17362 research outputs found
Sort by
Effects of inulin and xanthan gum on the physical, digestibility, sensory and nutritional properties of sugar-free green banana flour biscuit
No full textSweet biscuits are one of the most popular snacks in the world, but the long-term consumption of sucrose-containing high-glycemic index (GI) biscuits can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes and car- Dio vascular disease. The present work explored the possibility of producing a sugar-free biscuit using green Saba banana flour, which has been reported to have a lower GI than wheat flour. Material and methods. A 2 × 3 factorial design was used to investigate the effects of xanthan gum (0% and 1%) and inulin (0%, 25% and 50%) on a sugar-free biscuit made of Saba green banana flour. The quality of the biscuits was analyzed in terms of water activity, geometric indices, texture, in vitro digestibility and Esti- mated GI. A sensory evaluation was carried out to determine the changes caused by hydrocolloid modulation and to assess the acceptance of the sugar-free biscuits. Results. The hydrocolloids notably affected the quality of the sugar-free biscuits, with greater positive effects observed as the levels of both ingredients increased. Comparatively, inulin had a more pronounced influence than xanthan gum in modifying the properties of the biscuits. The sugar-free biscuit with the highest sensory evaluation score (1% xanthan gum and 50% inulin) contained more dietary fiber and had a lower GI and glycemic load (GL) than the sugar-containing control. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing a healthier, sugar-free biscuit with an im- proved starch digestion profile using inulin and xanthan gum. However, further improvements to the texture of the sugar-free biscuit are required. Future studies could investigate the relationship between dough Rheo- logy, biscuit structure and sensory perceptions to uncover more insights for product improvement
Natural and synthetic cosmetics: An evaluation from an Islamic perspective and health implications for Muslim consumers
No full textThis study explores the comparison between natural and synthetic cosmetics from an Islamic perspective, focusing on their implications for Muslim consumers' health and well-being. With the growing demand for halal-certified and safe beauty products, the research investigates how natural cosmetics align with the concept of Halalan Tayyib an—which emphasizes purity, safety, and ethical considerations in Islamic teachings. The study also examines the potential health risks associated with synthetic cosmetics, which often contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, mercury, and silicones. These substances pose long-term health threats and raise concerns regarding their halal status. The paper further highlights the challenges and opportunities for the cosmetics industry in ensuring compliance with Islamic principles, particularly in sourcing, production processes, and packaging. Through a qualitative approach and a review of literature, the study provides insights into how Islamic values influence consumer behavior in the cosmetic market and suggests ways to foster greater awareness among Muslim consumers. The findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive halal certification system and stricter regulation of cosmetic products to safeguard both religious integrity and public health. The research contributes to the growing discourse on halal cosmetics and their role in promoting the holistic well-being of Muslim consumers
Semi-Parametric analysis of cervical cancer data: A single- center study
No full textIn women, cervical cancer ranks fourth in terms of mortality and is the third most prevalent disease. It remains a significant concern among clinicians in Malaysia; however, published works on the survival of cervical cancer patients are somewhat scarce. Thus, this study aims to identify the prognostic factors that significantly affect the risk of death in cervical cancer patients using semi-parametric Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. This study began with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, followed by a proportional hazard's assumption test for the preliminary final model. Data on cervical cancer patients treated at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) between 2013 and 2017 were utilized. In the univariate analysis, stage at diagnosis and primary treatment were found to be statistically significant at the 5% level. In the multivariate analysis, histologic type, stage at diagnosis, and distant metastasis were found to be statistically significant. The proportional hazards assumption for each variable in the preliminary final model is tested based on the scaled Schoenfeld residuals. Accordingly, this study showed that patients with stage III–IV adenocarcinoma-type cervical cancer treated at HUSM have the highest likelihood of death from the disease
