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Missingness or incompleteness of data is a challenge to the survey statisticians in producing the reliable estimates of the desired population parameters. If the missingness pattern is unidentifiab...

Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti perlakuan metakognitif murid Tingkatan Empat dalam menyelesaikan masalah Matematik. Secara spesifiknya kajian ini mengenal pasti perbezaan tahap perlakuan metakognitif murid dalam menyelesaikan masalah Matematik berdasarkan jantina dan tahap pencapaian Matematik mereka. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan reka bentuk kaedah tinjauan. Instrumen yang digunakan ialah borang soal selidik metakognitif yang merangkumi konstruk kesedaran, strategi kognitif, perancangan dan pengesanan kendiri serta menggunakan instrumen ujian. Dapatan menunjukkan tahap perlakuan metakognitif murid Tingkatan Empat dalam menyelesaikan masalah bagi konstruk kesedaran, strategi kognitif, perancangan dan pengesanan kendiri adalah tinggi. Hasil analisis ujian-t menunjukkan bahawa tidak terdapat perbezaan signifikan antara tahap perlakuan metakognitif murid berdasarkan jantina. Kajian juga menunjukkanidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara tahap perlakuan metakognitif murid dalam menyelesaikan masalah Matematik berdasarkan tahap pencapaian mata pelajaran tersebut.

In this paper, an attempt has been made to minimize the negative impact of random non-response in the estimation of population mean on current occasion in two-occasion successive sampling. A general class of estimators has been proposed, and their properties are studied under the assumptions that the number of sampling unit on which information may not be obtained follows a discrete probability distribution due to random non-response behavior. Properties of the proposed class of estimators are also derived for as individual cases when random non-response occurs either on the first or the second occasion. Empirical study has been carried out to show the efficacious performances of the proposed class of estimators over an estimator defined for the complete response situations. Suitable recommendations have been made to the applied survey practitioners for their real-life practical applications.

A phenazine alkaloid, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of cold-adapted yeast Glaciozyma antarctica PI12 (Kriegeriales). The compounds were isolated by several chromatography techniques i.e. radial chromatography (RC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The chemical structure was elucidated by ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were result of extensive stakeholder participation and global consensus. Despite large promises, there is an increasing concern among the member states whet...

The English language is the medium of instruction and knowledge deliverance in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This study looks into whether or not English writing skills affect the students’ performance in answering Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in the final examination of Molecular Biology (BIO615). The samples comprised BSc (Hons) Biology students from two consecutive semesters in two of UiTM campuses (UiTM Shah Alam and UiTM Jengka). Mean percentage between students answering the December 2015 and June 2016 final examinations in the respective campus was obtained and correlated with marks obtained in English for Academic Writing course (ELC550). The results demonstrated a weak correlation between students’ achievement in ELC550 and their ability in answering HOTS questions in BIO615 final examination in UiTM Shah Alam. In contrast, in UiTM Jengka, the moderate correlation was shown in Semester Sept-Jan 2015. The results of this study are hoped to assist biology educators in crafting appropriate and effective teaching approaches, especially in teaching complicated subjects as well as in strengthening English language proficiency. Keywords: Higher Order Thinking Skills; Molecular Biology; English Proficiency; Bloom’s Taxonomy. eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI:https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2314

This paper presents a case study on a research framework of gap analysis on audit systems for a standard called IATF 16949 and Toyota Production System (TPS) in the automotive industry. A study was carried out to define the gaps that are currently being faced in this industry. A comparison and contrast for an audit process flow chart was plotted and showed that there are processes have similar audit objectives, same auditees and involved with the same documents to be audited. Meanwhile, 5M (Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement and) 1 E (Environment) methodology were used to study audit requirements for both IATF 16949 and TPS and showed that both systems share the same audit items. Rasch model was used to measure the level of satisfaction, difficulties, and challenges faced by the people in the industry. By reducing the few steps in implementing the internal audit, it is expected to minimize the “wastes” that occurred during the execution of both audit systems. This case study has proposed that the integration of audit system of the IATF 16949 and TPS will harmonize the systems and reduce the hassle faced by the people in the industry.

