Vermicomposting is a process that involves biological, chemical and physical transformations of solid organic materials such as agricultural residues of plant and animal through the use of microorganisms and earthworms. There are three main classes of earthworms, and only those from one class are usually used for vermicomposting. However, mostly foreign earthworms are used in the setup. Foreign earthworms are more expensive and harder to obtain than local earthworms. This makes the local farmers reluctant to try since they are expensive. The difference in vermicompost using two species of epigeic earthworms, a local earthworm and a foreign earthworm (Eisenia fetida), and normal compost without any earthworms was measured in this study. Both species of earthworms were placed in identical vermibeds consisting of partially composted goat manure and partially composted spent coconut flakes (SCF) with the ratio of 5:1 respectively in terms of weight. The vermibed moisture content was maintained at 60 – 70% throughout the whole process. The end products showed a difference from one another. The E. fetida showed a better result compared to the local earthworms in terms of the nutrient content presence and the adaptability of the earthworms during the whole process. However, the end product from the local earthworms was still better compared to the normal compost without any earthworms.
Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti hubungan antara kebimbangan dan kemurungan dengan kualiti hidup warga emas demensia di institusi jagaan warga emas. Kajian ini turut mencadangkan terapi kelompok reminiscence dalam menurunkan kebimbangan dan kemurungan dalam kalangan penghuni di institusi. Reka bentuk kajian yang digunakan ialah kajian keratan rentas dan telah dijalankan di Rumah Sri Kenangan Cheras. Seramai 58 warga emas demensia tahap ringan dan sederhana dipilih melalui proses penyaringan oleh pakar psikologi klinikal. Kajian kuantitatif ini telah menggunakan instrumen Quality of Life-AD (QoL-AD), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) dan Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) untuk mengkaji hubungan antara kebimbangan dan kemurungan dengan kualiti hidup warga emas demensia. Hasil kajian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan yang tidak signifikan antara kualiti hidup dengan tahap kebimbangan. Manakala hubungan antara kualiti hidup dan tahap kemurungan warga emas demensia di RSK Cheras adalah signifikan. Pengaplikasian terapi kelompok reminiscence sebagai salah satu intervensi yang berkesan dalam membantu meningkatkan kualiti hidup dan menurunkan kebimbangan dan kemurungan dalam kalangan warga emas di institusi penjagaan telah dibincangkan.
2nd-order ODEs can be found in many applications, e.g., motion of pendulum, vibrating springs, etc. We first convert the 2nd-order nonlinear ODEs to a system of 1st-order ODEs which is easier to deal with. Then, Adams-Bashforth (AB) methods are used to solve the resulting system of 1st-order ODE. AB methods are chosen since they are the explicit schemes and more efficient in terms of shorter computational time. However, the step size is more restrictive since these methods are conditionally stable. We find two test cases (one test problem and one manufactured solution) to be used to validate the AB methods. The exact solution for both test cases are available for the error and convergence analysis later on. The implementation of 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-order AB methods are done using Octave. The error was computed to retrieve the order of convergence numerically and the CPU time was recorded to analyze their efficiency.
Pencemaran air di Tasik Chini, Pahang kian meruncing akibat pembangunan sekitar yang tidak terkawal menyebabkan kemusnahan rantaian makanan sekaligus mengancam kelangsungan hidup komuniti asli. Justeru, kajian telah dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti faktor, impak dan keberkesanan strategi dengan menggunapakai Teori Pengambilalihan. Selain itu, kajian ini dipilih untuk memenuhi kelompangan kajian terdahulu yang lebih menekankan kepentingan pengekalan biodiversiti flora dan fauna berbanding kajian terhadap kehidupan komuniti setempat. Maka, kajian deskritif tinjauan telah digunakan melalui kaedah pemerhatian, temu bual mendalam bersama empat orang informan, dianalisis secara transkripsi, triangulasi dan analisis kandungan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan faktor pencemaran air berpunca daripada pembinaan empangan air, projek pembangunan, aktiviti pembalakan, aktiviti perlombongan dan hakisan tanih. Sementara, pertanian komersial juga menjejaskan kegunaan domestik, hidupan akuatik terganggu, perubahan sifat air, kehilangan sumber pendapatan, dan tahap kesihatan terjejas. Oleh itu, cadangan memperluaskan program advokasi seperti pengawalan pembuangan sampah sarap, pematuhan Penilaian Impak Alam Sekitar (EIA), penglibatan pihak awam dan swasta, pemantauan kesihatan, kesedaran awam, dan melakukan penyelidikan lanjutan. Kajian mendapati dua buah syarikat China mengeksport bijih besi yang diperoleh sekitar Tasik Chini menggunakan permit AP (Eksport dan Import) dari negeri lain, bukannya Pahang. Meskipun syarikat tersebut tidak mempunyai lesen melombong tetapi mereka mempunyai segala kelengkapan alatan memproses dan menjalankan operasinya hingga kini. Diharapkan isu pencemaran air di Tasik Chini dapat dipulihkan demi menjamin kelestarian sejagat.
