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Weight loss via bariatric surgery and upper airway surgery are effective alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea, however, current clinical tools cannot accurately predict treatment response. Therefore, this thesis examines how these two interventions affect the underlying physiology causing sleep apnoea. This thesis demonstrates that knowledge of the causes of sleep apnoea can enhance prediction of treatment response and brings us a step closer in delivering personalised medicine for sleep apnoea.

A noble operational framework – 2K5S, a modified form of Toyota production system (TPS) incorporating Kaizen, Kaikaku and 5S is introduced in this paper. Kaizen is continuous improvement concept implementing a small step at a time to produce a small or moderate improvement in productivity. Kaikaku is a moderate innovative approach implementing new work method or means to produce a drastic improvement in productivity by eliminating wastes at the same time. The 2K5S is then implemented in the operations of a pineapple farm and a series of case studies are conducted. The outcomes of the case studies have revealed that through the introduction and implementation of the 2K5S operational framework, some significant organisational improvements have been witnessed. Apart from significantly increment in productivity, other advantages achieved including increasing in effectiveness and efficiency in the operational processes, improved visual management of the process, improved operational health and safety and morale of the workers, improved housekeeping, waste elimination and process standardization. The outcomes of this study have demonstrated that 2K5S is a powerful and practical operational framework model which is applicable for agricultural organisation. Keywords: Toyota production system (TPS), 2K5S, Kaizen, Kaikaku, 5S, continuous improvement, agricultural sector.

The objective of this study is to implement some of the Kaizen and 5S principles borrowed from Toyota's operation management systems and process improvements to help smallholder farmers become more productive and efficient. The paper systematically analyses, categorises, and reviews methodically the published literature. A series of case studies were conducted in an indoor hydroponic farm located in an urban area. The Kaizen and 5S principles in the organization have been implemented and analysed. Based on the outcomes of the case studies, it can be stressed that by the introduction and implementation of the Kaizen and 5S principles brings significant changes and improvements in the organisation in terms of increasing in effectiveness and efficiency in the operational processes, improved visual management of the process, improved safety and morale of the workers, improved housekeeping, waste elimination and standardization. The outcomes of this study have demonstrated that the Kaizen and 5S principles and techniques are equally applicable for agricultural organisations rather than manufacturing sectors.

The rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) in education has attract the interest of the Malaysia's Ministry of Education. Ministry aims to have all teachers received ICT training and to integrate ICT in teaching and learning in the classroom. Teachers as the driving force for ICT literate society must prepare themselves with knowledge and skills in ICT. Different competency among teacher in mastering the skills and knowledge of ICT requires a benchmark to help them to know their personal ability. National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) recommended by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a benchmark that can support and enhance teaching and learning in education. This paper attempts to examine the relevant literature review of ICT competency of teachers in the country and abroad. Teachers who successfully meet NETS-T should be a guide to others while any criticism should make changes for the better.

Headmaster as leader of the school also plays a role as a technology leader. This applies to the high performance schools (HPS) headmaster as well. The HPS excel in all aspects of education. In this study, researcher is interested in examining the role of the headmaster as a technology leader through interviews with three headmasters of high performance schools. Various topics related to technology leadership among headmaster have been discussed based on National Educational Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS-A) 2009 recommended by International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). From the conversation, the headmaster of HPS have played their leadership role of technology in schools by meeting the various components of NETS-A. In terms of challenges, the online internet is a major obstacle to promoting the use of ICT in the school. The hard work and effort by the headmaster of HPS in the field of ICT has shown a good result and outcome. The headmaster of other schools should have to emulate the great efforts HPS headmasters to create a generation of young literates.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Virtual Science Laboratory (ViSLab) on visual signalling principles towards students’ perceived motivation. Motivation can be identified as a dimension that determines learning success and causes the high failure rate among online learners, especially in VR environments. Cognitive load researchers need to determine the motivational effects of instructional conditions, and identify strategies that maintain students’ awareness of the learning materials without their being distracted by the world outside, as well as help out instructional designers to distinguish the power of VR learning environments in enhancing the motivation of learners. The lesson of the science laboratory safety is developed in two different modes, Virtual Reality with Signalling (VRS) and Virtual Reality Non Signalling (VRNS). 2x2 quasi experimental factorial design is adopted in this research. The independent variables were the two modes of presentation. The moderator variable is the spatial ability. The dependant variable is the perceived motivation. The study sample consisted of 141 students. The Instructional Material Motivational Scale (IMMS) from Keller was used to determine students’ perceived motivation. ANOVA was carried out to determine if a significant difference occurred between the two groups in their motivation towards instructional materials. The findings of this study showed that the use of Virtual Reality with Signalling (VRS) treatment mode helped pupils perform significantly better than Virtual Reality Non Signalling (VRNS) in learning science laboratory safety. Overall, visual signalling principle needs to be considered in the design and development of Virtual Science Laboratory (ViSLab) to promote more effective learning.

© 2014, Taylor & Francis. As a complex and emerging phenomenon, nationalism presents a serious challenge to international marketers, with no exception to the field of tourism. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence in understanding the role of nationalism in tourist travel intention. A qualitative research approach with in-depth interview and on-site observation was adopted to bridge this gap during the Diaoyu/Senkaku Island Incident between China and Japan since late 2012. In particular, this study seeks to shed light on the influence of nationalism on Chinese tourists. A nationalism dynamics model has been established to explore and explain different segments of tourists based on their self-perceived level of nationalism. The findings of this paper offer important implications for both scholars and practitioners in their strategic responses to this challenging nationalism phenomenon.