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The Relationship between Negative Life Events and Cell Phone Addiction among College Students: Examining the Mediating Roles of Perceived Social Support, Social Avoidence, and Mindfulness
No full textThis study regarded college students as the research object, regarded negative life events (NLE) as the independent variable, regarded cell phone addiction (CPA) as the dependent variable, regarded social avoidance (SA), perceived social support (PSS) and mindfulness level (ML) as mediate variables, and tried to build a multiple - mediation model on NLE, ML, SA, PSS and CPA. The survey sample in this study included four - hundred and seventy - three (473) college students. SPSS 27.0 was used to conduct Descriptive Statistical Analysis, Pearson Product - Moment Coefficient and Analysis on the collected data, and Amos 26.0 was used to test the structural equation model. The results of the study were presented below. (1) NLE had a positive predictive effect on CPA. NLE were positively related to SA and ML. NLE were negatively related to PSS. SA, ML and CPA showed positive relationships. PSS was negatively related to CPA. (2) ML played a mediating role in the influence of NLE on CPA. SA played a mediating role in the influence of NLE on CPA. (3) ML and SA played a mediating role in the influence of NLE on CPA. All in all, NLE could directly predict CPA in a positive way. After introducing ML, PSS and SA into the analytical model, it was found that NLE had a side - by - side effect through ML and SA, and further affected CPA. The significance of this study could be expounded from two facets. From the theoretical facet, the research outcomes facilitated the augmentation of the theory. Theoretically expounded, this study broadened the influence of NLE on CPA from a plain issue to a matter of mediating effects, encompassing ML, PSS and SA. From the practical significance perspective, the research results demonstrated that ML and SA had significant mediating roles in the effect of NLE on CPA. This discovery was conducive for school administrators in overseeing, governing and practicing with respect to students' CPA phenomenon. Future researchers might suggest: (1) Increasing sample representativeness; (2) Appropriately increasing cases and longitudinal follow - up studies; (3) Expanding the sample size.
Keywords: Negative life events, mindfulness level, social avoidance, perceived social support, cell phone addictio
AI and nanotechnology integration and future pandemic prediction
No full textAI and nanotechnology play crucial roles in combating pandemics like COVID-19. AI aids in screening, tracking, predicting patients, developing medications, and reducing healthcare staff burden. Nanotechnology, through nanomaterials, offers unique properties for preventing, diagnosing, and treating infections like SARS-CoV-2, enhancing pandemic response. There is a need for advanced tools to predict and mitigate the impact of future pandemics as traditional methods often lack the speed and precision required for effective disease surveillance and control. The combination of nanotechnology and AI in healthcare systems presents innovative solutions for societal improvement during pandemics. In this paper, the authors explore the potential of combining these two cutting-edge technologies to enhance early detection, monitoring, and treatment of infectious diseases in providing real-time monitoring and decision support for healthcare professionals. Results from the study demonstrate the potential of the integrated technology to enhance early detection, improve treatment outcomes, and streamline decision-making processes. The integration of nanotechnology and AI in healthcare systems presents innovative solutions for societal improvement before and during a pandemic. These technologies are essential for developing effective strategies to tackle pandemics and improve healthcare systems globally
Empowering Smallholder Coconut Farmers Through E-Commerce: A Preliminary Study on Current Business Models, Opportunities, and Digital Readiness in Malaysia
Get PDFThe Malaysian coconut industry is dominated by smallholder farmers who face structural challenges, including low profit margins, reliance on middlemen, and limited access to wider markets. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of e-commerce adoption to transform the sector by enabling direct market access, increasing price transparency, and supporting value-added processing. A mixed-method approach was employed, comprising focus group discussions (FGDs) and a survey involving 274 coconut farmers and industry stakeholders. The findings reveal two prevailing business models: a traditional middlemen-driven supply chain and a cooperative-led model that supports industrial processing for productslike coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, and copra. While 72.6% of farmers have experience with online purchasing, only 13.5% have attended e-commerce training, indicating a significant digital knowledge gap. Despite these challenges, 71.2% of farmers expressed readiness to adopt e-commerce if supported with proper training, infrastructure, and financial resources. The study highlights the importance of developing a structured and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem facilitated through cooperative engagement, supportive policy frameworks, and targeted investment in digital capacity-building. The results offer practical insights into how digital transformation can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Malaysia’s coconut industry while empowering smallholder farmers to improve their economic resilience.
