Comparing the relationship between perceived characteristics of innovation (PCI) and adoption of computer based training among trainer and trainees

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with the adoption of innovation perceived by trainer and trainees namely “perceived characteristics of innovation (PCI)” in using CBT and also to compare this relationship among trainer and trainees.The data were collected by using a set of questionnaire.The questionnaire has been designed by adopting the instruments of Perceived Characteristic of Innovation (PCI) and Adoption Questionnaire.Then, the collected data have been analyzed by using Pearson’s Correlation, regression and Z-Fisher.The finding shows that there is positive relationship between PCI and adoption, and there is a significant different in relation on compatibility factor and the adoption level on computer based training between trainers and trainees

The use of reflective practice towards achieving effective English language teaching at primary schools

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of reflective practice by English language teachers in providing effective English language teaching in primary school classrooms. This qualitative case study involving six in-service English language teachers who were selected based on purposive sampling. The data in this study were collected using teachers’ reflection logs and a series of semi-structured interviews with the English language teachers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes based on the codes gathered from the interviews and teachers’ reflections logs. The results showed that the English language teachers used reflective practice erstwhile in preparing and providing effective English language teaching for the students. They reviewed what has been accomplished and identify constructive guidelines to follow to succeed in the future teaching. They have also been doing variations of changes in teaching based on reflecting on the quality of instruction, levels of instruction, using incentive to motivate the students and managing time equally in teaching and learning process to help the children in learning English language. Since there is no clear guideline for teachers who use reflective practice in their classes, this study provided some insights on the preparations and the use of reflective practice as part of their teaching and learning process

Harnessing Learners' Insight of Online Courses and Learning Management System

The frequency of online courses using web-based learning has continued to increase in terms of demand and access. However the effectiveness of online courses particularly in relation to individual learners’ needs, perceptions, performance and outcomes are sometimes being questioned. To support for a successful learning system, this study will harness learners’ insight of online courses and learners’ use of learning management system (LMS). Much of this study is based on learner insights of the quality and quantity of their interactions and learning experiences using LMS and social presence in online courses. Only by understanding learners’ insights can we develop strategies or guidelines for creating a more inclusive and effective LMS and online courses. This study was conducted on 224 respondents from the Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia Communication, Open University Malaysia. This study allows for learners’ feedback and an opportunity for the institution to improve the learning system and nurture e-learning. (Authors' abstract

Applying Translational Research in University-Industry Collaboration through Crab Farming for Socio-Economic Alleviation of Disadvantage Communities

Innovations can be translated into social entrepreneurship to benefit disadvantage communities. This paper narrates the social entrepreneurship project between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Selangor (UCS). UNIMAS’s crab cage innovation was implemented at the Pulau Salak community in Santubong, Sarawak. The social entrepreneurship expertise was provided by UCS. The translational research cum collaborative project has improved the living standards by exploiting on the built environment which is perfect for crab farming. Aquaculture as a cash crop will ensure food security and significant economic growth. Translational research projects should be the new normal after the pandemic lockdowns.   Keywords: Translational research; Social entrepreneurship; Socio-economy; Aquaculture.    eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.    DOI:https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.209

Multi-Objective Optimization of Input Machining Parameters to Machined AISI D2 Tool Steel Material

Poor surface finish on die and mould transfers the bad quality to processed parts. High surface roughness is an example of bad surface finish that is normally reduced by manual polishing after conventional milling machining process. Therefore, in order to avoid disadvantages by manual polishing and disadvantage by the machining, a sequence of two machining operations is proposed. The main operation is run by the machining and followed by Rotary Ultrasonic Machining Assisted Milling (RUMAM). However, this sequence operation requires optimum input parameters to generate the lowest surface roughness. Hence, this paper aims to optimize the input parameters for both machining operations by three soft-computing approaches – Genetic Algorithm, Tabu Search, and Particle Swarm Optimization. The method adopted in this paper begins with a fitness function development, optimization approach usage and ends up with result evaluation and validation. The soft-computing approaches result outperforms the experiment result in having minimum surface roughness. Based on the findings, the conclusion suggests that the lower surface roughness can be obtained by applying the input parameters at maximum for the cutting speed and vibration frequency, and at minimum for machining feed rate. This finding assists manufacturers to apply proper input values to obtain parts with minimum surface roughness

The effects of commercial flower honey and turmeric on dermal wound in rats

Twenty healthy rats, ten adults (2-month-old) and ten young (1-month-old), were used in this study. Four skin biopsies were created at the dorsum of each rat under general anesthesia. The wound was each treated with honey, turmeric powder, turmeric-honey paste and a blank (control). The wounds were photographed on day 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Wound area reduction was measured on day 9 after which the rats were euthanized. The skin samples were taken for histology. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the healing between treatments in young and adult rats. However, honey was the best treatment with the highest healing scores, followed by control, turmeric and honey-turmeric paste. Honey-turmeric paste resulted in a severe wound infection thus delayed healing

