University Malaysia Terengganu Research Articles

Problem-Based Learning as a Teaching Method: An Experience at University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) stands as a pedagogical approach that stimulates students’ engagement by immersing them in learning experiences centred around real-world problems or scenarios. Under the guidance of tutors, students work in small groups to identify and resolve issues, drawing insights from various sources such as notes, books, journals, newspapers, and online resources. This paper aims to share the practical application of PBL in both compulsory and elective courses at the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The purpose of this paper is to integrate Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in their instructional planning and manifest during the facilitation process of PBL as a teaching method. The experience of implementing PBL was witnessed in courses like “Islam and Leadership” with 49 students, Arabic language courses with 16 students and the compulsory course “Philosophy and Current Issues” with around 1200 students. This approach, facilitated by lecturer team, promotes collaborative learning activities, discussions, teaching, observation, and reflective practices. Student-centric PBL offers a positive impact on group collaboration, thereby improving the overall teaching and learning quality.

The Resilience of University Youth While Undergoing Digital Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

<p style="text-align:justify">The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the educational sector globally. One of the impacts of this outbreak is observed in the implementation of digital learning, which involves problems such as poor internet connection and a lack of information technology facilities. However, university youth could be seen as resilient if they could keep up with good academic performance despite going through various challenges of digital learning. Thus, this research would like to explore the resilience of university youth while undergoing the challenges of digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research adopted a qualitative approach, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used, where five respondents among the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) youth with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.50 and above were selected in this research. The research found that the challenges faced by the majority of the respondents during digital learning were the non-conducive learning environment and the poor internet connection. In addition, findings also found two protective factors that helped the respondents be resilient, identified as the internal factor (i.e., self-concept and cultural sensitivity) and the external factor (i.e., parents' support and positive peer relationships). The research findings showed that the university youth also need support and help from various parties alongside their own efforts in academics in order to face any kinds of risky situations and grow as resilient youth.</p>

Preface

Abstract The 2021 The Air Quality and Climate Change (1st AQCC) and The 3rd Malaysia Air Quality Annual Symposium (MAQAS) organized by Clean Air Forum Society of Malaysia (MyCAS) and supported by Department of Environment Malaysia (Air Division) and Taiwan Association for Aerosol Research (TAAR) was held on the 17th–18th November 2021 in virtual form. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, “Combating Climate Change and Improving Air Quality in a Global Pandemic” was chosen as the theme of this year’s conference. High challenges have been faced by our team members to manage this event due to the Covid-19. However, with the collaboration and hard work among committee members and participants this event was successfully conducted virtually and managed remotely from Bangi Resort Hotel, Putrajaya and from University Malaysia Terengganu as a second centre. With that, the conference had emphasized interdisciplinary research along with practices and fosters exchanges among tiscientists, practitioners, professionals and young researchers in finding solutions and sharing latest technology in aerosol and air quality studies and work during this situation. It was an honour to receive more than 50 papers submitted to the conference and I am very pleased to announce that around 17 papers have been selected to be published in the IOP proceeding. All papers which have been accepted were subjected to a rigorous peer-reviewing process to ensure quality and consistency. Hence, it is vital to tackle air quality issues. The conference also served as an opportunity in establishing networking among scientists, practitioners, professionals and young researchers in international regions in strengthening international collaboration. A wide range of topics was covered from fundamental, applied and technology aspects of aerosol science and air quality that focused on monitoring, control strategies, health impact, policy and management, big data and air pollution modelling using earth observation data, atmospheric transport and emissions from combustion process. I acknowledge with gratitude the assistance rendered by the scientific team of 2021 AQCC and MAQAS was led by Prof. Dr Juliana Jalaludin and her publication team along-with all the track chairs with continuous support and advice led to the smooth publication of this issue. Last, but not least, we thank the authors, reviewers and the conference secretariat for their contribution which has enabled this publication to become a reality. Hopefully, all participants and other interested readers will benefit scientifically from the proceedings and also find it stimulating in the process. With our warmest regards, Ts Dr Noor Zaitun Yahaya (AHEA) The Conference Chair lists are available in the pdf

