Universiti of Malaysia Sabah

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    17362 research outputs found

    Sacredness of food offerings for spirits in the spiritual healing practices of the Bajau Laut ethnic

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    This study explores the role of food offerings in Bajau Laut's spiritual healing rituals as a medium of sacred communication. These offerings are rooted in transcendental connections with ancestral spirits and symbolize beliefs, values, and religious systems passed down through generations. Using Peirce's semiotic framework, the study classifies food as icons, indexes, and symbols, each carrying distinct meanings. Employing a qualitative, phenomenological approach, data is gathered through participatory observation and interviews. Findings reveal that sacred communication in these rituals is a dynamic interpretative process, highlighting food's role in spiritual-human interaction and contributing to the discourse on semiotics and food anthropology

    Navigating e-learning participation: A look at Sabah school students' post- pandemic experiences

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    The aftermath of the COVID-19 virus has begun to sweep across Malaysia again at the end of 2023, with uncertainties whether educational institutions should reopen online teaching. It is important to note that during and in the post-era of COVID-19 pandemic, the level of participation among primary and secondary school students in Sabah, Malaysia was at the centre of the educators’ discussion, yet it did not receive adequate attention by researchers. Despite its advantages, e-learning proved to be challenging to engage school students which inevitably affected students’ learning productivity. This study aimed to investigate the level of participation in E-learning among school students in Kota Kinabalu during COVID-19 and identify whether there was any difference in the level of e-learning participation based on demographic variables. A Google Form survey was distributed to 247 students from various schools in Kota Kinabalu, selected through simple random sampling. The data was analyzed using SPSS 29.0. The descriptive findings revealed a moderate level of participation with e-learning among the school students, with an average score of 3.37. Contrary to expectations, ANOVA results indicated that student participation in e-learning remained consistent across age groups, with both primary and secondary students demonstrating similar levels of participation, suggesting that both male and female students adapted equally well to e-learning. While the immediate impact of COVID-19 on education is lessening, its long-term effects will require sustained focus and effort to mitigate. Enhancing student participation in e-learning is crucial for improving the educational process and ensuring meaningful learning during unexpected crises

    A thematic analysis of narrative elements and technical aspect in “Blood Flower” (2023) based on film reviews

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    This study conducts a thematic analysis of the narrative elements and technical aspects of the film Harum Malam or "Blood Flower" (2023) directed by Dain Said, based on reviews written by various critics. The analysis aims to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the film's narrative elements and technical aspects. A qualitative approach is employed, using thematic analysis with a coding system to categorize the narrative elements mentioned in the reviews. A total of 26 reviews were collected from various online sources. The study finds that reviewers have offered a range of insights into the film's narrative and technical aspects. According to the reviews, the film's premise and themes are unique and engaging. Technical aspects such as visual effects (VFX) and sound design are also praised. However, the film exhibits notable weaknesses in narrative elements, such as character development and plot structure, which impact the overall storytelling. The thematic analysis based on these reviews provides a more objective understanding of the narrative elements in "Blood Flower" and offers guidance for filmmakers aiming to create improved films in the future

    Temporal population structure of fish communities along the coastal waters of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

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    This study examines the temporal pattern of the population structure and community of fish along the coastline of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This area is known to have a productive seabed ecosystem to support fisheries, however fishes-related literature is limited and often focusing on specific species rather than communities. The present study fills this gap by providing crucial data on temporal pattern of community species, morphometric size, assemblages and population dynamics of fish caught in fishing net. Findings reveal 61 fish species across 27 families dominated by ponyfish of Leiognathidae including Eubleekeria jonesi, Nuchequula flavaxilla, Photopectoralis bindus and Gazza minuta. The diversity index is significantly (p < 0.05) high in December (H = 2.79) than other months with high contributions of ponyfish species. The smallest size in terms of standard length (SL) and weight (kg) is the species from the Engraulidae family with SL of 7.77 ± 1.46 cm and weigh at 0.007 ± 0.004 kg, in contrast Trichiuridae species is the largest in size with SL of 78.83 ± 25.62 cm and weigh at 0.285 ± 0.095 kg. There are at least two major recruitment peaks annually that linked to the monsoonal season, however natural mortality could cause the loss of nearly 20% populations during early stage while catches and fishing mortality increases drastically as fish grow larger. Fish assemblage and abundance are influenced by water parameters, where Eleuteria Jonesi, Nochebuena nuchals, and Scombroids Tol correlates with high pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity, while Gazza minute, and Nochebuena Flav axilla with high temperature and turbidity. Continued efforts to monitor fish populations along coastal waters are essential to assess the impacts of human activities while future studies should consider effective fishing gear to optimize catch

    Harnessing AI to cultivate curiosity in history learning as a tool to combat extreme poverty

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    This study explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to cultivate curiosity in history learning as a strategic tool to combat extreme poverty. By synthesizing primary data, quantitative metrics, and qualitative insights, the research reveals that AI-driven educational technologies personalize historical content, stimulate inquiry-based learning, and foster deeper student engagement particularly in under-resourced settings. Evidence from field studies and international reports indicates that AI not only enhances cognitive development and historical thinking but also improves educational outcomes in marginalized communities. The findings suggest that fostering curiosity through AI-supported history education can empower learners with critical awareness and knowledge, contributing to poverty alleviation by promoting long-term educational equity and opportunity

