PHD TIPS

Salam to all

Regression analysis

I just want to share my inner feeling about my research. Huh...huh fellow researchers..really I am at the crossroads of choosing options of regression analysis. Currently I used non-parametric methods of analysis for relationships and correlations of variables..No ..no I don't want to revert to parametric analysis. I found out in one of the references saying that for samples above 100 normality of data can be assumed therefore parametric tests can be done... Huh after all the detail analysis..I just continue with non-parametric approaches therefore linear regression and mutiple regression are not in the list of regression option for me.


It means I have to explore new fields of regression which I am not familiar with at all. I try professor google, books and meeting people to solve my problems. So far almost a week I still try my senses of understanding to gauge the subject matter. Please if anyone familiar with multinominal or ordinal regression , I am more that willing to learn from you. Yesterday I was so confident with binary logistic regression,but it turned out the method is not suitable for my data..Anyway thank you very much Dr in waiting Rosma Md Dom.. for the regression coaching exercise.

My doas

Ya Allah shower me with wisdom and knowledge so that I would able to understand the intricate matters of knowledge such as statistics and able to complete the amanah. My knowledge is nothing not even a drop of water compared to You the Knowledgable, the Listener, the Observer ..the AL-Mighty Allah.

Rabbisyrahlisadriwayassirliamriwahlukhukta'anminlisanniyafkhakhuqauli.

PUZIAH

New President Old Order? New President New Order?

Salam to all..


Full of hopes
Last night I purposedly stayed up to watch the long waited event, the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. He is an eloquent orator, full of wisdom and ideology that we yet to witness its implementation. "choose hope over fear", "to the muslim world..we seek new way forward based on mutual interest and mutual respect".."to those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and silencing of disent".." And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect, For the world has changed and we must change"..

Direction of the future
He outlines main directions of future US policies that would shape US influence and dominancy in foreign relations...My hopeful thought that he would be a 360 degreees change from Bush administration that had the image of war and destruction. More humane in his approach, engaging dialogue in a more understanding nature of differences in world beliefs and culture...this includes the Palestinian issue..

Environmental issues

With regard of the resources and global warming he provides some lights on the issue..Bush administration never bowed to the Kyoto Protocol agreement that demanded the US to cut emissions of green houses gaseous since 1997. This is important since the US is the biggest producer of green house gaseous the main contributing factors in global warming.

Forging new ties

He promised that a new way of mutual respect and interest with the muslim countries and extending helping hand to underdeveloped countries of the souths..of which many are in the African continent. This is interesting..because in the eyes of the muslims the Bush administration was a mouthpiece of the Zionist that solely protecting the existence of an illegal state of Israel..and even towards the end of Bush administration, Ehud Olmert manouvered the US veto policy in the UN to Zionist morale advantage..

My opinion

We ourselves need to work together especially the muslims to solve our own problems..we are the khalifah of this earth (Al-Baqarah:30), not to depend on someone who proclaimed a different believer..To protect Islam, Baitulmaqqdis and other fundamental issues are on the shoulder each one of us, our community, our leaders, our country and other muslim countries. We must chart our own course. Obama may only provide new ways of engaging a more fruitful social, political and intellectual discourse..which might translate to better policies for the world peace in a presently hostile environment. But we..yes we must stand up defending our beliefs, values..and lead our own destiny. At the same time respect other believers..as there is no compulsion in Islam.. and lead this world to a more just, harmony and peaceful world..

Wallahu'alam

PUZIAH AHMAD
p/s 1. Wonder why they did not introduce him as " President elect Barrack Hussein Obama" instead of "Barrack Obama"...obviously some kind of phobia with the name "Hussein"..His middle name has been deleted..

Surah As-Saff(The Row or the Rank) :61

Assalamualaikum wrt...to all

In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful..

Friday Khutbah
The iman of Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur now is reading Friday Khutbah(sermon).. From the sound of his sobbing I know he is trying very hard to control his emotion when delivering the khutbah about the plights of Palestine. He is reading excerpts of Al-Quran and hadiths about the "prohibited acts" in the holy war..e.g Ar-Rasul never at war with women, children or old people...never destroyed any places of worships, trees, houses, not to start war during fajr...Look friends how beautiful the teachings of Islam..Now who are the terrorists..the Zionist bombed anything they like..schools, houses, hospitals, old people, children even mosques...laknatullah..the enemy of Islam.. Islam is against acts of waging war towards Islam and its believers.. It is Jihad for muslims to protect Islam, family, watan(country), and even oneself if there are circumstances that suggest so...Even in the event of product boycotting it is also considered jihad nafs..to control our desire not to use the products..this is the least we could do....We are friends with those who are not against Islam and its believers...


