Type specimens carry valuable information that can facilitate biodiversity research, especially in an era of mass extinction and unprecedent anthropogenic climate change. For Orthoptera, a few initiatives, including the Orthoptera Species File and digitization of collections by numerous museums, have helped to make images and information about the type specimens available on the World Wide Web. However, many local collections, especially those from the poorly studied regions of Southeast Asia, are still not available to the public. The collection of Grylloidea and Tettigonioidea gathered at the Forest Research Center, Sepilok in Sandakan, Sabah (Borneo) is one such example. We examined, identified, and imaged 12 and 45 species of Grylloidea and Tettigonioidea respectively from the collection (deposited as of October 2019) to facilitate taxonomic research by making the species in the collection accessible for everyone.
Amphicnemis rigiketit sp. nov. is described from southwestern Sarawak (holotype ♂ in forest around stream, near road from Kota Samarahan to Siburan, Samarahan Division, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, 21 ii 2018, deposited in the Natural History Museum, London). The new species is allied to A. remiger Laidlaw, 1912. The female of A. remiger is described for the first time and a description of the male from a fresh specimen is provided along with notes on variation.
Herein are erected several new taxa and taxonomic changes based on a study of the Old World genera of Peiratinae: Sphodrembas gen. nov. is erected for a single new species, Sphodrembas fumipennis sp. nov. from Kenya and Tanzania. Ectomocoris caccabatus sp. nov. is newly described and represents the first record of the genus from the Korean Peninsula. Chaulioleistes gen. nov. is erected for Peirates singularis Stål, 1874, resulting in Chaulioleistes singularis (Stål, 1874) comb. nov. Isdegardes Distant, 1909, described in Acanthaspidinae (=Reduviinae), is considered a junior synonym of the peiratine genus Phalantus Stål, 1863 syn. nov., resulting in Phalantus melanocephalus (Distant, 1909) comb. nov. for the type species of Isdegardes. Lestomerus wroughtoni Bergroth, 1915 is transferred to Brachysandalus Stål, 1866, resulting in Brachysandalus wroughtoni (Bergroth, 1915) comb. nov. The previously proposed synonymy of Polychitonocoris formosus Miller, 1940 with Calistocoris caesareus Reuter, 1881 is corroborated. All of the above taxonomic acts are supplemented with a key to the species of Calistocoris, a key to the species of Pachysandalus, and a key to the peiratine genera of the Old World. Also reported are thirteen new country records for eleven other species: Brachysandalus bicolor (Villiers, 1948) (Kenya, Tanzania); Ectomocoris bimaculatus Schouteden, 1909 (Ghana); Ectomocoris fenestratus (Klug, 1830) (Ghana); Ectomocoris maculicrus (Fairmaire, 1858) (Uganda, Zimbabwe); Lestomerus affinis (Audinet-Serville, 1831) (Malaysia); Lestomerus basilewskyi Villiers, 1962 (Kenya); Lestomerus bicolor (Villiers, 1948) (Kenya); Lestomerus dubius Villiers, 1948 (Cameroon); Pachysandalus schoutedeni Villiers, 1962 (Sudan); Peirates collarti Schouteden, 1931 (Cameroon); Peirates quadrinotatus (Fabricius, 1798) (Malaysia); and Phalantus africanus Stål, 1874 (Ghana).
This paper presents a Catalogue of oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) recorded from the Malay Archipelago covering 113 years from 1905 to the end of 2018. The Malay Archipelago comprises countries located in the maritime area of Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, viz., Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor and the Philippines. Information compiled for each species includes references to the original description, subsequent re-combinations of specific name with other genera, and junior synonyms, if any, as well as the type locality, type habitat, later recorded habitats, and geographic distribution within and outside the Malay Archipelago. A historical review of explorations and taxonomic studies on oribatids in the various countries is also provided. A total of 1,030 valid species including subspecies and 6 doubtful species have been recorded from the Malay Archipelago from 1905 to 2018. The valid species belong to 323 genera, 98 families and 34 superfamilies in all of the five infraorders and two hyporders of the Suborder Oribatida. Among the component countries, the Philippines has the highest number of records at 513, followed by Indonesia including Kalimantan and excluding the Moluccas and Irian Barat on New Guinea Island (402), Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak (250), Brunei (64), and Singapore (28), while not a single species is currently known from East Timor. Most of the species known from Malaysia come from its two provinces (Sabah and Sarawak) in Borneo Island with 190, or more than twice that on Peninsular or West Malaysia with 77 species. On the whole, Borneo Island which is home for three countries has 235 recorded species with Sabah and Sarawak having 190, Brunei 64, and Kalimantan only 18 species. Aside from Borneo, the better explored islands, in descending order of records, are Luzon (346), Java (261), Samar (182), Mindanao (178), Leyte (112), Polillo (105), Bali (99), and Sumatra (82), and the peninsular part of Malaysia (78), while the relatively large island of Sulawesi has only 13 species records. Endemism to the individual countries ranges from 36.1-60.7%, the highest of which are Singapore (60.7%) and Brunei (57.8%). The relatively better known and bigger countries have lower rates of endemism-47.4% for the Philippines, 46.8% for Malaysia, whereas Indonesia, with the largest land area and earliest records, has the lowest rate of 36.1%. Overall, 608 species or 59.0% of the total fauna of the Malay Archipelago are known so far only from this region.
