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A new species of Dixonius Bauer, Good, & Branch, 1997 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from a karstic archipelago in Western Cambodia
No full textAn integrative taxonomic analysis was used to delimit and diagnose a new species of Dixonius from a karstic archipelago in western Cambodia. Dixonius noctivagus sp. Nov. was recovered as the sister species to an undescribed species from eastern Cambodia and southwestern Vietnam based on 1,396 bp of the mitochondrial ND2 gene. A statistically robust diagnosis was established through multivariate and univariate analyses of morphometric, meristic, and categorical color pattern characters separating D. noctivagus sp. Nov. from all other congeners. Although Dixonius is a common and widespread genus, the description herein brings the total number of Dixonius in Cambodia to two—far fewer than the eight species from both neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. this disparity underscores the need for systematic biodiversity surveys in the many understudied regions of Cambodia, particularly focusing on its herpetofauna. the discovery of D. noctivagus sp. Nov. alongside recently described Cyrtodactylus and Hemiphyllodactyus species from the same karst formations highlights the urgent need for legal protection of these fragile habitats in the region
Integrating serological and genomic data to elucidate lumpy skin disease virus diversity in cattle from Bangladesh
No full textLumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a transboundary pathogen threatening cattle health in South and Southeast Asia, presents growing challenges for disease control. This study combined serological, molecular, and genomic approaches to investigate LSDV in Barura Upazila, Bangladesh. Serological screening of 424 cattle using a commercial ELISA revealed a high seroprevalence of 55.5% (95% CI: 50.7–60.3), indicating widespread exposure. Although differences were observed by age and breed, no significant associations were found with seropositivity, suggesting broad regional circulation. Real-time PCR confirmed LSDV DNA in all 20 clinically infected animals, with consistent P32 gene amplification. Two samples with low Cq values underwent whole-genome sequencing. The complete genomes of LSDV-L2/2024 and LSDV-L3/2024 showed >99.6% identity with the reference strain LSDV-29, yet carried unique genomic features, including truncated or variant ORFs and immune-related gene differences. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA polymerase gene revealed distinct clustering: L2/2024 aligned with South Asian isolates, while L3/2024 grouped with strains from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. These results highlight co-circulation of genetically diverse strains and possible cross-regional introductions. Over- all, our findings underscore the evolutionary plasticity of LSDV and the critical need for ongoing genomic surveillance to guide targeted vaccine development and disease control strategie
Factors influencing women’s entry into entrepreneurship in Malaysia
No full textWomen entrepreneurs are individuals who initiate, organize, and operate businesses while navigating various economic, social, and cultural challenges. Globally, their role in driving innovation, creating employment, and contributing to economic growth has gained increasing recognition. In many developing and emerging economies, including Malaysia, women entrepreneurs are becoming key players in transforming traditional gender roles and empowering communities. Despite facing barriers such as limited access to capital, societal expectations, and work-life balance issues, many women continue to break through these challenges with resilience, creativity, and determination. Their entrepreneurial journeys are often influenced by a by a complex interplay of internal and external factors. Encouraging women’s participation in entrepreneurship not only enhances gender equality but also strengthens national development. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors that drive women’s involvement in entrepreneurship in Malaysia. The findings reveal that experience, financial status, business succession, contribution to the family, and domestic responsibilities are among the main enablers drive women to venture into entrepreneurship. The implications of this study are important for shaping inclusive and sustainable economic development strategies
The relationship between perfectionism, rumination, and academic procrastination among Chinese college students
No full textAcademic procrastination has a significant impact on college students' academic performance and future employment prospects, making it an important issue to address. This study aimed to examine the effects of perfectionism and rumination on academic procrastination among college students. Additionally, the study explored the mediating role of rumination in the relationship between perfectionism and academic procrastination. A total of 460 students from four representative universities in Southwest China were surveyed using The Chinese Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (CFMPS,1991) Rumination Scale (RRS), and Academic Procrastination Scale (API). The scales demonstrated good reliability and validity. The study analyzed correlations and regression relationships among the variables and also investigated the mediating effect of rumination. The results indicated that perfectionism did not directly affect students' academic procrastination; instead, it influenced procrastination through rumination. Rumination fully mediated the relationship between perfectionism and academic procrastination
