17362 research outputs found
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MIL-125-NH2/MIL-88-NH2 composite as a dual-function adsorbent with enhanced photocatalytic and photo-Fenton-like behavior for the removal of organic pollutant in water
No full textMetal–organic frameworks are nanoporous materials extensively studied for post-synthesis modification due to their exceptional adsorption and photocatalytic properties. However, their practical application is often limited by rapid electron–hole recombination, suboptimal band gap energies, and poor chemical and physical stability, limiting their reusability as adsorbents or photocatalysts. In this study, a novel Z-scheme MIL-125-NH2/MIL-88-NH2 composite was synthesized via reflux heating method. The composite demonstrated improved thermal stability compared to MIL-125-NH2 and a higher surface area than MIL-88-NH2, improving the physical and chemical properties. It selectively adsorbed cationic pollutants, following Langmuir isotherm with monolayer adsorption and physisorption mechanisms achieving a maximum adsorption capacity of 249 mg/g towards methylene blue (MB). Photocatalytic degradation of MB under visible and UV-A light irradiation reached 61% (k1 = 0.0067 min⁻¹) and 69% (k1 = 0.0087 min⁻¹), respectively. The addition of 1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tripling MB removal to 89% removal (k1 = 0.0155 min⁻¹) under visible light and 94% removal (k1 = 0.0217 min⁻¹) under UV-A light. The synergistic effect of MIL-125-NH2/MIL-88-NH2 composite surpassed MIL-125-NH2/H2O2/UV-A (k1 = 0.0024 min⁻¹) and MIL-88-NH2/H2O2/UV-A (k1 = 0.0150 min⁻¹). Scavenger experiments identified hole (h⁺) and electron (e⁻) were the primary active species while hydroxyl radical (·OH) and superoxide (·O2⁻) also played key roles, with their generation further amplified by H2O2. These findings demonstrate the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the MIL-125-NH2/MIL-88-NH2 composite, attributed to its Z-scheme heterojunction structure and photo-Fenton-like behavior. The composite exhibits a promising stability and capability in advanced water treatment applications. Schematic illustration of the photocatalytic mechanism of MIL-125-NH2/MIL-88-NH2 composite under visible and UV-A light with H2O2 activation
The role of insects as sustainable resources in food and tourism: A comparative global-local analysis
No full textThis paper highlights insects as natural resources for food and attractions in the nature tourism industry. We analyse the subjects from a global perspective and compare them locally. Edible insects have been proposed as a more environmentally sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional livestock. The identification of over 2000 edible insect species has firmly entrenched entomophagy as a widely accepted practice across various regions in Africa, America, and Asia. With the burgeoning global population and diminishing agricultural land, the current practice of relying on domesticated animal protein is incontrovertibly unsustainable. Insects, on the other hand, unequivocally emerge as a viable solution. Their ability to be raised in large numbers in a smaller area, rapid growth, and minimal resource requirements firmly establish them as a sustainable source of nutrition. In addition to their role as a sustainable food source, certain insects, notably fireflies and butterflies, unequivocally contribute to the nature tourism industry by attractively drawing in tourists and substantially benefiting local populations. The potential for economic growth and development in the tourism industry is significant. Entomotourism, particularly in Sabah, Malaysia, is incontrovertibly gaining momentum, with firefly-watching activities notably propelling significant revenue generation. Undeniably, the significance of insects as both a fundamental component of food security and as alluring attractions in the nature tourism industry cannot be overstated
Incidental gallbladder carcinoma post-cholecystectomy: Diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic implications
No full textGallbladder carcinoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The clinical examination of a patient with suspected gallbladder pathology often reveals critical insights into the underlying condition. In this case, the patient presents with an ill-looking, undernourished appearance, accompanied by vital signs indicating a stable yet concerning state: a pulse of 78 bpm, blood pressure of 110/75 mmHg, and a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute, with no fever noted. A notable finding during the abdominal examination is the presence of a firm, tender, palpable mass in the right hypochondrium, indicative of a gallbladder abnormality that moves with respiration. Given these clinical observations, differential diagnoses must be meticulously considered, including cholelithiasis, empyema of the gallbladder, gallbladder carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma
Amalan tadbir urus baik di Universiti Malaysia Sabah dalam aspek integriti dari perspektif maqasid syariah: Satu sorotan literatur
