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The moderating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between perceived academic control and English achievement among Chinese ethnic minority college students: A theoretical perspective
No full textThis research explores how emotional intelligence moderates the perceived academic control /English achievement relationship among ethnic minority undergraduates in Yunnan, China. These students face additional challenges in multilingual educational contexts, culturally and linguistically. This research explores how PAC affects their English proficiency. Furthermore, it investigates how EI moderates the strength of this relationship. A quantitative methodology and instruments of the Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Perceived Academic Control Scale will be used with simple random sampling. This study seeks to provide insights into the interactions of PAC, EI, and English achievement, ultimately providing strategies to facilitate academic success in this unique context. The results are expected to underscore the importance of EI in supporting students' English learning outcomes, especially in the context of multilingualism and cultural diversity
Comparative analysis of imputation methods for missing environmental data: A case study on ozone concentrations
No full textHandling missing values is crucial to environmental data analysis since missing datasets can lead to biassed results. Using Weibull distributions, this study compared six single-imputation methods (mean, median, mean-before-after (MBA), cubic interpolation, linear interpolation, last observation carried forward (LOCF)) for estimating missing ozone concentration data in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The present study simulated data for sample sizes of 50 and 150 with varying missing value percentages (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%). The performance of each imputation method was evaluated using prediction accuracy, root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The findings suggested that the MBA approach outperformed all examined cases, followed by linear interpolation and LOCF. Conversely, cubic interpolation, mean, and median substitution approaches performed poorly, especially as the proportion of missing data increased. This study emphasizes the critical role of selecting appropriate imputation methods to enable accurate and trustworthy environmental data analysis. The findings can help researchers select efficient approaches for addressing missing values in air quality datasets, thus boosting the reliability of environmental studies
Effect of chitosan and alginate concentration on physicochemical properties of hydrogel for controlled release fertilizer
No full textControlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are one of the promising components in modern agriculture, offering gradual nutrient release while minimizing environmental impacts. This study investigates the correlation between alginate and chitosan concentrations and hydrogel physicochemical properties. The objective is to assess their viability as materials in controlled-release fertilizers to replace non-biodegradable materials. The hydrogel materials were characterized by swelling, water retention, and hydrogel yield. Additionally, the morphology of the resulting hydrogels was observed at varying chitosan and alginate concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%). The results demonstrate that the 2% (w/v) formulation displayed the greatest swelling and water retention properties, whereas the 3% (w/v) concentrations yielded more hydrogel beads. Morphological analysis revealed differences in beads shape, transparency, and mechanical strength corresponding to the material concentrations. SEM imaging showed a porous structure within the chitosan/alginate hydrogel which can facilitate nutrient diffusion in CRFs. In conclusion, the utilization of alginate and chitosan biopolymers in core-shell hydrogel bead structures presents a promising avenue for the development of environmentally sustainable agriculture, with further optimization and research required to fully assess their long-term effects and biodegradability
Plant-derived pyroptosis inducers as a therapeutic strategy in drug-resistant cancers
No full textDrug resistance in cancer therapy, often due to the evasion of apoptosis, highlights the need for alternative treatments. Pyroptosis is a type of inflammatory programmed cell death mediated by gasdermin proteins. It offers a promising approach as it can trigger anti-tumour immunity through cytokine release. Plant-derived compounds, rich in bioactive metabolites, can induce pyroptosis via inflammasome activation, gasdermin cleavage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Phytochemicals like curcumin, quercetin, cucurbitacin B and kaempferol selectively target cancer cells while modulating inflammation in healthy tissues. Combining these compounds with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or nanoparticle-based delivery systems enhance their therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Despite promising preclinical findings, clinical translation remains challenging, necessitating further research to optimise safety, specificity, and delivery mechanisms. This review consolidates current knowledge on plant-derived pyroptosis inducers, highlighting their mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and future directions in combating drug-resistant cancers
Appetitive responses of purple mud crab (Scylla tranquebarica) towards formulated diet leachates made of various marine protein sources
No full textThe present study evaluated the attractability of diets formulated with various marine protein sources to the Scylla tranquebarica by examining their appetitive responses towards the diets’ leachates. Six experimental diets were formulated using fish meal (FM), sergestid shrimp meal (SSM), and squid meal (SQM), which were FM100 (100% FM protein), SSM100, SQM100, FM50SSM50 (50% FM and 50% SSM proteins), FM50SQM50, and SSM50SQM50. These pelleted diets were immersed in seawater, stirred, and filtered to collect their leachates. Additionally, clam extract (CE) and seawater (SW) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The appetitive responses of S. tranquebarica were examined and evaluated using a scoring method, with the mean scores (maximum = 3.0) of each leachate and both controls as follows: SW (0.00), FM100 (2.05), FM50SSM50 (2.11), SQM100 (2.26), SSM50SQM50 (2.32), FM50SQM50 (2.37), SSM100 (2.42), and CE (2.68). Among all leachates, only the mean scores of SSM100 and FM50SQM50 were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from that of CE, which demonstrated that both diets were as attractive as the natural food extract. In conclusion, this finding confirms that sergestid shrimp meal and squid meal are highly attractive protein sources, and they are suitable for use in formulated diet for Scylla mud crabs
