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Application of Narrative Structure Vladimir Propp and Edmund Burke Feldman of Hornbill Symbol Through Ensera Wat Bujang Sugi Folklore
No full textThis research was conducted to examine the effectiveness of Vladimir Propp's narrative structure and Edmund Burke Feldman theory on the Hornbill symbol through folklore of Ensera Wat Bujang Sugi. The method used in this study is based on the morphological theory of Vladimir Propp and Edmund Burke Feldman theory as a second. The objective of this study is to carry out an academic study on how the narrative structure of Vladimir Propp and Feldman theory implemented toward Hornbill symbol in the folklore of Iban Ensera Wat Bujang Sugi. To analyze the data, the researcher classified the scene according to 3 important elements, namely setting, character and theme. 4 experts in Iban folklore and 4 visual artists were interviewed. Data collection was conducted from interviews and documentation. The study uses descriptive qualitative methods and narrative analysis
Molecular Docking, ADME Evaluation and Synthesis of Thiourea Derivatives and Their Metal Complexes as Potential Antibacterial Agents
No full textAntibacterial resistance has become a major threat worldwide. Due to lack of discovery of new antibiotics and increasing cases of resistance, there is an urgent need to discover novel classes of antibiotics with improved activity and less toxicity with the help of computational tools. Twelve amino acid bearing thiourea compounds had been docked using AutoDock Vina 1.5.6 against DNA Gyrase Enzyme (PDB ID: 1KZN) and pharmacologically evaluated using SwissADME software to look for potential antimicrobial agent. The cinnamoyl derivatives (compound 1-3) demonstrated high docking scores between -5.7 and 7.1 kJ/mol along with good pharmacokinetic profiles with the adherence to the Lipinski’s Rule of Five. Subsequently, the docking of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) complexes of compound 1-3 recorded higher docking scores between -6.9 and -8.3 kJ/mol compared to its free ligand despite violation of the Lipinski’s Rule. Thus, compound 1-3 and its complexes were selected for synthesis. The formation of compound 1-3 was confirmed by the presence of NH and C=S groups at 3165 – 3056 cm-1 and 1293 – 1269 cm-1 respectively, based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra as well as -CONH and -CSNH signals at δH 11.4 - 11.2 ppm from 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) data. The formation of complexes were confirmed by the shifting of C=O of the carboxylate group at 1731-1716 cm-1 to a lower frequency. The biological evaluation of compound 1-3 and complexes 1a-3c against E. coli ATCC 25922 strain by agar well method indicated that compound 2, complex 1a and 2a were potentially active antimicrobial agents with inhibition zone 11 – 13 mm. This study offers a computer-driven discovery of novel thiourea compound and its complexes as antibacterial agent
MALARIA IN THE LONGHOUSE: Turning Everyday Heroines into Health Champions
No full textKapit is a lovely gem where its population fosters a strong sense of community. Many years of research in Kapit by the team from the UNIMAS Malaria Research Centre has
shown that longhouse women take the lead in communal life. They thrive at keeping things running well, whether it's cultural or religious celebrations, child supervision, or
even saving the neighbour's laundry and pepper berries from a rainstorm. We asked ourselves: who could be more inspiring in championing malaria awareness and prevention than the remarkable women of Kapit’s longhouses
Prevalence of Frailty And Its Associated Factor Among Rural Community Dwelling Elderly In Sarawak
No full textIntroduction: Frailty, a condition of increased vulnerability to stressors, contributes to adverse health outcomes among the elderly, yet its prevalence and associated risk factors in rural Sarawak remain understudied, necessitating localized research and interventions to mitigate its impact. This study evaluated the prevalence of frailty and its association with socio-demographic factors, social factors, health status, and nutritional status among community dwelling elderly in Bau, Sarawak. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study sampled 268 community-dwelling elderly aged 60 and older in Bau, Sarawak, using stratified random sampling over 16 weeks. Face-to-face interviews on socio-demography, health, social factors, anthropometric measurements, and assessment of frailty via the Malay Pictorial Fit-Frail Scale, with frailty defined by scores of 6 and above, analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: The response rate was 95%. The mean age in this study was 70.2 (7.34). The prevalence of frail elderly was 35%. Binary logistic regression showed the elderly living alone (OR= 6.34, 95% CI= 1.695-23.665, p <0.05), without mobile devices (OR= 2.97, 95% CI= 1.132-7.766, p<0.05), with 1-year fall history (OR= 11.8, 95% CI= 2.559-54.408, p <0.05), and with low social support (OR= 3.43, 95% CI= 1.552-7.593, p <0.05) face significantly higher risks of frailty. Conclusion: The study found sociodemographic, social, and health factors affecting frailty. Thus, a community-based multimodal aged care program that targets both physical and social methods of reducing frailty in the elderly by enhancing physical strength, fostering social connections, and empowering elderly individuals through technology use would be beneficial to the communities of rural Sarawak
Innovating Competency-Based Learning Through Digital Technologies for Sustainable Local Governance in Sarawak
No full textLocal governments are pivotal in promoting sustainable development through innovation and technology-driven governance. This study examines how the integration of digital innovation into competency-based learning can enhance workforce sustainability and governance readiness
within Sarawak’s local councils. Guided by Human Resource Development (HRD) and adult learning perspectives, a mixed-methods design was employed involving 208 officers from 10 local councils. Quantitative assessments measured functional and behavioral competencies, while qualitative insights from focus group discussions identified systemic challenges affecting workforce readiness. Results indicated that officers displayed strong behavioral competencies—
particularly communication, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity—reflecting effective interpersonal engagement and social cohesion within councils. However, notable competency gaps emerged in digital literacy, crisis management, sustainability awareness, and innovation
practices, signaling limited preparedness for technology-driven governance. These findings underscore the need for HRD reforms that embed digitalized learning mechanisms such as elearning, simulation-based training, and AI-supported competency assessments. In response, this study proposes a Digital Competency-Based Learning (DCBL) model that aligns with Malaysia’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan (Economic Planning Unit, 2021), Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The model emphasizes the strategic integration of technological innovation into HRD systems as a transformative pathway for cultivating adaptive, ethical, and future-ready governance. Ultimately, the study concludes that leveraging digital innovation within competency-based
frameworks is essential for strengthening organizational resilience, promoting sustainable public service delivery, and ensuring that local governments remain agile and responsive in an increasingly digital governance environment.
Keywords: Competency-Based Learning, Digital Innovation, Human Resource Development,Technology-Enabled Learning, Sustainable Governanc
Development of Graphene Oxide-Based Colorimetric Sensors with Catalytic Activity for Hg2+ and Ag+ Ions Detection
Get PDFABSTRACT
This study aims to construct a novel fast-response and high-sensitivity heavy metal colorimetric sensor based on graphene oxide/nanocomposites with catalytic properties. Eventually, a paper-based colorimetric sensor is developed for rapid on-site detection of heavy metals by using test paper as a solid-phase carrier. By varying the preparation conditions (concentration, temperature, pH and time) for the composites, a simple, unlabelled colorimetric sensing method is proposed to achieve the quantitative detection of Ag+. Under optimal conditions, the detection range of Ag+ by this colorimetric sensing method is 0.5–1000 μM, and the detection limit is 0.5 μM, which is lower than the previously reported detection limit of the unlabelled Ag+ colorimetric sensing method, indicating increased sensitivity and detection range. Furthermore, incorporating Au into the composite with varying the Au-to-Pt ratio, GO concentration, temperature, time and pH allowed the achievement of a simple and rapid on-site simultaneous detection of Ag+ and Hg2+. Under the optimal detection conditions, the colorimetric sensor had a detection range of 1–10000 nM for Hg2+, with a detection limit of 1 nM. For Ag+, the detection range was 50–100000 nM, with a detection limit of 50 nM. Finally, by depositing a graphene oxide/platinum composite on a paper substrate, we developed a simple, fast, low-cost, naked-eye quantitative, paper-based colorimetric sensor for the simultaneous detection of Hg2+ and Ag+. The sensor has detection limits of 0.05 and 2.5 μM for Ag+ and Hg2+, respectively, and detection ranges of 0.05-10 and 2.5-100 μM, respectively. This approach provides not only a basis for on-site screening of heavy metals but also new ideas for the design of portable sensors and cross-applications in other disciplines
