17362 research outputs found
Sort by
Digital drone education in Sarawak: Enhancing STEM learning through hands-on training for school students
No full textIn Sarawak, concerns about low STEM enrolment, digital inclusivity gaps for rural children, and the transition from digital consumption to digital creation led to the introduction of the Drone Education Program. Participants began with foundational drone operation training, advancing to capturing images and videos. Subsequently, they were acquainted with elementary photo and video editing techniques, enabling them to enhance their drone-generated content. The aim of this research is to gauge the impact of the Drone Education Program on refining drone operations, bolstering digital editing competencies, and stimulating STEM engagement in students. In our methodology, we employed tailored pre- and post-surveys for evaluation, and younger students provided feedback via an emoji-based survey. Further analytical methods encompassed non-parametric tests, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and linear mixedeffect modelling. Results indicated significant post-intervention improvements in the targeted skills. The EFA grouped 21 Likert items into five distinct learning domains. Notable insights include district-wise variances in learning outcomes and the influential role of gender. The initiative showcases promise in confronting Sarawak's educational barriers, championing digital inclusivity, and preparing a digitally proficient generation
Exploring the bacteriophage in Malaysia: an overview of applications and challenges
No full textAntibiotic resistance is a worldwide concern as more drugs are losing efficacy and fewer candidates are being developed in the pipeline. As a result, there is growing attention towards alternative applications of microbial control, and bacteriophages have come to the forefront of research. However, there is limited data and experimental studies in Malaysia. The well-documented use of these viruses to overcome the problem of antimicrobial resistance and multi-drug resistance is still scarce in the country and warrants exploration. Here, we discuss the potential of bacteriophage applications in healthcare, animal husbandry, aquaculture and agriculture in Malaysia. The challenges faced in doing so and reception among the country’s researchers, clinicians and healthcare authorities are also discussed. Although the use of bacteriophages in this capacity is just beginning to unfold, it is hoped that there will be a shift in perception towards a positive reception, especially with the looming threat of antibiotic resistance
Enhancing the RC4 algorithm by eliminating the Initiative Vector (IV) transmission
No full textThe Rivest Cipher RC4 encryption algorithm is commonly utilized to generate keys of varying lengths. Despite its rapid processing speed, vulnerabilities within the algorithm have made it susceptible to exploitation, allowing attackers to compromise it within a matter of minutes. This paper introduces an innovative approach to address the vulnerabilities of the RC4 encryption algorithm by employing an Initiative Vector (IV). The proposed method incorporates a lengthy random text without transmitting an initialization vector. The proposed solution was rigorously validated, demonstrating performance comparable to existing solutions while simultaneously expanding the range of potential solutions and mitigating security threats. Further exploration into the use of a complex equation is recommended for calculating the swapping value j while maintaining the same high level of performance
Bio-based polyurethane foams from acacia mangium polyol: Analyzing the impact of polyol residue, surfactant, and water on foam properties
No full textThis study investigated the synthesis of polyurethane foam using acacia mangium (AM) polyol and its residue, with varying percentages of surfactant and water as blowing agents. The foam formulation included polymeric methylene bis(phenyl isocyanate) (PMDI), a catalyst mixture of triethylene diamine (TEDA-L33) and pentamethyldiethylene triamine (TOYOCAT-ET), polysiloxane (SH193) as the surfactant, and water as the blowing agent. The effect of incorporating AM polyol residue was first examined, followed by an analysis of the impact of the surfactant and blowing agent on the foam’s properties, including kinetic rate, morphology, apparent density, water absorption, and compression behaviour. FTIR and DMA analyses were performed to assess the structural and mechanical properties of the foam. Results indicated that the addition of AM polyol residue significantly increased the foam density. However, reduced interfacial bonding between the residue and foam structure led to lower compression strength and higher water absorption. The study further showed that variations in water and surfactant content significantly influenced foam properties: increasing the water and surfactant content reduced foam density, accelerated the reaction between water and isocyanate (shortening the cream time), and enhanced nucleation and cell size. These findings suggest that am polyurethane foam has potential as a sustainable alternative in industries seeking eco-friendly materials
Enhancing swiftlet farmhouse environmental monitoring through IOT technology: A case study in Menumbok, Sabah
No full textThis research focuses on the development and validation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based system specifically tailored for environmental monitoring at the HN Swiftlet Farmhouse in Menumbok Sabah. The lack of effective monitoring systems in swiftlet farmhouses presents challenges in maintaining optimal conditions for swiftlet health and productivity. To address this, the study implements IoT technology for real-time data collection and analysis, aiming to sustain optimal breeding conditions. The system integrates a NodeMCU ESP 32 board with a DHT11 sensor to monitor temperature and humidity, providing timely notifications and facilitating automated control procedures. Over a nineday observation period, temperatures ranged from 31.23 °C to 33.33 °C, and humidity levels ranged from 59.63% to 77.38%, with fluctuations influenced by monsoon activity. The findings indicate that the IoT-based system effectively assists swiftlet farmers in maintaining optimal environmental conditions, thereby enhancing swiftlet health and productivity. The research demonstrates that the implementation of IoT technology in swiftlet farmhouses significantly enhances environmental monitoring, leading to improved swiftlet health, increased productivity, and overall sustainability in swiftlet farming practices
Mapping the digital humanities landscape: A bibliometric review of research and emerging frontiers
