'A study on factors that affecting the training transfer at Bank Rakyat Branches in Kuala Lumpur' / Nurul Ain Othman

For the last few decades, the effectiveness of transfer of training had been look up seriously by the organization. This study aims to determine which factors that affect the transfer of training in Bank Rakyat. There are four factors that will be study which are self-efficacy, openness to experience, affective commitment, peer organizational support and training design. The factors were known as independent variables. As for the dependent variables, the researcher chooses transfer of training. In this study, the researcher chooses 140 of employees from selected Bank Rakyat branches in Kuala Lumpur region. The SPSS 16.0 is used to analyzing the data. For testing the reliability of the questions, researcher used the reliability test. Meanwhile for the hypotheses testing, the researcher used correlations analysis and multiple regression analysis. The result indicates that, only 3 variables have a positive and significant relationship with the training transfer

Information privacy awareness among young generation in Malaysia

The study aims at gaining insights of the awareness of information privacy among young generation specifically in Malaysia. As we know the awareness should not only be focused on the adults and professionals only but have to be delivered to the young generation also. The knowledge and understanding on the importance of information privacy would help from the occurrence of data breach and privacy intrusions. The youngster should be taught and explained how to keep their data safe and secure from third-party interventions. Young children who are unprepared to protect themselves from online risks are likely to encounter individuals who wish to target them emotionally or financially. Bullied children may be more vulnerable to fraud as they are taken advantage of when they seek friendship online. Combating child identity fraud requires guardians to proactively manage their child‟s finances by regularly monitoring activity, even when they expect that nothing has occurred; reviewing statements online and leveraging account alerts, especially those that can be delivered to mobile devices. This paper has used literature review analysis in fulfilling the study aims. As the information privacy issues becomes the highlight in recent news, the access to the existing data are widely available. The findings show that the lack of awareness on the fundamental of Internet knowledge has increased the number of cases in Internet scams, online harassment, cross-site scripting and identity theft. Malaysia has recorded 10,000 cases of cyberbullying in 2018 and the cases increasing day by day. A comprehensive and relevant legal framework should be strengthened time to time in combating the issues.The study aims at gaining insights of the awareness of information privacy among young generation specifically in Malaysia. As we know the awareness should not only be focused on the adults and professionals only but have to be delivered to the young generation also. The knowledge and understanding on the importance of information privacy would help from the occurrence of data breach and privacy intrusions. The youngster should be taught and explained how to keep their data safe and secure from third-party interventions. Young children who are unprepared to protect themselves from online risks are likely to encounter individuals who wish to target them emotionally or financially. Bullied children may be more vulnerable to fraud as they are taken advantage of when they seek friendship online. Combating child identity fraud requires guardians to proactively manage their child‟s finances by regularly monitoring activity, even when they expect that nothing has occurred; reviewing statements online and leveraging account alerts, especially those that can be delivered to mobile devices. This paper has used literature review analysis in fulfilling the study aims. As the information privacy issues becomes the highlight in recent news, the access to the existing data are widely available. The findings show that the lack of awareness on the fundamental of Internet knowledge has increased the number of cases in Internet scams, online harassment, cross-site scripting and identity theft. Malaysia has recorded 10,000 cases of cyberbullying in 2018 and the cases increasing day by day. A comprehensive and relevant legal framework should be strengthened time to time in combating the issues

Morphology and chemical resistance of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ polycarbonate blends: effect of blend compositions

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polycarbonate (PC) were prepared in different ratios by melt blending technique. The process was carried out through a twin extruder followed by injection molding. The morphological and chemical resistance of the PET/PC blends were studied. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the interfacial adhesion for 70PET/30PC blends has improved as indicated by the partial miscibility between the PET and PC. The chemical resistance of PET/PC blends to acetone increased with increasing PET content

Determining the reliability of the emotional competency module on Malaysian adolescents

