An Investigation into the Behavior of Disposable Face Masks in Modified Bitumen for Sustainable Transportation Pathways

Since December 2019, COVID-19 infection rates have risen considerably, and the virus is currently widespread around the world. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the production of medical waste has skyrocketed. Disposable face masks are considered medical waste. Alternative measures must be implemented to assist in reducing medical waste disposal, which can result in serious public health problems and have a negative influence on the environment. In this regard, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of disposable face mask (DFM) ash with varied rates ranging from 5% to 20% by weight on bitumen with a 5% increment to be utilised as an alternative material in asphalt pavement. A series of physical and rheological tests were conducted on the bitumen samples to study the behavior of the DFM ash in bituminous material. Overall, the physical and rheological test results revealed that introducing 20% DFM ash to the modified bitumen was unable to achieve the same properties as with the conventional SMA14 asphalt binder. However, the modified bitumen penetration grade PEN 60/70 has improved the properties and quality of the asphalt in the flexible pavement. In addition, utilising the DFM waste in road construction would be a sustainable technique for protecting the environment by minimising face mask waste caused by the COVID-19 epidemic while lowering the pavement's construction cost. These research findings may be commercialised to generate revenue in the construction industry for sustainable transportation pathways.

Development of gait rehabilitation devices: a review of the literature

A "Stroke" is a neurological disease due to poor blood flowing to the brain, resulting in body cell death. It is ranked second as the most common cause of death globally. The "World Health Organization" estimates that about 15 million people suffer a stroke annually. Most stroke survivors have gait disorders, and most patients cannot walk without assistance. Physiotherapy is crucial for stroke patients to recover and maintain their mobility, functionality, and well-being. In the last 20 years, the replacement of physiotherapists with wearable robotics has become essential due to the developing technology, the need for economic growth, and the challenging health circumstances around the world, such as the COVID-19 pandemic recently. Lower Limb Exoskeleton (LLE) represents the solution for stroke patients under such circumstances, though its performance is a critical challenge paid attention to in the industry. This challenge has motivated the researchers to investigate the application of gait rehabilitation. This review presents and discusses the developments in the control system of LLE over the last decade. It also explores the limitations, new directions, and recommendations in LLE development according to the literature.

Efficiency of Online Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on campuses, compelling learning systems to shift away from face-to-face engagement and toward online instruction. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of remote learning in the event of a COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain responses, a self-administered online survey was used. After data screening, 315 data were proceeded to the next analysis. Additionally, the data were devoid of missing cases and outliers. The measuring model was evaluated for indicator and internal consistency reliability, convergent and discriminant validity. Meanwhile, the structural model was evaluated by SmartPLS version 3.2.9 utilising the bootstrapping approach. Findings revealed self-discipline and flexibility were significant towards effectiveness of online learning among students at the UiTM Kelantan, Kota Bharu Campus. The findings argue that, in the modern era, internet technologies have increased the flexibility of post secondary education in a variety of ways. Institutions should make strategic use of these new flexibility, concentrating on chances to engage students more deeply in learning that results in practical outcomes. © 2023, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. All rights reserved.

Anosmia Association with Covid-19 Risk Level among Staff: Validating the Covid-19 Health Risk Assessment System in A Malaysian University

Introduction: Anosmia has been increasingly recognized as one of the most important clinical symptom to be screened for the COVID-19 Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anosmia and its association with COVID-19 risk level among staff in a higher education institution in Malaysia. Method(s): The data was obtained from COVID-19 risk assessment system implemented in the institution within four-month surveillance period from May to September 2020. The risk level was categorised into three levels namely low, moderate, and high depending on the staff reported symptoms and presence of epidemiological link. Pearson Chi Square analysis and Binary Logistic Regression were applied to assess possible association between anosmia and COVID-19 risk level. Result(s): A total of 1787 staff were involved in the analysis;1455 (81.4%) were categorized as low risk, 316 (17.7%) were medium risk and 16 (0.9%) were at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Out of 1787, 65 (3.6%) staff presented with anosmia. There was a statistically significant association between anosmia and COVID-19 risk level. Those with anosmia were 8.31 times more likely to be categorised under higher risk group (medium and high risk) compared to those without anosmia (Odds Ratio (OR): 8.31, beta =2.117, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.94-13.99, p < 0.001). Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 risk assessment system is proven to be valid as it demonstrated anosmia association with higher COVID-19 risk level which is consistent the current epidemiological evidence on anosmia. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Applications during Covid-19 Pandemic among Preclinical Medical and Dentistry Students: A Mini-Review

