Browsing by Type "master thesis"

The goal of this project is to develop an object detection and classification system for road crossing areas as part of a monitoring system using 4D radar imaging with a deep-learning neural network approach. In this work, we utilised deep neural networks powered by Keras and Tensorflow to detect and classify multiple pedestrians, cars, buses, and trucks. This paper presents Retina-4F, which is a multi-chip radar imaging system with high range resolution for object detection and localization. Retina-4F, which was developed by Smart Radar System, allows the system to provide 4D real-time information about the target. Retina-4F utilises a multi-chip cascade onboard with three transmitters and four receivers in each chip. We demonstrated two road-crossing scenes to collect data for creating a point cloud dataset with a target class label to be used for training and testing a deep learning model. There are two main sensors implemented in this work: Retina-4F as a 4D radar imaging and a mono-camera. The data from both sensors is pre-processed using DBSCAN and YOLOv7. Retina-4F operates at 77 GHz, and the test was conducted in two different road areas. After conducting data measurement at two road crossing areas, the collected data is passed for preprocessing and data fusion processing. This results in a complete point cloud dataset with approximately 10,000 frames of point cloud images that can be used for neural network training and testing. The model evaluation showed satisfying performance of the deep neural network in classifying multiple targets with 97 percent of overall accuracy. The approach of sensor data fusion for multiple target classification shows good results where it manages to distinguish different types of targets: cars, pedestrians, buses, and trucks. The proposed radar point cloud classification using sensor fusion can be applied to a wide variety of complex monitoring applications.

This study assesses the life-cycle environmental impacts of magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Alu) in automotive transmission systems, with emphasis on energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and trade-offs between production and use phases. The study employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) based on ISO 14040/14044 standards and iterative analysis through the GREET model covering material extraction, production processes, use phase and end-of-life processes. Results show that due to its lightweight property, Mg provides a significant benefit during the use phase, with total energy consumption for Mg transmissions being 16.6–17.4% lower than for Alu systems. The emissions in the use phase of Mg are also lower, with a decrease in CO₂ emissions of 23.6%, compensating for its higher production-phase emissions. Mg shows better performances in some emissions categories, such as a 74% reduction in SOₓ emissions compared to Alu. While the GHG emissions during production of Mg are higher, advancements in Mg manufacturing technologies such as cleaner electrolytic processes and alternative cover gases may reduce the environmental impact in the future. The results highlight Mg's potential to replace Alu as the primary material in automotive transmission systems, especially as production advances continue to improve. Based on Mg's higher use-phase performance and the continuous development of Mg technologies, the results of the study confirm that, compared to Alu, Mg can be considered as a promising and sustainable alternative, which may lead to Mg potential becoming one of the primary materials across multiple sectors within the next decade.

Background: The proportion of the older people population in Malaysia is increasing, leading to a growing prevalence of age-related health challenges, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory issues, and other health-related problems. Addressing these issues is critical, particularly in preventing osteoporosis, fractures, and falls among older adults. However, the current approach in preventing osteoporosis and fracture is still inadequate and needs further health education programmes to be delivered within the community. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Capture the Fracture Programme' in improving knowledge, attitudes, practices, and fall risk among older adults. The study also examines changes in these variables between baseline and six weeks post-intervention, as well as their relationship with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test outcomes. Method: This study was divided into two phases; in Phase 1 a systematic literature search was conducted to identify the evidence of the intervention’s components. Phase 2 was a quasi- experimental study conducted at the Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) Maran Centre with a sample of 66 older adults, accounting for an anticipated 20% dropout rate. Participants completed informed consent and baseline questionnaires following a study briefing. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were utilised for data analysis using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p<0.001), practice (p<0.001), and reduction in fall risk among older adults from baseline to post- intervention (p<0.05). The knowledge (p=0.430), attitudes (p=0.224), and practices (p=0.950) of older adults did not significantly influence their risk of falls. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test demonstrated a significant reduction in fall risk following the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study provided preliminary support in preventing the issue of osteoporosis and fragility fracture among older people in Malaysia. Further research is required to investigate and explore the complex relationships between these factors and the long-term effectiveness of such interventions. Keywords: Falls, Fracture, Older people, Osteoporosis, Quasi-experimental study.