Preface

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 3rd International Conference on Science and Technology Applications (ICoSTA2021) were held in the virtual laboratory (online) by zoom platform. ICoSTA 2021 held in Medan City – Indonesia on 2 November 2021 and presents 5 distinguished keynote speakers, Prof. Dr. Syawal Gultom, M. Pd from Universitas Negeri Medan - Indonesia, Prof. Dong-Hau Kuo from Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Tosawat Seetawan from President of Thai Thermoelectric Society - Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hjh. Norma Binti Alias from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Dr. Geni Rina Sunaryo from National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia. Beside of the keynote speakers, we also present 4 distinguished invited speakers including Dr. Rr M. I. Retno Susilorini from Soegijapranata Catholic University, Dr. Khomaini Hasan from Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Dr. Sunaryono from Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Negeri Malang and Noto Susanto Gultom, Ph.D from Department of Materials Science and Engineering, NTUST – Taiwan. In addition, presenters come from various Government and Private Universities, Institutions, Academy, and Schools. Some of them are researcher from National Atomic Energy Agency (BATAN), Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), Brawijaya University, National Research and Innovation Agency, Polytechnic of Bandung, UPI, UNSYAH, UNJ, UNIMED, USU, ATMAJAYA University, University Malaysia Terengganu, UNY, IT Kalimantan, UI, Kemenkominfo, PLN, Polytechnic ATI Makassar, PNJ Jakarta, ITS Surabaya, STT Sinar Husni, Soegijapranata Catholic University. Pelita Nusantara, UIN Semarang, Trunojoyo University, UNDIP, UGM, UNHAS, UNJA, Malikussaleh University, UMSU, UNM, UNS, UNRI, UNSRI, and several institutions. The additional information, there are 45 institutions including from national and international were interested and get involved in this conference.The conference session was devided into three sessions, including opening ceremony, keynote speeches session, and oral presentations. Opening ceremony began from chairman report, Director of Postgraduate School foreword and Opening speech from Rector of Universitas Negeri Medan with a time slot is 5 minutes respectively. The second session, keynote speaker presents their phenomenal research were allocated 40 minutes each presenter including with question and answer (Q/A). The third session is parallel sessions with oral presentations by scholars, researchers and lecturers one by one during 15 minutes per presenter including with Q/A. There are 12 virtual rooms designed for parallel session with average occupance 16 presenter. Each room parallel is guided by an moderator and operator.There are 265 papers received by commitee who insert via submission management system. All paper submitted were filtered by editor ICoSTA conference and selected 214 papers for presented in oral presentation. The articles have been peer reviewed with double blind by reviewers and decided by editor. Moreover, 97 of them have been accepted by the editorial team of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS) to the next step as further process before publication.We hope that the scientific attitude and skills through research will promote Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed) to be a well-known university which persists to be developed and excelled in the future.Thank you, the Rector of Unimed, who always supports us in organizing the conference. Thank you all invited and plenary speakers. Special thanks to organizing committee who have well coordinated and collaborated in actualizing the conference.Editors team, Prof. Dr. Bornok Sinaga, M.Pd Prof. Dr. Sahyar, MS. Dr. Darwin, M.Pd Dr. Elvis E Napitupulu, M.Pd Dr. Saronom Silaban, M.Pd List of titles Committee, Schedule of The 3nd International Conference on Science and Technology Applications 2021 (ICoSTA), Postgraduate School - Universitas Negeri Medan, 2 November 2021 are available in this Pdf.

