USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
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The Impact of Overinvestment on Environmental, Social and Governance Ratings: Evidence from Chinese Corporations
Get PDFIn an era where sustainability practices face increasing global scrutiny, understanding how investment decisions impact ESG ratings is essential. This study examines the relationship between corporate overinvestment and ESG ratings using data from Chinese corporations between 2012 and 2020. Employing fixed effects models for empirical analysis, the results reveal a significant negative relationship between overinvestment and ESG ratings, particularly affecting the social aspect. These findings highlight the importance of efficient investment management in enhancing corporate ESG performance. The study provides valuable insights for corporations aiming to optimise resource allocation to improve their sustainability outcomes
Bank Credit and Fintech Credit: The Moderating Role of Institutional Quality
Get PDFLending is a primary activity for banks, and the introduction and growth of fintech credit create a new landscape in the competition setting in this field. Previous research focuses on the effect of fintech credit provision on bank credit and bank performance, but not the reverse direction. Meanwhile, theoretically it can be expected that bank credit can affect the growth of fintech credit. This study employs a country-level dataset from 2013 to 2019 to fill the gaps mentioned. We find that bank credit tends to exert a complementary effect on fintech credit. This result implies that the two types of credit suppliers do not aim at the same target customers and tend to cooperate for their mutual benefits, and the growth of bank credit generally facilitates fintech credit. However, when a country has better institutional quality, bank credit negatively affects fintech credit, emphasizing on the substitution effect. The study offers some implications for relevant stakeholders based on the research findings
Capital Structure, CEO Duality, and Their Role in Enhancing Financial Sustainability: Insights from Vietnamese Firms
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of capital structure and CEO duality on firm financial sustainability, using a panel dataset of publicly listed companies in Vietnam from 2018 to 2022. Two dimensions of sustainability are examined: financial sustainability and operational self-sufficiency, capturing both financial and operational performance. Employing the Generalised Least Squares method, the analysis reveals that capital structure metrics namely debt to total assets and debt to equity ratios significantly affect firm sustainability outcomes, with CEO duality serving as a moderating variable. The findings indicate that a higher debt to total assets ratio adversely impacts both financial sustainability and operational self-sufficiency. In contrast, a higher debt to equity ratiois positively associated with financial sustainability and CEO duality moderates the influence between capital structure and financial sustainability. These results highlight the role of optimal capital structuring and strategic leadership in sustaining firm performance. The study contributes to the literature on corporate governance in emerging markets and provides practical implications for policymakers, management teams, and investors, emphasising the importance of leadership configuration and financing strategies in promoting long-term sustainability
Tindakan Terjemahan dan Norma Profesional dalam Penyarikataan Peminat Korea: Translational Action and Professional Norm in Korean Fansubbing
Get PDFFansubbing is an audiovisual translation produced by a group of fans. The Korean Wave has led to the emergence of fansubber groups involving the fans of Korean entertainment shows or groups of Korean artists. The flourishing Korean fansubbing has consequently created space for a debate on translational action. Holz-Manttari’s translational action model was proposed as a guide in analysing the translation participants and their roles in translation activities. By understanding this notion, ideally a translation product that suits the target audience will be able to produce. In relation to this, the writing will look into the participants’ profiles and the role of the participants involved in fansubbing activities. This writing will also discuss the translation norms, particularly the professional norms as presented by Chesterman in his articles published in 1993 and 1997, as it is part of the objective of the study. The findings of the study were collected through an online questionnaire conducted on two fansubber groups who produced English subtitles for two groups of Korean artists. The feedback revealed that the fansubber groups has a systematic work structure. The role of the participants involved also clearly indicated the translational action that occurred in the fansubbing activities and even managed to display the professional norm practiced by the fansubber community.
