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The emergence of 21st century education and digital education era has transformed traditional transactional learning which is primarily teacher-centered to a more facilitated independent learning with heavy incorporation of the online mode. Tertiary courses including languages therefore require a set of sound online assessment strategies to cater to the blended/flipped learning synchronously delivered for undergraduates. Within this context, this study aims to investigate present challenges in implementing online language assessment for tertiary language courses and the need to design effective implementation strategies. Before such strategies could be developed, challenges and issues must be identified and mitigated. Via a DELPHI based qualitative approach and stratified purposive sampling, data was elicited from eighteen expert respondents from nine public universities who gave their views and reactions to a set of structured interview questions. Thirteen challenges that fall into four categories of issues were identified. They must be addressed in planning for smooth online language assessment system. The findings also indicate that specific online language assessment guidelines and framework for is deemed necessary to ensure best educational practices are applied to ensure attainment of course and programme outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigated on performance in charge sensing for substrate-gate integrated silicon nanowire field-effect transistor biosensor at different thickness of the buried oxide layer, sandwiched in between the top-silicon and substrate layers. The device structures with different buried oxide thickness ranging from 100 to 200 nm were designed and simulated using the Silvaco ATLAS device simulation software. The increase of buried oxide thickness reduced the strength of induced electric field that contributes to the formation of inversion layer for current flow through the silicon nanowire channel, hence contributed to the increase in threshold voltage. For simulation of charge sensing, the device demonstrated the ability to identify different interface charge values ranging from -5×1010 to -9×1010 e· cm−2 applied on the surface of the silicon nanowire channel to represent target charge biomolecules that bound to the biosensor in actual detection. Significant change in threshold voltage can be observed due to the applied interface charge density values and was evaluated to determine the sensitivity for charge sensing performance. The device shows better performance when designed with buried oxide thickness of 200 nm at sensitivity of 1.151 V/e· cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perception of Art Appreciation, requires two main aspects, namely formalistic and content. These two aspects come together to form a work of art. The logo is one of the results of art in the form of digital art that are always used in graphic design. This paper is conducted to identify the visual characteristic of the Malaysian Independence Day logo. Researchers only chose Independence Day for the year 2020 to be analyzed because it is the logo for the current year and is the latest logo design created compared to the previous two years using the same logo. To achieve the purpose, this method of this study is qualitative, which is to use the study of art appreciation evaluation analysis in the context of form and content. It clearly shows the formalistic aspects used in translating the literal and implicit meanings in the Independence Day 2020 logo. This logo features various artistic elements of art and principles of design, as described in this study. It also gives sense to the events that took place during the year. This study has combined the theoretical aspects of Formalistic art with graphic design that is the study of the Independence Day logo. A logo can be considered successful if all sections of society understand it. This logo is created every year, according to the theme and identity of the country. The logo design refers to the symbolism of a multiracial society that is pluralistic and dignified the culture in this country. Through the analysis that has been made, the creation of the Independence Day 2020 logo can be accepted because the logo is simple and easy to understand by the community. The use of the right logo can change people's perception of something. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast food industry is mushrooming in Malaysia due to the increasingly demand from consumers. Consumption of fast food has become a climate, where it is particularly popular with Generation Z. Generation Z is defined as a digitally driven demographic cohort, whose possessing a broad diversity of taste, favouritism, and behaviour. Having a clear knowledge on how Generation Z makes purchase decision can help to unveil the key determinants impacting their choices. If the influential factors can be determined, fast food marketers can devise pertinent approaches in taping the market share. This study is conducted to investigate the factors affecting generation Z's purchase intention towards fast food industries in Kluang, Johor using the survey method. Twenty variables that may trigger the Generation Z's purchase intention of fast food were sorted out by literature and interview. Questionnaire, confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha test had been distributed to 400 respondents. Descriptive statistical tests was used to analyse respondent profile. Exploratory factor analysis performed had summarized 7 core factors for the Generation Z's fast food purchase intention: service quality, food value and restaurant environment, food quality, price, promotion attractiveness, humanic clues, and health and marketing. These findings give Kluang's fast food marketers crucial insights pertaining the Generation Z's purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low road efficiency problem triggered by the congestion and traffic accident is the reason of enhancing conventional transportation system in the world. It showed an awful picture of increasing traffic accidents with the growing number of vehicles. Road efficiency is constantly the main issue in the transportation system, hence supporting road efficiency must be in line among the traffic safety idea. Particularly, IoV is a main factor in Vehicle Cyber Physical Systems (VCPS). Road side unit (RSU) is an important factor for Vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, where it is an access point for linking the IoV network to the other networks [3]. In the IoV, the information exchange is generally produced of V2X which is vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V). It is important that safety message such as road condition, traffic information and traffic accidents consistently delivered to other vehicle in a timely manner for safety applications. Therefore, a number of studies have been done to design and develop a dependable routing protocols in Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET). Though, in VANET, a transmission using single hop is generally incapable to serve all the proposed receivers because of partial radio range across a long distance. Consequently, the integrated routing protocol is needed to improve a communication system between vehicles in IoV network. Moreover, achieving a stable level performance in term of high throughput, less packet loss and less link failure in IoV is a challenging problem. In this paper, those key performance is analyzed and has been discussed in result section. From the results, it shows that the GreedLea routing protocol delivered 10% improved performance compared to existing Greedy perimeter stateless routing (GPSR) routing protocol in