This study explores the neural correlates of critical thinking by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns across different brain lobes during resting and cognitive task conditions. Specifically, the research investigates variations in alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands to identify EEG signatures associated with higher-order cognitive processes. Ten healthy participants (aged 20–27 years, both male and female) completed four activities: a resting task with eyes closed and minimal movement, followed by three critical thinking tasks (Sets A, B, and C), each comprising ten brain teaser questions. EEG data were acquired using a 14-channel mobile EEG system (EMOTIV EPOC +). Signal preprocessing involved applying a Butterworth bandpass filter. Feature extraction utilized both linear (Power Spectral Density via Welch and Burg methods) and nonlinear (convolutional operations) approaches to compute statistical features including maximum, minimum, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and variance. Subsequently, classification was performed using Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) algorithms. The findings reveal that the combination of the Welch method with KNN and a subset of statistical features yields the highest classification accuracy, particularly in the beta and gamma bands. Notably, gamma band activity from the frontal lobe achieved the highest classification accuracy of 89.7
This research addresses the critical global health issue of limited access to safe drinking water by presenting a novel solar-powered water purification module. Focusing on affordable and sustainable solutions, the study details the development and evaluation of a prototype utilizing maifan stone filtration, achieving a significant 95
Subconcussive impacts, characterized by cranial impacts that result in rapid head acceleration without immediate clinical symptoms of concussion, are a growing concern in sports, including sepak takraw. This mini-review explores current evaluation strategies for these impacts in related sports to sepak takraw, highlighting the usage of biomechanical sensors, neuroimaging modalities, and biofluid biomarkers. Mouthguard and skin-mounted sensors are biomechanical sensors that widely used in capturing head kinematics in non-helmeted sports, whilst; diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) frequently detect white-matter and metabolic alterations. Among biomarkers, neurofilament light (NfL) consistently correlates with cumulative axonal stress, while tau-PET offers pathology-specific insight into chronic tauopathy. This review highlights the need for multimodal, longitudinal approaches and field-deployable technologies, and advocates broader inclusion of diverse athletic populations especially for sepak takraw players. The directions can inform protocols that monitor, mitigate, and ultimately prevent long-term brain-health consequences in sepak takraw and comparable sports.
Walking on inclined and declined surfaces introduces distinct biomechanical challenges that alter lower-limb joint loading and stability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surface inclination on ankle joint reaction forces and to determine the safest walking angle based on the minimum forces exerted. Ten healthy male participants from Universiti Malaysia Perlis walked at self-selected speeds across slope angles of 0°, ±5°, ±7.5°, and ± 10°. Motion capture data were collected using a Qualisys Track Manager system integrated with embedded force plates, and joint reaction forces were analyzed through Visual3D software using inverse dynamics. Data were filtered with a fourth-order Butterworth low-pass filter at 4 Hz to obtain accurate kinematic and kinetic outcomes. The findings revealed that the mean maximum ankle joint reaction force remained nearly constant between level walking and 5° inclination but decreased noticeably at 7.5° and 10° slopes in both uphill and downhill conditions. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between level and uphill walking, whereas a significant reduction in joint reaction force was observed at −7.5° and − 10° declinations. The ankle joint consistently exhibited the highest load compared to the knee and hip joints across all slope angles. Decline walking demonstrated lower mechanical demands on the ankle, indicating a safer condition compared to incline walking. The study provides valuable insight into joint behavior on sloped terrains and underscores the importance of biomechanical understanding and clinical awareness to minimize joint stress and potential musculoskeletal injury during locomotion on inclined and declined surfaces.
This study explores the effect of glove design on goalkeeper performance through a comparative analysis between Malaysian and international glove brands. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving performance testing under dry and wet conditions, questionnaire surveys, and a design development phase consisting of ideation sketches and 3D modeling using SolidWorks software. A total of 20 male goalkeepers aged 18 to 35 participated in the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 to evaluate grip, comfort, durability, and climate suitability. Results showed that international gloves performed better in terms of grip (mean = 4.56) and durability (mean = 4.42) due to advanced materials such as German latex, PU foam, and finger spines. In contrast, Malaysian gloves demonstrated higher comfort (mean = 4.60) and breathability (mean = 4.10), making them more appropriate for tropical weather. Based on user feedback, a new glove concept was designed combining contact latex for grip, neoprene for breathability, and an ergonomic fit suitable for Southeast Asian climates. The findings suggest that climate-responsive glove design plays a critical role in enhancing both the physical performance and psychological comfort of goalkeepers.