Penyarikataan peminat (fansubbing) merupakan terjemahan audiovisual yang dihasilkan oleh kelompok peminat. Gelombang Korea telah membawa kepada kemunculan kumpulan penyari kata peminat (fansubber group) yang disertai oleh peminat bagi sesuatu rancangan hiburan Korea atau kumpulan artis Korea. Kerancakan aktiviti penyarikataan peminat Korea secara langsung memberi ruang kepada perbincangan tindakan terjemahan (translational action). Holz-Manttari mengemukakan model tindakan terjemahan sebagai panduan yang memaparkan perihal peserta dan peranan peserta yang terlibat dalam sesuatu aktiviti penterjemahan. Melalui pemahaman tentang gagasan ini, produk terjemahan yang sesuai dengan pembaca sasaran akan dapat dihasilkan. Sehubungan dengan ini, makalah ini akan membincangkan tentang peserta dan peranan peserta yang terlibat dalam aktiviti penyarikataan peminat. Kupasan tentang norma terjemahan yang bertumpu kepada norma profesional seperti yang dikemukakan oleh Chesterman dalam tulisannya yang diterbitkan pada tahun 1993 dan 1997, yang merupakan sebahagian daripada objektif kajian, turut dibincangkan dalam penulisan ini. Dapatan kajian diperoleh menerusi soal selidik dalam talian yang dilakukan terhadap dua kumpulan penyari kata peminat yang menghasilkan sari kata bahasa Inggeris bagi dua buah kumpulan artis Korea. Maklum balas peserta dalam konteks penyarikataan ini menunjukkan struktur kerja kumpulan penyari kata peminat adalah bersistematik. Peranan responden yang terlibat juga jelas menunjukkan tindakan terjemahan yang hadir dalam aktiviti penyarikataan peminat, malah turut menampilkan norma profesional yang diamalkan oleh komuniti penyari kata peminat
Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Bioactive Compounds from Various Indonesian Medicinal Plants as Potential Inhibitors of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Protein in Cervical Cancer Development
Get PDFInfection of keratinocytes by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains, notably HPV16, is responsible for the onset of cervical cancer. The E6 protein serves as a pivotal oncoprotein implicated in the progression of cancer. We utilised a virtual screening method to identify bioactive compounds in a variety of commonly used medicinal plants in Indonesia. All the top five compounds bind to a single binding site on the E6 major hydrophobic groove, which corresponds to the binding site for the E6AP and IRF3’s LxxLL motifs. They are expected to function as competitive inhibitors, inhibiting the development of the E6-E6AP and E6-IRF3 complexes, which limit p53 degradation and therefore cell proliferation, thus preserving the innate immune response to HPV16 infection. Asarinin and thiazolo[3,2-a]benzimidazole-3(2H)-one,2-(2-fluorobenzylideno)-7,8-dimethyl were predicted to be the most effective compounds in this research owing to their strong affinity for and persistent interactions with the E6 major hydrophobic groove, particularly in comparison to pharmacological controls
Efficacy of Several Types of Pest Bird Deterrents and General Trend of Pest Birds at an Industrial Factory
Get PDFControlling pest birds is a complex problem, especially for large areas, compared to individual homes. This study presents a new perspective on pest birds plaguing a large semiconductor factory. We evaluated the efficacy of nine bird deterrent methods: alarm and distress calls broadcasted from portable speaker, sound frequencies ranged from (i) 24.5 kHz–45.5 kHz; and (ii) 13.5 kHz–45.5 kHz together with flashing lights emitted from sonic device, methyl anthranilate (MA), moving and static bird predator models, reflective compact discs, high and low visibility reflective tapes in deterring Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica) and Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis) from perching on targeted spots. Monthly counts of pest birds roosting at study site were also conducted. Our results showed that alarm and distress calls broadcasted from portable speaker, sound frequencies ranged from 13.5 kHz–45.5 kHz together with flashing lights emitted from sonic device, moving and static bird predator model, reflective compact discs, high and low visibility reflective tapes were significantly effective in deterring pest birds from targeted spots. The pest bird population reached its peak (35,063) in January 2021, while the least (3,685) was recorded in May 2021. The effectiveness of pest bird deterrents might be influenced by the quantity and method of deployment
Morphology and Development of Saprophagous Scuttle Fly, Spiniphora genitalis Schmitz, 1940 (Diptera: Phoridae) Larvae at Indoor Ambient Temperatures
Get PDFThe oriental scuttle fly, Spiniphora genitalis Schmitz, 1940 (Diptera: Phoridae), was first discovered from Peninsular Malaysia as a specialised decomposer of mollusc carrion but its occurrences on vertebrate carrion suggest that this species could also be utilised as a forensic indicator. However, the larval morphology and development of S. genitalis remain unexplored. In this study, the colony of S. genitalis was reared in the laboratory at ambient temperature range (20.0oC–25.5oC) and relative humidity (71.0%–94.5%) using decomposing beef liver as larval food source. Larval body length was measured at every 6 h and 18 h interval until pupariation and subsequently described. The third instar larva of S. genitalis can be characterised by its fleshy, but ventrally flattened body with posterior tubular extension. The abdominal segments are covered with tubercles and spinulose formations and interestingly, three distinct larval variations were also detected. The transitions from metapneustic first instar to amphipneustic second and third instar larvae were also described according to the characteristics of cephalopharyngeal skeleton, anterior spiracle and posterior spiracle. The lifecycle of S. genitalis reported in this study based on it developmental stages were 23 h–27 h (egg), 162 h–358 h (larva) and 240 h–341 h (pupa). This study established the diagnostic features of S. genitalis which can be useful in forensic analysis and as precursors to the ground plan of Spiniphora larvae taxonomy. The complete growth of S. genitalis larvae on beef liver indicated that the role of this species has been expanded from a specialised mollusc carrion decomposer to a potential forensic indicator
