Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 52 in total

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  1. The dataset for validation of customer inspiration construct in Malaysian context
    Ghouri AM, Kin TM, Yunus NKBY, Akhtar P
    Data Brief, 2019 Aug;25:104131.
    PMID: 31440536 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104131
    This study intended to validate customer inspiration (CI)in Malaysian/developing country context. Data were collected from two different respondents for two studies - from Millennial customers of the auto industry and Generation Z customers of the smartphone industry. The survey conducted through a standardized and structured questionnaire. The variables of the both studies were customer-defined market orientation (MO) (customer orientation, competitor orientation, and interfunctional coordination), CI (inspired-by and inspired-to), and customer loyalty (CL). This research strategy, in terms of quantity, is descriptive and correlational. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out, using ADANCO 2.0. The finding of the study suggests all results of data 1 and data 2 were significant, and CI mediates the sub-constructs of MO with CL.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  2. Fulltext Investigation on the Curvature Correction Factor of Extension Spring
    Tan PS, Akhavan Farid A, Karimzadeh A, Rahimian Koloor SS, Petrů M
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Sep 21;13(18).
    PMID: 32967330 DOI: 10.3390/ma13184199
    The curvature correction factor is an important parameter in the stress calculation formulation of a helical extension spring, which describes the effect of spring wire curvature on the stress increase towards its inner radius. In this study, the parameters affecting the curvature correction factor were investigated through theoretical and numerical methods. Several finite element (FE) models of an extension spring were generated to obtain the distribution of the tensile stress in the spring. In this investigation, the hook orientation and the number of coils of the extension spring showed significant effects on the curvature correction factor. These parameters were not considered in the theoretical model for the calculation of the curvature correction factor, causing a deviation between the results of the FE model and the theoretical approach. A set of equations is proposed for the curvature correction factor, which relates both the spring index and the number of coils. These equations can be applied directly to the design of extension springs with a higher safety factor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  3. New monoclinic form of {O-Ethyl N-(4-nitro-phen-yl)thio-carbamato-κS}(tri-4-tolyl-phosphane-κP)gold(I): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
    Kuan FS, Jotani MM, Tiekink ERT
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2017 Oct 01;73(Pt 10):1465-1471.
    PMID: 29250359 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989017012865
    The title phosphanegold(I) thiol-ate compound, [Au(C9H9N2O3S)(C21H21P)], is a second monoclinic polymorph (space group P21/c) that complements a previously reported Cc polymorph [Broker & Tiekink (2008 ▸). Acta Cryst. E64, m1582]. An SP donor set defines an approximately linear geometry about the gold atom in both forms. The key distinguishing feature between the present structure and the previously reported polymorph rests with the relative disposition of the thiol-ate ligand. In the title compound, the orientation is such to place the oxygen atom in close contact with the gold atom [Au⋯O = 2.915 (2) Å], in contrast to the aryl ring in the original polymorph. In the crystal, linear supra-molecular chains along the a-axis direction mediated by C-H⋯π and nitro-O⋯π inter-actions are found. These pack with no directional inter-actions between them. The analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces for both forms of [Au(C9H9N3O3S)(C21H21P)] indicates quite distinctive inter-action profiles relating to the differences in inter-molecular contacts found in their respective crystals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  4. Fulltext Crystal structure of 2-((1E)-{2-[bis-(2-methyl-benzyl-sulfan-yl)methyl-idene]hydrazin-1-yl-idene}meth-yl)-6-meth-oxy-phenol
    Yusof EN, Ravoof TB, Tahir MI, Tiekink ER
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2015 Apr 1;71(Pt 4):o242-3.
