17362 research outputs found
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Behavioral and psychological factors influencing retirement decisions among young workers in rural and urban Sabah, Malaysia
No full textThis study examines how young workers in rural and urban Sabah, Malaysia, base their retirement choices on psychological and behavioral aspects. Numerous factors, including individual beliefs, societal conditions, and environmental settings, influence retirement, a significant life transition. While everyone should make retirement plans, workers in rural and urban areas differ from one another. Rural workers typically have lower financial literacy and less access to financial services, whereas urban workers usually enjoy greater financial education and services. To better understand the variables and challenges influencing retirement behavior in these diverse settings, this research will examine theories of aging, such as the theory of planned behavior (TPB), continuity theory, and disengagement theory. This study evaluates how current policies affect young workers' retirement planning and identifies the main factors influencing retirement savings behavior. The research will take a quantitative approach, analyze the data using the PLS-SEM model, and test validity and reliability against common method bias in two steps. The results emphasize the necessity of specialized policy interventions to guarantee the well-being and financial stability of young workers in Sabah's rural and urban settings about the need for focused financial literacy programs and retirement planning initiatives catered to Sabah, Malaysia's rural and urban areas, by offering insightful information about the behavioral and psychological factors influencing young workers' retirement decisions
Institutional and individual drivers of halal practice among asnaf entrepreneurs: The mediating effect of capacity-building programs
No full textThis study investigates the institutional and individual factors influencing halal practices among asnaf entrepreneurs in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the mediating role of capacity-building programs. Grounded in institutional theory, the research examines how normative pressure, resource constraints, zakat institutional support, and entrepreneur awareness impact halal practice. Data was collected from 128 asnaf entrepreneurs through a structured survey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS- SEM). The findings reveal that normative pressure, resource constraints, zakat institutional support, and awareness significantly influence halal practices. Furthermore, access to capacity-building programs mediates the relationship between zakat institutional support and halal practice, highlighting the critical role of training and development initiatives. This study extends institutional theory within the context of faith-based micro-entrepreneurship and underscores the need for integrated financial and non-financial support mechanisms to enhance halal practice among asnaf entrepreneurs. The results offer theoretical insights and practical implications for policymakers, zakat institutions, and development agencies working to empower asnaf entrepreneurs in the halal economy
Validating an instructional competency model for assistant headteachers: Preliminary evidence from a pilot study using CFA and SEM
No full textThis study aimed to develop and validate an Instructional Competency Model tailored for Assistant Headteachers (GPK) in Malaysian primary schools, across both rural and urban school settings in Sabah. Grounded in the KOMPAS 2.0 framework, the model conceptualized instructional competency as a multidimensional construct comprising four latent domains: Curriculum Focused Instructional Leadership (IBK), Research Culture (PP), Holistic Monitoring (PM), and Digital Ecosystem Culture (PED). A pilot survey involving 100 GPK across various districts in Sabah was conducted. The sample comprised 58 respondents from rural schools and 42 from urban schools, with balanced demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess construct validity and model fit. The CFA results demonstrated excellent fit indices (χ²/df = 0.446, CFI = 1.000, RMSEA = 0.041), with standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.80 to 0.87. All constructs achieved strong composite reliability and average variance extracted. SEM analysis confirmed significant path coefficients from the main construct to its four dimensions, with Curriculum Focused Instructional Leadership (β = 0.87) emerging as the strongest contributor. These results confirm the robustness and contextual relevance of the model, while acknowledging the limitations of a pilot study. The validated model contributes theoretical novelty by extending instructional leadership theory into middle leadership domains and by adapting KOMPAS 2.0 specifically for Assistant Headteachers. It offers a practical framework that can be applied within Malaysia and in comparable international contexts, providing insights for education policymakers, school administrators, and training providers
Soil phosphate availability drives shifts between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi in the dual mycorrhizal plant Quercus serrata
No full textDual mycorrhizal plants are associated with both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi that differ in cost and effectiveness for nutrient acquisition. Little is known about environmental drivers for the shifts between these associations in dual mycorrhizal plants. We hypothesize that high phosphate availability leads to increases in AM fungal association that may be less costly than EcM fungal association. Root, soil, and leaf samples of the dual mycorrhizal plant Quercus serrata were collected from 15 field sites differing in available phosphate across Japan. The fungal internal transcribed spacer region of DNA extracted from the roots was amplified and sequenced. Chemical properties of the soil and leaf samples were analyzed. AM fungal richness and abundance were positively correlated with NaOH-extractable phosphate (NaOH-Pi) in the soil, whereas the abundances of short- and long-distance explorer-type EcM fungi were correlated negatively and positively, respectively, with inorganic N to NaOH-Pi ratios. These results imply that phosphate availability drives EcM–AM shifts, as well as that in the exploration types of EcM fungi. We demonstrated that dual mycorrhizal plants flexibly accommodate the distinctive mycorrhizas in response to soil nutrients, which might be important traits to optimize the cost– benefit ratios for nutrient acquisition in a given environment
Phenolic compounds from piper plants: A review on AI integration for extraction, quantification, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and food applications
No full textMedicinal plants are rich in phenolic compounds, which are commonly found in food and nutraceutical products. The Piper plants contain a vast number of bioactive compounds, with phenolics being the most abundant and biologically necessary plant metabolites. The review assessed recent discussions on the various extraction techniques applied to extract phenolic compounds from Piper species. To enhance the extraction efficiency of Piper plants, innovative extraction methods are employed. Extraction methods such as microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extraction improve Piper extraction by utilizing low temperatures and reducing extraction durations. AI-driven optimization techniques are suggested to predict the optimal conditions. Reviewing the phenolic compounds extracted from Piper plants enhances a better understanding of the extraction process. Phenolic compounds found in Piper are renowned for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups in ring structures. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Piper also address the challenges in utilizing its phenolic compounds for biological purposes. The advanced AI-based analytical models are potential in the quantification of phenolic compounds by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. The Piper plants may become a promising source of phenolic compounds for use in the food industry upon diversification of extraction methods and quantification techniques
