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STAND STRUCTURE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION OF FRAGMENTED FORESTS IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA
No full textForest disintegration is a major risk that challenges biodiversity conservation. The present study examined the stand structure, tree diversity, and tree distribution in two fragmented forests designated as areas of high conservation value within an oil palm plantation in Sarawak. The line transect sampling method was employed, where 25 quadrats in each study site were established. All Tree diameters of at least 10 cm in each quadrat were measured. The stand structure, importance value index and alpha diversity were evaluated. Morisita's dispersion index was determined to assess the relative dispersal pattern. The similarity of tree species composition of the two fragmented forests was determined using Jaccard's similarity coefficient. Generally, the stand characteristics between the two fragmented forests did not differ except for tree density. Tree diameters display a consistent reverse J-shape, demonstrating natural recovery is good in all study areas. Species distribution was uneven and the spatial dispersion of trees was random. Dipterocarpaceae is the dominant family and Shorea is the dominant genus. The fragmented forests exhibit high species diversity. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient was low, revealing that the species composition between the two forests varies. The fragmented forests appear to be undergoing self-sustaining forest recovery. Stand characteristics, floristic diversity and species distribution patterns have provided valuable insights into fragmented forests' ecological and health status. High conservation value areas in oil palm plantations are vital in conserving plant biodiversity
Mapping Barriers and Opportunities: Advancing Inclusive Service Delivery for Autistic Children in Kelantan
No full textThis study investigates the spatial distribution of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Kelantan, Malaysia, with the aim of improving service delivery and advancing social justice in the care of autistic children. Kelantan, a predominantly rural state, faces persistent disparities in healthcare access, making it an ideal context for examining inequities in diagnosis and intervention. Using data from 103 ASD cases recorded between 2022 and 2024 at two major autism centers, we employed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools (including Global Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi*, mean center, Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE), and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) to identify spatial clustering patterns of severe, mild, and high-functioning ASD. The findings indicate that the selected analysis effectively visualises pertinent information for the autism community in Kelantan and facilitates the planning of comprehensive intervention strategies for this population. From a social work perspective, these findings highlight the potential of GIS mapping to reveal inequities in service provision. GIS results can support cross-sector collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and planners, and inform advocacy for policies that expand diagnostic outreach and resource distribution in underserved areas. By integrating spatial evidence with principles of inclusion and social equity, this study demonstrates how GIS mapping can guide interventions to close service gaps, strengthen community-based support systems, and foster safer, more nurturing environments for children with ASD and their families in Kelantan
A systematic hybrid mechanistic–machine learning framework for catalytic reactor modelling and computational validation using CO oxidation
No full textAccurately forecasting the fast transients that govern catalytic reactors remains difficult because first-principles ordinary differential equation (ODE) models neglect unmodelled heat and mass-transfer effects and therefore perform poorly (baseline CO-oxidation rate
= –0.231). For the above reason, this study presents a systematic hybrid mechanistic machine-learning (ML) framework that couples a physically rigorous CSTR model with data-driven residual learning to close these physics gaps. A six-factor design of experiments generated 500 operating scenarios, and after simulation, quality screening, derivative estimation, and residual/outlier filtering, the residual-learning dataset comprised approximately 33,096 usable samples. Five regressors (XGBoost, LightGBM, SVR, MLP and sparse Gaussian-process regression) were hyperparameter-tuned with Optuna and blended through weight optimisation. Uncertainty was propagated with GP posterior bands and inter-model disagreement. The optimised ensemble lifted test-set accuracy to
= 0.755, RMSE = 0.006
and MdAPE = 93 % a dramatic recovery over the mechanistic baseline. ±2σ GP bands captured 94 % of unseen points, providing actionable epistemic bounds. Performance deteriorated by only ∼21 % when 5 % Gaussian sensor noise was injected, confirming robustness for on-line use. By modularising experiment design, physics-guided feature engineering, automated model selection, and calibrated uncertainty quantification, this workflow delivers interpretable, real-time-capable surrogate models within the modelled operating envelope, outperforming pure ODE and single-model ML baselines. The protocol is transferable to other catalytic systems and establishes a reproducible path toward uncertainty-aware reactor optimisation and control
Developing a Competition-Based Pedagogical Model for Advertising Design Education in Chinese Higher Education
No full textDespite the increasing use of advertising design competitions in higher education, there remains a lack of systematic teaching model that effectively integrate these competitions into formal curricula. Current instructional practices are often fragmented, lacking theoretical support, pedagogical coherence, and alignment with industry needs. This study addresses these challenges by developing a structured competition-based teaching framework the C-M I T model grounded in Bloom’s taxonomy, constructivist learning theory, and blended learning. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including questionnaires, interviews, and observations, the study examines how advertising competitions enhance students’ creativity, practical skills, while also promoting teachers’ professional development. The Findings indicate that competition-based instruction significantly improves student innovative ability in practice, enhance problem-solving skills, and strengthen professional competence, offering a viable model for bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application in advertising learning and teaching