    PMID: 26029435 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989015004946
    In the title compound, C25H26N2O2S2, the central CN2S2 atoms are almost coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0058 Å). One phenyl ring clearly lies to one side of the central plane, while the other is oriented in the plane but splayed. Despite the different relative orientations, the phenyl rings form similar dihedral angles of 64.90 (3) and 70.06 (3)° with the central plane, and 63.28 (4)° with each other. The benzene ring is twisted with respect to the central plane, forming a dihedral angle of 13.17 (7)°. The S2C=N, N-N and N-N=C bond lengths of 1.2919 (19), 1.4037 (17) and 1.2892 (19) Å, respectively, suggest limited conjugation over these atoms; the configuration about the N-N=C bond is E. An intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond is noted. In the crystal, phen-yl-meth-oxy C-H⋯O and phen-yl-phenyl C-H⋯π inter-actions lead to supra-molecular double chains parallel to the b axis. These are connected into a layer via meth-yl-phenyl C-H⋯π inter-actions, and layers stack along the a axis, being connected by weak π-π inter-actions between phenyl rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.9915 (9) Å] so that a three-dimensional architecture ensues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  5. Fulltext Preparation and thermal properties of Cellulose Acetate/ Polystyrene blend nanofibers via electrospinning technique
    Rosdi, N.H., Mohd Kanafi, N., Abdul Rahman, N.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2018;26(3):979-990.
    MyJurnal
    Cellulose acetate (CA) is an interesting material due to its wide spectrum of utilities across different domains ranging from absorbent to membrane filters. In this study, polystyrene (PS) nanofibres, and cellulose acetate/polystyrene (CA/PS) blend nanofibres with various ratios of CA: PS from 20: 80 to 80: 20 were fabricated by using electrospinning technique. The SEM images show that the nanofibres exhibited non-uniform and random orientation with the average fibre diameter in the range of 100 to 800 nm. It was found that the incorporation of PS had a great effect on the morphology of nanofibre. At high proportion of PS, no or less beaded CA/PS nanofibres were formed. Thermal properties of the composite nanofibres were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. The TGA results showed thermal stability of CA/PS nanofibres were higher than pristine CA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  6. Fulltext Kenaf Composites for Automotive Components: Enhancement in Machinability and Moldability
    Mohd Radzuan NA, Ismail NF, Fadzly Md Radzi MK, Razak ZB, Tharizi IB, Sulong AB, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2019 Oct 17;11(10).
    PMID: 31627431 DOI: 10.3390/polym11101707
    To date, the mechanical performance of kenaf composites is still unsatisfied in term of its mechanical performance. Therefore, research focuses on kenaf composites fabrication through the selection of polymer resin, including epoxy, polypropylene, and polylactic acid. The incorporated kenaf fibre at 10 wt % to 40 wt % loadings was conducted using injection and a compression moulding process. The compressed materials indicated high tensile strength at 240 MPa compared to inject materials (60 MPa). Significant improvement on impact strength (9 kJ/m2) was due to the unpulled-out fibre that dispersed homogenously and hence minimize the microcrack acquire. Meanwhile, high flexural strength (180 MPa) obtained by kenaf/epoxy composites due to the fibre orientate perpendicular to the loading directions, which improve its mechanical properties. The findings indicate that the kenaf fibre reinforced thermoset materials exhibit better mechanical properties as a function to the battery tray applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  7. High transparency iron doped indium oxide (in2—xfexo3, x = 0.0, 0.05,0.25, 0.35 and 0.45) films prepared by the sol-gel method
    Ibrahim N, Baqiah H, Abdullah M
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:961-966.
    High quality indium oxide and iron doped indium oxide nanocrystalline films were prepared by the sol-gel method followed by a spin coating technique. The samples were characterized by an X-ray diffractometer, an atomic force microscopy and a UV-vis spectroscopy. All samples had good crystallinity with a preferred orientation in the (222) direction. The crystallite size increased from 12.1 nm for the pure sample to 16.1 nm for the sample with x=0.35 and then decreased to 12.1 nm for the sample with x=0.45. All samples contained nanometer grain sizes with a smooth surface. All films showed a high transmission of over 91% in the wavelength range of 200-800 nm.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  8. Asplenium merapohense (Aspleniaceae), a new species from the Peninsular Malaysia
    Jaman R, Kamin I, Kiew R
    PhytoKeys, 2017.