This study is aim to compare the level of gross motor development among the ten years old children in Kelantan and Johor by using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The study is using descriptive method involving 80 subjects (Kelantan: 40, Johor: 40) who are ten years old. The TGMD-2 test is conducted to measure the level of development of aboriginal children's gross motor for locomotor and manipulative skills. Scores obtained are transcribed for GMDQ scores. These scores are analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 to compare the mean achievement of aboriginal children in two states. The findings show that there is no significant difference in the GMDQ of ten-year-old Aboriginal children in Kelantan and Johor [F (78) = 2.55, p> .05]. The result shows that the Fourth Year in Kelantan had a very significant problem compared to Johor in the three major variables of the study: locomotor standard score (SPL), manipulative standard score (SPM) and gross motor development score (GMDQ). The group also experienced a significant delay of 3.59 years in the locomotor age equality score (AEL) and the manipulative age equality score (AEM) of 4.76 years compared to the original age. This shows that although obriginal children have a good level of fitness, their level of motor development is still at a weak level. It is suggested that in the future a new approach can be implement so that the development of gross motor of Orang Asli pupils grows well according to age.
Objective: This study aimed to identify differences in physical activity scores, calorie intake, calcium and protein intake and their relationship to elderly bone density status at Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK), Cheras. Methods: The design of this study was a descriptive survey study involving 117 respondents (L = 71, P = 46) living in the RSK, Cheras. This study uses a questionnaire form adapted from Topolski et al. (2006) to determine physical activity scores and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for information on calorie intake, calcium and protein intake and the use of quantitative ultrasound (QUS-2 ™) machines to measure bone density status. The analysis used in this study was descriptive analysis, independent t-test and correlation. Findings: Independent t-test analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the level of significance of 0.05 to (a) physical activity score of male respondents (M = 4.51, SP = 1.25) and female (M = 4.17, SP = 0.71), [ t (113) = 1.834, p = 0.07]. (b) protein intake was male (M = 438.61, SP = 23.57) and female (M = 437.28, SP = 14.50), [t (115) = 0.376, p = 0.708]. On the other hand, there were significant differences between men and women at the level of significance of 0.05 for the variables (a) of calorie intake that were male respondents (M = 3058.21, SP = 332.68) and women (M = 2420.26, SP = 246.76), [t (115) = 11.16, p = 0.000. (b) calcium intake was male (M = 2783.96, SP = 141.32) and female (M = 3847.89, SP = 96.42), [t (115) = -2.69, p = 0.008]. (c) bone density status was male (M = ─2.22, SP = 0.42) and female (M = ─2.04, SP = 0.20), [t (108) = 3.11, p = 0.002]. Correlation tests revealed no significant relationship between bone density and (a) physical activity score for male respondents (r = 0.024, p = 0.842) and female respondents (r = 0.251, p = 0.092), (b) calorie intake for respondents male (r = 0.062, p = 0.606) and female respondents (r = ─0.221, p = 0.140) and (c) protein intake for male respondents (r = -0.044, p = 0.718) and female respondents (r = 0.238, p = 0.112). A weak positive relationship was noted between bone density status and calcium intake for male respondents (r = 0.331, p = 0.026) while a moderate positive relationship was noted for female respondents (r = 0.465, p = 0.031). Conclusion: Awareness of physical activity as well as calorie intake, calcium and protein is essential for older people to improve their quality of life especially in terms of bone health. A variety of programs can be developed by the aged care institution so that the elderly can optimize their golden age with appropriate physical activity as well as appropriate calorie, calcium and protein intake, while maintaining their bone health.
