17362 research outputs found
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Fostering entrepreneurial creativity in secondary school students: Integrating foundational community knowledge into Design and Technology Education
No full textPrevious research introduced an Entrepreneurial Creativity (EC) module to help students market their product ideas but overlooked Foundational Community Knowledge (FCK) in generating community-tailored innovations. Studies suggest that FCK enables students to identify unique local problems, fostering innovation. However, empirical research on FCK’s role in EC within Design and Technology (D&T) education remains limited. This study assessed the validity, reliability, and feasibility of a newly developed FCK-based EC module using the ADDIE model. It also examined students’ ability to integrate FCK into the five EC stages—Investigation, Ideation, Design, Creation, and Commercialization—through an EC test. Students’ foundational community knowledge about timadang and bambangan fruit was examined. A descriptive research design was used, evaluating content validity via expert assessors and reliability and feasibility through Likert-scale responses from 30 Form Three students. The findings confirm the module’s acceptability and its impact on fostering EC within D&T activities. This study provides a framework for integrating FCK into secondary education to enhance entrepreneurial creativity
Development of herbal syrup from ginger (zingiberofficinale), lemongrass (cymbopogoncitratus), seaweed (kappaphycusstriatum), and beetroot (betavulgarisl.)
No full textThe traditional method of herbal syrup production is by simmering a mixture of sliced herbs for several hours before undergoing a straining process to utilize the liquid parts. The usage of fresh herbs and this simmering process made the product inconsistent in quality. Therefore, in this study, ginger and lemongrass have been used in powder form, and seaweed, and beetroot were added to study they effects on the quality of the herbal syrup. Nine formulations of herbal syrup were developed, where all the formulations set with a fixed amount of ginger and lemongrass powder at 2.4% and 1.0%, respectively. The percentage of seaweed and beetroot used ranged from 1.5% to 2.5% and 0.5% to 1.5%, respectively. The best formulation was selected based on ranking and hedonic of sensory evaluation, as well as its physicochemical properties. Results showed that formulation 3, which consisted of 2.4% ginger, 1.0% lemongrass, 1.5% seaweed, and 1.5% beetroot, was chosen as the best formulation with a brighter color, significantly higher (p<0.05) total soluble solid (49.70±0.06 brix), and viscosity (1143.33±1.15 cp) due to the addition of seaweed. Furthermore, the F3 sample also took significantly longer (p<0.05) (80 min) to show sedimentation. Proximate values of F3 were significantly higher (p<0.05) in ash (3.36±0.22%), protein (0.39±0.02%), and crude fiber (6.22±0.11%), but lower in carbohydrates (46.22±0.25%). F3 has showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) in antioxidant activity on DPPH scavenging power compared to control with 85.73±0.96 and 51.19±0.89 respectively
Genetic influences on reproductive traits in goats of Malaysia: A review
No full textThis review investigates the genetic influences on key reproductive traits in Malaysian goats, which are crucial for improving meat production and economic value. Traits such as litter size, kidding interval, age at first service, and gestation length show varying heritability, indicating limited potential for selection improvement in some cases. Significant major genetic markers, including DNAH1, GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B, have been linked to reproductive performance, particularly litter size and fertility. The high levels of inbreeding observed in Malaysian goats could negatively impact these reproductive traits, further complicating traditional selection methods. Seasonal breeding patterns and environmental factors, such as melatonin secretion, significantly impact reproductive outcomes, highlighting the importance of effective herd management. Variability in reproductive traits among breeds like Shaanbei white cashmere goats, Chinese native breeds, and Alpine versus Saanen bucks is noted, with generally low heritability estimates for traits like litter size and age at first kidding. Advanced reproductive technologies, including marker-assisted selection, multiple ovulations, and genomic selection, offer the potential for accelerating genetic gain, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by inbreeding. Integrating genetic and environmental factors into breeding programs can enhance reproductive efficiency and overall productivity. This study provides a framework for targeted breeding strategies to improve the reproductive performance of goats in Malaysia
The influence of perceived high-performance work systems on innovative work behavior: Mediating role of work engagement
