Technology is a tool that influences today’s lifestyle especially in the employment sector. The use of technology in employment may help in increasing the worker’s appraisal. The efficiency can be measured based on the increase of the productivity and the acceptance in using this system to help in upgrading the quality of the product output. It also assists in communication, increasing the worker’s integrity, productivity and the spread of information.
Writing is an important skill necessary for students pursuing a higher level of education. The challenge for second language learners would be to write accurate academic essays as required by the course for students that has been aligned to the Common European Framework (CEFR) B1 standard since 2015 at a public institution of higher learning. The academic English course offered at a public institution of higher learning was subjected to a guided academic writing using online tools by Harju and Åkerblom (2017) description of the teacher’s role in facilitating learning to achieve the intended learning outcome which is to write an academic essay focusing on its features. The participants in this study were second year undergraduates in the second semester of their study who struggled to write an essay early in the semester. This study used a quantitative analysis collected from 10 participating students (n=10). The results found that the students made improvements to the feature of their essay and their feedback of the intervention were processed using frequency analysis indicated a hundred percent preference of the students to learn by their own discretion guided by the instructor and supported with online learning tools.
Traumatic tracheobronchial injury is rare, but can be life-threatening. It is often associated with other fatal injuries. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to produce the best outcome. We are reporting a40-year-old gentleman, a lorry driver who had a head on collision with a car. He was brought to the casualty with an intact airway. ATLS was initiated and lead by trauma team. Subsequently in casualty, his conscious level dropped and he became distressed,hence a standard orotracheal intubation was performed. Following intubation, he developed massivesubcutaneous emphysema to the neck and upper chest. Computed tomography (CT) showed tracheal injury at C7-T2 level, extensive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum with malposition of the endotracheal tube. Emergency neck exploration was performed in operating theatre, and revealed a complete transection of trachea at the level of 2ndand 3rdtracheal ring. No other vital structures were injured. A tracheostomy was created, and the patient was managed in ICU for one day. Four days following the first surgery, he was transferred to a more specialized center for tracheal refashioning and anastomosis. The patient was discharged home later without a tracheostomy. In tracheobronchial injury, high level of suspicion based on clinical judgement is vital for prompt diagnosis, with adjunct of radiological investigation. Surgical intervention to establish a patent airway in operating theatre is undoubtedly crucial in a complete tracheal transection to prevent secondary insult from tissue hypoxia. In managing such injury, advance preparation should include setups for bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. Patient survival depends on preparation and prompt surgical intervention. A tailored surgical approach is often necessary for definitive repair.
Thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) was reported earlier in the previous publication. It is one of the most common lethal human skletal dysplasia characterized by severe dwarfism. It occurs in 3 to 4 per 100,000 live births1 and is due to autosomal dominant sporadic de novo mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene3 which codes for the FGFR3 transmembrane receptor expressed largely by skeletal and brain tissues in the developing fetus where it is involved with growth regulation. The FGFR3 mutation in TD leads to generalized defects and lack of endochondral ossification, with membranous ossification being less impaired1. Male and female fetuses are equally affected. Two thanatophoric case of this extremely rare occurance are reported and discussed.
Objective: The study aimed to explore the prevalence of burnout among the junior doctors and to examine the psychometric properties of abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using aMBI self-reported questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale which was carried out on a sample of 117 junior doctors working in a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Results: Exploratory factor analysis of aMBI revealed a three-factor structure labelled as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment with Crohnbach’s alpha of 0.85, 0.59 and 0.64 respectively. The total variance was 67%. Prevalence of burnout was found at 26.5%. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were positively correlated with depression and anxiety. Shorter duration of residence (less than six months) and being posted to Trauma & Emergency unit were associated with higher mean score of burnout. Conclusion: This study provides the knowledge of level of burnout among the junior doctors and the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory has a satisfied psychometirc properties for screening burnout among junior doctors in Malaysia.