The impact of COVID-19 on e-commerce: A cross-national analysis of policy implications
No full textThe field of e-commerce research has evolved over recent decades, but the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly accelerated its prominence, as evidenced by extensive literature. The pandemic underscored the pivotal role of e-commerce in driving the digital transformation of the global economy. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews in this area, particularly comparative analyses of how different countries leveraged e-commerce to navigate the pandemic’s challenges. This paper addresses this gap by examining the literature on e-commerce adoption and its implications during COVID-19, focusing on select countries, including China, Malaysia, and several European nations. The case of China, as a major economic power in Asia, offers particularly valuable insights
Fire performance of cross-laminated timber enhanced by borax treatment and densification for structural wood composites
No full textThis study investigates the fire performance of Cross- Laminated Timber (CLT) using a combination of densification and borax treatment to enhance its safety for structural applications. Laminated Batai wood underwent borax treatment either before or after densification, followed by tests on absorption capacity and combustion resistance. The results revealed variations in fire resistance and density profiles depending on the treatment sequence. Densification increased density, and borax improved flame retardancy. The treatment order influenced absorption rates and charring behavior because the densification process modified internal porosity, affecting chemical penetration. Image analysis and thermal evaluation confirmed that specific combinations improved fire performance. This approach offers a scientific and technological basis for optimizing fire-resistant engineered wood products with lightweight species
Competing faiths under colonial rule: Islamic expansion, Christian missionaries, and the emergence of mualaf in the making of religious identity in Sabah
No full textThis article examines the historical development of Islamic expansion and the emergence of Muslim converts (mualaf) in Sabah during the British colonial period. It highlights the interplay between Islamic proselytization, Christian missionary efforts, colonial governance, and indigenous belief systems. Islam was first introduced in the 14th century through maritime trade with Brunei, Sulawesi, and Mindanao, followed by gradual conversions supported by Bruneian political influence and intermarriage. However, the 19th-century British administration actively supported Christian missions through legal, institutional, and infrastructural means—including access to education and healthcare—while Islamic propagation faced restrictions and lacked state backing. Using a qualitative approach based on historical document analysis, the study draws on primary sources such as census data, legislative records, and missionary archives. Through thematic analysis, the article identifies distinct religious dissemination patterns, power asymmetries, and socio-political shifts. While Islam grew through local initiatives and figures like Tun Datu Mustapha, Christianity gained rapid ground through colonial endorsement. Comparative demographic trends from 1921 to 1960 reveal a disproportionate increase in Christian converts, reflecting structural imbalances. The study concludes that Sabah’s religious identity is the product of colonial-era negotiations between religious institutions, political structures, and indigenous agency— dynamics that continue to shape the region’s postcolonial religious landscape
Examining the role of transformational leadership in promoting sustainable practices among university teachers in Guangdong
No full textSustainability is an important issue for universities worldwide, especially in fast-growing regions such as Guangdong Province, China. Although higher education institutions increasingly focus on sustainability, a gap remains between the promotion of sustainability by academic leaders and its actual implementation by educators. This study examines how transformational leadership influences sustainable practices in universities in Guangdong Province. Specifically, it explores the impact of transformational leadership on university teachers’ attitudes, subjective norms, and behaviors related to sustainability. The research is based on a sample of 421 university teachers, selected using a stratified random sampling method. Structural equation modeling was conducted using SmartPLS 4 to analyze the data and measure these relationships. The findings show that transformational leadership significantly improves teachers’ positive attitudes toward sustainability but does not directly increase their engagement in sustainable practices. This result reveals a gap between leaders’ intentions and teachers’ actions. The study provides useful insights for academic leaders and policymakers aiming to promote sustainability in higher education institutions
