39506 research outputs found
Sort by
Synthesis and Characterization of Efficient Adsorbents for Methylene Blue Based on Graphene Oxide/β-cyclodextrin Composites
Get PDFIn this paper, a novel graphene oxide/β-
cyclodextrin composite (GO/β-CD) adsorbent was
synthesized for the effective simultaneous removal
of dyes. GO and GO/β-CD were characterized using
BET, SEM, FT-IR, Raman, and XRD techniques.
GO/β-CD has a BET specific surface area of 0.25
m2/g. The surface of GO/β-CD contains a significant
number of reactive groups, such as carboxyl groups,
which enable the effective adsorption of methylene
blue (MB). The adsorption of GO/β-CD on methylene
blue (MB) in aqueous solution was also investigated
kinetically and thermodynamically. The kinetic and
thermodynamic parameters of the reaction were
calculated. Based on the experimental results, the
adsorption reaction was determined to be a spontaneous
endothermic reaction. The adsorption of MB on
GO/β-CD best fit the Langmuir model based on the
results of the adsorption isotherm model fitting. The
maximum adsorption capacity of the composite was
434.78 mg/g. The GO/β-CD adsorbent was highly
efficient at adsorbing cationic dyes, and its performance
remained consistently high after six cycles.
Thus, GO/β-CD offers the advantages of nontoxicity,
excellent adsorption and regeneration properties, and
great potential for treating real and simulated wastewater
from various industries
MEDCnet : A Memory Efficient Approach for Processing High-Resolution Fundus Images for Diabetic Retinopathy Classification Using CNN
Get PDFModern medical imaging equipment can capture very high-resolution images with detailed features. These high-resolution images have been used in several domains. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a medical condition where increased blood sugar levels of diabetic patients affect the retinal vessels of the eye. The usage of high-resolution fundus images in DR classification is quite limited due to Graphics processing unit (GPU) memory constraints. The GPU memory problem becomes even worse with the increased complexity of the current state-of-the-art deep learning models. In this paper, we propose a memory-efficient divideand-conquer-based approach for training deep learning models that can identify both high-level and detailed low-level features from high-resolution images within given GPU memory constraints. The proposed approach initially uses the traditional transfer learning technique to train the deep learning model with reduced-sized images. This trained model is used to extract detailed low-level features from fixed-size patches of higher-resolution fundus images. These detailed features are then utilized for classification based on standard machine learning algorithms. We have evaluated our proposed approach using the DDR and APTOS datasets. The results of our approach are compared with different approaches, and our model achieves a maximum classification
accuracy of 95.92% and 97.39% on the DDR and APTOS datasets, respectively. In general, the proposed approach can be used to get better accuracy by using detailed features from high-resolution images within GPU memory constraints
Spatiotemporal evolution patterns of the coupling of carbon productivity and high-quality economic development in China
Get PDFThis study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of the coordinated development between carbon productivity (CP) and high-quality economic development (HQED) across 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2021. Using the entropy weight method, coupling coordination degree (CCD), kernel density
estimation, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and spatial econometric models, the research identifies several key findings: first, a coupling and coordination relationship characterized by mutual influence and restraint exists between carbon productivity and high-quality economic development. Both carbon productivity and high-quality economic development, along with their coupling coordination degree, have exhibited continuous growth, demonstrating a spatial distribution pattern of “higher in the east than in the west, and higher in the south than in the north,” accompanied by expanding spatial concentration and pronounced regional disparities. Second, the global Moran’s I for the coupling coordination degree is positive, indicating significant spatial effects between carbon productivity and high-quality economic development. The LISA map highlights that high–high clusters are concentrated
in the economically advanced eastern coastal areas, while low–low clusters are predominantly located in underdeveloped central and western regions and energy-dependent heavy industrial provinces. Third, the spatial effects of coupling coordination degree are influenced by factors such as economic development level, urbanization, technological progress, environmental regulation, the proportion
of the secondary industry, and marketization level. The significance of these factors varies in the decomposition effect. Finally, this study provides policy recommendations. Within the framework of China’s “dual-carbon” goals, promoting the coupling and coordinated development of carbon
productivity and high-quality economic development, while fostering balanced regional growth, holds substantial practical importance
Urban Property Crime : Examining the Relationship Between Property Crime With Land Use and Demographic Factor
Get PDFUrban property crime, such as burglary and theft, remains a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities like Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Despite extensive urbanization, research on the complex relationships between land use, demographic factors, and crime patterns remains limited. This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and linear regression analysis to examine how land use configurations and demographic characteristics influence property crime from 2015 to 2020. The results indicate that residential areas and transport infrastructure are the most significant land use predictors, explaining over 91% of crime variance, while demographic variables, including male population and household size, exhibit adjusted R² values exceeding 85%. The findings underscore the role of spatial and demographic factors in shaping urban crime dynamics. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), enhanced surveillance, and youth-focused initiatives to mitigate risks in high-crime areas. By integrating spatial and demographic analyses, this research offers a comprehensive framework for data-driven urban crime prevention strategies, with implications for policymakers, urban planners, and law enforcement agencies
Exploring the Role of a Mindful Eating Module for Emotion Regulation and Behavioural Change : A Qualitative Study among Female University Students
Get PDFMalaysia is facing a growing obesity crisis, particularly among women, due to unhealthy eating habits and
lifestyle patterns. Despite global interest, limited research exists on mindful eating interventions in
Southeast Asia, especially among university-aged females, who are vulnerable to body image concerns and
emotional eating. This study addresses that gap by providing insight into a culturally relevant, gendersensitive intervention tailored to Malaysian female university students. This qualitative study explores the
influence of "The Journey to Healthier Me" (TJHM), a mindfulness-based eating module, in fostering
emotion regulation and behavioural change among female university students. Mindful eating, which
involves focusing on the sensory and emotional experience of eating, has been recognised as a promising
approach to reducing emotional eating and promoting healthier food choices. Ten female participants aged
22–25 completed the module and were interviewed to explore their lived experiences. Thematic analysis
revealed four key areas of impact: eating habits, emotion regulation, concentration, and healthier lifestyles.
