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The aim of this study is to assess the current status of Open Access journals published in Malaysia by analysing the Malaysian journals listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). This exploratory and descriptive study is guided by the following research questions: (a) What growth trends are evident in Malaysian journals covered in DOAJ? (b) Are these journals also indexed in Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and MyCite? (c) What are distribution, and publishing dynamics of Malaysian journals covered in DOAJ? Data was collected from DOAJ, with information on indexed journals prior to 2024. The performance of Malaysian journals listed in DOAJ was further evaluated using data from WoS, Scopus, and MyCite. A total of 101 Malaysian journals were identified, of which 27 are indexed in WoS (ESCI), 36 in Scopus, and 69 in MyCite. The publishers of these journals can be categorised into four groups: university publishers, commercial publishers, publishers affiliated with societies or associations, and government-affiliated publishers. Notably, public university publishers are the major players in Malaysian Open Access journals. Approximately two-thirds of the journals are concentrated in four main subject categories, indicating an unbalanced development across different fields. There remains significant room for improvement in the openness of these journals. This study provides an overview of Malaysian journals included in DOAJ and highlights their key characteristics. The findings can serve as a valuable reference for journal publishers in Malaysia striving to meet global standards for Open Access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of librarians to open educational resources (OER) is increasingly influenced by the open science and open data movements. However, their involvement in OER initiatives remains limited, primarily focusing on managing learning resources and providing information literacy training to facilitate access to OER. This study delves into the role of libraries in adopting OER within their institutions, aiming to explore the current landscape of OER initiatives led by Malaysian academic libraries and the challenges faced by academic librarians, guided by the CARE Framework. Through interviews with nine academic librarians, the study examines the current state of OER initiatives, and the obstacles librarians encounter in supporting these efforts. Findings indicate that Malaysian academic libraries are committed to supporting OER through the creation of library guides that enhance user awareness on how to locate and utilise OER resources. Despite the positive opportunities presented by OER, academic librarians face significant challenges, particularly in promoting access and usage. This study offers valuable insights and practical guidelines for academic libraries to enhance their OER services. The conclusions drawn will also aid in future professional development, contributing to the success and sustainability of the OER movement in promoting open education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Denture performance and quality depend on 3D-printed denture base polymers' mechanical characteristics, including tensile strength and diametral compression strength, when determining material suitability. This study evaluates the performance of a resin used in denture base 3D printing, focusing on its adaptation properties, diametral compression, and tensile strength with the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Ninety specimens were printed: thirty denture bases for denture adaptation test, thirty diskshaped specimens for diametral compression test and thirty dumbull-shape specimens for tensile strength test. Each test has three groups (n = 10). Every test had unreinforced 3D-printed denture base resin as the control group; the other groups were reinforced with 0.5% and 0.7% by wt. CNTs. Exocad software was used to assess denture adaptation, and a universal testing machine was used to assess diametral compression and tensile strength. There was a substantial change in the denture adaption, diametral compression, and tensile strength of the 3D-printed denture base resin when CNTs were added. The mean values of tensile strength and diametral compression increased with 0.5% and 0.7% of CNTs, respectively, as denture adaptation increased. CNTs can enhance the mechanical and adaptability qualities of the base resin used in 3Dprinted dentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining oral hygiene is an essential effort to preserve overall health. According to the 2018 National Basic Health Research, 57.6% of Indonesia's population experiences dental and oral health issues, but only 10.2% receive treatment from dental healthcare providers. Preventing these issues requires awareness of habits that can affect oral health, such as coffee consumption. This study aims to examine the differences in average saliva flow rate, viscosity, and pH before and after coffee consumption in students of the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Sumatera Utara. This quasi-experimental study used a pre-post test control group design. The population consisted of students without a coffee consumption habit, and a sample of 72 participants was obtained through simple-randomized sampling. Data analysis used was Paired T-Test and One- Way ANOVA. The results showed significant differences in saliva flow rate, viscosity, and pH after consuming both Arabica and Robusta coffee (p = 0.000). It can be concluded that coffee consumption affects saliva quality, and it is recommended to consume coffee in the morning during meals and finish it within a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the promising potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT for enhancing the learning experience, its integration as an educational tool in higher education poses disruptions that could affect students. This study explored university language students’ usage, awareness, readiness, concerns, and perceived benefits and challenges of using ChatGPT in higher education learning. The study used an explanatory sequential mixedmethod design, combining online surveys and semi-structured interviews. A total of 355 language students from five private higher education institutions in Indonesia were recruited using purposive sampling. These participants were asked to complete the closed-ended questionnaire, and nine participants were selected for interview sessions. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and thematic analysis. The findings reveal that a majority of students had been using ChatGPT for their learning purposes, especially for writing assignments. The findings also highlight that university language students had a high awareness, readiness, and concerns about using ChatGPT for their academic activities. Additionally, university language students acknowledged the potential benefits of ChatGPT in terms of writing support, personalized learning, increased productivity, brainstorming for generating ideas, and additional resources. However, they also identified the challenges of using ChatGPT, including inaccuracy, lack of critical thinking, plagiarism and AI detection, and technical problems. