Design and evaluation of a web-based learning module on computer networking

The Malaysian Secondary School lnformation Technology (IT) curriculum introduced in 1999 was developed based on the Smart School's framework which emphasized on the use of self-directed,self-access,self-assess and self-pace learning methodologies.However, the introduction of the online IT self-learning module that was supposed to helps teachers in adopting this methodology has not been implemented well. As a result, teachers tend to revert to their traditional teaching approaches which could jeopardize the success of the IT curriculum's objectives. This study was carried out to design, develop and evaluate a new web-based learning module which the researcher hopes could improve or possibly replace the existing module. The module was developed in accordance to the developmental research approach which employed different types of evaluation method depending on its stage of development. The methods included peer review, expert review, cooperative evaluation and experimental design.The.first three methods were used to address both the design and the development objective of this study while the latter is to address its evaluation objective. The result of this evaluation shows strong corroboration between all data sources (achievement test, survey and interview). In addition, the result also indicates that students who used the module have more positive perception toward the IT subject. This finding not only established the effectiveness of the module, but also the positive effect of using such module on students' achievement and their perceptions towards the subject. This finding has two direct implications. First, the empirically proven design principle used in the design and development of the web-based learning module in this study can be used as a reference model for those who are interested in developing a similar module. Second, the finding of this study suggests the potential of integrating the use of a web-based learning module in the IT classroom

Drugs abuse in the United Arab Emirates

PhD ThesisMany aspects of life have changed rapidly since the independence of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) in 1971. The economic and social changes have catapulated people from a nomadic and isolated life into a relatively luxurious lifestyle. Many of the traditional values of the indigenous people have changed and came to be influenced by the values and attitudes of those who came to work in the U.A.E. The rapid social change has been an important factor behind the appearance of many types of anti-social behaviour, of which drug use is one. As in most countries throughout the world, illicit drug use behaviour in the U.A.E. is thriving, in terms of a rapid increase in the number of users, in the amount used and in the choice by users of more dangrous substances. Drug use behaviour has moved from a small number of isolated people in some ethnic groups to many people in many different ethnic and age groups in the U.A.E.. Consequently this study examines the nature of drug abuse problems in the U.A.E.. It covers many aspects of drug abuse problem and the social climate in which it flourishes. These include: the prevalence rate of drug abuse; socio-economic changes in the U.A.E. and their effects on the increase of drug abuse; the effects of society's efforts and policies in attempting to reduce drug-related problems; and the effects of drug abuse on individuals, family and society. It is found that the illegal drugs trade has become a means by which some people amass their fortune, exploiting the situation of social and security gaps in the U.A.E. The open market trade policy, a fundamental cornerstone of economic in the U.A.E., offers a fertile environment for abuses such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other laws violation. The findings show that rapid social change in the U.A.E. has reduced the influence of some of the social control measures such as the effect of the family, customs and tradition. The support role of the family in the new society has changed, and has been replaced by an expatriate work force. The research findings show that the large number of expatriate workers has influenced the spread of drug abuse among people in the U.A.E. Most of the expatriate workers come from drug producing countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and India. In addition to the drug producing countries, there is public acceptance for some drug use in these countries. The cheapness of drugs in the above mentioned countries in contrast to the high prices and demand for illicit drugs in the U.A.E. encouraged some of the expatriate workers and some illegal immigrants to become involved in illicit drug activities. The findings and results of the study show that the rate of drug abuse among young men is high, especially the use of heroin which is incrasing. Drug abusers who are U.A.E. citizens are more likely to be involved in drug abuse problems. Most of them are multi-drug abusers and they spend a lot of money on their drug use. Substances such as hashish, heroin, opium and barbiturates are most common types of drugs which are on the increase in U.A.E. society. The lack of a comperhensive and unambiguous policy to combact drugs in U.A.E. society is a significant factor behind the increase in problems of drug abuse in the U.A.E.. Drug policy in the U.A.E. depends mainly on individual efforts and the commitment of some government organizations. These efforts are mainly concentrated in the law enforcement agencies in the Emirates and federal legislation is not always effective or welcomed in the Emirates