Cost analysis of Pharmacy On Delivery (POD) and Conventional Counter Dispensing (CCD) in Pusat Rawatan Warga (PRW) UMS
No full textAs the demand for more efficient and accessible healthcare services grows, pharmacy services are evolving to better meet patient needs, offering distinct advantages and challenges in terms of cost, convenience, and accessibility. Pharmacy delivery, whereby one’s medicine being delivered to the comfort of their home or workplace, is one example of pharmacy services evolution, as compared to a standard dispensing at the clinic. This study aims to determine the cost differences between two pharmacy service models implemented at Pusat Rawatan Warga (PRW), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS): Pharmacy On-Delivery (POD) and Conventional Counter Dispensing (CCD). This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pusat Rawatan Warga (PRW), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), over a two-week period. We analysed both fixed and variable costs associated with the Conventional Counter Dispensing (CCD) and Pharmacy On-Delivery (POD) services, with a particular focus on personnel and transportation expenses. Descriptive analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to calculate means and standard deviations. The findings showed the cost of POD averaging RM6.55 per prescription compared to RM3.44 for CCD, while the time taken averaging 9.80 minutes per prescription for POD compared to CCD’s 5.69 minutes per prescription. The delivery process was the primary driver of the total time required for POD prescriptions, accounting for approximately 54% of the total time involved. Despite the higher costs, the popularity of POD has grown steadily, with its adoption increasing from 2.49% in 2022 to 6.70% in 2024. This study highlights the need to balance the higher operational costs of Pharmacy On-Delivery (POD) services with their benefits in enhancing medication adherence and convenience, especially for patients with chronic conditions. To support sustainability, strategic improvements such as optimizing delivery routes, using GPS-based tracking, and adopting computerized Hospital Information Systems (HIS) are recommended. These findings provide critical insights for improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of POD services at PRW, UMS, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings
Current trends and future potential in the detection of avian coronaviruses: An emphasis on sensors-based technologies
No full textInfectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, member of the genus Gammacoronavirus, poses significant threats to poultry health, causing severe respiratory, reproductive, and renal infections. The genetic diversity of IBV, driven by mutations, recombination and deletions, has led to the emergence of numerous serotypes and genotypes, complicating both diagnosis and control measures. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for effective disease management and minimizing economic losses. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as PCR, virus isolation, and serological assays, are hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. In contrast, innovative biosensor platforms employing advanced detection mechanisms-including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors-offer a transformative solution. These technologies provide portable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnostic platforms for IBV detection. Beyond addressing the challenges of conventional methods, these biosensor-based approaches facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance disease surveillance. This review highlights the transformative potential of biosensors and their integration into diagnostic strategies for avian coronavirus infections, presenting them as a promising alternative for precise and efficient IBV detection
Menopausal hormonal therapy and ovarian cancer—an update: a literature review
No full textMenopausal hormone replacement therapy (MHT/HT) was the recommended course of treatment for regulating menopause before 2002 when publishing the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Menopausal hormone replacement therapy (MHT/HT) and the WHI were the recommended courses of treatment for regulating menopause before 2002. This study aims to evaluate previous studies looking at the connection between MHT consumption and ovarian cancer risk and subanalyze the magnitude of this risk (if any) according to the type of hormone used and other confounders. A systematic search was accomplished through medical databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and others to gather the most recent and relevant articles investigating the issue to build up a body of evidence-based recommendations and guidelines required by women’s carers to counsel and prescribe MHT for postmenopausal women who opted to use these medications. The study concluded that, following the publishing of the outcomes of WHI trials, many countries had seen a dramatic decrease in MHT prescription because of raised suspicions of increased risks of developing gynecological cancers associated with its use. The major worries were linked to breast and ovarian cancers as well as endometrial cancer for unopposed estrogen therapy users
