Bandar Baru Bangi Research Articles

Shari’ah Compliant Hospital; From Concept to Reality: A Malaysian Experience

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(1) 2016 p.1-4

Influence of Aerobic Exercise on State and Trait Anxiety among Working Women in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT: Exercise is a beneficial and efficient way to improve one’s health status. Numerous studies have looked at both the physiological and psychological health benefits of physical exercise, however, studies that examine the relationship between exercise and psychological health, specifically on anxiety, report ambiguous findings. This paper, a qualitative study, diminishes the ambiguity by explaining the relationship between aerobic exercise, trait anxiety, and state anxiety. Four female participants engaged in an aerobics exercise class in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, they were all employed women working within the town. The participants ranged from 25 to 55 years of age, with an average age of 40. It was found that trait anxiety moderated the effect aerobic exercise had on a woman’s state anxiety level following aerobic exercise. Women with a higher level of trait anxiety reported a lower level of state anxiety following exercise when they participated in more hours of aerobic exercise per week. On the other hand, aerobic exercise had little effect on state anxiety levels in women with low trait anxiety levels. KEY WORDS: psychological health, state anxiety, trait anxiety, aerobic exercise, and women at work. About the Authors: M astura Johar, M.A. is a lecturer of UNITEN ( Universiti Tenaga Nasional ); Rozita Abdul Latif, M.A. is a lecturer of UiTM ( Universiti Teknologi MARA ); and Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee is a lecturer of UPM ( Universiti Putra Malaysia ). One of them could be contacted at: mastura@uniten.edu.my How to cite this article? Johar, Mastura, Rozita Abdul Latif & Mohd Sofian Omar Fauzee. (2008). “Influence of Aerobic Exercise on State and Trait Anxiety among Working Women in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study” in EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies , Vol.1(1) August, pp.67-80. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI in Bandung, West Java; and FKIP UMP in Purwokerto, Central Java, ISSN 1979-7877. Chronicle of the article: Accepted (June 21, 2008); Revised (July 25, 2008); and Published (August 17, 2008).

Preferences on Green Home Attributes among Malaysian Households

Green home concept is an effort made to reduce the impacts of pollution, saving energy and educate Malaysian people with sustainable lifestyle. The aim of this study was to examine consumers preference on green home attributes in Peninsular Malaysia defined by carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, rainwater harvesting system, natural air ventilation, and greeneries area. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain necessary data from 300 selected households through stratified random sampling in Kajang and Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, located in central west of Penisular Malaysia using questionnaires through face to face. The choice model technique was applied to estimate the non market values for this study. The results show that all the attributes are tested significant in generic form, while only three are tested significant in label form. Two attributes are tested insignificant which is rainwater harvesting system and greeneries area in label form. The estimated implicit values for green home attributes based on Multinomial Logit regression shows that natural indoor air ventilation is the most important attribute. This is followed by green areas, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and rainwater harvesting system. The findings also reveal that Malaysian society preferred green home as compared to conventional housing based on the attributes. Finally, the study highlighted several recommendations for households, developers and government to stimulate the green home development in Malaysia. Future work should examine the possibility of other attributes effect to Malaysian consumers.

Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Milk Samples Collected from Five Goat Breeds in Malaysia

Five different goat breeds (Saanen, Kacang, Jamnapari, Boer and a crossbred of Jamnapari and Saanen) were obtained from one farm in Bandar Baru Bangi. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity based on TPC, FRAP and DPPH. Goat milk samples were collected during the same lactation period (middle lactation) and were subsequently compared with cow milk. The results of the study showed that goat milk exhibited a significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant capacity than cow milk. Jamnapari milk exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in Total Phenol Content (TPC), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays with values of 544.08 mg GA/100 g FW, 481.69 mg TE/100 g FW and 67.44%, respectively. By contrast, the milk samples obtained from the Boer exhibited the lowest corresponding values of 460.00 mg GA/100 g FW, 386.06 mg TE/100 g FW and 59.68%, respectively. Results showed that physicochemical properties were significantly different (p<0.05) among the milk samples, with some samples more superior compared with others in one or more aspects. Jamnapari milk was superior in terms of ash, total soluble solid and protein with values of 0.96%, 13.02 Brix and 5.11%, respectively and this milk also showed the lowest moisture (81.28%) among all milk samples. Cow milk exhibited the highest fat (4.43%) and Kacang milk had the lowest titratable acidity (0.06%) than the other milk samples. Thus, goat milk can be considered as an excellence source of antioxidants.

