Parametric modelling of Malaysian teeth template using computer aided design

This study explored a new method and process of design denture using CAD technology to develop a template of a complete denture. Computer aided design were used as a tool of the design process. Occlusion curve was set up as variable as to follow patient size. The maxilla and mandible teeth arrangement were treated as a template of Malaysian user. The accuracy of design is the main aspect of concern that match the patients' data so that the outcome product would be suitable with maximum comfort for the patient. The product of design template will be matched with the conventional method to compare the tolerance between both. The new design template helps to reduce the time consumption of conventional carving method. The final output of 3D geometry teeth templates design will represent the patient details

Risk Management Practices of Selected Islamic Banks in Malaysia

This study explores the risk management practices of major Islamic banks in Malaysia with the objective of having deeper understanding of the practices and identifying ways for further improvements. Various aspects of risk management practices are assessed through survey questionnaires, particularly those relevant and specific to the case of the Islamic banks. The study finds that the Islamic banks adopt good risk management practices with few areas of improvements include the use of computerised support systems and more sophisticated approaches to measure risks and the use of Shari\u27ah compliance techniques to mitigate risks. By assessing their current risk management practices, the study hopes to contribute in terms of recommending strategies to strengthen the risk management practices of the Islamic banks so as to increase the overall competitiveness in the Islamic banking industry

Low Frequency VLA Observations of Abell 754: Evidence for a Cluster Radio Halo and Possible Radio Relics

We present 74 MHz and 330 MHz VLA observations of Abell 754. Diffuse, halo-like emission is detected from the center of the cluster at both frequencies. At 330 MHz the resolution of 90'' distinguishes this extended emission from previously known point sources. In addition to the halo and at a much lower level, outlying steep-spectrum emission regions straddle the cluster center and are seen only at 74 MHz. The location, morphology and spectrum of this emission are all highly suggestive of at least one, and possibly two cluster radio relics. Easily obtained higher resolution, higher sensitivity VLA observations at both frequencies are required to confirm the extended nature of the halo-like emission and the 74 MHz relic detections. However, since there is prior evidence that this cluster is or has recently been in the process of a major merger event, the possible discovery of relics in this system is of great interest in light of recent observational and theoretical evidence in favor of a merger-relic connection. We discuss the possible role the merger shock waves, which are seen in the X-ray emission, may have played in the formation of the halo and radio relics in A754.Comment: 15 pages including 4 figures. Accepted for publication by Ap

Holographic Screening Length in a Hot Plasma of Two Sphere

We study the screening length of a quark-antiquark pair moving in a hot plasma living in two sphere $S^2$ manifold using AdS/CFT correspondence where the background metric is four dimensional Schwarzschild-AdS black hole. The geodesic solution of the string ends at the boundary is given by a stationary motion in the equatorial plane as such the separation length $L$ of quark-antiquark pair is parallel to the angular velocity $\omega$. The screening length and the bound energy are computed numerically using Mathematica. We find that the plots are bounded from below by some functions related to the momentum transfer $P_c$ of the drag force configuration. We compare the result by computing the screening length in the quark-antiquark reference frame where the gravity dual are "Boost-AdS" and Kerr-AdS black holes. Finding relations of the parameters of both black holes, we argue that the relation between mass parameters $M_{Sch}$ of the Schwarzschild-AdS black hole and $M_{Kerr}$ of the Kerr-AdS black hole in high temperature is given by $M_{Kerr}=M_{Sch}(1-a^2l^2)^{3/2}$, where $a$ is the angular momentum parameter.Comment: Major revision: title changed, adding authors, 13 pages, 8 figures, etc. Accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Evidence for a Weak Galactic Center Magnetic Field from Diffuse Low Frequency Nonthermal Radio Emission