Silicon nanostructures have successfully been synthesized by thermal evaporation technique using nickel catalyst. Silicon powder served as starting source material was evaporated at high temperature (900-1100°C) in inert carrier gas. The grown silicon nanostructures were collected on (111) silicon substrate surface that positioned at varied location from source material. By controlling heating rate, gas flow rate, growth temperature and time, substrate position and location; to the optimum condition produced the best quality at silicon nanostructures. In this work, the best parameter to produce silicon nanostructures is system ramping up 1000°C at 20°C/min heating rate, N2 flow at 100ml/min; silicon needle-like one dimensional silicon nanostructures growth on vertically-positioned substrate located at 12cm from source material for 1 hour growth time. The effects of these parameters on the structures and physical of nanostructures were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction.
This study was conducted to measure the relationship between service quality and customer's perceived value using a sample of 341 usable questionnaires gathered from the Malaysian Armed Forces Contingent who involved in peacekeeping mission at a Middle East country. The outcomes of SmartPLS path model showed five important findings: firstly, tangible significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Second, responsiveness significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Third, reliability significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Fourth, assurance significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Fifth, empathy significantly correlated with customer's perceived value. Statistically, this result confirms that the ability of service providers (MALBATT Headquaters) to properly implement tangible, responsiveness, reliability, assurance and empathy in delivering peacekeeping services have been important determinants of customer's perceived value in the organizational sample. In addition, discussions, implications and conclusion are elaborated.
The objective of this study was to investigate the capabilities of low-cost digital cameras in volume determination. Low-cost digital cameras are capable of many applications including aerial photogrammetry and close-range photogrammetry. Low-cost digital cameras have the potential to be used in landslide monitoring and mapping. In this study, a low-cost digital camera was used as a tool to acquire digital images of a model of a simulated landslide. The model was constructed using cement and sand with the dimensions of 3m in length and 1m width. Digital images of the simulated model were acquired using the technique of aerial photogrammetry and were subsequently processed using digital photogrammetric software. A portion of the simulated model was excavated to simulate a landslide and volume determination was carried out for the excavated sand. The results showed that low-cost digital cameras can be used in photogrammetric application including volume determination.
This study was designed to examine the role of parents and family in motorcycle riding practices among teenagers and motorcycle accident in FELDA Trolak Utara, Perak. This was a cross sectional study using universal sampling that involved 309 teenage riders aging from 11 to 19 years old. Only 6.1% respondents that rode motorcycle had a valid driving licenses. Mean age of starting to ride was 11.46 ± 1.75 years old. Mean years of riding motorcycle was 3.66 ± 1.95 years. The major buyer of motorcycles for the teenagers were father (78.3%) and other family members (13.7%). About 42.7% of teenagers learnt riding by themselves and in 51.8%, family members taught teenagers to ride motorcycle. The main purpose for riding motorcycle were to go to shop (37.2%), to school (32.7%) and for recreation (25.2%). From the perception of teenagers, about 82.2% parents encouraged them to ride. Mean usual riding speed (n = 296) was 58.72 ± 23.97 km/h. The mean maximum riding speed (n = 290) was 89.81 ± 30.70 km/h. There were positive correlation between years of motorcycle riding and usual motorcycle riding speed (r = 0.292, p < 0.05) and maximum motorcycle riding speed (r = 0.371, p < 0.05). The usual motorcycle riding speed was predictor factor for motorcycle accident. Parents, families and communities should play their role to make sure that their teenage children do not ride at a very young age and ride without a valid license. Reducing years of motorcycle riding among teenagers may reduce usual riding speed and consecutively reducing teenagers’ involvement in motorcycle accidents.