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how university language students use and perceive ChatGPT for learning purposes, highlighting the need for support and guidance from higher education providers in the responsible use of AI in academic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapidly evolving digital age, the need for computational thinking (CT) skills is answered with the introduction of CT-Mobile, an innovative Android-based graphic design application. The app integrates basic computational concepts with graphic design principles, providing a unique platform for users to improve problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and logical reasoning skills. This study used a research and development (R&D) approach with the 4-D Model (define, design, develop, and disseminate) as a guide. The validity test with experts categorized CT-Mobile as "valid" with values of 0.85 and 0.88 from media experts and material experts. The practicality of this application was rated as "very practical" by teachers (89.67%) and students (86.34%). These findings confirm the significant benefits of CT-Mobile in graphic design learning, both for educators and students. The analysis showed a positive impact on users' CT ability, reflected by improved problem-solving efficiency and a deeper understanding of algorithmic processes. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between mobile application development, graphic design education, and the development of CT skills. CT-Mobile emerges as a promising tool to bridge technology, creativity, and cognitive skill development in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though generalized frequency division multiplexing is an alternative waveform method expected to replace the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing in the future, its implementation must alleviate channel effects. Least‐squares (LS), a low‐complexity channel estimation technique, could be improved by using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) without increasing complexity. Unlike the usage of the LS method, the DFT‐based method requires the receiver to know the channel impulse response (CIR) length, which is unknown. This study introduces a simple, yet effective, CIR length estimator by utilizing LS estimation. As the cyclic prefix (CP) length is commonly set to be longer than the CIR length, it is possible to search through the first samples if CP is larger than a threshold set using the remaining samples. An adaptive scale is also designed to lower the error probability of the estimation, and a simple signal‐to‐interference‐noise ratio estimation is also proposed by utilizing a sparse preamble to support the use of the scale. A software simulation is used to show the ability of the proposed system to estimate the CIR length. Due to shorter CIR length of rural area, the performance is slightly poorer compared to urban environment. Nevertheless, satisfactory performance is shown for both environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives. Handball requires a range of physical skills, with throwing power being essential for scoring goals, passing, and enhancing overall speed. Plyometric training, a type of exercise that merges strength and speed to boost athletic performance, is well-regarded for its ability to improve explosive power and agility. This study explores the use of plyometric training in handball and assesses its effects on players' throwing power and speed. Materials and Methods. This experimental study employed a one-group pretestposttest design. The participants were members of the Sambas district handball team, aged 17-22 years, chosen through total sampling, resulting in 15 athletes. The intervention involved plyometric exercises conducted over four weeks, with three sessions each week. Data were collected using the Medicine Ball Javelin Quadrathlon strength test, and the analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results. The data analysis showed a significant difference between the pretest average score of 19.93 and the posttest average score of 22.00, indicating an increase of 2.07. The significance level was 0.000, which is less than 0.05, confirming that plyometric exercises significantly improve throwing strength and speed in handball. Conclusions. The results indicate that plyometric exercises effectively enhance strength and speed in handball throwing. These findings suggest that including plyometric exercises in handball training programs can lead to significant improvements in athletic performance. Coaches and trainers are advised to incorporate plyometric training to enhance players' explosive power and speed, thereby improving their performance in competitive handball. Therefore, plyometric exercises are recommended for handball players to boost their throwing abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare salivary characteristics between SECC and caries free children. It is an analytic study with cross-sectional design. 52 children aged 10-27 months comprised 26 SECC children and 26 caries free children. The subject selection’s technique was purposive sampling from the Johor districts, Medan-Indonesia public health center. SECC characteristics were based on AAPD. Examination of flow rate, pH and salivary buffer capacity were using GC Saliva Check Buffer. sIgA and lysozyme level were examined using the ELISA method using a microplate reader. Examination of lysozyme activities used lysozyme detection kit and read by spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-Square, and Spearman correlation. The result showed that children with SECC had lower lysozyme level, salivary flow, pH and buffer capacity than caries free children (p<0.05). There were correlations among lysozyme level, salivary flow, pH and buffer capacity to deft index (p<0.05). It was concluded that SECC children had poorer salivary characteristics than caries free children, thus facilitating the development of dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyze global diversity values present in Indonesian language textbooks for fourth-grade elementary school students. The study employs a qualitative approach with content analysis as the method. The research objects consist of four textbooks published by Erlangga, Yudistira, Bumi Aksara, and Puskurbuk Kemdikbudristek. The analysis process involves selecting relevant material samples, developing analytical categories, coding the content, and interpreting emerging patterns. The research findings indicate that the Indonesian language textbooks for fourth-grade elementary school students provide activities and experiences that enrich their understanding of cultural diversity in Indonesia. Students are taught to develop attitudes of tolerance and intercultural communication, as well as reflection and responsibility towards