17362 research outputs found
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Multi-population kidney-inspired algorithm with migration policy selections for feature selection problems
No full textOptimization algorithms often encounter challenges in effectively managing the trade-off between exploration and exploitation, usually leading to less-than-optimal outcomes. This study introduces two novel migration policies in multi-population version of kidney-inspired algorithm (KA) to address this dilemma. The initial algorithm, coded as MultiPop-KA, implements a predetermined migration policy. Conversely, the second algorithm, coded as AutoMultiPop-KA, adopts an adaptive migration policy selection process that determines migration type based on the average fitness of subpopulations. By capitalizing on a multi-population framework and incorporating two migration policies, these methods aim to achieve a more refined equilibrium between exploration and exploitation, thereby augmenting the effectiveness of the KA. Experimental evaluations, conducted across 25 test functions and applied to 18 benchmark feature selection problems, demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed techniques. These results indicate that the proposed approach can significantly enhance optimization algorithms' performance and overall quality
Exploring entrepreneurial intentions among Sabah's dark tourism operators: A sustainability perspective
No full textThe sustainable development of dark tourism provides a unique feature for entrepreneurial opportunities. In the state of Sabah, south of the capital city of Kota Kinabalu, committing to sustainable tourism can go a long way in contributing to the growth of economy, culture, and even innovation at the sites of historical interest. Grounded on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Resource-based View and Stakeholder Theory, this study examines the effects of sustainability orientation, attitude toward self-employment and propensity to innovate on entrepreneurial intention among Sabah’s dark tourism operators. The findings show that attitude toward self-employment and propensity to innovate have positive effects on the entrepreneurial intention. Conversely, sustainability orientation has a negative impact on entrepreneurial intention, indicating that while sustainability continues to be an essential element of tourism, challenges such as regulatory obstacles and operational expenses from sustainability endeavours might lessen entrepreneurial motivation. These findings provide useful recommendations to ensure sustainable and innovative tourism to companies, policymakers, stakeholders and entrepreneurs. This study extends TPB in the niche tourism context, supporting balanced approaches that align entrepreneurship with sustainable-driven policies in the sustainability-based economic and cultural resilience of the region
Global research trends in food security: Insights from a bibliometric analysis
No full textIn light of escalating global challenges, including climate change, population growth, and economic disparities, food security has emerged as a critical area of research. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of food security literature sourced from the scopus and web of science (wos) databases, encompassing 506 valid publications. The findings reveal a notable upward trend in scholarly interest over the past decade, with a particular focus on themes such as climate change, sustainability, agricultural innovations, and the socioeconomic dimensions of food systems. Significant contributions highlight the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches and regional research, especially in southeast asia, where malaysian institutions have demonstrated notable leadership. Some important insights are the use of advanced modelling methods like hydrodynamic and socio-ecological frameworks, the integration of behavioural reasoning and generational cohort theories, and the wide use of farming methods that are resilient to climate change. The study also identifies highly cited works that address sustainable practices and policy implications, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the field. However, gaps remain in areas such as the impacts of microplastics, urban food deserts, and the role of blockchain technology in food systems. This research underscores the necessity for international collaboration and the adoption of multidisciplinary perspectives to advance sustainable solutions for food security. This bibliometric mapping serves as a strategic guide for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to address critical knowledge gaps and foster innovation in achieving global food security objectives
Effect of financial ratios on the stock price: A case study of plantation sector In Malaysia
No full textThe plantation sector is a key sector in the Malaysian economy, with a significant contribution to the nation's GDP. This study examines the relationship between financial ratios and stock prices of the plantation industry in Malaysia. The study adopts a quantitative research design to examine the effect of individual and combination of financial ratio on stock prices of 30 plantation companies at Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). The predetermined and random effect models are presented to estimate the panel data model and Hausman specification test applied to define appropriate model for either the fixed or random effects. The results reveal that the majority of individual financial ratio can predict future capital gain on agribusiness stocks, while the ratio of book to market value (BM) contributes as a highest predictive power on capital gain. The correlations identified between these financial metrics and stock returns underscore the importance of financial analysis in investment decision-making, highlighting how nuanced assessments of a company's financial statements can reveal significant opportunities for informed investment strategies. Furthermore, the study accentuates the necessity for robust financial reporting standards and practices that can enhance the accuracy of financial reporting, thereby contributing to a more transparent and reliable market ecosystem
Poly(amidoxime) chelating ligand from pine wood cellulose for eco-friendly toxic metals extraction from water sources
No full textIndustrial, domestic, and agricultural activities have significantly contributed to environmental pollution, with heavy metal contamination from wastewater emerging as a critical issue. In this study, nanocellulose was extracted from pine wood and chemically modified via graft copolymerization. Free radicals generated on the cellulose backbone facilitated the grafting of acrylonitrile monomers, resulting in poly(acrylonitrile)-grafted nanocellulose. This intermediate product was further transformed into poly(amidoxime), a chelating polymer ligand specifically designed for heavy metal extraction from aqueous media. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated the removal efficiency of heavy metal ions, including copper (Cu 2+ ), iron (Fe 2+ (Ni 2+ ), and lead (Pb 2+ ). Analytical results revealed that Cu 2+ ), cobalt (Co 2+ ), nickel exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of 335 mg/g at pH 6. Other metal ions also showed significant adsorption capacities, including Fe 2+ (241 mg/g), Ni 2+ (205 mg/g), and Pb 2+ (281 mg/g), Co 2+ (306 mg/g), confirming the polymer’s effectiveness in heavy metal removal. Adsorption behavior was analyzed using the Langmuir isotherm model, which assumes monolayer adsorption on a surface with uniformly distributed active sites. The experimental data aligned well with this model, demonstrating predictable and efficient adsorption performance. Reusability studies indicated that the poly(amidoxime) ligand retained its adsorption capacity over six cycles with minimal degradation, highlighting its sustainability. This suggests its potential as a cost-effective and reusable material for heavy metal remediation. By combining high adsorption capacity with reusability, poly(amidoxime) provides a durable and efficient solution for addressing heavy metal contamination in wastewater, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability through improved water treatment methods