Hawariyyun - the defender of Islam in the Cause of Allah

I would like to share beautiful verses from As-Saff:61 verses 10-14 (Translation from Dr Muhammad Mohsif Khan from Islamic University Madina Al-Munawara)....

"10 : O you who believe!Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?

11.That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad S.A.W) and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know.

12. (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings, in Adn' (Eden) paradise; that is indeed the great success.

13. And also ( He will give you) another blessing) which you love-help from Allah(against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad S.A.W) to the believers).

14. O you believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allah as said Isa, son of Maryam to the Hawariyyun(the disciples) : Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah. 'The hawariyyun (the disciples) said : ' We are Allah helpers'. Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the victorious(uppermost)"

....So we should be the Hawariyyun...fighting in the Cause of Allah...and victory is awaiting InsyaAllah..

Puziah Ahmad
9 Muharram 1430H/18 January 2009.

p/s contributions can be given to various NGOS including ..MERCY info@mercy.org.my/03-22733999,
PACE (Palestine Centre of Excellence) /jim.org.my/0341089669/0341053159 , and
Aman Palestine -amanpalestin.org.my

2. COMPLETE Public Rally on Sunday at Bangsar Sports Complex, Jalan Terasek 3, Bangsar , Kuala Lumpur( a coalition of NGOs - muti-ethnic and religion of NGOs against Israel tyranny) starting 8.30-5.00 p.m)..Speakers including Dr Hafidzi, Irene Ferdanendez and our ex PM..

RISE AND RISE

Salam to all again..

Yesterday 11th January 2009/14 Muharam1430H the news said "more than 800 killed" and "more than 3000 injured".."The Israeli army deepen their aggresion in urban areas".. Ugh..laknatullah

I attended " Public Rally for Palestine" organised by AMAN palestine at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam with my friend Normah. The programme started at 10.am with more than 7000 people in the stadium. Public talk from various NGOs, UMNO, PKR and PAS, ABIM, ISMA, HALUAN and a representative from Gaza. High powered nasyids were performed by Muadz and Aman Palestine group. It was a highly inspired moment and most audience were from young Malaysian representatives..either university students or individuals. Personally I was touched by the atmosphere..with the chanting.."Khaibar, khaibar..ya Yahud...", "Hidup Palestin", "Jahannam ..Jahannam Israel" " Hancur..hancur Amerika"...

Public talks were delivered in full energetic aura with powerful voice, recitation of Al-Quran and Hadith. A represenative from Gaza mentioned .."do not feel sad..Allah has promised victory..we are ready to fight a long and hard battle with the Israel".."now we know who are the enemies of Palestine..and defender of Baitulmaqdis"(literal translation from Arabic).. MasyaAllah this is the spirit of defender of Islam. Most Palestinians never show any fear, instead high motivation in fighting the cause...As mentioned in a hadith (Muadz's nasyid) "there is always a group who would defend Baitulmaqdis/Islam" "who are they ; asked the sahabiah".."Ar-rasul s.a.w says " the people live in Baitulmaqdis and its surrounding"...

What can we do? ..solat hajat, qunut nazilah, doas, material donation, gold..money..volunteers.. list goes on..At least we are doing something..not only symphatize the palestinians..

The event went on with "throwing shoes to Bush" and "stomps on Israeli flags" as symbolism of humiliation to the aggresors. Later after in house events there were convoys of cars with SAVE GAZA mission to surrounding areas. May our deeds are accepted by Allah s.w.t..

PUZIAH AHMAD

p/s contribution can be made to Amanpalestin.org/Mercy Malaysia/Yayasan Amal/PACE...

Doa, harapan dan kejayaan untukmu Palestin

Special dedication :

Palestin O Palestin

Bumimu bumiku juga
Bermandi darah tidak henti-henti
Sejak Zionis laknatullah meratahmu
1948 mulanya
Darah syuhadah di bumi anbiya melimpah
Manakah jiwa Sallehudin Al-Ayubi
Membebaskan bumi Islam qiblah pertama

Jihadlah saudaraku
Sesungguhnya itulah perniagaan yang untung
Berjihad dengan harta dan jiwa ulungmu
Janji Allah itu benar
Kemenangan yang dijanji
Bersabarlah dan kuatkanlah kesabaran
Siap siaga menentang musuh Allah

Hatiku berdarah.semerah darahmu Palestin!
Titisan airmataku tidak sama dengan tangisanmu
Wanita, anak-anak dan pejuang gugur
Dek kedurjanaan manusia sombong dan angkuh
Ya Allah lindungilah bumi Palestin
Al-Quds lambang cinta Rabbani..