Perceived Circular Economy as a Mediator between Green Advertising and Circular Buying Behaviour of Green Products
Get PDFThe circular economy has gained attention as the outcome of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG-12). Although the circular economy is a good initiative to make the environment more sustainable, however, consumers’perceptions of circular products are not always favorable. Therefore, this study aims to examine green advertising on the buying behavior of circular products, mediated by the circular economy. The study utilized Signaling Theory as the underpinning theory. The study applied a quantitative approach by using the survey method. The valid 183 respondents were collected via the purposive sampling technique and analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The findings revealed that green advertising positively impacts circular buying behavior and the perception of circular economy. In addition, the circular economy positively impacts circular buying behavior. The study also found that circular economy mediates between green advertising and circular buying behavior. The study provides insightful implications for circular product businesses to embrace green advertising strategies to attract young consumers. In addition, educational institutions and consumer society should inculcate the concept of circular economy and help enrich knowledge and understanding to achieve the SDGs' goals and contribute to sustainable marketing scholarship.
KEYWORDS: Circular economy, Green advertising, Circular buying behavior, Sustainable consumption and
production, SDG-1
The impact of corporate social responsibility practices on customer purchase intention of clothing industry : An integration of triple bottom line and ISO26000
Get PDFCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained research attention as the result of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which focus on responsible consumption and production (SDG-12).However, previous studies mainly focused on Carroll’s pyramid of CSR and other facets of CSR practices need to be further explored. The objective of the study is to examine the impact of CSR practices on customer purchase intention in the clothing industry by integrating the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model and ISO26000 best practices with the Signalling theory as the theoretical foundation. Through an online survey, a total of valid 182 responses were obtained via purposive sampling. Multiple regression was utilized for data analysis. The results show that economic CSR had the strongest impact on customer purchase intention, followed by environmental, social, and customer issues. Surprisingly, there was no significant impact between fair operating practices and customer purchase intention. The current study is unique by integrating the TBL framework with the customer-related ISO26000 CSR practices in a single framework and utilizing the Signalling Theory as the underpinning theory to explain the relationships, which is novel in an emerging market. The results provide insightful implications to the clothing company's management to
emphasize the (social, economic, environmental, and customer issues) CSR attributes to guarantee business sustainability and attract consumers in this competitive marketplace
Tip Keluarga Bahagia Dalam Islam
Get PDFBuku ini membincangkan kepentingan komunikasi berkesan, peranan suami isteri serta penghayatan agama dalam membentuk keluarga harmoni. Ia turut mengupas kesetiaan dalam hubungan, pengurusan konflik, kesejahteraan mental dan fizikal serta perancangan kewangan keluarga. Dilengkapi panduan praktikal, buku ini menjadi rujukan berguna bagi membina keluarga yang sejahtera..
Socioeconomic Impact of Small Hydropower on Rural Livelihoods in Sarawak : Insights From Japan’s Experience
Get PDFThe study investigates the socioeconomic impacts of the Small Hydropower Project (SHP) on Kampung Assum and Kampung Parang villages, focusing on changes in income levels, occupational patterns, and the adoption of lighting and electrical appliances. Specifically, it examines shifts in income distribution, job structures, and access to information and communication technology before and after SHP installation. By evaluating these factors, the study aims to understand how electrification has influenced rural development and living standards in both areas. According to our findings, Kampung Assum achieved a quality of life index of 1.1, slightly higher than Kampung Parang’s index of 1.05. This index is based on the Ohito community in Japan, designed for populations under 500 people (similar to the two local communities)