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Emotional Competency Module developed specifically for adolescents in Malaysia to help address the huge delinquent behavior cases in Malaysia. Method: This module is one of the modules that was developed based on Daniel Goleman’s four emotion competency constructs. The module reliability instrument was developed based on the objectives of the activities in the module. A pilot test was conducted to measure the reliability of the module. After the pilot test, 19 participants were asked to answer the module reliability instrument and later on a Cronbach’s alpha value was analysed. Results: All the four domains and the overall module activities items showed very high reliability values. The reliability value showed that the module had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.968 to 0.826. The reliability value of the overall module was 0.985. Implications: The findings of the study suggest that the module is effective for adolescents as each activity successfully achieved its objectives. This module also serves as a guideline for psychologists, counsellors and teachers to provide emotional competence training for adolescents. This study provides a new module to train emotional competency specifically for adolescents in Malaysia. Study is significant to provide and prove a new ECM module activities for youngster to improve their emotional well-being

Chemical, colour and strength changes of hot oil treatment process on 15-year-old cultivated acacia hybrid

The chemical, color and strength properties of thermally modified cultivated 15-year-old Acacia hybrid were investigated. Logs of A. hybrid were harvested and cut at the bottom, middle and top sections. The wood later underwent hot oil thermal modification using palm oil at temperatures 180, 200 and 220ºC for 30,60 and 90 min. Untreated wood was used as control. The hot oil thermal modification process caused some features changed in the chemical composition, color appearances and strength properties of A. hybrid wood. Parameters such as temperatures and treatment time were closely monitored as they influence the chemical, color and strength changes in the treated wood. Temperatures of 180, 200 and 220ºC, and treatment time of 1,2 and 3 h. were used in the study. The degradation in holocellulose, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents was recognized when acacia woods were exposed to oil thermally modified process. Holocellulose and cellulose degraded with the increasing of treatment temperature and duration of heating exposure, while lignin showed the increment in content through this treatment. The color changes in the sapwood and heartwood were measured using the Minolta Chroma-meter CR-310 and the results are presented according to the CIE L* a*b* color co-ordinates system. The results show that temperature at certain treatment time enhanced and darkened the treated wood. The color of the treated sapwood can be enhanced to match the color of the natural. A hybrid heartwood. The strength properties of the oil heat treated A. hybrid wood decreases in values of both MOR and MOE throughout the treatment process. The decreases in values were influenced by temperature and duration of the treatmen

Anatomical and microstructures features of tropical bamboo Gigantochloa brang, G. levis, G. scotechinii and G. wrayi.

Anatomical and microstructure studies on four of cultivated tropical bamboo species of genus Gigantochloa were studied. Gigantochloa brang, G. levis, G. scotechinii and G. wrayi of age-group 3 were selected, harvested and processed for use in the studies. The studies focussed mainly on the vascular bundles and fibers located at the internodes and nodes at the outer, middle and inner sections of the bamboo culm wall. The sizes of the vascular bundles length, vascular bundles width, fiber length, fiber diameter, fiber lumens diameter, fiber walls thickness and fiber Runkle's ratio were measured between each of the species in relation to the samples positions at the internodes, nodes, and positions in the cross-section of the bamboo culms. The results in the fibers morphology studies showed that the fibers for each species have different lengths, diameters, cell walls thickness and lumen sizes. The size of vascular bundle is smaller at outer position and becomes bigger at the inner position. All the four (4) bamboo species exhibited similar in characteristics but their anatomical features and microstructures were different. Introduction Bamboo has been the focus of research and development in recent years. Bamboos are considered to be among the fastest growing plant on earth. This makes them the best possible alternative to replace timber as a source of cellulose in the future. Research and development which covers all aspects in silviculture, propagation, processing, properties and utilization of bamboo found naturally growing wild in the forest and cultivated has been intensified. However, study on cultivated bamboo stands has so far mostly confined to selected species in silviculture and fertilizers application to enhance growing (Azmy et al. 2007). Information on the properties such as anatomical and structural properties of various bamboo species is rather limited. The anatomy and physical properties of bamboo culms have been known to have significant effects on their durability and strength (Liese, 1985; Latif & Tamizi, 1993; Razak, 1998). Studies on the anatomical and physical properties of cultivated Bambusa vulgaris conducted by Razak et al. (2010) support this statement. Information generated on the anatomical properties of bamboo can be used to determine their possible proper utilization. Currently, bamboo used for making traditional products such as handicraft, basketry, and high-value added products of panels, parquets, furniture and construction materials. Gigantochloa species of bamboo are among the most popular tropical bamboo species for plantation. These bamboo are easily cultivated and possess thick culms wall, and having uniform sizes between the nodes and internodes. This makes them suitable as materials for industrial usage