    PMID: 29118651 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.89.20875
    A new species of Asplenium is described from two collections made on limestone hills in Peninsular Malaysia. Conspicuous by its extremely narrow pinnae, it is probably allied to A. salignum but differs in sufficient characters (scale size, size and shape of lamina, venation and sorus length, position and orientation) to be a species in its own right.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  9. Fulltext Dynamic electronic institutions in agent oriented cloud robotic systems
    Nagrath V, Morel O, Malik A, Saad N, Meriaudeau F
    Springerplus, 2015;4:103.
    PMID: 25763310 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-0810-4
    The dot-com bubble bursted in the year 2000 followed by a swift movement towards resource virtualization and cloud computing business model. Cloud computing emerged not as new form of computing or network technology but a mere remoulding of existing technologies to suit a new business model. Cloud robotics is understood as adaptation of cloud computing ideas for robotic applications. Current efforts in cloud robotics stress upon developing robots that utilize computing and service infrastructure of the cloud, without debating on the underlying business model. HTM5 is an OMG's MDA based Meta-model for agent oriented development of cloud robotic systems. The trade-view of HTM5 promotes peer-to-peer trade amongst software agents. HTM5 agents represent various cloud entities and implement their business logic on cloud interactions. Trade in a peer-to-peer cloud robotic system is based on relationships and contracts amongst several agent subsets. Electronic Institutions are associations of heterogeneous intelligent agents which interact with each other following predefined norms. In Dynamic Electronic Institutions, the process of formation, reformation and dissolution of institutions is automated leading to run time adaptations in groups of agents. DEIs in agent oriented cloud robotic ecosystems bring order and group intellect. This article presents DEI implementations through HTM5 methodology.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  10. A new species of Opecarcinus Kropp & Manning, 1987 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Cryptochiridae) associated with the stony corals Pavona clavus (Dana, 1846) and P. bipartita Nemenzo, 1980 (Scleractinia: Agariciidae)
    Van Der Meij SE
    Zootaxa, 2014;3869(1):44-52.
    PMID: 25283897 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.4
    A new species of Opecarcinus Kropp & Manning, 1987, is described from Indonesia and Malaysia. Opecarcinus cathyae sp. nov. is associated with the scleractinian corals Pavona clavus (Dana, 1846) and P. bipartita Nemenzo, 1980, inhabiting crescent-shaped cavities or tunnels on the coral surface. The new species is the ninth assigned to the genus. It can be separated from congeners by the anterolateral orientation of the cornea, the carapace with shallow transverse depressions, lacking longitudinal depressions, and the smooth dorsal margin of the fifth female pereiopod carpus. The distinctive colour pattern can be used as a diagnostic character in live specimens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  11. Fulltext Musculoskeletal MRI protocol
    Tan S, Suraya A, Sa'don S, Ruzi A, Zahiah M
    Biomed Imaging Interv J, 2010 Apr-Jun;6(2):e16.
    PMID: 21611037 MyJurnal DOI: 10.2349/biij.6.2.e16
    The authors propose a musculoskeletal (MSK) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol using selected sequences for common orthopaedic indications. Selected sequences allow optimal visualisation of the indicated pathology while screening for other common conditions. The authors emphasise the need for standard positioning of the patient and standard orientation of scan planes to facilitate comparison with follow-up scans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  12. Fulltext Electrical transportation mechanisms of molybdenum disulfide flakes-graphene quantum dots heterostructure embedded in polyvinylidene fluoride polymer
    Ooi PC, Mohammad Haniff MAS, Mohd Razip Wee MF, Goh BT, Dee CF, Mohamed MA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 May 01;9(1):6761.