In contrast to the traditionally exploited cages, organic chromophores and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as a sensing model, the chemistry of 1D coordination polymers as promising sensors is still under explored and needs special attention. Herein, a zinc 1D coordination polymer, {[Zn(HPydc)2]·2H2O}n (1) has been synthesized using 2,3-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H2Pydc) and characterized employing FT-IR, single crystal X-ray, PXRD, TG, CV, spectral studies, time resolved fluorescence and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The 1 displayed intermolecular O⋯H, Cl⋯H and others interactions, which create a supramolecular network. These interactions have been substantiated by Hirshfeld surface analyses. 1 exhibit promising dual functional sensing behaviour for recognition of picric acid (PA) and Pd2+ ions over other nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and metal ions via fluorescence quenching with high selectivity and sensitivity in the aqueous phase. The unique properties of 1 as a potential bi-functional chemosensor for the detection of both PA and Pd2+ in the aqueous medium has been estabilished as confirmed by its high quenching efficiency, selectivity and superior detection limit. The sensing mechanism is explored by spectral titrations, time decay and also by the DFT (B3LYP/def2-SVP) studies. The present investigation adds to the advancement of MOF or CP materials research, particularly in their application as biological and environmental fluorescent chemosensors.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer among women in Malaysia and globally, with over two million deaths each year. In this study, two modelling approaches namely Bayesian approach and frequentist approach were considered to identify associated risk factors in CVD among female patients presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and to obtain feasible model to fit the data. Comparisons were made to find the best model. A total of 874 STEMI female patients from 18 participating hospitals across Malaysia in the National Cardiovascular Disease Database-Acute Coronary Syndrome (NCVD-ACS) registry year 2006-2013 were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for both Bayesian and frequentist approaches. Six variables namely smoking, dyslipidaemia, myocardial infarction (MI), renal disease, Killip class and age group were found to be significant at the multivariate analysis. The standard errors obtained from the Bayesian approach were much smaller than the frequentist approach. Also, the model fit using Bayesian approach was much better than the frequentist as the deviance value produced by the Bayesian approach was smaller. The Bayesian analysis provides a better alternative to the frequentist approach in the analysis of the risk factors associated with mortality among female CVD patients.

In this work, we report the synthesis of one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer [Cu(ida)(H2O)2]n (1) (H2ida = iminodiacetic acid). The polymer is characterized by different spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, EPR, UV-visible, luminescence, TGA, and PXRD) along with the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SCXRD). The SCXRD study shows that 1 crystallizes in an orthorhombic system with the Pbca space group and adopts a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. 1 possesses a 1D chain structure further packed into 2D supramolecular architectures by O⋯H interactions. The FTIR spectrum of 1 ascertains the binding modes of the ligands. The EPR spectral analysis shows an isotropic signal at g = 2.09, indicating a Jahn—Teller distortion of the Cu2+ (d9) ion. Further, 1 exhibits a catecholase-like activity in methanol. It can easily oxidize the 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) substrate to its respective quinone. The polymer shows a significant catalytic activity with Kcat = 214.66 h–1.

We have synthesized two mononuclear complexes, Mn-hq and Co-hq, to serve as sustainable catalysts (for degrading dyes from organic pollutant) and as biocatalysts (for promoting oxidation of catechol to quinone). The two complexes have been characterized by various spectroscopic tools, and with the assistance of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, their molecular structures were established. The present complexes were exploited for the catalytic activity, i.e., enzymatic activity and photocatalytic property. In methanolic solution, Mn-hq and Co-hq were examined for catecholase-like activity and Mn-hq particularly catalyzes the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol to analogous quinone with a Kcat value of 835.2 h−1. Additionally, Mn-hq and Co-hq demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in the aqueous medium beneath visible light. Co-hq shows excellent stability and recyclability toward MB. Further, trapping experiment along with degradation pathways is also explored. Thus, the present research throws light on the excellent catalytic properties of simply designed complexes and this activity can be tuned for desired efficiencies in future prospects.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formic acid is a good strategy to address both environmental and energy issues. However, some drawbacks including low activity, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalysts must be overcome. We propose a method for tailoring Bi2O2CO3-coated carbon fiber electrodes with higher selectivity and stability for electrochemical CO2 reduction to formic acid. We evaluated the effect of Bi2O2CO3 and Nafion contents on the electrocatalysts performance for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). All electrodes produced only HCOO− in the liquid phase with a maximum faradaic efficiency (FE) of 69%. The electrocatalysts were stable under 24 h of continuous CO2RR operation. The FE increased with the increasing electrolyte concentration and cation radius size, which indicates that the anion stabilization in solution is critical for adequate formate generation. The CO2RR mechanism was proposed with basis on the literature. The structural carbonate of Bi2O2CO3 acts as an intermediate species in the formate production from CO2.