No full textKajian ini membincangkan hubungan amalan tadbir urus baik dalam aspek integriti dengan prinsip-prinsip maqasid syariah di Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Isu tadbir urus sedang hangat diperbincangkan pada masa kini. Universiti Malaysia Sabah sebagai salah satu institusi pendidikan tinggi awam di Malaysia juga menghadapi isu dan permasalahan dalam sistem tadbir urusnya. Oleh itu, kajian ini berasaskan pandangan berhubung sistem pengurusan Islam yang mengetengahkan konsep tadbir urus baik yang memenuhi maslahah dan menjauhi mafsadah. Objektif kajian ini adalah mengkaji sejauh mana amalan tadbir urus baik yang diamalkan di institusi ini seiring dengan prinsip-prinsip maqasid syariah dan mengenal pasti pengaruh yang wujud melalui aspek integriti dalam memberi kesan kepada pencapaian visi, misi dan hala tuju institusi yang telah ditetapkan. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan campuran secara kualitatif dan kuantitatif untuk menganalisis cabaran dalam melaksanakan amalan tadbir urus baik di institusi ini seiring dengan prinsip-prinsip maqasid syariah. Kajian ini juga mengungkap gaya kepimpinan Rasulullah S.A.W dan Khulafa’ Ar-Rasyidin sebagai contoh teladan dalam mengaplikasikan maqasid syariah dalam pentadbiran Islam khususnya. Oleh itu, kajian ini dijangka akan dapat memberi impak kepada urus tadbir baik Universiti Malaysia Sabah khususnya dan Institusi Pendidikan di Malaysia amnya kerana maqasid syariah ditonjolkan sebagai elemen yang perlu dipenuhi bagi memperoleh keseimbangan dalam urus tadbir sesebuah organisasi. This study explores the relationship between good governance practices in the aspect of integrity and the principles of Maqasid Syariah at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Governance issues have increasingly become a focal point of contemporary discourse, and as a public higher education institution, Universiti Malaysia Sabah also faces governance-related challenges. Grounded in Islamic management perspectives, this study emphasizes the concept of good governance that upholds maslahah (public interest) and avoids mafsadah (harm). The main objective is to examine the extent to which good governance practices at the institution align with Maqasid Syariah principles, and to identify the influence of integrity in shaping the achievement of the institution's vision, mission, and strategic direction. A mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, is employed to analyze the challenges in implementing governance practices consistent with Maqasid Syariah. The study also highlights the leadership styles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Khulafa’ al-Rashidin as exemplary models in applying Maqasid Syariah in Islamic administration. Ultimately, this study is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing good governance at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and other educational institutions in Malaysia by positioning Maqasid Syariah as a key element in achieving balanced and effective organizational governance
Pengaruh strategi pembelajaran kognitif terhadap literasi bahasa asing
No full textKajian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti pengaruh strategi pembelajaran kognitif (SPK) terhadap tahap literasi bahasa asing dalam kalangan pelajar universiti di Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Secara khususnya, kajian ini mempunyai dua objektif utama iaitu mengenal pasti sejauh mana penggunaan strategi pembelajaran kognitif dalam kalangan pelajar bahasa Sepanyol, dan mengkaji pengaruh strategi tersebut terhadap literasi bahasa asing pelajar. Strategi pembelajaran kognitif merujuk kepada pendekatan yang digunakan oleh pelajar untuk memahami, mengingati dan menggunakan maklumat secara berkesan semasa proses pembelajaran bahasa. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kuantitatif berbentuk tinjauan dengan melibatkan seramai 92 orang pelajar yang dipilih secara rawak sebagai responden. Data dianalisis menggunakan ujian regresi linear mudah bagi mengenal pasti hubungan antara strategi pembelajaran kognitif dan tahap literasi bahasa asing. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahawa hubungan antara strategi pembelajaran kognitif dan tahap literasi adalah sangat lemah dan tidak signifikan (R = 0.086, R² = 0.007, p = 0.349). Ini bermakna strategi pembelajaran kognitif hanya menjelaskan 0.7% varians dalam tahap literasi, dan bukanlah peramal yang signifikan terhadap pencapaian literasi bahasa asing pelajar. Dapatan ini mencadangkan bahawa terdapat faktor lain yang mungkin lebih dominan mempengaruhi literasi bahasa asing pelajar. Oleh itu, kajian lanjutan disarankan agar mempertimbangkan peranan strategi pembelajaran lain seperti strategi metakognitif dan afektif, serta faktor motivasi dan persekitaran pembelajaran
Urban farming: The challenges of hydroponic and vertical farming in Malaysia
No full textThis exploratory study examines the challenges impacting urban farmers in Malaysia, especially those using hydroponic platforms on vertical farms, in three states: Penang, Johor, and Sabah. We adopted a qualitative approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with urban farmers from the three states. Through our interviews, we found these farmers are facing several challenges from government policies and legislative controls, volatile market dynamics, financial constraints, operational limits and environmental factors. This is evident despite the existence of subsidies, price regulations, and other measures intended to protect local farmers. Urban farmers require more efficient and simpler methods for raising capital to sustain operations, facilitate expansion and address prevailing challenges. This study suggests using global financial blockchain networks, agro-tokens, and aggressively expanding agro-lending to help urban farmers, which has been increasing in prominence following Malaysia’s interest in using urban farming to increase crop yields, stabilize food prices, and mitigate food security risks faced by the nation
Revisiting teacher commitment: A bibliometric analysis based on CNKI and Scopus databases
