17362 research outputs found
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Public health communication on emerging vector-borne disease risk in Gaya and Shahpori islands
No full textVector-borne diseases (VBDs) continue to pose a persistent global health challenge, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries where surveillance and healthcare infrastructure are constrained. Within these countries, residents of remote island communities are particularly vulnerable to emerging VBD threats; however, they remain critically understudied. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey of 300 residents from Shahpori Island, Bangladesh, and Gaya Island, Malaysia, to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to VBDs. Using a structured questionnaire and mixed-effects Poisson regression modeling, we identified socio-demographic predictors of VBD-related knowledge and compared KAP outcomes across the two islands. Significant disparities were observed between the two settings: the Gaya Island residents demonstrated a higher level of awareness regarding VBDs and preventive practices compared to the Shahpori residents. Education was a strong predictor of VBD knowledge, with individuals possessing secondary education or above exhibiting significantly better knowledge (β = 0.2024, p = 0.0003). Marital status was also a significant factor, with unmarried respondents showing lower levels of knowledge (β = –0.1657, p = 0.0372). Age was positively correlated with VBD knowledge (β = 0.0051, p = 0.0119), indicating a gradual increase with age, while income, gender, occupation, and household size were not significantly associated. Despite basic awareness of VBD symptoms and transmission, detailed understanding of mosquito ecology, disease symptoms, and breeding prevention strategies was remarkably poor, especially among the Shahpori residents. Our findings highlight critical gaps in VBD-related knowledge and prevention behaviors shaped by socio-economic and educational disparities. Community-focused public health strategies including educational campaigns, establishment of health infrastructure, access to trained healthcare providers, and integrated vector control interventions are urgently needed to enhance resilience against emerging VBD threats such as drug-resistant malaria in remote island populations
Exploring the role of 3d technology in the development of Chinese sculpture
No full textThis study explores the role of 3D technology in the development of Chinese sculpture, aiming to evaluate how this emerging technological advancement is transforming traditional sculptural practices. As digital tools become increasingly integrated into artistic processes, 3D technology has emerged as a pivotal innovation in design, production, and preservation. This research employs a structured questionnaire to investigate the perceptions of professional sculptors, educator, and museum professional regarding the application of 3D printing, scanning, and modeling in sculptural art. Findings reveal that 3D technology enhances creative flexibility, production efficiency, and cultural preservation. However, challenges such as high costs, technical barriers, and authenticity concerns remain. The study contributes to the discourse on technological integration in the arts by offering practical insights into how 3D tools are reshaping Chinese sculpture in the contemporary era
Enhancing H2 yield through NiO loading and process optimization in CO2–CH4 reforming over fibrous silica-ceria catalysts
No full textThe emerging global concern over climate change and the need for sustainable energy has led to extensive investigations into CO2–CH4 reforming as an efficient strategy for H2 generation. Due to numerous challenges related to catalytic activity, this study focuses on the synthesis of NiO-impregnated fibrous silica–ceria (FSCe) support, generated through a microemulsion technique. The tests revealed that the 10 %Ni/FSCe catalyst exhibited the highest CO2 (81.9–93.6 %) and CH4 (92.9–99.6 %) conversion, as well as H2 yield (46.7–58.9 %) across a temperature range of 500–800 °C, superior to the 5 %Ni/FSCe and 15 %Ni/FSCe. This is attributed to the great distribution of NiO on the FSCe support, preserving its fibrous morphology and maximizing the availability of active sites. XRD and FESEM confirm that NiO particles are well-dispersed, with no significant particle growth. CO2-TPD analysis reveals that the 10 %Ni/FSCe catalyst has a favorable distribution of basic sites, particularly Lewis basic sites, which are crucial for CO2 activation during the reforming process. Additionally, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to the outperformed catalyst to optimize reaction conditions, identifying the ideal parameters for maximum H2 yield (41.3 %). The experimental results closely match predicted values, thus validating the optimization model and confirming the high potential for sustainable H2 production via CO2–CH4 reforming
Temporal dynamics of Ganoderma basal stem rot (BSR) disease progress in oil palm: Effects of planting generation, topography, and previous crop