No full textBackground The principle of HRM requires employees to come up with novelty and creative ideas in work organizations. Prior research viewed high-performance work systems (HPWS) as an essential factor that promotes innovation and performance outcomes as it encourages employee creativity, risk-taking, and experimentation. Objective The current study investigated the influence of HPWS on innovative work behavior in medium-sized manufacturing enterprises through work engagement. Although much has been done to analyze various outcomes of high-performance work systems in large-scale manufacturing industries, little is known about its implementation amongst medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Malaysia. Methods This study employed a group of 170 middle-management employees from medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Klang Valley, Malaysia. To perform the analysis, the researchers used SmartPLS 3.0 software. The list of medium-sized enterprises in the Klang Valley area was obtained from SME Corporation Malaysia. G*Power version 3.1.9.2 statistical program was used to perform power analysis in determining the minimum sample size for this study. The theory of job demands-resources (JD-R) model underpins the linkages between HPWS and IWB of employees in medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. Results The outcome indicated a noteworthy relationship between innovative work behavior and selective staffing, mentoring, and employee participation. Additionally, the study demonstrated that work engagement is crucial in promoting innovative work behavior with a medium effect size. Moreover, the connection between selective staffing, mentoring, and employee participation is mediated by work engagement. Conclusions This research expands the existing information on ways to implement HPWS in medium-sized manufacturing companies. Moreover, it offers practical guidance to decision-makers, especially in promoting innovation among staff through effective high-performance work practices
The effects of ketone bodies and ketogenesis on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway: A systematic review
No full textKetogenesis and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are linked to metabolic imbalance and dis- ease progression. While ketone metabolism and mTOR inhibition are mechanistically con- nected, their functional relationship across disease models remains unclear. Although ke- togenesis can be induced by ketone ingestion, ketogenic diet, or fasting, their individual effects on this pathway require further clarification. This study systematically reviews the relationship between ketogenesis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, following PRISMA guide- lines across 3 databases. Eligible studies that met the selection criteria were evaluated usin
Factors affecting financial distress in state-owned enterprises: Evidence from Indonesia
No full textThis research aims to analyze the key factors that influence BUMN financial distress and determine a sample of 31 companies from a population of 44 BUMN that have the potential to experience financial distress. The results of the statistical analysis show that the variables that have a significant influence on financial distress are working capital, retained earnings, government equity, earnings before interest and taxes, and earnings management. Meanwhile, other variables that do not have a significant effect on financial distress are capital expenditure, contribution margin, government subsidies, operational efficiency, and cash flow from operations. The implication of this research is that government policy, as a shareholder, is needed to prioritize handling key variables that have a significant impact on BUMN financial distress. Government policy support is needed to meet working capital needs to fulfill company operations, encourage an increase in retained earnings as a source of cheap and permanent internal funds, and support from government equity not only for investment but also for settling long-term debt that is due. Encourage improvements in tariffs and increase the number of subsidies so that increasing earnings before interest and taxes will increase the level of financial distress for BUMN. Meanwhile, policies in the practice of accrual earnings management should be minimized or eliminated because earnings management practices like this tend to reduce the level of financial distress and are constrained by tariff policies because they are considered capable of achieving a certain level of profitability. The implications of this research require government policy, as the majority shareholder, to support improvements in cost structures and tariff structures so that State-Owned Enterprises can manage finances independently and avoid potential financial distress. Management policies are needed to prioritize variables that have a significant impact on the financial distress of State-Owned Enterprises
Exploring termite-microbe symbiosis: Mechanisms, evolution and biotechnological potential
