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The impact of gross domestic product, trade openness, air transportation, and total final energy on carbon dioxide emission in Malaysia
The current paper provides an empirical analysis of the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic factors, namely Gross Domestic Product (GDP), air transportation, energy consumption, and trade openness in Malaysia, based on the annual data from 1990 until 2016. By utilizing the cointegration analysis, it is demonstrated that CO2 emissions exhibit a positive and significant long-run relationship with air transportation and energy consumption. Meanwhile, GDP and trade openness are significant in influencing CO2 emissions in the short run. It was also demonstrated that the disturbances fluctuate while entering the long-run relationship in a dampening manner rather than monotonically. It is advised for policymakers to continually consider the movements of these economic determinants due to their significant effect on CO2 emissions in Malaysia in both the short and long run
Sliding benchmarks might prevent de-selection of talented badminton players
Despite potential advantages of talent identification practices, the degree of bias in decision-making due to relative age and maturity timing remains a concern. To investigate the impact of relative age and maturity on selection processes, and to examine the possible influence of an intervention aimed at minimizing the impact of relative age and maturity biases, thirty-three boys (Mage = 12.43y ± 0.36y) invited to compete for Badminton Malaysia, completed three anthropometrical measures, eight physical performance assessments, and five motor coordination tests. These players were tracked throughout their career to determine pathway progression (i.e., dropout or continuation) and their level of success (i.e., season-end rankings). With regards to the relative age of athletes and the initial selection to the U13 team, findings revealed that younger and less mature players were disadvantaged, since their morphology, physical fitness, and motor capacities were less developed than their peers. A sliding benchmark intervention was applied, where raw scores were adjusted. Although, the dropout rate from the U13 team was high (24/33 players, 73%), 6 of 9 remaining players of the national team achieved exceptional results, which were evident six years later. As a result of the sliding benchmark intervention, two relatively younger, late maturers with superior motor competence scores, were selected to the elite sport school. Without this intervention, both players might never have won the U21 World Championships. This paper examines the pathway of these competitive badminton athletes and discusses the potential value of applying a sliding benchmark intervention in competitive sport selection settings
Ecotherapy in the Tibb Nabawi perspective: An initial approach to holistic mental health
Ecotherapy is increasingly accepted in modern medicine, emphasizing the therapeutic role of nature in supporting mental well-being. While ecotherapy is widely acknowledged in contemporary health practices, no comprehensive studies have explored this concept within the framework of Prophetic Medicine (Tibb Nabawi). Tibb Nabawi incorporates natural elements, such as water, herbs, and open spaces, commonly used for physical healing. However, the potential psychological and spiritual benefits of these elements, especially in enhancing mental well-being, have not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the foundational principles of Tibb Nabawi that align with ecotherapy and exploring how these elements can contribute to a holistic mental health approach. A qualitative methodology was employed, using textual analysis of relevant hadiths and classical Islamic texts to identify natural elements within Tibb Nabawi that support mental well-being. Content analysis was then applied to assess how these natural components can provide benefits that promote mental balance and spiritual wellness. The study finds that principles in Tibb Nabawi, such as contemplation (tadabbur) and reflection (tafakkur) on nature, are consistent with modern ecotherapy practices. This is evidenced by the Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) practices of secluding in the Cave of Hira and gazing at the night sky. These findings highlight the holistic nature of Prophetic teachings, which advocate a balanced lifestyle in harmony with the natural environment. The implications of this study suggest that Nabawi ecotherapy could offer a nature-based and faith-aligned alternative for supporting mental health, particularly among Muslim communities seeking culturally relevant care models. Further research could explore specific elements of nature therapy, such as water therapy (through ablution or viewing rivers) and green therapy (appreciating the beauty of forests and gardens), to enrich the concept of Nabawi Ecotherapy in the context of Islamic-based mental health
Effect of oil palm boiler ash on growth and yield of TR8 rice variety planted on acid sulphate soil