Carboxylic acid reductases (CARs) are attracting burgeoning attention as biocatalysts for organic synthesis of aldehydes and their follow-up products from economic carboxylic acid precursors. The CAR enzyme class as a whole, however, is still poorly understood. To date, relatively few CAR sequences have been reported, especially from fungal sources. Here, we sought to increase the diversity of the CAR enzyme class. Six new CAR sequences from the white-rot fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus were identified from genome-wide mining. Genome and gene clustering analysis suggests that these PcCAR enzymes play different natural roles in Basidiomycete systems, compared to their type II Ascomycete counterparts. The cDNA sequences of all six Pccar genes were deduced and analysis of their corresponding amino acid sequence showed that they encode for proteins of similar properties that possess a conserved modular functional tri-domain arrangement. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all PcCAR enzymes cluster together with the other type IV CARs. One candidate, PcCAR4, was cloned and over-expressed recombinantly in Escherichia coli. Subsequent biotransformation-based screening with a panel of structurally-diverse carboxylic acid substrates suggest that PcCAR4 possessed a more pronounced substrate specificity compared to previously reported CARs, preferring to reduce sterically-rigid carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid. These findings thus present a new functionally-distinct member of the CAR enzyme class.

While a plenty of work has been done on metal complexes incorporating N- and O-functionalised dicarboxylic acids (iminodiacetic acid and oxydiacetic acid, respectively), S-functionalised dicarboxylic acid, i.e. thiodiglycolic acid (H2tdga), is less explored and requires attention. In this study, two dinuclear complexes, namely [Mn2(tdga)2(phen)2]·2CH3OH (1) and [Cu2(tdga)2(phen)2]·H2tdga (2), were characterised employing spectral, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and DFT/TD-DFT studies. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) reveals the types of electronic transition between metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT). The crystal structure reveals the presence of various non-covalent interactions, which are further corroborated from Hirshfeld surface analysis. In EPR spectral analysis, 1 shows an isotropic signal at g = 1.99 due to Mn2+ (d5) with ground-state term 6S having a six-coordinate distorted octahedral geometry, while 2 shows two resonances, namely, g‖ = 2.21 and g⊥ = 2.11 due to the Jahn–Teller distortion of Cu2+ (d9) ions. The anisotropic g values are in the order of g‖ > g⊥ > 2.0, which is characteristic of an axially elongated tetragonal distortion with a dx2–y2 ground-state energy level. Assessment of catecholase-like activity provides Kcat = 962.56 (h−1) for 2, indicating enhanced enzymatic activity of 2 towards the oxidation of catechol (3,5-DTBC) to a quinone derivative (3,5-DTBQ). The catecholase activity of 2 is also corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) analysis.

Divergence in the PBu3-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of phenacylmalononitriles with allenoates, controlled by the γ-substitution on allenoates, offers a tunable synthesis of multifunctionalized cyclopentene carboxamides and cyclopentenols. An unprecedented formation of cyclopentene carboxamide was observed when allenic esters bearing a substitution at the γ-position were employed, while unsubstituted allenoates produced cyclopentenols. The former reaction likely involves a Michael/aldol/nucleophilic cyclization sequence in a domino manner.

