Characterization study of industrial waste glass as starting material in development of bioactive materials

In present study, an industrial waste glass was characterized and the potential to assess as starting material in development of bioactive materials was investigated. A waste glass collected from the two different glass industry was grounded to fine powder. The sampleswere characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), pycnometer and inductively couple plasma (ICP). The XRF result indicates both waste glass (WG1 and WG2) are the glass made based SLS glass composition and the density values were in the range of commercial SLS glass. Results from ICP showed both waste glass has contains of heavy metal trace elements that exceeds the allowable concentration level as per standard ASTM F1538-03. Obviously from this study, these twotypes of waste glass were not suitable for use as starting material as no compromise against the toxic elements are allowed for use in the human body.Keywords: waste glass; soda lime silica glass; biomaterials

Geopolymer lightweight bricks manufactured from fly ash and foaming agent

This paper deals with the development of lightweight geopolymer bricks by using foaming agent and fly ash. The mix parameters analysed through a laboratory experiment with fix ratio of sodium silicate/sodium hydroxide solution mass ratio 2.5, fly ash/alkaline activator solution mass ratio 2.0, foaming agent/paste mass ratio 1:2 and molarity of sodium hydroxide solution used was 12M. Different curing temperature (Room Temperature, 60, 80) and foaming agent/water mass ratio (1:10 and 1:20) were studied. Compressive strength, density analysis, and water absorption has been investigated. The results show that the foamed geopolymer bricks with a lower foam/water mass ratio (1:10)and high curing temperature (80°C) leading to a better properties. Mixtures with a low density of around 1420 kg/m3 and a compressive strength of around 10 MPa were achieved

Numerical simulation analysis on water jet pressure distribution at various nozzle aperture

The low velocity water jet is required by small scale Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) to control its position, either to remain statics in its position or to perform a slow and steady locomotion. However, the water jet performance is influenced by the size of nozzle aperture. By studying the pressure distribution around the nozzle area, the water jet velocity could be determined and characterized. In this studies, the ejection pressure was fixed at 23.37 Pa according to the constant actuation. Studies were conducted using ANSYS Fluent software. The results show that the water jet velocity and dynamic pressure are higher for larger nozzle aperture size at constant pressure. The total pressure and dynamic pressure had the lowest pressure drop at certain nozzle aperture size but became constant when the nozzle size was wider. This finding is useful in designing the UUV that powered by contractile water jet thruster

On some Abelian p-groups and their capability

A group is said to be capable if it is a central factor group; equivalently, if and only if a group is isomorphic to the inner automorphism group of another group. In this research, the capability of some abelian pgroups which are groups of order p4 and p5, where p is an odd prime are determined. The capability of the groups is determined by using the classifications of the groups

Level of readiness to become entrepreneurs among lifelong learning programmes participants in Malaysian community colleges

An entrepreneur needs to be physically and mentally prepared, with creative thinking skills, risk taker attitudes, as well as being a wise decision maker. Individuals aiming to be successful entrepreneurs need to have adequate entrepreneurial readiness with respect to knowledge, interests, motivation and abilities. The purpose of the research is to measure the level of readiness towards becoming entrepreneurs among participants of the lifelong learning programme in Malaysian community colleges. This research focuses on four elements of readiness comprising knowledge, interest, motivation and ability which were measured using a self-perception questionnaire. The sample for this research consisted of 236 participants from 305 students in the Lifelong Learning (LL) programme for Pastry making at Malaysian community colleges under the Ministry of Education. Data were analysed using mean and Kruskal Wallis test. The data analyses results show that the level of readiness from the aspect of knowledge (M = 3.67, SD = 0.58) is moderate, interest (M = 4.13, SD = 0.55) is high, motivation (M = 4.13, SD = 0.55) is high and ability (M = 3.8852, SD = 0.64) is moderate. No difference was found on entrepreneurial readiness between participants of different age groups indicating that age may not be a contributing factor towards entrepreneurship among pastry making LL programme participants

Spectrum of breast asymmetries: a pictorial essay

Introduction: Asymmetric breast tissue is a relatively common mammographic finding and is usually benign. It might be due to a normal variation, postoperative changes or hormone replacement therapy. However, an asymmetric area may indicate a developing mass or an underlying cancer. Method: We collected random cases of asymmetric breast densities on mammography, and present examples of the four types according to the recent ACR BIRADs classification. The four types are global asymmetry (previously known as asymmetric breast tissue), asymmetry (previously known as density seen on one projection), focal asymmetry (previously known as focal asymmetric density) and a developing asymmetry (replacing architectural distortion). The final diagnoses are given, confirmed on further investigations such as biopsy and FNAC or supplementary imaging. Conclusion: Accurate interpretation of breast asymmetry found on a mammogram may needs additional imaging studies such as supplementary views, ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologist should be aware of this condition and further assessment should be carried out in a logical work flow for optimum patient care