Muscle spasticity is a condition that occurs in patients with neurological disorders when their muscles are stiff, tight, and resistant to stretching. The current assessment method, relying on the subjective judgment of therapists using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), introduces variability that may affect the rehabilitation process. In addition, many existing computational models are not aligned with clinical standards such as MAS, limiting their practical adoption in clinical settings. They also often overlook direction-specific movement phases and fail to distinguish muscle responses across different axes and muscle groups. To address the limitations, this research aimed to develop a quantitative assessment method by muscle spasticity characteristics based on mechanomyography (MMG) signals and MAS levels, utilising machine learning techniques. A Quantitative Spasticity Assessment Technology (QSAT) platform has been developed which consists of two sensors that were tri-axial accelerometer mechanomyography (ACC-MMG) functioning in measure acceleration of biceps and triceps muscle contraction and potentiometer to measure the angular position of forearm during flexion and extension movement. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess muscle spasticity level by recording ACC-MMG signals from patients' forearm musculature during flexion and extension movements using QSAT platform. A total of 30 patients with neurological disorders were classified into five MAS levels (0, 1, 1+, 2, and 3), along with 10 healthy subjects serving as a baseline group. The pre-processed data comprised 48 extracted features from ACC-MMG signals along the x, y, and z axes for both flexion and extension movements of the biceps and triceps. These features corresponded to the longitudinal, lateral, and transverse muscle orientations. For both flexion and extension movements, machine learning models were trained using the selected subset of 25 significant features and the full set of 48 features respectively, with performance comparisons made to identify the most effective approach. Various machine learning models algorithms, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), were tested. The KNN-based classifier demonstrated the highest performance using a 90% training and 10% testing data split surpassing the performance of other classifiers. Specifically, at k = 15 using Euclidean distance, the KNN achieved an accuracy of 91.29% for flexion using the significant features, with corresponding precision, recall, and F1-score of 91.64%, 91.25%, and 91.47%, respectively. For extension, the same configuration resulted with 96.30% for extension using the full feature set, with precision, recall, and F1-score of 96.53%, 96.30%, and 96.33%, respectively. These results indicate high classification performance, with minimal false positives or false negatives, particularly in distinguishing between different MAS levels. This research suggests that the muscle characteristic model embedded in the QSAT can serve as a standardised and objective assessment tool for measuring the spasticity level of the affected limb using computational method, leading to support clinical evaluations and enabling more effective rehabilitation strategies.

The popularity of the concept of Islamic tourism has given more focus on providing guides that may suit the needs of the Muslims travelers. This study seeks to establish knowledge on the notion of Muslim tourism, competencies involved in offering Muslim-friendly tour guiding services, and the current competency level of the tour guides in Malaysia in order to come up with a model of core competencies that anticipates the satisfaction of Muslim tourists. The study sets out four primary objectives: For the first study, to understand the idea of Muslim friendly tour guides in Islamic tourism, to establish what competencies are necessary for tour guides to enhance the Muslim friendly experience, to evaluate the existing competency levels of tour guides serving the Muslim tourist, and for the last, to suggest a framework for the core competencies of Muslim friendly tour guides in Malaysia. Hence, a qualitative research design was adopted, accompanied by in-depth interviews with the tour guides, tourism agencies in Malaysia, also academicians who specialized in tourism industry to provide verbal data, giving a vivid and credible account of respondent’s experience/views. The study identified six key elements essential for a competent Muslim-friendly tour guide: culture and religion awareness, destination knowledge, awareness of Halal food, language barriers, respect tourists’ professional handling treating equally and handling of emergencies situations. On the mentioned elements, all of the participants confirmed the awareness but came up with more enhancements for a broader competency model. The study entails the use of these competencies in an effort to enhance a Muslim-friendly experience; and contributes to the formulation of training frameworks for tourist guides of the Malaysian region. The research importance also points to the need for specific competencies among the tour guides with a view of improving the Islamic tourisms and thus the proposed model of core competencies helps as a directory for the tour guides’ training and development since they have to meet the expectation of the Islamic tourists in all aspects. Thus, this research enriches the knowledge about Islamic tourism and the position of the tour guides in this domain. It will also highlight gaps in the preparation of tour guides and also it can be used to chart the training and assessing of tour guides regarding the area. Besides, this research serves the development of Muslim-friendly tourism and is useful for tourism institutions, operators, trainers, and developers of tour guides for Islamic countries.

