39506 research outputs found
Sort by
Adaptive Skin Morphology and Ecological Responses of Bornean Tree Frogs (Family: Rhacophoridae)
No full textPrevious studies on the skin of Bornean frogs have demonstrated that it functions as the first line of defense, protecting them against extreme heat, harmful substances, and prolonged ultraviolet radiation. However, detailed information about the skin’s components, particularly the types and distribution of glands, remains limited, as does its relationship with environmental parameters and ecological adaptation. This study was conducted to examine variations in the skin structure of selected Bornean tree frogs through histological analysis and to investigate the correlation between their habitats and skin histology. Environmental parameters assessed included water pH, water turbidity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO). The skin was divided into four sections and preserved in 10% formalin before undergoing histological processing. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine the skin structures. Nine skin features, including the epidermis and glands, were studied in the Bornean tree frogs. The study found that the ventral epidermis is thicker than the dorsal epidermis, likely to provide extra protection against abrasion and pathogens due to frequent contact with surfaces. Species such as Polypedates leucomystax, Polypedates otilophus, Polypedates colletti, and Rhacophorus pardalis have more mucous glands on the dorsal side, helping to protect the skin and retain moisture, reducing the risk of damage and dehydration. Seromucous glands were found throughout the skin of all studied species, suggesting their role in helping tree frogs adapt to drier habitats. Polypedates otilophus has larger granular glands, likely responsible to such strong unpleasant odours which act as a chemical defence to deter predators. The results showed that P. leucomystax exhibited the most noticeable skin differences, with seven out of nine features varying significantly (p<0.05), indicating more specialized skin adaptations. Spearman and Kendall correlations showed a significant positive correlation between seromucous glands and water pH (p=0.018 and p=0.014, respectively), suggesting that these glands variations help the frogs adapt to environments with higher pH levels, possibly in habitat with less acidic water conditions. In conclusion, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between skin adaptations in Bornean tree frogs and the quality of their surrounding environment
p-Cresyl Sulphate-Induced Osteoblast Activities Dysfunction and the Protective Roles of Eldecalcitol
No full textp-Cresyl Sulphate (pCS), a uraemic toxin, has been implicated in the development of various bone abnormalities in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the underlying mechanisms by which pCS induces these changes and the potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate its effects remain poorly understood. Eldecalcitol (ELD), an analogue of active vitamin D, is a drug used as a treatment of osteoporosis in Japan and China. However, it is unclear whether ELD can be used to manage diseases related to CKD. This study aimed to understand the mechanisms in which pCS affects the cell viability of human foetal osteoblast (hFOb 1.19) cells and its effects on the molecular pathways which could potentially lead to bone disorders such as osteoporosis. This study also aimed to explore the efficacy of ELD in preventing these alterations. Initially, the IC50 of pCS was determined, however the concentration proved to cause cell detachment and cell death. Instead, the IC30 of pCS and the non-toxic dose of ELD were first determined and used to investigate the molecular pathways involved in pCS-induced bone alterations and the protective effects of ELD. Then, oxidative stress was measured using a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Assay Kit. Finally, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed to assess pCS-induced changes and subsequently the effect of ELD treatment on apoptotic markers and anti-apoptotic markers namely Caspase-8 (CASP-8), Caspase-9 (CASP-9), Caspase-12 (CASP-12), B-Cell Lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and BCL-2 Associated X (BAX). Other markers investigated in this study included anti-oxidative markers [Superoxide Dismutase-3 (SOD-3), Glutathione Peroxidase-1 (GPX-1)], inflammatory markers [Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)] and bone markers [(Receptor Activator Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Osteopontin (OPN), Osteocalcin (OC), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)] in pCS-exposed hFOb 1.19 cells. Our results demonstrated that 12 mM of pCS increased the expression of certain apoptotic markers (CASP-8, CASP-12, and BAX) and inflammatory markers (IL-1β and IL-6). Additionally, ROS was shown to be increased in a time dependent manner in the presence of pCS. Treatment with ELD at concentration between 0.25-1 µM resulted in the attenuation of CASP-8, IL-6 and IL-1β expression in pCS-exposed osteoblast. CASP-12 was shown to only be inhibited by lower concentrations of ELD (0.25 and 0.5 μM). All three concentrations of ELD were also shown to reduce the expression of SOD-3. Treatment with ELD at low and medium concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 μM) resulted in lower trend of ROS production compared to pCS group, although not statistically significant. Interestingly, treatment with high concentration of ELD (1 μM) produced an increasing trend of ROS production instead. Furthermore, ELD dose-dependently increased the expression of OC in pCS-exposed hFOb 1.19. No significant changes could be shown in the expression of markers CASP-9, BCL-2, GPX-1, RANKL, OPG, OPN, ALP and TNF-α with the addition of pCS and subsequent ELD treatment. In conclusion, this study has partially revealed the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that are altered by pCS in osteoblast and highlighted the potential of ELD as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate some of these alterations. Further investigation into the in-depth molecular pathways and long-term effects of ELD on bone health in the context of chronic kidney disease is warranted.
