USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
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Crafting Cultural Connection: Human-Centered Design Approach for Promotional Product Design Development Inspired by Myths and Legends
No full textThe study on crafting cultural connections examines the complex interplay between design, culture, and people\u27s experiences in promotional product production. Inspired by Langkawi\u27s rich mythology, this research promotes a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach and seeks to educate novice industrial designers on how to utilize the approach in developing products that create value for people. This study is driven by three critical challenges: (i) the underrepresentation of cultural heritage in promotional product design, (ii) the disconnect between designers and end-users in integrating culturally inspired product design, and (iii) the lack of awareness among locals and tourists about myths and legends due to the dominance of digital entertainment and shifting cultural preferences. This research begins with an extensive understanding of the context of culture and belief, user awareness, and experiences, which serve as the foundation for well-informed design decisions. It is followed by designers who hold collaborative workshop design development sessions with local stakeholders, including renowned storytellers and seasoned tourism experts, to ensure the product draws inspiration from Langkawi\u27s rich tapestry of stories and tales. They then modified prototypes based on user feedback, to find a balance between visual aesthetics and functionality. Documenting and reflecting on this process motivates novice industrial designers to engage in hands-on learning by adopting the HCD approach in design development to produce innovative products. This research will highlight the physical outcomes of this journey, showcasing meticulously created products and assessing their impact on using the HCD approach to improve cultural awareness among users.
Analysis of The Visual Similarities and Differences Between The Character of Hikayat Seri Rama (Malaysia) and Ramakien (Thailand) Called Hanuman for The Creation of Digital Artworks
No full textHanuman\u27s portrayal in Hikayat Seri Rama and Ramakien extends beyond physical characteristics to include symbolic meaning and narrative significance. This research systematically examines the visual similarities and differences between Hanuman in these two epics. The methodology follows a five-step process adapted from Newbold (2015) to analyze digital representations of Southeast Asian folklore characters. Four images of Hanuman’s shadow puppet were selected for detailed visual analysis. The study identifies three primary comparative dimensions: visual appearance, lines and shapes, and the color and symbolic elements of costumes. In Ramakien, Hanuman is depicted with white fur, elaborate golden armor, and a crown, symbolizing purity, strength, and heroism in Thai culture. In contrast, Hikayat Seri Rama presents Hanuman in simpler attire, emphasizing cunning and agility, and reflecting Malay artistic conventions as well as Islamic and local cultural influences. This analysis highlights the distinctiveness and interconnectedness of Southeast Asian folklore and demonstrates an approach for integrating traditional narratives into digital media, thereby fostering regional cultural expression through folktales
Media’s Framing of The Richard Huckle Case: Unveiling Media Portrayals of Sexual Violence in Malaysia
Get PDFMedia coverage plays a dual role in society, as it can both inform and reinforce stigmatizing attitudes on particular issues or situations. Our findings suggest that even negative media coverage could have some advantages, particularly compared to no coverage at all, as it might increase awareness of sexual violence amongst members of society. Anchoring on the case of Richard Huckle, a British pedophile who was arrested and convicted of sexually abusing children in Malaysia, the current study used content and textual analysis to analyse and examine the media coverage of Huckle’s stories (n=64) published in The Star and Malay Mail from 2016 to 2022. Using framing theory, the researchers identified the awareness for the public frame as the most frequently used, followed by methods in prevention, initiator or offender, death of the offender, judiciary and victim\u27s story, which is the least news frame utilised in Richard Huckle’s case articles. The study also determined the news settings and frequency that both Malaysian newspapers used in reporting the case of Huckle and examined the extent of the media in dramatising the portrayal of the case. The authors elaborated using Goffman\u27s dramaturgical approach to help understand that media coverage of pedophilia is not a mere reflection of reality but a constructed narrative whereby it focuses on how social actors such as the offender, victim, police, media are cast into roles, what "performance" the newspaper is staging for its audience and what backstage dynamics (e.g., editorial bias or institutional agendas) may influence the front-stage narrative. By analysing selection, framing, characterisation, contextualisation, and the use of visual and auditory cues, the audience and researchers can better appreciate the complex interplay between media, crime, and societal attitudes
Hijabers and Nightclub Culture: Cultural Adaptation within the Nolja Gang Community in Indonesia