When Work Follows You Home: How Relationship Satisfaction Moderates the Link between After-Hours Smartphone Use and Work-Life Conflict
No full textThis empirical investigation analyzes the extent to which personal relationship satisfaction serves as a moderating variable in the connection between work-related smartphone utilization during non-working hours and the resultant work-life conflict. The data were obtained via an online survey targeting 109 Malaysian administrative and diplomatic officials situated in Sarawak. The findings indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between work-related smartphone usage after hours and work-life conflict, with excessive professional smartphone engagement outside of standard working periods being associated with an increase in work-life conflict. Furthermore, moderation analysis elucidates that personal relationship satisfaction plays a crucial role in diminishing the detrimental effects of after-hours work-related smartphone use on work-life conflict. These results imply that organizations ought to foster supportive environments that facilitate employees in delineating clear boundaries between their occupational and personal spheres. The study concludes by offering suggestions for prospective research trajectories within this domain
Burkholderia pseudomallei in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Remains Highly Susceptible to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Despite Resistance to Its Individual Components
No full textBurkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is endemic in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, where it is represented by a unique gentamicin-susceptible population. Despite trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) being the cornerstone of eradication therapy, emerging reports of elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among Sarawak isolates have raised concerns over its clinical efficacy. We performed a retrospective and comprehensive antibiotic susceptibility assessment of clinical B. pseudomallei isolates from hospitals across Sarawak. Susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was determined using disk diffusion and the E-test, interpreted by both CLSI and EUCAST guidelines. Resistance to the individual components, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, was characterized by broth microdilution. The results demonstrated a high prevalence of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole susceptibility, with 96.3% of isolates susceptible by CLSI criteria and 97.6% by EUCAST criteria. Interestingly, broth microdilution revealed that
resistance to trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole individually did not confer resistance to the synergistic combination. Our analysis validated CLSI guidelines as the most reliable
standard for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in this region. This study provides evidence that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole remains effective for melioidosis treatment in Sarawak, offering crucial reassurance to clinicians. The paradoxical finding of susceptibility to the drug combination despite resistance to its individual components underscores the critical importance of the synergistic activity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and highlights the need for further investigation into the molecular basis of resistance in this distinct B. pseudomallei population
Location-Based Service with Interactive Mapping in Food Feed Mobile App (FeatiGo)
No full textFood serves as a cornerstone of human life, connecting sustenance with exploring diverse culinary experiences. With the increasing number of individuals embarking on gastronomic adventures, the demand for accessible and customized food information becomes paramount. Existing mobile applications offer a range of functionalities, primarily focused on posting food information, searching for eateries, filtering options and providing eatery details, frequently facilitated by location-based services. However, there remains a gap in the market for a comprehensive platform that consolidates these features with an interactive map in one mobile app, requiring users to navigate between multiple applications. The study tackles the issue of sifting through vast online food data by developing the FeatiGo mobile app, which uses location-based services and interactive mapping to provide a unified platform for effortless dining discovery. User testing encompassed functionality and instrumental testing alongside usability evaluation, yielding positive results and feedback on usability with a mean satisfaction score of 90.72%. Our app has proven to provide tailored food information, enriching culinary experiences by leveraging location in the digital mobile era
Sources, biosynthesis, and analytical methods of foodborne biogenic amines
No full textAn excessive number of biogenic amines can lead to food poisoning. Ensuring proper food safety evaluation is essential to control this risk. Research has been conducted on the synthesis of biogenic amines, extraction methods, detection techniques, and pharmacological effects. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluations that encompass all these elements. Notable gaps remain in the toxic effects of various BAs, and their interactions with food have not been thoroughly investigated. This review aims to provide an assessment of the sources, synthesis pathways, extraction techniques, and detection developments of biogenic amines, as well as their toxicological consequences in foods. Focus is devoted to the relationship between the synthesis pathways of biogenic amines and their occurrence levels in food matrices, as well as the relationship between extraction and detection methods and their impact on safety evaluation. The results of this compilation indicate that the evaluation of biogenic amine occurrence and their toxic effects in food have notably improved food safety evaluation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the understanding of biogenic amines in food be enhanced and that the urgent necessity for ongoing innovation and methodological improvement be highlighted. This work is significant as it assesses the relationship between biogenic amines and safety evaluation, thereby supporting compliance with food safety regulations and reducing health hazards associated with biogenic amine exposure