This study investigates the characteristics of an antioxidant cream made from the methanol extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves, which is locally known as the wild betel or pokok kadok in Malay. The secondary metabolites of the leaves were subjected to phytochemical tests to detect the presence of natural compounds. Antioxidant activity was described by its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), which was assessed by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. A phase diagram was constructed to find a possible region to formulate an antioxidant cream. In phytochemical screening, the methanolic extract showed positive presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and tannins. In quantitative analysis of antioxidative components, besides having significantly higher TFC content compared with quercetin (P
Keusahawanan sering dianggap sebagai subjek yang lebih cenderung kepada pelajar dalam bidang perniagaan tetapi tidak untuk pelajar yang mempunyai pelbagai kemahiran yang terlibat dalam bidang teknikal. Namun, ini adalah satu tanggapan yang tidak seharusnya wujud kerana Malaysia seharusnya perlu mengenal pasti kesedaran keusahawanan dalam bidang teknikal. Pada masa kini, kesedaran keusahawanan dalam bidang teknikal tertentu adalah kurang lantaran program keusahawanan lazimnya lebih tertumpu kepada pelajar InstitusiPengajian Tinggi (IPT). Misalnya, Pembangunan Keusahawanan Bumiputera adalah lebih tertumpu kepada golongan siswazah IPT, belia dan wanita. Dasar Pembangunan Keusahawanan IPT juga diperkenalkan agar modal insan dengan daya pemikiran, atribut dan nilai keusahawanan dalam kalangan IPT tempatan dapat dilahirkan. Tujuan kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk mengenal pasti tahap kesedaran keusahawanan dalam kalangan pelajar Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) di Terengganu berhubung dengan faktor keusahawanan dari aspek individu usahawan yang berbeza serta struktur dan persekitaran perniagaan. Seterusnya, mengkaji hubungan antara kesedaran keusahawanan dengan pembolehubah tidak bersandar lain yang berkait dengan kajian seperti ciri keusahawanan dan cabaran keusahawanan. Kaedah kuantitatif telah digunakan dan borang soal selidik diedarkan kepada 280 orang pelajar. Hasil analisis regresi berganda menunjukkan bahawa cabaran keusahawanan merangkumi sikap dan minat, kemahiran keusahawanan serta pendidikan dan pengetahuan keusahawanan merupakan elemen paling signifikan yang mempengaruhi kesedaran keusahawanan dalam kalangan pelajar berkemahiran diILP untuk menjadi seorang usahawan. Oleh itu, adalah sangat penting bagi kerajaan Malaysiauntuk memberi perhatian terhadap cabaran yang dihadapi oleh para pelajar ini dan mengambil tindakan terhadap segala kemungkinan yang boleh mempengaruhi atau memberi kesan kepada minat pelajar terhadap keusahawanan pada masa akan datang.
This study was conducted to assess how entrepreneurship experience, family background, and societal factors influence university students in Terengganu to embark on entrepreneurial activities. It cannot be denied that entrepreneurship exposure on campus may drive university students to engage in activities which may enhance their academic achievements in, boost confidence, and instill relevant qualities and skills to be successful graduates in the future. Such valuable experiences may be value added to the graduates. To see the impact of such an experience together with other relevant factors, this study has tested the relationship between entrepreneurship experience, family background, social factors and the subsequent effects among students of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu after graduation. The data were collected from 370 targeted respondents and were analysed using the multiple regression analysis. It was found that entrepreneurship experience and family background have significant relationships with entrepreneurship intention while societal factor was found to be insignificant.