Synthesis and optimization of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with l-ascorbic acid and thymoquinone

The combination of compounds with different classes (hydrophobic and hydrophilic characters) in single chitosan carrier is a challenge due to the hydrophilicity of chitosan. Utilization of l-ascorbic acid (LAA) and thymoquinone (TQ) compounds as effective antioxidants is marred by poor bioavailability and uptake. Nanoparticles (NPs) solved the problem by functioning as a carrier for them because they have high surface areas for more efficient delivery and uptake by cells. This research, therefore, synthesized chitosan NPs (CNPs) containing LAA and TQ, CNP-LAA-TQ via ionic gelation routes as the preparation is non-toxic. They were characterized using electron microscopy, zetasizer, UV–VIS spectrophotometry, and infrared spectroscopy. The optimum CNP-LAA-TQ size produced was 141.5 ± 7.8 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.207 ± 0.013. The encapsulation efficiency of CNP-LAA-TQ was 22.8 ± 3.2% for LAA and 35.6 ± 3.6% for TQ. Combined hydrophilic LAA and hydrophobic TQ proved that a myriad of highly efficacious compounds with poor systemic uptake could be encapsulated together in NP systems to increase their pharmaceutical efficiency, indirectly contributing to the advancement of medical and pharmaceutical sectors

Influence of Avocado Purée as a Fat Replacer on Nutritional, Fatty Acid, and Organoleptic Properties of Low-Fat Muffins

Objective: The feasibility of developing reduced-fat muffins with avocado is investigated by preparing muffins with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% avocado pur�ee as a fat (butter) replacer. Methodology: The resulting products were compared to the control muffin, which was made with 100% butter. Muffins were analyzed for nutritional content, fatty acid profiles, and sensory acceptability. Result: Muffins incorporated with avocado pur�ee revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) with respect to moisture, ash, and carbohydrate in comparison with the control sample. However, no significant changes (p > 0.05) were detected in all muffin formulations for protein and dietary fiber content. Both fat content and caloric value of muffins incorporated with avocado pur�ee were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The fatty acid profile showed that there was an increment in the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content by 16.51% at full-fat substitution. The sensory evaluation test demonstrated that muffins had acceptability at up to 50% substitution. Fat substitution at higher than 50% lead to undesirable flavor and aftertaste, which was significant (p < 0.05) to the panelists. Conclusion: The findings indicated the feasibility of avocado pur�ee in fat-reduced muffin preparation with an optimal level of 50% avocado pur�ee substitution

Scaffolding the Development of English Language and Communication Skills of Engineering Students

Teaching English in higher institutions is becoming more challenging in this globalised era. With the demand for communication skills in English as one of the important recruitment criteria, future graduates need to be equipped with sufficient English language and communication abilities relevant for their respective fields. This suggests that English language educators need to teach specialised English language such as engineering which may be beyond their expertise. Having trained as English as a second language educators, most of them may have limited knowledge in engineering. This paper is part of a larger research that explores the development of cross-disciplinary curriculum. This study examined the extent to which English language educators addressed the language needs of engineering students academically and professionally. A total of ten language educators from two Malaysian public universities participated in a focus group where they discussed their teaching practices and experiences in teaching engineering students. In addition, six English for Specific Purposes (ESP) practitioners from European universities were also interviewed to obtain information regarding the practices in teaching ESP at their universities. The results show that there is a gap between the development of engineering students' English language abilities in English language classrooms and its maintenance in engineering classrooms in Malaysia. The study highlights the key considerations to develop a framework that scaffolds the development of English language abilities and communication skills among engineering students within engineering education