    PMID: 31043694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43279-3
    In the interest of the trend towards miniaturization of electronic gadgets, this study demonstrates a high-density data storage device with a very simple three-stacking layer consisting of only one charge trapping layer. A simple solution-processed technique has been used to fabricate the tristable non-volatile memory. The three-stacking layer was constructed in between two metals to form a two-terminal metal-insulator-metal structure. The fabricated device showed a large multilevel memory hysteresis window with a measured ON/OFF current ratio of 107 that might be attributed to the high charge trapped in molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) flakes-graphene quantum dots (GQDs) heterostructure. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the orientation of MoS2-GQD and mixture dispersion preparation method. The obtained electrical data was used further to speculate the possible transport mechanisms through the fabricated device by a curve fitting technique. Also, endurance cycle and retention tests were performed at room temperature to investigate the stability of the device.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  13. Fulltext Pengaruh kualiti perkhidmatan institusi, kepuasan latihan industri dan pembelajaran terarah kendiri terhadap kebolehgajian pelajar kolej vokasional di Sabah
    Asrin Gili, Abdul Said Ambotang
    Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(7):126-139.
    MyJurnal
    Isu pengangguran graduan kesan daripada kepesatan perubahan pasaran buruh yang disebabkan oleh ketidaktentuan sosioekonomi, perubahan organisasi serta kemajuan teknologi telah mendapat perhatian bukan sahaja di Malaysia, bahkan juga di peringkat global. Isu yang sangat sinonim dengan kebolehgajian ini perlu ditangani oleh semua pihak termasuklah institusi pendidikan tinggi, pihak industri yang menawarkan kolaborasi latihan serta individu pelajar sendiri. Justeru itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti pengaruh pengalaman pembelajaran pelajar yang berkaitan dengan kualiti perkhidmatan institusi, kepuasan latihan industri, dan pembelajaran terarah kendiri (PTK) terhadap tanggapan kebolehgajian diri khususnya dalam kalangan pelajar kolej vokasional di Sabah, Malaysia. Antara teori dan model yang digunakan sebagai panduan kajian ialah Model SSPE (Students Self-Perceived Employability), Model HESQUAL, Model Kepuasan Internship dan Model PRO-SDL (Personal Responsibility Orientation of Self-Directed in Learning). Kajian kuantitatif yang mengaplikasikan kaedah tinjauan cross-sectional ini menggunakan satu set soal selidik berstruktur yang diadaptasi. Kajian rintis melibatkan 105 responden mendapati bahawa kesemua instrumen yang digunakan mempunyai kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi. Kajian ini diharap dapat membantu para pemegang taruh KV di semua peringkat khasnya di peringkat institusi, industri dan pelajar sendiri dalam menambah baik program pendidikan sekali gus memastikan matlamat serta objektif untuk meningkatkan kebolehgajian pelajar dapat dicapai dengan cemerlang melalui intervensi kualiti perkhidmatan, latihan industri dan gaya pembelajaran terarah kendiri.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  14. Fulltext WS2: A New Window Layer Material for Solar Cell Application
    Bin Rafiq MKS, Amin N, Alharbi HF, Luqman M, Ayob A, Alharthi YS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 Jan 21;10(1):771.
    PMID: 31964954 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57596-5
    Radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering was used to deposit tungsten disulfide (WS2) thin films on top of soda lime glass substrates. The deposition power of RF magnetron sputtering varied at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 W to investigate the impact on film characteristics and determine the optimized conditions for suitable application in thin-film solar cells. Morphological, structural, and opto-electronic properties of as-grown films were investigated and analyzed for different deposition powers. All the WS2 films exhibited granular morphology and consisted of a rhombohedral phase with a strong preferential orientation toward the (101) crystal plane. Polycrystalline ultra-thin WS2 films with bandgap of 2.2 eV, carrier concentration of 1.01 × 1019 cm-3, and resistivity of 0.135 Ω-cm were successfully achieved at RF deposition power of 200 W. The optimized WS2 thin film was successfully incorporated as a window layer for the first time in CdTe/WS2 solar cell. Initial investigations revealed that the newly incorporated WS2 window layer in CdTe solar cell demonstrated photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 1.2% with Voc of 379 mV, Jsc of 11.5 mA/cm2, and FF of 27.1%. This study paves the way for WS2 thin film as a potential window layer to be used in thin-film solar cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  15. Fulltext The effects of printing orientation on the electrochemical behaviour of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/carbon black electrodes
    Bin Hamzah HH, Keattch O, Covill D, Patel BA
    Sci Rep, 2018 Jun 14;8(1):9135.