Khabar is an epistemological concept discussed in various Islamic disciplines, including u??l al-d?n, u??l al-fiqh, and u??l al-?ad?th. The 4th century AH/10th century CE witnessed dynamic intellectual endeavours by Muslim scholars, and significant contributions were made in these then-developing symbiotic sciences. This century produced one of the earliest luminaries to have discussed the sciences of u??l al-d?n and u??l al-fiqh at great length and with a high degree of sophistication, namely al-Q??? Ab? Bakr Mu?ammad b. al-?ayyib al-B?qill?n? (403/1013). Regrettably, many of his works are lost to history, and it appears that most of his published works to date remain incomplete. Although he wrote at least several works on u??l al-fiqh, none have survived except for portions of al-Taqr?b wa al-Irsh?d, and none of the published portions includes the main chapter on sunnah and discussions on khabar. However, statements related to khabar are found elsewhere in the book and fragmented in his other surviving works. In addition to that, sixteen narrations from al-B?qill?n? are found in al-Kif?yah f? Ma?rifat U??l ?Ilm al-Riw?yah, a manual on u??l al-?ad?th composed by al-??fi? Ab? Bakr A?mad b. ?Al?, also known as al-Kha??b al-Baghd?d? (463/1071), and all of these narrations, which are taken directly from al-B?qill?n?�s student, are on the subject of khabar. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of comprehensive investigation into al-B?qill?n?�s theory of khabar. This present study proposes that this theory can be formulated and has a significant impact on ?ad?th scholarship, primarily through the channel of al-Kha??b al-Baghd?d?. This research employs the library research method and textual analysis by consulting relevant primary sources, mainly al-Kha??b�s al-Kif?yah and the published works of al-B?qill?n?. This study concludes that al-Kha??b was the first to incorporate al-B?qill?n?�s articulation of khabar in a ?ad?th manual and that al-B?qill?n?�s theory of khabar, which is constructed by analysing his statements concerning reports and reporters, served as the foundation of al-Kha??b�s conception of ?ad?th and impacted subsequent ?ad?th scholarship. Consequently, this study will enhance the understanding of the epistemic status of ?ad?th and contribute to the ongoing discussion on the confluence between u??l al-d?n, u??l al-fiqh and u??l al-?ad?th.

This study investigates the relationship between brand loyalty and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by Nestlé Malaysia, with a focus on consumer perceptions in the Malaysian market. It highlights the growing role of CSR in enhancing corporate reputation and fostering consumer loyalty. This research uses the Hierarchy of Effects Model (HEM) Theory as a framework to examine how CSR initiatives influence brand preference and consumer loyalty. Findings reveal that consumers appreciate CSR efforts, viewing them as indicators of a brand's social responsibility. The study shows that CSR activities, particularly those focused on community support and environmental sustainability, positively impact consumer perceptions and reinforce brand loyalty. While CSR initiatives elevate consumer preference for the brand, practical factors like product quality and affordability remain decisive in brand loyalty. This study concludes that CSR efforts can strengthen consumer loyalty. However, a comprehensive approach that combines quality, competitive pricing, and social responsibility is essential for sustaining loyalty in the Malaysian market.

Research funding plays an important role in financing a research project. Besides covering the expenses of the research, it enables researchers to produce tangible output from their work. Research outputs not only demonstrate the productivity of the researcher but also provide valuable contributions to others in related fields. The objective of the study was to analyse the trend of research funding and output in halal-related research projects at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and develop a framework for effective assessment of research funding trends and outputs. Content analysis method was performed to examine the funding trends and outputs from 41 projects (from the year 2012 until 2022) obtained from the Research Management Centre. Taking into consideration all the issues that arise during the process involved, self-reflection method was also used during the process to develop a framework for assessment of research funding trends and outputs. It was found that the amount of grant received was between RM10,000 to RM300,000. The Ministry of Higher Education was found to be the main funder. Most of the talents nurtured were at Master’s level. A total of 77 journals were published, of which 75% were indexed in either Science (WOS), Scopus, or MyCite with one journal article indexed as Q2. Only 12.5% of the projects were reported to have commercialization output. No significant correlation was found between the total grant (RM) and i) total publications, or ii) talent produced. The developed framework would be useful for other researchers in diverse fields to adopt hence facilitate the process of collection and analysis of the data. In conclusion, the halal-related research in IIUM is progressing. The findings will not only benefit the research centre at the university, but also the other parties to open more opportunities, particularly in the area of priority of halal research and development.