Key words : role of parents, teenagers’ riding practice, motorcycle
This paper presents investigations into the development of control schemes for end-point vibration
suppression and input tracking of a flexible manipulator. A constrained planar single-link flexible manipulator is considered and the dynamic model of the system is derived using the assumed mode method. To study the effectiveness of the controllers, a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) was initially developed for control of rigid body motion. This is then extended to incorporate a noncollocated PID controller and a feedforward controller based on input shaping techniques to control vibration (flexible motion) of the system. For feedforward controller, positive and modified specified negative amplitude (SNA) input shapers are proposed and designed based on the properties of the system. Results from the simulation of the manipulator responses with the controllers are presented in time and frequency domains. The performances of the control schemes are assessed in terms of level of vibration reduction, input tracking capability and time response specifications. Finally, a comparative assessment of the control techniques is presented and discussed.
Experiments were conducted to determine the field and economic performances of machines and techniques for crop establishment in lowland paddy in Bangladesh. In machine seeded field, the crops were grown in rows to allow the operation of rotary type weeder for weed control. In hand broadcasted field, crops were not arranged in rows and weed control operation was therefore done through traditional means. Results obtained showed that the effect of rice seeding techniques, using pre-germinated rice seed of BR-1 variety on the effective field capacity, was highly significant. The work rate of hand broadcasting was found to be one to one and a half times faster than that of seeding by manually driven drum type row seeder. Field efficiency of hand broadcasting was about 90 percent, and this was found to be significantly higher than those of machine seeding which ranged from 70-80 percent at both seed rates, since no time was lost in turning. BRRI modified drum type row seeder, with a seeding rate of 60 kg/ha, was shown to be better for an optimum crop yield. Based on partial budget analysis, a farmer can save about US$53.34 per hectare in a year using the BRRI modified drum type row seeder, followed by a rotary weeder as compared to hand seeding, followed by hand weeding.
The development of motor skills is fundamental to the continued movement and specific skills in the sport. The development of motor skills concurrent with their age allows them to acquire and master locomotor and object control skills through physical activity. This study aims to identify the gross motor developmental stage among six year old girls at the National Child Development Research Center, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. This study focuses on the level of gross motor development and the relationship between Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ and Body Mass Index (BMI) of the children. Gross motor development data was obtained using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2). BMI data was determined from existing formula. The gross motor development of the children in this study was 95%. This is based on the percentile level of gross motor development (GMQ percentile). Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between GMQ and BMI for these children.
This case report stresses the role of depression in the manifestation of a homicide-attempted suicide. We report the case of a man who allegedly murdered his partner and then attempted suicide. Previously, he had several failures and rejections in relationships in addition to work-related stress. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and treated with antidepressant. The scarcity of homicide-attempted suicide as exemplified in this case could give an insight to the Psychiatrist for better understading and possible prevention.
Awareness and sensitivity on the subject of green technology are currently commanding the attention of the world in the light of rising energy costs and the threat of global warming. Many countries are now recognizing the benefits of researching into and using green technology to reduce their carbon and water footprints and to minimize waste. (Copied from article).
The aim of the study is to describe the usage of dietary supplemenu among doctors working in the hospitals in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The method used was a postal questionaire survey of the doctors, both specialists and medical officers working in these hospitals. The results showed that
only 28.7% of the doctors are taking dietary supplements. Significantly more female doctors and doctors on long term medication, were taking these supplements. The dietary supplements commonly used were multivitamins and minerals (92.3%), garlic (26.9%), vitamin C (26.9%) and
lecithin (15.4%). The majority of the doctors who took dietary supplements (60%) felt their health status have improved. These supplements were mostly obtained from hospital pharmacies. Doctors who puchase their own supplements spend between RMIO to RMIZO per month. The main reasons given for taking these supplements were that the doctors jfelt healthier' and to ‘prevent or as a supplementary treatment’ for conditions like hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and cancers. There were four doctors who regularly use traditional dietary supplements. Most doctors will generally advice their patients and children to take dietary supplements regularly, as they felt that it is important for health.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to validate the Malay version of the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) for the purpose of the future study related to aggression. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify types of aggression hold by the female inmates.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed involving 90 Malaysian female prisoners. The analyses include descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability testing. After one-week interval, a test-retest was conducted.