    PMID: 29904165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27188-5
    Additive manufacturing also known as 3D printing is being utilised in electrochemistry to reproducibly develop complex geometries with conductive properties. In this study, we explored if the electrochemical behavior of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/carbon black electrodes was influenced by printing direction. The electrodes were printed in both horizontal and vertical directions. The horizsontal direction resulted in a smooth surface (HPSS electrode) and a comparatively rougher surface (HPRS electrode) surface. Electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. For various redox couples, the vertical printed (VP) electrode showed enhanced current response when compared the two electrode surfaces generated by horizontal print direction. No differences in the capacitive response was observed, indicating that the conductive surface area of all types of electrodes were identical. The VP electrode had reduced charge transfer resistance and uncompensated solution resistance when compared to the HPSS and HPRS electrodes. Overall, electrodes printed in a vertical direction provide enhanced electrochemical performance and our study indicates that print orientation is a key factor that can be used to enhance sensor performance.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  16. Fulltext Pengaruh ciri-ciri personal dan ciri-ciri program latihan terhadap prestasi belajar
    Siti Zuliana Md Z, Siti Fardaniah Abdul A
    Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:12-24.
    The effectiveness of training is an important aspect in the development of training. After investing a lot of money to organize a training program, the organization often wants to know about the effectiveness of training given to trainee as well as how it can gives impact to the organization. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of training tested through learning performance among trainees that undergo a transition in the Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT). In this study, personal characteristics and training program characteristics acted as the independent variables in predicting learning performance. The instrument used in this study was adapted from Trainee Characteristic Scale, Training Program Characteristic Scale and Training Effectiveness Scale by Siti Fardaniah (2013) for personal characteristics, training program characteristics and learning performance. Questionnaires to measure the dimension of training transfer for the training characteristics was adapted from the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) by Holton et al. (2000). Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that extrinsic orientation, self-efficacy and organizational commitment have significant influence on learning performance. Relevance of training content and learning transfer design also affecedt learning performance. Findings in this study can be used as a reference to improve training effectiveness by focusing on personal characteristics and training characteristics conducted in PERHEBAT.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  17. Fulltext Geometric morphometric analysis in female freshwater crabs of Sarawak (Borneo) permits addressing taxonomy-related problems
    Grinang J, Das I, Ng PKL
    PeerJ, 2019;7:e6205.
    PMID: 30783559 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6205
    The taxonomy of freshwater crabs requires a paradigm change in methodological approaches, particularly in investigations that use morphological techniques. The traditional morphometric approach (two-dimensional measurements) tends to be inappropriate for the identification of freshwater crabs due to their variable external morphology and lack of gonopods (conventionally used for the identification of male crabs) in females. In this study, we explore the potential use of the geometric morphometric technique for identification of female freshwater crabs, and identify taxonomic key characteristics of species. The shape of the carapace could be a good characteristic for the identification of female crabs, especially when the geometric morphometric technique is used. It was observed that the shape of the carapace has an advantage over the shape of the pleon and chela because its relatively flat orientation allows more consistent and easier data preparation for geometric morphometric analysis. The geometric morphometric technique is inexpensive, relatively less time consuming to employ, and accurate. This technique is convenient when dissection to examine the gonopods is not possible, which can damage the specimen in the case of endangered or rare species. Since the technique was used herein for only two species, more compelling and extensive evidence is needed before the reliability of the method can be proven.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  18. Fulltext Temperature-Driven Structural and Morphological Evolution of Zinc Oxide Nano-Coalesced Microstructures and Its Defect-Related Photoluminescence Properties
    Lim K, Abdul Hamid MA, Shamsudin R, Al-Hardan NH, Mansor I, Chiu W
    Materials (Basel), 2016 Apr 20;9(4).