Concentration of particulate matter, CO and CO2 in selected schools in Malaysia

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is important to ensure improved performance and productivity of students and teachers. Research was conducted at three selected schools in semiurban areas of Bandar Baru Bangi and Putrajaya, Malaysia to investigate the influence of the local surroundings on the IAQ in the school classrooms. The concentrations of gas pollutants (CO, CO2) and particulate matter (PM) (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) have been determined using automatic portable indoor air spectrometers. The results show that the overall average concentrations of the main parameters recorded inside the schools were 31 μg m−3 (PM10), 18 μg m−3 (PM2.5), 16 μg m−3 (PM1), 502 ppm (CO2) and 0.3 ppm (CO). These concentrations were still below the recommended values suggested by the Malaysian Department of Safety and Health (DOSH), the Singapore National Environmental Agency (NEA) and the Hong Kong IAQ Guidelines for Offices and Public Places. In most cases, there were significant correlations (p < 0.01) between air pollutants and meteorological factors such as temperature and relative humidity in the classrooms. The results of Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratios demonstrated that the concentration of indoor air pollutants in different classrooms was not necessarily influenced by outdoor air pollutants.

Measurement of Odour Concentration from Livestock Farm

Odour pollution originated from livestock farms is a form of harmful air pollution.Odour pollution causes health issues to the surrounding local communities. Yet, odour pollution issues have not been given deserving attention by the relevant authorities and the Malaysian public. To raise the awareness, this study highlights a case of odour pollution generated from cattle and buffalo farms in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.Odour measurement was taken using an instrument called Concentration Meter Xp-369 Series III. Measurement was taken during various weather and times, usually on normal days and after rains. Observationswere conducted at different times inthe mornings, evenings and nights. Ten stations were selected as locations for measuring the odour concentration within two kilometres from the livestock farms. The results indicated that after rain odour concentration gave higher readings compared to those of normal days.This phenomenon was caused by the meteorological factors such as temperature, comparative humidity; and variation in wind speed and directions on normal days and after rains.Enhancement of livestock management is suggested for mitigating the odour pollution.

Surfactants in Runoff Water at Different Locations in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

A study has been conducted to determine the composition of surfactants in runoff water in the semi-urban area of Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Runoff samples were collected from five different locations with contrasting functional activities and the colorimetric method was used to analyze the concentrations of surfactants as methylene blue active substances (MBAS) for anionic surfactants and as disulphine blue active substances (DBAS) for cationic surfactants. The results showed that the highest surfactant concentrations of MBAS and DBAS in runoff water were recorded in the samples collected at the residential area, with the concentrations of 3.192 ± 0.727 and 0.170 ± 0.028 μmol/L, respectively. Anionic surfactants as MBAS were found to dominate the concentration of surfactants in both runoff and rainwater. The concentrations of both anionic and cationic surfactants in runoff water were recorded as being higher than in rainwater.

Assessing Sense of Community Dimension in Residential Areas in the Malaysian Context

Sense of community (SOC) is one of the components or domains of community relationship in residential areas. The strength of community relationship believed to eliminate criminal activities at residential area. Hence, in the identification of SOC, it is crucial for the measurement dimension to ensure that the specified items are reliable to measure the dimension. Therefore, a survey on sense of community in residential Putrajaya and Bandar Baru Bangi are conducted. The research discovered that the membership, shared emotional connection and influence achieved Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.80 to 0.90. All items of SOC achieved factor loadings 0.62 to 0.94.

