Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Research Articles

Evaluation of cardiac operative risk and outcome using EuroSCORE II for coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background: The original EuroSCORE was proposed in 1995, with a predicted mortality rate of 3.9%. The study aimed to assess the validity of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation-II (EuroSCORE II), presented in 2012, in predicting 30-day in-hospital mortality with the observed mortality in cardiac surgical patients operated in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).Methodology: It was a retrospective study on patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery during 6 y from January 01, 2011 to December 31, 2016, in UKMMC. Comparison between the output of the EuroSCORE II obtained and compared with the patients’ actual postoperative outcome. Results: The actual in-hospital mortality rate was 6.8%. In comparison, the predicted mortality rate by the median EuroSCORE II was 1.23%. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis showed an excellent discriminatory power with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.844 (95% CI 0.705 - 0.983, P < 0.001) between the survivors and non-survivors. Conclusion: This single-center retrospective study of validation showed that the overall observed mortality was under-predicted by EuroSCORE II. However, it demonstrated a good calibration with excellent discriminatory power in predicting 30 days in-hospital mortality risk among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Abbreviations: BMI: Body Mass Index; CCS: Canadian Cardiovascular Society; LVEF: Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction; NYHA: New York Heart Association; PA: Pulmonary Artery Key words: Risk assessment; Hospital mortality; Cardiac surgery Citation: Mokhtar MN, Abdullah FH, Rahman MRA, Ooi JSM. Evaluation of cardiac operative risk and outcome using EuroSCORE II for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):307−314; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2228 Received: November 15, 2022; Reviewed: April 17, 2023; Accepted: April 19, 2023

Analysis of The Need for Developing A Module on Writing Skills in Arabic Essays from The Perspective of Models and Teaching Methods of The Module

The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of Arabic language instructors at the Public University of Malaysia (UAM) regarding the various aspects of teaching the module on essay writing skills. The collected data was used to support the development of the M-KMKBA module for Arabic language essay writing skills. This qualitative study involved 12 participants who were instructors of Arabic language from four different universities: Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). Data was collected using a set of interview protocols and analyzed thematically. The interview transcripts were analyzed based on themes and categories to obtain the findings for the need’s analysis and the development of the M-KMKBA module. The general findings of the study revealed that all instructors agreed on the importance of using a variety of teaching methods and approaches for the module, including communicative, direct, interactive, eclectic, and translation methods.

Design and evaluation of a modified basin-type stepped solar- still under Malaysia climate conditions

ABSTRACT Distillation represents one of the earliest methods of treating water, and it remains as such in many parts of the world. A basin-type stepped solar-still remains the simplest desalination technology. It is simple, easy to construct, requires minimal maintenance, and is cost-effective. The objectives of this study were to design, fabricate and evaluate the performance of a modified stepped solar-still. The theoretical analysis was conducted to determine the optimum design of the still. The productivity and solar-still efficiency were obtained by solving the energy balance equations for the absorber plate, saline water, and glass cover, the temperature difference between saline water and the glass cover, and evaporation, convective, and radiative heat transfer coefficients under the climate of Malaysia. The experimental setup was constructed, and experiments were conducted at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Selangor (Latitude 2°56‘22“North and Longitude 101°47’16” East). The basin area of the stepped solar-still was 1.m2 (0.5 m × 2.0 m). The basin of the still was constructed from a black-painted galvanized steel sheet to increase the absorptivity. The cover of the still was made up of glass. The absorber plate of the stepped still consisted of 5 steps (0.1 m × 2 m). The stepped solar-still has been modified to include external and internal reflectors, fins, and an external condenser. The performance of the modified stepped solar-still design has been investigated and compared with the unmodified stepped solar-still. The theoretical results show a significant improvement in the performance of the modified stepped solar-still. The productivity was higher than that for stepped solar-still before modification by approximately 29% under the same climate conditions. The experimental results have shown that the maximum temperature of saline water and glass cover were 62.1°C and 56.2°C, respectively. The maximum distillate water in the still was 6.10 kg/m2. The daily efficiency of the modified stepped solar-still was approximately 52.3%. Based on the experimental and theoretical results, the proposed design significantly enhanced the stepped solar-still thermal performance. A statistical t-test was conducted to establish the significance of the difference in the stepped solar-still experimental. It was found that there was a significant improvement in the stepped solar-still performance after modification. The techno-economic analysis showed that the product cost would be around USD0.07 per liter of distillate.