Coordination chemistry has always been the most important tool to envisage the material importance of metal–organic systems. The chemistry involved plays a key role in determining structural features, which are responsible for tuning the properties of materials. In the present review, the current trends of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), their structural properties and dye adsorption related to their structural architecture together with other parameters affecting adsorption phenomena are discussed. The content of hazardous dyes such as methylene blue, rhodamine B, and methyl orange has been continuously increasing in wastewater, and therefore, considering environmental safety, their removal is urgent. The present survey demonstrates the important role of MOFs in dye adsorption and separation. Their structure activity relationship, which is the most important factor, is elaborated through the current scenario. The mechanisms involved in the adsorption are also illustrated and explained. The mechanisms support that, besides the porous nature of MOFs, various non-covalent interactions also play a significant role in enhancing the adsorption of dyes. This review presents the modern trends of dye adsorption by MOFs and opens new doors for the further tuning of their structural features to modulate the adsorption/separation of hazardous materials, which will definitely guide the future endeavors of coordination chemists.

The development of low-cost and highly active electrode material is essential for the growth of renewable energy conversion and storage technologies. In this work, a composite of carbon-red phosphorous has been synthesized using a simple chemical reaction of sugar with sulfuric acid in presence of red phosphorous followed by carbonization. The as-prepared carbon-red phosphorous composite displays oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 1.69 V vs. RHE to achieve 10 mA cm−2 current density compared to pristine carbon (1.81 V vs. RHE). Moreover, a symmetrical supercapacitor has been constructed, which delivers a specific capacitance of 105.8 F g−1 and retains 100% of its initial capacitance after repeating 3000 voltammogram cycles. This simple and low-cost preparation of carbon-red phosphorous composite from sugar can open up exciting opportunities for energy conversion and storage applications.

Here, we synthesize a composite of polyaniline and 5-sulfosalicylic acid (PANI-SSA) using a chemical oxidative polymerization method. The as-synthesized composite material was characterized using several physico-chemical and electrochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The as-synthesized PANI-SSA composite shows much higher capacity of 72 mAh g−1 than the pristine PANI (41 mAh g−1). The composite also shows better cyclic stability and retains capacity almost the same after 1000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. This result demonstrates the importance of PANI-SSA as an electrode material for energy storage applications.

Aim of the work: This report aims to present the clinical challenge in managing a case of anterior scleritis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA), which was masquerading as recurrent conjunctivitis and the lines of management and disease course. Case report: A 68-year-old Malaysian male presented with bilateral blurring of vision associated with pain and redness for one-week duration. He had prior episodes of eye redness and discomfort, which was temporarily relieved with a course of corticosteroid eye drops, on presumptive diagnosis of conjunctivitis. Visual acuity was 6/18 bilaterally. Anterior segment examination showed diffuse conjunctival and episcleral injection which was tender on palpation. There was no posterior segment involvement in both eyes. Patient was tested positive for ANCA and proteinase 3 (PR3). Urinalysis showed proteinuria and hematuria. Chest X-ray was clear with no evidence of pulmonary infiltrations, nodules, cavitation or pleural effusion. Electrocardiogram showed left ventricular hypertrophy with right bundle branch block. The patient also had sensorineural hearing loss. A diagnosis of ANCA-associated scleritis was made and patient was treated with a combination of oral glucocorticoids and azathioprine. The patient had two episodes of anterior scleritis and developed bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) which resulted in permanent visual impairment with no further progress. Ongoing rheumatology service work-up for systemic vasculitis could not classify the case. Conclusion: ANCA-associated vasculitis can have atypical ocular presentation and can be clinically misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis. Long term visual and systemic complications can be prevented with early detection and prompt immunosuppressive treatment. Keywords: ANCA, Scleritis, ANCA-associated vasculitis, Conjunctivitis

Carbon nanomaterials confined with metallic single-atoms have shown great potential in electrocatalysis because of their unique physicochemical properties such as high-efficiency, high mass activity and maximum atom-utilization for reactions involved in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions. In principle, metal single-atoms dispersed on appropriate carbon support ideally possess tunable coordination environment and unique electronic properties that result in excellent activity and selectivity toward catalytic reactions as compared to nanoparticles/or bulk form of noble and non-noble metals. This article reviews the recent advances of metal single-atom confined carbon nanomaterials, following their rational design strategies and correlation between metal–support combinations for the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions, including bifunctional activities for metal–air batteries and water electrolysis. A perspective on emerging fields of single-atom catalysis is also provided in this study.