    PMID: 28773425 DOI: 10.3390/ma9040300
    In this paper, we address the synthesis of nano-coalesced microstructured zinc oxide thin films via a simple thermal evaporation process. The role of synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared zinc oxide samples was deeply investigated. The obtained photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy outcomes will be used to discuss the surface structure defects of the prepared samples. The results indicated that the prepared samples are polycrystalline in nature, and the sample prepared at 700 °C revealed a tremendously c-axis oriented zinc oxide. The temperature-driven morphological evolution of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures was perceived, resulting in transformation of quasi-mountain chain-like to pyramidal textured zinc oxide with increasing the synthesis temperature. The results also impart that the sample prepared at 500 °C shows a higher percentage of the zinc interstitial and oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the intensity of the photoluminescence emission in the ultraviolet region was enhanced as the heating temperature increased from 500 °C to 700 °C. Lastly, the growth mechanism of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures is discussed according to the reaction conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  19. Fulltext Interfaces between hexagonal and cubic oxides and their structure alternatives
    Zhou H, Wu L, Wang HQ, Zheng JC, Zhang L, Kisslinger K, et al.
    Nat Commun, 2017 11 14;8(1):1474.
    PMID: 29133800 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01655-5
    Multi-layer structure of functional materials often involves the integration of different crystalline phases. The film growth orientation thus frequently exhibits a transformation, owing to multiple possibilities caused by incompatible in-plane structural symmetry. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism of the transformation has not yet been fully explored. Here we thoroughly probe the heteroepitaxially grown hexagonal zinc oxide (ZnO) films on cubic (001)-magnesium oxide (MgO) substrates using advanced scanning transition electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and first principles calculations, revealing two distinct interface models of (001) ZnO/(001) MgO and (100) ZnO/(001) MgO. We have found that the structure alternatives are controlled thermodynamically by the nucleation, while kinetically by the enhanced Zn adsorption and O diffusion upon the phase transformation. This work not only provides a guideline for the interface fabrication with distinct crystalline phases but also shows how polar and non-polar hexagonal ZnO films might be manipulated on the same cubic substrate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation, Spatial
  20. Fulltext Optimising technology to measure functional vision, mobility and service outcomes for people with low vision or blindness: protocol for a prospective cohort study in Australia and Malaysia
    Deverell L, Meyer D, Lau BT, Al Mahmud A, Sukunesan S, Bhowmik J, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2017 12 21;7(12):e018140.
    PMID: 29273657 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018140
    INTRODUCTION: Orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists assess the functional vision and O&M skills of people with mobility problems, usually relating to low vision or blindness. There are numerous O&M assessment checklists but no measures that reduce qualitative assessment data to a single comparable score suitable for assessing any O&M client, of any age or ability, in any location. Functional measures are needed internationally to align O&M assessment practices, guide referrals, profile O&M clients, plan appropriate services and evaluate outcomes from O&M programmes (eg, long cane training), assistive technology (eg, hazard sensors) and medical interventions (eg, retinal implants). This study aims to validate two new measures of functional performance vision-related outcomes in orientation and mobility (VROOM) and orientation and mobility outcomes (OMO) in the context of ordinary O&M assessments in Australia, with cultural comparisons in Malaysia, also developing phone apps and online training to streamline professional assessment practices.

    METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multiphase observational study will employ embedded mixed methods with a qualitative/quantitative priority: corating functional vision and O&M during social inquiry. Australian O&M agencies (n=15) provide the sampling frame. O&M specialists will use quota sampling to generate cross-sectional assessment data (n=400) before investigating selected cohorts in outcome studies. Cultural relevance of the VROOM and OMO tools will be investigated in Malaysia, where the tools will inform the design of assistive devices and evaluate prototypes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Rasch modelling, cluster analysis and analysis of variance will be undertaken along with descriptive analysis of measurement data. Qualitative findings will be used to interpret VROOM and OMO scores, filter statistically significant results, warrant their generalisability and identify additional relevant constructs that could also be measured.

    ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Swinburne University (SHR Project 2016/316). Dissemination of results will be via agency reports, journal articles and conference presentations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Orientation*
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