term of packet delivery ratio, average delay and path loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen-centric is a concept that defines as shifting of service delivery from government's interest to citizen's interest. The citizens of different socioeconomic classes may experience a similar quality of public services, but they may reach different conclusions about a service because their evaluations are shaped by different sets of perceived and expectation performance. Past scholars confirmed that the comparisons between citizen's perceived-expectation relationship were not intensively explored and required further investigation. Therefore, this paper aim to compare the impact of citizen-centric public service satisfaction among citizen on what they perceived as compared to their expectation. Utilizing, the expectancy-disconfirmation model of satisfaction, this paper offers a quantitative approach by providing intensive comparison for citizen's perceived-expectation relationship. We employ paired sample t-test to answer the mean differences between tested relationship. This paper successfully identifies six mean differences namely performance, responsiveness, reliability, information quality, service quality and participation on the relationship between perceived and expectation. We believe this paper can benefit the supply side in conducting requirement in gathering and designing of citizen-centric public service satisfaction model in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batik is an art or craft that is produced through a variety of textile designing techniques. In Malaysia, batik is considered as a national heritage art that is the pride of the country. The World-Asia Pacific Craft Council recognizes Malaysian batik as one of the most well-known local crafts globally. This study aims to examine the challenges faced by the batik industry in Malaysia. The literature review method is fully utilized to collect the required data. The results of the study found that the Batik Industry in Malaysia faces the challenge of competition from cheaper and modern external products and even more worrying is the original batik design imitated by irresponsible foreign entrepreneurs by offering lower prices. The lack of skilled workers from young people should also be taken into consideration when many young people voices that they are not interested in working in this industry. A more detailed research study proposal is needed by paying attention to the role of entrepreneurs and designers in the batik industry in Malaysia. They are the leading movers in addressing the challenges and problems that exist in this industry in line with efforts to develop the local batik industry and elevate the art of batik in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world economy is being hit badly by a fatal decease named COVID 19. This pandemic has dramatically affected all the ramifications of the world community. Hence, this research attempts to explore the impact of Covid-19 on the socioeconomic status of lower-middle and lower-income people. Paired sample t-test has been used as the statistical tool in this study to compare and contrast the income, savings and social status of the people of Bangladesh before and after COVID 19. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the relevant data from the lower middle and lower-income people. We distributed 400 questionnaires from which 259 usable responses were returned with a success rate of 64.75%. The results indicate that the income, savings and social status of the respondents have been affected by COVID 19 significantly. The study is supposed to help policymakers to appreciate the situation of lower-middle and lower-income groups in Bangladesh as it covered their socioeconomic condition amid COVID 19 and the challenges they faced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-analytical phase in phlebotomy process contributes 62% of errors in the process. This contributes to blood sample rejection that leads to diagnostic and treatment delay and even patient death, a solution is needed to solve the problem related to this issue. Integrated Portable Pre-Analytical Phlebotomy Unit (IP3U) is a device that includes implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) Deep Learning based Optical Character Recognition (OCR) using Tesseract and OpenCV for patient information processing, an image-guided vein diameter visualization for specific needle determination for drawing blood from veins, an automated time response sequence order of blood draw unit, blood specimen volume quantitative analysis using computerized vision, artificial inversion module able immediate mixing of the sample upon blood collection and a specimen storage compartment with temperature monitoring and most important feature with QR code-based patient-sample positive identification system. The device provides an accurate and qualified blood specimen during the pre-analytical at bedsides or in ambulances, emergency rooms, clinics and doctors' offices to diminish the human manual control error that greatly reduce the specimen rejection rate with interconnection via the internet of computing devices for quality monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of technologies is creating fast and vast information for people around the world. The current communication technologies are also offering individuals the opportunity and platform to be more skilful, creative, and innovative. With such rapid development, the media, printed and electronic, are affected in more ways than imagined. In conjunction with the emergence of Covid-19 also known as the world pandemic, the modern communication technologies play a significant role in filtering the information that gets out to the public. The purpose of this article is to highlight the issues and challenges of using media communication technologies in managing the information related to Covid-19 in Malaysia. The three major issues discussed in this paper are limited accessibility, false or fake news and misinformation. Finally, steps and preventive measures were discussed to ensure the accurate information being circulated to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of morals in communication has become one of the most intensely discussed issues. In relation to this, the presence of various new media platforms has gradually shaped the way people communicate. Despite its numerous positive elements especially in facilitating users' daily activities, new media is also associated with several negative elements including the acts of insulting, mocking, humiliating, as well as the spread of fake news. These misconducts have somehow formed an undesirable culture observed on new media, especially among teenagers, which consequently contributes further to the intense question of moral and ethical degradation associated with teenagers. Therefore, this qualitative study which utilizes a content analysis approach sets out to discover issues pertaining to new media, the Islamic popular culture, as well as the appropriate morals to be applied in new media communication to ensure a cordial relationship among all human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) discloses the social responsibility of a company in contributing to the quality improvement of the community and society. Currently, the banking industries put into concern on this social responsibility as well as CSR report as environmental issues that leveraging the economic business performance through the application of the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) framework. The number of the organization using this framework has increased. Unfortunately, several weaknesses have been reviewed on the adoption of this framework as a sustainability