Background and Objective: Rice production in Kota Belud, Sabah (Sabahʼs rice bowl), is challenged by highly acidic soil (3.68 pH). The ideal rice growth requires a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. This study aims to determine the optimal oil palm boiler ash rates for improving soil pH and enhancing the growth and yield of TR8 rice. Materials and Methods: The study involved a soil incubation with 12 treatments and 3 replications, using different oil palm boiler ash rates (0 to 50 ton/ha). Soil pH was measured at 10 day intervals over 60 days. Based on the incubation results, 5 ash rates (20-50 ton/ha) were selected for a pot experiment with TR8 lowland rice, using 6 treatments and 5 replications. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, LSD (p<0.05) and Pearson correlation to examine relationships between variables. Results: Application of 50 ton/ha oil palm boiler ash recorded the highest chlorophyll content (26.98), tiller number per hill (23.40) and yield per pot (795.15 g/m2 ). On the other hand, the application of 40 ton/ha oil palm boiler ash recorded the highest percentage of filled grain (88.69%) and the panicle number (23). In addition, the control (without oil palm boiler ash application) recorded the highest flag leaf length (38.22 cm). There was a strong positive correlation between yield per pot and number of panicles. This study showed that oil palm boiler ash at 50 ton/ha increased the soil pH to 6.29 potentially improving vegetative growth and increasing the yield of TR8 lowland rice. Conclusion: While, this study shows promise for using oil palm boiler ash to improve rice production in acidic soils, particularly for the TR8 rice variety, further field research is crucial to explore the effects on different soil types and rice varieties under field conditions
Effects of olive oil-treated diet and key lime juice-treated drinking water on intake and growth performance of quail
The study aims to determine the efficacy of an olive oil-treated diet and key lime juice (KLJ)-treated drinking water on the intake and growth performance of quail. A total of 324 quails were divided into 6 groups: commercial feed (I) as a control group and formulated feed (II-VI) as a treatment group. Formulated feeds were prepared using olive oil, and drinking water was treated with KLJ at 0ml/kg+0ml/L (II), 1.5ml/kg+2.0ml/L (III), 3.0ml/kg+2.0ml/L (IV), 1.5ml/kg+4.0ml/L (V), and 3.0ml/kg+4.0ml/L (VI), respectively. Each group included 54 quails with 6 replicates of 9 birds each. The formulated feed contained lower crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude ash (CA), and metabolizable energy (ME), but higher crude fiber (CF) than commercial feed. The treatment groups had no (P>0.05) effect on dry matter, organic matter, or CP intakes. However, there was a higher EE intake in the control group, while a higher CF intake was observed in the treatment group. The control group showed lower water intake than others. Groups IV and V showed higher weight gain than groups II, III, and VI, but no difference was observed in group I. Regarding feed conversion ratio (FCR), groups IV and V showed the lowest and similar values, while group II demonstrated the highest. Considering its positive effects on weight gain and FCR, it can be recommended to add olive oil to the diet and KLJ in water
The role of medicinal animals and plants to strengthen immunity against viruses: a review
Plants and animals play a vital role in the day-to-day life by providing food, medicine, and many more. Many species are only used for particular purposes, growing in the wild and many are cultivated. To maintain the survival of mankind, the knowledge of medicine is always important, which is continuously evolving through different discoveries and inventions with the passage of time. However, it is very important to understand that the pathogens which are the potential sources of diseases are also evolving by developing resistance against the available drugs; in this regard all across the globe people associated with the knowledge are always in search of novel drugs both at traditional and modern levels to get against these pathogens. The literature review covered the electronic and printed articles published. We used a multi-query search strategy. The results were selected after several search passes by qualitative evaluation of the number of results obtained and their relevance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers around the globe invested their resources and time to find a way to get against the COVID-19 dispersion. Different studies were followed to investigate plants and animal species for naturally existing antiviral molecules or compounds. Clinically available drugs like hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were also analyzed. To reduce the impacts of the disease, a healthy diet that includes animal and plantderived supplements was recommended. Mankind is developing healthcare, but many pathogens have developed resistance and species have evolved, posing a potential threat to mankind. Folk knowledge is essential to investigate molecular compounds, and several globally threatened wildlife species have medicinal value against the COVID-19 pandemic