Integrating Communication and Task–Technology Fit Theories: The Adoption of Digital Media in Learning

In order to eliminate discrepancies between the literature on the use of digital media for education and its effects on students’ academic achievement in higher education institutions, this article aims to develop a model that would identify essential aspects that are predicted to continue to play a large role in TTF and CT for learning, which could be used to improve academic performance in higher education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and aspects of digital media and the relationship between their use in the TTF and CT theories to determine how they affect research students’ satisfaction and AP in HE institutions. Data for the TTF and CT theories were collected using a questionnaire survey. A questionnaire survey was the primary method of data collection. A total of 1330 students who were acquainted with digital media participated in the data collection survey from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. To assess the findings, quantitative structural equation modeling was used. Technological, task, and social characteristics were found to have a substantial association with TTF for using digital media sites for academic purposes, which had a favorable impact on satisfaction and educational achievement. Similar to this, a significant relationship between online communication, reasons for communicating, communication self-efficacy, and attitude toward using features with TC was found to exist for utilizing digital media sites for educational purposes that positively impacted satisfaction as well as academic performance. The study concludes that TTF and CT concepts for using digital media enhance students’ active learning and give them the ability to effectively exchange knowledge, data, and discussions. In order to further their educational objectives, we advise students to make use of digital media platforms. Additionally, educators in higher education institutions need to be convinced to use digital media platforms in their lessons.

Students’ Views of the Contributing Factors, Effects and Ways to Overcome Islamophobia in Malaysia and the West

Islamophobia is on the rise in the West, and the spread of it through Western media content has alarmed Muslims around the world including in Malaysia. Islam as a religion peace has been described as a religion that promotes violence. Anti-Islamic sentiment and its adherents increased drastically in Europe, such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom, causing tensions in the communities in those areas. The awarding of Qatar, a Muslim country, to host 2022 FIFA World Cup is the recent example of the case in point. Hence, this paper explores Islamophobia issues in Malaysia and the West from the views of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s students, i.e., knowledge, contributing factors, effects on Muslims, and ways to overcome Islamophobia. A quantitative survey questionnaire was disseminated online to the students and 60 of them responded. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis method. Results indicate that the students’ were knowledgeable about Islamophobia, and they viewed the Western mainstream media as the major factor contributing to the rise of Islamophobia. The students agreed that Muslims in the West received bad treatments as the effects of Islamophobia, and the most effective way to overcome Islamophobia is through the use of online and social media.

Special Section of Letters on Joint Development: An Introductory Note

1. Articles 74/83, paragraph 3 provides: 3. Pending agreement as provided for in paragraph 1, the States concerned, in a spirit of understanding and cooperation, shall make every effort to enter into provisional arrangements of a practical nature and, during this transitional period, not to jeopardize or hamper the reaching of the final agreement. Such arrangements shall be without prejudice to the final delimitation. 2. The “provisional arrangements” envisioned in this paragraph are usually called “joint development” projects; or such arrangements mostly take the form of “joint development” projects. A good idea this no doubt is, and it is becoming more and more important, as the energy security of many States is getting more and more precarious. But it is an idea that is easier said than done. There are not too many successful examples around the world. In order to adequately understand the phenomenon, the Chinese Institute of International Law at China Foreign Affairs University and the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) decided to jointly conduct a research project on some existing joint development agreements, with participants from inside and outside these two institutes.

