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Footbomb from Cassia alata Linn. Roots Extract
Get PDFThis study innovates "Footbomb"—a natural antimicrobial foot cleanser formulated from Cassia alata (Sena alata) Linn. root extract—as an eco�friendly alternative to conventional foot care products. S. alata Linn. roots, known for their medicinal properties, were extracted using 70% ethanol
to isolate bioactive compounds, which also additionally incorporate silver nanoparticles that were biosynthesized using S. alata Linn. root aqueous extract in the formulations. These products will be produced into solid and
liquid Footbomb formulations. These biosynthesized nanosilver particles demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram�positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus), Gram�negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (e.g., Candida albicans). Preliminary human trials indicated a >70% reduction in microbial load, supporting its potential as a natural remedy for foot infections. The findings highlight the viability of Sena alata Linn. root extract—enhanced with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles—in commercial foot care products, offering a sustainable, plant-based solution. Further clinical trials are recommended to validate long-term safety and effectiveness, paving the way for an innovative, eco-conscious healthcare product
Biochar-based slow/controlled-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture : Recent advances, challenges and future prospects.
No full textThe excessive and inappropriate use of conventional fertilizer with high solubility leads to low nutrient use
efficiency and environmental pollution through leaching, volatilization and surface runoff. Thus, slow/
controlled-release fertilizer is urgently sought-after to mitigate environmental harm while alleviating crop
production. Recently, biopolymer encapsulated biochar-based slow/controlled-release fertilizer has gained much
interest due to its environmentally friendly nature and potential in supplying nutrients at a slower rate. This
paper provided a comprehensive review of the nutrient loading capacity of various pristine biochar and modified
biochar, and outlined three major fabrication processes (as nutrient carrier, additive and encapsulating material)
of biochar-based slow/controlled-release fertilizer. This paper also evaluated the slow-release mechanism, effect
of fertilizer on soil properties and plant growth as well as the recent advances on economic assessment. The
formulation and modification methods of biopolymer were extensively discussed, and the effect of modification
on the properties of biopolymer such as porosity, biodegradability, tensile strength, water resistibility and water solubility were also highlighted. An insight into the fertilization strategy including fertilizer coupled with
placement method or pristine biochar was provided. This paper outlined the recent advances and future directions
of biochar-based slow/controlled-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture
Exploring distance-based wireless transceiver placements for wireless network-on-chip architecture with deterministic routing algorithms
No full textNetwork-on-chip (NoC) technology is crucial for integrating multiple embedded computing cores onto a single chip. Consequently, this has led to the development of the wireless network-on-chip (WiNoC) concept, seen as a promising strategy to overcome scalability issues in communication systems within chips for future many-core architectures. This research analyses the impact
of wireless transceiver subnet clustering on the hundred-core mesh-structured WiNoC architecture. The study aims to examine the effects of distance-based wireless transceiver placements on the transmission delay, network throughput,
and energy consumption within a mesh wireless NoC architecture featuring a hundred cores, under specific routing strategies: X-Y, west-first, negative-first,
and north-last. This research investigates the impact of positioning radio subnets at the farthest, farther, nearest, and closest positions within an architecture equipped with four wireless transceivers. The Noxim simulator was utilised to simulate the analysed wireless transceiver placements within the hundred-core mesh-structured WiNoC designs, with the objective of validating the results.