Keywords: Osteoblast, p-Cresyl Sulphate, Eldecalcitol, Bone, Uraemic Toxi
Social networks and maintenance of an endangered language : the Kejaman of Malaysia
No full textPurpose – This study examined how social network influences maintenance of the indigenous language of the
Kejaman, a small indigenous group living in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach – The participants were 123 Kejaman speakersfrom three generationsliving in
two longhouses in Belaga, Sarawak. Participants were presented with 20 situations relevant to the lives of
Kejaman people to find out the people they interact with.
Findings – The grandparents, parents and children’s generations all had more exchange networks (M 5 131.7)
than interactive networks (M 5 110.3). They consulted kin on matters related to family, money, culture, death
and taboos, providing the avenue for the use of the Kejaman language. Generation 2 had more interactive
networks and Generation 3 consulted non-kin on more matters, and the communication takes place in languages
other than Kejaman. Chi-Square tests of independence showed no significant differences in the number of
exchange and interactive networks across generations. The three generations were not significantly different in
uniplexity (M 5 29.5%) and multiplexity scores (M 5 20.6%). The Kejamans belong to a low-density, uniplex
social network community.
Research limitations/implications – There is a limitation in using social network analysis as a reliable
predictor of future language use. This is because social networks are not fixed. They can expand, shrink and
change over lifetime, and the fact that the generation of children does not talk about family matters in their
mother tongue does not mean that they will not do so in future.
Practical implications – Asinteractive networks comprise non-Kejaman people, there will be inadequate close
ethnic ties to support transmission and maintenance of Kejaman linguistic and cultural norms. Therefore, their
language fluency may decline to the extent that they experience language anxiety and feel uncomfortable using it.
Social implications – The quantity and quality of interactive networks for the Kejaman are not conducive for
upward mobility. What this meansin the sociopolitical context of Sarawak isthat, thissmall indigenous group is
still family-centred and does not have adequate social contacts in the wider society, indicating lack of social
standing.
Originality/value – The study suggeststhat in future the Kejaman willrely on interactive networksto talk about
life-choices, and the lessened contact with Kejaman people will affect maintenance of Kejaman linguistic and
cultural norms
Audience Reactions to Reporting of Floods in Malaysia: Flood Victims and Non-Flood Victims
No full textThis study examines compares audience reactions of flood victims and non-flood victims to newspaper reporting of floods in Malaysia. The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare the affective, behavioural and cognitive themes in the narratives of flood victims and onlookers about flood
incidents, and (2) to describe participants' views on the roles of newspapers vis-à-vis social media as sources of flood news. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants (15 flood victims and (5 non-flood victims). For logistics convenience, the participants were selected from Kuching and Kota Samarahan in Sarawak, Malaysia. Analysis of the interviews using the Affective Behaviour-Cognitive (ABC) Model of Attitudes showed greater emotional engagement of flood victims with flood news compared to non-flood victims who were inclined towards cognitive responses. The flood victims had negative attitudes towards floods and blamed authorities for poor flood management. However, the non-flood victims’ emotional responses were balanced between
gratefulness that they did not suffer floods and worry as the victims. The flood victims’ cognitive responses focused on economic, psychological and health effects of flooding while the non-flood victims rationalised that there was good government-citizen collaboration in flood management. Both
groups hoped for personal stories in flood news but flood victims also wished for informative articles on flood warnings, safety measures and on-going flood mitigation initiatives. Regional newspapers were preferred as flood news sources compared to national newspapers but non-flood victims also enjoyed sharing social media updates on the floods. The study provides insights for newspapers to
publish more engaging news articles on floods and enhancing its role to educate the public about flood mitigation
Olfactory Recovery After Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery for Pituitary Lesions : A Comprehensive Study
No full textObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the olfactory outcome in pituitary lesions after endoscopic endonasal trans sphenoidal surgery.
Methods: In this prospective study, the olfactory function of patients was assessed subjectively using visual analog
scale (VAS) and objectively using “Smell and Scratch” smell test kit before surgery, followed by 6 weeks and 6 months
after surgery.
Results: Fourteen patients were included in this study, with 57% females and 43% males. The average age of the
patients was 56.4 years. Thirteen cases were pituitary adenoma and 1 case was pituicytoma, while 64% were nonsecreting tumors and 36% secreting type. The average tumor diameter operated on was 24.14 mm with 70% showing
suprasellar extension. Nine cases had intraoperative cerebrospinal !uid leaks, which were repaired with nasoseptal !aps. Smell test kit results showed no changes in smell test kit scores across 3 time points: pre-surgery, 6 weeks postsurgery, and 6 months post-surgery (P = .29). However, patients’ perception of olfaction was signi"cantly reduced using the VAS score pre-surgery and 6-weeks post-surgery (Z=!2.75, P = .006) while improved signi"cantly from 6 weeks post-surgery to 6-months post-surgery (Z=!2.49, P = .01). No statistical significance in smell test kit score and VAS score differences was seen in different age groups, genders, tumor types and location, and !ap usage intraoperatively.
