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Ultra-Sensitive MTB/RIF: Is Trace Detected Diagnostically Helpful, or a Mere False Positive? A 3-year Clinical Audit
No full textAs a molecular WHOrecommended rapid diagnostic test (mWRD) for tuberculosis (TB), GeneXpert MTB/RIF has been a major gamechanger in the fight against the global pandemic since its introduction in 2010
Impacts of Oil Spill on Geotechnical Properties of Soil
No full textThe escalation of environmental pollution in the world is attributed to the recent increase in crude oil spills, mainly due to the increase in crude oil production and the activities of individuals involved in crude oil theft. In oil and gas, the likelihood of soil pollution from petroleum products soars as oil exploration, production, and transportation of substantial oil volumes via pipelines across vast distances continue to dilate. Recent findings divulge a plethora of instances of oil spills occurring in various locations, attributed to damage within the infrastructure of the oil industry. These spills have resulted in soil contamination, giving rise to significant environmental risks and degradation of both the soil and its engineering characteristics. Herein we explore the changes in geotechnical properties of soil resulting from oil contamination. Beyond understanding the detrimental effects, the chapter explores numerous treatment methodologies, both established and emerging, offering a roadmap for restoring the geotechnical integrity of oil-contaminated soil. The advantages of employing geotechnical approaches, including sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term efficacy, are highlighted, looking ahead, we identify key areas emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring, exploration of emerging contaminants and technologies like nanotechnology, for the development of scalable and cost-effective solutions
Efficiency Performance of China Brand Automobiles: The Role of Innovation Systems
No full textThis research aims to examine and investigate the efficiency performance and its influencing factors of China brand automobiles’ innovation system using both theoretical and empirical approaches. Initially, the study applies the DEA model to assess the technical efficiency, pure technical
efficiency, and scale efficiency of the innovation system of China brand automobiles. The results reveal a general upward trend in the innovation system’s efficiency of China brand automobiles. Subsequently, a panel regression model is employed to analyze the determinants impacting the
efficiency of the innovation system. The findings of the research suggest that economic development, openness to international markets, and marketization enhance the technical efficiency of the innovation system of the domestic automobile industry. However, an increase in enterprise size tends to negatively affect this technical efficiency. While economic growth, openness, and
marketization positively impact pure technical efficiency, the expansion of enterprise size exerts a detrimental effect. Conversely, enterprise size growth positively influences scale efficiency, whereas openness and marketization present some negative implications. Lastly, this study proposes policy recommendations from both governmental and enterprise viewpoints, aimed at promoting the sustainable advancement of the automobile industry
EXPLORING HYPERGLYCEMIA-RELATED SEIZURES: A CASE SERIES
No full textIntroduction/Background
Hyperglycemia-related seizures, though rare, represent a
serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes, often occurring in the context of Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State
(HHS). We present a retrospective case series detailing the
clinical characteristics, metabolic parameters and outcomes
of patients admitted with hyperglycemia-related seizures
Exploring the Potential of Bamboo-based Product Design in Sarawak
No full textSarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 identifies the furniture sector as a key growth area, targeting RM30 million in annual sales through sustainable
industrialisation (Sarawak Government, 2021). However, achieving this requires addressing systemic barriers while leveraging indigenous resources like bamboo, a material with untapped potential due to its rapid renewability and cultural significance in Borneo. Despite global trends
favouring eco-friendly materials, Sarawak’s furniture industry faces challenges in adoption, including fragmented supply chains (76.9% of surveyed firms), limited market demand (61.5%), and skilled labour shortages.
This study bridges cultural science and industrial design by examining how bamboo-based product design can align with PCDS 2030’s dual goals of economic growth and cultural
preservation. Prior research highlights bamboo’s environmental advantages (Lobovikov et al., 2007) but neglects its socio-cultural integration in Sarawak’s industrialisation. Grounded in anthropological design theory (Clarke, 2022), this work asks: How can bamboo’s material
culture drive sustainable furniture innovation while supporting Sarawak’s development targets?
Using mixed methods, the study reveals bamboo’s role as both an ecological asset and a cultural catalyst, proposing actionable strategies for industry stakeholders
Preserving Heritage: The Cultural Significance of the Bidayuh Kasah Weaving in Sarawak
No full textKasah weaving is a traditional handicraft of the Bidayuh community in Sarawak, Malaysia,
deeply embedded in the cultural, economic, and social life of the people. Traditionally made
from rattan and tree bark, the kasah mat is renowned for its durability, textured surface, and
intricate woven patterns that reflect the skill and talent of the weaver (Shaik & Athirah, 2022).
