Mathematical Modelling of Lithium-ion Concentration in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

The demand for lithium ion batteries has increased due to the increasing need by consumers for rechargeable batteries. In the effort to produce high performance batteries, mathematical model becomes a vital instrument in helping batteries developers to understand the behaviour of the battery systems during charge and discharge process. This understanding is useful in the optimization of the battery design and parameters. This paper presents a mathematical model used to simulate the intercalation process of lithium ions in the electrode of a lithium-ion battery. This model is used to study the intercalation process through the lithium-ion concentration profiles during charge/discharge of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This approach resulted in solving the diffusion equation in the solution phase and the solid phase of the battery. Results from both phases are plotted and compared. (Abstract by authors

Impact of open distance learning professionalism & empowerment courses on clinical nurse practice

Clinical nurse professionalism includes empowerment which is associated with increased nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes, both being elements of a healthy work environment. This study aims to compare the academic results of learners in open distance learning (ODL) professionalism course with the purported display of professional behaviour in clinical practice. In addition to demographic data, the survey included in quantifying information on nurses discerning qualities in displaying professionalism and empowerment in their daily nursing practice from their superiors and compared with the learner's academic results upon completion of the course. Data analysis using descriptive statistics involving 73 respondents (63%) from nurse supervisors who rated their nurses. Nurses moral principle is rated highest on acting honestly (65.8%), followed by acting justly (58.9%). On personal integrity, nurses can look after their own wellbeing (56.2%) and act under pressure (58.9%). Their expertise skills showed ability in working and acting independently and being autonomous (50.7%). Their power of making decisions is 52.1% in the clinical area. Nurses who are future-oriented can promote new ideas at the workplace (52.1%), and their sociability level is 50.7% in solving problems responsibly. The above professionalism and empowerment qualities showed a positive trend and relevancy with their academic performance. In conclusion, this study professed to show academic performance of nurses from the course is internalised and visible in their professional behaviour in the clinical area

SIMULATION OF KORTEWEG DE VRIES EQUATION

Korteweg de Vries (KdV) equation has been used as a mathematical model of shallow water waves. In this paper, we present one-, two-, and three-soliton solution of KdV equation. By definition, soliton is a nonlinear wave that maintains its properties (shape and velocity) upon interaction with each other. In order to investigate the behavior of soliton solutions of KdV equation and the interaction process of the two- and three-solitons, computer programs have been successfully simulated. Results from these simulations confirm that the solutions of KdV equation obtained are the soliton solutions. (Abstract by authors

An academic perspective of assessment questions bank

There are several electronic assessment systems being used in institutions of higher education (HE), especially in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions. Some of these institutions built their assessment system into their institution’s Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). Most of these assessment systems are for general purposes where assessment questions are in the form of simple multiple choice question (MCQ) or short-answer questions. In practice, these types of assessment questions do not match many of the current learning requirements and learning outcomes. The concept of an assessment question bank that can be used by academics to share assessment content within or across an institution is not new, but the advancement of technology and technical developments now have made such a repository realizable than ever before. A question bank is now a specialized repository that can be accessed via a web interface for platform independence. The use of technology in developing the question bank provides much relief for the chores associated with preparing assessments, which in turn enhances the quality of the questions and improves the quality of the assessments. This paper presents the experience of Open University Malaysia (OUM) in developing its own Question Bank (QBank). This QBank system is designed to help the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who need to develop, classify and store their assessment such as MCQ and essay-type exam questions. This software is integrated with the OUM’s Virtual Learning Environments (myVLE) in order to allow easier and wider access to the SMEs and faculty. (Abstract by author

Performance Levels and Perspective of Graduate Learners’ on Fully Online Learning During Covid-19

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is a leading open and distance learning institution in Malaysia that offers its programs in blended mode. The blended mode of learning comprises self-managed learning, face-to-face tutorials, and online forum. Through its learning platform, named ‘myINSPIRE’, OUM has successfully offered some of its programmes fully online. The outbreak COVID-19 in early 2020 has pushed OUM to offer all its programmes fully online, including programmes for graduates. Measures were taken to improve teaching and learning support online. Part of the efforts included having weekly e-lessons and e-tutorials, as well as online exams. Learners have been exposed to new learning experiences where they faced many challenges. This study is conducted with the aim to investigate how these changes have affected learners’ performance and their perspective towards fully online learning. A total of 143 post graduate learners enrolled in OUM under the Cluster of Applied Sciences participated in this study. The readiness for change model used in the study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The model applies perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to measure user acceptance of technology. The findings indicate that overall, the graduate learners have an acceptable level of readiness for change and are able to adapt and continue learning online despite facing some issues and challenges. It was found that the performance of the learners pre- and post- lockdown seemed to be comparable. Nevertheless, there is a need to find ways to improve and better tailor the online learning environment for our adult learners so as to make their fully online learning experience more rewarding

The impact of learner profiling on social skills

The purpose of this study is to describe the use of personality traits dimensions to predict skills. This paper focuses on the social competency dimension. The study also explored some basic questions about why learners learn, what are their main barriers and what are the expected rewards. Two intake groups were used in this study: 1041 September 2017 learners and 278 May 2016 intake students. May 2016 intake students are in their 4th semester during September 2017. An online instrument was developed based on literatures. The findings indicated that the top reasons for students to study were to obtain higher qualification (39.1%), personal growth (25.5%) and career advancement (23.3%). The findings also confirmed that work and family situation is the main barrier in adult students learning. All dimensions which include the big five personality traits, self-efficacy, self-directedness, attitude towards education and motivation towards achievement show significant correlation to the social competency. (Abstract by authors

Approximate Analytical Solutions for Mathematical Model of Tumour Invasion and Metastasis Using Modified Adomian Decomposition and Homotopy Perturbation Methods

The modified decomposition method (MDM) and homotopy perturbation method (HPM) are applied to obtain the approximate solution of the nonlinear model of tumour invasion and metastasis. The study highlights the significant features of the employed methods and their ability to handle nonlinear partial differential equations. The methods do not need linearization and weak nonlinearity assumptions. Although the main difference between MDM and Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is a slight variation in the definition of the initial condition, modification eliminates massive computation work. The approximate analytical solution obtained by MDM logically contains the solution obtained by HPM. It shows that HPM does not involve the Adomian polynomials when dealing with nonlinear problems. (Abstract by authors

AN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE OF ASSESSMENT QUESTION BANK

There are several electronic assessment systems being used in institutions of higher education (HE), especially in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions. Some of these institutions built their assessment system into their institution’s Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). Most of these assessment systems are for general purposes where assessment questions are in the form of simple multiple choice question (MCQ) or short-answer questions. In practice, these types of assessment questions do not match many of the current learning requirements and learning outcomes. The concept of an assessment question bank that can be used by academics to share assessment content within or across an institution is not new, but the advancement of technology and technical developments now have made such a repository realizable than ever before. A question bank is now a specialized repository that can be accessed via a web interface for platform independence. The use of technology in developing the question bank provides much relief for the chores associated with preparing assessments, which in turn enhances the quality of the questions and improves the quality of the assessments. This paper presents the experience of Open University Malaysia (OUM) in developing its own Question Bank (QBank). This QBank system is designed to help the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who need to develop, classify and store their assessment such as MCQ and essay-type exam questions. This software is integrated with the OUM’s Virtual Learning Environments (myVLE) in order to allow easier and wider access to the SMEs and faculty