analysis revealed 11 key principles, including clarity, multimedia, temporal contiguity, harmony, consistency, coherence, familiarity, spatial contiguity, embodiment, control, and contrast. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the development of effective interactive multimedia teaching aids to fulfill the needs of hearing-impaired students, enabling them to receive a more inclusive and accessible education. More importantly, the findings represent vital guidance for educators, designers, and policymakers to create a more accessible learning environment for all students

Quantum Cryptography Experiment using Optical Devices

The study of quantum cryptography is one of the great interest. A straightforward and reliable quantum experiment is provided in this paper. A half wave plate in linearly polarized light makes up a simplified polarization rotator. The polarization rotates twice as much as the half wave plate's fast axis' angle with the polarization plane when the half wave plate is rotated. Here, an experiment of message sharing is conducted to demonstrate quantum communication between parties. The unitary transformation is performed step by stepusing half-wave plates represented by the Mueller matrix. A simulation created using Python programming has been used to test the proposed protocol's implementation. Python was chosen because it can mathematically imitate the quantum state of superposition

XBee wireless sensor networks for heart rate monitoring in sport training

Heart Rate Monitors (HRMs) have become widely used since the last two decades. It used as training aid for various types of sports. And the development of new HRMs has evolved rapidly. Thus, in order to determine the exercise intensity of training session or race, HRMs are mainly used. Compared to the other indication of exercise intensity, Heart rate is easy to monitor, compatible to use in most situation and relatively cheap. Thus, it is most beneficial if wireless sensor network can be implementing into the system. Other than monitored their condition by themselves, this system may allowed a number of athletes being monitored simultaneously. Arduino-Nano board was used to interface with nRF24AP1 and XBee. The wireless sensor network consists of a microcontroller on Arduino-Nano board, nRF24AP1 and the XBee wireless communication module which is based on the IEEE 802.15.4. This system will involve peer to peer communication of ANT+ and mesh networking among the XBee

Understanding Urban Ornamentation Policy and Practice: Case study of Alor Gajah Melaka roadside sculptures

This study investigates the significance of Roadside Sculptures in the context of urban ornamentation policy and practice, utilizing a triangulation method of observation, formal analysis, and expert rating.  Based on the findings the 14 Roadside Sculptures along the Alor Gajah-Melaka-Jasin highway feature four similar designs that promote environmental sustainability but lack cultural identity. Expert ratings, however, draw attention to problems in terms of functionality, idealization, shape, accessibility, sensibility, and exactitude. To improve the town's image, the study recommends that the Alor Gajah Municipal Council strengthen its urban ornamentation policy and practice by collaborating with the creative society and local community

The reading of tajweed in surah Yaasin for red-green colour vision deficiencies / Siti Sarah Adam Wan … [et al.]

Colour Blindness or colour vision deficiency are difficulty to see certain colour and shade depending on their type of colour blindness. Generally, there are 3 types of vision deficiencies - protanopia (red-green), deuteranopia (green-red) and tritanopia (blue-yellow) (NEI, 2015). There are close to 300 million people around the world who are suffering from colour blindness. From that figure, 8% men and 0.5% women are suffering this vision deficiencies (Ng, 2017). Many people think people who are suffering from colorblindness are enable to see any colours. Their perception on those people can only view black and white in daily life. However, their judgment is wrong and science has proven colour vision deficiencies can see colours (Flück, 2006). Most common forms of colour vision problems are inherited (genetic) and are present at birth.However,in some cases, a person can have an acquired colour vision problem. Thus,it is caused by aging, eye problem, injury on eye, alcohol misuse, or a hard injury on head (Flück, 2006)