The architecture with the wireless transceivers positioned at midway proximity (nearer and further) demonstrated the best performance, as evidenced by the lowest latencies for all evaluated deterministic routing algorithms, according to
the simulation outcomes
Preparation of nanocellulose-based aerogel by bidirectional freezing method for high performance oil-water separation
Get PDFThe increase in global trade has significantly burdened marine pollution, particularly regarding oil spills, which adversely affect vulnerable marine ecosystems. Cellulose-based aerogels are considered as highly prospective materials for oil-water separation in environmental remediation due to their highly porous nature, low packing density, cost-effectiveness and functional properties. In this study, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidized cellulose (TCN) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) were utilized as raw materials to fabricate high strength aerogels for oil-water separation. The results indicated that the freezing method significantly influenced the properties of the aerogels. Specifically, compared to non-directional and unidirectional freezing, aerogels (L-TCN/CMC-Na) prepared via bidirectional freezing exhibited superior mechanical strength, higher porosity, and minimal strength degradation during multiple compression cycles, thereby providing enhanced mechanical properties in oil-water separation applications. To improve the oil absorption efficiency, the aerogels underwent hydrophobic modification using methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS). The L-TCN/CMC-Na aerogels, which have been modified, displayed both hydrophobic and oleophilic properties, achieving contact angles of 133° for water and 0° for chloroform. They showcased remarkable adsorption abilities for a range of oils and organic solvents, such as chloroform, rapeseed oil, pump oil, silicone oil, and hexadecane. Additionally, when used as a separating agent in an oil-water mixture, these aerogels enabled continuous separation of oil and water via a peristaltic pump, reaching separation efficiencies of over 92% for various oils and organic solvents. This study provides new insights into the design and development of high-strength oil-water separation materials and novel cellulose based composite materials
Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Probio87 Improves Gut Microbial Profiles in HPV-Positive Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled and Double-Blind Study
Get PDFHPV infection is a major global health concern, and recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a critical role in HPV progression and clearance. This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Probio87 on the gut bacterial composition of HPV-positive women. A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, with ethical approval from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR-21-1819-61300), and registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05316064). Probiotic supplementation with L. plantarum Probio87 significantly modulated the gut microbiota. Specifically, reductions were observed in the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Gardnerella vaginalis (p = 0.055), Fannyhessea vaginae (p = 0.039), and Bilophila species (p = 0.008). Conversely, levels of beneficial microbes such as L. plantarum (p = 0.001), Anaerotignum lactatifermentans (p = 0.039), Blautia faecis (p = 0.061), and Roseburia hominis A2-183 (p = 0.052) were elevated. These findings suggest that L. plantarum Probio87 promotes gut microbial balance by reducing dysbiosis-associated bacteria and enhancing beneficial populations. This modulation may contribute to improved vaginal and overall health in women with HPV infection
The Impact of Defence Spending on Income Inequality in Selected Asian Countries: A Comparative Analysis
Get PDFThis study is based on the long-term and causal association dubbed between defence
expenditure and income inequality amongst the five Asian economies namely Malaysia,
Japan, Iran, Sri Lanka and Singapore during the study period of 1980 to 2022. The analysis
employs panel econometric approaches with the use of the Levin, Lin and Chu (LLC) and Im,
Pesaran and Shin (IPS) unit root tests, Pedroni panel cointegration test, Fully Modified
Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test. The result
indicates a long-run equilibrium association amid the variables, with defence spending, GDP
growth, and armed forces significantly contributing to income inequality. Bidirectional
causality is observed between inequality and GDP growth, as well as between inequality and
GDP per capita. Such findings offer valuable information to policy-makers who have to strike
the balance between security spending and inclusive growth
Do human-like designed (anthropomorphism) artificial intelligence (AI) language platforms influence usage intentions among youths?
Get PDFPurpose
This study aims to develop a conceptual framework based on technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore the usage intention of artificial intelligence (AI)-language platforms, using data from the context of Sarawak, Malaysia. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the relationship between TAM dimensions (perceived usefulness and ease of use) and quality dimensions (perceived intelligence, perceived accuracy and understandability) on the intention to use AI-language platforms, with the moderating role of anthropomorphism.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study was a quantitative research endeavour grounded in the TAM that analysed usage intention of AI-language platforms. Conducted in Sarawak, within a Borneo region, a total of 240 rows of data were collected by questionnaire and underwent initial analysis using SPSS followed by a more in-depth two-stage partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) analysis conducted with SmartPLS4.
Findings
The findings of this study indicated that the suggested predictors (perceived usefulness, perceived accuracy and understandability) have a significant impact on usage intention of AI-language platforms. However, it is noteworthy that the moderating role of anthropomorphism was not evident in the relationship between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, leading to usage intention.
