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Multifunctional PVDF membranes incorporating graphene, TiO 2, and nanocellulose: synergistic effects on filtration and antifouling performance
No full textMethylene blue (MB) remains one of the most resilient contaminants in industrial wastewater which presents serious threats to both environmental integrity and human health. Its high chemical stability and resistance to natural degradation render most conventional treatment methods ineffective. As such, this study aimed to develop a multifunctional nanocomposite membrane that mitigates membrane fouling, enhances dye separation, and improves water permeability. Correspondingly, a modified phase inversion method was employed to fabricate polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes reinforced with bamboo-derived nanocellulose (NC), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and varying graphene (GR) contents (0–1 wt%). Characterization through FTIR confirmed the successful integration of GR through the attenuation of semi-ionic C–F bonds and the emergence of CC stretching bands while XRD results revealed that
Changing Meanings of Megalithic Monuments in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak
No full textThis book examines contemporary engagements with the megalithic monuments in the Kelabit Highlands of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It proceeds from the premise that over the long term, despite being objects that originated in the past, megalithic monuments are capable of accumulating new meanings as a result of their interactions with different
groups of people in different times and contexts. The creation and recreation of the meanings of the megalithic monuments are shown to be the products of historical and contemporary processes that are tied to the political, social, economic and environmental changes that the region and its inhabitants have experienced since colonial times to the present day. By focusing on local and contemporary interactions with the megalithic monuments, this book provides an up-to-date ethnography that broadens
understanding of the social significance of megalithic monuments as multivalent objects, and addresses the wider issue of how people relate to and make meanings of objects from the past
The Effects of Working Memory Capacity, Types of Instructions, and Recall on Following Instructions Performance
No full textMany past studies showed that participants performed well during spoken instructions task
with action recall. The discussion was directed to understand the functional role of working
memory components. However, less studies investigated the role of Working Memory
Capacity (WMC) in following instructions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect
of WMC, types of instructions, and recall in following instructions based on the total correct
recall. We recruited 52 participants (26 with high WMC and 26 with low WMC) who
completed spoken and written instruction tasks, followed by verbal and action recall. This
quasi-experimental design used three-way mixed factorial design (2x2x2), and all data were
analysed by using three-way factorial ANOVA. Findings of this study suggested that there is a
significant effect of WMC, types of instructions, and types of recall on following instructions
performance. The results also reveal that there is a significant interaction between WMC and
types of instructions, and between types of instructions and types of recall. One of the main
results suggests that both groups (WMC) performed better during action recall compared to
verbal recall in both types of instructions
State Incorporated: Statemaking and the Incorporation of Nonstate People in the 19th Century in Sarawak
No full textThe article examined the process of incorporation of the pre-Brooke polities and nonstate people in Sarawak through the perspective of the Sarawak native officers.
It offers a historical view on the statemaking and state formation in Sarawak during the rule of the Brooke rajahs. The article engages a method of historical reconstruction
based on the official report and published works contemporary to the era. It has selected the first decade of the cession of Baram district (1883 to 1893) as a case study
to emphasise the challenges faced by the Brooke state in enticing nonstate people into its territorial lines. The study found that the role of native officer was key in the process of incorporation. The theory of practice explained how communication between the native officer and the tribal elites was facilitated by social prestige and social class,
indigenous to the political culture predating the Brooke’s modern state. This shows the continuation of the primordial political-economy culture into the construction of
a modern, colonial state
Symbolism and Cultural Economy: Ngepan Skrang as Heritage and Identity of the Iban Community in Sarawak
No full textNgepan Skrang, the traditional Iban attire adorned with antique coins, functions not only as personal clothing but also as a symbol of cultural heritage and the collective identity of the Iban community in Sarawak. This study examines the symbolic meanings and the cultural-economic roles embodied in Ngepan Skrang, highlighting its position as an artifact that connects aesthetic, historical, and socioeconomic values. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that includes historical analysis, ethnographic study, and material culture observation, this research uncovers the narratives, values, and craftsmanship underlying this traditional attire. The findings reveal that Ngepan Skrang not only reflects the uniqueness of Iban culture but also plays a vital role in preserving collective memory, constructing identity, and strengthening the cultural economy of the Iban community in Sarawak
Comparing the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Machine Learning Models for Spam Detection on Twitter
No full textA comprehensive study focused on the efficiency and effectiveness of machine learning models for Twitter spam detection was presented in this research. Spam detection on
social media platforms is not only vital for user experience but also poses computational challenges due to the vast and dynamic nature of Twitter data. This investigation
encompassed a range of machine learning models, including Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), k-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and
Decision Trees (DT). Their performances were scrutinized across two critical dimensions: classification accuracy and computational efficiency, as measured by the time taken for model execution. The results of the analysis revealed valuable insights into model performance. The NB and LR models emerged as the most computationally efficient models, with execution times ranging from 1.016 to 1.949 seconds. These models offered an attractive balance between speed and accuracy, making them suitable for real-time or resource-constrained applications. SVM, LR, KNN and DT were