Kebahagiaan adalah rasa kesejahteraan, kegembiraan atau kepuasan yang boleh membawa kepada satu bentuk emosi yang positif dalam diri seseorang pekerja. Namun kebahagiaan akan merosot akibat daripada tekanan kerja dan masalah yang berkaitan dengan kesihatan. Kebanyakan pekerja tidak menyedari akan bahaya tekanan kerja yang pada akhirnya akan mengakibatkan kemerosotan kesihatan. Kajian ini dijalankan adalah bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti status kebahagiaan dan tekanan yang dihadapi oleh staf Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) serta mengukur kos kesihatan yang terpaksa ditanggung oleh mereka. Seramai 100 orang staf UMT, di mana 50 orang staf daripada bahagian akademik dan 50 orang staf daripada bukan akademik telah terlibat dalam kajian ini. Satu set soal selidik digunakan sebagai instrumen kajian. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS versi 20.0. Secara keseluruhannya, dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara faktor tekanan kerja dan kebahagiaan. Majoriti staf UMT menyatakan bahawa mereka bahagia ketika berada di tempat kerja iaitu sebanyak 78 peratus. Jumlah kos langsung perbelanjaan kesihatan yang terpaksa ditanggung oleh responden adalah RM2,220, manakala jumlah kos tidak langsung pula adalah RM1,4376.41. Antara kes tertinggi yang dirujuk ke pusat rawatan adalah berkaitan dengan tekanan darah tinggi. Oleh itu, kesedaran dalam kalangan pekerja dari segi cara mengawal tekanan mereka adalah penting untuk mencapai kesihatan yang baik seterusnya merasa bahagia apabila membuat kerja.
There are various teaching methods developed in order to attainsuccessful delivery of a subject without prior knowledge of the interaction among the students in a class. Social network analysis (SNA) can be used to identify individual, intermediate and group measures of interaction in a classroom. The idea is on identifying ways to boost the students’ performance by means of lecturer’s intervention based on their interaction. The case study was conducted involvingthird year batchthat consistedof 76 female and 24 male students. A friendship network was drawn based on the information obtained at the end of semester 5 and it wasinvestigated based on two metrics–centralitymeasures and Girvan-Newman algorithm. At the end of semester 5, grades were added asthe attributes of the network.12 clusters were found in this batch and a distinct pattern was identified between performing and poor achieving students. At the beginning of the 6th semester, the studentsweregiven the option to choose between 2 groups. Group 1 was unperturbed without any lecturer’s intervention whereas the performing students’ clusters in Group 1 were preserved but the students in poor performing clusters were distributed among performing clusters. The students were then asked to carry out assignments/quizzesin their respective groups. The final grades indicatedthat the performance of the students of Group 1 wasmuch superior and there wasclear evidence that those poor performing students in the 5th semester performed much better in semester 6. This shows that by understanding the students’ interaction and incorporatiniginstructor’s minimal intervention, the performance of the students can be improved by creating a social contagion effect through group assignment clustering.
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) are usually used in numerous fields especially in solving the modelling problem. Numerical methods are one of the vital mathematical tools to solve the ODEs that appear in various modelling problems by determining the approximation solution close to the in exact solution if it exists. Runge-Kutta methods (RK) are the numerical methods used to integrate the ODEs by applying multistage methods at the midpoint of an interval which can efficiently produce a more accurate result or small magnitude of error. We proposed Runge-Kutta methods (RK) to solve the 1st_ order nonlinear stiff ODEs. The RK methods used in this research are known as the RK-2, RK-4, and RK-5 methods. We proved the existence and uniqueness of the ODEs before we solved it numerically. We also proved the absolute-stability of the RK methods to determine the overall stability of these methods. We found two suitable test cases which are the standard test problem and manufactured solution. We proved that by combining the adaptive step size with RK methods can result in more efficient computation. We implemented the 2nd_, 4th_ and 5th_ order of RK methods with step size adaptively algorithm to solve the test problem and manufactured solution via Octave programming language. The resulting numerical error and the stability of each method can be studied. We compared our results using several error plots versus the Central Processing Unit (CPU) time required to compute a given nonlinear 1st_ order stiff ODE problem. In a conclusion, RK methods which combine with the adaptive step size can result in more efficient computation and accuracy compare with the fixed step size RK methods.