Hadith of Fitanand Malaḥimin the canonical hadith collections: Its concept and main themes
No full textHadiths related to Fitan (trials) and malāḥim (fierce battles) constitute a significant part of the Prophetic tradition, as they address major events expected to occur at the end of times including conflicts, social upheavals, and the signs of the Hour. This study aims to explore the concepts of fitanand malāḥimin the Prophetic hadiths and to analyses their main themes as presented in the canonical hadith collections such as Ṣaḥīḥal-Bukhārī, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud, and others. Employing both inductive and analytical methods, the study extracts the key meanings of these hadiths and relates them to both historical contexts and contemporary realities.The findings reveal that these hadiths comprise a collection of Prophetic narrations discussing the various trials individuals may encounter in their lives, whether personal or collective. The hadiths of fitanand malāḥim can be grouped into four main themes: (1) the depiction of events that will occur before the end of the world, (2) the establishment of Islamic creed in the hearts of believers, (3) the assertion that tribulations will affect all human beings, and (4) Prophetic guidance on how to face tribulations with Huda (divine guidance) and Taqwa (piety).This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the hadiths concerning fitanand malāḥimas documented in the canonical hadith collections, while also highlighting the dynamic and far-reaching scope of these narrations
Mapping the educational metaverse: A bibliometric analysis of trends, influences and future directions
No full textThis study investigates the evolving role of metaverse technologies in education through bibliometric analysis. It aimed to identify trends, influential studies and emerging areas within the application of the metaverse in educational contexts. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science (WoS) database. Citation, co-citation and co-word analyses were applied to identify key authors, institutions and thematic clusters in the literature on metaverse technologies in education. The results indicate a significant increase in research interest from 2020 to 2023, with China, the US and South Korea leading in output. Three main clusters emerged from the co-citation analysis: technological development, educational integration and the adoption of metaverse technologies. Co-word analysis revealed five thematic areas: immersive learning environments and advanced educational technologies. This study offers a systematic identification of current trends, research gaps and future directions for metaverse educational applications. It provides a valuable resource for educators, policymakers and researchers, emphasizing the need for further exploration of the long-term impact and ethical considerations of using immersive technologies in learning environments
Validation study of Malay (Bahasa Melayu) version of the dialectical behavior Therapy- Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL) and its psychometric properties
No full textDialectical Behavioral Therapy-Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL) is widely used to assess coping strategies after a DBT intervention. This study aimed to validate the Malay adaptation of the DBT-WCCL and assess its psychometric properties. A total of 300 bilingual university students participated in the validation process. The DBT-WCCL was translated into Malay using standardized translation and back-translation procedures with expert reviews. Both the English and Malay versions were administered alongside the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS) for correlation analysis. The Malay version DBT-WCCL demonstrated reliability comparable to the original version across three subscales, with most items achieving Cronbach's α >0.80. Confirmatory factor analysis showed strong factor loadings (>0.3) and good model fit indices (CFI and TLI > 0.90; RMSEA and SRMR < 0.08). Discussion: The discussion highlights that the Malay version of the DBT-WCCL demonstrates generally strong reliability and validity, particularly for the Blaming Others subscale, though certain items showed weak psychometric performance due to possible cultural mismatches. The Malay version of the DBT-WCCL demonstrated preliminary evidence reliability and validity. However, cultural limitations suggest that a locally adapted version may enhance its future use in Malaysian clinical and research settings
Optimizing Eudrilus Eugenia vermicomposting of cow and goat manure ratio and stocking density utilizing response surface methodology
No full textVermicomposting using Eudrilus Eugenia offers an effective and sustainable method for managing livestock manure while producing nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. The efficiency of vermicomposting is influenced by factors such as the type and ratio of manure used, as well as the stocking density of earthworms. This study aims to optimize the vermicomposting process by evaluating different ratios of cow and goat manure and varying stocking densities. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is employed to systematically analyze and model the effects of these factors, with the goal of identifying the optimal conditions for maximizing vermicompost quality and productivity
The effects of intercropping of sweet corn and groundnut in immature durian orchard on the biological and economic yield indices
No full textSweet corn (Zea mays convar. saccharata var. rugosa) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) are important crops with significant nutritional and economic value. However, monoculture practices and land underutilization in immature durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) orchards present challenges such as soil degradation and reduced productivity. This study evaluated the biological and economic yield indices of intercropping sweet corn and groundnut in immature durian orchards as a sustainable alternative. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture (FSA), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sandakan campus, over five months, the experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: monoculture of sweet corn (T1), monoculture of groundnut (T2), and two intercropping systems with staggered planting times (T3 and T4). Parameters measured included Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER), Aggressivity (A), Competitive Ratio (CR), Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC), Actual Yield Loss (AYL), Monetary Advantage Index (MAI), and Gross Profits (GP). However, results showed that T3 and T4 intercropping systems outperformed monocultures, with T4 yielding the highest fresh weight, MAI, and GP. LER and ATER exceeded 1 in T3 and T4, demonstrating greater land-use efficiency. Sweet corn exhibited higher competitiveness (A and CR) in intercropping systems, while groundnut showed reduced yields under shading. The study concludes that intercropping sweet corn and groundnut in immature durian orchards optimizes land productivity, improves economic returns, and offers a sustainable solution for enhancing orchard management