17362 research outputs found
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Terumbu perahu dan dinamika kuasa di Laut China selatan: Implikasi strategik terhadap Asean dan kedaulatan Maritim
No full textLaut China Selatan kekal sebagai medan geopolitik yang dipertikaikan, mencerminkan persaingan tuntutan maritim serta kepentingan strategik pelbagai negara pesisir. Kajian ini mengupas secara komparatif strategi maritim China, Filipina dan Vietnam dalam menangani pertikaian wilayah, dengan fokus kepada insiden Terumbu Perahu sebagai titik analisis utama. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif berasaskan analisis kandungan dokumen rasmi, laporan dasar dan penulisan akademik, kajian ini menilai corak tindakan strategik, penglibatan aktor luar seperti Amerika Syarikat, serta kesan geopolitik terhadap kedaulatan negara tuntutan dan kestabilan serantau. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa China menerapkan pendekatan ‘grey zone’ secara konsisten menegaskan tuntutan dan membina kehadiran tanpa mencetuskan konflik bersenjata secara terbuka. Filipina pula menggabungkan simbolisme nasional, kerjasama strategik dengan kuasa luar dan pengukuhan pertahanan maritim sebagai strategi peneguhan kedaulatan. Vietnam mengekalkan pendirian berhati-hati namun tegas melalui pendekatan diplomatik dan pembangunan infrastruktur laut. Insiden Terumbu Perahu memperlihatkan ketegangan berterusan antara negara tuntutan, memperkukuh keperluan kepada mekanisme serantau yang lebih responsif dan kredibel dalam menjamin kestabilan maritim. Kajian ini menyorot dinamika kuasa dan ketahanan maritim negara-negara pesisir serta menyerlahkan kepentingan pengukuhan peranan institusi serantau seperti ASEAN dalam mengurus konflik wilayah yang kian rumit. Dapatan ini menawarkan sumbangan analitikal terhadap pembangunan dasar keselamatan serantau dan pemahaman strategik terhadap cabaran kedaulatan maritim dalam landskap geopolitik Asia Tenggara
Characterization of fruticose lichen genus Stereocaulon from Sabah based on morphology, Chemo typing, and Molecular Typing
No full textLichens in the genus Stereocaulon are commonly found in high-elevation mountains in tropical regions. Taxonomy of Stereocaulon is always an ongoing topic discussed among lichenologists, especially for species-level identification due to polymorphism and chemical diversity of Stereocaulon. In this study, we examined Stereocaulon spp. from Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo (4095 m). A total of 42 Stereocaulon specimens were included in this study; 40 were newly collected between 1900 m and 3700 m a.s.l. along the summit trail of Mount Kinabalu, and two specimens from Mount Alab (1900 m) were previously published. We used integrative approaches to delimit the specimens into Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) based on macro-morphology, chemical profiles, and molecular phylogeny. Macromorphological characters, including apothecia (reproductive organ), phylloclade, pseudopodia and Cephalonia were examined, while chemical profiles were obtained from spot tests and High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the ITS gene by using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses. A total of six Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified and were provisionally named according to their diagnostic morphological and chemical characters, namely, RF (ramularia-fluorescence), RN (ramular-nonfluorescence), GF (granular-fluorescence), GN (granular-no fluorescence), RU1 (hamular-curved 1) and RU2 (ramularia-curved 2). The monophyly of each of the OTUs is supported by phylogenetic analysis. Due to lack of reliable identification keys and reference genetic data for this genus, we could not determine the species identities for the OTUs revealed in this study. Nevertheless, the findings of this study provide a baseline for future studies on the taxonomy of Stereocaulon species in Mount Kinabalu, integrating morphology, chemistry, and genetics. The implementation of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) profiles show potential for distinguishing samples. However, further research with more Stereocaulon samples from different taxa and regions is necessary to verify the reliability of this method
Improved model of halophilic cellulase fermentation from lignocellulosic biomass using artificial neural network (ANN)
No full textAn artificial neural network (ANN) was employed to model the fermentation process for halophilic cellulase production from lignocellulosic biomass. Three critical parameters within the ANN architecture; weight decay, number of iterations, and the number of hidden neurons were optimized to achieve the most accurate prediction. The model was designed to predict halophilic cellulase activity as the output, based on three manipulated input variables: NaCl (sodium chloride), CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), and FeSO₄·7H₂O (iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate) concentrations. A total of 19 experimental datasets were used to train the ANN model. The ANN model's performance was compared with that of a multivariable regression model. The highest cellulase activity of 0.0602 U/mL was achieved under optimal medium conditions determined by the ANN: 9.05% NaCl, 1.50% CMC, and 2.66×10⁻⁴% (w/v) FeSO₄·7H₂O. The ANN model demonstrated improved accuracy in estimating halophilic cellulase activity, reducing the RMSE from 4.4×10⁻³ to 3.8×10⁻³ when compared with the multivariable regression model. Moreover, the ANN outperformed the response surface methodology (RSM), reducing prediction error from 3.19-5.56% (RSM) to 0.84-2.36% (ANN). The dynamic adaptability of the ANN architecture enabled it to better capture the complexities of the fermentation process, which involves living microorganisms. ANN models enhance enzyme production efficiency and promote sustainable biotechnology by optimizing fermentation processes using renewable lignocellulosic biomass