This study examines the participation of Micro-Industry Women Entrepreneurs (MIWEs) in the halal food sector of Perlis, Malaysia, focusing on the challenges and opportunities related to halal certification. Women's involvement in the workforce is crucial for economic growth, especially in the halal industry, which has seen increased demand from a growing Muslim consumer base. However, the number of halal-certified establishments in Perlis is low, with only 53 out of 7,150 MSMEs holding halal certificates in 2023, highlighting a significant gap in certification among women-owned businesses. Women's participation in entrepreneurship is notably lower than their representation in the Malaysian population. Research indicates that women face disparities in social and cultural expectations compared to men, which, along with various challenges in their business ventures, restricts their economic engagement. Thus, the study aims to explore MIWEs’ involvement in the Perlis halal food industry, identify challenges hindering their access to halal certification, examine opportunities available, and propose guidelines for obtaining certification. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilising semi-structured interviews with fifteen participants, including seven women entrepreneurs and eight experts from various backgrounds. Data analysis involved inductive and deductive methods to identify themes related to the study objectives. The findings revealed that the external challenges consisted of limited employees for halal certification, inadequate facilities, low product marketability, and insufficient consumer demand for halal products. Internal challenges included a lack of IT skills in handling the MYeHALAL portal, a lack of positive attitude, and limited proactive engagement with government agencies. Several opportunities linked to obtaining halal certification revealed global demand for halal products, its significance in both local and international markets, customer satisfaction with halal certification, proactive government support for coaching MIWEs, and the positive impact of halal certification on business performance. The resulting guidelines for MIWEs are structured as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) comprising three phases: pre-application, application, and post-application, detailing 23 steps. This research provides valuable insights and resources for MIWEs to thrive in the halal industry while contributing to the existing literature on halal certification and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, are compounds that readily evaporate at room temperature, posing significant risks to human health and the environment upon prolonged exposure. To mitigate these risks, VOCs must be continuously detected and monitored using highly sensitive and selective techniques, such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors, which offer real-time, label-free detection based on mass-sensitive measurements. However, the effectiveness of QCM sensors is highly dependent on the properties of the sensing layer, which often faces limitations such as low selectivity, poor sensitivity at low VOC concentrations, slow response and recovery times, and instability under prolonged exposure to harsh environments. Hence, a composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and chitosan (CS) is introduced, leveraging the high surface area along with the biocompatibility and functional groups of chitosan to enhance VOC adsorption, selectivity, and sensing performance. Three synthesis methods were investigated: Method I involved simple mixing with glutaraldehyde crosslinking; Method II included sonication of MWCNT and CS followed by extended stirring and crosslinking; and Method III, proposed in this study, utilized carboxyl-functionalized MWCNT followed by sonication and crosslinking. Composite formulations with MWCNT-COOH to CS ratios of 25:50 mg, 50:50 mg, and 75:50 mg were synthesized and deposited on QCM sensors via drop casting. The materials were characterized using FTIR, SEM/FESEM, and TEM. Sensor performance was evaluated through frequency shift, response time, sensitivity, repeatability, and linearity to identify the optimal composition for formaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) detection. Method III showed the highest performance, with the 50:50 mg ratio achieving the greatest frequency shift of approximately 200 Hz for formaldehyde. Additionally, dynamic measurements revealed a robust detection capability, with a maximum frequency shift of 179.0 Hz at 6.0 ppm formaldehyde and a sensitivity of 23.48 Hz/ppm. The response and recovery analysis of composite towards formaldehyde showed rapid adsorption within 61.5 seconds and partial desorption at 158.5 seconds. For IPA, the same composite showed a frequency shift of 95.12 Hz and a sensitivity of 0.2669 Hz/ppm. The enhanced performance is attributed to the combined effects of MWCNT-COOH�s high surface area and CS�s hydrophilic and reactive functional groups, improving VOC adsorption and selectivity. These findings demonstrate the potential of MWCNT-COOH/CS composites for effective detection of VOCs, especially formaldehyde and IPA, paving the way for improved environmental monitoring and health protection.