report. Therefore, this study tried to strengthening the GRI model by elaborating on the indicators and sub-indicators of GRI-4 to measure the priority weighted-based indicators thus it is utilized to rank the banking performance. Herein, the decision support system-based analytical network process (ANP) is applied to assess standard criteria of the GRI sustainability report as a side of economic, social, and environmental aspects. Three banking companies in Indonesia have been selected as alternatives and then analyzed based on its sustainability report as well as performance measurement. Twenty-four experts from academicians and practices have been asked their quantitative perspectives and weighting score of the criteria through the dissemination of the questionnaire. This study reveals the performance of banking companies following the realization of the CSR position. Thus, the financial services authority of Indonesia (OJK) as an Indonesian government agency is advised on the decision-making on the potential banking performance that more pay attention to environmental sustainability. Besides, the employment of the ANP method in this study can strengthen and accomplish the shortcoming of the GRI model in determining the sustainability report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to scrutinise the aesthetic elements of fruit carvings made by Sukor Rahim during a renowned fruit carving competition, which he was crowned Flying Chef Malaysia title by the organiser. The analysis adopted the aesthetics elements principles of carving motifs approach, which was introduced in Malay Aesthetics by Ali. [1]. Three of the six principles are used to analyse the aesthetic elements of the carvings. Qualitative methods are employed to further the study, which was using (1) archival method through analysis of photo documentation of Sukor Rahim's works and next was (2) probing the carvings using Malay Aesthetics approach to measure the aesthetic elements of the selected works. Results showed that Sukor Rahim's works carry overarching aesthetics finesse and layered with intricate aesthetic elements which requires connoisseurship of a carving expert, thus validate Rahim's achievement in the culinary world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of high quality and large lateral dimension of graphene flakes has been the main interest of researchers. Synthesis methods including chemical vapor deposition, epitaxial growth and micromechanical cleavage guarantees the desired results, but the cost is high. Electrochemical exfoliation, however, is one of the fast and low-cost alternatives in the synthesis of graphene flakes. In this work, the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite utilized four types of electrolytes. The electrochemical cell was designed using copper foils as the cathode whereas graphite pencil rods as the anode which connected to the DC power supply. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the exfoliated graphene samples contained very low quantity of oxygen functional groups. On the other hand, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology in which the surface of exfoliated graphene flakes showed wrinkles structure. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) has confirmed that the exfoliated graphene samples primarily contain carbon, oxygen, and platinum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that exfoliated graphene samples showed a significant peak at about 2θ =26 ° corresponded to graphite and a low peak at about 10° corresponded to graphene oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is one of the countries that hold status as a world leader for the Halal economy. Currently, young entrepreneur's involvement in the halal food industry is increasing due to Malaysia government policy which is providing incentives; continue supports and various strategies or programs to develop this group of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a good idea for the youth to increase their income besides the young generation nowadays is the asset to the economic development of the country. However, participation in halal food labelling for youth entrepreneur is not easy as they are facing many obstacles that prevent them to participate. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the participation of youth entrepreneur in halal food product labelling in Sabah since it is hard for them to obtain halal certification from JAKIM. Besides, there are a few problems that the youth entrepreneur faces to be a Halalpreneur. The problem is they lack knowledge, experiences, and sort of financing to start up their entrepreneurial activity. The sample size is 60 respondents and was conducted in a few districts in Sabah (Keningau, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tambunan). This study was conducted based on two objectives which are to identify the participation level of the youth entrepreneur in halal food product labelling and to define the most influential factor for the youth entrepreneur's participation on halal food product labelling in Sabah. For the data collection, a survey method that provides questionnaire was used and the other method was by interviewing— asking questions personally, email or by telephonic conversation. The result appears to be the participation level of youth entrepreneur on halal food product labelling in Sabah is high. Then, most influential factor on the youth entrepreneur participation in halal food product labelling in Sabah is the subjective norm. The significance of this study is to be a reference for the policymaker to make the procedure easier for the youth entrepreneur to apply halal certification since the difficult procedure is one of the obstacles for the entrepreneur to get a halal label for their food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ministry of Higher Education sector in Malaysia has set in motion the Higher Education 4.0 in 2018, focusing on Knowledge, Industry and Humanity. In order to embrace Learning and Teaching 4.0 in Higher Educational Institution, it is vital to focus on Staff Professional Development. This paper is to review the current available methods of Professional Development in the education sector. Identifying the lack of professional development platform explains the deficiency in the staff development and hence their ability to adapt to Education 4.0. The objective of this paper is in alignment to one of the objectives of this conference which is to identify and discuss the problem faced by a sector, this paper is on the higher education institutions. Hence in the future higher education institutions need to develop an efficient and sustainable platform for professional development to bridge the human capital competency gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to examine the factors that can influence online purchase intention among Gen-Y in East Coast, Malaysia. Nowadays, Gen-Y is the most notable consumer of technology. Shopping online has also become a habit for this technologically literate generation. Thus, this research investigated the relationship between online purchase intentions using a basis model of TPB. A quantitative research design had been employed and conducted on 138 respondents which were among Gen-Y in East Coast, Malaysia. Surprisingly, the results of TPB variables did not affect Gen-Y online purchase intention but trust and perceived enjoyment had positive significance effect on their online purchase intention. This research helps to improve the knowledge of researcher in further understanding the online purchase intention among Gen-Y in East Coast, specifically. The recommendation for the future research is to conduct the research by using a different theory and generation