Enhancement of social skills by using multimedia interactive social skills module application among students with autism spectrum disorder

Social skills deficits involving students with ASD hinder the development of social competence via the mainstream school environment. This is because students with ASD learning capability for social skills was behind the average expectation of their typical peers. However, they can increase their knowledge and skills with the help of assistive technology such as mobile applications. Using the existing educational material, however, was not suitable for local students due to the different cultural norm. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the effect of specifically-tailored culture-based social skills modules on mobile application and paper for teaching and learning of students with ASD that integrate more comprehensive component of social skills in a single study. The social skills modules were tested using quasi-experimental study on students with ASD from National Autism Organization of Malaysia (NASOM) for 18 weeks with 1-hour intervention session per week. The study involved three groups (N=74; n1=27, n2=25, n3=22) using specifically-tailored culture-based social skills modules on mobile application and paper that were compared to a control group using existing social skills module. Social Skills Knowledge Test (SSKT) and Social Skills for ASD (SS-ASD) instruments were used to measure knowledge of social skills and social skills respectively on students with ASD. The finding indicated that specifically-tailored culture-based social skills module irrespective of media (mobile application or paper) effectively enhance social skills among students with ASD. In conclusion, integrating cultural norm into teaching and learning material for social skills will enhance social skills development and ease inclusion in a mainstream school to develop independent living in the future

Kandungan Logam Berat (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, dan Cr) dalam Air dan Sedimen di Perairan Teluk Jakarta

Penelitian Lingkungan dan Kebencanaan Geologi Kelautan Perairan Teluk Jakarta (Tanjung Kait – Muara Gembong) dilakukan pada bulan Oktober - November 2010. Uji logam berat (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, dan Cr) dilakukan terhadap 28 contoh air laut dan 28 contoh sedimen dasar laut menggunakan metoda Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan data dan informasi kondisi lingkungan terkini dari kandungan logam berat dalam air laut dan sedimen dasar laut. Kandungan logam berat (air laut dalam mg/l : sedimen dasar laut dalam ppm) terukur sebagai berikut : Cu ( <0.005 : 15.000-169.500 ); Pb (0.005-0.011 : 14.000-58.100); Zn (0.005-0.007 : 95.800-333.000); Cd (0.006-0.015 : 0.012-0.750); Cr (<0.001 : 45.320-139.180). Berdasarkan Metode Storet dapat dilihat nilai status mutu air laut perairan ini adalah -12, berarti bahwa kualitas air laut di perairan termasuk kelas C (tercemar sedang). Sedangkan status mutu sedimen di perairan menunjukkan skor nilai status mutu sedimen adalah 0, yang berarti bahwa kualitas sedimen termasuk kelas A (tidak tercemar/memenuhi baku mutu). Jelas terlihat bahwa nilai ambang batas (NAB) logam berat dalam sedimen jauh lebih tinggi dari NAB logam berat dalam air. Kata kunci: logam berat, sedimen dasar laut, air laut, nilai status mutu Marine Environmental and Geological Hazard Survey In Jakarta Bay Waters (Tanjung Kait - Muara Gembong) conducted in October-November 2010. Testing of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr) performed on 28 samples of sea water and 28 subsurface sediment samples using the method of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The purpose of this study was to obtain data and information on current environmental conditions of heavy metal content in seawater and subsurface sediment. Heavy metal content (sea water in mg/l: subsurface sediment in ppm) measured as follows: Cu ( <0.005 : 15.000-169.500 ); Pb (0.005-0.011 : 14.000-58.100); Zn (0.005-0.007 : 95.800-333.000); Cd (0.006-0.015 : 0.012-0.750); Cr (<0.001 : 45.320-139.180). Based on the Storet method shows the value of water quality status of sea waters is -12, which means that the seawater quality in these waters belong to a class C (medium contaminated). While the status of sediment quality in these waters indicate subsurface sediment quality score status value is 0, which means that subsurface sediment quality belongs to the class A (not polluted/correspond to the quality standards). It is clearly seen that the threshold value (NAV) of heavy metals in sediments is much higher than the NAV of heavy metals in water. Keywords: heavy metal, subsurface sediment, seawater, quality score statu

An investigation of user satisfaction with human resource information systems in Public Universiti of Malaysia

The study sought to examine the influence of system factors on user satisfaction amongst employee, particularly the administrative staffs in one of public universities in Malaysia, which is Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).The application of human resource information system (HRIS) in the UUM is known as PERSIS.At the end of the data collection period, a total of 132 questionnaires were used for analysis.The regression result indicated that system factors are significantly related to HRIS success. Support and ease of use have strongly related to user satisfaction compared to other factors. Therefore, a few suggestions have been proposed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PERSIS in UUM

