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KESAN PETUNJUK STRUKTUR DAN KONTEKS DALAM RESOLUSI KETAKSAAN KATA GANTI NAMA DIRI KETIGA DALAM KALANGAN PENUTUR MELAYU
No full textThis study investigates how native Malay speakers interpret the referent of the third-person
pronoun dia in contexts of ambiguity. The research focuses on two primary objectives:
identifying whether there is a default preference for the subject as referent, and evaluating the
influence of contextual discourse cues on pronominal reference resolution. A total of 60 adult
native Malay speakers participated in a comprehension task involving ambiguous sentences
presented in three contextual conditions: neutral, subject-biased, and non-subject-biased. Data
were analysed using a generalised mixed effects model (GLMM) implemented in R. Findings
reveal a significant overall preference for the subject as referent across all conditions,
supporting the existence of a default syntactic strategy. However, contextual effects revealed
unexpected patterns: neutral contexts enhanced subject preference, subject-biased contexts
paradoxically reduced it, and non-subject-biased contexts had no significant effect. These
results challenge the predictions of the Referential Context Theory and suggest that pronominal
processing in Malay is shaped by linguistic features such as the absence of gender marking and
syntactic flexibility. The study highlights the need for reference resolution models that account
for cross-linguistic variabilit
Textism in Digital Communication : Usage of Internet Slang in Social Media Among Bilingual Malaysian Youths
Get PDFThe rapid advancement of communication technologies has transformed language use, leading to the widespread adoption of internet slang in social media communication. Among bilingual and multilingual youth, this phenomenon reflects innovativeness, creativity, informality, and a departure
from conventional linguistic norms, often eliciting disapproval from older generations. This study explores how bilingual Malaysian youth utilize internet slang in e-discourse across various social media platforms. Employing a qualitative approach, naturally occurring conversations and posts from twelve participants were analyzed to decode the most frequently used internet slang and its intended
meanings. The findings reveal seven classes of internet slang being used by the youths: phrase abbreviations, word abbreviations, derogatory adjectives, non-derogatory adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs. Additionally, the internet slang was formed through various strategies such as abbreviating expressive phrases, simplifying words into shorter form, widening the meaning of existing words,
borrowing words used in different contexts, and creating new words, which highlighted the interplay between creativity and linguistic economy in digital communication. The study underscores the role of internet slang as a tool for identity construction, social solidarity, and cultural expression among youth. While it challenges traditional notions of language standardization, it also offers unique insights into the dynamics of communication in bilingual communities. This research emphasizes the need for
further investigation into the generational and intercultural implications of internet slang, as well as
its potential impact on digital communication practices
An arginine-rich motif of the HIV-1 TAT protein promotes E. coli cellular entry and DNA delivery
No full textE. coli is an attractive non-viral gene delivery vector due to its low immunogenicity and large gene-carrying capacity. However, its inherently low efficiency has been a significant obstacle that has limited its adoption for gene delivery. We tested a trimer of (HIV-1) Transactivator Transcription protein (TAT) 47–57 with cellpenetrating ability and nuclear localization sequences to enhance the efficiency of the E. coli vectors gene delivery into cancer cells, a strategy not explored before. Fourier-transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN) were used to study the interaction between the E. coli vector and TAT3 peptide, and this result was validated with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We demonstrate for the first time that a hybrid vector can be formed between the E. coli vector and TAT3. This hybrid vector formation is likely due to the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged outer
membrane of E. coli and the highly positively charged TAT3 peptides. Our result suggested that the TAT3 is internalized into E. coli and coated its surface to improve cellular uptake and gene delivery efficiency. TAT3 peptide enhances E. coli gene transfer efficiency by over 2.5 fold in HeLa, HT1080, HEK-293, and 1.3 fold in MCF-7, but not in A549. Additionally, internalization of E. coli increased by 1.2 fold in HeLa with no significant uptake by A549, demonstrating that cellular entry is a prerequisite to higher gene expression. This TAT-based complexing method may be applied to other bacterial-based vectors to enhance DNA and protein delivery into cells for DNA vaccination and cancer gene therapy
An Investigation into Integration of Renewable Energy Resource for Electricity Generation for Rural Areas in Sarawak State Malaysia
Get PDFThe difficulties faced in the extension of conventional grid electricity to remote locations elicit increased
application of renewable energy (RE) sources in such locations. In locations that are in close proximity to rivers or streams, micro-hydro hybrid RE systems (HRES) are employed. Similarly, hybrid photovoltaic (PV) /battery configurations exist.
Unfortunately, micro-hydro turbines require a minimum height/head and expensive civil works during installation.