Current head imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can accurately diagnose brain injuries like stroke and brain tumors. However, these technologies have several limitations, notably their bulkiness, high cost, lengthy scanning times, and stationary nature. In addition, most of the antennas used for microwave imaging suffer high signal loss due to strong reflections from the body surface. This issue would lead to inaccurate diagnosis of diseases such as false negative results for cancer detection. Typically, standard antennas release electromagnetic (EM) energy into free space with a dielectric constant (or relative permittivity), 𝜀𝜀𝑟𝑟=1. However, the dielectric properties of the human body are approximately 20 to 30. Due to this impedance mismatch, almost ¾ of the energy transmitted into the body is reflected back at the body-air boundary. Considering the very low limit set upon the level of electromagnetic energy that the human body should be exposed to, simply increasing the transmitted power to probe inside the body is not an option. Moreover, the existing antennas are rigid to be used for wearable head imaging applications. This thesis proposes a flexible body-coupled (co-planar waveguide) CPW-fed triangular planar monopole antenna (PMA) for wide-band microwave sensing and imaging, particularly for head imaging applications. The proposed antenna has been made with advanced ceramic material barium titanate (BaTiO3) incorporated with silicone-based hyperplastic elastomer to synthesize a flexible body-matched impedance substrate with low loss. The proposed barium titanate silicon-elastomer composite layer is designed with the dielectric property of 20 which acts as an impedance-matching layer for the CPW-fed triangular PMA. The dimension of the proposed antenna is 70mm × 30mm × 6mm. The mixed ratio by weight of barium titanate powder and silicon used to synthesize the impedance matching layer is 1:1. The measured dielectric constant of the impedance matching layer is 6.9. It has been shown that the power radiated into an artificial head phantom improved by almost 160% as compared to an antenna without an impedance-matching layer. Moreover, the SAR level is 0.0286 W/kg when 1 mW of power is transmitted, which is well below the limit set by the FCC (<1.6 w/kg for mass) regulation for the public at microwave frequencies. The proposed antenna has a bandwidth of almost 900 MHz (0.6 GHz - 1.5GHz) when measured directly on the actual human head. This makes the antenna suitable for wearable head imaging applications due to its wideband characteristic and improved power penetration into the human head.

Solar energy has become an increasingly important component in the global shift toward renewable energy. However, conventional solar energy systems that depend only on chemical batteries often face limitations such as high cost, energy degradation, and short operational lifespan, particularly in elevation-based applications. The objective was to design and optimize a hybrid energy storage system by integrating solar PV, battery, and gravity-based storage, and to evaluate its performance under real operating conditions. The goal was to optimize the design using a 50-Watt Solar PV, an 18Ah SLA Battery, and a Water Gravity Energy Storage Tank. The method included three steps and used five data loggers: a flow meter, a pyranometer, and three-watt meters. First, a fully charged SLA Battery was tested at various tank heights (from 1.5m to 3.5m) every 15 minutes. Then, the 50-Watt Solar PV was tested directly at a height of 3 meters. Lastly, the Solar Hybrid Gravity System with Battery Energy Storage was monitored over seven days at a 3-meter height. Energy use was measured through the SLA Battery, Solar PV, and a 22-Watt Water Pump at different tank heights to see improvements in efficiency and battery life. The results showed a 600% improvement in battery performance at 80% Depth of Discharge (DOD), proving the battery's potential as a reliable backup power source and extending its lifespan. The SLA Battery had a 22.1% energy loss during charging and discharging at 5% DOD, while the 22-Watt Water Pump achieved a flow rate of 11.0 L/min at peak solar irradiance of 900 W/m², with a maximum motor power of 24.32 Watts. A minimum of 300 W/m² solar irradiance was needed for the pump to run efficiently. In conclusion, the energy efficiency of the solar hybrid gravity system was optimized, reducing reliance on the battery and extending its lifespan, making it a sustainable solution for elevation applications. This system can be applied in water pumping, agricultural irrigation, and elevator systems in off-grid or rural areas, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy storage alternative.