Practices in the Management of Domestic Fats, Oil and Grease

Obstruction by fats, oil and grease (FOG) clogs in sewer pipelines results in high building maintenance costs. FOG in wastewater poses threats to properties and causes pollution of waterways and groundwater. A survey was carried out among residential households in the suburban township of Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia, to identify domestic practices in the handling and management of kitchen wastes. Improper practices in the disposal of kitchen wastes containing FOG is found to be the major cause of FOG accumulation in sewer pipes and drains. Preventive practices in the management of FOG in domestic kitchen waste should be the first line of solutions in mitigating FOG.

Financial Behaviors of Female Teachers in Malaysia

This paper aims to identify the pattern of financial behavior among female teachers in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. A total of 325 female teachers was involved in the study. Questionnaires were used in the survey to collect data. Data on questions relating to socioeconomic background, financial knowledge and financial behavior were gathered. The financial behavior pattern was formulated using the 5-Likert scale and financial knowledge with the choice of either ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer. The analysis showed four dimensions that were interrelated on the assessment measurement of financial behavior: i) planning, ii) cash flow management, iii) saving and iv) usage of credit card. Descriptive analysis includes t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze the differences between the mean score of financial behavior across the factors such as age, level of education, monthly income and financial knowledge level. The findings showed the respondents had a substantial mean score in the four dimensions of financial behavior described above. The highest mean score was on the dimension of cash flow management which involve activities of paying bills and other expenses by installments. The findings also showed respondents aged more than 45 years old had good financial behavior in term of saving. In another word, as they grew older they cultivate better saving habit. The findings also showed that the respondents with the good financial behavior were among those who were good in saving their income. Further study is suggested to identify factors that influence the financial behavior among teachers. The financial behavior can describe the financial well-being of an individual or group which has an impact on the individual productivity level.

Critical Factors Affecting Double Storey Terrace Houses Prices in Bandar Baru Bangi

Everybody needs a house as shelter, either by renting or owning one. In order to have a good place called home, the location normally will be the priority in the list. Recently Bandar Baru Bangi which is recognized as Malay Elite Town has the significantly shown an increase in house prices starting from the mid 90's. Thus, this area is the main focused of the research. The increase in the prices for double storey terrace house in major areas in Malaysia has been a concern for property buyers, especially in developing areas. There are twenty one factors listed for the research and the factors are grouped into three main groups; internal, external and capitalist factors. The survey analysis by the developers who handles the double storey terrace house sales in Bandar Baru Bangi for past years indicates that that the capitalized factor such as supply and demand, market conditions, and access to public transport and distance to the city centre are the factors influencing the price of double storey terrace houses in Bandar Baru Bangi.

Fear of Crime in Gated and Non-gated Residential Areas

Physical environmental elements such as gated elements are believed to have an effect towards the reduction of fear of crime in residential neighbourhoods. In Malaysia, the typical form of residences is that involving gated individual houses, while residences without gated elements are relatively a new development concept. Therefore, a survey on fear of crime among residents in housing areas with gated and non-gated residences was conducted in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor and Precinct 9B, Putrajaya. This research discovered that respondents inhabiting a gated residential area exhibit a higher fear of crime level (M=5.84, SD=1.23) when compared to respondents living in a non-gated residential area (M=3.85, SD=1.66).

Sense of Community in Gated and Non-Gated Residential Neighborhoods

Neighbourhood design is one of the factors contributing towards the establishment and maintenance of local community ties. The differences in environmental size and design of neighbourhoods are perceived to influence sense of community networking functions. A physical element such as gated element is also believed to have an influence on local community relationship networking. Therefore, a study on sense of community was conducted in two neighbourhood areas: Putrajaya (non-gated) and Bandar Baru Bangi (gated) using face to face interview method. This study found that residents of non-gated residential areas demonstrated higher sense of community (M=6.47 SP=0.08) than residents of gated residential areas (M=6.39, SP=1.08).