No full textGanoderma basal stem rot (BSR) disease poses a major threat to oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia. This study examined how BSR disease progress, quantified using the area under the disease progress (AUDPC), varies with planting generation, topography, and previous crop. Data from 1,184 palms in Sabah, Malaysia were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests due to non-normal distribution. Results showed significantly higher AUDPC in second-generation palms, replanting's after oil palm, and flat to undulating terrain. These findings highlight the importance of considering replanting history and site conditions when managing BSR in oil palm plantations
Teachers' and students' perceptions of oral communicative activities in a Libyan EFL classroom
No full textOral communicative activities (OCA) play a significant role in the English learning and teaching process due to its positive effects on improving speaking skills. However, not all English language teachers and learners have adequate knowledge about these activities. In some countries, like Libya, teachers focus more on silent individual learning rather than emphasizing the importance of communicative activities. Therefore, the current study focuses on students' and teachers' perceptions of OCA in English in special Libyan schools based in Malaysia. This is a preliminary study reliable for our future full-scale research study. A mixed method approach was applied in the study where first, participating students filled out questionnaires, followed by interviews with the teachers, and a focus group interview with students to discover their perceptions of OCA and to explore their understanding, its relevance and possible use in the EFL classes. The findings showed that both teachers and students considered OCA crucial in developing oral language proficiency, but participating students had limited knowledge of OCA in their classrooms. This study is significant in providing insights to the Libyan teachers and students on how OCA is essential in maximizing their speaking skills, and it should be implemented in a language class
Penggunaan aplikasi wordwall sebagai strategi pengajaran inovatif dalam penguasaan kosa kata Bahasa Arab
No full textPendidikan abad ke-21 menuntut penggunaan teknologi secara strategik dalam pengajaran bahasa bagi merangsang penglibatan pelajar dan memperkayakan pengalaman pembelajaran secara dinamik. Penggunaan teknologi ini bukan sahaja menjadikan proses pembelajaran lebih menarik, malah turut menggalakkan pelajar untuk lebih aktif dan terlibat secara langsung dalam aktiviti pembelajaran. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menilai keberkesanan penggunaan aplikasi Wordwall dalam penguasaan kosa kata Bahasa Arab dalam kalangan pelajar dengan fokus utama kepada aspek minat, motivasi dan pengetahuan pelajar. Kajian ini melibatkan pelajar-pelajar yang mengikuti kursus Bahasa Arab kod TAC401 di UiTM cawangan Perlis. Kaedah pengumpulan data utama adalah melalui soal selidik yang mengandungi item-item yang berkaitan dengan minat, motivasi, dan penguasaan kosa kata pelajar selepas menggunakan Wordwall dalam PdP. Soal selidik ini menggunakan skala Likert 5 mata untuk menilai respons pelajar terhadap aktiviti pembelajaran tersebut. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan Wordwall berjaya meningkatkan minat dan motivasi pelajar untuk belajar kosa kata Bahasa Arab. Di samping itu, pelajar juga menunjukkan peningkatan dalam penguasaan kosa kata mereka dengan kebanyakan mereka mengakui lebih mudah mengingati dan menggunakan perkataan dalam ayat selepas mengikuti aktiviti Wordwall. Kajian ini mencadangkan bahawa integrasi aplikasi Wordwall dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Arab dapat memberikan pengalaman yang lebih menyeronokkan, berkesan dan relevan bagi pelajar dalam konteks pendidikan digital
Essential oils in Asia: A systematic review of health outcomes, traditional practices, and socio-economic dimensions
No full textThis systematic literature review examines the roles of essential oils in Asia across three major dimensions: health and biological effects, wellness and traditional practices, and production with socio-economic significance. Essential oils are widely used for therapeutic, cultural, and economic purposes, yet existing knowledge remains fragmented, creating a gap in integrating biomedical evidence, cultural practices, and production dynamics. The objective of this study is to synthesize available research to provide a comprehensive overview and to highlight gaps that hinder the full potential of essential oils in the region. Following the PRISMA framework, an extensive database search was conducted and fifteen eligible studies were analyzed. The results were categorized into three themes: (1) health and biological effects, including antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and vector-control properties; (2) wellness and traditional practices, where essential oils are embedded in cultural health systems such as Batak steam-bathing and Thai massage, serving both therapeutic and identity-preserving roles; and (3) production and socio-economic aspects, where improvements in cultivation, extraction, and processing enhance yield, quality, rural livelihoods, and export economies. Despite these contributions, gaps remain as clinical validation is still limited, socio-economic studies often overlook labor, gender, and community participation, and Malaysian research—especially on Bornean biodiversity and traditional practices—remains scarce. Addressing these gaps will help position essential oils as strategic resources that advance human health, safeguard cultural heritage, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across Asia