Unravelling tuberculosis perceptions: A qualitative study in high tuberculosis endemic communities in northern Sabah
No full textTuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern globally. A wider conceptual comprehension of people’s health beliefs and concerns about TB can contribute to achieving the aimed reduction in disease burden, through informed interventions tailored according to the local context. This study explores the notion of TB among community members in high TB endemic localities in Northern Sabah, Malaysia. Grounded-theory study design was utilized to gather data from 42 individuals through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions, selected purposively by age. Individual interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and translated into English. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. A majority of the respondents had heard of TB, but did not know what TB is. Most participants agreed that TB is a serious disease that could be fatal, and are worried about getting TB, but showed apprehension about the risk of getting the disease. Their knowledge and risk perception towards TB may affect their response to seeking diagnosis through disease screening. This study revealed persistent misconceptions about TB, which could potentially impact people’s willingness to undergo disease screening and seek appropriate treatment. Promoting health education about TB through a tailored approach according to the local context is crucial
Factors influencing the teaching of building information modeling (BIM) among civil technology lecturers in vocational colleges in Sabah
No full textThe integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) into vocational education presents challenges in aligning pedagogy with industry needs. While BIM adoption has increased in Malaysia's construction sector, the readiness of vocational lecturers to teach BIM remains uncertain. This study examines key pedagogical factors influencing BIM instruction in vocational colleges in Sabah, focusing on lecturers' competencies, institutional facilities, and teaching aids. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, the study identifies gaps in BIMspecific training, inadequate facilities, and limited access to interactive teaching resources. Findings suggest that enhanced lecturer competency through targeted professional development, upgraded infrastructure, and improved digital teaching aids are critical for effective BIM instruction. This study contributes to TVET pedagogy by highlighting the need for structured training programs and industry collaboration to ensure that BIM education fosters both technical and creative learning approaches. Strengthening BIM instruction will ultimately improve graduates' employability and adaptability in the evolving construction landscape
Biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum against fusarium wilt in tomato plants by induction of the host defense genes
No full textFusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causes large-scale loss in yield. In vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of Trichoderma asperellum for disease suppression. The present study investigated the efect of T. asperellum on the induced resistance in tomato plants through activating defense-related genes. In vitro test, 90% growth of F. oxysporum was reduced by T. asperellum after 6 days of confrontation. In vivo test, the AUDPC was 242.84 in the T. asperellum treated plant, but AUDPC was 351.34 in the T. asperellum and Fusarium treated plant. Microbial biopriming with T. asperellum resulted in enhanced expression of tomato defense-related genes. Only T. asperellum-treated plants expressed gene ratios for PAL3, PR10, PRS, CH4, and PR4 were 10, 170, 4, 45, and 50 respectively. In contrast, T. asperellum+F. oxysporum-treated plants expressed PR10, and PR4 gene ratios were 60 and 40 respectively. F. oxysporum-treated plants showed a PR10 gene expression ratio of 55. The qRT-PCR results showed that the induced systemic resistance (ISR) was primed while T. asperellum was challenged with F. oxysporum. Thus T. asperellum can be suggested as a potential biocontrol agent for fusarium wilt management
Effect of sonication time on physical and foaming properties of pasteurized milk
No full textThis study investigates the impact of ultrasonication duration on the properties of milk foam. Milk samples were subjected to ultrasonication for varying durations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min), resulting in different sizes of native fat globules (249.5, 221.5, 222.6, 207.5, and 244.8 nm, respectively). The results indicate that viscosity increases as fat globule size decreases, with slight effect on zeta potential. NanoFoamer was identified as the optimal method providing the highest between foamability and stability (p < 0.05). Notably, foaming performance decreases after 7 min of sonication, highlighting the importance of selecting an appropriate frothing method to achieve the desired foam characteristics. Comparisons with non-ultrasonicated milk suggest that ultrasonication duration not only influences foamability by reducing fat globule size but also enhances foam stability through alterations in the fat globule sizes. Analysis of the foam structure revealed that smaller fat globules initially produce smaller, more numerous air bubbles with polyhedral shapes and well-defined lamellae. However, excessive reduction in fat globule size destabilizes the foam due to competitive protein adsorption and altered membrane composition, resulting in larger, less stable bubbles over time. Exploring ultrasonication times to enhances quality of milk and foam properties, offering significant benefits for dairy processing, product innovation and customer satisfaction
Impak pengalaman mengajar terhadap integrasi teknologi dalam pengajaran sirah dan tamadun islam
No full textThe digital revolution has drastically transformed the educational landscape, making technology integration a necessity in contemporary education systems, including Islamic Education. However, its implementation in teaching Islamic History and Civilization has yet to reach optimal levels. This study aims to analyze the level of technology integration based on teachers' teaching experience, investigate the relationship between teaching experience and technological knowledge, and examine the interaction effect of teaching experience and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) on technology integration. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 300 Islamic Education teachers in Sabah. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression. Results revealed significant differences in technology integration levels among teaching experience groups, with novice teachers demonstrating higher integration levels compared to experienced teachers. A significant effect of interaction between teaching experience and TPACK on technology integration was also identified. These findings highlight the need to redesign teacher professional development programs and teacher training curricula. A more comprehensive approach tailored to teachers' experience levels is required to enhance the effectiveness of technology integration in teaching Islamic History and Civilization