Transitioning to Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Pre-University Centre in Malaysia

In the last decade, online learning has grown rapidly. However, the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused learning institutions to embrace online learning due to the lockdown and campus closure. This paper presents an analysis of students’ feedback (n=354) from the Centre of Pre-University Studies (PPPU), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, during the transition to fully online learning. Three phases of online surveys were conducted to measure the learners’ acceptance of the migration and to identify related problems. The result shows that there is an increased positivity among the students on the vie of teaching and learning in STEM during the pandemic. It is found that online learning would not be a hindrance, but blessing towards academic excellence in the face of calamity like the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested future research direction will be of interest to educators, academics, and researchers’ community

Correlation of Different Peat Soil Index Properties

The present study focuses on the physical properties of Sarawak peat soil and identifies the correlation between the index properties of peat from the present study and various locations in Malaysia. The physical properties of peat from the present study were obtained on site and in the laboratory, including degree of humification, moisture content, organic content, fibre content, specific gravity, liquid limit, linear shrinkage, and pH. The data obtained in this study and other tropical peats in Malaysia were compiled to identify their correlations. The correlation results reveal that with an increase in organic content, there is also an increase in value of moisture content, while the value of specific gravity reduces. Furthermore, as the bulk density of peat increases, the value of organic content reduces. Also, the moisture content, organic content, and fibre content of peat decrease with the increasing value of degree of humification. The correlations between different peat soil index properties have R2 values ranging from 0.75 to 0.85, showing that the peat soil index properties are consistent with findings from previous studies, in which comparable trends are found. Thus, these correlations are expected to be useful for researchers and engineers to understand the peat soil's preliminary behaviour

Classification of Mathematical Transformation Concepts in Pua Kumbu based on Frieze Patterns

Pua Kumbu, the beautiful traditional textile of the Iban in Sarawak, is generally appreciated for its exquisite patterns and designs. This paper aims to explore the examples of mathematical ideas which exist in motifs produced by weavers in Sarawak. Although it is still in the form of preliminary observations, it has been revealed that the principles of geometry such as enlargement, reflection, rotation, and translation are often used in the Pua Kumbu patterns in Sarawak. This woven art by the Ibans indirectly applies the principles of geometry in the form of beautiful and high-value motifs, even if they are not familiar with the concept of transformation taught in school. The observation and interview sessions were conducted with the weavers to identify some of the basic mathematical concepts such as transformations, accuracy and equality, measurement and estimation

Correlation of Different Peat Soil Index Properties

The present study focuses on the physical properties of Sarawak peat soil and identifies the correlation between the index properties of peat from the present study and various locations in Malaysia. The physical properties of peat from the present study were obtained on site and in the laboratory, including degree of humification, moisture content, organic content, fibre content, specific gravity, liquid limit, linear shrinkage, and pH. The data obtained in this study and other tropical peats in Malaysia were compiled to identify their correlations. The correlation results reveal that with an increase in organic content, there is also an increase in value of moisture content, while the value of specific gravity reduces. Furthermore, as the bulk density of peat increases, the value of organic content reduces. Also, the moisture content, organic content, and fibre content of peat decrease with the increasing value of degree of humification. The correlations between different peat soil index properties have R2 values ranging from 0.75 to 0.85, showing that the peat soil index properties are consistent with findings from previous studies, in which comparable trends are found. Thus, these correlations are expected to be useful for researchers and engineers to understand the peat soil's preliminary behaviour