Hydrokinetic turbines (HKTs) eliminate the height/head requirement and greatly reduce necessary civil work by generating electricity using the kinetic energy of water flow in a river or stream. This study used HOMER software to simulate and obtain the optimal size and configuration of a hybrid PV/HKT/Battery storage system for Kampung Asum in Sarawak, Malaysia. Techno-economic comparison of the system is done with a PV/Battery and a standalone diesel generator (DG) system thereafter. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the total net present cost (NPC) are the primary indices used for comparison purposes. The optimal configuration from simulations has 79.9 kWp of PV, two 4.5 kW HKTs and 132
kWh of battery storage. Also, economic results obtained indicate that the LCOE of 2.1 RM/kWh and NPC of RM 1,225,000
for the PV-HKT-battery configuration bested those for the PV-battery and standalone DG systems by 165 % and 27 %
respectively. This optimal configuration is more environmentally friendly and highlights the role of the HKT in reducing battery usage and wear in addition to achieving lower LCOE and NPC values
Loong Patterns in Ancient Dongyang Houses Cultural Significance and Morphological Development
Get PDFThis study examines the physical evolution and cultural symbolism of the loong designs found in Dongyang's historic homes. Chinese loongs are very distinct from Western dragons and are significant in traditional culture. The study examined its application distribution, loong pattern types (Kui, Chi, etc.), and architectural aspects (layout, structure, decoration, etc.). Combining the shifts in the artistic qualities and cultural significance of loong patterns over time, from mysterious and authoritative to royally exclusive, with the morphological evolution of loong patterns from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as the Shang and Zhou Kui loong patterns, the Qing Dynasty Chi loong pattern, and other corresponding characteristics. The conclusion demonstrates that the loong pattern of Dongyang ancient dwellings is an important part of traditional architectural decorative art, carrying profound cultural significance. This is achieved by combining the morphological evolution of loong patterns from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as the Shang and Zhou Kui loong patterns, the Qing Dynasty Chi loong pattern, and other respective characteristics, with the changes in the artistic characteristics and cultural significance of loong patterns in different periods, from mysterious and authoritative to royal exclusive, etc. Its development is important for understanding historical culture and passing down architectural ornamental art, and it reflects aesthetic and social shifts.
Keywords: Ancient Dongyan, Morphological Development, Ming and Qing Dynastie
Cellulose Nanoparticles as Controlled Release Nanocarriers for Urea
Get PDFPurpose Conventional fertilization raises several environmental issues. Utilizing cellulose from paper waste presents a promising opportunity to create biodegradable cellulose nanoparticles, which can serve as controlled-release nanocarriers for urea, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Methods Cellulose nanoparticles of various mean particle sizes were synthesized from cellulose fibers derived from paper wastes by using the nanoprecipitation method. The fertilizer release characteristics of cellulose nanoparticles were evaluated using urea as the model fertilizer at room temperature. The release kinetic profiles of urea from cellulose nanoparticles were analyzed in both soil and water environments.
Results The loading capacity of urea into cellulose nanoparticles was profoundly affected by factors such as mean particle sizes and the conditions of the release media. The highest loading capacity is found in cellulose nanoparticles of 30.54 nm with 173.85 mg/g. The urea loading capacity can be enhanced by optimizing the synthesis conditions of cellulose nanoparticles including cellulose concentrations, the addition of Tween 80 and the volume of precipitating medium. The urea release kinetics from cellulose nanoparticles can be adjusted by using cellulose nanoparticles with different average particle sizes.
Conclusion Optimized cellulose nanoparticles made from cellulose derived from paper waste have the potential to serve as
cost-effective controlled-release fertilizer nanocarrier
Ctenodesma borneensis
No full textCtenodesma borneensis has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024. Ctenodesma borneensis is listed as Endangered under criteria A2c
Chemical Characterization of Monomeric and Polymeric Silicate Dropout from Ethylene Glycol-Based Coolant under the Effects of Metasilicate Dosage and Temperature
Get PDFEthylene glycol (EG)-based coolants help dissipate excess heat generated by engines, with sodium metasilicate often added as a corrosion inhibitor. However, adding metasilicate to EG coolant can lead to the formation of silicate gel, which compromises the coolant's efficiency.