Kitchen safety in the industry primarily focuses on food safety procedures to prevent contamination and disease transmission, often neglecting the safety of workers during food preparation. This oversight extends into the education perspective and focuses on students in hospitality programs at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The hands-on educational style exposes students to various hazards, leading to concerns about student injuries if their safety knowledge is not effectively delivered by the trainers. To address these issues and enhance the delivery of kitchen safety knowledge, this research aims to develop a kitchen safety framework using Virtual Reality (VR) tailored for TVET institutions' hospitality programs. Embracing an innovative educational approach, this framework seeks to integrate technology to improve kitchen safety training. The study adopts the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) and Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) models to develop the framework, with four main objectives: (1) to identify the effectiveness of existing kitchen safety education in TVET programs, (2) to conduct a needs analysis for designing a VR-based educational framework for kitchen safety in TVET hospitality programs, (3) to formulate a VR-based kitchen safety framework for these programs, and (4) to validate this framework. A Design and Development Research (DDR) approach is used, starting with qualitative interviews with 12 informants, including TVET trainers, Safety and Health Officers (SHO), IT experts, and instructional designers (ID). The validation process involves 20 participants responding to a questionnaire to achieve expert consensus on the identified items. Thematic analysis of interview data results in six main constructs: Virtual Automation, Content Determination, Coaching Content, Virtual Assessment, Kitchen User Experience (K-UX), and Machine Learning for Feedback and Guidance. A limitation of this study is the difficulty in finding VR experts, as there are not many VR developers in the kitchen industry. Additionally, the researchers have limited IT knowledge, necessitating more advanced studies in IT to better explore data and develop a comprehensive framework. Lastly, insufficient data on kitchen safety, with most existing research focusing on food safety. For the implications, this study has the potential to evolve into a fully developed VR system, while serving as a valuable tool for assessing the readiness of educators to utilize VR in enhancing kitchen safety environments. It also provides a mechanism for evaluating and improving trainers' preparedness and confidence in adopting this innovative technology.

Malaysia strives to advance the development of the Halal industry and achieves its goal to become a global hub for innovation, production, and trade in the Halal sectors. Halal food is still the most prominent sector among Halal sectors and remains a core driver of the Islamic economy growth. Human competence and capability building are among the success factors to sustain Halal industry in the competitive market. Competent Halal Executive is essential to support comprehensive and future developments of the Halal industry. The alignment of the Halal core competencies is also needed to address the gap between the educational institutional output and industry requirements. Thus, the study aims to develop the core competency index for Halal Executive in the food company in Malaysia using a combination of the Delphi and AHP technique. Document analysis was conducted to identify core competencies before the Delphi-AHP process. A combined Delphi-Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then applied to identify and determine the top core competencies of Halal Executives, which were conducted in three rounds of surveys. Initially, 19 expert panels with a range of experiences in the Halal industry provide their judgments. However, only 15 individuals remained in the final round. The results suggest that four sub-criteria of knowledge namely the Malaysian halal management system (MHMS), halal certification, halal food production, and halal and Shariah are the most important competencies for Halal Executives. Conversely, the three sub-criteria of skills; analysis, relationship, and technical, are viewed as the least important. Business owners can enhance organizational performance by using specific criteria for hiring Halal Executives and offering pertinent training courses to current employees. Competencies identified can serve as vital benchmarks for ongoing improvement in training sessions, ultimately bolstering the capabilities of Halal executives. Furthermore, this research acts as a strategic roadmap for industry practitioners, aiding in the efficient allocation of resources and prioritization of competency development.

Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @International Islamic University Malaysia (SASMEC @IIUM) is the first teaching hospital in Malaysia recognised as a Shariah- compliant hospital. Among the essential characteristic components that reflect a Shariah-compliant hospital include soft skills competency and internalisation of stipulated core values among the staff. This study aims to examine the soft skills competency level and the internalisation of core values among SASMEC @IIUM staff, identify the obstacles and challenges in achieving soft skills competency and core values internalisation, and determine the key elements in the intervention programme framework of soft skills competency and SASMEC @IIUM core values internalisation. The study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I, 345 respondents self-assessed their soft skills competency and core values internalisation through validated questionnaires using convenience sampling. The questionnaires were developed in two stages: the development of the conceptual model, followed by the development of the questionnaire, and their validity was ensured through expert evaluation and a pilot study. The questionnaires comprised 10 constructs from the combination of selected soft skills and SASMEC @IIUM core values: teamwork, leadership, communication, moral and professional ethics, self-management, resilience, sincerity, trustworthiness, gratitude, and excellence. Subsequently, in Phase II, 10 respondents were involved in two focus group discussion sessions, representing the professional and management group and the support group, respectively. A descriptive analysis of the total scores for each respondent�s selections in Phase I was conducted using IBM Statistics software. The inductive content analysis method was applied to the Phase II data. The results showed that almost 90% of the respondents perceived that they had adequate soft skills competency and could internalise SASMEC @IIUM core values despite several obstacles and challenges encountered related to teamwork, workload, training programme, and staff selection and recruitment. Based on the results obtained from Phases I and II, the key elements in the intervention programme framework were successfully determined to enhance soft skills competency and internalisation of core values. In conclusion, we have determined the key elements in the intervention programme framework of soft skills competency and SASMEC @IIUM core values internalisation that can be used by SASMEC@IIUM management and other healthcare organisations to attain the required soft skills competency and inculcate the stated core values in line with a Shariah-compliant hospital.