The findings show that mindful eating enhances emotion regulation and self-restraint, thereby reducing
stress-related eating behaviours. The TJHM module shows potential in promoting long-term healthy eating
habits and emotional well-being. These findings may inform future mindfulness-based interventions in
higher education and public health
Rahman Shaari’s Insights in Improving the Political Reality of Malaysia: A Realism Analysis
Get PDFLiterary works have long played a significant role in reflecting and critiquing the political realities of
societies worldwide. This intricate relationship between literature and politics reveals critical insights
into power structures, societal dynamics, and political ideologies that shape nations. Therefore, this
study explores how literature can contribute to improving the political realities of the nations. This is
a qualitative study. Content analysis is based on Lukács’ theory of realism in his four renowned works
(1963, 1978, 1989, 1990), focusing on the works of Malaysia’s National Laureate, Rahman Shaari,
Pernikahan di Lubuk Hantu (2008), Semoga Molek (2012), and Cengkaman Hasrat (2015). The findings
reveal that Rahman Shaari, as a realist writer, places significant emphasis on critiquing and addressing
the negative aspects of political activities that harm society while offering constructive
recommendations for creating a stable, democratic, and humanistic political reality. His insights on
leaders’ inefficiency, the belittlement of women, negative political trends involving incitements, and
the importance of selecting leaders wisely underscore his commitment to improving Malaysia's
political reality. These novels exemplify the dual approach of critique and recommendation
characteristic of realist literature, as emphasized by Lukács (1963, 1978, 1989, 1990). Rahman Shaari’s
contributions provide valuable critiques and foster meaningful guidance for improving Malaysia’s
political landscape. This study concludes that his literary works significantly benefit societal life and
positively shape Malaysia’s political reality
GENERATING THE TANG DYNASTY’S FLORAL MEDALLION MOTIFS USING SHAPE GRAMMAR FOR INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS
Get PDFABSTRACT
Purpose: This paper is an attempt to promote the SDGs of the Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs in modern design, to improve the promotional value and economic value of traditional Chinese motifs, and to propose a design scheme for motif derivation based on shape grammar.
Theoretical Framework: This study synthesizes the literature on Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs, shape grammars and the application of Cultural products to support the exploration of an innovative motif design for Floral Medallion motifs based on shape grammars to promote sustainable industrialization within Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 9) within the context of the era of local design in the global marketplace.
Method: The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze the cultural connotations, stylistic features and users’ needs of the Tang Dynasty's Floral Medallion motifs through literature review and questionnaire survey. The data are analysed by using SPSS statistical tools to ensure the scientific and reliable nature of the research results.
Results and Discussion: The innovative design based on shape grammar in this paper gives the Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs vitality and senseof the times, and the design application in silk scarf cultural and creative products also verifies the feasibility and adaptability of the method.
PracticalImplications:
Unique and innovative Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs can make the product stand out in the market and attract consumers, thus increasing the addtional value of the product, bringing more profits for the enterprise and helping the sustainable development of the enterprise. Originality/Value: This study extracts the cultural features of the Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs through digital means, optimizes the design process by referring the theory of shape grammar, achieves its sustainable protection and innovation, and provides a feasible path for the innovative development of the Tang Dynasty Floral Medallion motifs in the modern society.
