Open Journal System Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
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1069 research outputs found
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Food Safety: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward Fast-food Operators in Malaysia
Food safety is an important matter that all fast food operators must emphasize in fast-food restaurants. This is due to prevent the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. Food safety is linked to proper food handling, preparation, and storage. This limits the chances of people becoming ill due to foodborne illness. It is possible that these fast-food restaurant branches did not practice proper food handling. This study aims to study the extent of fast-food operators\u27 knowledge, attitude and practice. This study further focused on McDonald’s fast food operators in Malaysia. 181 respondents participated in this study through who completed the questionnaire given via Google Form. The results showed that the food safety attitude corresponds to knowledge and practice. On the other side, it also showed that the fast food operators, despite having the knowledge, often fail to practice. Thus, food safety knowledge must be practised properly
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) infecting Abaca (Musa textilis Nee) in the major abaca plantations in Caraga Region
This study evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of two methods for detecting Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) in abaca: conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and a novel colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay. The study\u27s purpose was to determine which method is more effective for field-based surveillance in the Philippines, a country with significant economic reliance on abaca production. A total of 243 leaf samples from key abaca-producing municipalities in the Caraga Region were collected and tested.The LAMP assay exhibited a significantly higher detection rate, identifying 85.2% of samples as positive compared to only 35.8% by conventional PCR (χ2 = 121.92, df = 1, p < 0.001). This diagnostic superiority was consistent across all four provinces surveyed, with the most pronounced difference in Surigao del Norte, where LAMP detected 86.04% of infections compared to a mere 2.33% by PCR. These findings reveal a substantial, previously hidden, reservoir of asymptomatic and low-titer BBTV infections that evade detection by traditional methods.The novelty of this study lies in its demonstration that LAMP is not only more sensitive but also uniquely suited for resource-limited settings due to its simple visual readout and lack of reliance on complex laboratory equipment. The results highlight that relying solely on symptom-based surveillance severely underestimates the true disease prevalence. The study concludes that adopting LAMP as a cornerstone of national surveillance efforts could provide a critical advantage in curbing the silent spread of BBTV, ensuring the sustainability of the abaca industry in the Philippines.
Analysis of heavy metal content in emissions from shell, fiber, and empty fruit bunch biomass fuels
Riau Province is one of the largest palm oil producers in Indonesia, where palm oil mills use boilers as a primary component to generate steam energy for processing activities. At PT TH Indo Plantation, particularly at Pulai Palm Oil Mill, biomass fuels such as palm kernel shells, fibers, and empty fruit bunches are commonly used. Boiler operations are often associated with emissions that may pose environmental and health risks. This study aims to analyze the heavy metal content in emissions from these biomass fuels. The research employed quantitative methods, including proximate and ultimate analyses, as well as spatial modeling using AERMOD to observe emission dispersion. The results showed relatively low heavy metal content: 0.01% in palm kernel shells and empty fruit bunches, and 0.02% in fibers. AERMOD simulation indicated that the concentration of PM2.5-type particulate matter reached 3.31311 µg/m³, with dispersion extending up to 3 km from the source. Based on these findings, the use of shell, fiber, and empty fruit bunch fuels at Pulai Palm Oil Mill does not result in significant environmental impact related to heavy metal dispersion and may be considered relatively safe.