Preface

Following the success of 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021 International Conference on Science & Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM), the Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is proud to extend our promotion of research and education for the advancement of climate change studies. The 2022 International Conference on Science & Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2022) with the theme “Climate change mitigation action through the lens of science and technology” is the fifth in the series of conferences organized by IPI. This year the conference was carried out in virtual form through the Webex platform (29 – 30 November 2022) due to the COVID-19 travel restriction. Through the virtual form, the science community is able to share their research findings in time.The aim of this conference is to bring together researchers in fields of Environmental Science, Health Sustainability, Mathematics, Sustainable Energy, Economic Sustainability, Socio-Cultural Studies, Social Science, Atmospheric Science, and related fields, to present their research findings as well as create new opportunities for future research collaborations. This event is envisaged to witness active participation from various eminent environmental and earth scientists, engineers and students from academia, industry and government sectors for addressing complications associated with climate change and to draw forth novel and ground-breaking initiatives and solutions for climate resilience.The plenary sessions in the main room were opened by two keynote speeches from leading experts including Prof. Dr. Lisa Stein from University of Alberta, Canada on “Microbial Solutions to Mitigating Climate Change”, Prof. Dr. Haruko Kurihara from University of Ryukyus, Japan, on “Ocean acidification impacts on marine ecosystem and its potential mitigation solutions”. As the keynote session was open for public registration, we had participants joining the event. It was then followed by the invited speaker sessions consisting of Prof. Dr. Fredolin Tangang (UKM), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rawshan Ara Begum (Macquarie University, Australia), Dr. Shantanu Kumar Pani (National Central University, Taiwan) and Mr. Saud Aldrees (University of Oxford, England). The program was then continued with oral presentation of 72 papers in 3 parallel breakout rooms. Each presenter was given up to 15 mins for presentation and Q&A sessions. There were additional 13 non-presenters who joined in during the presentation session. Presenters and participants have attended the conference from their respective countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, USA, China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Algeria, India, and Ukraine.The conference went well with great support and synergy of the staff and personnel from Institute of Climate Change, UKM. To document and promulgate the research findings and ideas shared, we are very pleased to publish the accepted research papers of STACLIM 2022 in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (EES).The EditorsList of Organizing Committee is available in this Pdf.

Analysis of Navigation Satellite System based on the Ground Control Points (GCP) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

This study presents data measurements to identify the best navigation system in terms of its positioning accuracy. The data global positioning system measurements is done using a GPS South device measured in four locations which are one random point and three different places based on the Ground Control Points (GCP) in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The coordinates of these locations are already in the Cassini Soldner Selangor Coordinate system. The results and analysis of signal noise to ratio (SNR) and path loss is discussed to indicate the performance of positioning accuracy among the four existing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The Global Positioning System (GPS) signal is dominant in location A and China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) signal is also dominant for other three locations. In general, the BDS signal had the highest number of signals detected in this experiment which is total of 57 signals in four locations. By evaluating the positioning accuracy can improve the environmental studies such as tracking, monitoring, surveying, and mapping of climate change.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VISUAL STATUS OF REMAINING EYE, EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS IN A SAMPLE OF ANOPHTHALMIC PATIENTS IN MALAYSIA – A PILOT STUDY

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the visual status of the remaining eye, emotional well-being and social functions in anophthalmic patients using a validated questionnaire. Anophthalmic patients aged 18 years and above who visited the optometry clinic in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, for prosthetic eye fitting participated in this study. Refraction and visual acuity (VA) of the remaining eye were examined using subjective refraction and the Snellen chart, accordingly. The National Eye Institute’s 25-item Visual Functions Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was used to determine the emotional well-being and social functions of the patients. The results were analysed using the Pearson chi-square model. A total of 23 patients participated in this study, with 52.2% of them being emmetrope, 30.4% myope and 17.4% hyperope. Their mean VA was 6/6. The mean score of NEI VFQ-25 was 67.8 ± 2.8 (score ranged: 47.5 to 93.5). The analysis revealed significant reduction in NEI VFQ-25 score for all patients [95% CI: 64.22 to 74.44, p = 0.04]. However, there is no significant association between VA of the remaining eye and the NEI VFQ-25 score (p=0.24). This study concludes that the emotional well-being and social functions of the anophthalmic patients is low, but the score is not associated with the visual status of the remaining eye.