Keywords: innovation, floral medallion motifs, shape grammar, cultural and creative product design, SDGs 9, sustainable development goals (SDG
The prevalence of sibling violence among emerging adults in Malaysia
No full textPurpose – Sibling violence is a pervasive yet underexamined form of familial aggression that is commonly normalised within the dynamics of family setting. Hence, this study aims to investigate the dynamics of sibling relationships, with a specific focus on identifying the level of sibling violence experienced by emerging adults in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach – This study used a quantitative approach to examine sibling violence.
Primary data were used to gather information related to the demography profiles and the level of sibling violence experienced by emerging adults in Malaysia.
Findings – Data collected from 595 respondents revealed that 83.03% experienced sibling violence at an average level, with psychological violence being the most prevalent form. A smaller proportion of respondents (5.55%) reported minimal encounters with sibling violence. In contrast, 11.42% reported high levels of sibling violence, indicating severe instances of this dynamic. These findings highlight the
significant prevalence of sibling violence and its varying levels of severity, raising concerns about its
potential impact on emerging adults’ mental health and interpersonal relationships.
Research limitations/implications – Although the results are significant, certain limitations should be taken into account. Firstly, the reliance on convenience sampling through social media platform may limit the representativeness of the sample. Although efforts were made to reach diverse respondents across East and West Malaysia through multiple social media channels, there remain a potential selection bias as respondents may be more digitally literate or engaged in online platforms than the general population. As a result, the findings may not fully capture the experiences of individuals without social media access.
Secondly, the study relied on self-report data, which may be influenced by social desirability bias or have
inaccuracies in recalling their experiences of sibling violence. Respondents may have underreported or misrepresented their experiences of sibling violence due to the sensitive nature of the topic or memory limitations. In addition, cultural factors unique to the study site could influence sibling dynamics, limiting the generalisability of the results to other populations. The unique social-cultural factors in Malaysia could shape the way sibling relationships are perceived and experienced.
Practical implications – This study contributes to the limited body of research on sibling violence in
non-Western settings, shedding light into the prevalence and dynamics of this issue in Malaysia. It further emphasises the need for future research to investigate the intersection of individual, familial and cultural factors influencing sibling violence, along with its short- and long-term impacts.
Originality/value – The limited exploration of sibling violence in the local context highlighted a significant
knowledge gap, particularly regarding the factors influencing its severity and prolonged impacts on emerging adults. The findings from this study contribute to the development of more targeted and effective intervention, fostering healthier sibling relationships and enhancing the well-being of emerging adults in Malaysia
The influence of blockchain technology on green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs : A multigroup analysis
No full textBlockchain technology is transforming industries, yet its potential to drive sustainable entrepreneurship remains underexplored. This study examines how blockchain technology acceptance influences green entrepreneurial orientation among Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs in Malaysia, with digital knowledge sharing as a mediating factor. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study evaluates the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control on blockchain acceptance. A quantitative approach was adopted, with data collected through a structured survey of 543 Gen Y and Gen Z entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (AMOS 21.0). Findings reveal that the identified factors positively influence blockchain acceptance, which enhances green entrepreneurial orientation through digital knowledge sharing as a complementary mediator. Moreover, Gen Z entrepreneurs exhibit a stronger inclination toward blockchain-driven sustainable practices compared to Gen Y. These results highlight the importance of blockchain technology in promoting sustainability among younger entrepreneurs. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and technology providers to foster supportive ecosystems for blockchain-driven green entrepreneurship. It underscores blockchain’s potential as a catalyst for advancing sustainability initiatives among future-oriented entrepreneurial generations
ENGAGING MINDS THROUGH ANIMATION : THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 2D CONTENT IN MEDICAL HEALTH EDUCATION
Get PDFThe article examines the effectiveness of 2D animated content as an engaging and innovative educational tool for mental health education. The study explores how such animations can enhance understanding and raise awareness of mental health disorders among diverse audiences. Among the ongoing difficulties mental health education faces are stigma, misunderstandings, and a dearth of interesting materials that successfully explain difficult disorders like bipolar disease. To this end, six user-friendly animated modules were developed, focusing on key aspects of Bipolar Disorder, including an introduction to the condition, its symptoms, causes, prevalence, types, and available treatments. A structured evaluation process was employed, combining usability testing to measure knowledge retention with participant feedback to capture perceptions and experiences. The study engaged three target groups: healthcare professionals, multimedia experts involved in content creation, and members of the general public with varying levels of familiarity with Bipolar Disorder. By integrating insights from these groups, the research highlights the transformative potential of 2D animation in mental health education. Preliminary findings demonstrate that animated content significantly improves comprehension and awareness, presenting it as a dynamic, engaging, and accessible medium for disseminating information. These results underscore the promise of 2D animation in reducing stigma and misconceptions about mental health disorders, paving the way for the development of future
educational resources and interventions