17362 research outputs found
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Evaluation of microplastics ingested by sea cucumber holothuria scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah
No full textMicroplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic pieces having a diameter of less than 5 mm. They can arise from larger plastic debris that degrades over time, synthetic fibres from clothing, microbeads in personal care items and even larger plastic debris. Sea cucumbers are marine creatures vital to the ocean's ecosystem as they assist in maintaining a clean seabed and recycle nutrients. The aim of this research was to characterize the types of MPs isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah. A total of 30 H. scabra were collected. Their gastrointestinal tracts were removed and digested using NaOH. The digestates were filtrated several times to extract the MPs. MPs were observed under microscope and categorized into shapes and colours. To determine the functional group of polymers, further analysis using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed. The samples contained a total of 7403 MPs. Majority of MPs were black colored (72.25%) and in the form of fibres (99.05%). Two types of polymers were detected: polycarbonate (PC) found in 4% of the population and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) present in 96%. In conclusion, the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of H. scabra suggests that the animals and their habitat have been contaminated. Further study is required to comprehend the effects of MPs on sea cucumbers and other marine organisms as well as to develop prevention strategies
From policy to practice: Evaluating the implementation of intercultural competence in vocational english classrooms in China
No full textAs China’s vocational education system becomes increasingly international, integrating intercultural communication competence (ICC) into English education has become a national priority. Policy documents such as China's Education Modernization 2035 and the English Curriculum Standards for Higher Vocational Education Institutions (2021) emphasize the cultivation of ICC to enhance global employability. However, questions remain about how these policy directives will be interpreted and implemented in the classroom. This study investigates the implementation of ICC in specialist English classrooms through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers and students, and analysis of teaching materials documents. The study uses the Integrated Model of Intercultural Communicative Competence (IMICC) to identify how ICC is reflected in teaching practices, teachers’ understanding, and students’ experiences. The results show significant differences in the integration of ICC across institutions, including limited teacher training, superficial coverage of intercultural topics, and a focus on language over intercultural goals. The article concludes with contextual recommendations for improving ICC teaching and better aligning teaching practices with national policy goals
Effect of bin width on variogram model accuracy: A case study of teak tree volume specific to Solomon clone in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
No full textThe volume of teak trees (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) was analyzed using data from a teak plantation managed by the research and development team at Sabah Softwood Berhad in Brumas Camp, Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. To fit the exponential model to the experimental variogram, various bin widths were used to obtain different variogram models. These models were plotted for comparison, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated. Additionally, cross-validation was performed to assess the predictive accuracy of each model for the unseen data. The analysis indicated that a bin width of 0.003—that was approximately 333 m apart—was ideal for fitting the exponential model. This width demonstrated the lowest RMSE and ideal graphical observations. This study confirms that selecting the optimal bin width significantly affects the accuracy of model predictions, regardless of the sample size
Name privacy on named data networking a survey and future research
No full textInformation-centric networking (ICN) has gained significant interest in recent years, attracting both academic and industry, it represents a paradigm shift and moving away from the host-based IP networks that dominate today landscape. As ICN technology matures and advances towards real-world deployment, the importance of addressing security and privacy concerns has grown exponentially. The ICN paradigm is deliberately designed to encompass numerous security and privacy features, including but not limited to provenance and privacy. These features, which are often lacking in the host-centric paradigm, inherently form a core aspect of ICN. Nevertheless, due to its relatively recent emergence, the ICN paradigm also presents a range of unresolved privacy challenges. This paper offers a comprehensive survey of the existing literature on privacy primarily focuses on major domains name privacy. We delve into the fundamental principles of existing research and evaluate the limitations of proposed methodologies. In name privacy, we also explore strategies to preserve name privacy. We have identified future research directions and highlighted ongoing challenges in the pursuit of enhancing ICN privacy
