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Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants : Recent advances, challenges, and future directions
No full textThe growing demand for sustainable and efficient extraction methods in phytochemical research has led to increasing interest in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as eco-friendly alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. Unlike conventional solvents, NADES are non-toxic, biodegradable, and composed of natural, renewable materials, making them an attractive option for green extraction processes. This review aims to explore the potential of NADES as green solvents for extracting bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, focusing on recent advances, preparation methods, and their effectiveness in various plant extractions. The review also highlights the role of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) in determining extraction efficiency, particularly for different bioactive compounds. While several reviews on NADES already exist, this work differentiates itself by providing a comprehensive comparison of various NADES formulations, discussing the impact of HBD choice on extraction efficiency, and identifying gaps in current research—particularly in optimizing NADES combinations for specific plant compounds. Additionally, the challenges and future directions for improving NADES-based extraction techniques are thoroughly discussed, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient extraction methods in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries
SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE OXIDE FROM SAGO WASTE FOR REMOVAL OF LEAD(II) IONS IN WATER
Get PDFThe goal of this study was to produce graphene oxide (GO) from sago hampas for the removal of lead (II) ions in water. The utilisation of sago hampas may promote sustainable practices for GO production using renewable biomass, thus reducing carbon footprint. The GO was made using a modified Hummers’ technique, which resulted in a highly oxidised material with many functional groups. The synthesised GO was
characterised using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Batch adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the removal
efficiency. The effect of pH, contact time, and initial Pb concentration was investigated during the optimisation process. The outcomes showed that GO had exceptional adsorption capabilities, eliminating over 95% of the Pb at its maximum efficiency. The adsorption kinetics pseudo-second-order model with a regression coefficient of R2 = 0.9999 illustrated a chemical adsorption mechanism. A monolayer adsorption mechanism is suggested by the
equilibrium data’s good fit to the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9588). With its large surface area, abundance of functional groups, and strong adsorption affinity, the synthesised GO showed promising properties as an adsorbent for removing Pb from wastewater. This work provides critical knowledge for developing effective and ecologically responsible heavy metal removal adsorbents
AUTOMATED CERVICAL CELL NUCLEI SEGMENTATION BASED ON MULTILAYER UNSUPERVISED CLUSTERING ALGORITHM AND MORPHOLOGICAL APPROACH
Get PDFCervical cancer, a leading cause of female mortality globally, results from abnormal cell growth in the cervix,
making early detection crucial. This study suggests an automated segmentation approach that is more accurate
and faster than traditional methods, which face challenges such as contrast problems and noise. The research aims
to develop an algorithm for autonomously segmenting the nucleus of cervical cells to aid in diagnosis and future
research. The proposed methodology involves extracting and enhancing the brightness (V channel) of input
images using a median filter and Pairing Adaptive Gamma Correction and Histogram Equalisation (PAGCHE). A
segmentation method based on multiple Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (FCM) layers and flexible morphological
approaches is used to segment the nuclei in Pap smear images. The study utilized 917 images from the Herlev
dataset to evaluate the method's performance. Image Quality Assessment (IQA) metrics, including accuracy,
sensitivity, precision, specificity, and F-measure, demonstrate the method's efficacy. Results show the proposed
approach consistently achieves over 90% accuracy. It outperforms other methods like Chan-Vese (CV), Canny
edge-based, adaptive threshold, and FCM, with the highest accuracy, F1-measure, and sensitivity at 92.19%,
94.40%, and 93.38%, respectively. It also ranks second in precision and specificity, at 96.41% and 94.25%. These
results indicate the approach's high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, making it a reliable tool for early
detection and diagnosis. The algorithm's successful implementation could improve patient outcomes and support
further research in cervical cancer diagnostics. The average segmentation score of the 917 images exceeds 90%,
highlighting the method's flexibility
Multi-neighborhood local search with room split balancer for exam timetabling : A case study
Get PDFThis study explicitly addresses the examination timetabling problem (ETP) at University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), which encompasses both online and physical exams treated
within a unified framework of uncapacitated and capacitated formulations. Currently, faculty exam timetabling managed by proprietary systems meets basic constraints but needs
to incorporate faculty and stakeholder preferences into a mathematical formulation, making solution quality difficult to assess. To address this issue, we propose a mathematical
model that includes university-wide constraints and considers extended soft constraints that accommodate faculty and stakeholder preferences for room sharing and achieving
balanced exam splits for shared and non-shared exam scenarios. We introduce a two-stage multi-neighborhood local search method with a balancer to produce high-quality solutions that meet these constraints. Our approach outperforms existing proprietary systems by meeting all standard constraints and achieving extended soft constraints, improving scheduling efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction, and offering a more optimal solution for
real-world exam timetabling
Organizational Theory Review in Malaysian Healthcare Perspective
Get PDFMalaysia's healthcare system is essential to provide the nation's people with high-quality medical care. The industry necessitates efficient and effective public service delivery for all citizens to access and afford quality healthcare. Healthcare employees, particularly medical staff, play a crucial role in providing these services, and their performance can directly impact the organization's objectives and patient safety. In order to provide a thorough knowledge of how organizational theories including institutional theory, contingency theory, and cultural perspectives have been modified and applied in Malaysia, the study synthesizes important findings from a variety of research papers, books, and case studies. The importance of Islamic ideas on corporate ethics and leadership styles is also highlighted, as is the influence of Malaysia's multiethnic composition on organizational practices. Policies and economic strategies also play a significant role in defining organizational structures. The evaluation also looks at opportunities and problems that Malaysian companies have in the international market, including problems with sustainability, human resource management, and innovation. The results offer significant perspectives for scholars, professionals, and decision-makers who aim to improve organizational efficiency and competitiveness in Malaysia