Design an Ultrasonic Cutting Horn for Robotic Thermoplastic Trimming Applications
This research presents the design and development of an ultrasonic cutting horn integrated with a robotic system for trimming Thermoplastic materials in automotive applications. The horn was designed using titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) to achieve optimal mechanical strength, low mass, and superior acoustic properties. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to ensure that the horn operated at the targeted frequency, resulting in a simulated resonance of 28.87 kHz. Experimental testing confirmed an actual operating frequency of 28.44 kHz, with a deviation of only 1.5%, indicating high model accuracy. The horn-blade assembly was mounted on an industrial robot for cutting trials, demonstrating smooth cut surfaces, clean edges, and reduced cutting resistance compared to conventional non-ultrasonic cutting. The results validate the feasibility and advantages of using ultrasonic energy for robotic TPO trimming, enabling precise, efficient, and high-quality cutting performance suitable for automotive manufacturing processes
Exploring plant-based coagulants for turbidity reduction: case study of Pandanus amaryllifolius and coconut husk
Coagulants are essential in water treatment processes particularly in coagulation and flocculation for reducing suspended solids and improving water clarification. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of plant-based coagulants from coconut husk and pandan leaves in reducing turbidity of river water. The study used jar test to determine the optimal coagulant dose and solution pH for coconut husk and pandan leaves coagulants in reducing river water turbidity with alum used as a benchmark for comparison. In addition, a comparison between these plant-based coagulants and alum was made to see the potential of the coagulants. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the morphology of the plant-based coagulants while phytochemical tests confirmed the presence of tannins and flavonoids through colorimetric observation. Results indicated that pandan leaves coagulants achieved up to 90% turbidity removal of river water at an optimal dose of 40 mg/L and pH 9, whereas coconut husk coagulant reached 60% removal at 10 mg/L and pH 4. SEM analysis revealed fibrous structures with rough surface textures, suggesting good potential for particle adsorption. Overall, both plant-based coagulants demonstrated promising performance in turbidity reduction, supporting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical coagulants
Towards developing the circular economy framework in managing common agricultural waste: The case of Caraga Region, Philippines
Agricultural waste management remains a critical aspect of sustainable agriculture in Caraga Region, Philippines. Agricultural waste is generally not reused or recycled for economic purposes and for reducing gas emissions due to lack of institutional and technical support. This study aims to develop a circular economy (CE) framework reflecting the local realities to guide the management of common agricultural waste. Using qualitative research design, data were gathered from 41 respondents through key informant interviews, 100 stakeholders in the focus group discussions, and documents from secondary sources. Using NVivo, the study revealed that common agricultural wastes come from rice farming, corn farming, coconut plantation, banana plantation and from livestock and poultry. These wastes are predominantly managed through informal and not environmentally friendly practices, including open burning and dumping. Key challenges include limited policy support, lack of appropriate technologies, and weak institutional coordination. Nevertheless, opportunities for waste valorization abound in Caraga Region, including reuse into mushroom beds, composting for organic agriculture, and biochar production. From the findings, the proposed CE framework will encompass waste characterization, stakeholder collaboration, policy and institutional support, technology and innovation, and capacity building for the key actors, the rural women. The framework supports a strategic approach to transition to sustainable agricultural waste management in Caraga Region through circularization, with potential applications in the entire Philippines
The Impact of Pedagogical Agents On Learners\u27 Cognitive Load in Mooc: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of pedagogical agents on learners\u27 perceived cognitive load in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) environment. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study compares the cognitive load levels of two groups: one receiving learning lessons with a pedagogical agent and the other without. The sample comprises 66 students enrolled in multimedia-based courses at a Malaysian university. Data were collected using a questionnaire adopted from Leppink, Paas, Van der Vleuten, Van Gog, and Van Merriënboer (2013) A 10-item questionnaire measuring Intrinsic load, Extraneous load and German load. Results indicate that intervention of pedagogical agents in the MOOC learning environment improves learners\u27 cognitive load. Although the differences between experiment groups based on the germane load are insignificant, the overall cognitive load upon learning with a pedagogical agent is significantly lower than that of the group that learnt without a pedagogical agent. These findings suggest that pedagogical agents might positively impact learners when embedded in the MOOC learning platform. Future research should explore long-term effects, diverse learner populations, and more interactive agent designs to better understand the potential of pedagogical agents in MOOC learning platform.