Marketability Study of Mathematical Sciences Students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Higher Education Institute (HEI) has a vital role in developing human capital of a country. Measuring the quality of teaching and learning system in HEI and also industry’s satisfaction level is important to ensure the marketability of HEI graduates. This study examined Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Mathematical Sciences students’ marketability by determining industry’s satisfaction level on students’ skills and abilities during industrial training and identifies factors that affect students’ marketability. There were 22 student attributes that were categorized into four factors. Mean scores and Relative Importance Analysis determined the satisfaction and importance level of each attribute studied respectively. Besides, Penalty-Reward Contrast Analysis (PRCA) showed that affective factor was categorized as a basic factor where its existence did not increase but its absence decreased the industry’s satisfaction level. For Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), cognitive, affective, and cognitive & psychomotor factors were observed in the first quadrant which had high importance level but low performance level. Lastly, all four factors were found in the loyal customer zone and at an excellent level through Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) analysis. In conclusion, UKM Mathematical Sciences students have high marketability in general, but preservation and improvement should be implemented on important attributes to enhance their marketability.

The Relationship between Knowledge, Attitudes, Values, and Technology in Promoting Zero-Waste Pro-Environmental Behaviour in a Zero-Waste Campus Framework

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and values in promoting zero-waste, pro-environmental behaviour among the university campus community and how technology plays its role. A survey instrument was developed from the findings of earlier focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, which were based on the adaptation and adoption of previous studies, especially Kollmuss and Agyeman’s 2002 Model of Pro-Environmental Behaviour and a modified Knowledge-Attitude-Practises Model. Three hundred ninety-three respondent samples from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Malaysia were analysed for their insights regarding their vision of a Zero-Waste Campus using the Structural Equation Modelling approach. The results show positive relationships between the five studied variables and the proposed hypotheses. Knowledge and attitudes serve as moderating variables, enhancing the strength of the causal effects of the related relationships. As the results show good significance, proper planning for integrating the studied variables and the proposed zero-waste campus framework can be used by university management, other institutions, or national-level agencies to develop an environment-specific plan to promote zero-waste, pro-environmental behaviour.

Development and life cycle cost analysis of a solar hybrid HVAC system for use in buildings in tropical climates

Due to the high amount of energy used by conventional air-conditioning systems in hot/warm and humid climates, solar desiccant cooling systems (SDCSs) have emerged as an alternative with significant energy savings (ESs). The main challenge of these systems is their high initial cost compared to the percentage of energy saved. System optimization will enhance this percentage, making these systems economically viable. This study aims to develop a solar hybrid desiccant cooling system (SHDCS) and assess the life cycle cost of the innovative-optimized model. Three optimization potentials—the dehumidification, cooling, and regeneration air processes—are taken into account for developing an SHDCS. A new two-stage hybrid desiccant system is designed and simulated in TRNSYS software, using the aforementioned optimization potentials for a seminar room located at the National University of Malaysia—or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)—Selangor, Malaysia, as a site study. The empirical setup validates the simulation model. The influence of optimization potentials on performance indicators such as the coefficient of performance (COP), the solar fraction (SF), ES, and CO2 emissions are evaluated. The results show that the innovative-optimized model can provide thermal comfort in the seminar room while saving ∼38% electricity compared to a conventional fan coil unit (FCU). The COP, SF, and payback period of the optimized system are respectively improved by 0.9, 1.5, and 7 years.

Ulasan Buku: Dasar Sekuriti Makanan dan Keselamatan Insan di Malaysia oleh Bakri Mat, Zarina Othman, dan Rashila Ramli, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi. Hlmn. 216. ISBN: 978-967-412-902-6

Book Review: Food Security Policy and Human Security in Malaysia by Bakri Mat, Zarina Othman and Rashila Ramli, publisher: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Press, 2019, 216 pp. ISBN: 978-967-412-902-6 This book review is written in Bahasa Malaysia. It is a reviewed article on the book written in Bahasa Malaysia and published by the UKM Press undertitled, Food Security Policy and Human Security in Malaysia. To access it, please order the printed version or browse the electronic version of this article. The abstract is not available for the book review.