Validating Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Using Structural Equation Model

In gauging Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, observation is often used by researchers in evaluating CPTED elements in residential areas. However, the evaluation on attitude, reaction, belief, responsibility and perception of the residents on CPTED elements are also important to be considered. Therefore, a survey on the perception of residents on CPTED elements was conducted in non-gated and gated residential areas located at Putrajaya and Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The results found that the Territoriality and Maintenance dimension achieved a good fit index where the values for GFI, TLI and CFI exceeded 0.90 and the RMSEA value was less than 0.05.

The status on the level of environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development amongst secondary school students

This paper aims to identify the status on the level of environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development among secondary school students. The survey was conducted on 340 respondents (n=340) of Form Four and Form Five students from urban and suburban area in the district of Hulu Langat, Selangor (Bandar Baru Bangi and Mukim Hulu Langat). Dependents variables were the level of environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development and practices, attitudes and moral values for sustainability. Independent variables on the demographic factors were gender, types of subject streaming, and school locations. The research instrument used was the questionnaire, using Likert scale. Methods of analyzing data were descriptive, t-test, Pearson correlation using SPSS software ver. 11.5. Research outcomes showed that secondary school students had “high level” of environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development. The t-test analysis showed significant differences on the significant level of 95% (p<0.05). It indicated that the level of environmental awareness for the (i) female students were “higher” than the male students, (ii) science stream students were “higher” than the arts stream students, and the (iii) urban school students were “higher” than suburban school students. The Pearson correlation showed that there was positive but weak relationship between the level of environmental awareness in the concept of sustainable development and the practices, attitudes and moral values of sustainability. The research also revealed the three classifications of concepts for environmental awareness were emotional, attitude, and practices of sustainability awareness.

Composition of Household Dust in Semi-urban Areas in Malaysia

A study of household dust composition was conducted in a semi-urban area around Kajang and Bandar Baru Bangi Selangor, Malaysia. Samples of household dust were collected from 31 randomly selected houses using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a changeable dust bag. Parameters analysed were anions (Cl-, SO4 2- , and NO3- ), cations (K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), and heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Ni, and Pb) to deduce the possible sources and evaluate the toxicity of indoor dust. The concentration of each parameter was compared to the concentration of street dust collected outside the houses. The results showed that the composition of anions was dominated by Cl- followed by SO42- and NO 3-; cations concentration by the sequence of Ca2+ &gt; K + &gt; Mg2+ and for heavy metals concentration, Pb was present in the highest concentration followed by Ni &gt; Fe &gt; Cd &gt; Zn. The study also showed that the concentration of most parameters analyzed were higher in household dust than street dust, suggesting that the composition of household dust is more closely related to indoor activities and the environment.

P4C53 - Influence of palm oil and palm vitamin E on bone mineral density in orchidectomised male rats

Neighbourhood design is one of the factors contributing towards the establishment and maintenance of local community ties. The differences in environmental size and design of neighbourhoods are perceived to influence sense of community networking functions. A physical element such as gated element is also believed to have an influence on local community relationship networking. Therefore, a study on sense of community was conducted in two neighbourhood areas: Putrajaya (non-gated) and Bandar Baru Bangi (gated) using face to face interview method. This study found that residents of non-gated residential areas demonstrated higher sense of community (M=6.47 SP=0.08) than residents of gated residential areas (M=6.39, SP=1.08).

Estimates of monthly average daily global solar radiation in Malaysia

Estimates of the monthly average daily global radiation for eight locations in Malaysia has been made using hours of bright sunshine. The data from Bandar Baru Bangi was obtained from the Solar Energy Research Laboratory at the Department of Physics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia while others were obtained from the Meteorological Department. The least square linear regression analysis was used for the eight cities to obtain the relationship between the monthly average daily global radiation and sunshine duration data. The Angstrom's correlation obtained for the eight cities can be used for any solar energy application in Malaysia.

Polyphase deformations and quartz development at Bandar Baru Bangi (South), Selangor

Polyphase deformations and quartz development at Bandar Baru Bangi (South), Selangor