Arrival of a new anuran invader in Borneo: First record of Microhyla heymonsi Vogt, 1911, from Sabah (Amphibia, Microhylidae)
No full textMicrohyla heymonsi Vogt, 1911 is a wide-ranging commensal species of frog which is currently re‑ported from Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra. During a recent scientific expedition in Tuaran District, Sabah, Borneo, several specimens were collected and identified as M. heymonsi based on morphological characters. This represents a new locality record and the first report of M. heymonsi in Borneo. The presence of this species in Borneo is likely due to accidental human transport, and there is potential for its spread across Borneo due to its high adaptability to human-modified landscapes
Konsep perpaduan dalam masyarakat Malaysia madani menurut hadis terpilih daripada hadis 40 Imam Nawawi
No full textThe Unity Government formed by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim after Malaysia’s 15th General Election introduced the Malaysia MADANI concept as a framework for national development based on unity and universal values. This concept promotes a dynamic, inclusive, and compassionate society built on trust, respect, and moral values. This study aims to identify the characteristics of a MADANI society through selected hadiths from Imam al-Nawawi’s Forty Hadiths, as part of an initiative to develop an educational module for hadith appreciation in Malaysia’s education system. This research uses a qualitative library-based method, analyzing the Forty Hadiths through content analysis supported by classical and contemporary scholarly interpretations. The study focuses on unity-related values found in selected hadiths. The findings show that several hadiths reflect key principles in line with Malaysia MADANI’s core components: Mulia (Morality), Agama (Religion), Daim (Sustainability), Adil (Justice), Nasihat (Advisory), and Ikhlas (Sincerity). These values help strengthen unity in a multi-ethnic and harmonious society. This study provides a foundation for developing hadith-based educational content and supports the goal of national unity through an inclusive Islamic approach relevant to modern society
Political marketing mix and brand personality: Implications for voting decisions in legislative elections
No full textThis study aims to analyze and explain the influence of political marketing mix and brand personality on brand image and their implications for voting decisions for legislative candidates from the Golkar Party in Waka Tobi Regency. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires and documentation. The study population consisted of 12,729 voters who selected legislative candidates from the Golkar Party in Waka Tobi Regency, with a sample size of 75 respondents. The analysis tool used was SmartPLS. The results indicate that the political marketing mix significantly influences the brand image of the Golkar Party, and brand personality also affects the brand image of the Golkar Party in Waka Tobi Regency. Additionally, the political marketing mix has a significant impact on voting decisions for legislative candidates from the Golkar Party, as does brand personality. Brand image itself also influences voting decisions for legislative candidates from the Golkar Party. Indirectly, the political marketing mix affects voting decisions through brand image. This study provides empirical evidence that an effective political marketing mix can enhance the brand image of candidates, thereby strengthening voters' decisions to choose legislative candidates from the Golkar Party. Furthermore, a strong brand personality positively impacts the improvement of the candidate’s brand image, ultimately reinforcing voters' decisions in favor of the Golkar Party's legislative candidates
Harnessing the determinants of peer-to-peer (p2p) lending success in Malaysia
No full textFinTech lending through peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms transpired from the funding innovation categorized as alternative financing. Although financing access through P2P lending is convenient, the industry’s long-term viability is dubious due to the collapse of platforms. The information technology advancement utilized in the platform suffers a credit risk through information asymmetry. This paper investigates the short- and long-term dynamics between the platform information and macroeconomic variables in determining P2P funding success in Malaysia. Using ARDL, the relationship between platform interest rates, loan tenure, investment size, BLR, and inflation toward P2P successful fundraising was studied. Findings show investment size, BLR, and inflation statistically significant with both short- and long-term P2P funding success. While loan duration was revealed to have a significant effect on the short-term P2P funding success only. We also discovered a contra result for the platform interest rate, where an insignificant relationship was indicated
Content selection strategies in vlogging: Analyzing ESL students’ decision-making at Universiti Malaysia Sabah
No full textThis study investigates the content selection process for vlogging projects among ESL students in an English classroom. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 51 students using an open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative responses, while descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and chi-square tests were conducted to examine relationships between variables. The findings reveal that students consider multiple factors when selecting vlog content, with entertainment value (20.0%), creativity (18.2%), viewers’ benefits (16.4%), and personal experiences (16.4%) identified as the most influential. Other factors include educational value (10.9%), content quality (9.1%), and personal preferences (9.0%). Students produced vlogs across a range of themes, including traditional culture, food reviews, personal challenges, health-related activities, and product reviews. Social media exposure, particularly through platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, significantly influenced their content decisions. These findings offer valuable insights into the decision-making process underlying students' vlogging projects, emphasizing the importance of creativity, audience engagement, and digital media influence. The study contributes to the pedagogical understanding of vlogging as a tool in English language instruction and offers practical implications for educators seeking to integrate vlogging into the ESL classroom