Puziah Ahmad
Rabu 5.28 petang
10 Muharram 1430H/7 Januari 2009

MOUNT MARAPI PART 2

Salam to all again...Special doas for the Palestinians..May Allah protect them from the agresor and indeed "victory" awaiting for them ... Just to share, I joined Malaysian protesters against the Israeli terror and cruelty with my son Nurrudddin on the 30th December 2008.. published in BH and other local dailies...our pictures were on BH 31/12/2008, page 37-Dunia Section


SECOND PART OF THE EXPEDITION


The ascending mission started where Toyota Innova stopped. There were three parts of the journey..1) from the dropping off zone to the bammboo areas-fresh water collection; 2) camping based level 3) volcanoe area

First level: The farmers on the highland were very approachable.."Mahu mendaki bu..hati-hati ya" the usual statement when encountered them on the way...Minang fellow climbers would say" Assalmualaikum bu, pak , jalan dulu ya" not one person but each member in the group greeted us.. It would be nicer to meet fellow youngsters in Malaysia to greet us like that..

While walking we saw a nice view of prime agricultural land and lots of vegetables left by the roadside..e.g tomotaoes. We could actually ate the tomotoes for free..but no taking home policy.

After two hours of walking and resting..the guide said"jauh lagi ni bu"....We met Canadians and English couples while ascending...The thick vegetation showed that indeed it was still a long walk to accomplish... Steps after steps..trees and more trees...and in between take five and may be fifteen minutes of breaks..the vegetation changed with slighty smaller and less denser as it was before..We knew that we were at the second level..after two hours of walk..


Second level : "Tak lama Bu, mungkin 45 minit, kita sampai kawasan bermalam" the guide gave some motivation... In actual fact we had to ascended another two hours to the camping base. 6 o'clock in the evening, but here in the forest it was darker...as expected we arrived at the base around six local time ..maghrib time..after almost six hours of journey..the rain welcomed us..it was cold..we quickly set up our tent..took about 1/2 hour. I jumped into the tent as soon as it stood still..cold beb..needed to changed wet clothes..temperature around 12 degrees may be so at night below ten I guessed. Rosman and my husband still finetuned the tent....Alhamdulilah the coleman tent was wind-proof so I felt warm inside and ate my dinner of chicken and rice..I did not feel to heat up the dishes just in my tummy...Hakim joined later..cold even to brush my teeth I felt ...argh...

I slept may be not yet 9.00 p.m due to exhaustion.. well ...at 12 mid night I heard some kind of commotion..A group of youngsters climbed up to the top..the locals like to ascend during maghrib time and straight to the top crater/caldron...and early morning started descending...

Third level .. to the sumit : "Setengah lima kita naik..lihat matahari terbit.." Ferri(the guide) told us.. at 4 a.m.... I heard Ferri was cooking and ...I did not hear any responses from the two guys..I thought "setengah lima" means half past 5...not 4.30...then Fajr...the sun could be seen already... We only started climbing around 7.00 a.m to the top.. After two hours of waliking on the volcanoe gravel and sand..we heard gushing of sulfuric water like a water fall...we arrived at the volcanic crater...Subhanallah beautiful scenery on the top... not clouds but gaseous of volcanic sulfur came out but it did not smell like"rotten eggs"(as in Lake Rotoroa, New Zealand).

Photo session...and more photo sessions.. to the two football field(flat area on the volcanoe), we proceeded to the top...Ferri and my husband walked as fast as they could to the top..I took my own phase..Rosman and Naim took more photos...a bit behind......THEN WE reached the summit...ALHAMDULLILLAH to the Creator of this Universe...majestic creation....human civilization could not be near par with what we saw...see pictures

The pictures are not sequenced properly...part 1(ascending), part two(level two and based camp). part 3(the tops) and part four (villages of Bukit Tinggi and look out of Lake Meninjau) ..Enjoy the scenery...


PART FOUR





An abandoned house - a beautiful architecture




Look-out- Tasik Meninjau

PART THREE
On the top of Marapi -the highest peak

Celebrating our arrival

On the way to the top

Background- Mount Tenggalang

Background - volcanic crater

Second top with Ferri

PART TWO

on the way

PART TWO
Views of Mount Tenggalang from base camp

PART ONE

Walking to the top- background highland agricultural areas


Pitty them - carrying weight about 10-15kg

PART THREE

PART TWO

Mossy track

PART THREE

OTHERS

Leaving Padang

PART THREE

PART TWO

Notice the change of plant cover from densely to almost bonsai type

Camping site

Used to be larva stones- now track to the top

PART ONE

Wild flowers

PART THREE

THAT'S ALL FOLKS...

PUZIAH AHMAD

Salam Maal Hijriah 1430H and Happy New Year 2009