Get PDFThe study explores the phenomenon of cultural adaptation among hijab-wearing Muslim women (hijabers) within the Nolja Gang community, an Indonesian subculture that embraces K-Pop and K-HipHop fandoms and regularly engages in social activities, such as nightclubs events. This context presents a unique cultural contradiction, as nightclubs are often perceived as incompatible with the traditional values upheld by hijabers. Using Kim’s Cultural Adaptation Theory (2001), this study examines the adaptation process experienced by hijabers across five stages: pre-contact, culture shock, initial adjustment, acculturation, and internalization. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study gathered data through in-depth interviews and six months of participant observation with four hijaber members of Nolja Gang who come from conservative and religious backgrounds. The analysis revealed that hijabers undergo significant personal negotiation while integrating into the community. They experience initial discomfort and cultural tension, particularly regarding dress norms and nightclub behavior. Over time, however, they adapt through observation, while preserving aspects of their original identity. The findings demonstrate that the adaptation process does not lead to full assimilation but rather the formation of a hybrid identity. Hijabers actively construct their place in the subculture by balancing self-expression and religious values, ultimately reshaping social norms within the group. There are three main negotiation factors, which are cultural negotiation, globalization and space identity. This study contributes to intercultural communication and identity studies by highlighting how individuals navigate globalized subcultures. It also underscores the complexity of identity formation and adaptation in multicultural environments, providing valuable insights for understanding cultural negotiation in youth-driven global communities
Evaluating the Implementation of SDG 2: Zero Hunger at Universiti Sains Malaysia Using Geographic Information Systems
Get PDFGeographic Information Systems (GIS) provide powerful tools to evaluate food security, monitor agricultural productivity, and assess the impact of environmental and socio-economic factors on food systems. GIS can also be used to analyze spatial patterns of food accessibility by integrating spatial mapping to identify food insecurity hotspots and optimize resource distribution. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) through the application of GIS. By utilizing QGIS 3.34.1, the study employs Kernel Density Estimation techniques to map and analyze the spatial distribution patterns of food banks across the USM campus. The research investigates the current distribution patterns of food banks at USM, assesses the impact of SDG 2 on students\u27 quality of life, and identifies areas with potential for establishing additional food banks. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in this study, including direct observation, written data collection, and in-depth interviews with academic staff and relevant university stakeholders. The findings reveal that the existing food banks at USM are insufficient in number, unevenly distributed, and not adequately maintained, leading to limited access for students in need. Based on these findings, the study proposes several strategies to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of food banks on campus. These recommendations aim to enhance SDG 2 by addressing hidden hunger among students, improving the overall management and distribution of food, and fostering a sustainable campus environment. Ultimately, this research aligns with USM\u27s commitment to higher education sustainability and aims to help the university maintain its standing as a leader in achieving SDG goals, particularly in the areas of hunger alleviation and social well-being
GIS-based Multi-Criteria Landslide Hazard Zonation in Cameron Highlands: An AHP Approach for Disaster Resilience
Get PDFLandslides are among the most frequent and destructive hazards in Malaysia’s highland regions, posing threats to communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. This study aims to develop a GIS-based Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) map for Cameron Highlands using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Five conditioning factors—slope, aspect, rainfall, land use/land cover (LULC), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)—were derived from remote sensing and spatial datasets. Each factor was reclassified and weighted through AHP, with a consistency ratio (CR = 0.027 < 0.1) confirming reliable judgments. The weighted overlay produced five hazard classes ranging from very low to very high. Results show that approximately 56% of the study area (365 km²) falls within high to very high hazard zones, while only 7% (46 km²) is categorized as low hazard. The findings highlight that unregulated agriculture, slope cutting, and deforestation significantly influence landslide occurrence. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating GIS and AHP for landslide risk assessment and provides an evidence-based tool to support land use planning, slope management, and disaster resilience strategies in highland environments
A Systematic Literature Review of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation among Older Adults in Malaysia
Get PDFThe health of the population is increasingly threatened by climate change, with older adults being particularly vulnerable due to changes in their physiological, social, and economic circumstances. In Malaysia, older adults are disproportionately affected by aging, environmental degradation, and extreme temperatures, yet little is known about how these factors interact to impact the country’s aging population. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the literature on climate change and the circumstances of older adults in Malaysia, focusing on vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, and governmental responses. In compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across relevant databases and grey literature. Research suggests that, in the context of climate change, older adults are particularly susceptible to social, economic, and health-related challenges. Despite the presence of informal coping strategies and community-based efforts, there is currently no adequate adaptation strategy in place. Furthermore, existing policies, such as the National Policy on Climate Change and the National Policy on Older Persons, are not consistently aligned to address the combined challenges of aging and environmental degradation. Gaps remain in research and policy development, particularly in the areas of health system resilience, disaster preparedness, and older adults’ involvement in climate policy. To ensure that Malaysia’s aging population is not left behind in the government’s sustainable development objectives, this review underscores the need for age-specific and climate-resilient measures