Preface

On behalf of the ICFAES 2021 organizing committee, I am honored and delighted to welcome you to the 3rd International Conference on Fisheries, Aquatic and Environmental Science (ICFAES). The implementation of 3 ICFAES which should have been carried out in 2020, had to be postponed until this year, due to the new pandemic outbreak. However, because of the cooperation and support of all parties, this year, we are proudly implemented the 3rd International Conference on Fisheries, Aquatic and Environmental Science (ICFAES) 2021 by virtual from Aceh Province, Indonesia and offline from Nanning city, Guangxi province, China.The 3rd International Conference on Fisheries, Aquatic and Environmental Science (ICFAES) was held virtually. This is due to the pandemic states of COVID-19 in Indonesia and the increase of cases number in Aceh Province especially. Therefore, the Rector of Syiah Kuala University has released a protocol that all academic activities should arrange virtually or by an online platform. The policy of 14-days quarantine also urges this symposium conducted virtually. For your information, our ICFAES 2021 recorded program has been published via online video platform (Youtube: ICFAES 2021).Our technical program is rich and varied with 3 keynote speech namely Prof Mazlan Abd Gaffar, University Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia, Prof Junichi Tanaka, Ryukyus University, Japan and Prof. Yushinta Fujaya, Hasanudin University, Indonesia and 11 invited talks and around 94 technical papers from different countries like United Kingdom, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia split between 5 parallel oral sessions and 5 poster sessions (flash presentation) in one day. We also provided technical sharing from industries namely Mr. Almer Havis Sandy from Yamaco Pacific/PT. Yakin pacific Tuna and numerous informal networking.List of Committees, Documentation ICFAES 2021 are available in this pdf.

Dietary Effect of Red Paprika Used to Enhance the Coloration of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the famous fish cultures in the aquaculture industry, especially in Malaysia. The appearance of redness makes the fish more attractive for customers to buy. Product appearance is one of the big criteria that customers choose when they buy food. Bright color effects give high expectations for high quality, nutritious, and healthy food. Therefore, to achieve quality products it is necessary to research how to improve the color quality of tilapia as desired by customers. The purpose of this study was to identify the dietary effect of red paprika used to enhance the coloration of red tilapia. This study is an experimental quantitative study. Red tilapia used as an experimental material was obtained from Freshwater Hatchery, University Malaysia Terengganu. A descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data in this study. This study shows that giving red paprika has an effect on the length and weight of red tilapia, where the highest length and weight gained (1.79 cm and 12.37 g) given red paprika 2% and the lowest length and weight gained (0.63 cm and 2.5 g) which given 4% red paprika. The findings of this study found that only 2% of red paprika treatment showed different growth performance. The crude protein, lipid, and moisture composition of tilapia were also higher at 2% red paprika treatment. Meanwhile, the highest composition of ash is feed with 4% red paprika content. The result of this research showed that the caudal and dorsal either muscle or fin showed the highest color at the fish which fed with 8% red paprika. The finding also found that 8% red paprika containing diet feed for six weeks could improve the coloration of the red tilapia. Future studies suggest the use of Dunaliella salina microalgae which is one of the richest sources of carotenoids used as dyes in food.

Sustainable Communication: Cross-Cultural Management of Higher Education Staff in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

This study investigates the ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) personnel to determine the elements of uncertainty avoidance among the staff. As such, the study examines the respondents’ expectations of rules, changes, and creativity in uncertainty avoidance. This study also investigates the differences between respondents’ behaviour in High Uncertainty Avoidance (HUA) or Low Uncertainty Avoidance (LUA) and the extent to which these differences affect communication. Furthermore, this study employed mixed (qualitative and quantitative) methods as a research design, with ethnography as a research approach. The study data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 20) and thematic analysis for an in-depth exploration of the respondents. The result of the study showed that, regardless of ethnicity, common HUA values were shared in the observation of rules and regulations, which reflected the consensual agreement on the importance of observing rules. Concerning changes and adaptation, all the three ethnic groups indicated LUA, with only a small number indicating HUA in this matter. The Malay personnel indicated an especially high LUA, as the future was believed to be too intricate, ambiguous, unpredictable, and hostile for efficient planning. Regarding workplace creativity, all three ethnic groups indicated LUA, with only a small number indicating HUA in this matter. Nevertheless, it is made aware in this study that the results are not representative of the three ethnic populations in Malaysia.