such as Gen-Z in different states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decrease in student readiness in Open Distance Learning (ODL) is among frequently observed problems, especially during a pandemic outbreak. And these issues could reduce students perceived usefulness of ODL implementation and reflect on academic performance. This study comes out with a new cluster in measuring readiness to perceived usefulness of ODL implementation that little study mentions; 1) computer/Internet readiness (CIL), 2) self-directed learning readiness (SDL), and 3) motivational of learning readiness (MOL). The current study explored the impact of CIL, MOL, and SDL readiness on the perceived usefulness of ODL implementation. A survey method was conducted (n= 656) among full-time undergraduate students in UiTMCM. Using descriptive statistical analysis, this study found that technological readiness and sociological readiness among undergraduate students were a strong significant predictor of perceived usefulness of ODL implementation, while psychological readiness reported no significant predictor of perceived usefulness of ODL implementation. This study has a twofold significance. Firstly, the findings highly towards higher education institutions, especially for developing countries who experience ODL implementation. Besides, the findings presented to the Academic Affairs, UiTMCM to guide the lecturers in preparing the best ODL course design, implementation, and measurement so that students are will experience the best practice of the ODL approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, plastic gears are continuing to displace metal gears in a widening arena of applications. Plastic gears are presently not just being used for light-stacked applications but also in automotive starter gears, turbo actuators, and electronic throttle control. Despite of the benefits of plastic gears including noiseless operation, low weight, and working without lubrication, the occurrence of wear in plastic gears limit its application particularly in higher contact force during the operation. Therefore, in this study an attempt has been made to study the applicability and practical ability of using glass fiber in plastic gear in order to reduce the wear failure in plastic gear. The integration of Taguchi Method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) optimization were implemented to investigate the effects of controlled parameters (gear combinations, speed, running time and load) on the wear behavior, tooth thickness and addendum circles measurement of glass fiber reinforced plastic gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser welding on dissimilar materials is widely used and has significance application in industry. Laser welding is the one of the method which can offer high strength of joint especially for joining of dissimilar metals contrast to conventional method. Conventional welding more often had an insufficient penetration depth and a wider heat affected zone which prompts to reduce joint quality. This work exhibits a weld possibility on low carbon steel and high carbon steel surface utilizing low power fiber laser in pulse wave modes. The objective of this research work is to investigate the influence of laser welding parameters of welding speed and pulse width on weld geometry of the welded metal. The parameters used is the welding speed (1.67 mm/s to 8.33mm/s) and pulse width (3 ms to 5 ms). The optimum weld geometry was with the largest aspect ratio (1.42) with parameter of welding speed (1.67 mm/s) and pulse width (3.0 ms). As conclusion, appropriate utilization of parameters can improve the quality of weld joints and durability of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article study of portable blender components to reduce the amount needed and to determine the potential for enhancing sustainable design. The DFMA and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) have been used for this work and are integrated. The results demonstrated how the number of components reduced by DFMA to 38%, while the LCA demonstrated weight reduction, by 50%, of carbon footprint, by 58,33%, water eutrophication, by 76,47%, acidification, by 179% and overall energy consumption, by 70%. This recent approach is important to prove the efficiency and sustainability of both the technologies used to decrease the cost of making a portable blender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural areas of Sabah, Malaysia, the groundwater source is the only water supply for domestic consumption. Therefore, the monitoring of groundwater quality is essential to adhere to the standards by Malaysia's Department of Environment. This article seeks to evaluate the groundwater quality through the quantitative analysis, and the sampling carried out between January and March 2019. Among national water quality standards sampled including dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and total suspended solids. The result showed that the chemical oxygen demand was above the standards, >197mg/l (Station 5) and fall into Class V. However, the index of water quality for all stations indicate Class II with the lowest in Station 5 (80 per cent) and the highest in Station 6 (90 per cent). All stations showed clean category except for Station 5 (moderately polluted). This study also implicates that the water quality assessment could act as a tool in monitoring the groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pico-hydro system is a renewable energy source which uses a small motor or generator that is connected to turbines to generate electricity without relying on any non-renewable energy sources. The power generated by the pico-hydro system is less than 5 kW. Currently, the distribution of fuel consumption for electricity generation is 44.7% using coal, 42.5% gas-based, 3.7% oil-based, and 5.7% hydro-based. The Malaysian government has set a clear goal and strategy that small hydropower (mini, micro, and pico) will contribute up to 500 MW to the national power grid/electricity generation in 2020. In this study, the model built is the pico-hydro system with the operating system powered by pumps with a 10 W solar panel. The purpose of this study is to build a model of a pico-hydro system as an alternative energy generator, to gauge the energy produced by this pico-hydro model, and to analyse the performance and effectiveness of the pico-hydro system in terms of power and output. Among the tests performed were testing on battery charger controllers and battery charging time rates, water flowrate testing, system efficiency, and relationship analysis between the head height, rotation, and output of power. This model produced the maximum flow of 0.22 A from the generator to the charger controller with a head height of 0.63 m. The hydraulic efficiency test showed that the system had an efficiency percentage of 9.2%. Further studies should be done to improve the efficiency of the system and enhance the energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of water security, environment degrade and climate change has becoming more severe today and emergence actions are needed to mitigate the problem. The variability in climate change affected the water resources thus contributes to unstable and uneconomic water price. This problem is worsened by environmental and pollution impact thus led to irrational water tariff and price. Existing model only considers econometric values, but environmental and climate change is neglected from overall structure of water tariff and price. Furthermore, the non-structured water pricing model fails to educate water consumers about excessive use and water scarcity. Therefore, water tariff and pricing mechanisms need to accommodate the changing in