No full texttraditional humanities research. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of digital humanities scholarship, utilizing data from the Scopus database to map research trends, identify key contributors, and uncover emerging thematic areas. A total of 550 original research articles published between 2001 and 2024 were analysed using bibliometric indicators, citation metrics, and network analysis techniques. The findings reveal a steady increase in digital humanities publications, with significant contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Key research themes include digital heritage preservation, artificial intelligence applications, and big data analytics, indicating an increasing interdisciplinary convergence. Furthermore, co-occurrence analysis highlights dominant research clusters, emphasizing digital archiving, cultural heritage, and computational methodologies. This study underscores the growing significance of digital humanities in cultural preservation, knowledge dissemination, and technological advancements. The results provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and institutions aiming to foster innovation and collaboration in the evolving landscape of digital humanities
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) explaining late presentation of breast cancer in the West Coast of Sabah: A structural equation modelling approach
No full textObjective: Early detection potentially reduces mortality rates, yet instances of delayed treatment-seeking after symptom onset have been observed, posing significant risks, as late presentation escalates mortality rates among patients. This study aims to delineate the sociodemographic profile of late-presenting breast cancer patients and investigate the Theory of Planned Behavior’s (TPB's) (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) on intention to seek medical consultation after breast cancer symptoms, that contributing to delayed presentation. Methods: This cross-sectional study spanned from January 2022 to December 2022, and 111 eligible participants were selected for inclusion through simple random sampling. Researchers obtained written consent and offered assurances of confidentiality. Ethical approval was granted by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). The questionnaire encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, and the TPB constructs. SPSS AMOS version 22 facilitated Structural Equation Modeling for data analysis. Demographic variables and the TPB constructs were integrated into the model. Results: Participants predominantly fell into the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups (36.9% and 35.1% respectively), were mostly married (78.4%), and had secondary school education (46.8%). The majority belonged to the B40 economic group (78.4%) and resided within 25 km of the hospital (41.4%). Stage II cancer was found to be prevalent during diagnosis (43.2%) and mostly presented 3-6 months after experiencing the symptoms (81.1%). The structural model indicated a reasonable fit. Attitude significantly influenced intention (β1=0.844, p<0.001), followed by perceived behavioural control (β2=0.178, p=0.004). Subjective norm did not significantly affect intention (β2=0.088, p=0.199), suggesting a negative influence on patients’ intention to seek medical consultation. Conclusion: Interventions enhancing subjective norm efficacy are recommended, emphasising partner, family members, peers, physician, and media involvement
Effects of different concentrations of Aspergillus Niger on fermentation characteristics and nutritive value of Dwarf Napier grass silage
No full textDwarf Napier grass is considered to be low-quality grass due to its low nutritional value if used at an inappropriate cutting age. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of Aspergillus Niger on the improvement of dwarf Napier grass silage quality. The 60-days old of dwarf Napier grass were mixed with 7% molasses and A. Niger at a rate of 0 (T0), 10 6 (T1) and 10 7 spores/ml (T2). Each kg of plant materials was mixed with 10.7ml fungal substrate and ensiled for 45 days. According to the results of this study, the pH tended to decrease with an increased rate of A. Niger, while the lactic acid content tended to increase. The T1 silage showed lower (p0.05) differences were observed on other proximate components. An increasing trend was observed in crude protein content with an increasing rate of A. Niger, while no consistent trend was observed in crude fiber content. In conclusion, A. Niger could be used as an additive to enhance the silage quality, but further research is needed to know the nature of the mode of action of A. Niger in silage
Determinants of cloud accounting adoption in Malaysian accounting practices: A user perspective
No full textThis study examines the factors that influence the intention to adopt cloud accounting among accounting practitioners in Malaysia, focusing on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, perceived security, and competitive pressure. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected through a survey distributed to accounting practitioners in audit and non- audit firms within the Klang Valley. A total of 136 valid responses were analyzed using correlation analysis to determine the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The findings indicate that all five factors exhibit a significant positive correlation with the adoption of cloud accounting. The study highlights the growing importance of cloud technology in financial management, emphasizing the need for businesses and policymakers to improve cloud infrastructure support, address security concerns, and promote digital literacy among practitioners. While Malaysia continues to progress toward Industry 4.0, the findings suggest that further efforts are needed to improve cloud adoption readiness. The study offers valuable insights for organizations, policymakers, and academia to support the adoption of cloud technology, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive in the digital economy
Reproductive Ecology of the Java Rabbitfish, Siganus javus, in the Southern South China Sea
No full textFish reproductive biology influences their life history and can impact their vulnerability to fisheries; therefore, for sustainable management and development, a proper understanding is crucial. Reproductive biology, including maturation, spawning season, fecundity, and sex ratio, was examined throughout the year in the Java Rabbitfish, Siganus javus, in the southern South China Sea. This study is the first to examine reproductive traits by collecting a total of 339 S. javus specimens monthly from September 2017 to August 2018 through detailed gonad histology. The spawning season of female S. javus was mainly restricted to July, August, October, and December, whereas male fish were found to spawn throughout the year. Inter-species variations in the spawning season were observed within the genus, which is influenced by interspecific spawning strategies and regional environmental factors. The sex ratio close to 1:1 suggests that the fish population is in equilibrium in the region. The fecundity of S. javus ranged from 1.8 × 105 to 12 × 105, which was similar to that of other species in Siganus, suggesting less inter- and intra-species variation in fecundity within the family. The middle maturation stage was absent throughout the year, probably due to the different habitat uses during their life history. Reproductive biology might influence other biological aspects, such as migration and behaviour in the fish