Multi-level inverters (MLI) are power electronic converters that convert DC power to AC power with high power-quality of output voltage waveforms. These MLI are the main streamline converters for integrating dc power of EV with microgrids. Thus, the recent interest of researchers is to investigate the MLI with a lower number of active and passive switch counts which could integrate the DC power of EV to the microgrid with the boosting ability. This chapter discusses various topologies of MLI for the integration of the DC power of EV to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. MLI converts DC power to AC power with high quality of output voltage waveform. Thus, the recent interest of researchers is to investigate the MLI with a lower number of active and passive switch counts which could integrate the DC power of EV to the microgrid. Also, MLI must be capable of boosting the voltage level to meet the grid requirements. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the various topologies of MLI for the integration of DC power of EV to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and its measurement is a key policy focus across the globe. Despite existence of several indices and reporting agencies, it is a challenging task to identify progress, specifically in the case of developing economies. These economies are predominantly in Asia and Africa and have a great bearing on global performance. These countries have diverse geographical and cultural elements with an active sub-national institutional framework. Data gap coupled with poor data quality and limited financial support does not help their case. Without appropriate indicator selection and index measurement it is not possible to judge the actual current situation or compare the SDG situation around the world. This paper attempts a practical and simpler approach to overcome the constraints, provide direction and facilitate measurement of SDG position in such countries using the case of India. This is done by identifying gaps, suggesting a tailored approach to indicator selection and measurement and further, developing a suitable index for SDG measurement at the sub-national level. The results and findings should be of great interest for policy making and implementing agencies.

An omental cyst is a rare intraabdominal pathology that can cause acute abdomen and intestinal obstruction among children. A 2-year-old boy presented with fever, bilious vomiting, abdomen distension and loose stool of acute onset. The chest and abdominal radiographs showed right pleural effusion and prominent small bowels with thickening walls respectively. Ultrasonography revealed a gastrointestinal duplication cyst. An exploratory laparotomy was done and found a 5x5 cm infected omental cyst, severely adhered to and eroded into the ileum causing a small perforation. Omental cyst excision and ileal primary repair were done. The final diagnosis was a benign omental cyst. Omental cyst is usually asymptomatic; however, symptomatic omental cyst should be cautious for bleeding, intestinal obstruction, infection, torsion and rupture.

In the present study described the impact of water quality on the Asian clam

Assessment literacy relates to teacher's ability to know and clearly understand the purpose, measurement, evaluation and use of assessment to report the overall level of student achievement in a particular subject or time period, reflect and take continuous follow-up action to improve instructional, student’s capability and achievement in learning. The purpose of this paper is to use co-citation analysis to detect the evolution of prior research linked to assessment literacy by identify the major sources and the classes they create (i.e. clusters) and reviews the significance of the aspects commonly mentioned by the authors in studies. The Scopus search engine was used to find the papers that were reviewed. All collected data were examined using the VOSviewer software to provide bibliometric results. The review's primary focus is on assessment literacy research that is associated to discussion in educational activities. Finally, the data show that co-occurrence of keywords in documents and co-authorship by author indicate seven and six clusters, respectively. Six primary categories of co-authorship, as follows: (1) Changes to the education assessment system, as well as prospective teacher's trust in its implementation, (2) The requirement for assessment concepts, (3) Literacy and data interpretation from teachers, (4) Assessing literacy and global needs, (5) Factors affecting teacher assessment, and (6) Methods for enhancing teachers' assessment literacy in learning. This paper analysis aims to provide a more thorough knowledge of the evolution of research topics, scientific practice and trends in new and interesting fields of study.