The construction and validation of solution-focused group work (SFGW) for Malaysian adolescents

Solution-focused Group Work (SFGW) approach is proven to be effective in resolving adolescents’ life struggles and assist them to lead a successful adolescence hood.  Common practices of developing the intervention module and assessing the module are presented in this study.  The data was collected by two stages: (i) validation process by 4 counseling module development experts; and (ii) a total of 30 samples aged 14-15 years old was piloted to obtain the reliability score of SFGW.  The collected data were subjected to descriptive test.  The result yielded that SFGW have good validity and high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha of .87 and .94 respectively.   Hence, it is concluded that SFGW is a valid and reliable module for adolescents who increases their self-efficacy, achievement motivation and goal-setting behaviors

Grey Relational Analysis-Based Optimisation of Input Parameters of Incremental Forming Process Applied to the AA6061 Alloy

Incremental forming is mainly based on the deformation occurring locally on sheet metal. A hemispherical head tool deforms the sheet metal progressively, and its path is controlled by means of a CNC machine. Even though the process is a time-consuming one, the cost reduction connected with punches and dies makes this process attractive for rapid prototyping. In single point incremental forming, the quality of formability mainly depends on the forming parameters and the tool path generated. In this study, cone-shaped components were formed from AA6061 alloy sheets with a thickness of 1.15 mm. Factors, such as feed rate, spindle speed, and step depth are considered as input parameters to determine the output response in terms of surface roughness and wall thickness. Taguchi’s technique was used for conducting the experiments with the smallest number of repetitions to evaluate the output. Grey relational analysis was introduced to determine the optimal forming parameters with respect to the output response. The experiments conducted with the optimised parameters show a minimal deviation of 0.15% in the grade value compared to the predicted grade which is acceptable

Ingraining goal orientation behavior among Malaysian adolescents using Solution-focused group work (SFGW)

Setting goals can be reviewed as aspirations for future betterment especially among adolescents. Goal-setting process involves aspects like future planning, principles, values, priorities, application of knowledge and decision making.  This process varies according to individual needs and requires different approaches and guidance. Literature review prevailed that the essential ingredient of Solution-focused approach is setting goals. Solution-focused techniques found to be vital and crucial in assisting adolescents to set goals. Two objectives were drawn through literature reviews. Objective one is to determine the effectiveness of SFGW in increasing adolescent’s goal orientation behavior mean score between pre-test, post-test and follow-up test.  And, the second objective is to compare the effects between SFGW intervention module (treatment group) and traditional module (control group) on goal orientation mean score for post-test and follow-up test.  This is a true experimental with pre-test and post-test design using Solution-focused module and administration of questionnaires for data collection. A total of 66 samples who met the inclusion requirement were assigned randomly to experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 34) groups using paired-matched design.  The samples in experimental group were given treatment using the SFGW intervention program for seven weeks.  After the completion of the treatment, posttest and follow-up test were carried out and data was collected using Goal Orientation Scale.  The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and one-way repeated measure ANOVA.  The study discloses that SFGW does significantly affect the level of goal orientation behavior among Malaysian adolescents

ANALYSIS OF CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHMS ON DIFFERENT DATASETS

Purpose. Data mining is the forthcoming research area to solve different problems and classification is one of main problem in the field of data mining. In this paper, we use two classification algorithms J48 and Sequential Minimal Optimization alias SMO of the Weka interface. Methodology. It can be used for testing several datasets. The performance of J48 and Sequential Minimal Optimization has been analyzed to choose the better algorithm based on the conditions of the datasets. The datasets have been chosen from UCI Machine Learning Repository. Findings. Algorithm J48 is based on C4.5 decision-based learning and algorithm Sequential Minimal Optimization uses the Support Vector Machine approach for classification of datasets. When comparing the performance of both algorithms we found Sequential Minimal Optimization is better algorithm in most of the cases. Originality. This is the first implemented research work up to my knowledge, data sets classification problem handled in data mining using SMO with Weka interface

LUCIFERASE REPORTER MYCOBACTERIOPHAGES FOR EVALUATING NORBORNENE-BASED ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING ON MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

  Objective: In 2015, 9.6 million people around the world became sick with tuberculosis (TB) disease and 1.5 million TB-related deaths worldwide. Recent increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistance to at least rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid [INH]) and extensively drug-resistant (MDR resistance plus resistance to a fluoroquinolone and an aminoglycoside) makes TB a serious concern. Lot of research is needed to deal with this infectious disease for a better alternative in treatment or modification of these older TB drugs. The present study aimed at evaluating antimycobacterial activity of norbornene (NOR) derived INH copolymer with poly ethylene glycol (NOR- polyethylene glycol [PEG]-INH) a novel nanocarrier along with the anti-TB drug using luciferase reporter phages (LRPs).Methods: NOR derived INH accounts for 74% of INH, 24% of NOR, and 2% of PEG. H37Rv control strain, a sensitive, and a resistant strain of Mycobacterium TB (MTB) used in this study. The in vitro activity of the drug was evaluated using absolute concentration method. The resistant strain was evaluated using LRP assay to observe the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug.Results: Reduction in light units was observed for the resistant strain exposed to plain INH and NOR-PEG-INH separately. 24% of reduction was observed in strains exposed to plain INH whereas 37% of reduction was observed in strains exposed to NOR-PEG-INH.Conclusion: NOR-based INH had better antimycobacterial activity compared to plain INH and RIF. Antimycobacterial activity of INH and RIF increases even with very low dosage with NOR conjugate