The efficacy of online learning in delivering theoretical knowledge with appropriate content to students is imperative, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic era. Substantial interactive teaching materials were developed for higher education. However, some were designed immensely general, especially in fulfilling the syllabus of preclinical medical and dentistry students. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive three-dimension (3D) experience that uses computers to overlay virtual information in the real world whereas virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated artificial recreation of a real-life experience or situation. Interestingly, both can be complemented and integrated into online and traditional teaching methods. Implementation of these technologies will increase the learning efficacy in understanding the human body's anatomical and physiological changes in the normal or pathological state. As AR and VR technologies are continuously evolving, this review provides the preview and current updates on AR and VR applications in medical and dentistry education which may benefit the educators within these specialities. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Stochastic Mortality Modelling and Forecasting

Mortality improvements and life expectancies have been increasing in recent decades, leading to growing interest in understanding mortality risk and longevity risk. Studies of mortality forecasting are of interest among actuaries and demographers because mortality forecasting can quantify mortality and longevity risks. There is an abundance of literature on the topic of modelling and forecasting mortality, which often leads to confusion in determining a particular model to be adopted as a reliable tool. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis with a focus on citation and co-citation analyses and co-occurrences of keywords to determine the most widely used stochastic mortality model. We found that the Lee-Carter model has remained one of the most relevant mortality models since its development in the 1990s. Furthermore, we also aimed to identify emerging topics and trends relating to mortality modelling and forecasting based on an analysis of authors' keywords. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview and evolution of publications in stochastic mortality modelling and forecasting. Researchers can benefit from the present work in determining and exploring emerging trends and topics for future studies.

Efficiency of Online Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on campuses, compelling learning systems to shift away from face-to-face engagement and toward online instruction. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of remote learning in the event of a COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain responses, a self-administered online survey was used. After data screening, 315 data were proceeded to the next analysis. Additionally, the data were devoid of missing cases and outliers. The measuring model was evaluated for indicator and internal consistency reliability, convergent and discriminant validity. Meanwhile, the structural model was evaluated by SmartPLS version 3.2.9 utilising the bootstrapping approach. Findings revealed self-discipline and flexibility were significant towards effectiveness of online learning among students at the UiTM Kelantan, Kota Bharu Campus. The findings argue that, in the modern era, internet technologies have increased the flexibility of post secondary education in a variety of ways. Institutions should make strategic use of these new flexibility, concentrating on chances to engage students more deeply in learning that results in practical outcomes. © 2023, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. All rights reserved.

REPERCUSSIONS OF HOME QUARANTINED TOWARDS CHILDREN’S SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AMIDST COVID-19: A NARRATIVE REVIEW WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INTERVENTIONS FROM ISLAMIC APPROACH