The effect of fine-particle size and extrafine particle size inhaled corticosteroid in reducing airway resistance in asthmatic patients

Background Bronchial asthma is characterised by chronic inflammation of both large and small airways. Extra-fine formulation of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) can achieve a higher peripheral lung deposition leading to improved asthma control. We investigated the effect of extra-fine and fine particle size inhaled ICS with airway resistance and severity of symptoms in asthmatic patients. Methods Prospective interventional study of outpatient asthmatics in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Subjects were grouped based on pre-existing inhalers; extra-fine and fine inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long acting beta agonist (LABA). Crossover was at week 7 and treatment regime continued for 7 weeks. Subjects were assessed at week 0, 6 and 13 using asthma control test (ACT) score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and impulse oscillometry (IOS) Inhaler technique was assessed periodically. Results Thirty-four subjects were recruited. Median asthma duration was 20 years. Twenty subjects (58%) in fine ICS/LABA and 14 (42%) in extra-fine ICS/LABA group. Thirty-one subjects were analysed before crossver. There was a significant improvement of FEV1 in the extra-fine ICS/LABA group (1.7 ± 0.47 to 1.88 ± 0.5; p = 0.01). ACT score reduced significantly in extra-fine ICS/LABA group (23 ± 5 to 21 ± 4; p = 0.04) at week 0–6. Week 7–13 showed a significant improvement of ACT score (16.5 ± 3 to 20 ± 3; p = 0.01) and FEV1 (1.71 ± 0.96 to 1.81 ± 1.02: p = 0.01) in extra-fine ICS/LABA. There was no significant difference in (IOS) parameters between the groups. Conclusion There was an improvement of FEV1 and ACT score with extra-fine ICS/LABA with no benefit in airway resistance.

A Study of Personality Types Towards Students’ Mental Health

Mental health illnesses can impair academic performance and social connections, both of which are crucial to a student's success. However, personality type also plays a crucial influence in mental health problems. This study intends to investigate personality types, mental health, the relationship between personality types and mental health, and gender variations in personality types and mental health among undergraduate students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This study is a survey-based quantitative research. According to Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) table, this study's total sample size is 248. Systematic sampling was used as a sampling technique to choose participants. For data collection, Truity Test and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were adapted. The respondents were given a Likert scale questionnaire with 55 questions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. According to this study's findings, undergraduates have a high level of consciousness personality type (S.D. =.65090) and agreeableness personality type (S.D. =.62137). Undergraduates mental health falls under the category of social dysfunction (S.D. =.59537).

Split Tummy Exercise Program for Reducing Diastasis Recti in Postpartum Primigravidae: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) involves the separation of the midline abdominal muscles and linea alba and affects more than half of postpartum women. This study aimed to assess the effect of a split tummy exercise program (STEP) on DRA closure in postpartum mothers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2008 to 2020 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic of the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. Primigravida mothers diagnosed with DRA were selected and randomly assigned to the intervention (n=21) or control (n=20) group. The intervention group underwent a home-based STEP consisting of three phases of nine abdominal exercises. DRA size was assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks postpartum using two-dimensional ultrasound. The mean age of the participants was 28 years (standard deviation, 3.6), with the majority of Malay ethnicity (87.8%) and working mothers (78%). After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in DRA size of up to 27% (mean difference, 6.17 mm; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-8.7; P<0.001). No significant intergroup DRA changes were observed after 8 weeks of follow-up. Early postpartum screening for DRA should be advocated to allow early STEP intervention to ensure favorable outcomes. STEP intervention is an effective postnatal training program for managing DRA.