School-based health education effect on knowledge, attitude, and practices of dengue prevention among school children: a systematic review
No full textIntroduction Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by dengue virus. The incidence of dengue has been steadily increasing globally in recent decades. The main treatment modality focuses on symptomatic relief. Primary prevention such as vector control and community education remain the mainstay of dengue control. School-based health education is one of the commonly applied interventions among school-age children to improve dengue control. Objective This systematic review aimed to systematically analyse and determine the impact of various school-based health education programmes on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dengue prevention among school children. Methods Articles related to school-based health education with dengue prevention were retrieved electronically from three diferent databases (EBSCOhost-Medline, Scopus, and Pubmed). Articles were screened by independent reviewers. Selected articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were stored in Microsoft Excel. All included articles were critically appraised to assess the quality of the studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results Of the 582 articles identifed, nine were included in the fnal review. Overall, there was an increase in knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding dengue following school-based health education. However, knowledge appeared to be the most signifcant variable as all studies showed a signifcant increase in knowledge. Hence, educational interventions exerted a more prominent impact on the knowledge of dengue infection compared to attitude and practices among school children. Conclusion Further research is warranted to establish stronger evidence and evaluate the long-term impact of these interventions on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice
Sustainability of traditional food entrepreneurs amid Covid-19 pandemic
No full textThis study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local entrepreneurs in Malaysia, focusing on those selling traditional food in Selangor and Sabah. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 20 entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds across the two states. Open-ended, semi-structured questions were employed to gather detailed insights, and the responses were transcribed, categorised, coded and analysed thematically. From the analysis, one theme emerged. The theme identified is sustainability (coded: adaptation to technology). Entrepreneurs in both states adopted new strategies, including social media and e-commerce, to sustain their businesses during the pandemic. Their willingness and ability to embrace these changes differed according to demographic factors as they navigated the challenges of relearning and adapting with current market trends
Collaborative capacity building for strengthening rehabilitation services in Sabah, Malaysia: a partnership between university hospital and state health department
No full textObjective: This paper aims to outline the foundational framework for strengthening rehabilitation services in Sabah, Malaysia, through a collaborative capacity-building initiative between Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah (HUMS) and the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS). By focusing on academic, research, and service capacity-building, this partnership seeks to address the rehabilitation needs of the local population, particularly for individuals with functional limitations. Methods: The collaboration integrates HUMS’s academic and clinical strengths with JKNS’s existing rehabilitation services. Key components include developing postgraduate training for rehabilitation medicine, expanding community-based rehabilitation outreach services, and establishing a referral network between hospitals and community healthcare providers. Results: The partnership has resulted in the implementation of a comprehensive framework that enhances academic capacity, fosters research collaboration, and improves rehabilitation service delivery across Sabah. This approach is aligned with the WHO’s Rehabilitation 2030 initiative, advocating for stronger integration of rehabilitation into healthcare systems. Conclusion: The collaborative efforts between HUMS and JKNS demonstrate the critical role of partnerships between academic institutions and public health departments in strengthening rehabilitation services. This model offers a replicable strategy for influencing policy development and ensuring resource allocation to meet the growing rehabilitation needs in underserved regions