Faktor dalaman dan luaran yang mempengaruhi penghayatan akhlak remaja di sekolah luar bandar Sabah: Tinjauan dari perspektif pendidikan Islam
No full textPenghayatan akhlak dalam kalangan remaja adalah aspek penting dalam pembentukan jati diri dan sahsiah yang mulia. Kajian ini memfokuskan kepada golongan remaja di sekolah luar bandar di negeri Sabah yang berdepan pelbagai cabaran dari aspek dalaman dan luaran. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah berbentuk kajian konseptual melalui analisis kepustakaan terhadap karya-karya ilmiah yang berkaitan dengan akhlak, pendidikan Islam dan perkembangan remaja. Kajian ini mengenal pasti bahawa faktor dalaman seperti keimanan, niat, kesedaran kendiri dan motivasi berperanan membentuk nilai-nilai murni dalam diri remaja. Sementara itu, faktor luaran seperti peranan keluarga, institusi pendidikan, rakan sebaya, komuniti dan media sosial turut memberi impak besar terhadap penghayatan akhlak mereka. Pendidikan Islam yang menekankan pembangunan insan secara menyeluruh dilihat sebagai jalan penyelesaian paling berkesan untuk membendung kemerosotan akhlak remaja. Justeru kerjasama antara keluarga, pihak sekolah dan komuniti amat diperlukan bagi mengukuhkan penghayatan akhlak dalam kalangan remaja. Hasil kajian ini diharapkan dapat membantu memperbaiki kurikulum pendidikan Islam serta mengukuhkan pembangunan akhlak generasi muda masa kini
Faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan pengurusan kualiti: Satu sorotan literatur
No full textFaktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan pengurusan kualiti dalam sesebuah organisasi telah dikenalpasti oleh pengkaji-pengkaji lepas. Hal ini kerana pengaplikasian amalan pengurusan kualiti dalam sesebuah organisasi telah menjadi keperluan untuk memastikan perkhidmatan yang disampaikan menepati piawaian yang telah ditetapkan. Keadaan ini juga mendorong organisasi untuk melaksanakan penambahbaikan berterusan yang memberi kesan terhadap prestasi organisasi. Walau bagaimanapun, faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan tersebut masih memerlukan perhatian oleh pengkaji-pengkaji yang akan datang, berikutan dengan limitasi bahan rujukan pada masa kini. Oleh itu, tinjauan literatur yang sistematik dalam menganalisis bahan rujukan perlu dilakukan. Penekanan diberikan terhadap faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan pengurusan kualiti. Ini juga disusuli dengan objektif kajian iaitu mengkaji secara deskriptif keseluruhan artikel, kertas kerja dan pelbagai bahan bacaan yang berkaitan dengan faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan pengurusan kualiti. Data diperoleh melalui dua pangkalan data iaitu google scholar dan researchgate. Hasil kajian ini penting untulk memperkayakan bahan rujukan dalam bidang pengurusan khususnya dalam konteks faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pengurusan kualiti dalam sebuah organisasi
Comparative blood profile analysis of captive green (Chelonia Mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys Imbricata) turtles
No full textThe green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), classified as endangered and critically endangered, respectively, face significant survival threats. To assess their health status, a study was conducted using a portable blood analyzer on eight captive sea turtles kept at the Fisheries Research Institute of Rantau Abang (FRIRA), Terengganu, Malaysia. Blood gas, biochemical, and hematological parameters were analyzed. Findings were generally consistent with previously reported hematological values and morphology, except for total white blood cell (WBC) counts. Comparisons with published data on sea turtles worldwide showed higher ranges of mean values for lactate (Lac), glucose (Glu), creatinine (Crea), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), packed cell per volume (PCV), and WBC counts. Captive green and hawksbill turtles exhibited higher concentrations of Glu and Lac than previously documented values, with mean Glu and Lac levels of 100.50 mg/dL and 6.75 mmoL/L in green turtles and 121.00 mg/dL and 0.93 mmoL/L in hawksbill turtles. These variations were attributed to differences in life stage, diet, and environmental conditions. Glucose levels were indicative of dietary influence, while lactate concentrations suggested stress, emphasizing the importance of specialized dietary management and the potential stress experienced by green turtles in captivity. These findings provide invaluable reference points for monitoring the health of captive sea turtles in rehabilitation settings. Additionally, it also highlights the unique physiological characteristics of sea turtles in the South China Sea and the impact of captivity on their blood profiles, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts