This I Believe

Ada tiga komponen utama teknologi yang dominan mengikat siaran televisi, yaitu teknologi komputer, telekomunikasi dan pesawat televisi itu sendiri.viii, 331 hlm.; 19 c

Total Quality Management Approach for Malaysian SMEs: Conceptual Framework

Abstract Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs

ANALYSIS OF ETHANOL USING COPPER AND NICKEL SHEET ELECTRODES BY CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY

Abstract Analysis of ethanol using copper and nickel sheet electrodes by cyclic voltammetry (CV) method has been carried out. The linear correlations between ethanol concentrations with current density were recorded for both electrodes. The results, of the study showed that the correlation coefficient using Cu electrode was r = 0.9957 and limit of detection of 0.5% (v/v) comparatively, by Ni electrode the correlation coefficient of obtained r = 0.9956 with the same limit of detection with Cu electrode. As a conclusion, it can be made that Cu electrode was a better electrode compared to Ni electrode for analyzing of ethanol using CV method, however it was observed that Cu electrode was easily oxidized by the formation of metal oxide on the electrode surface compared to Ni electrode. Abstrak Satu kajian analisis etanol menggunakan elektrod kepingan kuprum dan nikel menggunakan kaedah voltammetri berkitar (CV) telah dijalankan. Hubungan linear antara kepekatan etanol dengan ketumpatan arus telah direkodkan untuk kedua-dua elektrod. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa pekali korelasi daripada graf tentukuran menggunakan elektrod Cu ialah r = 0.9957 dengan had pengesanan 0.5% (v/v) berbanding dengan elektrod Ni dengan pekali korelasi ialah r = 0.9956 dan had pengesanan sama dengan elektrod Cu. Kesimpulannya, elektrod Cu lebih baik berbanding elektrod Ni untuk analisis etanol menggunakan kaedah CV. Walau bagaimanapun, hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa elektrod Cu lebih mudah mengalami proses pengoksidaan dalam larutan alkali dan membentuk sebatian logam oksida di permukaan elektrod berbanding elektrod Ni. Introduction Alcohols in so many beverages require to be analyzed for the purpose of observation, health and commerce. The most used method for the determination of ethanol in beverages is based on the separation of compound by distillation for further measurement of a physical property such as the specific gravity. Instrumental methods such as liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, near and mid-spectroscopy, fluorimetry and colorimetry have also been describe

Forensic entomology of high-rise buildings in Malaysia: Three case reports

Abstract. The distributions of flies are not only confined to ground level but can also be at higher altitudes. Here, we report three forensic cases involving dipterans in high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Case 1 involved a corpse of adult female found at the top floor of a fifteen-story apartment. Case 2 dealt with a body of a 75-year-old female discovered in a bedroom on the eleventh floor of an eighteen-story building, while Case 3 was a 52-year-old male found in his fifth floor shop house. Interestingly, entomological analysis revealed that all corpses were infested with similar Dipterans: Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (Wulp) (Diptera: Muscidae) and sarcophagid (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). The first two species were commonly associated with corpses found indoors at ground level. We noted the additional occurrence of blowflies Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Chrysomya rufifacies Macquart (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae in Case 2 and Case 3, respectively. Findings from this study are significant as they demonstrate that certain groups of fly can locate dead bodies even in high-rise buildings. Forensic entomofauna research on corpses found at high elevation is scarce and our study has highlighted the peculiarity of the fly species involved in Malaysia

Spin Capability in Teaching the Skills of Listening and Understanding

Abstract: Some of teaching staff among faculty members face problems during their use of automated computer lab, as there have been some obstacles make it difficult to carry out the functions of teaching the four language skills by the teacher. This research paper attempts to clarify some of the mechanisms that facilitate the teaching of modern Arabic language, by highlighting the experience that acquired during teaching the four linguistic skills. This paper, will state the foundations of computer lab usage and style, as well as explaining the software and its techniques that has been used during the listening and understanding model. This paper also shows how to link these programs to the electronic education (Spin) using at the National University of Malaysia. Besides, the results that have been derived, recommendations, and obstacles to face the staff during teaching the course of Arabic language classes in the computer lab. With the rapid advances in information systems and communication, a direct interaction between the teacher, the student, and textbook is no longer considered the only effective method to receive knowledge. Instead, multiple sources of knowledge have been introduced following various communication means and personal experiences to interact with colleagues and with teachers via computers. The student is no longer required to carry his school bag filled with books and papers, but enough to carry just a CD containing hundreds of thousands of pages. Moreover, it gave him opportunities to connect with local and international information net, access to the libraries, museums and various sources of information. This development has led to fundamental changes in the methods of teaching and learning, known as e-Learning which was one of such changes. The importance of teaching experience was shown very clearly in the importance of digital curriculum, which represents a new form of communication between the teacher and the learner in the field of knowledge. It was considered as the alternative method to the traditional approach, which has been providing the learner with knowledge through linking contact between the school textbook and the teacher

during the 2009 Prime Expedition Scientific Cruise (PESC-09)

www.atmos-chem-phys.net/14/8137/2014/ doi:10.5194/acp-14-8137-201

Proceeding of The International Seminar on Chemistry

Abstract Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen were the problematic parameters in landfill leachate treatment. Combination of activated carbon and zeolite as filter medium may reduce this problem. This study was conducted to find treatment alternative by combining the low cost adsorbent such as limestone and rice husk carbon waste and ordinary adsorbent media, activated carbon and zeolite as a single media. All the adsorption media was crushed and sieved to a particle size of 150µm. The optimum ratio was predicted by mean of a batch equilibrium experiments. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was used as a binder at 30 percent by weight. Activated carbon and rice husk carbon was grouped as a hydrophobic media where the optimum ratio was 1:1. Zeolite and limestone was in hydrophilic media group which the best ratio was 3:1. The ratio for hydrophilic and hydrophobic media had been chosen as 7:1 accordingly to adsorption behavior of ammoniacal nitrogen and organic constituents (COD) to the media. The optimum conditions for adsorption batch study were found at pH 7, 200rpm in shaking speed and 90 minutes of contact time. The results showed that the equilibrium data were fitted and favorable adsorption by both of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms while Langmuir isotherms was slightly better fitted for ammoniacal nitrogen and Freundlich was good for COD removal in term of regression coefficients (R 2 ). Langmuir adsorption capacities (Q) for ammonia and COD were 43.47mg/g and 256.41mg/g respectively while Freundlich (K F ) were 0.00135mg/g and 0.03891mg/g respectively

High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and its association with BMI-for-age among primary school children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Deficiencies of micronutrients can affect the growth and development of children. There is increasing evidence of vitamin D deficiency world-wide resulting in nutritional rickets in children and osteoporosis in adulthood. Data on the micronutrient status of children in Malaysia is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and micronutrient status of primary school children in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross sectional study of primary aged school children was undertaken in 2008. A total of 402 boys and girls aged 7-12 years, attending primary schools in Kuala Lumpur participated in the study. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess vitamin D [as 25(OH)D], vitamin B₁₂, folate, zinc, iron, and ferritin and haemoglobin concentrations. Height-for-age and body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) of the children were computed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most of the children had normal height-for-age (96.5%) while slightly over half (58.0%) had normal BMI-for-age. A total of 17.9% were overweight and 16.4% obese. Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among the boys (25%) than in the girls (9.5%) (χ²= 22.949; <it>P </it>< .001). Most children had adequate concentrations of haemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, folate and vitamin B₁₂. In contrast, 35.3% of the children had serum 25(OH)D concentrations indicative of vitamin D deficiency(≤37.5 nmol/L) and a further 37.1% had insufficiency concentrations (> 37.5-≤50 nmol/L). Among the boys, a significant inverse association was found between serum vitamin D status and BMI-for-age (χ²= 5.958; <it>P </it>= .016).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study highlights the presence of a high prevalence of sub-optimal vitamin D status among urban primary school children in a tropical country. In light of the growing problem of obesity in Malaysian children, these findings emphasize the important need for appropriate interventions to address both problems of obesity and poor vitamin D status in children.</p