Background: The rising prevalence of obesity among Malaysian women, particularly during reproductive age, highlights the need for effective interventions during the postpartum period. Postpartum mothers (PPMs) face unique challenges that hinder their participation in physical activity (PA), including cultural practices, lack of support, and time constraints. This study aims to develop a PA module tailored for PPMs to support postpartum weight management and overall health while considering cultural and contextual factors within Malaysia's healthcare system. Methods: This qualitative study used purposive sampling and recruited nine healthcare workers (HCWs) and six PPMs from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the current practices of HCWs and the challenges faced by PPMs during the postpartum period. Thematic analysis was employed to analyses the data, and the findings were used to guide the development of a PA module tailored to the needs of postpartum mothers in the Malaysian context. Result: Through document analysis and thematic evaluation of in-depth interviews, five key components were identified in the formulation of the PA module: (1) The module incorporates types of PA that resonate with traditional beliefs, featuring gentle movements and flexibility exercises tailored to the physical conditions of PPMs, (2) Cultural and practical adaptations were made to ensure the module aligns with local postpartum practices, considering postpartum restrictions, (3) Safety considerations were prioritized, focusing on hydration, physical recovery, and the customization of PA according to different stages of the postpartum period to prevent injuries, (4) Strategies for social support were integrated to actively involve partners, family members, and communities in encouraging PPMs to maintain an active lifestyle throughout the postpartum phase, and 5) digital platforms were harnessed to enhance motivation and adherence to PA by providing continuous access to information and support. Conclusion: This study provides a structured approach to creating a PA module for PPMs by methodically incorporating practical tactics, cultural adjustments, and evidence-based recommendations. The module offers a thorough framework for HCWs and PPMs to support safe and sustainable postpartum PA by addressing obstacles and integrating customised PA suggestions. This ensures that PA involvement is flexible, accessible, and efficiently promotes postpartum recuperation and general well-being.

The aim of this research is to examine how the wording of fatwas issued by the Terengganu State Fatwa Council and published electronically is understood by the local community. Additionally, the research seeks to analyze the prevalence of fatwas in Terengganu and their impact on the community. The main research question focuses on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of fatwas published by the State Fatwa Council, as well as how these fatwas are communicated to the community, particularly regarding the language and wording used to help Muslims apply important rulings. The research also investigates how e-fatwas influence the community's understanding of Islamic values and principles. To address these questions, the study employs a descriptive approach to clarify the elements, conditions, and etiquette surrounding fatwas, especially among fundamentalists, and an analytical approach to assess the significance and challenges of e-fatwas in the modern era. The research includes a field survey, which involved personal interviews with 30 Terengganu residents to collect data related to the research topic. The findings show that the electronic publication of fatwas is considered one of the most important methods of delivering religious guidance to the community, allowing for quick and reliable access to fatwas. While the community engages positively with online fatwas, some fatwas are not fully understood due to complex wording. Furthermore, the study revealed that the State Fatwa Council faces technical challenges related to information security and the accuracy of published texts, especially in the current technological age. The researcher recommends organizing training courses for preachers, including members of the Fatwa Committee, to improve their ability to handle, publish, and widely distribute fatwas electronically, thereby enhancing the technical skills of those responsible for fatwas and improving their effectiveness.