Converts and the early development of Islam in Sabah: History and challenges from the 14th century to the independence era in 1963
No full textThis article discusses Muslim converts (muallaf) and the early development of Islam in Sabah, Malaysia, spanning from the 14th century to the attainment of independence in 1963. It examines key factors influencing the Islamization process, including trade, the roles of the Brunei and Sulu Sultanates, and the challenges faced during the colonial era. This study is crucial for understanding how Islam took root in Sabah's multicultural society, the role of muallaf in spreading Islam, and how this heritage shaped the religious and social identity of the local community. The primary objectives of this study are to analyze the role of maritime trade in introducing Islam to Sabah, to elucidate the contributions of the Brunei and Sulu Sultanates in strengthening Islamic influence, to evaluate the role of muallaf as agents of da'wah, and to assess the challenges and opportunities faced by the Muslim community during the colonial period up to independence. The study employs a qualitative approach using historical analysis, focusing on literature reviews. Data were obtained from academic journals, books, articles, and reports related to the early development of Islam in Sabah. This approach involves descriptive and thematic analyses to examine patterns and factors influencing the spread of Islam in Sabah. The findings indicate that Islam was introduced to Sabah through Arab and Chinese Muslim traders, further reinforced by the roles of the Brunei and Sulu Sultanates, as well as the contributions of local muallaf and ulama. The challenges posed by British colonial rule, which prioritized Christian missions, were effectively addressed through the resilience of religious institutions, efforts by local ulama, and the determination of muallaf in upholding their faith and spreading Islamic teachings. This study aims to enrich the understanding of Sabah’s Islamic history and serve as a reference for developing more inclusive and effective da'wah strategies for multicultural societies
Research on influencing factors of practice effect in educational practice based on the theory of planned behavior
No full textThis research investigates and analyzes students' own feelings during educational practice, and explores the relationship among variables such as attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, participation intention, and practice effect used PLS-SEM, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. A survey was conducted upon 200 students from three universities, were selected based on purposive and random cluster sampling techniques. Research findings showed that attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and participation intention have positive and significant effect on practice effect. Besides, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control also showed positive and significant effect on participation intention. Furthermore, one sub-dimension of participation intention showed mediating effect for the relationship between attitude on the practice effect, and another sub-dimension of participation intention showed mediating effect in the relationship between subjective norm and practice effect, as well as perceived behavioral control and practice effect in educational practice. Through the in-depth research of the practice effect in educational practice, it can provide scientific basis for the reform and development of teacher education, so as to better train excellent teachers to meet the needs of modern education
Investigating misconceptions about acids and bases among pre-service science teachers
Get PDFThis study examines prevalent misconceptions among students regarding the fundamental concepts of acids and bases, which often arise during the learning process. This study aims to pinpoint misconceptions held by preservice science teachers in the realm of acids and bases; 117 university students from diverse educational backgrounds, enrolled in three distinct courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the Faculty of Education, participated in the study. Using a structured questionnaire, the research identified 11 misconceptions out of 26 items related to acid and base concepts among pre-service teachers, while 15 items showed a correct understanding. Notably, three misconceptions exhibit the highest prevalence, namely the universal indicator of strong alkali (71.7%), the calculationrelated concentration of acids and bases (69.3%), and the procedural steps for preparing a solution with a specified concentration using the dilution method (65.8%). The analysis indicates that although pre-service teachers generally understand acid and base concepts well, some misconceptions persist. Additionally, correlations between gender, university major, and understanding of these concepts were found. Further global research is recommended to identify misconceptions among university students. Comprehensive research in Malaysia could help educators and students address these misconceptions in Chemistry education