No full textThe development of teacher commitment is crucial for improving educational quality and teacher retention. This study aimed to understand the current research on teacher commitment and predict future trends by analyzing literature from the CNKI and Scopus databases. A total of 302 and 647 relevant articles were selected. High- frequency keyword and co-word analysis revealed that "organizational commitment" and "teacher commitment" were the most common keywords in both databases. Other prominent themes included job satisfaction and leadership in Scopus, and career commitment and teacher turnover in CNKI. The findings highlight the importance of workplace factors and regional differences in teacher commitment research, providing insights for future studies
A review of SoTL research methodologies: A guide to conceptualizing and conducting the scholarship of teaching and learning
No full textA Guide to Conceptualizing and Conducting the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is a comprehensive and practical guide for educators, researchers, and graduate students engaged in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), with relevance to those in engineering education. Authored by Michelle Yeo, Janice Miller-Young, and Karen Manarin, the book provides a structured approach to conceptualizing, conducting, and disseminating SoTL research. With a focus on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, this resource addresses diverse research paradigms, from positivist and interpretive to transformative methodologies. It highlights a range of data generation methods, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, and artifacts, ensuring a balanced approach for both the theoretical and practical aspects of SoTL. The authors emphasize the importance of research-based assessment and innovation in teaching practices, offering guidance on research design and analysis that directly relate to improving educational outcomes in engineering programs. Ethical considerations are woven throughout the text, ensuring that SoTL research in engineering education maintains a focus on social justice and inclusivity. With sections dedicated to theoretical frameworks, data generation, and the dissemination of research, this book provides the essential tools for advancing both theoretical understanding and innovative practices in engineering education. It serves as a vital resource for those seeking to enhance their teaching through research and contribute to the development of engineering education through evidence- based innovation and assessment. Hence, this book review evaluates the book’s key themes on methodological approach, theoretical foundations as well as implications for STEM Educators
Factors affecting university students’ happiness over two years at Universiti Malaysia Sabah a retrospective observational study
No full textHappiness is a key component of subjective well-being, influencing health, academic performance, and life satisfaction. Research on university students’ happiness in East Malaysia remains limited, despite the influence of sociocultural and institutional factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, institutional experiences, and self-reported happiness among students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from 7,020 undergraduate students collected through the UMS Happiness Index during 2018–2019. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and genderstratified binary logistic regression were performed to assess associations and predictors of student happiness. Chi-square results showed significant associations between overall happiness and gender (χ2(1) = 5.562, p = .018), religion (χ2(4) = 11.639, p = .020), and field of study (χ2(1) = 14.559, p < .001). Logistic regression models were significant for both males (χ2(24) = 289.904, p < .001; R2 = 19.4%) and females (χ2(24) = 267.778, p < .001; R2 = 10.3%). Supportive environment and safety were key predictors for both genders, while recreational activities and staff personalities were significant for male students. Findings highlight the importance of the institutional environment and cultural factors in shaping student happiness in East Malaysia. Safety, supportive staff, and recreational opportunities emerged as key modifiable determinants of well-being. These findings underscore the multidimensional nature of student happiness. The study highlights the importance of culturally responsive interventions and targeted policy reforms, particularly in East Malaysian institutions, to promote holistic student development beyond academic achievement
Analysis of ecotourism strategy in Alas Purwo National Park towards balanced tourism
No full textThis study aims to analyse the development of a balanced-tourism strategy in Alas Purwo National Park in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Ecotourism is often used as a strategy towards balanced-tourism, although in practice the economic motive (tourism) is more dominant than the conservation motive (ecology) itself. This raises the question of whether ecotourism is the right way to achieve balanced-tourism in national parks. The research method used is qualitative, starting with field observations, in-depth interviews with managers, local government (tourism office), and visitors. Data were obtained through indepth interviews and focused discussions with relevant stakeholders. Data analysis was conducted systematically from data collection, data reduction, interpretation, and conclusion drawing, borrowing the Miles and Huberman framework. The results concluded that there is a need for institutional strengthening related to the achievement of a balanced-tourism strategy pursued through ecotourism. Maintaining ecological, economic and social balance is an important thing that can be achieved through cooperation with residents around the national park area, as well as increasing awareness of tourists who will enter the national park area