Drought Tolerant Capability of Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) Plant Microbiome
Get PDFThe microbiomes of Indonesian pineapple plants cover drought-resistant microorganisms that have not yet been studied. Therefore, this research aims to analyse the pineapple’s endophytic and rhizobacteria capability to survive and support the plant in drought. The screening used polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 with specific osmotic pressures as a form of stress simulation. The isolates were further tested for their production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and growth hormones (IAA), survival at high temperatures and salinity and other vital, drought-tolerant factors. Based on PEG 6000 analysis with certain osmotic pressure, about 13 isolates could survive at –0.73 MPa. Some isolates can produce EPS up to 89.23 mg/mL at –0.73 MPa, survive at 10% salinity, at a temperature of 50°C, pH 4 and produce IAA up to 7.5 ppm on medium. Most isolates can improve corn seedlings’ growth quality and produce ACC deaminase and catalase enzymes. Isolate BDO 8 and BAO 5 showed more constant results compared with others. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, these isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus strain ATCC 14579T.112 and Bacillus cereus strain WHX1 with 99.91% and 100% sequence similarities, respectively. These findings suggest that these isolates could be developed as bioinoculant candidates for use in dry agricultural areas
Preliminarily Study on Hydroxyproline Content of Purple-spotted Bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus) Scaly Skin and Its Gelatine Quality
Get PDFThe investigation of alternative raw materials for gelatine production from fishery industry by-products has gained attention due to the increasing demand for gelatine and the importance for sustainable practices. This study aims to determine the optimal hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentration for mineral removal during pre-treatment, assess hydroxyproline content at various processing stages and characterise the resultant gelatine. The methodology involved pre-treatment of the materials with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to remove non-collagen proteins, followed by mineral extraction using varying HCl concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 M). The process included swelling in 0.2% citric acid for 12 h and gelatine extraction at 65°C for 7 h. The results indicated that 0.25 M HCl was most effective for mineral removal. The hydroxyproline analysis showed an insignificant increase (0.088 mg/mL–0.103 mg/mL) from the pre-treatment stage to the final gelatine product. The physicochemical properties of the liquid gelatine, including yield (6.5 ± 0.39%), pH (6.55 ± 0.11), and gel bloom strength (174 ± 8.54 blooms) conformed to Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America (GMIA). Functional groups confirmed the presence of gelatine-specific, such as amides A, B, I, II and III. The molecular profile is comparable to commercial gelatine, with ?1 chains at 130 kDa, ?2 chains at 115 kDa, and ? chains at 235 kDa. The gelatine derived from the scaly skin of purple-spotted bigeye exhibits promising attributes, aligning with commercial standards and highlights the potential of fishery by-products as a sustainable and halal source of gelatine
Impact of Cyanide and Crude Protein Content in Host Plants on Yields and Residual Cyanide Content in Eri Silkworms (Samia ricini D.)
Get PDFThis research investigated the impact of cyanide and crude protein content in host plants on feed consumption, survival rate, yield, and residual cyanide content in eri silkworms. The study utilised castor leaves from a native variety and cassava leaves from five varieties—Rayong 11, Rayong 72, Huai Bong 60, Kasetsart 50, and CMR43-08-89—which exhibited varying cyanide contents (53.66 to 365.22 mg/kg fresh weight) and crude protein contents (17.52% to 26.04% dry matter). Eri silkworms were reared under controlled laboratory conditions (25–32 ºC and 65–75 %R.H.) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The survival rate of eri silkworms ranged from 80.00% to 94.66% and did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the different host plant treatments. However, castor leaves were the most consumed (20.8756 g/larva), resulting in higher cocoon weight (2.5990 g), pupa weight (2.2842 g), and fecundity (435.63 eggs/female moth) compared to cassava leaves (p < 0.05). Eri silkworms reared on Rayong 72 leaves had the lowest cocoon weight, pupa weight, shell weight, and fecundity. Cyanide content analysis in eri silkworms at the late fifth instar larvae stage showed no significant difference (5.71 to 6.33 mg/kg fresh weight, p > 0.05). However, the highest cyanide content was observed in pupae fed Rayong 72 leaves (14.92 mg/kg fresh weight), which significantly differed from other host plants (p < 0.05). In summary, cyanide and crude protein content in host plant leaves influenced the feed consumption, yield and cyanide residue in eri silkworms