Analysis of Frieze Patterns Concepts in Pua Kumbu

A traditional practice of the Iban from Sarawak, Pua Kumbu is a form of textile which is famous for its beauty. There is a general appreciation of how it is exquisitely designed and patterned. It has been recognised by analytical studies that Pua Kumbu designs use transformational geometrical shapes in the frieze. This paper explores the geometry elements that have been portrayed in the form of different flora and fauna motifs. The examples of mathematical ideas in motifs produced by weavers in Sarawak have been analysed through this study. Although it is still in the form of preliminary observations, it has been revealed that the principles of geometry, such as enlargement, reflection, rotation, and translation are often used in the Pua Kumbu patterns. This woven art by the Ibans indirectly applies the principles of geometry in the form of beautiful and high-value motifs. This paper may benefit this field and the professionals related to it to act as a useful guideand also may serve as a point of reference for future studies on the unique patterns and designs of Pua Kumbu. The study also suggests that patterns based on geometry and symmetry exist in the ways Pua Kumbu is created

Transitioning to online learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Case study of a Pre-University Centre in Malaysia

In the last decade, online learning has grown rapidly. However, the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused learning institutions to embrace online learning due to the lockdown and campus closure. This paper presents an analysis of students' feedback (n=354) from the Centre of Pre-University Studies (PPPU), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Malaysia, during the transition to fully online learning. Three phases of online surveys were conducted to measure the learners' acceptance of the migration and to identify related problems. The result shows that there is an increased positivity among the students on the vie of teaching and learning in STEM during the pandemic. It is found that online learning would not be a hindrance, but blessing towards academic excellence in the face of calamity like the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested future research direction will be of interest to educators, academics, and researchers' community

Scienceploration 2023

The Scienceploration Camp is an initiative of the Centre for Pre-University Studies, UNIMAS (PPPU), which aims to increase the interest in science among secondary school students. It is also an effort taken by PPPU towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 4 in providing equal quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. On top of that, this camp supports Sarawak’s Digital Economy Strategy in nurturing an integrated ecosystem to foster inclusive digital society, by building the right foundations to grow our local digital economy

Analysis Of Crystallographic Patterns Of Iban Pua Kumbu

One of the famous traditional textiles in Sarawak is the Iban Pua Kumbu. This paper presents the crystallographic patterns, geometry concept and symmetry analysis present in the Iban Pua Kumbu patterns. This paper will also look at the colour-symmetrical patterns and motifs used in these textiles. The Ibans' weaving technique subtly incorporates geometric concepts using exquisite and precious designs. The Pua Kumbu of the Iban can be similarly classified according to the patterns displayed in the wallpaper and frieze. The current research findings could assist students to learn mathematics. In this study, samples comprising eight (8) repeated patterns were collected from field visits, museums in the Sarawak, and personal collections of scholars. From the findings, it shows that all Pua Kumbu patterns bear at least one of the seventeen crystallographic groups. Most of the Pua Kumbu motifs are symmetrical and those motifs is mathematically identified as a design. The Pua Kumbu contains decorative patterns whose relevance and imaginative portrayal are demonstrated by the intricacy of the creative process. Pua Kumbu weavers appear to have excellent memory skills, strong visual perception, and an innate aptitude for applying mathematics to their work

Strength enhancement of peat stabilized with rubber chips

Peat is often considered a problematic deposit with poor geotechnical characteristics, and which regularly requires stabilization to withstand any building or infrastructure constructed on it. Since structural damages due to peat deposits such as ground settlement, slope failure, and poor stability occurs, it is important to investigate the characteristics of peat and methods to improve its strength properties. This study proposes the use of various percentages of cement in a suitable water-additive (W/A) ratio, with rubber chips as a stabiliser and sand as a filler. The optimum W/A ratio needed to attain the maximum unconfined compressive strength (qu) and to achieve the greatest reductions in the permeability coefficient (k) was investigated. The peat was treated with admixtures that included peat with its natural moisture content, 15% sand, and 10% rubber chips at three different W/A ratios of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0. The W/A ratio of 2.0 was indicated to be the optimum ratio of stabilized peat as it achieved the highest maximum strength, 106.75kPa, and attained the highest reduction in permeability coefficient, -49.42%, compared to the other W/A ratios. Peat stabilization with other additives, such as lime and gypsum, at W/A ratios over 3.0 for curing periods of over 28 days should be conducted to produce the best strength variation that treated peat can achieve