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How Does Image Complexity Affect the Accuracy of an Interactive Image Segmentation Algorithm?
No full textThis study investigates the impact of image complexity on the accuracy of interactive image segmentation algorithms. Image complexity plays a crucial role in segmentation
performance, yet previous studies have primarily relied on subjective methods, leaving a gap in understanding how objective measures impact accuracy. The purpose of this
research is to explore the relationship between image complexity and segmentation performance and to propose an adaptive approach for improving accuracy based on
complexity measures. The study utilizes objective measures, namely entropy and fractal dimension, to quantify image complexity. An interactive image segmentation
algorithm is employed, with a bounding box as the background and strokes as the foreground annotations. The number of strokes is dynamically adjusted based on complexity measures, ensuring a tailored segmentation approach. Comparative evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of dynamic and fixed stroke allocation strategies. The principal results reveal a significant influence of image complexity on segmentation accuracy. The dynamic stroke allocation strategy outperforms fixed allocation, highlighting the importance of adapting to complexity. Moreover, the optimal combination of strokes and superpixel sizes is explored, providing valuable insights for practitioners. The findings emphasize the need to
consider image complexity in segmentation algorithms to achieve accurate results. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between
image complexity and interactive image segmentation. By introducing a dynamic stroke allocation approach and evaluating different configurations, the research provides
insights into optimizing accuracy based on image complexity. The adaptive strategy improves segmentation performance and guides the development of robust algorithms. Future research can further refine the adaptive approach, explore
additional complexity measures, and incorporate advanced machine learning techniques to enhance interactive image segmentation. Overall, this study advances the field by highlighting the importance of image complexity, providing guidance for practitioners, and paving the way for more efficient segmentation algorithms
Gut Health and Graceful Ageing
No full textYour gut health plays a big role in how you age? As we grow
older, physiological changes in our bodies increase the risk
of health problems like metabolic syndrome. But fret not!
Nurturing your gut can help
Optimised formulation and characterisation of liposomes for enhanced stability and antiproliferative efficacy of Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus extract in lung cancer treatment
No full textIn this study, characterization and antiproliferative potencies of the standardized 50% ethanol extract of Orthosiphon aristatus var. aristatus leaves were assessed for human lung cancer in vitro. A liposomal drug delivery system was developed to improve the bioavailability and efficacy. Three formulations were developed based on the extract-to-phospholipid ratio, phospholipid, and cholesterol content. NP2, a formulation consisting of a 1:1 extract to phosphatidylcholine ratio with 20% cholesterol, showed optimum stability and efficacy. Liposomes were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively using light, TEM, SEM microscopy, zeta sizer, and zeta potential. NP2 showed significantly better release properties of the bioactive compounds and a good stability profile than the extract. The extract and the liposomes inhibited the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human normal endothelial cells (EA.hy926). All in all, the results of this study indicate that the extract has potent anti-lung cancer activity and the NP2 liposome formulation improves its efficacy
Intervensi Visualisasi Tajwid: Keberkesanan Media Flashcard terhadap Pembelajaran Mengingat Huruf Mad (Hukum Nun Sakinah (ْن) dan Tanwin (ـٌـــ ,ـٍـــ ,ًـــ ))
No full textIlmu tajwid merupakan aspek penting dalam membaca al-Quran kerana ia memastikan setiap huruf dilafazkan dengan betul mengikut makhraj dan sifatnya. Namun, penguasaan hukum tajwid, khususnya hukum nun sakinah (ْن) dan tanwin (ـٌـــ ,ـٍـــ ,ًـــ ), masih lemah dalam kalangan pelajar, terutamanya mereka yang berprestasi rendah. Kekeliruan dalam mengenal pasti dan mengaplikasikan hukum serta kekurangan bahan bantu mengajar yang interaktif menjadi antara penyebab utama. Justeru, kajian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman pelajar terhadap hukum tajwid tersebut melalui intervensi penggunaan media berasaskan flashcard dalam kelas Halaqah yang direka khusus untuk pelajar program Pendidikan Islam bagi memperkukuh kemahiran bacaan al-Quran mereka. Kajian ini menggunakan model kajian tindakan Kemmis dan McTaggart (1988) yang melibatkan empat fasa iaitu pemerhatian, perancangan, tindakan dan refleksi. Seramai 40 orang pelajar terlibat, namun hanya 12 orang pelajar berprestasi rendah dipilih sebagai fokus kajian berdasarkan keputusan ujian pra. Intervensi visualisasi tajwid berasaskan permainan media flashcard dilaksanakan selama sebulan bagi membantu pelajar mengenal, mengingat dan membezakan hukum nun sakinah dan tanwin. Hasil kajian menunjukkan peningkatan ketara dalam penguasaan tajwid dalam kalangan pelajar berdasarkan perbandingan ujian pra dan pos. Peningkatan ini dapat dikesan menerusi keputusan ujian pos yang dilaksanakan pada akhir intervensi yang menunjukkan perbezaan ketara antara ujian pra dan pos. Selain itu, peningkatan menerusi pemerhatian juga dilihat dari segi keyakinan diri, kemahiran berkomunikasi, serta keseronokan dalam proses pembelajaran. Penemuan kajian ini membuktikan bahawa penggunaan media flashcard sebagai intervensi visual mampu meningkatkan penguasaan hukum tajwid secara signifikan melalui pendekatan pembelajaran yang lebih interaktif dan berfokuskan pelajar. Oleh itu, kajian ini menyumbang kepada bidang Pendidikan Islam dengan menawarkan model intervensi pembelajaran tajwid yang terbukti efektif untuk meningkatkan prestasi pelajar berprestasi rendah