Macroalgae-based bio-based packaging: Characteristics, green extraction methods, and applications as sustainable solutions
No full textMacroalgae represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly resource for developing bio-based packaging materials to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This review explores the unique properties of red, brown, and green algae, rich in bioactive compounds that offer significant advantages as bio-based packaging materials. The review highlights green extraction methods such as supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, which optimize the yield of the bioactive compounds. These methods are advantageous over conventional techniques due to their low solvent usage, high selectivity, rapid processing, and reduced extract degradation. Additionally, the review delves into macroalgae's antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and their impact on enhancing the shelf life of perishable produce. Regulatory aspects concerning incorporating macroalgae compounds into food packaging materials are examined alongside consumer perceptions and acceptance of these innovative packaging solutions. The widespread consumption of macroalgae in ASEAN countries underscores its safety and familiarity, paving the way for broader acceptance of macroalgae-based packaging in global markets. In summary, utilizing macroalgae in bio-based packaging presents a sustainable solution to food preservation. It leverages the bioactive properties of algae to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This review underscores the potential of macroalgae as a viable alternative to conventional packaging materials, aligning with global sustainability goals and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products
Fostering creative thinking in entrepreneurship among rural students through socioscientific issues and design thinking integration in science education
No full textPrevious studies have demonstrated that the socio-scientific issue approach (SIA) and design thinking (DT) can inspire creative thinking in science learning. However, the way in which the integration of SIA and DT fosters creative thinking in entrepreneurship (CTE) among rural secondary school students during science learning remains unclear. To address this gap, a learning module was developed to explore this integration and examine its implementation challenges. A qualitative research design, using a case study approach with purposive sampling, was employed. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine tenth-grade students from three rural secondary schools in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia. Students shared their perspectives on the implementation and challenges of the SIA-DT learning module. The interview findings suggest that students believe the SIA-DT method fosters CTE, despite some persistent challenges. This approach has the potential to enhance holistic thinking, critical thinking, transformative learning, systematic inquiry, creative problem-solving, value-based reasoning, strategic planning, and market-driven innovation. Overall, the SIA-DT method shows promise in shaping the next generation of creative entrepreneurs among rural secondary school students
The impact of faculty international competence and organizational support on faculty engagement in internationalization at private universities in China: A conceptual framework
No full textIn the process of internationalization at private universities in China, the level of faculty engagement remains challenged by various factors. This study integrates organizational support theory and the Ability-Motivation�Opportunity theory to propose a conceptual framework that assesses the impact mechanisms of faculty international competence and organizational support on faculty engagement in internationalization, with a particular focus on the mediating role of organizational support through international competence. The findings indicate that faculty international competence significantly influences their willingness and depth of participation in international activities; organizational support not only directly promotes faculty engagement in internationalization but also indirectly enhances their participation levels by improving their international competence. The constructed framework provides theoretical support for understanding the influencing factors of faculty engagement in internationalization at private universities in China and offers practical guidance on how institutions can optimize policies and resource allocation to promote faculty engagement. Future research could empirically test this framework to further explore the strength of relationships among variables and their mechanisms
Incidence, compliance, and risk factor associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients: S multicenter study in an upper middle-income country
