39506 research outputs found
Sort by
Unveiling the benefits of Vitamin D3 with SGLT‑2 inhibitors for hypertensive obese obstructive sleep apnea patients
No full textBackground Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with poorer quality of life (QoL) and increased cardiovascular risks, which may be exacerbated by hypovitaminosis D. Sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) provides
cardiovascular benefits beyond glycemic control. As vitamin D3 and SGLT2i act through different pathways with similar mechanisms in improving cardio-metabolic health, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of this
combination therapy in improving these parameters and QoL in hypertensive obese OSA patients.
Methods Patients who fulfilled the study criteria were randomized to receive: (i) Dapagliflozin, (ii) vitamin D3, (iii) Dapagliflozin plus vitamin D3, or (iv) no treatment, for 16 weeks. The parameters evaluated included anthropometric measurements, uric acid, HbA1c, lipid profile, steatotic liver disease grade, plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin concentration, ultrasound flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery, hsCRP, heart rate variability (HRV), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and QoL scores.
Results A total of 163 patients were recruited and 153 completed the study. The combination of vitamin D3
and Dapagliflozin treatment led to significant improvements in metabolic parameters and nocturnal heart rates,
and prevented deterioration of HRV, with healthier HRV at the end of study visit compared to the control group. Only
the combination group exhibited improvements in both ESS and QoL scores.
Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate beneficial effects of combining vitamin D3 and SGLT2i in cardiometabolic outcomes and QoL in hypertensive obese OSA patients. These findings highlight the potential of this
combination therapy in addressing the cardio-metabolic challenges and QoL in this patient population.
Trials registration NCT06690723. Registered 10 October 2024—Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltr
ials.gov/prs/beta/studies/S000EWGF00000085/recordSummar
The Relationship between Autonomy and Workplace Facilities and Quality of Life in Remote Work Context
No full textAlthough Quality of Life (QoL) has been investigated, not many have included religion as part of it. As Malaysia prioritizes “Beliefs in God” as the first pillar of the country, this study examines the relationship between autonomy and workplace facilities in remote work context and employees' quality of life (QoL), with a specific focus on religiosity, as well as mental and physical wellbeing, underpin by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory A
quantitative, cross-sectional survey approach was used, with data obtained from 77 remote�working employees at an educational institution in Malaysia. Spearman's rho correlation study found a positive relationship between workplace facilities and job autonomy across all three QoL categories. Job autonomy exhibited the largest relationships, notably with religiosity and mental well-being, indicating the importance of flexibility and control in remote work settings. Thus, organizations can improve remote working employees’ well-being by recognizing spiritual well-being as a relevant component of QoL and emphasizing the relevance of inclusive, ergonomic, and autonomy-supportive remote work environments
Grammar-Focused Written Corrective Feedback in Malaysian Primary ESL Classrooms: Teacher Beliefs, Teacher Practice and Learner Beliefs
No full textGrammar-focused written corrective feedback (GWCF) is widely used to address learners’ grammatical errors and improve accuracy. However, misalignment with learners’ beliefs can lead to disengagement and hinder progress. While much research has focused on learners’ perspectives, less attention has been given to teachers, especially in primary education. This study aimed to investigate the beliefs and practice of GWCF in the Malaysian primary school context. The objectives were: (a) to compare teacher beliefs with learner beliefs of GWCF, (b) to investigate teachers’ practice of GWCF, and (c) to compare teacher and learner beliefs with teacher practice of GWCF. A mixed-method descriptive research design was employed to collect data from 30 Year 5 English language teachers and 607 learners from 33 national schools in Limbang, the capital of Limbang district in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Quantitative data was collected from questionnaires and learners’ essays, analysed using SPSS version 22 and manual counting, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with teachers and learners was analysed using ATLAS.ti. The findings revealed that both teachers and learners believed GWCF is crucial for improving learners’ grammar and they supported using a range of feedback approaches. Teachers and learners also agreed on the importance of using both comprehensive and selective feedback, and saw benefits in using both synchronous and asynchronous feedback. In addition, they agreed that direct feedback was preferable to indirect feedback, and shared the belief that responsibility for identifying and correcting grammatical mistakes should be a collaborative effort between teachers and learners. Similarly, both teachers and learners felt that follow-up activities should involve both parties. However, some mismatches in teachers’ and learners’ beliefs were found. Teachers viewed GWCF as more important for improving learners’ grammatical accuracy than learners did. Besides that, teachers preferred giving positive feedback, yet learners were open to receiving both positive and negative feedback. In terms of GWCF practice, teachers mainly provided comprehensive, direct, and whole-class feedback, while selective, indirect, positive, and negative feedback were less frequently given. This highlighted a gap between teachers’ GWCF practice and teachers’ and learners’ beliefs, as teachers’ feedback methods were less varied despite both groups valuing a range of approaches. Teachers did not provide as much selective feedback as they believed was important, nor did they offer the positive and negative feedback that learners preferred. The KSSR curriculum should provide clear guidelines on age-appropriate feedback and train teachers to address GWCF aspects preferred by primary school learners
