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Quantitative Analysis of Glutathione Utilizing Highly Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters
No full textGlutathione (GSH), a pivotal regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, requires precise monitoring for clinical diagnostics. This work develops bovine serum albumin-templated gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) through in situ chloroauric acid reduction, exhibiting orange fluorescence (λem = 610 nm) with 35.8% quantum yield. Systematic evaluation of pH-dependent and time-resolved quenching behavior revealed optimal GSH detection at physiological pH 7.4 within 3 min. The nanozyme demonstrated linear responsivity from 10 nM to 3 μM (Limit of Detection, LOD = 8.7 nM) and validated applicability in biological matrices (urine/serum) with 98.0%–103.3% recovery rates. This photoluminescent platform enables reliable GSH biomarker quantification, advancing point-of-care testing for oxidative stress disorders
Bridging Academia and Society: Institutionalizing Service-Learning Malaysia (SULAM) Within Malaysian Higher Education Frameworks
No full textA transformative pedagogy called Service-Learning Malaysia (SULAM) aims to combine academic learning with significant community involvement. SULAM, which is part of Malaysia’s higher education reform agenda, seeks to generate graduates who are civically active, socially conscious, and academically proficient. The institutionalization of SULAM inside Malaysian higher education settings is examined in this research, with an emphasis on how it serves to bridge the gap between academics and society. The study examines how SULAM has been applied across universities, how it aligns with curricular objectives, and how it contributes to graduate outcomes and community development through the use of policy reviews, case analyses, and contemporary studies. SULAM strengthens university-community ties while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving skills in students, according to findings. However, obstacles including inconsistent application, scarce resources, and varying faculty preparedness prevent its complete integration. The study emphasizes the necessity of regular evaluation procedures, educator training, and more robust policy support. Malaysian universities can be positioned as proactive contributors to societal issues and the advancement of sustainable national development by institutionalizing SULAM
The Impact of Financial Technology on the Profitability of Chinese Commercial Banks
No full textIn recent years, the inexorable trend of deep integration between finance and technology has been propelled by the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, alongside the rapid advancement of internet finance. The ascendancy of FinTech has disrupted the established position and advantages traditionally held by commercial banks within the industry. Recognizing that their conventional business models are no longer viable in today’s fiercely competitive environment, banks have come to realize the urgent need for digital transformation. Against this backdrop, they have astutely seized opportunities presented by FinTech and made substantial investments in developing FinTech technologies to transcend traditional business paradigms and achieve transformative upgrades. However, profitability stands as a pivotal determinant for survival and growth of commercial banks, hence it is imperative to explore how FinTech applications impact their profitability. In light of the current state of FinTech development in China and the profitability situation of commercial banks, this study adopts theoretical framework based on the long tail theory, financial innovation, technological spillover, and financial disintermediation. It selects data from 50 listed commercial banks between 2012 and 2023 as samples and constructs a panel data model. Based on the Digital Inclusive Finance Index developed by Peking University and using the distribution of bank branches in each province as weights, a FinTech index is constructed as the core independent variable. Factor analysis is employed to synthesize a comprehensive profitability indicator from three dimensions: security, liquidity and profitability, serving as the dependent variable. Control variables are selected at both the macroeconomic and bank-specific levels, and a fixed effects model is utilized to empirically examine the non-linear impact of FinTech on the profitability of banks. Additionally, an income diversification moderating variable is introduced to explore its mediating role in the relationship between FinTech and bank profitability. The impact of FinTech on the profitability of commercial banks is primarily examined through the channels of competition and risk. Based on the theoretical and empirical findings, it is demonstrated that there exists a U-shaped non-linear relationship between FinTech development and bank profitability, with a threshold value of 2.86. The negative effects observed in the early stages of FinTech development are primarily attributed to heightened competition and risks. Commercial banks can mitigate these adverse effects during this developmental phase by enhancing the diversification of their revenue structures. As the