Simple experiment measuring diameter of a solid object (coin) using LED and laser diode with Charge Coupled Device (CCD) linear sensor was conducted in this early stage study. Mostly, CCD and laser diode system are higher in cost because CCD used in industries equipped with an anti blooming protection system to protect the CCD pixel from receiving too high laser light intensities. Low cost atomic laser (Helium: Neon 10: 1) with simple modification on light propagation is introduced. Combination of fan beam and parallel beam projection helps to reduce light intensities and expand laser light coverage area. Statistical analyses based on dot plot graph, Anderson Darling test and T-test were applied to choose the best transmitter for Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensor. Based on T-test results with 95% confidence interval, low intensity laser diode for 5 and 10 cent diameter measurement gave P-value greater than 0.05, accepts laser as the best transmitter compared to LED. Single sensor data for LED and laser used for image reconstruction as an additional approach to prove the above result.

This study extracts the main characteristics of the interfaith dialogue that had been carried out during the Prophet Muhammad's lifetime from six models of interfaith dialogue during that time. The six models are based on engagements of the Prophet Muhammad in six different occasions, in both, Meccan and Medinan periods: dialogues with Abd Allah ibn Salam, Najashi of Abyssinia, Christians of Najran, antagonistic Jews of Medina, Heraclius of Byzantine Empire and Khosrow of Sassanian Empire. Analysis of this study has employed the historical hermeneutics of Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) to unveil the underlying contexts of the six Prophetic interfaith dialogue models. On the other hand, the derivation of the Prophetic interfaith dialogue characteristics is based on observation of the salient features applied in all the models of Prophetic interfaith dialogue. The study concludes that all the Prophetic interfaith dialogue was carried out in the spirit that dialogue is a form of da `wah. Among the characteristics of this Prophetic interfaith dialogue models, 'principle -centred' is the most consistent. Other characteristics are clarity and precision, openness and respect, confidence and nonarrogance, non-evasion and peaceful co -existence.

This article presents the use of creative ideas in teaching Shariah Studies. Among the creative ideas implemented and may be utilised is the method of role playing, done by assigning topics to students which they would then act out. The study conducted a survey questionnaire using purposive sampling to 100 students registering for the subject Mabahith al-Hukm during early March 2011. From the research done, it has shown a promising outcome in the aspects of the students' interests, reception and understanding on the subject learnt. This shows that such a method can be applied in all subjects, more so in Shariah Studies in institutions of higher education. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The aim of this study is to investigate macroeconomic influences on sukuk issuance in Malaysia for the period 1996-2011 at the aggregate level. Based on vector autoregressive models (VARs), variance decomposition (VDC) and impulse response functions (IRE), the results indicate that sukuk Granger-cause GDP while GDP Granger-causes both PPI and CPI. Sukuk are also driven by their own dynamics in the short horizon. The results have important policy implications to the decision-makers. Since sukuk issuance Granger-causes GDP, policy makers should design new policies to modernize the functional aspects of Islamic capital market. A further implication for international institutional investors is that sukuk have the competitive advantage since it targets a segment of the global markets that has not been penetrated by other rivals. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The aim of the study is to estimate the degree of import and consumer prices exchange rate pass-through for sukuk issuing OIC member countries. Exchange rate pass-through is estimated based on recursive vector autoregresion (VAR) model. Data are yearly covering the period 1970-2010 and are sourced from International Financial Statistics and SESRIC database. The findings indicate that import and consumer prices pass-through increases in the long horizon in the case of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Other countries reported low degree of both import and consumer prices pass-through with no discernible patterns. Policymakers and investors might benefits from the findings since pass-through estimates indicate inflation and exchange rate risk exposure particularly for intra-OIC cross-border sukuk issuance. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Poor people generally have difficulty in accessing good healthcare services. This can consequently lead them to have a lower quality of life. This paper investigates whether zakat medical assistance helps improve the health of the asnaf (zakat recipients) and in turn upgrade their quality of life. The crosstab analysis of 60 respondents in Penang, Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan in 2014 shows that 93.4 percent of the asnaf reported that zakat medical assistance has increased their quality of life. Meanwhile, multiple regression analysis shows that among the predictors of health, income and education, health status is the significant predictor of quality of life of the zakat recipients. These findings would be useful for policy makers, especially the State Islamic Religious Councils, in order to focus on improving the level of quality of life of the asnaf and continue to increase the allocation of medical financial assistance from zakat to the eligible asnaf. At the micro level, the medical assistance rendered would help improve both health status and quality of life. As a result, zakat has great potential to be one of the economic tools to alleviate poverty among Muslims in Malaysia.

The level of Malaysian household debt remains high, currently among the highest in Asia, raising concerns about its sustainability. This article analyzes the prevalence of financial vulnerability, measured by consumers' inability to meet their household needs, to cope with unexpected expenses, and to survive in the event of a crisis. Analysis of a dataset of 902 respondents generally suggests that the risk of financial vulnerability in the event of economic or financial shocks is growing. In addition, in an ordered probit model, the significant determinants of financial vulnerability are income level, marital status, age, level of education, and financial behavior in money management. Those who are most financially vulnerable are younger people who have a lower education level and whose financial behavior leads to poor money management.