Possible Impact of Climate Change and Environmental Health on the Geographical Distribution of Sarawak Frogs
No full textClimate change, together with habitat loss, represents a major threat to global biodiversity, with frogs particularly at risk because of their ectothermic nature, reliance on specific microhabitats, and heightened sensitivity to environmental variation. This study investigated the impacts of climate and habitat change on the physiology and distribution of frogs in Sarawak by addressing three related questions: (i) how microhabitat conditions shape body
temperatures and thermoregulatory strategies, (ii) how habitat quality and human disturbance influence species diversity and microhabitat use across protected and altered
sites, and (iii) how projected temperature increases may shift the future range of Fejervarya limnocharis, used here as a model species to anticipate broader distributional responses among Bornean frogs. Field surveys were carried out between November 2022 and May 2023 at five study locations: Bung Jagoi, Matang Wildlife Centre, UNIMAS West Campus, Kampung Telok Melano, and Mulu National Park. There were 261 individuals in all, representing 40 species across six families. Results from Chapter 4 demonstrated the
thigmothermic nature of frogs by showing a close correlation between their body temperatures and substrate temperatures. The higher body temperatures of frogs in nonflowing aquatic environments compared to those in streams and terrestrial habitats have significant implications for physiological function and disease susceptibility, especially with
relation to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Chapter 5 revealed that protected sites like Mulu National Park, Matang Wildlife Centre, and Bung Jagoi supported healthier ecosystems and higher frog diversity due to the availability of intact microhabitats, while disturbed sites like Telok Melano and UNIMAS West Campus showed signs of habitat
degradation and lower diversity. These results highlight the critical role of microhabitat variety and community-driven conservation in maintaining amphibian populations. Chapter 6 applied species distribution models (SDMs) for Fejervarya limnocharis, showing that its suitable habitat is likely to expand significantly by 2050 under both moderate (SSP2-4.5)
and high (SSP5-8.5) climate scenarios. This reflects the high adaptability of this generalist species, yet also highlights potential risks to more sensitive native frog species. Overall, the results indicate that Bornean frogs respond to environmental changes through physiological
regulation, alterations in species assemblages, and shifts in distribution, emphasising their susceptibility in a rapidly changing climate. By combining information on thermal ecology, habitat quality, and species distribution predictions, this study delivers comprehensive
insights into amphibian vulnerability and adaptability, providing practical guidance for conservation planning, management of protected areas, and climate adaptation strategies in Sarawak
Laboratory Investigation of Soil Suffusion Through Particle Size Distribution and Hydraulic Conductivity Analysis
No full textInternal erosion, particularly suffusion, poses a critical risk to soil stability and infrastructure resilience in regions with continuous heavy rainfall. Despite extensive research, existing models fail to accurately predict suffusion progression in heterogeneous and soft soils under fluctuating hydraulic conditions. Four distinct soil types were studied: very soft clayey silt, soft clayey silt, hard clayey silt, and stiff clay. This study addresses these gaps by investigating the effects of suffusion on particle size distribution, void ratio, and hydraulic conductivity in soils near the Lubok Antu Bridge in Malaysia. Controlled hydraulic gradient experiments revealed that hydraulic conductivity increases significantly with loss of fines, particularly in soils with lower clay content. The particle size distribution analysis demonstrated a downward shift in the particle size distribution curves, confirming substantial erosion of fines. Changes in the void ratio were linked to both loss of fines and volumetric deformation, with soils exhibiting either dilative or contractive behaviour based on their initial void ratio. The study further evaluated empirical models, identifying limitations in their predictive accuracy for complex soil structures. Findings emphasize the importance of integrating hydraulic properties and fines content into the design and maintenance of infrastructure in hydrologically active regions
Effects of acid rain on growth, photosynthesis and soil properties of Zea mays in a controlled pot study
No full textThis study examined the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the growth, photosynthetic performance, and soil properties of maize (Zea mays) in a controlled pot experiment. Six treatments, including the control, were applied with SAR pH levels ranging from 3.5 to 5.5, while the control was treated with rainwater (pH 6.0). Photosynthetic performance was assessed using a portable open-flow gas exchange system under two temperature and CO2 activation conditions, while soil properties were analysed using a CHNS Analyser and pH meter, with total acidity and exchangeable acidity was determined by the double titration method. Maize plants subjected to lower pH level (3.5 and 4.0) treatments exhibited significant reductions, relative to the control, in plant height, stem diameter, and height increment, indicating impaired growth. Photosynthetic efficiency, measured through net CO2 assimilation rates
and water use efficiency, declined under more acidic conditions, reflecting physiological stress. Soil
analysis revealed a decrease in pH and increased acidity, with notable changes in total acidity and exchangeable hydrogen. While soil carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen content remained stable, sulphur content varied, suggesting a plausible role of sulphuric acid in soil acidification. The results highlighted the detrimental effects of acid rain on maize growth and soil health, with implications for agricultural productivity in regions prone to acid deposition. Strategies to mitigate the impacts, such as soil pH management and improved agricultural practices, are proposed to sustain crop yields and soil fertility