Originality/value
Acknowledging the significance of technological and quality aspects, along with the influence of anthropomorphism on shaping users’ intentions towards AI-language platforms, the developed research framework is crucial for understanding the intention to use such platforms among young individuals in Sarawak. Therefore, this study aims to explore the usage intentions of AI-language platforms in an area that has received relatively limited research attention – specifically Sarawak, an island situated in Borneo, Malaysia
Food Security : Perspectives from the Bidayuh Community, Sarawak, Malaysia
Get PDFFood security is a significant global concern and has been debated for decades. Its importance was further emphasized when the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included zero hunger as one of its goals. However, food security is a multifaceted and subjective concept, as reflected in its evolving definitions since the 1970s. The most widely accepted definition describes food security as a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary requirements and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This encompasses four dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Given the subjective nature of the concept of food security and its mostly Western-based definitions, it is crucial to explore how food security is understood within local contexts. This paper examines the concept of food security from the viewpoint of the Bidayuh community, an indigenous group in Sarawak. The discussion is based on data from 211 Bidayuh respondents residing in Padawan, Sarawak, with different gender, socio-economic backgrounds, and age groups. The online data collection took place between October 2021 to March 2022. This approach was adopted in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which restricted fieldwork and in-person interviews during that period. The findings reveal that over half of the participants were unfamiliar with the term “food security.” Nevertheless, when the concept was explored through contextual questions, the respondents’ interpretations focused on food availability and accessibility, deeply rooted in their lifestyle and cultural traditions
Heat Transfer Distribution for Breast Cancer Hyperthermia Treatment with Rectangular Microstrip and Water Bolus
No full textHyperthermia is an alternative treatment for breast cancer and uses high temperatures within 41℃ to 45℃ to denaturate cancer tissue into necrotic tissues. A rectangular
microstrip patch inset feed line antenna is designed with and without the addition of water bolus to observe the SAR pattern or the heat-transferred coverage to the
cancerous areas. A Finite Different Time Domain (FDTD) software simulator known as SEMCAD X 14.8.4 was used to develop the antenna, water bolus, breast phantom and
malignant tissues. Malignant tissues were designed with three different sizes, with a minimum diameter of 15mm for T1, 34mm for T2 and 59mm for T3. The diameter size
of malignant tissues was determined from the mammogram breast cancer images analysis, which was attained from the referred Hospital. The antenna without a water bolus creates more unwanted hotspots if compared to the antenna with a water bolus. In addition, the antenna with a water bolus distributes the heat more evenly, covering cancerous areas. Distilled and deionized water is used as water bolus in the research, and their performance was discussed and compared. Each operating frequency appeared to provide sufficient heat to the different sizes of malignant tissues. The best
operating frequency is at 0.915GHz, which can distribute sufficient heat to the T2 and T3 size of malignant tissues. Meanwhile, the improvement of 0.245GHz antenna features made it suitable to cater for T1 sizes of malignant tissues. In conclusion, the good design of the antenna with suitable water bolus helps to reduce unwanted hotspots while maintaining the focus position distance for the treated cancer
Exploring the anti-obesity effects of Lactobacillus in C57BL/6 mice : mechanisms, interventions, and future directions
Get PDFLactobacillus species show strong potential in fighting obesity-related inflammation and metabolic issues. Obesity causes inflammation in adipose tissue, which harms insulin sensitivity and leads to fat buildup. Lactobacillus strains like Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus reuteri, and
Lactobacillus plantarum help regulate lipid metabolism by boosting key genes, preventing fat cell formation, and encouraging fat breakdown. They also produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that improve gut health, activate metabolic pathways, and reduce inflammation. Studies in
animals have shown that Lactobacillus can reduce body weight, fat, and inflammation, with Lactobacillus plantarum being especially effective in improving gut microbiota and liver function. When combined with other probiotics or prebiotics, these strains work even better, enhancing
lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation. These results suggest that Lactobacillus could be an effective way to manage obesity and related health problems by influencing metabolism, gut health, and inflammation. However, more research, particularly human clinical trials, is needed
to confirm its potential as a dietary treatment for obesity