The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cold water immersion (CWI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on DOMS markers among young athletes. A total of 30 young athletes with mean age of 18.57 ± .504 years old, weight 61.92 ± 7.96 kg and height 170.67 ±7.57 cm volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were required to perform 20 reps x 5 sets drop jump (DJ) to induce muscle damage. They were randomly assigned into three groups: CWI (n = 10), PMR (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). Immediately following damage-inducing exercise protocol, CWI group were required to submerge lower body until iliac crest level in 15°C±1°C of cold water for 16 minutes; whereas control group applied the same position without immersed in cold water for 16 minutes. Perceived muscle soreness, range of motion (ROM) thigh circumference and the 20 meter sprint have been used as DOMS markers in this study. Markers were measured pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-intervention, and after 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 96 hours. The results of mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) in 20-meter sprint between groups and measurements at 24 hours and post-interventions, respectively. Conversely, no significant interactions were found in perceived muscle soreness, ROM and thigh circumference (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a single bout of CWI and PMR are not beneficial to elicit positive effects on DOMS markers used in this study.
This study aimed to develop an instrument to identify the motives of youth involvement in sports. The Sports Engagement Motivation Instrument (MPS) is constructed through two phases of research, namely the phasing of the item and the psychometric testing of the instrument. Formulation of questionnaire items was conducted in accordance with the Nominal Group Technique process for youths who are active in sports. A total of 75 items were generated from the questionnaire design phase. Alpha Cronbach's factor analysis and coefficient values were used to test the number of factors and internal reliability of the data. The SPS questionnaire was administered to 582 active youths for factor analysis and instrument reliability. The results of the analysis of the principal components of the MPS questionnaire consisted of 58 items, comprising nine factors, namely Raising Country Name, Health and Fitness, Skill Improvement, Wanting Challenges, Seeking Success, Family Pride, Pride, Emotional Stability and Future Assurance. Factor loadings for each item ranged from 0.40 to 0.74, and reliability (alpha) values ranged from 0.66 to 0.93. The validity of MPS content has been evaluated by seven field experts and has confirmed that MPS has validity of content and can accurately test the motives of youth involvement in sports. The findings of this study indicate that the MPS instrument has high reliability and reliability and can be used in identifying adolescents' involvement in sports.
The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between the leadership style and athlete motivation among males and females adolescent athletes at SMK Dato 'Lela Pahlawan, Padang Serai Kedah. There were a total of 64 respondents comprising 32 male athletes and 32 female athletes who participated in various sports and were experienced with coach leadership styles. The data collection instruments used in this study were Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS), which measured five leadership behaviours perceived by athletes and Sports Motivation Scales (SMS), which determined the three basic factors of motivation including the intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation of the athletes. The findings from Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed a positive and significant relationship between leadership behaviours and intrinsic motivation for male athletes in the training and instruction dimension (r = 0.64, p = 0.000, p < 0.05), and democracy dimension (r = 0.38, p = 0.032, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, for female athletes, analysis also shows that there was a low and significant positive relationship between the leadership behaviours and the intrinsic motivation on training and instruction (r = 0.62, p = 0.000, p < 0.05), democratic (r = 0.59, p = 0.000, p < 0.05), positive feedback (r = 0.50, p = 0.004, p < 0.05), and social support (r = 0.49, p = 0.005, p < 0.05). Pearson product moment correlation analysis found a low and significant positive relationship between leadership behaviours and extrinsic motivation for male athletes for the training and instruction dimension (r = 0.52, p = 0.002, p < 0.05), and democracy dimension (r = 0.51, p = 0.003, p
Neuroscience is a discipline in cycling performance that has become increasingly significant as its methodologies have developed and progressed. The methodological approach incorporated with technological advancements such as electroencephalogram (EEG) contributes to vast novelty in the area of sports neuroscience. As the nature of cycling performance works much with human and mechanical components associated with cardiovascular function and muscular force production, it directly involves the elements of neurophysiology and neuromechanics in applying sports science towards cycling performances. The integration of these two sub-disciplines of neuroscience is connected with brain activity function. Therefore, the authors aimed to develop a conceptual framework integrating brain activity into a physiological and biomechanical function primarily for cycling performance. This conceptual framework will offer a direction for future studies related to brain activity, neurophysiology and neuromechanics.
The use of armoured vests is an additional burden on the wearer, and has an impact on the ability to function for military personnel. In light of the limitations of the number of rations that can be carried, the aim of this study was to determine the energy cost of wearing armoured vests and compare the energy cost of six different types of vests. In this pilot study, six well trained volunteers from a military training academy were chosen. Their basal metabolic rate was measured. Then they used six different vests in a cross-over study design, and their energy expenditure was measured using an indirect calorimeter while walking on a treadmill. Data from our study revealed that using the vests, energy expenditure was increased by an average of 2.7 Kcal/Kg/day over basal metabolic rate. However, there were no significant differences between the six different vests. Thus, we were able to quantify the amount of additional energy that is required for walking at a speed of 3.5km/hr. This study also revealed that there is no difference in energy expenditure between different types of armoured vests. Further investigation is required to study the effects at greater workloads to document the effect of the vests.