under acid deposition condition
Emotional and Cultural Intelligence as Predictors of Collaborative Learning : Evidence from Undergraduate Education in Malaysia
No full textncorporating team-based assessments is widely regarded as essential for preparing students to navigate the
challenges of their future professional careers. While previous studies have examined the role of emotional
intelligence or cultural intelligence in collaborative learning, limited research has simultaneously explored how
these two competencies interact in shaping students’ perceptions of team-based assessments, particularly
within the undergraduate context. This study aims to examine the levels of emotional and cultural intelligence
among undergraduate students, as well as their general attitudes toward courses that incorporate team-based
assessments. A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was employed to achieve these objectives. A
total of 223 undergraduate students participated in the study. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence and Cultural
Intelligence instruments were administered for this study. The study further explores the relationship between
emotional and cultural intelligence and students’ attitudes towards team-based assessments. The findings reveal significant correlations: emotional intelligence accounted for 32.8% and cultural intelligence accounted for 18.2% of the variance in students' attitudes toward team-based assessments. These results underscore the importance of emotional and cultural competencies in fostering greater student engagement in team-based learning environments
Kesantunan Berbahasa Dalam Filem Melayu Moden
No full textPoliteness in language refers to the way individuals use language respectfully and courteously in communication, whether spoken or written. The use of polite language goes
beyond appropriate word choice; it also considers intent, context, the social relationship between speaker and listener, and the cultural norms of society. The aspect of linguistic politeness is clearly reflected in modern Malay films, which portray the culture of society in this era of globalization. The objective of this study is to identify the elements of linguistic politeness found in modern Malay films based on Leech’s Politeness Principle (1983), and to
discuss the functions of politeness in language as portrayed in these films. This study adopts a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis of utterances from three selected modern Malay films: Memoir Seorang Guru (2024), Takluk: Lahad Datu (2024), and Zim Zim Alakazim (2024). Data were obtained through script analysis of dialogues based on Leech’s Politeness Principle (1983). The findings reveal that the utterances in these films contain all six politeness maxims which is tact, modesty, agreement, sympathy, approbation, and generosity. Each utterance also serves various politeness functions, such as stating, questioning, commanding, apologizing, and criticizing. These politeness maxims play a significant role in the film industry not only in terms of communication, but also in shaping narrative, character development and the cultural values conveyed to the audience. Therefore, each film reflects courteous communication that mirrors the high regard for politeness in
Malay cultural value
Classification of Acceleration Signal in Milling Process of FCD 450 Cast Iron for Surface Roughness using Tuned Support Vector Machine
No full textAccurate identification and characterisation of surface roughness in industrial applications play a crucial role in ensuring product quality, reliability, and performance. The
tuned Support Vector Mechanics (SVM) is used to effectively process and analyse the acceleration data of a cutting process for surface quality identification. In the machining
process, a series of feature extraction techniques are employed to capture acceleration signals from cutting tool and workpiece. The SVM model incorporates the extracted
features to build a robust classification framework capable of accurately identifying different levels of surface roughness. Experimental results show a positive but nonlinear correlation (r = 0.6543) between acceleration and surface roughness (Ra). In the first experiment, the tuned medium Gaussian SVM achieved an accuracy of 85.53% and an F1
score of 84.93%, outperforming other tested SVM kernels. The model also demonstrated stable performance in a second experiment with an accuracy of 84.0%. Furthermore,
surface quality was successfully categorised into five discrete levels. The tuned of medium Gaussian SVM consistently achieves high classification accuracy across different surface roughness levels, exhibiting robustness and reliability in machining processes
Dendogram reconstruction of Glenea spp. in Sarawak using binary Operational Taxonomic Unit of morphological character
No full textThe genus Glenea (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) comprises a diverse group of longhorn beetles distributed across tropical regions, with significant ecological and
economic implications. This study employs a phenetic approach using external morphological characteristics to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of 59 Glenea species in Sarawak. A total of 154 binary-coded morphological characters were analysed using R statistical software to generate a dendrogram illustrating species clustering based on shared traits. Results reveal six major clades with varied numbers of species, the largest comprising 23 taxa. The reconstructed dendrogram provides insights into evolutionary patterns, morphological homology, and potential ecological adaptations within the genus. The study underscores the importance of morphology-based phylogenetics in species classification, particularly in taxa with limited molecular data availability. Further ecological and biological investigations are recommended to enhance understanding of species divergence and functional morphology in Glenea populations