The Greek letter φ (Phi) represents one of the most mysterious numbers (1.618…) known to humankind. Historical approbation for φhas led to the monikers “The Golden Number” or “The Divine Proportion”. This simple, but inscrutable number, is inseparably linked to the recursive mathematical sequence which produces Fibonacci numbers. The study of the Fibonacci sequence exists in most aspects of life starting from the leaves of a non-flowering plant, design, paintings, animals, and even human body. Despite its wide-spread prevalence and existence, the Fibonacci series and also the Rule of Golden Proportions have not been widely documented within the human body. The main objective of this study is to prove that the length of the human hand bone is in step with the Fibonacci series to spot the degree of movement and variation for every finger. Victimization of the sample z test with 95% confidence interval, this analysis shows that just one of the four bone length ratios contained the ratio phi φ within the 95% confidence interval and follow the Fibonacci series, that of the little finger metacarpal and proximal phalanx in both hands. The largest variability was seen within the little finger phalangeal relationships and other fingers will follow mathematical relative series. Due to the relationship with the golden number, it will facilitate in monitoring the individual with an injured hand, especially if injured in small fingers throughout a medical aid, or to identify the cause of the problem of physical functioning of the hands or individual fingers. Hence, it should be helpful for the length of the clenched fist to perform in reconstruction or placement of the prosthesis.
Black snail, Faunus ater is an abundant species in Malaysia yet not many research have focused on its physiological and biological activities. This research aimed to assess the condition index (CI) and reproductive status based on the gonadosomatic index (GSI) for short-term duration. Samples were collected monthly from Merchang Lagoon, from November 2018 to January 2019. Four different types of condition indices equation were applied in this study and the results revealed that there were significant differences between four equations for measuring the CI (P=0.000). However, the result for the GSI shows no significant difference between three month of sampling (P>0.05). CI based on fresh weight measurement (Fww/Tww x 100) and dry weight measurement (Fdw/Fww x 100) reached its peak when GSI decreased. The rest of the trend for CI fluctuated and CI was not affected by GSI. Overall, this study concluded that, there were trends observed in CI and GSI for the black snails. However, it is suggested that longer term observation in future research is needed have a better understanding on the black snails.
This study was conducted to determine the morphology, prevalence and mean intensity of monogeneans on gill filaments of striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Pangasiidae).P. hypophthalmus are important economic fish in Southeast Asia region and predominantly produced in Asian countries such as Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, China and Cambodia through aquaculture. Thirty fish were sampled from an earthen pond located in Kuala Besut, Terengganu, in the period from January to February, 2018. The monogenean parasites were removed from the gill filaments and counted. For the morphological study, the extracted monogeneanswere mounted on a slide by using drop of ammonium picrate-glycerin (APG) and then were observed under the Compound Advanced Research Microscope. The drawing was done with the aid of lucida camera attached to compound microscope. The monogenean parasite was identified as Thaparocleidussp based on the characteristics of the morphology and morphometrics of the parasite, which did not differ significantly from the previous descriptions of the same species discovered in other geographic locations. The prevalence and mean intensity levels were 100% and 106.07 parasites per fish, respectively. The monogenean parasites discovered throughout this examination were recorded and the data obtained was summarized.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous and persistent organic pollutants that usually exist at low concentrations in the environment. In this study, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) technique coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) was optimized for the analysis of selected PAHs, namely phenanthrene (PHE), fluoranthene (FLA) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in apple juice. Under the optimal extraction conditions (the mixture of 200 µL of acetone and 50 µL of 1-octanol was applied to extract the selected PAHs for 1 min), the DLLME-HPLC-FD showed excellent linearity over the concentration range of 5 to 200 µg/L for both PHE and FLA, and 0.01 to 5 µg/L for BaP with correlation coefficients, r ≥ 0.9956. The method offered ultra-trace detection of selected PAHs in the range of 0.002 to 0.5 µg/L, and negligible matrix effects in determining selected PAHs with relative recovery average within the range of 92.6 to 109.6% in apple juice. The advantages of applying this method for the extraction of PAHs include rapidity, simple operation, as well as small consumption of organic extraction solvent, which is beneficial for routine analysis.
Learning preferences among undergraduate accounting students might vary considerably and are still largely unexplored although their findings might be useful for lecturers to improve learning and teaching strategies. Students’ preferences in selecting the appropriate learning strategies can help improve their understanding and lead to improved competency for better academic achievement. This study examined students’ preferences towards learning strategies and the differences in learning strategies among accounting students in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, between genders. The data were collected using online survey completed by accounting undergraduate students from Year 1 until Year 3 for the academic session 2018/2019. 150 students responded to the online survey, with 32% response rate. Using a revised two-factor version of the Study Process Questionnaire, the survey assessed deep and surface approaches in learning preferred by the students. The results showed that deep learning approach scored a higher mean of 3.36 compared to surface learning and gender was found insignificantly related to the preferred learning approach. This finding suggests that the use of deep approach (for example, active learning or student-centered learning) is to encourage better learning process that would contribute to better academic performance and teaching strategy practices among accounting students.