Integrating Eco-Fashion Principles Into Customised Furniture Design Toward Sustainable Design and Reducing Waste
Get PDFThe growing global awareness of environmental issues has increased the demand for sustainable design practices across various sectors. This study explores the integration of eco-fashion principles into custom furniture design to further sustainable practices and reduce waste. It highlights the similarities between the eco-fashion and furniture design industries, recognizing their shared potential to foster environmentally friendly practices. By incorporating eco-fashion principles such as material selection, upcycling, and circular design into their creative processes, furniture designers can aid in waste reduction and align with sustainable values. A comprehensive review of existing scholarly articles, research papers, and documented examples is conducted to achieve a thorough understanding of the current state of eco-fashion and sustainable furniture design. The research also addresses the challenges and potential benefits of adopting environmentally sustainable practices in furniture manufacturing. In conclusion, integrating eco-fashion principles into custom furniture design holds great promise for promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and significantly contributing to an environmentally conscious future. The furniture industry can play a vital role in the global sustainability agenda by encouraging the adoption of these principles among both designers and consumers
Digital Drone Education in Sarawak: Enhancing STEM Learning through Hands-on Training for School Students
Get PDFIn Sarawak, concerns about low STEM enrolment, digital inclusivity gaps for rural children, and the transition from digital consumption to digital creation led to the introduction of the Drone Education Program. Participants began with foundational drone operation training, advancing to capturing images and videos. Subsequently, they
were acquainted with elementary photo and video editing techniques, enabling them to enhance their drone-generated content. The aim of this research is to gauge the impact of the Drone Education Program on refining drone operations, bolstering digital editing competencies, and stimulating STEM engagement in students. In our methodology, we employed tailored pre- and post-surveys for evaluation, and younger
students provided feedback via an emoji-based survey. Further analytical methods encompassed non-parametric tests, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and linear mixedeffect
modelling. Results indicated significant post-intervention improvements in the targeted skills. The EFA grouped 21 Likert items into five distinct learning domains. Notable insights include district-wise variances in learning outcomes and the influential role of gender. The initiative showcases promise in confronting Sarawak's educational
barriers, championing digital inclusivity, and preparing a digitally proficient generation
Integrating Islamic Law and Customary Law : Codification and Religious Identity in the Malay Buyan Community of Kapuas Hulu
Get PDFThis article analyzes the integration of Islamic law and customary law in shaping the religious identity of the Malay Buyan community in Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. While Islamic law plays a central role in regulating social and religious life, local customary law remains deeply embedded in the community’s legal consciousness and socio-cultural framework. Previous studies have often treated these two legal systems as separate or even contradictory. However, this study challenges such a dichotomous perspective by demonstrating that Islamic law and customary law engage in an ongoing process of negotiation, resulting in an adaptive and contextually dynamic legal framework. Using a socio-legal approach, this research collects data through in-depth interviews with ten key informants,
participant observation, and document analysis. The findings reveal that Islamic law does not replace customary law but is instead integrated into the local legal system,
influencing various aspects of social order, family structures, and the sustainable management of natural resources. This integration is evident in the use of Islamic
legal terminology, the substance of legal norms, the mechanisms for customary fines, and the role of Islamic religious leaders in the codification of customary law.
These findings challenge the prevailing bipolar view that positions Islamic law and customary law as inherently opposing systems. Instead, this study highlights a
dynamic and integrative interaction between the two legal traditions, ensuring both social harmony and legal continuity. Ultimately, the article argues that the
coexistence of Islamic and customary law is not a source of conflict but a mutually reinforcing and evolving process that contributes to strengthening both religious
and cultural identity in a predominantly Muslim societ
Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity on methanolic extract of Boesenbergia stenophylla (Jerangau Merah) rhizome against waterborne bacteria
Get PDFBoesenbergia stenophylla, locally known as Jerangau Merah, is a native wild ginger in Borneo Highlands, Sarawak. It is commonly used by the local as a traditional medicine for various diseases. The purposes of the current study are to investigate the phytochemicals and evaluate the antibacterial activities of methanolic B. stenophylla rhizome extract against Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Citrobacter sp. and Enterobacter sp. The rhizomes of B. stenophylla were extracted with pure methanol using Soxhlet method at 64°C for 8 h. The antibacterial properties of methanol extract were assessed using disc-diffusion assay. Phytochemical assays analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols. The antibacterial activity revealed that the extract had high to moderate inhibition against the growth of Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. at 100 mg/mL, with inhibition zones of 16.3 mm and 11.3 mm, respectively. Thus, the methanolic extract from B. stenophylla has potential to act as antibacterial agent
Revisiting non-fungible token (NFT) research trends : a bibliometric study and future research directions
Get PDFNon-fungible token (NFT) is a relatively new and developing trend in digital finance research that is fundamentally transforming the process of trading digital assets. The
objective of this study is to present a concise overview and analysis of current research trends regarding NFT, with the intention of providing researchers with a framework for
guiding future investigations in this field. In order to give researchers a framework for directing future studies in this area, the study objective is to provide a succinct review and analysis of current research trends. The objective of the study is to present a concise overview and analysis of current NFT research trends. We started by arranging framework of bibliometric study, setting appropriate keywords and operating the software. In the process, this study thoroughly examined 99 academic publications about NFTs that were listed in the Scopus database between 2009 and 2024 using VOSviewer. Our research shows that the analysis identifies four separate research
clusters with a focus on digital economy, security, connections with other blockchains, and intellectual property. We conclude by making recommendations for the future based on the trends and gaps found in this bibliometric review