Theory to practice: what teacher trainees did not expect from their practicum experience

The teaching practicum plays an important role in the process of introducing pre-service teachers to the teaching profession which ultimately guides their professional growth. This paper explores and articulates an understanding of the experiences trainees go through during the short 12-week placement in schools. A study was carried out to get insights into the experiences and challenges they go through via the reflections written starting from week 1 until week 10. The trainees were asked to reflect on their experiences based on four categories: 1) teaching and learning, 2) relationship with the school administrator, 3) relationship with the mentor, and 4) relationship with the supervisor. A total of 25 teacher trainees’ reflections were analysed and key terms were coded and grouped according to the categories identified. The findings revealed that the teacher trainees’ experiences with regard to their teaching practicum were generally positive. However, there were also some inconsistencies found from their writings particularly with their expectations concerning their role in the school and their relationship with their mentors as well as supervisors. The kinds of challenges and unexpected experiences faced ranged from interpersonal to pedagogical issues. Some suggestions on improving the quality of the teaching practicum process within the program are discussed

False positive detection rate of R2-CAD in evaluation of breast lesions at Full-Field-Digital Mammogram (FFDM)

Introduction: Interpretation of mammogram is a challenging task and the performance level of readers is known to vary widely between general radiologist and breast imaging experts. R2-CAD is a software-based system to identify regions of the mammogram with suspicious features and to draw the reader’s attention to these areas and decide whether they are genuinely abnormal. It has been available for several years with FDA Approval and was recently brought to our centre with the use of FFDM. Method: This is a retrospective study of cases from January 2008 until May 2008. We collected all 191 cases of mammogram with R2-CAD highlighted lesion during this period. The images were traced and reviewed. The CAD-prompt lesion was documented and correlation with supplementary imaging, FNAC or biopsy was done to conclude the CAD-prompt lesion. Result: R2-CAD highlighted calcification in 41 patients (21.5%), lump in 122 patients (63.9%) and both calcification and lump in 28 patients (14.7%). The R2-CAD detected malignant lesions in 13 patients (6.8%), benign lesions in 67 patients (35.1%) and normal breast tissue (false positive) in 111 patients (58.1%) Conclusion: R2-CAD has a high false positive rate and low detection rate for malignant lesions. As such, it should be used as an aid not the first line mammographic interpretation

Exploring Domains and Elements for Behavioural Competency and Employability Skills

Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) system is crucial in producing skilled workers who can command high incomes, which in turn will help Malaysia achieve the developed nation status by the year 2020. There is a mismatch between the graduates produced by the Public Skills Training Institutes in Malaysia and the competent workforce required by the industry. Therefore, this study aims to explore the domains and elements that can help automotive industry trainees acquire behavioural competence and employability skills. The Delphi technique is used to explore the domains and elements that contribute towards the integration programme for the Public Skills Training Institutes (PTSIs) and Private Training Centres (PTCs)  involved in churning out automotive industry trainees. Analysis of interview data from the two rounds of the Delphi study indicates that 12 domains  contribute to shaping behavioural competence and employability skills, namely governance; framework of qualifications; standard of competence; supplier of skill standards; delivery; industrial relations; experience of industrial work;  twinning programmes;  community service programmes; curriculum-based industrial visits; and educational entrepreneurship

BAHAN BANTU MENGAJAR (BBM) DALAM PENGAJARAN DAN PEMBELAJARAN (P&P) DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN (SMK) DAERAH PONTIAN

The use of teaching aids (BBM) in Teaching and Learning (P&P) processes is very important for teachers to ensure that the delivery of information related to the subjects taught is more clear, systematic and better for students to follow. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent of teachers’ use of BBM in P&P in four secondary schools of the Pontian district in terms of practice, skills and attitudes and differences based on teachers' gender in these three aspects. The study involved 198 respondents consist teachers, of SMK Sri Tanjung, SMK Benut, SMK Ayer Baloi and SMK Parit Betak in the Pontian district. The design of this study is a survey. This study was carried out using a questionnaire as a research instrument and the data were analyzed descriptively and inferred. Data analysis is processed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences for Windows Version 17.0 (SPSS) software and the findings are reported in the form of mean, standard deviation, percentage and T-Test Independent tests. The findings show that the use of teachers to BBM in P&P from all three aspects is at high level in the practice aspect (mean score 3.89), skill aspect (mean score 3.86) and attitude aspect (mean score 3.86). While T-Test Independent tests results showed that there was no significant difference base on teachers gender towards the use of BBM in the P&P process; in the practice aspect (P> 0.05 = 0. 803), skill aspect (p>0.05=0.518 ) and attitude aspect (p>0.05=0.447). Overall, teachers need to realize that the use of BBM in P&P is important to attract and improve student performance as well as achieve the teaching objectives of a subject