Category: Other

ELPPT 2.0: What is that?: My two pence opinion

Yesterday, I attended a briefing on ELPPT 2.0.  Why does it call as ELPPT 2.0?   It is the latest version of ELPPT.  The ELPPT 1.0 is the one being used since its implementation back in 2009.  So, what is new on the latest ELPPT aka ELPPT 2.0?  Well, to be honest, there are lots of differences.  I am still struggling to understand it well. 

But this is a adjustment phase for me.  Like a person who just learning how to ride a bicycle, I might have difficulty to balance myself but I believe that as long as I am willing to learn and allow myself to make mistakes (and not worry too much about it), In Sha Allah I will become proficient. 

One of the big differences is the 10% marks which exclusively will be given and approved by the administrator (dean/chair/director).  The way I see it, it is a means to reinforce certain behaviour which might not necessarily will contribute to healthy culture in academia.  But, if it is used accordingly with integrity and ethics in mind, it could be a powerful way to reward others. 

Alhamdulillah… my Dell laptop is ok

I had a little scary moment yesterday when my Dell laptop when “black” when I was using it.  I called En Zul who repaired my Dell laptop when the battery was overheated.  He suggested that I met him earlier before he went out to service laptops [He is always on a move].  I gave him my laptop and off I went to UTM a little bit late today.  I arrived at quarter before 10am.   

As I parked my car, I heard a tone from my phone to indicate incoming messages.  En Zul said that the problem with my laptop is not the hardware like motherboard or RAM, but with the software i.e. Windows.  Alhamdulillah.  What is wrong with my Windows?  I haven’t updated it for a quite some time.  There you go.  It does reflect that I have a lots to learn about computer/laptop.  😀

 

Limitation of using old laptop

While using my old Toshiba laptop, I realise that I cannot use Prezi.  Why?  Apparently, regardless of what I do, when I downloaded Google Chrome (latest version) or use different browser such as Firefox, I cannot edit my Prezi due to incompatibility of browser.  To use Prezi, there is a minimum requirement of certain browser that support the application.  Not only that, I also cannot download Telegram to be installed in my Toshiba laptop.  Yup.  Intel Centrino is way too outdated at this point. 

No wonder when I tried several times to install the latest Google Chrome, it cannot be installed properly because I use Intel Centrino for this laptop.  My Dell laptop?  If I send it for repair, it might take me around +7 to 14 working days to get it done.  Meaning, I might get the laptop back just in time when the semester will start in September.  I have so many things to do.  

I have another computer, a desktop which also has problems.  I asked around and one of the technicians said that it could be problem with the memory.  I need to change it to SSD from HD.   I don’t know how long will I have to wait before I can use Prezi again.  Another option that I can think of is going to the the library and use one of its computers.  But it is too open for public though.  But beggar cannot be choosy, I think.  That is the last resort.  Or I can ask Yan to use her computer room.  Yup.  It is still in the same vicinity of my office.  

Alhamdulillah I can still write my people.utm.my without any problem.  So, I guess I can pour out my ideas of what I want to do in the next semester temporarily here and later on I will transfer it at my Prezi or other.

Laptop problem

I went to the library this morning to do some work.  I updated my TESDCP information, edited an abstract for ICES, downloaded course information and few others.  While using prezi, suddenly my laptop’s monitor became black.  It is not the usual standby mode.  I was thinking perhaps my battery has run out.  Nope.  After plugging in the charger, it is still black.  I started to get panicky.  I asked En Zul (who changed my laptop batter last year) and from him, I know that it might be either motherboard problem or RAM problem.  

I haven’t submitted my TESDCP yet.  I asked K Inda (Nazrinda) if PSZ has computer that I can use because I want to submit my TESDCP.  I think it is better I submit it now than on 15 August 2019 (Thursday).  Alhamdulillah.  I submitted my TESDCP using the PSZ computer [and I also borrowed some books.  2 in 1 thing] and I have also submitted the ICES abstract (just before my laptop went kaput).  

Alas, this is a blessing in disguise.  I think I might still hesitate to submit my TESDCP if my Dell laptop is still ok.  Now, I am using my old Toshiba laptop.  Alhamdulillah, it is still working.  I will send my Dell laptop for repair tomorrow morning in sha Allah.  

 

Invitation to Web of Science and Impact Factor Training, Wednesday, 14th August 2019

The library would like to invite you to databases training as stated below:
 
WEB OF SCIENCE 
VENUE : Viewing Room, Level 3, PSZ Building
DATE : Wednesday, 14 th August 2019
TIME :10.00 am -12.30 pm
 
The training scope:

– Quick search for broad and general search 

– Advanced search for more relevant search

– Tips to search for exact phrase 

– Using set alert to stay up to date on the area that one interested in 

– Document search for literature searches and options to download PDF (open access/ subscribed)

– Identifying source titles indexed in Web of Science and for getting papers published in Web of Science

– Impact factors

All staff and students invited. CPD will be given for the training.
 
The link to register:  https://tinyurl.com/y43petew   
** Please share with your friends too who is not in the loop.Thank you.

PPRN 2.0

Terdapat beberapa aspek baru bagi PPRN 2.0
Bagi penyelidik yang berminat, tarikh akhir untuk menghantar Borang Permohonan kepada Urusetia di Kementerian adalah pada 23 Ogos 2019 melalui emel pprn@moe.gov.my  atau ke alamat seperti dinyatakan dalam emel yang dilampirkan. 
Satu sesi taklimat akan diadakan pada 18 Ogos 2019 untuk memberi penerangan lebih lanjut berhubung mekanisme pelaksanaan PPRN 2.0 ini. Lokasi taklimat akan dimaklumkan kemudian. 

Making hand-sewn pouches is just a hobby

Some people can turn their hobby into earning living.  Nope.  It is not me though.  When I showed to some friends the pouch that I made, one of them ordered 3 pouches.  3?  I was shocked and amazed that someone wants my pouch.  

At first, I think that I can finish the order during this short Eid adha break.  But as I was making the third pouch, I feel that I am no longer enjoy making the pouch.  What has happened?  What is happening now?  As I look at the unfinished pouch, I ask myself.  Why am I making the pouch on a first place?  Am I trying to get extra income?  Or is it a way for me to unwind?  If I start feeling stressful while making a pouch, it means that it is no longer a means for me to unwind.  Right?

Then, I realise that I feel pressured because I have to follow certain kind of requirement.  The person requested me to make her the three pouches with specific measurement: 21cm x 15cm pouches.  A pouch with an exact measurement.  When I look at the first two pouches that I made, I realise that there is no specific measurement.  I made it using my own hunch.  I look at my Cath Kidston’s pouch, then I decide that I want to have a slightly smaller pouch, so I just make a smaller version without exact measurement using whatever available cloth/fabric.  But when I got the order with specific measurement, I find it challenging to find “left-over” fabric or cloth.  

I asked myself “What is my original intention of making the pouch?”  It is definitely not for sale.  So, I told my friend that I cannot finish her third pouch.  I had finished two of the pouches.   I told her that I am no longer enjoy the process of making the pouch because I have started to feel stressful while making it.  It is not supposed to be that way.   I apologise to her because I don’t think I can finish the third one.  Luckily, she understands it.   

So, the reason of me showing the pouches is not to attract customers.  Nope.  I don’t sell these pouches.  It is just a means for me to unwind.  Meaning, if I feel making a pouch, I will make one without thinking too much about the end product.   

[Psst… I am learning different styles of hand-sewing, so I am experimenting with that while making the pouches.  😀 ]