Abdul Nasir Zulkifli

Virtual Hajj (V-Hajj) — Adaptation of persuasive design in virtual environment (VE) and multimedia integrated approach learning courseware methodology

This study focuses on the design and development of a courseware as a supplementary learning material for Hajj. Based on the results of previous researches and current initial findings, Hajj supplementary learning materials approaches are less effective in giving clear understanding to users, particularly the pilgrims. Most of the materials are based on passive learning. In providing a better learning aid for supporting active learning and self-directed learning, this study incorporates virtual environments (VE) and multimedia technologies to develop Virtual Hajj (V-Hajj) courseware. In addition, to produce a material that can persuade users, particularly the elders to use computer technology as their supplementary learning material, this study adapted the persuasive design guidelines from persuasive technology. Besides, multimedia and VE design and development processes have been applied to guide the V-Hajj implementation. Persuasive technology principles, constructivist theory, multimedia learning theory and principles were also applied.

Using game engine for 3D terrain visualisation of GIS data: a review

This paper reviews on the 3D terrain visualisation of GIS data using game engines that are available in the market as well as open source. 3D terrain visualisation is a technique used to visualise terrain information from GIS data such as a digital elevation model (DEM), triangular irregular network (TIN) and contour. Much research has been conducted to transform the 2D view of map to 3D. There are several terrain visualisation softwares that are available for free, which include Cesium, Hftool and Landserf. This review paper will help interested users to better understand the current state of art in 3D terrain visualisation of GIS data using game engines.

The use of multimedia, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Environment (VE) in enhancing children's understanding of road safety

Road accident statistics gathered over the past years by the Malaysian Institute Of Road Safety Research (MIROS) reveal a significantly high degree of fatalities and injuries involving children. Realizing the importance of road safety amongst school children, the Ministry of Education of Malaysia has introduced road safety education into the primary schools in stages, beginning with Year One in 2008. The curriculum has been incorporated into the existing Malay Language classes. It is aim is to educate children and young people on safety knowledge and skills, and help to shape good attitudes as road users. Currently, the teaching of road safety in schools is still based on conventional method (chalk and talk) without practical approach and specific schedule. With the limitations that exist in the current teaching approach, this paper aims to introduce an alternative new learning approach for road safety education. It is based on the use of a courseware utilizing mixed learning environments which combines interactive multimedia, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Environment (VE) technologies. This paper starts with the introduction, follows with the literature review, research methodology and ends with a conclusion. Hopefully, the proposed courseware will be able to provide a solution to the issue of Road Safety Education in Malaysia.

Virtual environment navigation using an image-based approach

This paper investigates and illustrates the potential of using panorama virtual reality to enhance Web-based library instruction. The project considers that panorama virtual reality (VR) could be a powerful tool when comparing a conventional tour and virtual tour. A VR tour as a whole can became a more useful medium that allows navigating, viewing, reading, hearing and remote access. This paper describes the implementation processes and lessons learned throughout the development process regarding the application stage of prototype development using different software: VR Worx Panorama, VR Worx Scene, PhotoVista Panorama, Reality Studio and Ulead COOL 360. The discussion includes an overview of comparisons between panorama VR and other VR tools. A survey was also carried out with the objective of comparing virtual reality panorama with a conventional technique in delivered guided tour information.

Flower image classification modeling using neural network

Image processing plays an important role in extracting useful information from images. However, the image processing and the process of translating an image into a statistical distribution of low-level features is not an easy task. These tasks are complicated since the acquired image data often noisy, and target objects are influenced by lighting, intensity or illumination. In the case of flower classification, image processing is a crucial step for computer-aided plant species identification. Flower image classification is based on the low-level features such as colour and texture to define and describe the image content. Colour features are extracted using normalized colour histogram and texture features are extracted using gray-level co-occurrence matrix. In this study, a dataset consists of 180 patterns with 7 attributes for each type of flower has been gathered. The finding from the study reveals that the number of images generated to represent each type of flower influences the classification accuracy. One interesting observation is that duplication of very hard to learn images assist Neural Network to improve its classification accuracy. This is also another area that could lead to better understanding towards the behaviour of images when applied to Neural Network classification.