environmental degradation and climate change for more rationale and relevant water tariff and price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reviews the key features and capabilities of additive manufacturing, which include the fundamental of additive manufacturing followed by types of additive manufacturing technologies. Advantages and limitation of additive manufacturing is discussed and the emergence of additive manufacturing in industrial revolution 4.0 is presented. Economy benefits through the additive manufacturing showing beneficial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers paid attention on career satisfaction as predictor of turnover intention in response to request for future study about antecedent of turnover intention. This study determined the relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention among the Malaysian information and communication technology (ICT) employees. This study also contributed to the Social Exchange Theory (SET) literature in examining the relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention. This study used simple random sampling approach to collect data from 214 ICT employees from several organizations in Selangor, Malaysia. SPSS 23 statistical software is used to test the formulated hypotheses. This study revealed empirical findings on negatively significant relationship between career satisfaction and turnover intention. This study offered practically guidance on managerial side in ICT organizations to pay more attention on development of new skills, promotion chances and career goal of ICT employees after understanding the predictor of turnover intention. Therefore, it is expected that turnover intention decreased as career satisfaction increased; while, lack of Malaysian ICT employees' problem is thought out as well retaining those top performers in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of Covid-19 side effects was movement control order (MCO). Panic buying can be defined as the action of buying large quantities of a particular product or commodity due to sudden fears and a lockdown announcement from the government just adds fuel to the flames. This study has been done to identify the level of panic buying during movement restricted order (MCO). Panic buying is chosen as the research's topic because it is the most obvious reaction that was shown from the public when MCO was announced and wanted to know did they practice this behavior or not. The researcher used questionnaire form to survey the level of panic buying during MCO. Google form was also used to determine the survey and the link was distributed to all social media platforms. From the survey, we gained 411 respondents, starting from age 18 and above that involved various ethnic in Malaysia. The findings show that the level of panic buying among Malaysian is very low (m=2.13). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vending machines have been developed since 1880s and has been continued to be customized to suit the taste and needs of consumers. Vending machines serves automatically, with a specific currency. Vending machines has become a multipurpose machine that not only able to serve food and snacks, but also serve ready to go meal and some are also equipped with microwave to heat the food and can be readily eaten right after purchase. Suppliers are becoming more efficient in placing vending machines so that consumers can have access to the particular vending machines. Globalization has brought Islamization with Vending machines. Hence many halal-based products are available, with the innovation of Halal vending machine, competing with Kosher-based product. Japan, Brunei and Malaysia are the pioneers that open the market as to the growing numbers of Muslim consumers. Fake logos and too many certified Halal logos have done nothing but increasing the doubt among the Muslim consumers and community. This study uses Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey Model to keep track of the behavior of the consumer. (KAP) Survey Model questionnaire was distributed to 100 consumers to study the behavior and perception towards vending machines that sell Halal-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, enhancing and providing the best learning experience and top-quality education are now being embedded into the strategic thrusts of higher learning institutions. Previous research also has contemplated to investigate the factors affecting student satisfaction. However, the focus towards nursing college in the country is still lacking. As Malaysia is now moving towards becoming a hub for medical tourism, the enhancement and improvement on the nursing college is deemed important. In this study, three factors were proposed to influence student satisfaction significantly. Based on 148 samples of respondents, the results indicated that, collectively, the level of satisfaction among students is good. The result of mean analysis also indicated that the respondents perceived teaching quality as the most important factor for their satisfaction, followed by administrative and facility. The results from Pearson Correlation also showed support for all three hypotheses proposed, in which facility, teaching quality and administrative were found to significantly influence student satisfaction. Implications of the study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 pandemic has caused havoc worldwide. Malaysia is also going through a challenging situation, as the number of infected/positive cases is increasing day by day. The Government of Malaysia enforced a Movement Control Order starting on March 18, 2020 to break the chain of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching effects on the psychological well-being of individuals in society. This article uses secondary data such as journals, newspapers, websites, and government records. The objective of this article mainly focused on the psychology effects among Malaysian society during the COVID-19 outbreak. This discovery shows that pandemic COVID-19 leads to several psychological effects on Malaysian society, such as anxiety, stress, depression and others. This article also shows the efforts of the government to ensure the psychological well-being of Malaysian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the optimization of heating rate on the microwave sintered Fe-Cr-Al2O3 metal matrix composite (MMC). The heating rate was selected between 10°C/min to 60°C/min with increment of 10°C/min respectively. The samples were fabricated via PM route and microwave sintering was carried out in a tubular microwave furnace HAMiLab-V3 in N2 atmosphere purposely to avoid any oxidation and chemical reaction to samples. The microstructure of sintered samples was evaluated using SEM and bulk density and porosity were determined based on ASTM B962 – 17 and the microhardness were determined based on ASTM E384. The optimized heating rate of the sample was selected based on the micro hardness value and total porosity percentage as well as based on SEM microstructure analysis. The results revealed that the optimum heating rate occurred at 20°C/min due to the highest value of hardness achieved which is about 119.28 HV with at the highest bulk density about 6.07 g/cm3 and at the lowest total porosity about 14.55%. SEM micrographs also showed that the diffusion was mostly effective at 20°C/min heating rate compared to others, indicated that significant grain boundary diffusion of Fe matrix into Al2O3 particle was occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheelchairs have been used widely as the one of the vehicles that are designated purposely to help the disabled patient to easily move around. However, the standard wheelchairs currently available in the market are mostly fit to patients which have average size and can only accommodate the patient with maximum body mass up to 100kg. When a big size or extra-large (XL) patient with body mass more than 100 kg uses this standard wheelchair, they may feel discomfort, cramped as well as restricted movement. Furthermore, the structure of standard wheelchairs may not be safe enough to hold the load of big size patient weight. Therefore, this project is focused to study the appropriate an ergonomic body sizes and dimensions of big patients that body mass ranging from minimum 100kg to maximum 150kg. The investigation is focused on the customer needs as well as anthropometry body measurements. The data was collected from the questionnaires and direct interview among 30 personnel with the body mass in target range. The information gathered then had been used to custom design the XL wheelchair that fulfil the most requirements and having sturdy structure that safety to be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online learning is a new trend in Education 4.0. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities to adopt e-learning. As such, entrepreneurship course has turned to use online learning platform in many learning institutions. Student engagement remains as an issue in online learning because the setting in online learning is different from traditional classroom learning. However, online student engagement (OSE) is still considered a relatively new concept and studies are scarcely available. As such, this study aimed to analyze the level of OSE in terms of skills, emotion and participation in entrepreneurship course. It carried out a questionnaire survey to collect the desired information. A total of 290 students from a public university in Malaysia have participated in the survey. Analysis revealed that students demonstrated high level of skill in listening and reading carefully, high level of emotion in putting forth effort in learning and high level of participation in helping fellow students. Overall, participation was rated as the top component in OSE. It can be concluded that student participation played a crucial role in ensuring student engagement in online learning environment. Therefore, building a good rapport and getting to know each other among learners and, designing enjoyable course outline are important in online learning environment. This study enriches the knowledge of important component of OSE and provides suggestions to enhance learners OSE in university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the effect of Al2O3 particles on the density of Fe-Cr metal matrix composite (MMCs) produced through PM route then sintered under hybrid microwave energy. The sample was prepared by mixing the Al2O3 particle in 3D-tubular shaker at six different weight percentage of Fe-Cr matrix started from 5 wt.% to 30 wt.% with 5% in increment. The sintering process was performed under controlled N2 atmosphere in a tubular microwave furnace. Determination of bulk density and porosity was done according to Standard Test Method ASTM B962 – 17, while ASTM E384 was used to determine the microhardness. Assessment of the sample was based on density, porosity, hardness and microstructure evaluation. The result show that incorporating the Al2O3 particle were significantly increase the microhardness, decrease the bulk density and increase the porosity of the in Fe-Cr composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop an improved general mathematical model by focusing on human factors variables that related to the product defect in the manufacturing production line. This is because many studies found that almost 40% of total defects resulted from the operator error and the defects are usually not obvious and neglected. The objective to have defect prediction mathematical model to satisfy as early quality indicator of the manufacturing flow production line and assist the quality control team in manufacturing industries. Thus, the human factor variables will be investigate thoroughly and final model can be used to predict product defect on the line to improve product quality. Product defects quantity are identified and analyzed to determine the potential predictors for developing the mathematical model. A case study is offered that illustrates in a spice packaging semi-automated production line the effect that complexity variables have on assembly quality. By using Minitab, Multiple Regression analysis is conducted to model the relationship between the input variables towards response variables. From the analysis, the predicted data showed reasonable correlation with the observed data improved with adjusted R-Sq from 2.6% to 7.9%. Hence, the regression equation obtain is selected to be the prediction mathematical model for defects based on human factor input variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to focus on earnings management and the influence of business elites towards this practice. This research was made on a total of one hundred seventy-four (174) firm-year observations, in which these comprises of Malaysian public listed companies with at least one (1) business tycoon present in the Board of Directors, over three (3) years. The empirical results of this study show that the presence of business elites in public listed companies in Malaysia has a significant impact to the level of earnings management practised by these firms, and business elites can control earnings management. In other words, if a company has more business elites sitting in its board of directors, there will be a lesser occurrence of managers manipulating their earnings and financial reports. This outcome is a new contribution to the earnings management field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study is about the design and evaluation of interactive learning media using Augmented Reality (AR) application for learning the Equilibrium Phase Diagram. Augmented reality gives better approaches for users to rapidly getting information which comes "alive" instantly to help and attract the students to learn equilibrium phase diagram effectively. Augmented Reality also was found helpful in reducing the problems of visualization in the topic of Equilibrium Phase Diagram. In order to ensure the learning process is successful, the instructional design model: ADDIE Hybrid Model, has been used in the development of the interactive learning media using augmented reality to learn the equilibrium phase diagram. There were five phases involved to make sure that the process of before, during and after using the interactive learning media with augmented reality applications has achieved the objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymer composite (CPCs) has the potential to be one the material that can be used in electronic interconnect applications. In recent years, it had attracted number of researchers to explore and understand the structure-properties of flexible CPCs conductivity and mechanical properties to suits their final applications. It is worth mentioning that for polymer to conduct electricity, the key aspect to tackle in CPCs is their percolation threshold. The percolation threshold is known as the point where material changes it properties from insulating to conductive. Hence, there are many models and theories widely published by other researchers within the area that can be used to predict electrical conductivity and tensile properties which are based on percolation threshold. In this paper, we briefly review several models namely classic percolation threshold and McLachlan for electrical conductivity; and Pukanszky and Ouali models for the mechanical percolation. The effect of particle size in percolation threshold was also reviewed in this paper. The primary aim for this paper is to establish the correlation between conductivity and mechanical properties in CPCs using the aforementioned models. This will enable researchers to understand the behavior and ultimately predict the performance of flexible CPCs for interconnect applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is process that maximizes or improves the machine lifecycle and its productivity. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) has been recognized as one of the significant operation strategies to regain the production losses due to equipment inefficiency. TPM has been widely implemented to enhance equipment efficiency and which further lead to competitive advantage in terms of cost and quality in the global market. TPM is not simply a preventive maintenance program. Rather, it is a strategic management initiative to increase capacity and end the vicious cycle of 'breakdowns' or reactive repairs using autonomous and predictive maintenance, as well as equipment modifications to facilitate optimum machine availability, quality, and performance. This research was conducted to study the implementation of TPM and to prove TPM may improve the production efficiency. Based on the findings, we can conclude that TPM is tools, techniques and methods that help increases food production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explosive compaction is a way of enhancing powder while maintaining its distinctive microstructure and form. Bulk alloys with a relative density of over 96 percent can be obtained through direct explosive compaction. Explosive welding is a method for the processing of two or more strong explosive strength metals during high-energy processes. In the field, explosive welding is widely used to link laminated composites and parts that cannot be linked using conventional welding techniques. Shock consolidation is a process in which highly deformed particle surfaces establish a one-step inter-particle connection. Powders that, due to their intensity, cannot be conventionally compacted by powder metallurgy can be compacted. The prediction of device microstructures and properties remains a technical problem. This review will discuss the mechanical properties of materials undergoing explosive compaction and welding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s, the concept of environmental protection has been popular. It argues that the ability of individual habitats to sustain human existence without severe environmental destruction is constrained by necessity. Because of its extravagant room use, prime agriculture property, water availability, water contamination and other consequences the suburban sprawl is known to be unsustainable. Decline in metropolitan areas is seen as a product of suburbanization and growth. Revitalization of core towns was encouraged as a way to divert expansion from suburbs to central towns. Environmentalists and some community designers proposed that older city centres can be revitalised and used to address ongoing urban demands, rather than under-used, deteriorating slums. This paper discusses several tools for calculating environmental protection. Multiple regression analysis, panel data analysis and delphi approaches are among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation of a solar photovoltaic-battery energy system for domestic applications was simulated using HOMER software. Electric load and components' specifications are the same as those set for a previous study on conventional diesel generator-battery energy system at Pulau Tuba, Langkawi, Malaysia. Based on the simulation results, the renewable energy system can provide adequate electric energy to satisfy existing demands, set at 84 kWh/day average, with 14 kW peak, with some surplus for future demand increase. By comparison, both conventional and renewable energy systems have comparable net present cost, at $179363 and $166576, respectively; and levelized cost of energy, at $0.511/kWh and $0.480/kWh, respectively; despite relatively higher capital cost of the renewable energy system. Renewable energy system is shown to be more beneficial to the environment since it can eliminate air pollutant emissions. Future price reduction and performance improvement of renewable system would make it more competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk is one of the most agricultural wastes in the milling process. It contains the highest amount composition of silica (SiO2) compared with other agricultural waste. Rice husk can be utilized to produce various types of useful renewable resources, which contain silica (SiO2) husk. Rice husk was collected from Kuala Kedah, Kedah. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) has been used as leaching solution. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of acetic acid on rice husk. Raw rice husk and leached rice husk were subjected to thermal treatment at 800 °C for 3 hours in the furnace. Raw rice husk and leached rice husk has been analysed using X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest mass percent silica (SiO2) content which is 97.4% under the optimum condition with 5% of acetic acid, 90 °C solution temperature, and 30 minutes stirring time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic sustainability is an integral aspect of sustainability, meaning that humans utilise, protect and conserve human- and material-based services in order to create renewable long-term assets by an optimal utilisation, recycle and recovery. Building investments and running costs are fiscal metrics utilised in economic sustainability indices. Capital costs are accumulated expenditures when the process starts. Capital expenditures rely largely on the type and process of treating waste water. Usually, these costs involve planning, construction, equipment and facilities, electrification, induction, training, start-up, substitute components, cost of reservations, etc. This paper explores some of the instruments for calculating economic sustainability. That include exposure analysis (SA), particulate matter analysis (PCA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, the issue of pollution from the grave is often taken into account and always become a study material and research. The most commonly used method for disposal of dead bodies and limbs is incineration. Incineration has been used for decades. Previously, biological specimen at the Hospital University of Sains Malaysia (HUSM) was disposed of through incinerators. Given that the majority of HUSM patients are Muslim societies, a method to dispose biological waste in an Islamic-compliant through burial method is proposed. In addition, incineration of dead bodies will have a bad impact on the environment and human health through the emission of toxic gases. New way has been introduced to overcome this problem by burial of formalin fixed specimen onto the soil. However, formalin preservation on specimen is a main concern. This study was done to determine the effect of the formaldehyde on the growth of the Jasminum sambac plant and the physical characteristic of the plant. The height of plant, surface area of leaf, number of leaves and flowers, colour of leaves and chlorophyll content of leaf were observed before and after the plants was treated with formaldehyde. The results obtained from this research will give valuable information on the effect of formaldehyde on the environment specifically on the plant. This study also determines whether the formalin fixed specimen by burial method give negative or positive effect to the environment. The physical characteristics of the plant after treated with formaldehyde shows a negative growth with decrease in number of leaves and flowers as well as in the surface area of leaf. Other than that, the colors of leaves