Developing more environmentally friendly and nutritious pea varieties

Non-Peer ReviewedPhytate is the major storage form of phosphorus in crop seeds, but is not well digested by humans and non-ruminant animals. In addition, phytate chelates several essential micronutrients which are also excreted contributing to phosphorus pollution in the environment. Environmental and nutritional concerns led to the development of cultivars with the low phytate trait. The present study is aimed at biochemical and molecular characterization of two low phytate pea mutant lines, 1-150-81 and 1-2347-144 developed at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan in collaboration with Dr. Victor Raboy, USDA, Idaho. Biochemical characterization is in progress for the two low phytate lines, their progenitor, CDC Bronco and CDC Meadow that were grown in replicated field trials at Saskatoon and Rosthern, SK in 2010 and 2011. Samples of developing seeds were collected 7 days after pollination and at weekly intervals thereafter until maturity. The concentration of phytate-phosphorus, isomeric forms of phytatephosphorus and inorganic phosphorus in these developing cotyledons and seed coats will be assessed using colorimetric and HPLC methods. In this way, the pattern of phytate-phosphorus and inorganic phosphorus accumulation will be determined in developing seeds. Molecular characterization will include cloning, sequencing and mapping of the gene(s) associated with the low phytate trait. Molecular markers will be developed based on the gene sequences. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from crosses between the two low phytate lines and CDC Meadow. One set of RILs was evaluated in a field trial in Saskatchewan in 2011, and will be evaluated again in 2012. The RILs will be genotyped using available microsatellite markers or SNP markers and phenotyped using colorimetric and HPLC assays. These data will then be used to identify the molecular marker(s) for the trait. The study will aid us to understand the nature of the low phytate mutation(s). Significant potential benefits that we could expect out of the project include improved bioavailability of phosphorus, iron and zinc in foods and feeds, less phosphorus excretion and environmental pollution and a substantial saving in feed costs

Improving pulse crops as a source of protein, starch and micronutrients

Pulse crops have been known for a long time to have beneficial nutritional profiles for human diets but have been neglected in terms of cultivation, consumption and scientific research in many parts of the world. Broad dietary shifts will be required if anthropogenic climate change is to be mitigated in the future, and pulse crops should be an important component of this change by providing an environmentally sustainable source of protein, resistant starch and micronutrients. Further enhancement of the nutritional composition of pulse crops could benefit human health, helping to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and reduce risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This paper reviews current knowledge regarding the nutritional content of pea (Pisum sativum L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.), two major UK pulse crops, and discusses the potential for their genetic improvement

Development and effectiveness of solution-focused group work on self efficacy, goal orientation behavior and motivation for achievement amongst Malaysian adolescents

Adolescents are viewed as vulnerable to peer pressure, egocentrism, risk taking, impulsivity, lack of self-control and posed irrationality and immaturity. However, many researches dispute this view as merely adult stereotypes of adolescents which persist without strong behavioral evidence. Adolescents have all the abilities and resources to flourish, grow and live a satisfying life. Past researches revealed that variables like self efficacy, goal orientation behavior and achievement motivation are key elements to produce successful adolescents. The integration of these variables enables adolescents to affirm their capability in accomplishing given tasks, assures their ability to construct goals of their own and eventually gain constant motivation to achieve goals. With well-planned interventions, adolescents can be guided to utilize their strengths to lead a successful adolescence hood. One such intervention is Solution-focused Group Work (SFGW) approach which is proven to be effective in resolving adolescents’ life struggles. This approach ought to facilitate changes in clients, in the way chosen by them. The primary purpose of this study is to develop SFGW intervention program based on Solution- Focused tenets. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of SFGW in increasing self-efficacy, goal orientation behavior, and achievement motivation of Malaysian adolescents. This is a true experimental with pre-test and post-test design using Solution-focused module and administration of questionnaires for data collection. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the demographic characteristics and validation and reliability of SFGW intervention program. Pretest was administered to 259 samples from two secondary schools in Selangor and 66 samples were selected based on their scores in pretest. After the administration of pre-test, a total of 66 samples who met the inclusion requirement were assigned randomly to experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 34) groups using pairedmatched design. The samples in experimental group were given treatment using the SFGW intervention program for seven weeks. After the completion of the treatment, posttest and follow-up test were carried out and data was collected for dependent variables. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-test, independent samples t-test, one-way repeated measure ANOVA and MANOVA. The result yielded that SFGW has good validity and high reliability with alpha Cronbach of .87 and .94 respectively. This suggests that the intervention program has consistency and reliable to be used in school setting. Paired-sample t-test measures the samples in the experimental group twice using the same questionnaire at pretest and posttest. The result discloses that the SFGW treatment increases samples self-efficacy, goal orientation behavior and achievement motivation. The analysis also concludes that SFGW is the factor in increasing self-efficacy, goal orientation behavior and achievement motivation of Malaysian adolescents. The results add value to comprehension of postmodern intervention which is suitable to be implemented in school setting as the limitation of time and number of participants in such setting. This study provides an insight on empirical finding about the suitability of Solution-focused approach in school setting. This enables counselors to refresh their theoretical knowledge and also provides alternative intervention. The study too offers new knowledge to counselors on the importance of self efficacy, goal orientation behavior and achievement motivation variables in empowering adolescents. Future researches are anticipated to explore issue of interventions especially postmodern intervention like SFGW in various settings in Malaysia