effective in classification with a performance of 98%. However, SVM models demanded longer execution times, ranging from 7.670 to 37.657 seconds. KNN and DT stroked a
balance between accuracy and efficiency, with execution times ranging from 2.852 to 10.941 seconds and 1.080 to 2.442 seconds, respectively. Our research underscores the
importance of considering both model effectiveness and computational efficiency when selecting a Twitter spam detection model. By offering a comparative assessment of
these models, this study equipped researchers with valuable insights for making informed decisions in Twitter spam detection. It highlighted the trade-offs between model performance and efficiency, paving the way for more effective and resourceconscious approaches to combating spam on social media platforms
Anxiety to Fluency: Examining ChatGPT’s Potential in Reducing Language Anxiety Among University Students in Malaysia
No full textLanguage anxiety has become an issue affecting the communication skills of a lot of Malaysian university students. This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, which promotes comprehensive and fair learning opportunities and highlights the persistent issue of language anxiety despite the educators having already used several instructional techniques to solve this problem. With ChatGPT being so popular, there is new interest in how technology can help people acquire language. However, most of the research only looks at how AI enhances language proficiency but not how it impacts students’ emotional reaction as well as their psychological barriers. Moreover, the limited studies that have been done on whether the use of AI-based learning, particularly in Malaysia, will help to
build students’ confidence and proficiency in the long term is also suggested for further study. Hence, this gap highlights the need to explore how ChatGPT can reduce language anxiety and improve students’ ability to communicate in English. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of ChatGPT in helping university students overcome language anxiety through a
quantitative approach. Relatively, a survey will be conducted to measure the student’s level of anxiety before and after using ChatGPT, and statistical analysis will be used to determine the effects of ChatGPT on their confidence and fluency. This can serve as empirical evidence on
whether AI can create a secure and stress-free learning environment that can enhance students’ confidence to speak English effectively. So, the results of this study will contribute to improving English learning for educators, policymakers, and technology developers. As AI plays a bigger role in education, it is crucial to be aware of how AI can facilitate students’ learning of language better than just that and will help students feel more confident in using the English language. Overall, this study adds to an attempt to make language learning more effective and accessible to university students in Malaysia
Photographic Creativity as Visual Communication: A Framework for Aesthetic Meaning and Consumer Engagement in Malaysian Fashion E-Commerce
No full textThis paper rediscovers photographic creativity as a visual communication technique in Malaysia's fashion e-commerce industry. Drawing on theories of creativity, visual perception, and consumer engagement, it proposes that innovative imagery serves as a visual stimulus, conveying the brand's message and creating an emotional value for consumers. Elements such as originality, composition, and relevance influence the interpretation and engagement of aesthetic messages by the audiences. The study combines artistic and marketing perspectives to demonstrate how visual innovation can be utilized as a strategic communication tool to influence people's attitudes, foster emotional connections, and enhance digital branding
DIGITAL FINANCE TOOLS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN MALAYSIA: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON SURVEY DATA
No full textDigital finance has become a transformative force in the financial services sector, driving innovation and promoting global financial inclusion. Financial inclusion refers to providing affordable and appropriate financial services, which are essential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and social equality. In Malaysia, limited empirical evidence exists on how digital finance tools influence financial inclusion. This study aims to examine the relationship between digital financial tools, specifically mobile banking, internet banking, and e-wallets, with financial inclusion across diverse demographic groups in Malaysia. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 211 randomly selected respondents representing various age groups, income levels, education backgrounds, and both urban and rural areas. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS. Findings indicate that digital finance tools significantly contribute to financial inclusion in Malaysia. These insights are valuable for policymakers, financial institutions, and technology providers seeking to enhance inclusion through digital solutions. The study also highlights challenges and opportunities in promoting adoption across different societal segments. Future research should explore emerging financial technologies and strategies to bridge digital divides within diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts
Pink eye outbreak in rural Borneo schools : The panic and the prompt public health response
No full textBACKGROUND: On September 28, 2022, a rural health clinic reported unusual eye symptoms in students from five schools in Sri Aman Sarawak, a rural region of Borneo. The objective of our investigation was to verify the diagnosis, identify the source of infection, conduct active case findings, and implement control and preventive measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our case definition included eye redness, discharge, or watering in students, staff, or their family members in Sri Aman since early September 2022. Descriptive epidemiology included active case finding and the construction of an epidemic curve. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the outbreak of conjunctivitis in students and staff in specific schools, allowing for the identification of exposed individuals and calculation of accurate attack rates. RESULTS: We identified 228 cases of acute conjunctivitis in three boarding schools and four day schools, with an incubation period ranging from 24 to 78 hours. Most of the cases were secondary school students, comprising 56.6% of the total, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 51.3% male and 48.7% female. Bilateral involvement was observed in 61.8% of the cases. The overall attack rate was 8.5%. CONCLUSION: Good personal hygiene, prompt isolation of unwell students, and efficient event‑based surveillance systems in healthcare facilities are crucial for the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases in schools and the protection of public health through early detection and intervention