Analysis on fused deposition modelling performance

Fused deposition modelling （FDM） is one of rapid prototyping （RP） technologies which uses an additive fabrication approach.Each commercially available FDM model has different types of process parameters for different applications.Some of the desired parts require excellent surface finish as well as good tolerance.The most common parameters requiring setup are the raster angle,tool path,slice thickness,build orientation,and deposition speed.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the process parameters of FDM Prodigy Plus （Stratasys,Inc.,Eden Prairie,MN,USA）.Various selected parameters were tested and the optimum condition was proposed.The quality of the parts produced was accessed in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface finish.The optimum parameters obtained were then applied in the fabrication of the master pattern prior to silicone rubber moulding （SRM）.These parameters would reduce the post processing time.The dimensional accuracy and surface roughness were analyzed using coordinate measuring machine （CMM） and surface roughness tester,respectively.Based on this study,the recommended parameters will improve the quality of the FDM parts produced in terms of dimensional accuracy and surface roughness for the application of SRM.     

Ramadan Fasting and the Propensity for Learning: Is There a Cause for Concern?

The literature indicates that glucose deprivation, dehydration, decreased sleep quality and quantity, and mood changes, independently and adversely can influence cognitive functions and therefore learning. The Ramadan fast is an annual religious act undertaken by Muslims where individuals refrain from consuming food and fluid during daylight hours, daily over 30 days. Alteration in eating times and sleep–wake cycles lead to a disruption in the body's daily circadian rhythm resulting in sleep perturbations and mood swings. Consequently, Ramadan fasting is linked to daytime lower glucose concentration, dehydration, decreased sleep quality and quantity, mood swings and elevated subjective feelings of fatigue and malaise. This review highlights how Ramadan fasting potentially poses learning difficulties as a result of the independent and/or combined effects of these factors.     

E-learning services acceptance in higher educational institutes: A case study in Brunei

This research studies on the e-learning services acceptance in higher education institutions in Brunei Darussalam. This research has seven hypotheses, relating to independent, intermediary, and dependent variables. The independent variables include lecturer’s characteristics, design of learning contents, teaching materials, and playfulness; while the intermediary variables are perceived benefits and perceived ease of use. On the other hand, the dependent variable in this research is the intention to use e-learning. Multiple regression analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses proposed. Data analysis from this research has confirmed that the lecturer’s characteristics, teaching materials, perceived ease of use and the intention to use e-learning corresponds to the perceived benefits. Meanwhile, the design of learning content and the intention to use e-learning are positively related to the perceived ease of use and lastly, the variable playfulness is positively related to the intention to use e-learning.     

Creative Thinking in Five and Six‐Year‐Old Kindergarten Children

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of age and sex on the creativity of 5 to 6‐year‐old kindergarten children. The total points scored by the 6‐year‐old boys and girls included in this study were found to be higher than those scored by the 5‐y ear‐olds. No significant difference was found between the points scored by the girls and boys. However, the girls did better in flexibility, originality and elaboration and the boys in fluency criterion of creativity.

Children should be helped at home and school to develop their creative power. To achieve this, art, story‐telling, music and drama activities should be an integral part of the school curriculums. During such activities children should be allowed to take their time, and any despotic attitude on the part of the teacher should be avoided. In addition, children should be given a chance with unstructured play materials. Activities should be followed by a discussion with children, who should be taught that things can be done in more ways than one.     

Development and validation of a questionnaire for teacher effective communication in Qur’an learning

ABSTRACT

A student’s perception of teacher effective communication influences the learning atmosphere. The measurement of perception indicates how students view the quality of learning. As few studies have explored the development of an appropriate measurement tool of students’ perception of learning to read the Qur’an, this study aims to develop such a tool. Conceptual analysis and a survey using open-ended questions resulted in dimensions and items. Six experts and three instructors evaluated the content validity. The questionnaire was then administered to 421 participants – 201 for Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and 220 for Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The results successfully identified four dimensions that explained 64.6% of the variation. The instrument consisted of 13 items with satisfactory reliability and validity. The dimension with the highest coefficient path was ‘understanding and friendliness’ (UF), while the dimension of ‘learning media’ (LM) was the lowest. There was a significant influence of gender on the dimension of UF, as well as verbal (V) and non-verbal (NV) communication, while there were no differences in the dimension of LM. The questionnaire can be effectively used as a measurement device of dimensions related to students’ perception of teacher effective communication in Qur’an learning.     

Is saying ‘sorry’ enough? examining the effects of apology typologies by organizations on consumer responses

Apology has been found to be the most effective strategy in times of crises. However, there is a dearth of research on the kinds of apology used and how primary stakeholders, in particular consumers, received them. This study aims to examine consumer responses to the types of apologies offered post crises against the levels of attribution of responsibility. We also assess the potential mediating role of ethical concerns by developing the Perception-Behavioral Model of Crisis Response. An experiment was conducted to ascertain consumers’ impression of the organization post-apology. The results showed that the attribution of crisis responsibility significantly influences complaining, withholding and negative word-of-mouth behaviors. However, a very high degree of apology issued by the organization does not necessarily translate to reduced negative responses from consumers in light of the large attribution of responsibility. Finally, the Perception-Behavioral Model of Crisis Response suggests that ethical concerns can mediate negative behavioral intentions from consumers.     

“一带一路”背景下自然科学博物馆对《2030年可持续发展议程》的潜在贡献

“一带一路”倡议和联合国《2030年可持续发展议程》的性质和范围各不相同,但均以可持续发展为总体目标。因此,“一带一路”倡议对《2030年可持续发展议程》的实施具有巨大的推动作用,具有巨大潜力。自然科学博物馆如何为实现《2030年可持续发展议程》,特别是在“一带一路”的政策沟通、设施联通、贸易畅通、资金融通、民心相通五大优先领域中做出贡献？为此讨论四个问题:自然科学博物馆在推动“一带一路”国家之间科技创新合作方面的潜在作用; “一带一路”国家的自然科学博物馆之间实现互联互通;“一带一路”背景下自然科学博物馆的海外发展援助潜力;自然科学博物馆在强文化理解的作用。     

At the Threshold of Architecture

In structuring the programme of our interior design studio, we questioned two assumptions that are central to the discourse of modern architecture: the site being empty of its unique traits, images, stories; and the user being devoid of human subjectivities, perception, imagination, memory. The two projects we relate here, titled Interpretations and (Dis)connections, address threshold/boundary conditions. Throughout four stages of Interpretations, we tried to challenge the concepts of ‘empty space’ and ‘universal man’ either by leaving site as well as user outside of our construct or capitalizing specifically on their entire load. (Dis)connections, on the other hand, was based on interpretations of a film, a reference outside the functional paradigms of architecture. Themes/constructs/patterns identified in the film generated design ideas, then programmes, sites and, finally, designs through a sequence of transitions and transformations. This entire process enabled the reconsideration of relations between building/site and building/user and other provided possibilities for questioning the boundaries of the discipline of architecture itself.