Preface

The inaugural International Conference on Sustainable, Renewable & Energy Efficiency (ICSREE 2022) is a conference organized by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The primary aim of this conference is to create a holistic and hybrid platform for researchers from various backgrounds to share and learn. Besides that, a collaboration with the University of Nottingham, UK, on a special workshop of Innovation in Sustainable Cooling Technology , supported by the British Council, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and the Royal Society, is also being held as a part of this conference. Our sincerest hope is that this conference will inspire current and future generations to embrace and embark on the green and clean energy era.On behalf of the publication committees, we would like to extend our acknowledgment and gratitude for the efforts and support of the committee members, including academic staffs, administrative staffs, researchers, and postgraduate students for all their efforts and contributions. As the leading institute in renewable and green technology in Malaysia, we firmly believe that this conference will serve as a dynamic springboard for all the students and researchers involved toward critical and innovative thinking. We also hope that this conference inspires them in improving their research skills and will lead towards higher impact research in the future.List of Organizing Committees are available in this pdf.

Key competitiveness of Indonesian small wooden furniture business

Small wooden furniture businesses in East Indonesia feel pressure from the furniture businesses of the West Indonesia, in particular from Jepara, due to a fierce international rivalry. The study is intended to analyze the effect of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on competitiveness with innovation as an intervening variable. The study distributed 189 questionnaires to the small wooden furniture producers in the South and West Sulawesi Provinces. The collected data were analyzed by structural equation modeling using maximum likelihood approach. The study found that market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and innovation contributed to leveraging the competitiveness of small furniture producers. With this model, market orientation is found to have a positive and significant effect on innovation and competitiveness, both with a small-medium effect. Interestingly, the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovativeness shows a positive, significant, and the most dominant of all structural causal relationships in the model, with a small-high effect. In contrast, the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitiveness has a positive and significant effect with a smaller path coefficient. The study also found that innovation shows a positive and significant effect on competitiveness with a relatively small impact. AcknowledgmentThe case of small wooden furniture businesses of Indonesia is part of collaborative research between the research teams from Hasanudd in University and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. In carrying out this study, the involvement of a number of agencies cannot be ignored: the Cooperative and Small and Medium Size Regional Office of South and West Sulawesi Province and Cooperatives and the Small and Medium Size Regional Office of Makassar City.

Reviewer Acknowledgements

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 1Anastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAurora Pestaño, University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR), PhilippinesDaniel Tia, University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny Abidjan, GRATHEL , Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)Ivan Lenard, Elementary school Ladimirevci, CroatiaMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMiriam Parise, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, ItalyMOHD NORAZMI BIN NORDIN, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MalaysiaQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRima Meilita Sari, Universitas Samudra Indonesia, IndonesiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com

Shielding Cosmic Ray Muon using Copper and Aluminium Sheets Composited with Polyethylene Sheets for a Better Protection

Muons are usually among the most common secondary cosmic ray particles on Earth's surface. Muon research has confirmed their occurrence in a variety of locales. It has been claimed that cosmic radiation in general, and muons in particular, have disastrous consequences on biological things and electrical components on Earth and in space. According to medical sources, cosmic rays have been linked to many ailments affecting people and other creatures. Because of these issues, cosmic ray shielding has become a crucial component of this and comparative studies. Muons emitted by cosmic rays were detected using a muon telescope made of coaxial Geiger-Muller (GM) tubes. This experiment was carried out within the muon lab of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Malaysia to examine how the cosmic ray muon count fluctuates with the shielding of metals (Copper (Cu) and Aluminium (Al)) and polyethylene. The measured muon count for each metal sample was statistically analysed. Using both metals as shielding in this experiment revealed that adding additional Cu and Al sheets reduced the muon count. Generally, the numbers drop as the thickness increases. The results suggest that Cu outperforms Al in shielding efficacy (19% vs 16%). Because Cu has a more significant density than Al, the correlation coefficient R2 for Cu = 0.9372 is greater than R2 for Al = 0.6593, indicating that the trend for Cu is better than the trend for Al in this experiment. To study the shielding capabilities of the two composites, Al/PE and Cu/PE, ten sheets of Polyethylene (PE) were gradually put individually between the Al and Cu sheets. The results showed that PE sheets slightly increased cosmic ray shielding.