diversity. These books contribute to shaping students who are inclusive, tolerant, and capable of communicating in a multicultural environment, embodying the values of global diversity character. The importance of fostering global diversity character in primary school students is highlighted through education, particularly using meticulously designed Indonesian language textbooks. These textbooks introduce students to various aspects of Indonesian and other cultures, promoting understanding, appreciation, and tolerance for cultural diversity. Emphasizing character development, the textbooks instruct students in intercultural communication and encourage interactions with culturally diverse peers, fostering effective communication skills for multicultural environments. Furthermore, students are prompted to reflect on their own multicultural experiences, shaping their global perspectives. In summary, Indonesian language textbooks serve as a vital resource in shaping students into inclusive, tolerant individuals proficient in effective communication within multicultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effect of consuming rebon shrimp crackers on the saliva characteristics namely flow rate, pH and viscosity in Percobaan Public Elementary School Medan. This study was experimental research with pre and post-test control group design consisting of 48 samples, 24 receiving the intervention and 24 as the control group. Unstimulated saliva samples obtained by using the drooling method are then measured for pH and flow rate. The viscosity was assessed using Ostwald viscometer. Paired T-test was used to analyze the effect of rebon shrimp crackers on saliva characteristics, unpaired T-test to analyze differences in rebon shrimp crackers consumption on salivary characteristics, and Pearson correlation to analyze the association between saliva characteristics after treatment. There was a significant effect on saliva characteristics (p<0.05) before and after treatment in the treatment group, but not in the control group (p>0.05). After treatment, there was a significant difference in saliva characteristics (p<0.05) between the control and treatment groups. A significant correlation was observed between salivary flow rate and viscosity (p=0.03), flow rate and pH (p=0.00), and pH and viscosity (p=0.03) after treatment. Due to their effect on saliva characteristics, rebon shrimp crackers may be used to prevent caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of research data and its influence on research practices has heightened global awareness of the significance of research data governance (RDG). However, there is a lack of literature explicitly outlining the implementation of RDG and the practices adopted by research performing organizations (RPOs). This study intends to bridge this gap by utilizing a three-round modified Delphi method, which involves a systematic solicitation and collection of feedback from a pool of experts comprising research data practitioners. This is accomplished through a series of carefully designed sequential surveys focused explicitly on RDG activities concerning tasks associated with governance roles, areas and decision domains within RPOs in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to develop consensus among research data practitioners on the importance of RDG activities. Statements were evaluated using a 5-point scale, and consensus was determined as an interquartile deviation (IQD) ≤ 0.5, a median ≥ 4, and a consensus level (CL) ≥ 85%. Analysis of the responses revealed a significant consensus among the experts on 106 out of 119 RDG task statements on various roles, nineteen areas, and eight decision domains deemed significant to the RDG implementation within RPOs. This study can potentially develop an RDG framework based on the consensus achieved. By providing an RDG framework that can be used as a set of best practices, this study can assist RPO leaders in considering implementing RDG and its efforts in their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

his paper proposes teaching strategies and techniques for library instruction in academic libraries to achieve the intended goals. The recommendations are based on insights from previous research IN library instruction with the intention to identify possible strategies and techniques for different user groups. This study applied a systematic literature review method, using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol to examine the use of teaching strategies and techniques in library instruction programs. The Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were searched for relevant literature using specific keywords. Applying the inclusion criteria, a total of 27 articles out of the 1380 documents extracted, were deemed relevant to the study. The results show that library instruction is usually conducted in the form of individual sessions. Teaching strategies used by librarians include flipped classroom, faux flip, class room teaching, research clinic, consultation, asynchronous learning, and online synchronous learning, among others. These teaching strategies improved engagement and relationships between students and librarians, while impacting critical thinking, confidence and self-directed learning. It is concluded that librarians should consider adopting and combining teaching strategies based on individual needs and use technology to improve teaching effectiveness and increase student learning. This study shows that most studies on library instruction have only partially addressed instructional strategies. A critical review of the literature revealed that a strategic shift in the management of library instruction is necessary to achieve the intended outcomes. In this study, three teaching strategies for library education are proposed, namely Embracing for freshman, Encouraging for sophomore, and Leveraging for postgraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various strategies have been developed to ensure the success of the critical and challenging process of recruiting content for institutional repositories. This article presents an in-depth exploration of content recruitment strategies used by three Malaysian higher learning institutions in their institutional repositories. Through interviews with nine repository librarians, the study investigates the various methods used to acquire content, including mediated deposit, self-archiving, andpromotion activities. The study reveals that setting up content deposit as a quality objective and key performance indicator (KPI) is a new and effective strategy used among the three case studies. The findings provide valuable insights into the approaches taken by these institutions to recruit content and offer practical guidelines for academic librarians in general. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on institutional repository management, highlighting the importance of implementing effective content recruitment strategies to ensure the success and sustainability of these repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]