SARS-CoV-2, the newly identified coronavirus causing human infections, has spread rapidly across the globe as of late December 2019. This pandemic outbreak caused the death of over 50,000 people in a short span of time, and the worldwide health systems were significantly challenged. From a health standpoint, studies show that Covid-19 mostly affects older age groups, whereas children are generally more resilient and less affected than adults. As Covid-19 cases soared in Malaysia, authorities in Malaysia imposed containment measures or Movement Control Orders (MCO) in March 2020. As part of the effort to prevent the spread of the virus, the Malaysian Ministry of Education has also closed all schools nationwide. Researchers realized that such quarantine could adversely affect children who were being quarantined throughout the outbreak. This study is conducted in order to examine the repercussions of the prevalence of emotional, mental health, and social problems among children who have been quarantined in the home. In addition, appropriate mechanisms and interventions are considered to deal with these issues. This research is qualitative in nature. The relevant priory articles, guidelines, and informative official websites related to children's mental-health issues with the COVID-19 pandemic were also narratively reviewed and thematically organized. A systematic search was also conducted in various text documents, including primary sources of Islamic guidelines and principles for children's mental and emotional health, using content analysis to analyse the data. It is further recommended that a comprehensive approach be taken in dealing with the mental, social, and emotional health of children who were affected by this pandemic. To achieve this holistic approach, the proposed constructive plan and intervention must be formulated with due consideration for an Islamic point of view. In response to the current pandemic, it is hoped that a comprehensive and integrated approach to intervention would serve as an effective measure to ensure children's mental health throughout and after the pandemic.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Hospitality Managers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

The COVID-19 pandemic severely hit the hospitality industry in Malaysia. The Malaysian government implemented restriction orders and preventative measures, which had impacted business operations, particularly hotels and restaurants. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by hospitality managers during the early phase of the COVID-19 in Malaysia. Using qualitative purposive sampling, researchers interviewed 12 managers from the hotel and restaurant sectors. The respondents reported several challenges based on the content analysis, including costs, workforce, revenue, customers, and competition. Findings contributed significantly to various stakeholders such as the Malaysian government and the hospitality providers. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed.

E-Commerce beyond the Pandemic Coronavirus: Click and Collect Food Ordering

Online platforms have become a focus nowadays as an instrument to help expedite some daily routines such as e-commerce including food ordering, online banking, social networking, and many more. Food ordering through online platforms, for instance, have evolved due to the growing numbers of users of digital platforms, restaurant-goers, and many more. The recent pandemic of coronavirus has changed the scenario of brick-and-mortar businesses while most governments forced to shut down and impose strict regulations of lockdown and social distancing among citizens. Although this situation hit most businesses, statistics have shown there is an increasing amount of E-Commerce spending globally. There has been several commercial systems and studies in the market and literature related to food ordering platforms and processes discussed in the study. However, most systems focusing on order-to-delivery and imposed a higher price for delivery. This study introduces an O2O food ordering concept aiming the takeout customers segment and targeting to optimised orders that can be made in advanced and on-the-go. The concept generates models of a new O2O and distance food ordering for potential E-Commerce implementations. Out of the models, process improvement is analysed and suggest that customers would save time, effort, and able to maintain social distancing among citizens. The models can be generalised to be implemented in various industries and situations, depending on in-depth analysis that would be carried out in future studies. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Novel covid-19 detection and diagnosis system using iot based smart helmet

Coronavirus is the new virus that has not been identified in humans before which it causes the coronavirus disease called COVID-19. This disease was firstly discovered in Wuhan, China, on December 2019 and spread to the world until now. The virus can easily pass from person to person which make it spreaded rapidly. One of the common symptom of COVID-19 that can be easily identified is fever. Since the virus outbreak, thermal screening using infrared thermometers are used at public places to check the body temperature to identify the indicated infectee among crowd. This prevention still lacking because it spends a lot of time to check the body temperature from every person and the most importance is the close contact of the infectee might lead to spreading it to the person who do the screening process or from the one in charge of screening to the checked people. This study proposes the design of system that has capability to detect the coronavirus automatically from the thermal image with less human interactions using smart helmet with Mounted Thermal Imaging System. The thermal camera technology is integrated to the smart helmet and combined with IoT technology for monitoring of the screening process to get the real time data. In addition, the proposed system is Equipped with the facial-recognition technology, it can also display the pedestrian's personal information which can automatically take pedestrians' temperatures. This proposed design has a high in demands from the healthcare system and can potentially help to prevent for coronavirus spreading wider. © 2020, Hampstead Psychological Associates. All rights reserved.