    Cabaran dan potensi kecerdasan buatan generatif dalam pendidikan STEM: Suara guru sains di Sabah

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    Seiring dengan perkembangan pesat dunia teknologi dan digital, integrasi kecerdasan buatan generatif dalam pendidikan STEM sedang giat diperluas. Walau bagaimanapun, tinjauan lepas mendapati tahap penggunaan teknologi tersebut adalah minima khususnya dalam pendidikan sains. Justeru, satu kajian kuantitatif telah dijalankan bagi mengenal pasti persepsi 323 orang guru sains sekolah menengah di seluruh Sabah berkaitan cabaran yang dihadapi dalam penggunaan teknologi tersebut. Kajian ini menggunakan instrumen soal selidik yang terdiri daripada 15 item, dan data dianalisis menerusi perisian SPSS versi 27.0. Hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukkan tahap cabaran penggunaan berada pada aras tinggi (M = 3.79, SD = .190). Dapatan turut memperlihatkan bahawa kekangan utama dalam penggunaan teknologi ini berpunca daripada aspek pengetahuan, kemahiran, dan keyakinan guru. Secara empirikal, guru veteran dikenal pasti menghadapi cabaran penggunaan teknologi yang lebih besar. Implikasinya, cabaran pelaksanaan ini perlu ditangani secara menyeluruh bagi memastikan pelaksanaan pendidikan STEM yang lebih berkesan dan inklusif

    Effect of long-term storage on the quality of cryopreserved sperm of the Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1863)

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    In the present study, we investigated the effects of storage for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months on cryopreserved sperm of P. nasutus, in 10 % MeOH as a cryoprotectant with 90 % 0.9 % NaCl as an extender. Sperm quality on motility, fertilization, hatching, and deformity rates were investigated using 9-months cryopreserved sperm. Determine- Tion on the effects of different sperm to egg ratios also was evaluated using 1-year cryopreserved sperm. Post- thaw motility (PTM) of cryopreserved sperm within storage period was significantly lower compared to the initial motility of fresh sperm (51.67 ± 2.4 %). However, there was no significant change of PTM during 12 months of storage (3 months, 33.3 ± 2.33 %; 6 months, 32.0 ± 2.52; 9 months, 32.67 ± 1.76; 12 months, 33.33 ± 1.67). In addition, the motility duration was unaffected by storage as there was no significant difference compared to fresh samples. Besides that, there were no significant differences in motility, fertilization and deformity rates for fresh and 9-months cryopreserved sperm except for hatching rate. Samples stored for 1 year resulted in high fertilization across all sperm to egg ratios, showing no difference compared to fresh sperm. Cryopreserved sperm exhibited a significant higher hatching rate (9.24 ± 4.68 %) at the sperm to egg ratio of 300,000:1 compared to 150,000:1 (3.44 ± 1.7 %). However, no significant difference in deformity rates for fresh and cryopreserved at sperm to egg ratio of 300,000:1. The newly developed cryopreservation protocol using methanol successfully preserved sperm quality, maintaining fertilization rates comparable to fresh sperm. This highlights its potential application in sustainable aquaculture and conservation strategies for Pangasius nasutus

    The effect of environmental disclosure practices on firm performance of Malaysian listed firms

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    The lack of mandatory environmental disclosure guidelines for Malaysian public-listed firms leads to selective reporting, potentially resulting in stakeholder mistrust and uncertainty about the authenticity of the firms' environmental practices. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of environmental disclosure on financial performance. Sample of 428 public listed firms in Bursa Malaysia in year 2016 were used in this study. All data were collected from annual report and Osiris databased. The statistical evidences to conclude environmental disclosure has insignificant relationship with financial performance in term of economic value added (EVA), market value added (MVA), return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). If environmental disclosure does not influence financial performance, it suggests that stakeholders especially investors may not assign it significant value. Companies may prioritize market conditions over sustainability and other considerations. Enhanced communication or policies may be required to underscore its significance. Subsequent research should encompass firms across all sectors, extend over longer durations, and employ diverse financial performance indicators to enhance precision and understanding. Researchers may also compare results across nations and industries to enhance comprehension of the impact of environmental disclosure on financial success

    Fenomena LGBTQ dan faktor-faktor yang meningkatkan penglibatan masa kini [LGBTQ phenomena and factors increasing involvement today]

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    The LGBTQ population is growing in size, and this phenomenon is drawing attention from all around the world. They are also growing increasingly outspoken in their demands for legal rights and social acceptance. But along with increased awareness come worries about health problems, especially the rising HIV prevalence in the community. The purpose of this study is to investigate the LGBTQ phenomena utilising a qualitative methodology and library research techniques. This method makes it possible to comprehend the problems this society faces on a deeper level from a variety of angles, including social, psychological, health, and religious ones. The main objective of the study is to identify the factors that drive increased involvement in the LGBTQ community. The study identifies numerous significant aspects through a literature review that includes a variety of perspectives and ideas, including social environment influences, stigma, the search for selfidentity, and the need for emotional support. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for building more effective preventative and support programs for LGBTQ people, assisting them in navigating their recovery process and improving their overall well-being. Understanding these reasons allows us to take proactive actions to change the situation and provide the necessary assistance for those in the LGBTQ community to better their situations and return to their true selves. This study is intended to promote awareness and establish a more inclusive space for conversation in society, as well as to assist future researchers in constructing more appropriate and thorough recovery modules

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