adoption of FinTech progresses, its impact on bank profitability shifts from negative to positive. In addition, the grouping regression analysis indicates that regional banks are more significantly influenced by FinTech compared national banks. Furthermore, in contrast to the pre-pandemic period, the impact of FinTech on the profitability of commercial banks has become increasingly pronounced since the outbreak of the pandemic. Based on these analytical findings, this thesis proposes the following countermeasures: The government should implement supportive policies for FinTech, increase investment in FinTech infrastructure construction, and refine the regulatory framework for FinTech innovation. Moreover, commercial banks must integrate FinTech into their long-term strategic planning and prioritize boosting their innovation capabilities. They should also adjust their revenue structures to effectively mitigate the challenges posed by FinTech. Additionally, commercial banks should deepen collaboration with FinTech firms, enhance risk management and early warning systems, and pursue a differentiated development strategy. Finally, they should expedite the development of digital infrastructure to ensure robust support for FinTech applications
Conservation Forensics : Decoding Historical Past of 135 - Year - Old Istana Warisan Datuk Pengiran Haji Matusin in Lawas, Sarawak
No full textThe Istana Warisan in Kampung Dato’, Kuala Lawas, is the last remaining heritage structure in Lawas, Sarawak, believed to have been built in 1889 on the banks of Sungai Merapok. This historic building, originally owned by Pengiran Haji Matusin (1870-1952) bin Pengiran Abu Bakar - the fourth descendant of Sultan Umar Ali Saifudin 1 (1740-1795), showcases a typical Malay house typology usually found along the Sarawak River; an elevated wooden structure with a limas roof sitting on stone columns.
While local tradition claims the istana was originally an ‘istana hinggap’, or stopover for officials en route to Brunei, conflicting accounts suggest it served as the kitchen of a larger palace complex, known as ‘balairung seri’ (audience hall). Current occupants, however, maintain that it has always functioned as the main house (rumah ibu). With no surviving pictorial or written records, this historically significant building, linked to the Bruneian Sultanate, faces the risk of alteration without a proper understanding of its cultural and architectural importance.
This study employs the ‘conservation forensics’ approach to decode the building’s sociocultural history by examining its remaining architectural components. Through archival research, interviews and detailed measurements, evidence suggests the structure may have been repurposed as the main house following the destruction of the larger complex. Unexpected findings, such as the odd-numbered spatial proportions, highlight the unique building construction tradition of the late 1880s in Lawas. These discoveries underscore the value of conservation forensics in revealing the untold stories behind heritage structures, much like archaeology uncovers hidden histories in buried remnants
Shorea macrophylla (Engkabang) Endosperm Extract Elevates Lipogenesis and Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Mouse Adipocyte Cells
No full textThe Shorea macrophylla endosperm, also known as illipe nuts, has a high lipid content, making it a favoured dietary choice for wild animals. Its composition is an interesting aspect to investigate, as it is still unknown to date despite its superior high-quality lipid profile. In this research, we conducted endosperm extraction using various solvents to investigate potential lipogenesis-inducing compounds. The acetone showed the highest endosperm extraction efficiency at 38.30% while other solvents achieved efficiency above 30%, except for ethanol and methanol. GCMS analysis revealed common compounds across extracts, with methyl stearate and methyl elaidate being among the most prevalent, except in acetone extraction. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated good binding scores between these compounds and lipogenesis-related proteins, particularly highlighting methyl elaidate's potential. In vitro studies conducted on 3T3-L1 cells confirmed an increase in triglyceride levels with methanol and diethyl ether extracts. Both experimental and computational analyses strengthen the potential of methyl elaidate as a pivotal lipogenesis inducer, with potential implications for enhancing fat storage in meat quality when incorporated into vertebrate diets. The effective lipogenesis-inducing elements mentioned can then be incorporated in the diet of livestock with the hope of increasing the amount of fat stored in meat and improving its overall quality
Molecular Fish Species Identification of Commercial Traditional Seafood Products in the Malaysian Market
