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This study aims to examine the Relative Importance Index (RII) that influences online learning in the subject of Geography. The study adopted survey research design involving five secondary schools in the state of Perak, Malaysia conisisted of 135 pre-university students selected via simple random sampling method. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire was composed of 45 items to measure interest, acceptance, and effectiveness. The collected data were analyzed via SPSS software using descriptive analysis and RII analysis. Findings of the study revealed that the statement: 'when learning there is an interesting video display' had the highest RII value (RII = 0.8933), while 'I prefer to learn through the internet becuase any time I can learn' recieved the second highest RII value (RII = 0.8296) for the factor acceptance critera. For the learning effectiveness criteria, the 'online learning factor created curiousity to me in the subject of Geogrpahy' had the highest RII value (RII = 0.8281). Finally, for the achievement critera, the factor of 'understanding the important contents in learning through attractive colors and graphics' contributes the highest RII value (RII = 0.8207). On average, the RII value of the interest criterion was in the highest position (RII = 0.8076), followed by the achievement criterion (RII = 0.7684). Meanwhile, the learning effectiveness critera were in the lowest position (RII= 0.7516) of the overall study criteria. The conclusion from this study shows that the criteria of interest and acheievment are the main factors of online learning choices of pre-university Geography students. [Note: The page range (160-168) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct page range for this article is p160-171.]

Mechatronic Technology is a field of specialization that offers job opportunities in various sectors of industry. Demand for skilled and semi-skilled labour has increased over the years. However, there are still graduates who do not pursue careers in this field of study. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors contributing to the intention to apply mechatronic technology after graduation. The design of this study was conducted using a survey design, using a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Moreover, this study also consisted of 90 Mechatronic Technology Certificate students from ITI Bukit Katil and ITI Tangkak. Data were descriptively analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the most dominant factor contributing to the student's intention to apply Mechatronic Technology after graduation. The results showed that factors of technology ease of use, technology usefulness and student behaviour intentions to apply mechatronic technology were high. The findings also demonstrated that ease of use of technology was the most dominant and significant factor in students' intention behaviour to apply mechatronic technology after graduation. The impact of this study also provides insight into the TAM Model to understand students' intention to apply mechatronic technology after graduation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crime is a social phenomenon in almost every country. The increasing of crime incidents now and then could instigate the recurrence of crimes. The integration of prison inmates into society after release is a challenging phase to start with a new life outside the prison. Therefore, this study aims to explore recidivism perspectives on the Human Rehabilitation Program (PPI) toward career goals and recidivism factors. The design of this study is a narrative design using a qualitative approach where a semi-structured interview protocol was used to facilitate the data collection processes. A total of five recidivists from a prison in the southern zone were selected as study participants. The interview data obtained from a one-to-one interview session were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of this study found that four factors might influence the repetitive entrance of recidivists to prison namely, difficulty in finding a job, unwillingness to change, family and community stigma, and the relaxation of conditions for participating in the PPI programs. In conclusion, apart from these difficulties, securing employment is another reason which has caused recidivism to occur. Therefore, this study suggests that an intervention should be made to the PPI programs provided by the prison to ensure its relevance in line with the needs of recidivists in terms of physical, personality, skills, and societal integrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A massive release of harmful substances especially heavy metal ions and dyes to the environment has been a major concern due to many people disregards the proper protocols in the waste management. The freshwater supplies are threatened and huge discharge of pollutants result from various anthropogenic activities may pose a major threat to the living organisms and negatively affect the ecosystem stability. This article reviews the development of magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites for removal of heavy metal ions and dyes from water. The highlight will be focused on current research activities for controlled size and dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles within solid matrices including zeolites, silica, clays, carbon, activated carbon, graphene and graphene oxide. The magnetic properties of the nanocomposites will be evaluated to determine whether they possessed sufficient magnetization for easy separation by an external magnet. The unique features of the synthesized materials will be investigated along with their application in the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes. The advantages and limitations of the magnetic nanocomposites will be highlighted to determine their adsorption ability. The effect of various parameters such as pH, contaminants concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature will be summarized to identify the best condition for effective pollutants removal. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Synthesis, properties and application of magnetic iron oxide NCs for the adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes. • Methods for the preparation of magnetic iron oxide NCs with control over the size, morphology and the magnetic properties. • Factors affecting the adsorption of heavy metal ions and dyes in water by magnetic iron oxide NCs. • Influence of the iron oxide loading and specific surface area of NCs on removal of heavy metal ions and dyes in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preschool education is an important phase in the life of a child between the ages of 4-6 years. Children in this phase will get an education that will shape them towards developing a balanced human capital as enshrined in the Malaysian Philosophy of Education. Thus, preschool teachers play an important role in making the government's dream of producing a generation of caliber. Being a teacher must have extensive knowledge not just pedagogical knowledge but knowledge of student behavior in the classroom to ensure that students behave according to their growing age. Therefore, it is important for a preschool teacher to have knowledge and awareness of the characteristics of students with learning difficulties. The purpose of this study is to see the extent of knowledge of preschool teachers on the characteristics of students with special needs. This study was conducted using quantitative methods and related questionnaires were distributed to the respondents involved. The findings of this study found that the knowledge of preschool teachers is at a high level. This shows that teachers today are highly knowledgeable either knowledge gained through experience or from other sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]