Fish Larvae Counting System Using Image Processing Techniques

This paper presents the use of computer technology based on image processing techniques to count the number of fish larvae with less time processing. Computer technology used is as an alternative solution to the manual counting approach method in term of determination fish larvae survival rate, stock assessment and monitoring fish growth population. Generally, the fish larvae counting is performed with sequential process with laborintensive task which difficult to be used for counting large sample dataset. Traditional counting method has been used for many years, however many researchers highlighted several drawbacks of the manual counting process such as time consuming, laborious, required human skills-eyes, less-accurate, less consistent, difficult to estimate with many large sample and too many involve with human intervention. Since the problems is addressed, many researchers are interested to develop many techniques to facilitate the process of fish counting with fast assessment. In this study, we present combination of image processing techniques that consists of image enhancement, edge detection, and thresholding process. Meanwhile, the blob analysis is used as the statistical information to measure the objects properties in the image automatically. Total number of 150 samples dataset of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were used in the experiment. All the samples are divided into three part which are small dataset (50 samples), medium dataset (50 samples) and large dataset (50 samples). The performance of the proposed method and the manual approach method are compared based on the number of fish that was successfully estimated and processing time taken through the experiment. All 150 samples of fish larvae were collected from the Freshwater Hatchery of University Malaysia Terengganu. The experimental results shows that the proposed method based on computer technology is outperformed compared to the manual counting approach in the experiment. This is because, the number of fish larvae measurement by using the proposed method is almost similar and some of samples present accurate result compared to the traditional approach. Moreover, the proposed method is promising on the processing time for measuring all samples with less time processing and more reliable.

Relationship between Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder of University Students

This study examined the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorder of undergraduate students in University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Using stratified random sampling technique, data from 299 respondents was gathered. Body dissatisfaction was measured using Body Shape Questionnaire while eating disorders were assessed using Eating Attitudes Test. Descriptive statistics showed that the majority of the respondents reported no symptom of body dissatisfaction. With regard to eating disorders, respondents reported low levels of dieting, bulimia and oral control, indicating that an eating disorder in this sample was somewhat low. T-test analyses showed that there were no significant gender differences in body dissatisfaction as well as in eating disorders. However, there was evidence to suggest that female respondents had slightly higher level of eating disorder than males. Results of Pearson correlations showed there was significant relationship between body dissatisfaction and total score of eating disorders, dieting, bulimia and oral control subtypes (r = .58, p <.001; r = .64, p<.001; r = .39, p<.001; r = .18, p<.001; respectively) in that, higher level of body dissatisfaction was significantly related to increased risk of eating disorders.

Knowing the Taboos, Improve Intercultural Communication: A Study at Terengganu, East Coast of Malaysia

Information about a taboos of different ethnic groups could help to understand each other's sensitivity especially at the workplace in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Thus, this paper investigated the taboos in relation to intercultural communication among University Malaysia Terengganu personnel from three ethnic backgrounds. The research employed a mix-method approach, the combination of online survey and in-depth interview. Data were sequentially analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. The interview findings indicate that Malay personnel do not know much about the taboo of other ethnic groups compare to their colleague from different ethnicity and concludes that Malay personnel should be more open towards others values.

Investigating Students' Perceptions on Mobile Learning Services

M-learning is a form of learning, which has similarities and differences with the electronic learning (e-learning). It is mainly based on the use of the mobile wireless technologies that allow for learners to easily access learning materials anytime he desires and anywhere, whether on campus or off campus. Therefore, this creates a new flexible learning environment in the context of different learning settings. Students' perception of such technology is one of the most important factors for successful adoption of m-learning in the higher education environment. This study is conducted to investigate the perceptions of students in University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) to move towards applying m-learning in their studies by using their mobile devices and to explore their expectations on mobile learning services. A total number of 91 undergraduate students majoring in computer science participated in the study. The findings show that the students have positive perception towards mobile learning and would like to use their mobile devices for both learning and administrative services.