Data-driven high-performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous analysis of disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate in mushrooms
No full textWith the growing demand for high-throughput analyses that can detect diverse molecules with varying physicochemical properties in shorter times, researchers are increasingly focused on developing or modifying analytical methods. This is particularly relevant in the food, pharmaceutical/nutraceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and environmental industries. This study aimed to modify, establish, and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) for the simultaneous determination of disodium guanylate (GMP) and disodium inosinate (IMP) in mushrooms, using Hericium erinaceous as a model. These compounds are natural flavor enhancers that contribute to the umami taste, boost Savory flavor, and improve the palatability of mushroom-based dishes. Their presence in mushrooms also supports sodium reduction in recipes, making them valuable for healthier meal preparation. The optimal chromatographic conditions were determined using isocratic elution with a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer, acetonitrile, and methanol in varying concentrations and pH levels. Flow rates and column temperatures were systematically tested. GMP and IMP were extracted from samples using deionized water, 0.1 M HCl, and 6 % acetic acid. Separation was carried out on a Krom Asil 100–5-C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm; Sigma-Aldrich), with detection at 254 nm. The method showed excellent linearity (R² = 0.9989 for GMP and 0.9958 for IMP), low relative standard deviation (RSD: 1.07 % for GMP and 2.16 % for IMP), and good sensitivity, with LODs of 3.61 ppm (GMP) and 7.30 ppm (IMP) and LOQs of 10.93 ppm and 22.12 ppm, respectively. Recovery rates ranged from 91.4 % to 95.0 %, with RSDs below 5 %, indicating high accuracy and precision. Quantitative results revealed that H. Erinaceus contains more IMP than GMP, contributing significantly to its umami profile. The validated method offers high precision, accuracy, and adaptability for other mushrooms and umami-rich foods. It is suitable for quality control, flavor enhancement, and nutritional profiling in the food industry—particularly in the development of natural flavoring agents. This method enables accurate quantification of umami-enhancing nucleotides, supporting flavor standardization, product formulation, and compliance with food labelling standards. It can also aid in shelf-life studies and thermal process optimization. Ultimately, this study advances natural flavor science by offering a robust method for analyzing GMP and IMP in H. Erinaceus
The impact of halal knowledge and attitudes on purchase intention: insights from Sabah, Malaysia
No full textThis study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Muslim community in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, towards halal products and their influence on purchasing halal food products. A questionnaire was filled out by 390 respondents in total. The survey was administered both in person and online. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to evaluate relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and purchase intentions. Findings from this study revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated an acceptable understanding and attitude toward halal principles and their application to food products. Knowledge and attitude towards halal also showed a significant positive correlation with the intention to buy halal food products (p<0.05). In conclusion, enhancing consumer knowledge and fostering positive attitudes are critical drivers of purchase intention for halal products. Continuous awareness campaigns and targeted promotions are essential for sustaining the growth of the halal industry by increasing awareness and promote halal products
Preliminary assessment of the bird species composition and feeding guilds in forest plantation and natural forest areas, Kinarut, Sabah Malaysia
No full textAs one of the most noticeable inhabitants of vulnerable places, birds play a crucial part in the maintenance of the well-being of a forest ecosystem. The aforementioned causes related to land use change are putting pressure on the forest habitats, thus putting the local birds at risks of extinction. The purpose of this research was to examine the species compositions and identify the feeding guilds of birds presented in a natural forest (Kawang Forest Reserve) and a plantation forest (Kinarut Eco Forest Park) in Sabah, Malaysia. Mist-Net and Point-Count sampling techniques were applied in this study, to analyse the distributions of feeding guilds of birds in these radically different habitat types. A total of 15 species and 11 species of birds were captured by mist-nets in the natural forest and plantation forest respectively. The Pcynonotidae was the most common bird family detected at both study sites. The Carnivore, Carnivoreinsectivore, Insectivore, Insectivore-Frugivore, Frugivore, and Nectarivore were the six registered feeding guilds, where the Insectivore-Frugivores and insectivores were the most prevalent guilds for birds presented in both habitat types. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index analysis of species diversity revealed that the difference was not significant between the two study sites, although the bird diversity was generally lower in the plantation forest (H’=2.78) than in the natural forest (H'=3.08). The estimated bird population densities (D) in the plantation forest and natural forest were 427 individuals per hectare (CV=21.6%) and 100 individuals per hectare (CV=30.1%) respectively. The variability in species composition and density of bird between the two habitat types may be caused by the variability in the microclimate, distribution, and forest structure. This research provides the initial attempt in understanding the role of habitats or land cover types, guild types and human interferences in shaping the density, abundance and diversity of bird, which also represent the well-being of a forest ecosystem. Such a knowledge is vital in providing the necessary information for implementing sustainable management practices