Conclusion: Olfactory outcomes post-surgery showed no signi"cant changes objectively, but subjectively, patient’s
olfaction, evaluated with VAS, had shown notable effects
A Beginner's Guide for Educators to Use ChatGPT for Teaching and Research
No full textFrom generating assessment questions and creating lesson plans to applying the Feynman Technique, embedding Socratic questioning, role-playing as a viva-voce examiner, and writing problem-based learning triggers, this concise guide offers strategies for effectively using ChatGPT in teaching and learning across various disciplines. It also addresses challenges like AI overreliance and hallucinations, ensuring this artificial intelligence model is used responsibly. Filled with real-world examples, this book inspires educators to use ChatGPT to foster creativity, personalize learning, and prepare students for the future
Analisis Bentuk Homonim Dalam Bahasa Melanau Mukah Dan Bahasa Iban : Satu Kajian Analisis Kontrastif
No full textThis study aims to analyse the forms of homonyms found in the Kamus Melanau Mukah–Melayu Dewan (2011) and the Kamus Iban–Melayu Dewan Second Edition (2020) using the Contrastive Analysis approach by Lado (1957). A qualitative descriptive method was employed, analysing corpus data documented in the two main dictionaries mentioned. A total of 250 lexical pairs were identified as homonyms and analysed in terms of their similarities and differences in form and meaning. The findings reveal that the homonyms in these two languages can be categorised into two main types: (i) homophones and homographs (same spelling and pronunciation), and (ii)non-homophonic homographs (same spelling but different pronunciation). This comparison
demonstrates that although both languages belong to the Austronesian language family, differences in meaning, grammatical categories and phonological systems can lead to confusion in communication and language learning. This study offers significant implications for the comparative study of related languages, bilingual lexicography and the teaching of languages as a second or additional language
Improved understanding of dyslexia in university students after watching an instructional video series
No full textAs the prevalence of dyslexia in educational settings rises, it becomes essential to foster an inclusive higher education environment by understanding this learning difference, enabling university students to better support and interact with affected peers. This study employed a two-phase design to enhance university students’ understanding of dyslexia and to foster a supportive classroom environment. In
phase one, the Knowledge and Beliefs about Developmental Dyslexia Scale (KBDDS) was administered to assess undergraduate students' general knowledge regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia. Phase two involved an intervention using a series of instructional videos and the film “Taare Zameen Par,” targeted at students scoring below a knowledge threshold. Post-intervention,
students significantly increased their understanding of dyslexia (pretest mean: 20.67, SD = 3.33, posttest mean: 27.67, SD = 1.47). The results underscore the efficacy of multimedia educational tools in dispelling misconceptions about dyslexia, highlighting their value in enhancing awareness about dyslexia in university settings. The results highlight the effectiveness of multimedia tools in enhancing
students’ understanding of dyslexia
The role of students' and parents' emotional intelligence in academic self-efficacy
No full textAcademic self-efficacy (ASE) is an important determinant of academic success, influencing students’ motivation, resilience, and performance. Previous research has consistently demonstrated a positive association between emotional intelligence (EQ) and ASE. However, most studies have assessed either students’ or parents’ EQ separately, limiting understanding of their combined impact, particularly in the context of university students. This gap restricts insight into how both individual and familial emotional factors shape academic confidence. The present study investigated the effects of students’ and parents’ EQ on ASE among 230 university students. Correlation analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between students’ EQ and ASE. Parents’ EQ also correlated positively with ASE, although the association was weaker. Regression analysis confirmed that students’ EQ was a stronger predictor of ASE compared to parents’ EQ. Notably, some students displayed high ASE despite lower parental EQ, indicating the importance of resilience and additional contributing factors to academic achievement. These findings emphasize the value of strengthening both student and parental EQ to enhance academic performance and emotional well-being. Further research should examine other psychological and contextual factors influencing university students’ success and developmental outcomes
Clinical reasoning assessment methods in prelicensure undergraduate nursing education: A scoping review
No full textAim: To identify and characterise clinical reasoning assessment methods in prelicensure undergraduate nursing
education, highlighting their key features and applications.
Background: Developing clinical reasoning is a core expectation in nursing education but poses significant
challenges due to its cognitive complexity. Effective assessment approaches are critical for supporting student
development and understanding this process. In resource-limited settings, where access to advanced technologies
is limited, identifying adaptable methods is essential. However, assessment methods in this area remain
underexplored.
Design: Scoping review.
Methods: Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search
was conducted in EBSCO Host (CINAHL, MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Epistemonikos and ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses. The review included primary studies reported on clinical reasoning assessment
methods for prelicensure nursing students, focusing on measurable outcomes in quantitative or mixed-method
studies. Data were extracted using a structured guide and analysed using descriptive qualitative techniques.
Results: This review included 283 studies employing six primary response formats across diverse settings.
Considerable variation was found in sample sizes, construct definitions, stimulus formats, scoring approaches,
answer key development and rater characteristics. These findings illustrate the complexity of clinical reasoning
assessment and underscore the need for standardisation to enhance consistency and comparability.
Conclusion: This review maps the diversity of clinical reasoning assessment methods and identifies key areas for
further research. It provides a foundation for evaluating the effectiveness, validity and feasibility of these strategies to support evidence-based, contextually adaptable practices in nursing education