Keywords: E-commerce adoption, coconut industry, smallholder farmers, digital transformation, agricultural marketing, value-added processin
Chemisorption and physisorption of polymer nanocomposite membranes
No full textPolymer membrane technology is an emerging technology for purification and separation processes. Although different types of polymeric membranes have been developed for water treatment, challenges such as fouling, hydrophobicity, and weak mechanical strength still need to be resolved. Many researchers are concentrating on creating polymer nanocomposites by blending various nanomaterials with polymer matrices to enhance the characteristics of the original polymer matrices. The success of these membranes hinges on the complex interactions occurring at the interface, influenced by both chemisorption and physisorption. This chapter discusses the concepts of physisorption and chemisorption. It examines the mechanism of these concepts on various polymer nanocomposite material surfaces and the methods to enhance the interaction between polymers and nanoparticles to improve key performance metrics such as permeability, selectivity, and resistance to fouling
A Comparative Study on the Visual Styles of Kelantan and Shaanxi Shadow Puppets
Get PDFThis research aims to compare the shadow puppets in Kelantan, Malaysia and Shaanxi, China by providing new insights into the preservation and development of this traditional art form through cross-cultural comparative analyses using qualitative and inductive methods along with elements and principles of design, Iconography, Cultural Anthropology, and Gestalt theory. The objectives of this research are to (1) analyse the visual style variations in shadow puppets from these two regions, (2) investigate how social and cultural influences the shadow puppets in these two regions and (3) explore ways of emphasizing cultural identity in a globalized context. The research unfolds in four phases. First, is the historical and cultural review which explores the craftsmanship, performance, carving techniques, stage settings, and storytelling styles. Followed by an examination of the visual elements and design principles in both regions, analysing changes in styles, investigating societal and cultural influences, and exploring approaches emphasizing cultural identity in the context of globalization. Contributions encompassed innovative research methods revealing influences on visual styles, with findings highlighting disparities in cultural contexts, carving techniques, visual styles, and cultural influences between Kelantan and Shaanxi. The study underscored cultural diversity preservation, advocating augmented and virtual reality use, and adapting traditional visual art to contemporary contexts. It offers key insights into visual styles, diversity preservation, and interdisciplinary research. Recommendations suggest exploring intangible cultural heritage conservation and expanding research methods to understand cultural differences in traditional art
Enhancing Resilience in Mathematics Education : Evaluating Chinese Targeted Intervention Strategies
No full textIntroduction: This study developed and validated a mathematics-specific resilience intervention program tailored for Chinese university students, integrating Sidek's resilience framework with Delphi method-based expert consensus.
Objectives: To develop the Chinese Mathematics Resilience Interventions; To assess the validity and reliability of the Chinese Mathematics Resilience Interventions; To assess the
effects of the Chinese Mathematics Resilience Interventions and control group with no intervention pre-test and post-test.
Methods: Employing a quasi-experimental design with matched experimental (n=40) and control groups (n=40), the 12-week structured intervention demonstrated significant efficacy through repeated-measures ANOVA and the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Results: After controlling baseline scores, the experimental group exhibited statistically enhanced mathematical resilience at post-test (p < 0.05, partial η² = 0.025), with sustained effects observed in the 1-month retention test.
Conclusions: These findings advance evidence-based practices for STEM education adaptation, offering a replicable framework that bridges psychological resilience theories
with discipline-specific pedagogical needs in Chinese higher education. The program's longitudinal effectiveness underscores its potential as a scalable solution for improving mathematics persistence among undergraduates facing academic adversity
Reliability and Validity Evaluation of the RAT-43 Psychological Resilience Scale in Chinese Adolescents
No full textObjectives: To assess the level of psychological resilience among Chinese college students, this study introduces the Resilience Assessment Tool 43 (RAT-43), developed by Amalia bt Madihie and Siti Norazilah Mohd Said. Based on the "Magic Box Model" [2], the tool encompasses five dimensions: foundation, belonging, learning, coping, and core self, and has demonstrated good reliability and validity in countries such as Malaysia and Iran (Amalia, 2017). However, the applicability of RAT-43 in the Chinese college student population has not been thoroughly investigated.
Methods: Therefore, this study, using a sample of college students from Guizhou, employs a questionnaire survey method, combined with exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, to examine the structural validity of RAT-43 in the Chinese cultural context.