This study was conducted to evaluate the differences of physiological and biomechanical variables during 2 km rowing time trials on a stationary versus dynamic ergometer. Ten state-level rowers (male: 6, female: 4) voluntarily participated in the study. Two sessions of 2 km time trial were conducted: one on a static ergometer and another on a dynamic ergometer. Data on oxygen consumption, blood lactate concentration, maximum heart rate, stroke rate, time to completion and lower limb angles at sagittal plane were collected and analysed during the tests. A paired T-test was used to compare the physiological and biomechanical variables across stationary and dynamic ergometer. Stroke rate, maximum heart rate, drive to recovery phase ratio and VO2max showed statistically significant differences during 2 km rowing time trials on stationary versus dynamic ergometer. Moreover, VO2max was inversely related with high correlation to time to completion of 2 km rowing test on both ergometers. Height, body fat and VO2max are the major determinants of 2 km rowing time trials on stationary and dynamic ergometer. The outcomes from this study are important to enhance rowing performance especially for rowers.
Batting velocity is an important component for successful hitting. Previous research has shown that batting velocity is influenced by increased muscular strength. Resistance training is broadly applied by strength and conditioning coaches to increase strength. However, recently, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has been proven to be able to increase muscular strength in high performance athletes. This study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of dynamic WB-EMS training on muscular strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players. Forty softball players were randomly assigned to two groups: DS-EMS (n = 20) and DS (n = 20). Both groups performed 100 basic dry swings per session using a standard bat. Additionally, DS-EMS group performed whole body electromyostimulation after the dry swing training. The training program was conducted three times a week and all participants were tested before (baseline) and after (week-8) the training programs. Both groups showed statistically significant increases in predicted 1RM torso rotational strength (p ≤ 0.01) and batting velocity (p ≤ 0.01) after 8 weeks of training. The WB-EMS group showed significant increase in predicted 1RM bench press, and predicted 1RM squat (p ≤ 0.01). The WB-EMS group showed greater increases (p ≤ 0.01) in batting velocity compared to control group. These data indicate that an 8-week of dry swing training supplemented by dynamic WB-EMS sessions may significantly increase strength and batting velocity among female collegiate softball players.
Background: Improving the physical characteristics of rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) has a significant impact on their level of performance. The enhancing of certain characteristics among RG is helpful in the early stages of RG training process. Methods: The current quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effects of the core training program on enhancing physical characteristics including power (vertical jump test), balance (stork stand balance test), flexibility (sit and reach test), and strength and endurance (sit-up test), among Malaysian rhythmic gymnasts. Forty female rhythmic gymnasts (aged 6-9 years old) from 2 sport clubs located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were selected to participant in this study and divided randomly into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group received 12 weeks of the core training program as the intervention program. Results: The results showed the core training program had positive effects on physical characteristics including power (Δmean=-2.95, p
Nowadays, people have realized that physical activity plays a critical role in determining the health and wellness of an individual. This is proven by the extensive research on this area, which indicates that people have started to emphasize this matter. In addition, it is also well known that motivation is one of the main factors that determine whether people will participate in performing physical activity or not. Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators play a major role in determining levels of physical activity. Therefore, this study is made to investigate the relationship between extrinsic motivation and physical activity level. The researcher randomly selected 195 students from SMK Alam Megah 2, Seksyen 28, Shah Alam, Selangor as respondents for this study. The method of this study includes a questionnaire adapted from International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI), which was edited to fulfil the requirements of this study. The results from this study show that there is a positive and significant relationship between extrinsic motivation and physical activity.
MeSH terms: Adolescent; Humans; Malaysia; Motor Activity*; Schools; Exercise*
This study aims to develop a year one STEM Comic for science and mathematics subjects. The STEM comic was developed based on the Technology Knowledge, Pedagogy and Content (TPACK) model. The development of this comic involves two phases which is development phase and assessment phase. However, this article only discusses the development phase of STEM comic. 13 Excellent teachers of science and mathematics from the Hulu Langat district were involved in the analysis of syllabus year one science and mathematics subjects and the preparation of scripts while the STEM comic illustrator was created by two lecturers from the Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry from the Sultan Idris Education University. As a result, a STEM comic that contains 10 series for year one science and mathematics subjects has been successfully developed. This comic is expected to attract and enhance the achievement of year one students in science and mathematics. Implication of this study, STEM comic can be used by teachers as science and mathematics teaching aids.