No full textSeafood is a vital source of protein, multivitamins, and essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3. However, seafood fraud is becoming a growing threat to food safety in Malaysia. This study reports on the molecular identification of fish species in various seafood products collected from different regions in Malaysia. DNA barcoding employing a ~500 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was used to identify 46 samples. Successfully amplified and identified samples accounted for 48% of the analysed fish products. Sardinella species were most commonly used in traditional Malaysian products, especially in the east coast states. Interestingly, we found regional variations in fish species used for the same traditional products, highlighting the diversity of local preferences and resource availability. DNA barcoding with the COI marker was found to be effective for the rapid identification of fish species in processed foods, which could enhance food safety and consumer confidence. Although no toxic fish substitutions were detected, the results highlight the need for more comprehensive labelling practices in the Malaysian
seafood market. This study emphasises the potential of molecular techniques in addressing food fraud concerns and improving seafood traceability
The Role of Internet Usage in Shaping the Relationship between Consumer Tendencies and Life Satisfaction among Gen Z in Malaysia
No full textThis study investigates the psychological and behavioural factors influencing life satisfaction among Generation Z, focusing on the roles of fear of missing out (FOMO), novelty seeking, and sale proneness as predictors, with impulse buying as a mediating variable and internet use as a moderator. Using a detailed quantitative approach and data analysed via SPSS and SmartPLS, the results reveal that both FOMO and novelty seeking significantly influence impulse buying, while sale proneness directly enhances life satisfaction. Furthermore, internet use significantly moderates the relationship between novelty seeking and impulse buying, intensifying impulsive behaviour in digital contexts. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of digital consumer behaviour, while providing practical insights for marketers and digital platforms to design ethically responsible and targeted strategies. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed to extend the scope of inquiry across generational and cultural contexts, highlighting the need for future research using longitudinal methods and broader age groups to better understand the digital era consumer’s behaviour and their life satisfaction. Moreover, future studies should also incorporate additional psychological constructs such as emotional regulation, financial literacy, peer influence, and digital fatigue to provide a more comprehensive model of consumer behaviour life satisfaction
Pekeliling Pentadbiran Bil. 14 Tahun 2025: Carta Organisasi Universiti Malaysia Sarawak 2025
No full textAssessing the Farmer’s Sustainable Livelihood Outcome of Rice Sectors Development in Sarawak
No full textThis study aims to identify the relationship between the production, socioeconomic and environmental factors, and the sustainable livelihood outcomes of the farmers in
Sarawak. The research was carried out in ten sites across the Miri and Kuching divisions. This research conducted a qualitative analysis that utilised an empirical approach. Interviews were conducted with thirty selected respondents to acquire information about rice production and
livelihood strategies. The study indicated that land size, capital, subsidies, and incentives significantly influence rice output and farmers' livelihoods. Consequently, governmental action to standardise the Guaranteed Minimum Price rate between Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia is vital for enhancing the farmers' income. Paddy cultivation land must be conserved and formally designated to avert its transformation into cash crop plantations and to ensure
the viability of paddy agriculture in Sarawak. This study emphasises the significance of equitable rice pricing and land preservation for paddy farmers in Sarawak. It underscores the necessity of considering issues beyond output levels in the pursuit of sustainable living and
the mitigation of climate change. Ultimately, governmental involvement and contemporary agricultural practices will be necessary to guarantee food security, enhance the quality of life for farmers, and assure the sustainable profitability of paddy cultivation in Sarawak
Estimating Heavy Metal Concentrations in Landfill Leachate and the Impact of Waste Segregation in Malaysia
No full textEstimation of heavy metal concentrations in leachate was crucial for effective landfill management and pollution mitigation. The study aimed to estimate the volume of landfill leachate, the heavy metal content in the leachate, and their reduction through waste segregation practices. It was conducted in Malaysia and utilised municipal solid waste volume data from six states and two federal territories. A mathematical empirical model was applied to estimate the concentrations of heavy metals in the leachate. Based on the volume of landfilled waste, an estimated 565,000 cubic metres (m³) of leachate were discharged annually. Among the heavy metals analysed, Pb and Zn exhibited the highest concentrations (8.49 kg/yr). Waste segregation practices reduced heavy metal discharge in leachate, preventing approximately 7.09 × 10⁻⁴ to 5.32 × 10⁻³ kg/yr. Through mathematical modelling, this research provided a cost-effective approach for estimating heavy metal concentrations and supported strategies for addressing environmental and health impacts