The mat is traditionally used to dry paddy since olden days. Still, additionally, the mat also
serves multiple purposes from everyday domestic use, such as floor coverings and bedding, to
ceremonial and ritual contexts, where they often carry symbolic meaning and social value
(Campbell & Mikeng, 2021; Shaik & Athirah, 2022; Utusan Sarawak, 2025). The kasah is
more than just a functional object; the rattan mat embodies the Bidayuh’s close relationship
with their natural environment, their deep-rooted craftsmanship, and the collective identity that
ties the community together. Nevertheless, despite its cultural significance, the kasah weaving
tradition is increasingly facing some challenges in the modern era. The scarcity of natural raw
materials, driven by deforestation and land-use changes, has made traditional production more
difficult (Sait et al., 2018). At the same time, interest in learning the craft among younger
generations is decreasing, leading to a gradual decline in the transmission of weaving
knowledge. Adding to the challenges are the lack of comprehensive documentation and
academic literature on kasah weaving. Existing records are insufficient, often limited to brief
heritage descriptions or informal accounts, leaving significant gaps in understanding its
technical processes, symbolic meanings, and regional variations. This absence of systematic
documentation not only hinders cultural preservation efforts but also limits opportunities for
innovation and adaptation (Shaik & Athirah, 2022). Without timely intervention, there is a real
risk that traditional crafts like the kasah weaving will shift from being a living, evolving tradition to a static relic of the past. This research seeks to document the kasah weaving
technique in detail, its tools, materials, and traditional weaving methods, while examining its
cultural symbolism, heritage value, and role in intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Furthermore, it explores the potential of adapting kasah weaving patterns and techniques into
contemporary fashion products as a strategy to ensure the craft’s preservation, economic
viability, and continued relevance in modern society
Sustaining the Craft of Traditional Iban Woodcarving of Sarawak, Borneo
No full textThe determination of this paper is to examine the local Iban woodcrafts in Sarawak, Malaysia. The research is based on a comprehensive account of oral interviews, participatory
observations, and literature review, which emphasizes the socio-historical background of indigenous Iban woodcraft as a political, social, and religious symbol. The same data are used to form a hypothesis about the techniques and materials used among Iban wood carvers and other traditional artists today.
This research suggests strategies for invigorating and sustaining the indigenous Iban woodcrafts in Sarawak. To achieve this, effective techniques and methods of woodcrafts, as well as a faster and easier carving mechanism, were identified; knowledge of wood properties
that guide the carver to the appropriate wood choice was acknowledged; and guidelines for sustaining and revitalizing Iban woodcrafts in Sarawak were analyzed
The Impact of Economic Growth, Trade and Urbanization on Electricity Consumption in Malaysia
No full textThis study aimed to examine the effects of economic growth, trade, and urbanization on electricity consumption in Malaysia from 1990 to 2022. The research employed the ARDL ECM methodology and determined that all factors were significant. Unit root tests (ADF, PP, and KPSS) indicate mixed cointegration at both levels and initial differences for the variables in the equation. Then, it is appropriate to utilize the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method test. The study found that ARDL (3, 3, 3, 4) was the best
ARDL model to use. Urbanization had a favorable effect on energy use over the long run, but economic expansion and commerce had a negative effect. In the near run, though, economic expansion and urbanization had a good effect on power use, while trade had a bad effect. The speed of adjustment, ECT(-1), also had a big effect on how much electricity was used. Because of this, Malaysia's energy policies are not likely to hurt economic growth
Growth performance, nutrient uptake, and biofortification potential of hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) under calcium supplementation.
No full textLettuce (Lactuca sativaL.), a fast-growing and commercially important leafy green, contains about 36 mg of calcium per 100 g. Its calcium content depends on water and nutrient uptake through the roots. This study aims to evaluate how varying calcium levels in hydroponics affectlettuce growth, nutrient absorption, and post-harvest nutrient content, providing insights into optimizing calcium enrichment in lettuce for improved human nutrition. In this study, growth performance, nutrient uptake, and biofortification potential of hydroponic lettuce under varying calcium supplementations of 90, 108, 126 and 144 mg/L were examined. As a result, lettuce fresh weights are significantly higher at 126 and 144 mg/L calcium supplementation. Highest calcium content was found in lettuce hydroponics grown with 108 mg/L calcium (2.35%), potassium and iron are the most abundant nutrients in lettuce hydroponics. Total flavonoid was significantly lowest in lettuce hydroponics cultured with 144 mg/L calcium. Nitrate is found exclusively in in lettuce hydroponics cultured with 144 mg/L calcium. Therefore, it can be deduced that lettuce hydroponics requires at least 126 mg/L calcium, but not more than 144 mg/L calcium for maximal growth, nutrient uptake and nutrient content, as well as safe for consumption
Microplastics Quantification in Meretrix lyrata through Rapid Screening Method using Nile Red
No full textMicroplastics have emerged as a significant form of plastic pollution. Many ingestions in biota were reported worldwide. Filter feeder such as bivalves are prone to microplastics ingestion due to the non-selective feeding behavior. Bivalves are usually consumed as whole, without gut removal, which can pose a threat towards human consumption. This study focused on Meretrix lyrata to examine the level of microplastics ingestion under two factors: size class and weather seasons. The rapid screening approach with the fluorescent tagging using Nile red on microplastics for biota samples was used to quantify M. lyrata samples (n = 81) in this study. The high lipid content of the clams presented a significant challenge to the effectiveness of the method. As an alternative, high temperatures from acidification were used to disrupt lipid membranes and improve extraction efficiency. A total of 15,867 microplastics were quantified, with the average microplastics ingestion of 195.90±43.6 items/individuals. The statistical analysis indicated that clam size had a significant effect on the rate of microplastics ingestion (p0.05). Polyvinylchloride (66.5%), polypropylene with silicate mix (8.5%), resin dispersion (8.5%) and polydimethylsiloxane (16.5%) were from the 12 isolated items. The higher rate of microplastics ingestion observed in smaller clam size M. lyrata and similar rate between weather season (dry season and wet season) indicate that these contaminated seafood increases the human exposure through consumption. The type of polymer identified in this study indicate that most of the microplastic may sources from human daily products