A Study of the Understanding amongst Academia towards the Islamic Concept of Breastfeeding

Understanding the importance of breastfeeding from the Islamic perspective is important in ensuring the success of breastfeeding particularly amongst working mothers. The focus of this research is the understanding of the Islamic perspective on breastfeeding amongst university intellectuals who are considered to be highly educated and a role model for other women. This is a field study that employed the quantitative method where data were obtained through questionnaires and an interview with a specialist in the Islamic Family Jurisprudence (Fiqh). A total of 140 respondents were selected from the Malaysian higher education institutes such as UiTM Kuala Terengganu, University Malaysia Terengganu and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu. The results showed that the respondents have a sound understanding with regards to breastfeeding from the Islamic perspective, scoring an average mean value of 2.67-3.92. This finding indicates that knowledge about breastfeeding according to Islam is an important foundation to the successful practice of breastfeeding. n, Development and mobilization in Iran are evaluated on the grounds of LEED for school rating system. In addition, Roshangar Primary school which was successfully built in accordance to the mentioned Iranian design principle is selected as the case study of research. Through a visual analysis, current practice of these design principles can be examined and presented in a clear view. The shortcomings of the above mentioned design principles will be discovered afterwards and recommendations will be presented in the conclusion of research.

Knowledge Development through Constructionism Game-Based Learning Application: An Evaluation of Students’ Performance

At present time, the educators focus more on the use of technology in education such as e-games and e-learning. This paper introduces the research on the development of knowledge through constructionism learning theory by using e-games. It is foreseen to change traditional learning method into one that is ICT centered. The e-games were developed by Game Maker application and incorporated one of the learning theories that is constructionism learning theory. The parameter that is being tested is the level of knowledge in students. In the testing phase, 30 students of Software Engineering in University Malaysia Terengganu were tested on. They were divided into two groups, that is control group and treatment group. The control group used the traditional learning approach meanwhile the treatment group was tested by using e-games approach. The students' performances were recorded by their Pre-Test and Post-Test scores which is the dependent variable. The course that was used as the scope for this research is Tourism in Malaysia. The game that had been built allows students to obtain general knowledge about islands in Malaysia and unique info regarding every place in those islands. All data of the tests were analyzed by using SPSS, statistical software.

Monthly mean hourly global solar radiation estimation

In this paper, selected empirical models were used to estimate the monthly mean hourly global solar radiation from the daily global radiation at three sites in the east coast of Malaysia. The purpose is to determine the most accurate model to be used for estimating the monthly mean hourly global solar radiation in these sites. The hourly global solar radiation data used for the validation of selected models were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorology Department and University Malaysia Terengganu Renewable Energy Station. In order to indicate the performance of the models, the statistical test methods of the normalized mean bias error, normalized root mean square error, correlation coefficient and t-statistical test were used. The monthly mean hourly global solar radiation values were calculated by using six models and the results were compared with corresponding measured data. All the models fit the data adequately and can be used to estimate the monthly mean hourly global solar radiation. This study finds that the Collares-Pereira and Rabl model performed better than the other models. Therefore the Collares-Pereira and Rabl model is recommended to estimate the monthly mean hourly global radiations for the east coast of Malaysia with humid tropical climate and in elsewhere with similar climatic conditions.

Reference Solar Radiation Year and Some Climatology Aspects of East Coast of West Malaysia

Problem statement: This study examined in detail some aspects of radia tion climatology for Terengganu state in Malaysia. The geographical co-ordinates of the site are 5°10'N latitude 103°06'E longitude and 5.2 m altitude. Approach: The data used in the present study were taken from a recording data station installed at site by the M alaysian Meteorology Department (2004). In addition to this, wind speed, solar radiation and air temper ature data taken from University Malaysia Terengganu Renewable Energy Station were also analyzed. The averaged solar radiation year for Terengganu is generated from mid-term daily global solar radiation data. The averaged data of the daily global solar radiation for the locations cons idered are presented in a tabular form for a comple te year. Results: The highest daily and monthly mean global solar irr adiation values were 7560 and 6566 Wh m -2 day -1 , respectively. The highest hourly average solar ir radiance intensity was 1139 W m -2 during this study period. Yearly average daily sol ar energy was 18.92 MJ m -2 day -1 . Besides the global solar radiation, the clearness indexes, wind speed and air temperature variation are discussed. Conclusion/Recommendations: The results in this study will fill the gap that c omplete and detailed reference solar radiation and climatologically data , which are not available for Terengganu state of Malaysia and will be useful to the designers of sol ar energy conversion and utilization devices.