Abstrak
Kajian ini menyiasat kesan agen pedagogi terhadap beban kognitif yang dirasai oleh pelajar dalam persekitaran Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Menggunakan reka bentuk kuasi-eksperimen, kajian ini membandingkan tahap beban kognitif antara dua kumpulan: satu menerima pembelajaran dengan agen pedagogi dan satu lagi tanpa agen tersebut. Sampel terdiri daripada 66 pelajar yang mendaftar dalam kursus berasaskan multimedia di sebuah universiti di Malaysia. Data dikumpul menggunakan soal selidik yang diadaptasi daripada Leppink, Paas, Van der Vleuten, Van Gog, dan Van Merriënboer (2013) yang terdiri daripada 10 item soal selidik untuk mengukur beban intrinsik, beban ekstrinsik, dan beban germane. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa intervensi agen pedagogi dalam persekitaran pembelajaran MOOC menambahbaik beban kognitif pelajar. Walaupun perbezaan antara kumpulan eksperimen berdasarkan beban germane adalah tidak signifikan, beban kognitif keseluruhan semasa pembelajaran dengan agen pedagogi adalah lebih rendah secara signifikan berbanding kumpulan yang belajar tanpa agen pedagogi. Penemuan ini mencadangkan bahawa agen pedagogi mungkin memberi kesan positif kepada pelajar apabila diterapkan dalam platform pembelajaran MOOC. Penyelidikan masa depan harus meneroka kesan jangka panjang, populasi pelajar yang lebih pelbagai, dan reka bentuk agen yang lebih interaktif untuk memahami dengan lebih baik potensi agen pedagogi dalam platform pembelajaran MOOC
Examining The Influence of Visual Aesthetics in Digital Storytelling on Audience Engagement for The Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage on Social Media
ABSTRACT
The preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) increasingly depend on digital storytelling via social media, where compelling visual aesthetics can enhance cultural recognition, authenticity, and public engagement. While widely adopted, the empirical understanding of how visual aesthetics influence audience behaviour in ICH promotion remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between visual aesthetics and social media promotion behaviour—conceptualised as consumption, contribution, and creation—using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework and a reflective–formative hierarchical model. Data from 359 undergraduate students at Daqing Normal University were analysed using a two-stage structural equation modelling approach. Results show that visual aesthetics significantly and positively impact audience behaviour (β = 0.135, p = 0.020), explaining 50.8% of the variance (R² = 0.508). These findings confirm that visually enriched storytelling boosts user engagement behaviours such as liking, commenting, and sharing. The study advances theoretical understanding of visual stimuli in digital heritage communication and offers practical insights for content creators and policymakers to enhance user interaction with ICH content. Future research should consider cross-cultural user groups, culturally specific design elements, and additional mediating effects to deepen knowledge of visual engagement in digital cultural heritage promotion.
ABSTRAK
Pemeliharaan dan pemerkasaan Warisan Budaya Tidak Ketara (WBTK) semakin bergantung pada penceritaan digital melalui media sosial, di mana estetika visual yang menarik dapat meningkatkan pengiktirafan budaya, keaslian, dan penglibatan masyarakat. Walaupun telah digunakan secara meluas, pemahaman empirikal mengenai bagaimana estetika visual mempengaruhi tingkah laku pengguna dalam promosi WBTK masih terhad. Kajian ini menangani jurang tersebut dengan meneliti hubungan antara estetika visual dan tingkah laku promosi di media sosial yang dikonseptualisasikan sebagai penggunaan (consumption), sumbangan (contribution), dan penciptaan (creation) berdasarkan kepada kerangka Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) serta model hierarki reflektif - formatif. Data daripada 359 pelajar sarjana muda di Daqing Normal University telah dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan pemodelan persamaan berstruktur dua peringkat. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa estetika visual memberi kesan positif dan signifikan terhadap tingkah laku pengguna (β = 0.135, p = 0.020), dengan menerangkan 50.8% varians (R² = 0.508). Dapatan ini mengesahkan bahawa penceritaan dengan elemen visual yang diperkaya dapat meningkatkan tingkah laku penglibatan pengguna seperti memberi tanda suka, memberi komen, dan berkongsi. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada pemahaman teori mengenai rangsangan visual dalam komunikasi warisan digital, serta menawarkan pandangan praktikal kepada pencipta kandungan dan pembuat dasar bagi meningkatkan interaksi pengguna dengan kandungan WBTK. Kajian masa hadapan disarankan untuk meneliti kumpulan pengguna rentas budaya, elemen reka bentuk khusus budaya, serta kesan pengantara tambahan bagi memperdalam pengetahuan mengenai penglibatan visual dalam promosi warisan budaya digital
Incorporating the Shariah-Based Quality Management Standard MS1900:2014 into Cooperatives: Another Growth Strategy?
The Malaysian Standard (MS) 1900:2014 is a Shariah-compliant quality management system integrating universal ethical principles—such as justice, honesty, and discipline—into organizational processes. Endorsed by SIRIM, Malaysia’s standards body, MS 1900:2014 provides a framework for aligning Islamic principles with quality management practices. Since its initial certifications in 2008, adoption has grown steadily, with approximately 40 organizations certified by 2023, though implementation remains limited across Malaysia’s diverse institutional landscape, especially among cooperatives. Utilizing qualitative research methodology, a case study of eight cooperatives from Malaysia’s Top 100 List of 2022 offers insights into how MS 1900:2014 can enhance cooperative growth and performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Board of Cooperative Directors, Cooperative Managers, and SIRIM Principal Auditor. These findings emphasize the standard\u27s potential not only for quality improvements but also for supporting sustainable economic growth within cooperative sectors. The research contributes to the understanding of quality management systems and their role in integrating Shariah-based principles for enhanced performance, benefiting cooperatives and the broader economy