This research presents an improved and more effective approach for data acquisition of recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). The previous research, the system uses manual methods to take the important data from RAS and it wastes the time and also gets late response from the fish farmer if the data is not in the good condition. As a result, fog computing technology is applied to overcome all these problems and acts as advance data acquisition system to keep data safely by sharing the processed data in fog computing for every tanks and analyze the data to make an accurate control/decision in the real time. Besides, open source technology plus embedded system based will be integrated for this research because its benefits such as small size, low cost, light weight, portable, high efficiency and low power consumption. This research has achieved the objectives which are design a data collecting system for RAS, design a data processing system using fog computing and integrate, test and validate automatic data collection and processing strategy for recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). The data collecting system for RAS, RaspDAQ is developed by connecting Raspberry Pi 3 to temperature sensor (LM35DT) using analogue digital converter (ADC) MCP3002, water level sensor (HC-SR04), Rpi camera module, LEDs and buzzer. Software and program are built using Python and Apache server to run every functions of RaspDAQ. While third Raspberry Pi 3 is setup as data processing system, RaspFog using PHP, Apache and MySQL server. Both RaspDAQ and RaspFog are based on Raspbian operating system. After that, RaspDAQ1 and RaspDAQ2 are connected to RaspFog using WiFi technology to send sensors data in real time. The received data are stored and plotted using Highcharts.com graph. The data collecting system, RaspDAQ and data server and processor, RaspFog has been tested and validated. At the same time, users can see the graph output in the real time for temperature, water level sensor and real condition using Rpi camera module of RaspDAQ1 and RaspDAQ2 by browsing RaspFog website. From the observation, data has been transferred from RaspDAQ to RaspFog in a short duration which is less than 15 seconds. Consequently, the efficiency of data acquisition process has been improved from manual system to fog computing technology successfully.
Rice husk gasification developed as process that converts organic rice husk into a producer gas. The achievement is to reduce dependency on fossil fuel, reduce pollution and move into green technology. Downdraft gasifier is a reactor that can produce lower tar concentration in the producer gas. There are important objectives had been investigated which are to modify on laboratory scaled downdraft gasifier from the previous project, where suitable with the rice husk gasification system, to measure the exit temperatures in gasifier which it determine tar quantity at the output, to measure the amount of moisture removed from the rice husk where it determine the quantity of moisture in rice husk and, to measure the complete burning of rice husk in a gasifier by taking the time performing the experiments. All the objectives are to be obtaining the output which can be used as a biofuel sources. The method to achieve the objectives, firstly redesign performed using SolidWork software. Next, the temperature determined using thermocouple. Then, next objective which the rice husk drying analysis determined by drying rice husk and scale it with weighing scale. And lastly, burning was determined by using stopwatch and weighing scale with complete fabricated gasifier. The results shows the fabrication of the modification, average exits temperature of producer gas which around 203.93°C, different moisture weight of rice husk which around 10grams and, average time of completes burning of gasifier is 61 minutes and ability to capture producer gas’s flammability. This work concluded by achieves the objectives based on the results and may increase in understanding of the works related.
Several foot deformities have been identified in Malaysian women due to wearing shoes which do not fit the size and shape of their feet. Hallux valgus (bunions), corn, cellules and ingrown toenail are among the common deformities experienced by Malaysian women. The root of this issue is that the Malaysian footwear market has adopted foreign shoe size standards such as those from the US and UK. This means that Malaysian women face difficulties in obtaining correctly-sized shoes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop and propose a standard shoe sizing system for women in Malaysia based on anthropometric measurements of Malaysian women’s foot sizes and shapes. Women from Malaysia’s primary ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) aged 20 to 60 years old participated in this project, where the anthropometric measurements for their foot size and shapes were obtained using a 3D foot scanner. Regression analysis in the form of Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was performed to determine the association between a few attributes including foot measurements and the existence of the foot deformities. Foot length and Ball girth circumference have significant association with the foot deformities (FL: p = .028 and BG: p = .045). The new standard shoe sizing system has been developed ith more accurate sizes and shapes, it is hoped that the foot deformities problem could be solved or at least reduced the foot pain.
A temperature-stable, low-power ring oscillator design for implementation in an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is presented. In this work, the design uses a new arrangement of chain delay elements consisting of a current-starved inverter and a CMOS capacitor. This power consumption improvement ring oscillator design was built in the environment of 130nm CMOS process technology using Mentor Graphics environment with voltage supply 1V. The simulation results show a maximum power consumption of 1.036 nW and it shows that the presented design is applicable in low power advanced sensing systems application including biomedical, chemical, and other sensors.