Results: The preliminary analysis confirmed that factor analysis was appropriate for the Malay-translated version of the AQ. The four factors structure was assessed but the factor loadings are remarkable different from the original versions. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficients is very high (α= 0.91). The Pearson's correlation however is low (r = 0.48) but acceptable for the instrument. Reliability of the subscales and the factors were also found satisfactory. Consequently, anger and hostility were identified as the most common types of aggression among the participants, followed by verbal aggression. In contrast, physical aggression was the least scored type of aggression.
Conclusion: The Malay-translated version of the AQ was found to be valid and reliable to be used in future studies.
Objective: This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the Malay- translated version of the CES-D. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The participants were female inmates (n=90) from local prisons which were selected based on purposive-selective sampling. The analyses include face validation, factor analysis, and reliability testing. A test-retest was conducted within a one-week interval. Results: The mean score for depression among the participants is 18.97 (SD=6.51). Further descriptive analysis showed that 58.9% of them scored above the mean score, which is considered high. Preliminary construct validation analysis confirmed that factor analysis was appropriate for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. Furthermore, the factor analysis showed similar factor loadings to the original English version. The total internal consistency of the translated version, which was measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, was equal to 0.75. The test-retest reliability of the total score, measured by Pearson’s correlation was equal to 0.69. Conclusions: Face validity, construct validity, and reliability analysis were found satisfactory for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. The Malay-translated version of the CES-D was found valid and reliable to be used in future studies, with comparable properties to the original version and to previous studies. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 54-65.
The studies of ¹³⁷Cs content in the seawater surrounding Peninsular Malaysia had been carried out as part of the Malaysia Marine Radioactivity Database Project. The results of the measurement will serve as the baseline data and reference level to Malaysia. A numbers of sampling locations, including coastal and offshore at the East Coast (South China Sea) and West Coast (Straits of Malacca) of Peninsular Malaysia had been selected for the study. From each location at the coastal area, water samples were collected from the surface of the seawater. Meanwhile, for the offshore area, water samples have been collected at three different depths. Due to usual low concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in the marine environment, large volumes of seawater were collected and the co precipitation technique was employed to concentrate the ¹³⁷Cs. The activity of ¹³⁷Cs was determined by measuring the peak area under photo peak of the gamma spectrum at 661 keV, which is equivalent to the gamma intensity corrected to the HpGe detection efficiency and percentage of gamma ray abundance of the ¹³⁴Cs. At each study location, there were no significant differences for ¹³⁷Cs activities at 95% confidence interval. The activities of ¹³⁷Cs found to be quite uniformly distributed in the range of 2.33 to 5.00 Bq/m3and 1.76 to 4.76 Bq/m3for the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, respectively.
Gamma Spectrometry Counting System requires similar counting geometries for the calibration source, reference material and samples. The objectives of this study were to find out the effects of the sample density on 137 Cs activities measurement and propose reasonable corrections. Studies found that the activity of the samples is decreasing when the density of samples increased. Therefore, in order to have a more accurate estimation of samples activities; density corrections should be done either by performs mathematical corrections using equation or by increasing the expanded uncertainty when sample densities deviated from calibration source.
The number of endangered coral species is increasing over the past decades due to multiple stresses and threats. Euphylliidae corals are among the species heavily targeted for the marine aquarium trade due to their colourful appearance and aesthetic importance. However, their distribution in Peninsular Malaysia has not been thoroughly investigated. Present study aims to investigate the diversity and abundance patterns of euphylliid species at 36 reef sites in Marine Protected Areas of Tioman, Redang and Payar Islands. Video transect surveyed a total of 671 euphylliids individuals belonging to six species from three genera. The diversity and evenness indices of euphylliids were significantly higher (P