No full textDespite significant prevention efforts, the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in intensive care units (ICUs) is rising at an alarming rate. CLABSI contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays and elevated healthcare costs. This study aimed to determine the incidence rate of CLABSI, compliance with the central venous catheter (CVC) care bundle and risk factors associated with CLABSI among ICU patients. This prospective observational study was conducted in one university hospital and two public hospitals in Malaysia between October 2022 to January 2023. Adult ICU patients (aged > 18 years) with CVC and admitted to the ICU for more than 48 h were included in this study. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical diagnosis, CVC details, compliance with CVC care bundle and microbiological results. All data analyses were performed using SPSS version 23. A total of 862 patients with 997 CVCs met the inclusion criteria, contributing to 4330 central line (CL) days and 18 CLABSI cases. The overall incidence rate of CLABSI was 4.16 per 1000 CL days. The average of overall compliance with CVC care bundle components was 65%. The predominant causative microorganisms isolated from CLABSI episodes were Gram-negative bacteria (78.3%), followed by Gram-positive bacteria (17.4%) and Candida spp. (2.0%). Multivariate analysis identified prolonged ICU stay (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.994; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.092–3.009), undergoing surgery (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.468–5.830) and having had multiple catheters (AOR: 3.167, 95% CI: 1.519–9.313) as significant risk factors for CLABSI. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of robust surveillance, embedded infection-control and -prevention initiatives, and strict adherence to the CVC care bundle to prevent CLABSI in ICUs. Targeted interventions addressing identified risk factors are crucial to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs
Minat terhadap operasi bergabung: Satu instrumen untuk murid sekolah rendah
No full textPenilaian dijalankan terhadap instrumen Minat terhadap Operasi Bergabung (MOB) dalam kalangan murid sekolah rendah. MOB merangkumi 20 item yang terangkum dalam empat konstruk utama, iaitu Emosi, Penglibatan, Pengetahuan, dan Nilai. Instrumen ini merupakan penyesuaian daripada Inventori Minat terhadap Matematik, menggunakan Model Minat Empat Fasa Hidi dan Renninger sebagai rangka kerja teori. Kajian ini melibatkan 84 orang murid Tahun Lima yang berusia 11 tahun dari dua buah sekolah rendah di daerah Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia. Bagi menentukan kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan instrumen MOB, kajian ini menggunakan Model Pengukuran Rasch. Hasil analisis polariti item melalui nilai PTMEA-CORR menunjukkan bahawa tiada item yang perlu disingkirkan daripada instrumen MOB. Nilai Raw Variance Explained by Measures sebanyak 47.3% menunjukkan ketekalan yang baik, manakala nilai Unexplained Variance in 1st Contrast sebanyak 9.7%, yang berada di bawah had kawalan 15% seperti yang ditetapkan dalam Model Pengukuran Rasch. Ini membuktikan bahawa instrumen ini mempunyai unidimensionaliti yang baik. Nilai Cronbach Alpha bagi instrumen MOB ialah 0.83, menunjukkan kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi. Selain itu, instrumen MOB mempunyai kebolehpercayaan dan nilai pengasingan item masing-masing sebanyak 0.97 (cemerlang) dan 5.51 (cemerlang). Kebolehpercayaan dan pengasingan responden pula masing-masing bernilai 0.79 dan 1.91, menunjukkan ketekalan yang baik dalam mengukur minat murid. Kesimpulannya, instrumen MOB mempunyai kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi dalam mengukur minat terhadap Operasi Bergabung dalam kalangan murid Tahun Lima di sekolah rendah
Ceramics from the Tanjung Simpang Mengayau shipwreck: Classification and description
No full textThe Tanjung Simpang Mengayau shipwreck ceramics, from Kudat, Sabah, have previously been identified as Chinese ceramics dating to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-112 CE) by Sjostrand (2003). In this study, the shipwreck ceramic samples can be classified into 11 main ceramic types based on form, i.e., shape, function, glaze colour and decoration. The ceramic types are bowls, jars, plates, ewers, kendis, bottles, covered boxes, basins, teapots, vases and lids. The majority of ceramics are bowls with olive green glaze, followed by jars with various shades of brown glazes, and ewers with white glaze. These ceramics are mostly decorated with bamboo-comb incision, such as vertical lines on the outer body for bowls and plates, whereas jars and jarlets are predominantly decorated with floral or pattern incisions. The inner body of most of the bowls, plates and basins have either floral or pattern incisions or they have no decoration at all, while teapots and ewers are usually undecorated. These ceramics were part of the cargo of a ship travelling from China, via the Philippines, to Borneo. It is believed to be the oldest cargo ship so far found in Malaysian waters, providing important evidence of early maritime trade from China to Borneo, as well as cultural affinities between Tanjung Simpang Mengayau and other areas of the Indonesian archipelago