Kelly and Male, 2006) and in Nigeria such as (Ajanlekoko

ABSTRACT The dynamism of the construction industry throughout the world call for no other skill of a professional quantity surveyor than the need for stringent cost control and effective cost management in providing value for money for construction clients. The aim of this research work is to examine the performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors with a view to ascertaining areas that need improvement. Primary data were collected via wellstructured close-ended questionnaire using the areas of competencies of quantity surveyors as identified by RICS. Percentile, mean internal score and Cronbach&apos;s alpha test were employed in the analysis and testing of the hypotheses generated. The study revealed that Nigerian quantity surveyors are performing above average in all the identified areas of competencies of quantity surveyors from the perception of all the considered construction professionals. The study finally recommended a need for personal improvement by quantity surveyors in Nigeria -especially the older ones-in order to keep them abreast with the current trend in the construction industry. Keywords: Competencies, Construction professionals, Nigeria, Perception, Quantity surveyors. Introduction Olusoga (2006) observed that Nigerian quantity surveyors of older generation were more of experts in the costing, cost monitoring and control as it relates to building projects which they were respected for by their sisters&apos; professionals. Although, it is true that today&apos;s quantity surveyors want to expand the horizon of their practice as observed by The challenge to the Nigerian quantity surveyors can be linked to an assertion by Quantity Surveyors Quantity surveyors are called by so many names all over the world such as cost engineers, building economists, cost managers, construction accountants, etc and different authors have adopted these different names in different studies (RICS, 1991; Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (2004) defined a quantity surveyor as the expert professionally trained and experienced in dealing with construction cost, construction management and construction communication. This he exhibit in various types of projects including building construction, civil and structural engineering, mechanical building and engineering services, petrochemicals, mineral extraction, cost and production engineering, environmental economics, planning and urban development, landscaping, interior design and all other relevant areas. Competent quantity surveyors must have a range of skills, knowledge and understanding which can be applied in a range of contexts and organisations (Hassall, Dunlop and Lewis, 1996). Yet pressing issues which confront the quantity surveying profession today include increasing the relevance and level of awareness of the profession&apos;s services in the built environment and increasing the range of business opportunities for continued growth. History of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria Quantity surveying according to The optional competencies reveal areas of specialty or future career diversification and these include arbitration and other dispute resolution procedures, development appraisal, facilities management, insolvency, insurance, project management, property investment funding, research methodology and techniques, taxation allowance and grants and valuation. Research Methodology Primary source of data collection through a well-structured questionnaire was administered to relevant and appropriate professionals in the construction industry. The population were the Nigerian construction professionals that are eligible to participate in the research and they are: Architects; Quantity surveyors; Builders; Engineers; and Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Due to a large population as identified above, the sampling frame was delimited to Lagos state of Nigeria where research questionnaires were distributed. The choice is on the premise that Lagos is the commercial capital city of Nigeria and most of the construction professionals in this state handle projects in other states of the federation. Tables were employed in this research for data presentations and analysis of the collected data was carried out using the following descriptive and inferential statistical methods: frequencies; percentiles; cronbach&apos;s alpha test; and mean internal score (MIS). Cronbach&apos;s alpha test was used in testing the reliability and viability of the research. Cronbach&apos;s α value for scale of measures of the research instruments is 0.501. Since the degree of reliability of the instrument is more perfect as the value tends towards 1.0 Findings and Discussion Characteristics of the Respondents As expected, all the professionals were members of their professional bodies in that the frequencies of the professionals correspond with that of the professional bodies. However, majority of these professionals are corporate (Associate or members) members (about 46%) followed by graduate members with about 37% while probationers and fellows were about 14% and 3% respectively. On the geographical zones that the respondents have executed one or more projects, all the respondents have been involved in project located in the South-West region as expected and this is followed by South-South and SouthEast respectively. It could be concluded that about 41% of construction professionals in Lagos state i.e. the respondents have participated in other projects located in other geographical zones of the country. Performance of Nigerian Quantity Surveyors Hypothesis was generated in order to test if there is a variance in the ranking of performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors by various groups of professionals as follow: Null Hypothesis (H 0 ): There is no significant agreement between quantity surveyors, architect, estate valuer, builder and engineers in ranking the performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors based on the areas of competencies of quantity surveyors. Alternate Hypothesis (H 1 ): There is significant agreement between quantity surveyors, architect, estate valuer, builder and engineers in ranking the performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors based on the areas of competencies of quantity surveyors. The result as presented in table 4 revealed that there is no significant agreement between the ranking of quantity surveyors, architect, estate valuer and builders while there is agreement between quantity surveyors and engineers in the ranking. The architects ranked personal and interpersonal skill and valuation 1 st and 2 nd while estate surveyors believed that Nigerian QS performs better in measurement and economics of construction. Professional practice and data, information and information technology were tied in the 1 st position by the builders while engineers were of the opinion that QS perform better in valuation and construction contract practice. Discussion of Findings In ranking the performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors based on their areas of competencies, the study revealed that there is no agreement in the ranking of performance of Nigerian quantity surveyors between quantity surveyors and other professionals except the engineers and this could be justified since an individual will always want to rate himself above normal while others will either rate normal or below normal. Diversities in experience, knowledge, training and working relationship of these construction professionals with quantity surveyors could also be reasons for the difference. Valuation, construction contract practice, project management, measurement and procurement management are areas of competencies where quantity surveyors perform better. The traditional role of Nigerian quantity surveyors are centred on these areas and this is supported by Conclusion and Further Research The study has been able to explored areas of competencies of quantity surveyors and it was discovered that Nigerian quantity surveyors are performing above average from the perception of all the construction professionals that participated in the study. The study also suggests the need for Nigerian quantity surveyors to improve in the areas of insolvency, taxation, property investment funding and mapping. Acknowledgemen