Prospects of Halal Green Tourism in Brunei Darussalam

In recent years, there has been a growing interest among academics worldwide in the concepts of halal and green tourism, particularly focusing on sustainability. This trend has created both opportunities and challenges for tourism stakeholders, as there is a strong interest from tourists in both halal and green tourism experiences. Brunei Darussalam, with about 80% of its land covered in primary tropical forest and a significant portion devoted to permanent forests and forest reserves, offers numerous green tourist attractions despite its small size. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and relevant aspects of halal-green tourism, this study explores the existing literature and theories related to the topic. Using a qualitative approach and secondary data collection, the study provides insights into halal-green tourism in Brunei. Furthermore, a SWOT analysis of the Brunei tourism industry is presented based on the information gathered. The data indicates that Brunei offers an ideal balance of environmentally friendly and halal-friendly services, making it an attractive destination for halal-green tourism. The SWOT analysis serves as a valuable guideline for relevant authorities and policymakers in planning the future development of the country’s tourism industry. Additionally, local travel agencies can utilize this analysis to promote and enhance halal green tourism in Brunei. Keywords: Brunei, green tourism, halal green tourism, halal tourism, SWOT analysi

Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggeris berbantukan web (WBAL) terhadap kesamaratan akses antara pelajar bandar dan luar bandar

Satu daripada punca kemunduran pelajar luar bandar bersebab kemiskinan prasarana pembelajaran di sekolah. Kelemahan ini lebih ketara bagi pengajaran dan pembelajaran Bahasa Inggeris disebabkan kekurangan guru yang layak dan mahir. Pelajar luar bandar ini juga kurang bernasib baik berbanding rakan mereka di bandar sebab Bahasa Inggeris jarang sekali didengar atau pun digunakan dalam komunikasi harian. Kajian ini merupakan satu usaha untuk menentukan sama ada akses kepada pembelajaran Bahasa Inggeris dapat ditingkatkan dengan menyediakan kemudahan pembelajaran bersandarkan Web. Tiga buah sekolah bandar dan tiga buah sekolah luar bandar yang mewakili tiga peringkat pembelajaran, iaitu Tahun Tiga, Tahun Lima dan Tingkatan Satu telah dipilih. kaedah eksperimental menggunakan kumpulan rawatan dan kawalan di setiap sekolah. Guru mengajar berbantukan Web selama 20 waktu meliputi hampir 10 minggu. Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan dalam pencapaian Bahasa Inggeris bagi kumpulan rawatan berbanding kumpulan kawalan secara kesuluruhannya, bagi pelajar bandar berbanding luar bandar, dan di antara tiga tahap pendidikan

Factors influencing antenatal mothers' choice of hospital for delivery at Hospiatl Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and Hospital Kota Bharu(HKB)

The selection of a hospital for delivery does not become an issue for women until they become pregnant. The main aim for promoting hospital delivery is to ensure safety to the mother and the newborn child. The main objective in this study is to determine the factors that influence antenatal mothers choice of hospitals for delivery at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and Hospital Kota Bharu (HKB). The study was carried out in two phases. In phase one, a cross sectional study was conducted on 344 Malays, multiparty antenatal mothers who attended selected Maternal and Child Health Clinics (MCHC) in Kota Bharu district, from November 2003 to February 2004. Subjects were selected using two-stage sampling. Data were obtained using an interviewer guided, validated and piloted questionnaire. In order to ensure high quality of the interview, only one dedicated interviewer was involved. The questionnaire consists of a few domains namely socio-economic, accessibility, convenience, previous delivery experience, and interpersonal relationship with doctors and nurses, comfort of the patients and their relatives. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were carried out in phase two in March 2004. FGD was carried out purposely to explore in depth the influencing factors, which cannot be explored through questionnaire. To fulfill this objective, 24 volunteered antenatal mothers were recruited in this phase after being consented and agreed to involve in this study. Four FGD sessions, each group consisted of six participants were conducted. Their responses were transcribed and analyzed based on the framework questions directed to them. The prevalence for choosing HUSM for delivery center was 38.0% and HKB 62.0°/o respectively. Based on the simple logistic regression, ten predictors variables namely health center, previous delivery hospital, distance to hospital, accessibility to hospital, good nursing care, short waiting hours, clean wards, children friendly (accept visitor under twelve) and fast admission to wads were significantly associated with the outcomes,. Among these only three factors remained significantly influenced when analyzed through multiple logistic regression. The final model was tested and it was found fit. The factors derived from the final model were previous delivery hospital, accessibility and children-friendly hospital. The findings in FGD support the model above and were able to extract the underlying facts. This study concludes previous delivery hospital; accessibility and children friendly hospital (hospital allows children under 12 years to visit their mothers in the wards) significantly influences the choice of hospital for delivery among antenatal mothers in Kota Bhe-ru distric

Halal Industry Development in Brunei Darussalam: Realities and Challenges

The global halal market is witnessing significant growth, estimated at USD 2.41 trillion, and this upward trend is expected to continue due to increasing worldwide demand. In response to this lucrative opportunity, Brunei is actively supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and providing necessary facilities to foster the development of the halal industry in the country. This article aims to explore the current realities of Brunei’s halal sector by examining the factors that contribute to the rising demand for halal products and the opportunities presented by recent market developments. The research employed a method of assessing secondary data from various sources to achieve its objectives. The results highlight several factors influencing the development of the halal industry in Brunei. It is evident that the future growth of this sector hinges on industry players’ ability to expand their understanding of product sales and effective promotion strategies. The findings from this study can serve as a valuable resource for future researchers, academics, and policymakers when making informed decisions about the halal industry in Brunei. Keywords: Brunei, challenges, development, halal industry, realitie

A Systemic Review (2014–2023) on the Mobile-Assisted Blended Learning for English as a Foreign Language Education with a Focus on Empirical Studies

Over the past two decades, due to the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT), mobile learning (M-learning) and blended learning (BL) have emerged as new trends in sustaining English as a foreign language (EFL) education. The tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional teaching and learning, but it has also accelerated the integration of technology in EFL education. Mobile-assisted blended learning (MABL) combines mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and BL into a single framework that effectively addresses their individual limitations when used in isolation. However, reviews of MABL, particularly in the context of EFL education, are scarce. Sourced from two major databases, namely Web of Science and Scopus, and two supplementary databases (Education Resources Information Center and Mendeley), 25 studies were extracted out of 205 in the latest decade, using specific exclusion and inclusion criteria. This review aims to shed light on the trend of utilizing advanced and effective pedagogy and teaching tools to benefit stakeholders in the sustainable development of English as a foreign language

Physical characteristics and weight relationship of Gigantochloa scortechinii (Buluh Semantan) 1-,2- and 3-year old natural stand bamboos

Physical characteristics, such as average number of internodes, internode length, culm wall thickness, circumference of internodes, and weight of culm, branch and leaf of 1-, 2- and 3-year old culms were determined. Data were gathered from 47 to 62 of 1-, 2- and 3-year old culms in Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia. Significant linear relationships between weight and solid volume of the bamboo were observed for all the various ages studied. In addition, their corresponding regression equations were also determined. The 3-year old culm had the biggest mean for all the characteristic features, except for the Diameter-breast height (Dbh) and the culm wall thickness at the base. This was followed by the 2-year old culm. Meanwhile, regression of the height and culm weight on the Dbh gave the best regression line for 1 year old culm in terms of its r-squared value of 84 and 86 percent in comparison to the 2 and 3-year old culm

The Influenced of Compression on Properties of Binderless Compressed Veneer Made from Oil Palm Trunk

Binderless compressed veneer panels from oil palm trunk consisted of 5 layers of oil palm trunk veneers were made with 3 different thickness, 7 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm. The panels were pressed at temperature of 180 °C with pressure 5 MPa at duration time of 20 minutes. The veneers were pressed without using any synthetic adhesive in the manufacturing process. Mechanical and physical properties such as flexural test, thickness swelling and water absorption, density and compression ratio were observed and evaluated based on Japanese Agricultural Standard 2003 (JAS). The findings showed that binderless compressed veneer panels that undergo pressing process with thickness bar 7 mm showed the highest value of flexural strength compared to other type of panels. Dimensional stability such as thickness swelling and water absorption showed relationship with compression ratio. Based on the results, the compression ratio did influenced the properties of binderless compressed veneer panel made from oil palm trunk

SOR Iterative Method with Simpson’s 1/3 Rule for the Numerical Solution of Fuzzy Second Kind Fredholm Integral Equations

In this study, we present the application of Successive Over-Relaxation (SOR) iterative method to solve fuzzy Fredholm integral equations of the second kind (FFIE-2). In addition to that, the Simpson’s 1/3 quadrature rule is applied to derive the approximate solution of FFIE-2. Then, we use the approximate equation to generate a system of linear equations. Next, SOR iterative method is introduced to solve the generated system of linear equations. Moreover, we conduct some numerical examples to illustrate the applicability of the SOR iterative method. Finally, we discuss the efficiency of the proposed method by comparing the number of iterations, computational time and Hausdorff distance. Based on the numerical results, we conclude that SOR method is better than Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel iterative methods