A framework for developing culture-based multi-modal mind games: improving social interaction skills of autistic children

Cases of autism, a developmental disorder that disconnects individuals from their environment and people is on the rise with 30% increase being reported in Malaysia from 2008-2011. Early childhood intervention is essential in ensuring autistic children have the opportunity to develop their full potential and enabling them to contribute to society in later years. The intervention will also enhance education opportunities of such children, thus supporting the efforts of NASOM as well as the government’s “education for all aspirations”. One approach that has shown great potential in enhancing social interaction skills among autistic children is the multi-modal mind games approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework in designing a culture-based multimedia supported mind games for autistic children. Action research method will be adopted since the cyclic nature of the method will provide opportunity for improving existing educational practices for autistic children. Needs analysis will be conducted to determine weaknesses and strengths of the current practices in developing social interaction skills among autistic children. Parents and teachers will be interviewed and autistic children between the age of five and eight will be observed to get a comprehensive view of the existing situation. Based on the analysis, a set of culture-based mind games multimedia supported as well as face to face interactions will be designed and prescribed to selected autistic childre

Late Holocene Heavy Metals Record of Jakarta Bay Sediments

This paper reports copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and chromium records of Jakarta Bay sediment since 600 AD and reonstruct environmental changes since that time. Jakarta Bay This study uses samples from a 150 cm long gravity core (TJ-17, 106.902488°E, 5.99381°S) that was acquired from the eastern part of Jakarta Bay in 2010 onboard RV Geomarin I by the Marine Geological Institute. Heavy metal content in Jakarta Bay sediments is used to track environmental changes onland from this site. Heavy metal concentration was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry on bulk samples that were taken in 5 cm interval. The results yield background level of Cu at 16 ppm, Zn at 75 ppm, Pb at 20 ppm, Cd at 0.01 – 0.15 ppm, and at Cr 80 ppm. Vertical record of heavy metals show two stages of environmental changes in the region: from 600 AD to 1600 AD and 1800 AD onward. These changes are interpeted as related to land use changes caused by human activity in the West Java region

Comparison of bond stresses of deformed steel bars embedded in two different concrete mixes

Catenary action in a precast concrete building structural system is one of the ways to avoid progressive collapse. The key for catenary action to work successfully depends on the strength performance of longitudinal ties, which closely depends on the bond performance between the ties and concrete. This paper investigates the effectiveness of deformed steel bar as catenary tie in precast concrete beam-column connection under column removal scenario. The main objective of the experimental work is to improve the bond performance between deformed steel bar and concrete topping. The parameter considered in the tests is the types of concrete for the topping. The different concrete mixes are normal concrete of Grade 40 and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). A series of pullout test specimens are conducted to investigate the bond behavior between the steel ties and the surrounding concrete. The results show the comparison of bond stresses of embedded deformed steel bars in two types of concrete mix. The deformed steel bar with concrete fiber provides higher bond strength as compared to bond in normal concrete. Therefore, it is more suitable for effective catenary tie in precast concrete beam-column connection for maximum efficiency and deformability in order to minimize progressive collapse

Impact of GSK199 and GSK106 binding on protein arginine deiminase IV stability and flexibility: a computational approach

Protein arginine deiminase IV (PAD4) is a potential target for diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and cancers. Currently, GSK199 is a potent, selective yet reversible PAD4 inhibitor. Its derivative, GSK106, on the other hand, was reported as an inactive compound when tested against PAD4 assay. Although they had similar skeleton, their impact towards PAD4 structural and flexibility is unknown. In order to fill the research gap, the impact of GSK199 and GSK106 binding towards PAD4 stability and flexibility is investigated via a combination of computational methods. Molecular docking indicates that GSK199 and GSK106 are capable to bind at PAD4 pocket by using its back door with − 10.6 kcal/mol and − 9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The simulations of both complexes were stable throughout 100 ns. The structure of PAD4 exhibited a tighter packing in the presence of GSK106 compared to GSK199. The RMSF analysis demonstrates significant changes between the PAD4-GSK199 and PAD4-GSK106 simulations in the regions containing residues 136, 160, 220, 438, and 606. The Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) analysis shows a marked difference in binding free energies, with − 11.339 kcal/mol for the PAD4-GSK199 complex and 1.063 kcal/mol for the PAD4-GSK106 complex. The hydrogen bond analysis revealed that the GSK199 and GSK106 binding to PAD4 are assisted by six hydrogen bonds and three hydrogen bonds, respectively. The visualisation of the MD simulations revealed that GSK199 remained in the PAD4 pocket, whereas GSK106 shifted away from the catalytic site. Meanwhile, molecular dockings of benzoyl arginine amide (BAEE) substrate have shown that BAEE is able to bind to PAD4 catalytic site when GSK106 was present but not when GSK199 occupied the site. Overall, combination of computational approaches successfully described the behaviour of binding pocket of PAD4 structure in the presence of the active and inactive compounds

Framework of the existing patterns of residential segregation and housing quality in Nigeria

Residential segregation, the spatial separation of population sub-groups within a given geographical area, is a phenomenon which is prevalent in both developed and developing countries like Nigeria. This research examined the existing patterns of residential segregation and housing quality in Bauchi Metropolis of Northern Nigeria; its objectives are to explore the main patterns of residential segregation and evaluate the factors responsible for residential segregation in the study area, to analyse the quality of houses in the study area and determine the relationship between residential segregation and housing quality in the study area, and to develop a framework for the existing patterns of residential segregation and housing quality. Data was collected from 600 households within three density areas in Bauchi metropolis. The research was conducted through questionnaire survey, personal interview and personal observation, and the quantitative data was analysed using regression analysis while the qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The research established that the existing residential segregation patterns are based mainly on religion, ethnicity, age and income; and the factors responsible for residential segregation in the study area are individual and aggregate socioeconomic characteristics, individual preference/taste/choice of neighbourhood and political/institutional factors. While the indicators of housing quality in the study area are building design, type of roofing and wall materials, condition and age of buildings, the type of internal facilities and the source of lighting. The findings of this research have contributed to knowledge by establishing that residential segregation patterns are based mainly on religion, ethnicity, age and income; and that political and institutional factors influence residential segregation in the study area

KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, dan Cr) DALAM AIR DAN SEDIMEN DI PERAIRAN TELUK JAKARTA

Penelitian Lingkungan dan Kebencanaan Geologi Kelautan Perairan Teluk Jakarta (Tanjung Kait – Muara Gembong) dilakukan pada bulan Oktober - November 2010. Uji logam berat (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, dan Cr) dilakukan terhadap 28 contoh air laut dan 28 contoh sedimen dasar laut menggunakan metoda Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan data dan informasi kondisi lingkungan terkini dari kandungan logam berat dalam air laut dan sedimen dasar laut. Kandungan logam berat (air laut dalam mg/l : sedimen dasar laut dalam ppm) terukur sebagai berikut : Cu ( <0.005 : 15.000-169.500 ); Pb (0.005-0.011 : 14.000-58.100); Zn (0.005-0.007 : 95.800-333.000); Cd (0.006-0.015 : 0.012-0.750); Cr (<0.001 : 45.320-139.180). Berdasarkan Metode Storet dapat dilihat nilai status mutu air laut perairan ini adalah -12, berarti bahwa kualitas air laut di perairan termasuk kelas C (tercemar sedang). Sedangkan status mutu sedimen di perairan menunjukkan skor nilai status mutu sedimen adalah 0, yang berarti bahwa kualitas sedimen termasuk kelas A (tidak tercemar/memenuhi baku mutu). Jelas terlihat bahwa nilai ambang batas (NAB) logam berat dalam sedimen jauh lebih tinggi dari NAB logam berat dalam air. Kata kunci: logam berat, sedimen dasar laut, air laut, nilai status mutu Marine Environmental and Geological Hazard Survey In Jakarta Bay Waters (Tanjung Kait - Muara Gembong) conducted in October-November 2010. Testing of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr) performed on 28 samples of sea water and 28 subsurface sediment samples using the method of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The purpose of this study was to obtain data and information on current environmental conditions of heavy metal content in seawater and subsurface sediment. Heavy metal content (sea water in mg/l: subsurface sediment in ppm) measured as follows: Cu ( <0.005 : 15.000-169.500 ); Pb (0.005-0.011 : 14.000-58.100); Zn (0.005-0.007 : 95.800-333.000); Cd (0.006-0.015 : 0.012-0.750); Cr (<0.001 : 45.320-139.180). Based on the Storet method shows the value of water quality status of sea waters is -12, which means that the seawater quality in these waters belong to a class C (medium contaminated). While the status of sediment quality in these waters indicate subsurface sediment quality score status value is 0, which means that subsurface sediment quality belongs to the class A (not polluted/correspond to the quality standards). It is clearly seen that the threshold value (NAV) of heavy metals in sediments is much higher than the NAV of heavy metals in water. Keywords: heavy metal, subsurface sediment, seawater, quality score statu