This study examined biological asset information that has been reported by companies in Malaysia and the methods of valuation used in reporting the biological assets. It aimed to provide useful information to the regulators about the application of MFRS 141, the accounting standards for agriculture, in corporate reporting. This study employed the data derived from the 2016 annual reportsof plantation companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. Descriptive analysis was used to examine the biological asset information that has been reported and the characteristics of the companies such as age, size, and leverage. The results of this study showed that most of the plantation companies believed that fair value and historical cost could be the best way to measure their biological assets. The findings of this study provide input towards identifying the gap in corporate reporting practices and the challenges faced by companies in the application of MFRS 141. The findings are expected to contribute to the regulatory improvement towards increasing the full adoption of MFRS 141 by companies in Malaysia.
Deforestation is one of the incredible difficulties confronting mankind. The extraction of woods remains one of the main drivers of deforestation in Malaysia. Relatively, rising in timber values may lead to enlarge in the net advantages of clearing land. Thus, this study is written to assess the process and underlying causes of forest cover change in Malaysia from 1997 to 2016. After assessed the discusses it on the impact of direct drivers with different management scenarios on deforestation in Malaysia. The research design, data, and method also performed by using System Simulation Model. Model validation and sensitivity tests was carried out after the simulation model is implemented to check the correctness in line with the real system. The simulation analysis was carried out with three different simulation periods together with the impact of two main policies: (1) controlling threshold profit; (2) discounted rate. The result of the study indicates that the most suitable policy combination to manage the deforestation is scenario 2 (policy 2B) with the RM650 per/ha threshold profit coupled with interest rate r=4% within 50years period.
This paper provides preliminary evidence ofthe need foraccounting for trash management in public organizations, in particular, UniversitiMalaysia Terengganu (UMT). It has two objectives: tosolicit opinions from students regarding their behaviorsand perceptions towards recycling habits,and to provide data on the extent of accounting for trash management at UMT. A survey among155 UMT students indicatedthat theyrecycled the trashandwereaware of environmental issues caused by the waste. However, they were not informed about the benefits of environmental management accounting practice particularly regardingtrash management. Interviewswith UMT management also revealed that while UMT supported recycling activities byfunding the projects and providing facilities, the data on the opportunity cost involved in the current practice was never integrated into UMT accounting system. As a result, the management hadno idea of how much was lost (or gained) during the process. Based on the findings,this study callsfor the implementation of accounting for trash management in a public university.
owadays the increasing prevalence of dietary disease has raised consumers’ awareness of healthy diet and lifestyle. The rise in the use of nutrition and health claims to promote health benefits in food products help consumers make effective food choices. There is very limited research regarding nutrition and health claims in Malaysia. This research focused on consumers’ knowledge, perception (i.e. perceived quality, perceived healthiness, perceived value, perceived importance, trust and perceived familiarity), and attitude towards nutrition and health claims on dairy products as well as their purchase intention towards the products, and examinethe relationship between these variables in Johor Bahru, Johor. All responses were collected by distributing questionnaire to convenience and quota sample (n=200). Data was analysed to obtain descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. The results showed that most of the consumers (46%) had moderate knowledge of nutrition and health claims on dairy products. Consumers generally had almost positive perception and attitude towards nutrition and health claims on dairy products and positive purchase intention towards dairy products. Almost all independent variables correlated with purchase intention towards dairy products. Consumer attitude had the strongest positive relationship with purchase intention (r=0.722), followed by moderate positive correlation between consumer perception and purchase intention (r=0.671), while consumer knowledge only had low relationship with purchase intention (r=0.299). This study added new knowledge regarding public purchasing behaviour towards dairy products with nutrition and health claims. This research also provided valuable information for both food manufacturers and companies to help them make effective decisions to improve the presentation of nutrition and health claims for better expression of information as well as the goodness of food products in order to attract the attention of health-conscious consumers.
The main purpose of this research is to understand the experiences and psychological wellbeing of nurses working in palliative ward. There were two research questions driving this research throughout the process of data collection and data analysis. Four nurses from the palliative ward participated in this research to provide details on their psychological wellbeing. Semi-structured interview questions together with observation and simple survey questions were used to gather the data. Thematic analysis was used to identify the meaningful themes for each research question. Six main themes were identified: autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relation, personal growth, self-acceptance and purpose in life. The findings are highly relevant with the theory and literature. The findings indicate that the participants have good psychological wellbeing due to their huge experiences in palliative ward.