The assessment of peat physico-chemical properties and carbon stocks in Resak Tambahan Peat Swamp Forest, Pahang
Conserving tropical peat forests with high carbon density is among the most cost-effective strategies for addressing global climate change. However, large areas of these forests have historically been impacted by land-use changes, logging, and other human activities, leading to substantial carbon emissions into the atmosphere. This study quantified the physico-chemical properties and soil carbon stocks in a total of nine (9) different compartments representing three (3) different categories of forest; which were high, medium and low density forest located in the district of Rompin, Pahang in order to assess the differences between them. Collected samples were analysed for the physical characteristic; bulk density, total porosity, moisture content and chemical properties; ash content, loss of ignition and organic carbon content. The results showed minimal variation, with most parameters exhibiting similar trends across all densities. Consistency in pH, bulk density, moisture, organic carbon content, and loss on ignition indicates that, despite varying forest densities. The soil carbon stock for the high, medium and low density forests were 329.48 62.25 (C t/ha) 328.50 64.71 (C t/ha) 326.46 48.79 (C t/ha), respectively. Statistical analysis by using ANOVA followed by multiple mean comparison showed no significance difference were observed among the carbon stock value between the three categories of forest. Comprehensive understanding of the variability of the peat properties within the studied area is essential for developing effective strategies for their conservation and sustainable management
Dynamics of social integration among the Indian migrant community in Sabah
This study explores the practice of interethnic marriage between the Indian community and local ethnic groups in Sabah within the historical context of migration under the administration of the British North Borneo Chartered Company (BNBCC). Employing a historical methodology, the research traces the phased and systematic migration of Indians to Sabah and examines its impact on the region’s social structure. This migration gave rise to a significant phenomenon of social integration, as evidenced by the emergence of mixed Indian-local ethnic communities. These intermarriages reflect a process of assimilation between majority and minority ethnic groups, contributing to the social dynamics of Sabah. The paper is structured into three main sections: the first discusses the background and early migration of Indians to Sabah under the BNBCC; the second identifies key factors that encouraged interethnic marriages between Indians and local communities; and the third analyses the impact of such marriages on the formation of hybrid identities. Understanding the history of Indian migration is crucial in examining the broader process of social integration involving the Indian community in Sabah
Pica Behavior Resistant to Pharmacologic and Behavioral Treatment
To elucidate the rarity of pica in a patient with schizophrenia and intellectual disability and to highlight the complexities involved in managing this rare behavior through pharmacological and behavioral interventions. We present the case of Mr. H, a 67-year-old male with schizophrenia and intellectual disability, who exhibited persistent patterns of eating nonnutritive items 12 years after being treated with several first-generation antipsychotics. Although later diagnosed with anemia, there was no temporal relationship between his behavior and anemia. This case report highlights the challenges in understanding the causes of pica and its relationship with psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication use. It points to the necessity for an in-depth examination of complex behaviors, especially in patients who are unable to articulate their motivations behind challenging behaviors. Pica is often overlooked in mental health care, and this case emphasizes the urgent need for more research to improve our knowledge and treatment of this condition
Honoring the past: Embedding oral traditions and cultural narratives in early childhood social studies in Sabah
This study investigates how oral traditions, and cultural narratives can be integrated into early childhood social studies education in Sabah, with particular attention to the role of indigenous knowledge in shaping children’s sense of identity, history, and community. Using in-depth qualitative data collected online with the support of AI-assisted tools, the research explores a range of cultural materials such as myths, folktales, songs, and storytelling practices. To complement this, a Mixed-Methods Secondary Data Analysis (MMSDA) synthesizes existing literature, policy documents, and educational reports alongside the qualitative findings. The study’s outcomes underscore the value of embedding indigenous narratives in early learning to promote inclusivity, preserve cultural continuity, and encourage critical engagement with history, offering important insights for curriculum development and culturally responsive pedagogy in Sabah