Wind Resource Investigation of Terengganu in the West Malaysia

The analysis of wind data collected from the Renewable Energy Research Center, University Malaysia Terengganu (RERC UMT) using NRG Symphonie data retriever in Kuala Terengganu between the years 2004 and 2007. The RERC UMT station is located at 4°13.6′ N and 103°26.1′ E. Wind data were recorded at a height of 18 m above the ground level. This paper presents wind characteristics of the study site in Terengganu. The daily, monthly and annual wind speed values have been studied together with their prevailing direction. The monthly average wind speed and yearly mean wind speed for Kuala Terengganu ranged from 2.0–5.2 m/s and 2.9 m/s respectively. Northeast monsoon season (November to March) mean wind speed was 3.9 m/s for the same period. The average Weibull shape parameter k and scale parameter c were 1.76 and 3.21 m/s respectively for this period. The wind power is lowest during southwest monsoon season and highest during the northeast monsoon season (mean value 84.60 W/m2). The wind energy density is lowest at 11.33 W/m2 in June 2005, highest at 154.02 W/m2 in January 2007. The monthly average wind energy density and probability of wind to exceed of electricity generation wind speed 2.5 m/s were found as 40.52 W/m2 and 0.51 based on Weibull distribution, respectively. The annual average turbulence intensities were 0.58 and no significant seasonal variation in turbulence intensity was observed. In conclusion, wind energy could be used to provide power during the northeast monsoon season at the study site, using small (kW range) wind machines.

Effect of flow rate on water quality parameters and plant growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) in an aquaponic recirculating system

Recirculating aquaculture–hydroponic systems were designed to provide an artificial, controlled environment that optimizes the growth of fish (or other aquatic species) and soil-less plants, complete control of water quality, the production schedule and the fish product, while conserving water resources. Nutrients removal such as inorganic nitrogen and phosphate is essential for aquaculture wastewater treatment to protect receiving waters from eutrophication as well as for potential reuse of the treated water. In this study, a prototype of an aquaponic system was built at the Freshwater Hatchery Unit on the University Malaysia Terengganu campus. The system consists of a fish culture tank, hydroponic trough, sump, sand filter and water holding tank. Hydroponic troughs were planted with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) that been used to treat wastewater from an aquaculture system stocked with African catfish. The unplanted hydroponic trough was concurrently run as a control unit. The effect of five differen...

Comparative toxicity of nine metals to two Malaysian aquatic dipterian larvae with reference to sediment composition

A study was conducted on the effects of sediment type in modifying the toxicity of heavy metals to chironomus and culicoides larvae. Three types of sediment were obtained from three locations within the University Malaysia Terengganu compound and analyzed for sediment type. Based on the analysis, the sediment samples were classified as silt loam, silty–clay loam, and loam. Sediment toxicity tests were conducted following the standard methods of ASTM (2005). Toxicity studies using the three sediment samples were conducted to determine if sediment type affected the toxicity of heavy metals to the two dipterian larvae. The LC50 of the different heavy metals was observed to vary between the three sediment types. In the case of zinc, the LC50 value was observed to be 38.53 mg L−1 for silt loam, 42.22 mg L−1 for silty-clay loam and 70.99 mg L−1 for loam, in the case of Chironomus plumosus. This trend was observed for all nine heavy metals tested, as well as for both dipterian larvae. The data indicate that sediment type plays a role in the manner in which these organisms react to pollutants entering their habitat.