Antihyperglycaemic Activity of Standardised Ethanolic Extract of Swietenia macrophylla King Seeds on Goto-Kakizaki Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Get PDFSwietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla), commonly known as “sky fruit”, belongs to the Meliaceae family and is predominantly distributed in the neotropical areas of Central America, Southern Asia and the Pacific region. The plant has a rich tradition of being utilised for its anti-diabetic properties and other health benefits. This study focused on the S. macrophylla seeds ethanolic extract (SMEE) to explore its antihyperglycemic effects in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) Type 2 diabetic rats. Bioactive compounds were extracted using maceration, and a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RPHPLC) method was validated to separate two limonoids, swietenine and 3,6-O,O diacetyl swietenolide, from the extracts. The 500 mg/kg SMEE dosage significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, making it the selected treatment dose. The SMEE group consistentlyimproved glucose regulation during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on the first (9.88 ± 0.69 mmol/L) and eighth (6.12 ± 0.30 mmol/L) days, showing lower initial fasting blood glucose levels. The RP-HPLC method validation confirmed high linearity, ensuring precise quantification within the 1.56 ?g/mL to 200 ?g/mL range for swietenine and 3,6-O,O diacetyl swietenolide. The content of these compounds in 1 mg of SMEE was determined as 27.5 ?g (2.75%) and 14.53 ?g (1.45%), respectively. This study provides robust evidence supporting the antihyperglycaemic properties of S. macrophylla seeds. Future studies could evaluate the long-term metabolic effects of S. macrophylla extract on glucose metabolism, oxidative stress and liver function
Validation of Integrated Periphyton Technology in Mixed Sex Culture of Giant Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium Rosenbergii: Insights into Impact of Heterogenous Independent Differentiation and Gender on Growth Dynamics in Grow Out
Get PDFThis study evaluated the performance of mixed sex postlarval (PL) populations of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, cultured under Integrated Periphyton Technology (IPT) and Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) conditions. The trials were conducted in triplicate over 44 days of nursery culture (T1), followed by 60 days of growth after size separation (T2 and T3). The carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios were optimised through molasses supplementation. The water quality parameters in both systems remained within acceptable ranges. Key performance indicators, including body weight, survival rate, average daily gain, specific growth rate, harvest biomass and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were analysed across T1 and T2. While nursery performance (T1) was not significantly different between the IPT and RAS systems, Morphologicaldistinctions among male morphotypes (BC, OC and SM) and females were characterised, with sex specific growth performance compared across T1 and T2, as were sizeseparated populations in T3. IPT demonstrated more effective production of Blue Claw (BC) prawns during the grow-out phase (T2). IPT, a zero-discharge system, matched or outperformed RAS, while eliminating the need for external effluent management, while equivalent FCR did not establish periphyton as a supplemental food source within the production volume. Although size separation yielded variable benefits, enhancement of overall productivity was inconclusive. This study highlights IPT as a sustainable alternative to conventional RAS, offering equivalent FCR, and lower energy consumption, and land resource requirement. Further investigations are warranted to optimise intensive IPT systems for economic feasibility and environmental sustainability, contributing to broader advancements in aquaculture
Coproantigen ELISA Effectively Detects Moderate-To-High Fasciola Egg Counts with Limited Sensitivity at Low Levels in Field Settings (Early view)
Get PDFDetection of Fasciola eggs in ruminant fecal samples typically occurs around 15 weeks post-infection during patent infections. The recent introduction of coproantigen ELISA (cELISA) enables rapid antemortem diagnosis of fasciolosis, highlighting the need to evaluate its diagnostic performance under the field conditions. This study aimed to assess the usability and effectiveness of a cELISA kit for detecting Fasciola gigantica infections in free-grazing cattle from an endemic area, and to explore the relationship between cELISA results and conventional fecal egg counts obtained via the FlukefinderÒ sedimentation method. A total of 92 fecal samples (46 positive and 46 negative by fecal egg count) were analyzed. The cELISA detection limit was identified at 4.5 eggs per gram (epg), achieving 100% positivity above this threshold. A moderate, statistically significant positive correlation was observed between fecal egg counts and cELISA optical density (OD) values (Spearman\u27s r=0.716, p < 0.01). Additionally, an odds ratio of 1.96 (p < 0.01) indicated that the likelihood of higher coproantigen levels nearly doubles with each additional egg detected. These findings suggest that cELISA is a sensitive and practical tool for diagnosing active Fasciola infections with moderate to high egg burdens, complementing traditional fecal sedimentation tests. Together, these approaches improve field diagnostics, enable targeted strategies, and support effective fasciolosis control in endemic settings.