A brief review of augmented reality science learning

This paper reviews several literatures concerning the theories and model that could be applied for science motivation for upper secondary school learners (16-17 years old) in order to make the learning experience more amazing and useful. The embedment of AR in science could bring an awe-inspiring transformation on learners’ viewpoint towards the respective subject matters. Augmented Reality is able to present the real and virtual learning experience with the addition of multiple media without replacing the real environment. Due to the unique feature of AR, it attracts the mass attention of researchers to implement AR in science learning. This impressive technology offers learners with the ultimate visualization and provides an astonishing and transparent learning experience by bringing to light the unseen perspective of the learning content. This paper will attract the attention of researchers in the related field as well as academicians in the related discipline. This paper aims to propose several related theoretical guidance that could be applied in science motivation to transform the learning in an effective way.This paper reviews several literatures concerning the theories and model that could be applied for science motivation for upper secondary school learners (16-17 years old) in order to make the learning experience more amazing and useful. The embedment of AR in science could bring an awe-inspiring transformation on learners’ viewpoint towards the respective subject matters. Augmented Reality is able to present the real and virtual learning experience with the addition of multiple media without replacing the real environment. Due to the unique feature of AR, it attracts the mass attention of researchers to implement AR in science learning. This impressive technology offers learners with the ultimate visualization and provides an astonishing and transparent learning experience by bringing to light the unseen perspective of the learning content. This paper will attract the attention of researchers in the related field as well as academicians in the related discipline. This paper aims to propose several relate...

A study of students’ motivation using the augmented reality science textbook

Science plays a major role in assisting Malaysia to achieve the developed nation status by 2020. However, over a few decades, Malaysia is facing a downward trend in the number of students pursuing careers and higher education in science related fields. Since school is the first platform where students learn science, a new learning approach needs to be introduced to motivate them towards science learning. The aim of this study is to determine whether the intervention of the enhanced science textbook using augmented reality contributes to the learning process of lower secondary school students in science. The study was carried out among a sample of 70 lower secondary school students. Pearson Correlation and Regression analyses were used to determine the effects of ease of use, engaging, enjoyment and fun on students’ motivation in using the augmented reality science textbook for science learning. The results provide empirical support for the positive and statistically significant relationship between engagi...

A study of users' perceptions toward mobile dua and zikr for hajj (MDZ4H) usability

Hajj consists of several rituals which require the pilgrims to recite specific dua and zikr for each of them. Since there are so many dua and zikr involved, pilgrims who are not well versed in Arabic have difficulties to memorize them. They require a tool which is portable that can help them to recite the dua and zikr easily and conveniently. This paper introduces the Mobile Dua and Zikr for Hajj (MDZ4H), an Android application to help pilgrims to recite the dua and zikr while performing all the Hajj rituals. Android platform has been chosen due to the dramatic increased in the Android mobile phone users worldwide. This paper discusses the development process and also evaluation of MDZ4H among sample of users. In developing the application, all the required Dua and Zikr were gathered, compiled and verified before the application could be developed using J2ME. The application displays the Arabic text, the translation in Malay and also the Arabic audio files of the dua and zikr. The application has been evaluated among users and experts and the results indicated that the application fulfils the functional and non-functional requirements of the developers. The users were also satisfied with the interface of the application and rated highly the application in terms of Usefulness, Ease of Use, and Outcome and Future Use. It is hoped that the developed application could be made available in order to help Hajj pilgrims to easily and conveniently recite the Dua and Zikr towards achieving Hajj Mabrur.

Effect of demographic factors on knowledge creation processes in learning management system among postgraduate students

Analyzing data from top Japanese industries, Nonaka and Takeuchi concluded that knowledge creation involves the processes of interaction and transaction of tacit and explicit knowledge between experts and novices that employ the processes of Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization (SECI). The SECI model is appealing but has not been shown to be applicable to the field of education. Thus, this study investigated whether the SECI model could explain the knowledge creation processes in education for demographic factors in online Learning Management System (LMS) supported postgraduate courses. The sample comprised 160 postgraduate students enrolled in LMS-supported courses in higher learning institution. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis such as independence samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). It was found that the Socialization process has significant difference in the scores for all the demographic factors. These findings suggest that for Socialization process, careful review of LMS-supported teaching method among the postgraduate students should be undertaken to harness the knowledge creation processes from lecturers as experts to students as novices.

J-Integral Analysis of Surface Cracks in Round Bars under Tension Loadings

This paper presents a non-linear numerical investigation of surface cracks in round bars under tension stresses by using ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA). Due to the symmetrical analysis, only quarter finite element (FE) model was constructed and special attention was given at the crack tip of the cracks. The surface cracks were characterized by the dimensionless crack aspect ratio, a/b = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2, while the dimensionless relative crack depth, a/D = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3. The square-root singularity of stresses and strains were modeled by shifting the mid-point nodes to the quarter-point locations in the region around the crack front. The proposed model was validated with the existing model before any further analysis. The elastic-plastic analysis under tension loading was assumed to follow the Ramberg-Osgood relation with n = 5 and 10. J values were determined for all positions along the crack front and then, the limit load was predicted using the J values obtained from FEA through the reference stress method.