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN ONE-STEP AND TWO-STEP CHEMICAL PRETREATMENT OF DEFATTED SPENT COFFEE GROUND TO INCREASE SUGAR RECOVERY
No full textCoffee is among the most consumed beverages worldwide and widely used as flavoring or ingredient in food products. However, its largescale consumption generates substantial amounts of waste, particularly spent coffee grounds
(SCGs), which pose environmental challenges due to their organic content and resistance to degradation. SCG is rich in lignocellulosic components and polysaccharides, yet the
efficient extraction of sugars is hindered by its
recalcitrant structure. This study aimed to evaluate and compare various pre-treatment strategies, including one-step acid or alkaline pre-treatments as well as two-step sequential acid-alkaline and alkaline-acid pre-treatments, in order to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of
defatted SCG. SCG was first defatted and then subjected to various pre-treatment protocols. The effectiveness of each method was assessed through reducing sugar yield and surface
morphology via SEM, with statistical significance evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD. The results indicated that onestep acid pre-treatment produced a 1.5-fold
increase in sugar yield, while alkaline treatments
using KOH or NaOH enhanced sugar production by 2.97 to 3.28 times relative to untreated SCG. The highest sugar yield was obtained through the two-step acid-alkaline pre-treatment, which resulted in a 4.25 to 4.70-fold increase compared
to the control. SEM analysis confirmed significant structural disruption and increased porosity after alkaline pre-treatment, thus enhancing enzyme accessibility. The findings contribute to optimising SCG valorisation for potential bioconversion into value-added biobased products while promoting sustainable waste management in the coffee industry
Sundatang-Sabah’s Lost Lute of Borneo
No full textThis study determines the note for a sundatang, a traditional musical instrument in Borneo. The sundatang originated from two different ethnics so the strings were tuned differently as well as frets and it clearly produces more than one note. The sound was recorded using a microphone which was connected to a PicoScope and analyzed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The string 1 and 2 for sundatang A are tuned to E4(330Hz) and E3(161Hz) respectively, and sundatang B are tuned to C4#(277Hz) and C3#(138.59Hz) respectively. Open string 1 and the fret from sundatang A was tuned to E4(330), G4#(410), A4#(465), C5#(546), D5(569), and F5(692) where E4-G4#:2Tone, G4#-A4#:1Tone, A4#-C5#:2Tone, C5#-D5:1Tone, D5-F5:2Tone, simplified become 2TT2TT2T. Open string 1 and the fret from sundatang B it was tuned to C4#(277), E4(329), F4(340), F4#(361), G4(389), G4#(425) where C4#-E4:1.5Tone, E4-F4:1Semitone, F4-F4#:1Semitone, F4#-G4:1Semitone, G4-G4#:1Semitone simplified become 1.5TSSSS. The note interval for string 1 and 2 for sundatang A and B can be formulated as y = 67.6x + 332.8 and y = 30.2x + 272.1, respectively. The time frequency analysis of the open strings 1 and 2 displayed a dense distribution of partials while fret 1 to 5 showed a distinct distribution which decrease with fret number
PURITY AND IDENTITY: EXPLORING THE PUWET RITUAL OF THE VAIE PEOPLE
No full textThe Puwet ritual, a traditional healing practice of the Vaie ethnic community, embodies a deep spiritual connection between people and spiritual world. Rooted in pre-Islamic belief, the ritual serves as a healing method for the people of the old times in Bintulu, Sarawak. This study
documents the key elements of the Puwet ritual through oral histories from community elders, highlighting its role in reinforcing social cohesion, transmitting indigenous knowledge and preserving Vaie identity in the face of modernization. By examining its ceremonial procedures,
symbolic meanings, and the socio-cultural contexts in which it is performed, the paper underscores the Puwet ritual’s enduring significance as both a sacred tradition and a
documentation of a forgotten Vaie ritual practice
Benign and malignant soft tissue tumours of the extremities: A histopathological review in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak
No full textSoft tissue tumours (STTs) are neoplasms arising from non-epithelial, extra-skeletal connective tissues such as adipose
tissue, muscle, fibrous tissue, and peripheral nerves. Clinicopathological analysis is crucial for achieving early and accurate diagnosis, particularly when multiple differential diagnoses are considered. To date, no study has examined the clinicopathological profile of extremity STTs in Sarawak
MIMICKING MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERMYCOBACTERIUM ABSCESSUSCULOSIS: A DIAGNOSTIC PITFALL OF
No full textThis is a case of a patient with
multiple comorbidities
presented with symptoms
suggestive of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (MTB) and was
treated accordingly. However,
culture later identified as
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex, highlighting the
diagnostic challenges in
differentiating non- tuberculous
mycobacteria (NTM) from MTB
cases
Chitosan-Silica Hybrid Nanomaterials for Oil Spill Treatment
No full textOil spills pose enormous environmental risks, affecting marine ecosystems, wildlife, and coastal towns. In the field of oil spill treatment, chitosan-silica hybrid nanomaterials are a unique approach that has several advantages over conventional techniques. They effectively adsorb oil and other hydrophobic substances from water due to their high surface area and porosity. This adsorption process is reversible; therefore, chitosan-silica hybrid
nanomaterials can be recovered and reused. Furthermore, the biodegradable nature of chitosan assures that the adverse effect on the environment is minimized during the cleanup operation. Furthermore, chitosan-silica hybrid nanomaterials can be altered to improve their suitability for oil spill treatments. Studies have shown that chitosan-silica hybrid
nanomaterials have significant potential as efficient and recyclable oil absorbents