This gel-like precipitate is known as silicate dropout. This paper reports on the characteristics of silicate dropout from EG coolant under varying dosages of metasilicate and temperatures. The silicate precipitates were extracted and analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
Spectroscopy to identify molecular bonding and structural changes. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to examine the surface morphology and
microstructural features of the precipitates. The study found that silicate dropout occurred when the metasilicate concentration reached 3% at room temperature. As the metasilicate dosage increased, the solubility of the silicate precipitates decreased due to saturation. This was
evidenced by a reduction in absorption at 780, 850, and 1001 cm-1 . Elevated temperatures further facilitated silicate precipitation as a result of the exothermic nature of the reaction. The IR spectra demonstrated shifts in Si-O-Si bands to higher (954-845 cm-1 to 1001 – 854 cm-1
) and lower frequencies (811-699 cm-1 to 783 – 583 cm-1
), indicating the formation of a silicate network and
the disruption of monomeric structures. The SEM images showed monomeric silicates at lower concentrations and temperatures, while polymeric structures dominated at higher temperatures and dosages. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed an increase in Si content within
the precipitates at higher temperatures
A Stylistic Analysis of Rape Metaphors in Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones
Get PDFAlice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones (TLB) portrays a young rape victim of fourteen, Susie Salmon, who was brutally beaten, raped, and murdered in a hole in the ground by an elderly man of thirty-six, Mr. Harvey. The representation of rape in Sebold’s TLB has been examined through a variety of perspectives by employing linguistic approaches to the meanings of rape metaphors. The studies on rape metaphors in TLB have indicated the details of rape events and rape victims’ experiences. Nevertheless, since rape metaphors are a part of rape victims’ cognition and thought systems, the findings of the existing studies on rape metaphors in TLB remain inadequate to understand the comprehensive meanings of rape metaphors (i.e., combining both linguistic and conceptual knowledge approaches) in literary language. It is due to the contemporary theory of metaphor, Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) (Kovecses, 2002, 2010; Lakoff & Johnson, 1980, 2003), in which metaphors are not only language-based, intended to achieve rhetorical effects on the audience, but also an essential constituent of human thought and cognition. Accordingly, metaphors significantly influence our understanding of a concept in terms of another. In the existing literature on rape representation, very few studies have been conducted on conceptual metaphors of rape. Besides, the findings of the studies remain inconclusive as they are based on the phenomenon of cognition, ignoring the role of language and linguistic knowledge in constructing rape metaphors. Importantly, the theory of Lexical Concepts and Cognitive Models (LCCM) (Evans, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013) claims that the integration of linguistic knowledge and conceptual knowledge is essential to have a comprehensive meaning and understanding of a metaphor. Therefore, in the current study, rape metaphors in Sebold’s TLB are investigated by incorporating both linguistic knowledge and conceptual knowledge. For this, theoretical approaches of literary stylistics (Leech & Short, 2007), CMT, and LCCM Theory have been applied to dissect rape metaphors in Sebold’s TLB. Three research questions were derived to guide the study: (1) What are the types of conceptual metaphors used to describe rape in Alice Sebold’s TLB? (2) How are the conceptual metaphors of rape constructed in Alice Sebold’s TLB? (3) What are the differences between the metaphorical constructions of rape in Alice Sebold’s TLB and the existing rape discourses? The findings of the study reveal a variety of categories of conceptual metaphors like animal metaphors, plants metaphors, objects and things metaphors, metaphors of human state and human experiences, metaphors of human activities, and personifications constructing the conceptual metaphors, such as RAPE VICTIMS ARE ANIMALS, RAPE VICTIMS ARE PREY, RAPE IS SILENCING, RAPE IS HUNTING, RAPE IS PSYCHOLOGICAL SUFFERING, RAPE IS HUMILIATION, and RAPE IS MUTILATION. Furthermore, the findings show that the metaphorical constructions of rape in TLB indicate how rape is constructed through the source domains related to the human experiences of animals, birds, plants, hunting, silencing, humiliating, killing, and torturing, exhibiting the reality of rape, the embedded horrors, and underpinning the gravity of pain and suffering of rape victims. Additionally, the findings show the significant differences in rape events and rape victims’ conceptualizations in Sebold’s TLB and other existing rape discourses, such as media discourses of rape, legal and rape trial discourses, political and war rape discourses, and religious discourses of rape. Moreover, the study provides the comprehensive meanings of rape metaphors in contrast to the perspective in which metaphors have traditionally been seen as merely linguistic and rhetorical devices. Overall, this study is a significant contribution to understanding rape and rape victims’ life experiences in TLB. Also, it will help us interpret the existing literature on rape, exposing the horrific reality of rape events and the traumatic experiences of rape victims that are metaphorically constructed and represented through literary language.
Keywords: Rape, rape metaphors, stylistics, conceptual metaphor theory (CMT), lexical concepts and cognitive models (LCCM) theory
Converting industrial noise into useful electrical energy: a review and case study on acoustic energy harvesting in district cooling plants
Get PDFAcoustic energy harvester (AEH) studies are commonly applied in the transportation sector, often overlooking industrial areas despite their substantial contribution to noise pollution in surrounding neighbourhoods. Furthermore, AEH
approaches are primarily experimental and less common in real-world applications due to the signifcant knowledge
gap in applying AEH systems for industrial noise. Therefore, this paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest
advancements in AEH system, development aiming to convert industrial noise into useful electrical energy. Subsequently, this paper presents a case study demonstrating the feasibility of converting industrial noise from district cooling plant into useful electrical energy for powering small electronic devices. The case study result shows that noise mapping of the district cooling plant indicates that the chiller generates a continuous sound level approximately 91 to 96 dB, making it suitable for powering electronic devices within the chiller plants. Additionally, the fndings reveal a notable voltage output of 0.0258 V from the AEH system, achieved using the LDT1-028 K PT piezo flm