Results:Cronbach's α coefficient and test-retest reliability are used to assess its internal consistency and stability.The results indicate that RAT-43 demonstrates good applicability among Chinese college students and can effectively assess psychological resilience levels.
Conclusions: This finding not only fills the gap in research on the applicability of RAT-43 in the Chinese cultural context but also provides a scientific basis for mental health education in higher education. By understanding students' psychological resilience levels, educators can develop more targeted intervention measures to help students enhance their mental health and overall adaptability, thereby better coping with academic pressures and life challenge
Assessing digital competence and its impact on academic performance : insights from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak undergraduates
No full textInformation and communication technology (ICT) has become an essential part of the daily lives of tertiary students. However, research into assessing digital competency and its effects on academic performance is still limited. This paper explores students’ needs for digital competence, the impact of digital access on academic performance, and the relationship between digital competence and educational success, focusing on undergraduates at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Using a model with 64 measurement items and nine variables, the study identifies significant correlations between information and data literacy (IDL), safety and security (SS), and problem-solving (PS) proficiency with digital competence. Conversely, communication and collaboration (CC) and digital content creation (DCC) show statistically insignificant correlations. Additionally, while digital resource availability has a minor inverse correlation, digital usage is significantly and positively related to digital competence. The findings suggest that digital competence strongly predicts academic performance and that most undergraduates exhibit advanced proficiency in essential digital skills. This research highlights the crucial role of digital competence in enhancing educational outcomes and offers insights into key competencies linked to digital effectiveness
Underwater fiber laser removal of synthetically cultured Caulobacter crescentus biofilms on aluminium using response surface methodology
Get PDFBiofouling can be considered the accumulation of microorganisms and other organisms on submerged surfaces. It poses operational and economic challenges across marine, industrial, and freshwater systems. Despite its relevance, freshwater biofilm removal remains understudied compared to
marine biofouling. This study evaluates the use of fiber laser treatment to remove synthetically cultured Caulobacter crescentus biofilms formed on aluminium substrates submerged in a nutrientrich microbiological growth medium. A response surface methodology was applied to optimize three laser processing parameters: laser power, laser speed, and repetition loops. The aim was to maximize biofilm removal efficiency while minimizing substrate damage. Results revealed that the number of repetition loops was the most significant factor, as multiple repetition loops compensated for energy losses caused by water absorption and the high thermal conductivity of aluminium. While increased laser power enhanced removal, its individual impact was less pronounced, and laser speed had minimal effect due to rapid thermal dissipation and water interference. A distinct white line, visible both macroscopically and microscopically, appeared in some laser-treated areas. Its origin is
hypothesized to involve oxidation or material ablation, warranting further analysis. Response surface analysis demonstrated a non-linear relationship between biofilm removal width and both laser power and repetition loops, with peak efficiency observed at intermediate laser power levels. The observed curvature is attributed to the interplay of water turbulence, microbubble formation, and localized heat transfer dynamics. These findings highlight the complex nature of laser–biofilm interactions in
submerged environments. This study contributes to the optimization of non-contact laser cleaning techniques for submerged applications and offers practical insights for industries such as water treatment, biomedical device maintenance, and antifouling surface design
Screening and characterization of thermostable lipases-producing bacteria from Sabah Hot Springs
No full textAims: This study was aimed to screen lipase-producing bacteria (LPB) from Tawau and Poring hot springs in Sabah, Malaysia, identify the best bacterium and characterize its lipolytic activity. Methodology and results: The sediment and water samples from the hot springs were used to screen for LPB using Luria-Bertani (LB) agar containing tributyrin as a screening medium at 50 °C. The screening process yielded eight LPB isolates (C1-C8) from the Poring hot spring sediment sample. The specific lipolytic activity of the crude enzymes obtained from these isolates against the p-nitrophenol palmitate substrate ranged from 0.01×10-2 U/mL (C7) to 6.90×10-2 U/mL (C5). The optimum temperature for their activity ranged from 40 °C (C6) to 75 °C (C5), indicating that they were moderate thermophilic enzymes. These LPB isolates exhibited an optimum pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and were relatively stable in the presence of metal ions, detergents, or dimethyl sulfoxide. The LPB isolate with the highest optimum temperature activity (C5) was identified based on BLAST results of 16S rRNA gene sequence as a species of Serratia with an optimum growth temperature of 65 °C. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The study confirmed that Sabah hot springs are potential sources of thermostable LPB with unique properties that may be useful in lipid-processing-related industries