"Syzygium cumini (SC) has been used to treat various ailments. There is less data available about the impact of oral pathogens on oral mucositis when using SC seed. This study aims to determine the use of SC through profiling, antimicrobial effects, and its effect on biofilm formation. The SC seed was extracted using an aqueous extraction method, followed by freeze-dried drying and prepared in powdered form. As for LCQTOF-MS analysis, the sample was analysed with a 10 µL sample injection (1 mg/10 mL in methanol). The mobile phase was a 0.1% formic acid gradient in water and acetonitrile. Meanwhile, the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test determined the effect of SC seed on antimicrobial testing. The positive and negative controls were 0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.85% sterile saline, respectively. In the biofilm study, Candida albicans ATCC MYA-4901 (ALT5), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus salivarius K12 (K12) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were used in the biofilm study. To determine the effect of aqueous SC seed extract on monospecies biofilm of C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus, 60 µL suspension containing 6 × 106 oral mucositis pathogens, 60 µL of SC seed extract (6 mg), and 60 µL of sterile RPMI-1640 and BHI broth respectively were inoculated in the same well. Finally, a crystal violet (CV) assay was used to quantify biofilm formation using a microplate reader. In summary, 51 compounds were identified. As for antimicrobial testing, the disc diffusion test revealed S. salivarius (32.33 ± 2.08), followed by S. mutans (30.44 ± 1.16), S. aureus (28.67±1.15) and lastly, C. albicans (21.33±0.57). This study also showed that S. salivarius (76.7 ± 0.2) exhibited a high percentage reduction of biofilm biomass when treated with SC seed extract, followed by S. aureus (71.8 ± 0.2), S. mutans (59.1 ± 0.0) and lastly, C. albicans (14.4 ± 5.9). SC aqueous extract inhibits biofilm formation of C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus that predominated in the oral cavity of oral mucositis (OM) patients. The research indicates that SC seed extract exhibits effective antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against key pathogens of OM, implying its capacity to its potential to reduce microbial load and avert subsequent infections. Clinically, our findings suggest that SC seed extract may be formulated into natural oral rinses or gels as a microbiome-compatible substitute for chemical antiseptics, aiding in the management of OM and promoting mucosal repair in patients receiving cancer treatment."

Zingiber officinale var. Bentong (Bentong ginger) is a renowned herbal plant in Malaysia that is extensively cultivated due to its remarkable medicinal properties, culinary applications, and health benefits. However, its production is hindered by several constraints, including a lack of efficient planting materials. This poses a significant constraint to industrial ginger production. In vitro culture offers a promising solution for the propagation of disease-free Bentong ginger plants, with a focus on utilizing shoot buds as planting materials. Thus, the study aimed to establish an effective in vitro regeneration protocol for Bentong ginger. First, several types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were tested on the regeneration of Bentong ginger using shoot buds as explants. The most effective regeneration of Bentong ginger occurred in MS media supplemented with 1.0mg/L BAP and 0.5mg/L NAA. This combination induced the highest mean numbers of roots, shoots, and leaves. Additionally, this study assessed the effectiveness of employing cost-effective alternative sugars, namely white sugar and brown sugar for in vitro micropropagation of Bentong ginger. The finding suggested that using white sugar could significantly reduce the cost of importing analytical-grade sucrose by 94.4%. Finally, the in vitro-raised Bentong ginger plantlets were subjected to molecular analysis using ISSR markers for genetic fidelity assessment. The analysis revealed no significant variations in the ISSR profiles when comparing the mother plants and in vitro-raised Bentong ginger plantlets, with a high monomorphism rate of 98.48%. The established micropropagation protocol ensures genetically uniform plantlets and offers the potential for cost-effective sustainable exploitation of Bentong ginger. This reliable method has the potential to enhance large-scale production, promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving the genetic resources of this valuable plant.

Coastal agriculture in Malaysia faces significant challenges due to acid-sulfate soils, which are highly acidic and contain excessive amounts of harmful minerals such as aluminium and iron, negatively impacting rice (Oryza sativa) growth and yield. While the use of beneficial endophytic bacteria to promote plant growth is well-established, their effects on rice in acid-sulfate soils remain underexplored. This study aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from rice roots cultivated in acid-sulfate soils, assess their plant growth-promoting traits, and evaluate their potential to enhance rice growth and productivity in these challenging environments. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized roots collected from a rice plot in Nenasi, Pekan, Pahang. Molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed six distinct bacterial genera, including Chromobacterium, Bordetella, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Moraxella. The isolates were evaluated for key plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production. A nursery experiment was conducted, applying three different rates (100%, 75%, and 50%) of NPK fertilizer and inoculating with the two most promising isolates. Among the isolates, Burkholderia sp. and Falsibacillus sp. exhibited the strongest plant growth-promoting activities and were selected for further testing. The results showed that the combination of endophytic bacteria and fertilizers significantly enhanced rice growth and yield compared to the control. Specifically, Falsibacillus sp. (BAC 2) resulted in a 53.60% increase in grain yield, 11.69% higher grain filling, and 3.56% greater grain weight. This study demonstrates that beneficial endophytic bacteria can effectively enhance the growth and yield of rice in acid-sulfate soils, providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to improving agricultural productivity.