No full textThe symbiotic relationship between termites and their gut microbes is one of nature's most fascinating mutualistic interactions. Termites, renowned for their ability to decompose lignocellulosic materials such as wood, rely heavily on their gut microbiota, which includes bacteria, archaea, and protozoa, each playing specific roles in breaking down cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This complex partnership not only enables termites to thrive in low-nutrient environments but also supports nitrogen metabolism and provides essential nutrients for their survival. The termite gut is highly compartmentalized, creating various microenvironments that support diverse microbial communities and facilitate metabolic processes, including fermentation in anoxic conditions. Shaped by evolutionary pressures, this symbiotic relationship has resulted in specialized adaptations that optimize lignocellulose degradation and nitrogen cycling. This review explores the mechanisms of termite-microbe symbiosis, their functional roles across different taxa, the structural and functional compartmentalization of the termite gut, and the evolutionary dynamics driving this mutualistic relationship. In addition, this review highlights the ecological and biotechnological significance of termite-microbe symbiosis, offering valuable insights into efficient lignocellulose degradation and nutrient recycling mechanisms that could inspire future applications in sustainable bioenergy and waste management
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on corporate performance and cash dividend distribution in China's manufacturing industry
No full textAs an unprecedented global public health emergency with rapid spread and challenging prevention and control measures, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted corporate performance worldwide. Notably, the manufacturing industry in China has been severely impacted. To comprehensively understand the influence of significant public health incidents on enterprises and mitigate the epidemic's repercussions, the unbalanced panel data of China's A-share listed manufacturing enterprises from 2018 to 2023 was analyzed by regression analysis. The findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak has diminished these enterprises' financial and market performance. Moreover, companies with higher cash dividends and more excellent stability exhibit superior future performance in the face of the impact. This finding implies that cash dividends are pivotal in augmenting corporate performance during uncertain periods following unexpected adverse events, suggesting potential adjustments and optimizations to the development strategy and dividend payment policy
Kajian ikonografi kapal karam berdasarkan pendekatan panofsky (1939) sebagai penjelasan arkeologi dan sejarah
No full textTragedi kapal karam mewakili “antiepopeia dos descobrimentos” kepada pelayaran dan bencana maritim yang dominan. Peristiwa ini dinaratifkan dalam medium komunikasi yang pelbagai dan bersifat non-oral terawal adalah melalui imej visual yang dilakar atau diukir pada platfom semulajadi atau buatan. Imej tersebut memberi perspektif yang termotif dan tersimbol. Bagi mengidentifikasi, menjelaskan, mengklasifikasi dan menginterpretasi imej tersebut, ikonografi adalah subjek dan metode yang digunakan. Ikonografi kapal karam dalam konteks arkeologi maritim adalah kajian ke atas warisan ketara iaitu objek sebagai medium bernaratif dan warisan tidak ketara tentang pengetahuan maritim masa lampau. Manakala dari perspektif sejarah maritim, ikonografi adalah dokumentasi bergambar yang mengandungi masej atau makna tentang penjelasan perihal tragedi kapal karam sebagai fragmen sejarah manusia dalam berinteraksi dengan laut. Justeru perbincangan yang akan diutarakan ini menyentuh imej visual dan penjelasannya dari perspektif ikonografi kapal karam dari pelbagai zaman kebudayaan sebagai peristiwa yang dialami oleh manusia dalam mencapai modenisasi melalui penjelasan arkeologi maritim dan sejarah maritim
A recyclable silica gel-supported schiff-base palladium nanocatalyst for suzuki-miyaura coupling and green organic synthesis
No full textWe developed a cost-effective silica gel-supported Schiff-base palladium nanocatalyst (Si@SBPdNPs 3) using a novel three-step synthesis. First, silica gel was functionalized with an aminosilane compound, followed by Schiff base formation through reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxaldehyde. Palladium nanoparticles were then introduced using hydrazine hydrate as the reducing agent. FT-IR and XRD confirmed successful functionalization, while SEM images revealed spherical silica particles averaging 50 µm in diameter. TEM analysis showed well-dispersed palladium nanoparticles with an average size of 5.93 ± 0.1 nm. ICP and EDX data indicated a palladium loading of 0.023 mol%, and XPS analysis confirmed the presence of Pd(0) coordinated with the Schiff base ligand. The nanocatalyst demonstrated outstanding activity in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions under mild conditions, efficiently coupling various aryl halides with organoboronic acids to afford high product yields. It also proved effective in synthesizing the biologically active fungicide Boscalide. Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered and reused up to six times with minimal loss of activity, underscoring its sustainability and environmental compatibility. This robust, recyclable nanocatalyst offers a promising, scalable approach for C–C bond formation, with broad potential for applications in green and economical organic synthesis