New low-frequency 74 and 330 MHz observations of the Galactic center (GC) region reveal the presence of a large-scale (6\arcdeg\times 2\arcdeg) diffuse source of nonthermal synchrotron emission. A minimum energy analysis of this emission yields a total energy of $\sim (\phi^{4/7}f^{3/7})\times 10^{52}$ ergs and a magnetic field strength of $\sim 6(\phi/f)^{2/7}$ \muG (where $\phi$ is the proton to electron energy ratio and $f$ is the filling factor of the synchrotron emitting gas). The equipartition particle energy density is $1.2(\phi/f)^{2/7}$ \evcm, a value consistent with cosmic-ray data. However, the derived magnetic field is several orders of magnitude below the 1 mG field commonly invoked for the GC. With this field the source can be maintained with the SN rate inferred from the GC star formation. Furthermore, a strong magnetic field implies an abnormally low GC cosmic-ray energy density. We conclude that the mean magnetic field in the GC region must be weak, of order 10 \muG (at least on size scales \ga 125\arcsec).Comment: 12 pages, 1 JPEG figure, uses aastex.sty; Accepted for publication, ApJL (2005, published

Psychological impact on football players performance

The purpose of this study is to determine the psychological strength among football players. There were a total of (n=90). Psychological strength dimension consists of self-confidence, motivational control, and focus control. The data analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) software package Version 20.0. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were performed to validate the scales. The results shown that social support from parents, coach, friends and the sports agencies directly contribute towards overall social support which in turn, has significant relationships self-confidence, task orientation and ego orientation. In future research, a longitudinal study would be particularly useful to observe the model changes from one phase of footballers or any other sports performance by applying the model.Keywords: psychological strength; football players; performanc

Simulation of U-shaped plastic optical fiber ethanol sensor

The prediction of optical loss in different bending diameter of U-shaped POF sensor towardvariation of ethanol’s refractive indices was investigated using ray-tracing method perform byZemax software. It can provide information on how the propagation ray is perturbed bydifferent bending diameter of U-shaped POF. There are five designs of POF models werepre-drawn with different bending diameter; 2.0cm, 2.5cm, 3.0cm 3.5cm and 4.0cm. From theresults, U-shaped with 2.5 cm bending diameter has shown the most sensitive bendingdiameter as compared to the rest. Either with the presence of cladding layer or not thesensitivity detected was 0.014 x10-4 Watts/Vol%Keywords: ray-tracing; Zemax software; U-shaped POF sensor; ethanol sensor

An Assessment of Risk of Iodine Deficiency Among Pregnant Women in Sarawak, Malaysia

Previous findings from a state-wide Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) study among pregnant women (PW) in Sarawak indicated that PW are at risk of IDD and further assessment is needed. This paper describes the methodology used in conducting this study for an assessment of risk of iodine deficiency among pregnant women in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 30 maternal child health care clinics (MCHCs) were selected using probability proportional to population size (PPS) sampling technique. The PW sample size was calculated based on 95% confidence interval (CI), relative precision of 5%, design effect of 2, anticipated IDD prevalence of 65.0% and non-response rate of 20%. Thus, the total sample size required was 750 (25 respondents per selected MCHC). The WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) surveys approach was used to randomly select the first respondent and subsequent respondents were chosen until the required number of PW was met. The required data were obtained through: face-to-face interviews (socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaire), clinical assessments (thyroid size, and hyper/hypothyroidism) and biochemical analysis (urine and blood serum). A total of 677 PW responded in the study with a response rate of 90.2%. Majority of the PW were at second gravida, aged 25-29 years old and of Malay ethnicity. The methodology used in this study was based on International guidelines which may provide state's estimates. All the necessary steps were taken into consideration to ensure valid and reliable findings on current iodine status among PW

Susceptibility assessments of landslides in Hulu Kelang area using a geographic information system-based prediction model

This study was conducted to estimate the susceptibility of landslides on a test site in Malaysia (Hulu Kelang area). A Geographic Information system (GIS)-based physical model named YS-Slope, which integrates a mechanistic infinite slope stability method and the geo-hydrological model was applied to calculate the safety factor of the test site. Input data, slopes, soil-depth, elevations, soil properties and plant covers were constructed as GIS datasets. The factor of safety of shallow landslides along the wetting front and deep-seated landslides at the bottom of the groundwater were estimated to compare with the analysis results of the existing model and actual landslides in 2008. According to the results of the study, shallow landslides mainly occurred in the central area which has many historical landslides, while deep-seated landslides were predominant in the east side of the study area. A ROC analysis was conducted and it is shown that the prediction result at the end of the northeast monsoon for shallow landslides showed relatively high accuracy compared with other predictions