This paper aims to identify the best indicator in forecasting inflation in Malaysia. In methodology, the study constructs a simple forecasting model that incorporates the indicator/variable using the vector error correction (VECM) model of quasi-tradable inflation index and selected indicators: commodity prices, financial indicators and economic activities. For each indicator, the forecasting horizon used is 24 months and the VECM model is applied for seven sample windows over sample periods starting with the first month of 1980 and ending with the 12th month of every 2 years from 1992 to 2004. The degree of independence of each indicator from inflation is tested by analyzing the variance decomposition of each indicator and Granger causality between each indicator and inflation. We propose that a simple model using an aggregation of indices improves the accuracy of inflation forecasts. The results support our hypothesis. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a serious infection of the eye which can result in permanent visual impairment. Therefore this study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents on three Acanthamoeba clinical isolates (Hs6, HKL 95 and HTH 73). Antimicrobial agents used in this study were polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and chlorhexidine and both were serially diluted. Cyst suspensions from all three strains were tested against the antimicrobial agents, respectively. After 48 h of incubation at 37 degrees C, the suspension was filtered and the filter membrane was placed onto non-nutrient agar plate lawned with heat-killed Escherichia coli. The plates were examined daily under the inverted microscope until day 14 but were negative for Acanthamoeba trophozoites. The presence of trophozoites indicated ineffectiveness of the antimicrobial agents. Both antimicrobial agents used were found to be effective against Acanthamoeba cysts for all the strains tested. PHMB gave minimum cysticidal concentration (MCC) mean value of 4.232 mu g/mL and chlorhexidine showed MCC Mean value of 3.906 mu g/mL. So, from this study, it can be concluded that PHMB and chlorhexidine were effective in killing the tested Acanthamoeba cysts.

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of long memory in sukuk yield spreads and forecast the future yield spreads for sukuk. Specifically, the focus is on the yield spread between Dow Jones Islamic Markets Index (DJIM) and the Malaysian Government Investment Issues (GII). The study uses monthly data on the DJIM Index and GII yields from 2005:08 to 2012:04. Data are sourced from Bloomberg database and Datastream. Using ARMA (autoregressive moving average) estimator method, the data are used to test the hypothesis that the yield spreads has long memory. The findings show no evidence that the yield spreads have long memory. Since yield spreads can serve as a leading indicator of economic conditions, the empirical estimator method used in this research has an implication for forecasting future yield spreads of Islamic debt market financial instruments. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The objective of this paper is to identify the best indicator in forecasting the recovery period from the current global crisis for Malaysia. Initially, to determine the best indicator for the recovery period, we construct a simple forecasting model that incorporates three indicators: lagging, leading and coincidence indices, with two proxies of economic performance, macroeconomic and financial variables. We estimate a two-variable vector error correction model (VECM) using monthly and quarterly data covering the period 1980 to 2000. We alternate between the three indicators and we evaluate each model using out-of-sample forecast. Using the results of the initial process of analysis, we predict the recovery period of Malaysian economy from the current global economic crisis. It is found that lagging index is the best indicator of financial performance of the economy. From the half-life calculation base on error correction term, the study found that Malaysia was able to recover from the previous 1997 crisis within a two to four year period after the crisis. Given that the current crisis environment is similar to the previous 1997 crisis, a similar time period could apply to the current global crisis recovery.

Optical Tomography (OT) is a form of computed tomography using a digital model of the volume of an object by reconstructing an image of the light transmitted and scattered by the object. OT is used mostly as a form of research in medical imaging. OT depends on the reference object being at least partially light transmitting or translucent, so it works best on soft tissue, such as breast and brain tissue. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new technology for performing high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. OCT is similar to ultrasound imaging, but uses different types of light instead of sound. OCT can provide cross-sectional images of tissue structure on the micrometer scale and in real time. OCT serves as a kind of optical biopsy and is used as a medical diagnostic imaging technology because, unlike conventional histopathology, it does not require the removal and processing of tissue specimens for microscopic examination. The study was carried out to see how the two types of optical imaging and the use of concepts and components used in the system. The light source is used to show different levels of penetration and resolution for both methods is used. The use of an interferometer in optical imaging applications is discussed along with examples of commonly used methods. The optical imaging method contributes significantly to the diversity of tomography systems.

Women's rights issues have marked its spot as one of the most debated issues throughout centuries. Marriage is regularly portrayed as an "oppressive sphere" for women, with their rights being oppressed the moment they enter a marriage contract, especially in Islam. However, further reflection on the issue has shown that Islamic matrimony liberates women, preserves their honour and place in society, and abolishes injustice, when guided in principle from the Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Regrettably, Muslim's misunderstanding due to cultural interpretation and malpractice of original Islamic teachings has tainted the true Islamic ideal. In dealing with the data, the study utilised an inductive method and content analysis, and aimed to draw attention to the misunderstandings of marriage in Islam with regards to women's rights. Further discussion would serve to explore the outcome of women's rights in marriage as bestowed by Islam, and understand the importance of the marriage institution, whilst examining the compelling misunderstandings by detractors.