changed from dark green to brownish color for the plants that treated with formaldehyde. In conclusion, formaldehyde application affected the plant and cause the physical characteristic of the plants does not grow well even with the lower concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is powered by chemical reaction of oxygen gas with hydrogen gas as main fuel, to produce electricity and water, while operating at lower temperatures, which make it easy to operate and handle. PEMFC can power a large range of electrical equipment, from electronics devices to cars, buses, submarines as well as stationary power plants. This study presented the procedure of computational simulation and modelling of PEMFC with ANSYS Fluent. The geometry was designed with ANSYS design modeler, while meshing was performed in workbench meshing and solver in Fluent. For this study, two models with isothermal and non-isothermal conditions were considered. The isothermal condition is set at 323K and operated at 1 atm whereas the non-isothermal condition is set to operate at 353K and 3 atm. The voltage values were varying from 0.4V to 0.9V, where the open circuit voltage was set at 1.05V. The polarization curve of the PEMFC indicated the performance of the fuel cell, which also is the focus of this study. The effects of temperature and pressure towards the performance of the PEMFC were also studied and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high silica content in fly ash (FA) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) can be utilized as the main material of cement substitution. In this study, the geopolymer mortar made by mixing alkali activator Na2SiO3 and NaOH as activator and fly ash and palm oil fuel ash as precursor. Variations in the ratio of FA and POFA with the value of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75. As well as the ratio of the alkaline solution between sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5. The objective of this study is to know the effects of NaOH and Na2SiO3 ratio to compressive strength on geopolymer mortar. The result of compressive strength test showed that the maximum compressive strength of mortar of 28 days was obtained by 22.08 MPa using alkali activator ratio of 2.5 with FA75:POFA25 and the minimum compressive strength obtained from comparison of FA25:POFA75 with alkali activator ratio of 1.5 was 3.7 MPa. It was showed that the use of FA75:POFA25 precursor and the greater alkali activator ratio used, the higher the compressive strength obtained. Further research will be developed to explore the potential of oil palm fuel ash based geopolymer concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lubricants are used to reduce friction between contacting surfaces, especially involving mechanical parts. There has been considerable effort to develop a lubricant that will aid sustainable process and efficient performance. Because of their environmental friendliness, biodegradability, less toxic, and good lubricity, vegetable oils are considered a better substitute for mineral oils. However, their thermal and oxidative stability of vegetable needs to be improved for efficient lubrication. This research is aimed at developing and performance evaluation of vegetable oil-based nanolubricants with maghemite nanoparticles at different volume concentrations for sustainable lubrication. Maghemite nanolubricants were prepared by dispersion of the maghemite (γFe2O3) nanoparticles into vegetable oil at a different level of inclusions (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 vol.%). The result indicated an improvement in the thermophysical properties of the nanolubricants with increased concentration, while an increase in temperature decreases their enhancement. The kinematic viscosity of coconut oil is enhanced with an increase of volume fractions that enable them to form a protective thin film under higher temperature operation. At the temperature of 80 °C, an increase of 30.68% was observed in the viscosity of nanolubricant over the pure base oil. The highest thermal conductivity enhancement over the base fluid is 7.33%, corresponding to a ratio of 1.079 times improved performance at a concentration of 0.3 vol.% inclusion over the pure base oil. The tribological properties showed that the wear scar diameter and coefficient of friction decrease with an increase of concentration. Thus making the addition of maghemite nanaoparticles in biolubricants a promising nanolubricant for sustainable machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of foam and expanded polystyrene (EPS) in concrete can significantly reduce the density of concrete. The composition of lightweight concrete consists of Portland composite cement, expanded polystyrene, water, and foam. The ratio of the composition used is 1:2.75 for cement and aggregate, 1:40 for foaming agent and water, and 0.485 for W/C. The expanded polystyrene sizes used are 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. All specimens were cured for 28 days. The concrete test results at 28 days provided compressive strengths of 6.64 MPa, 5.53 MPa, 3.73 MPa, and 13.58 MPa, as well as density of 886 kg/m3, 830 kg/m3, 782 kg/m3, and 1,870 kg/m3 for mixtures of LWC-1, LWC-2, LWC-3, and Normal Mortar. The aim of this research was the performance of lightweight concrete with EPS by determining the durability, density, and the compressive strength using a 5% hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. In the previous studies, the EPS had been heated before mixed. In this study, the EPS had not been heated and directly used in the mixing process. The lightweight concrete with EPS was very potential to reduce structure mass then resulted in a lower earthquake loads on the structures. There were three different conditions of treatment for the specimens that were open room, completely immersing in HCl 5%, and cyclic. The durability of lightweight concrete was determined during 28 and 56 days of immersion in HCl solution to obtain the results of reduced compressive strength and density. The condition III showed the most significant reduction in density and compressive strength at the age of 56 days immersion. The normal mortar has the best durability when compared to all LWCs, with a reduction of density and compressive strength of 14.08% and 32.88%, while the LWC-1 showed the best durability with a reduction in density and compressive strength of 18.41% and 35.44%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to discuss the design verification process in embedded technology using Continuous Improvement (CI) approach. The proposed approached was derived from PDCA which includes "Plan", "Do", "Check" and "Act". Design verification is an essential step in the development of any product. Also referred to as qualification testing, design verification ensures that the product as designed is the same as the product as intended. It is widely known that signal integrity (SI) and power integrity (PI) analysis plays a very important role to guarantee the reliable system operation of these electronics products. Unfortunately, many electronics design do not complete thorough design qualification resulting in products that do not meet customer expectations and require costly design modifications. The Research and Development (R&D) team would work out in board design and verification before sending it to the mass production. So it is important to produce a good quality product, this can be achieved by using Continuous Process Improvement (CPI). This study review some continuous improvement methodologies that have application in verification process, concentrating on CI to ensure that end product is cost effective, reliable and meets customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]