Right of a child to maintenance: harmonising the laws in Malaysia

One of the issues in child’s maintenance is the maximum age of a child in which a father is still responsible over the maintenance. Under the Civil law, there is no provision which requires the parent to provide maintenance if the child is pursuing his/her tertiary education. The Islamic Family law provides eighteen years old as the maximum age for a child to still be entitled to maintenance. It is also provided that if the child is pursuing his/her tertiary education, claim for the educational expenses can be made at the Shariah court against the parent. There is no similar provision under the Law Reform Act, 19676. There are also other aspects in child’s maintenance that can be harmonised under the existing laws in Malaysia. Thus, the paper will deliberate the right of a child to maintenance in Shariah and Civil law. Relevant legal provisions as provided for under the Malaysian laws i.e., the Law Reform Act, 1976 and the Islamic Family Law Act/Enactment and the practice of the Malaysian courts deliberating this right of a child will be the focus of the paper. Cases decided at the Shariah and Civil Courts relating to the claim of child’s maintenance will be analysed to study the practice of it in Malaysia as well as its problems and restrictions. It is hoped that by analysing the current the legal provisions on child’s maintenance and its practice in Malaysia, suggestions and recommendations can be made to further improve this area of law. Hence, the right of a child to maintenance as provided for under the law will be safeguarded

Keselesaan terma pelajar dalam bilik darjah: kajian kes di Sekolah Agama Menengah Tinggi Sultan Hisamuddin, Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Suhu persekitaran yang tinggi serta jumlah penghuni yang padat di dalam sesebuah premis seperti bilik darjah mampu mendatangkan rasa tidak selesa serta mengganggu proses pembelajaran. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur perubahan parameter cuaca dan menilai persepsi sensasi terma pelajar serta turut melibatkan pengukuran tahap keselesaan terma pelajar melalui penilaian Model Jangkaan Min Pilihan (PMV) dan Indeks Jangkaan Peratusan Ketidakpuasan (PPD). Perubahan parameter cuaca diukur menggunakan alatan thermal comfort multistation, manakala parameter personal dan penilaian subjektif persepsi sensasi terma diperolehi dengan menggunakan borang soalselidik. Hasil kajian mendapati suhu persekitaran agak tinggi iaitu 33°C sekitar pukul 2.00 petang dan pergerakan angin yang perlahan telah mewujudkan bahangan di dalam bilik darjah. Di samping itu, melalui undian sensasi terma, kajian mendapati 52% pelajar merasakan bahawa keselesaan terma tidak dicapai. Purata Pilihan Sensasi Terma (Min TSV) yang dicatatkan pada nilai 1.47 jelas menunjukkan bahawa pelajar merasakan suhu di dalam bilik darjah berada antara julat sedikit panas dan sederhana panas. Pelajar lelaki dilihat lebih ramai berada di zon selesa dengan jumlah sebanyak 32%, berbanding pelajar perempuan yang hanya16% sahaja. Pengkelasan nilai PMV mengikut zon waktu mendapati bahawa hanya waktu pagi sahaja yang memberi perbezaan yang ketara antara kedua-dua gender berbanding dengan waktu tengah hari dan petang kerana selepas pukul 12.00 tengah hari, perbezaan yang wujud adalah sangat kecil. Hampir 75% responden inginkan suhu yang lebih rendah serta tidak selesa dengan bahangan suhu yang dialami. Oleh yang demikian, inisiatif tambahan dalam usaha menyederhanakan suhu persekitaran di dalam bilik darjah ini perlu diberi perhatian. Selain itu, jumlah pelajar bagi setiap bilik perlu diberi perhatian agar tidak terlalu padat supaya proses pembelajaran dapat berjalan dalam suasana yang lebih kondusif

Evaluation of Dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) test for Haemoglobin E (Hb E) in normal red cell indices individuals

The current cut-off value for thalassaemia screening is based on a mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) level of less than 27 pg. Samples with MCH 27 pg are considered normal. However, there is a possibility of missing some types of haemoglobinopathy such as haemoglobin (Hb) E trait, by using this cut-off value. This study aimed to evaluate the dichloroindophenol (DCIP) test for Hb E carriers within healthy individuals. Methods: In total, 200 leftover blood samples with normal full blood count (FBC) results and MCH ≥ 27 pg were collected from students who were involved in the thalassaemia screening program. Blood samples were screened for Hb E by the DCIP test and subjected to haemoglobin analysis using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and gel electrophoresis. Results: Of the 200 leftover blood samples with normal FBC indices, 10 were positive for the DCIP test of which 8 had Hb E trait and 2 had Hb Constant Spring. The DCIP test showed 100% sensitivity and 98.96% specificity with a 100% negative predictive value (NPV) and an 80.0 % positive predictive value (PPV). Conclusion: The DCIP test was an excellent screening tool that, when combined with FBC parameters can produce better results, particularly in areas with a high Hb E incidence