The nexus between governance quality and economic growth of Malaysia: Short- and long-run analyses
No full textThis study investigates the impact of governance quality on Malaysia’s economic growth from 2000 to 2021, focusing on six World Governance Indicators (WGI): voice and accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption. Despite Malaysia’s significant economic progress, the relationship between governance quality and growth remains underexplored, particularly in terms of long-run and short-run dynamics. Using the cointegration and error correction models, the study examines the short-run and long-run relationships between governance indicators and real GDP. The findings reveal that political stability and government effectiveness have significant positive long-run impacts on real GDP, emphasizing their critical role in fostering economic growth. However, regulatory quality and rule of law, while positively correlated, are statistically insignificant in the long run, suggesting that their benefits may take longer to materialize. Control of corruption shows a counterintuitive negative long-run relationship, likely due to transitional costs of anti-corruption measures. In the short run, most governance indicators significantly influence real GDP, with the error correction term confirming a robust adjustment toward long-run equilibrium. The study recommends prioritizing political stability and government effectiveness while implementing sustained reforms to enhance regulatory quality, rule of law, and anticorruption measures. Policymakers should adopt a holistic approach to governance reforms, ensuring transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency to support Malaysia’s long-term economic growth and resilience. These insights are crucial for aligning governance strategies with Malaysia’s development goals under initiatives like the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030
Evaluasi tahap pengetahuan dan kefahaman pelajar UMSKAL berkaitan kursus integriti dan antirasuah: Implikasi terhadap kurikulum pendidikan tinggi
No full textPengenalan Kursus Integriti dan Antirasuah (KIAR) sebagai Mata Pelajaran Pengajian Umum (MPU) di institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) merupakan inisiatif proaktif dalam mereformasi kurikulum ke arah melahirkan graduan beretika dan berintegriti. Kajian ini menilai tahap pengetahuan dan kefahaman pelajar terhadap KIAR serta implikasinya terhadap pengukuhan nilai dalam kurikulum pendidikan tinggi. Peningkatan kes rasuah, termasuk penglibatan golongan muda, mengukuhkan keperluan pendidikan nilai yang lebih menyeluruh di IPT. Bagi tujuan ini, kajian awal telah dilaksanakan melibatkan 66 pelajar Universiti Malaysia Sabah Kampus Antarabangsa Labuan (UMSKAL) yang telah mengikuti kursus KIAR. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan pengumpulan data melalui soal selidik atas talian menggunakan platform Microsoft 365 Office, dan dianalisis menerusi teknik frekuensi dan skala Likert. Tiga objektif utama kajian ialah menilai tahap pengetahuan pelajar tentang KIAR, menganalisis pengaruhnya terhadap pengamalan nilai integriti, serta mengenal pasti implikasi terhadap penambahbaikan kurikulum. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa kursus ini berupaya meningkatkan pengetahuan asas pelajar berkaitan integriti dan antirasuah. Walau bagaimanapun, pelajar masih menunjukkan tahap pemahaman yang terhad terhadap konsep-konsep tertentu, khususnya dalam membezakan antara rasuah dan pemberian hadiah. Kajian ini diharap dapat menyumbang kepada penambahbaikan kurikulum yang lebih holistik dan relevan dalam usaha memperkukuh nilai integriti dalam kalangan warga IPT
Naringenin and caffeic acid supplementation alleviates heat stress-induced liver damage by maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in broilers
No full textHeat stress (HS) is a major challenge to poultry production, with significant implications for animal health and performance. This study explored the protective role of naringenin (NAR) and caffeic acid (CA) on liver health in HS-exposed broilers. First, an in vitro screening experiment was performed in chicken embryo fibroblast (DF-1) cells. Our results demonstrated that NAR and CA significantly reduced the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), while restoring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). For the in vivo trial, broilers subjected to chronic HS (37 ± 2 °C for 6 weeks) were supplemented with 0.1% NAR, 0.1% CA, or their combination. Dietary NAR and CA significantly improved broiler growth performance under HS. Both compounds markedly reduced serum and liver levels of HSP70 and HSF-1, while enhancing antioxidant capacity (SOD and T-AOC; P < 0.05). Additionally, NAR and CA protected against HS-induced liver damage, as evidenced by reduced serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activity (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, NAR and CA preserved liver homeostasis by modulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress response signalling involving PKR-like ER kinase, activating transcription factor 4, activating transcription factor 6, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha, C/EBP homologous protein, X-box-binding protein 1, and glucose-regulated protein 78
Association between daily living activities and quality of life in post‑COVID‑19 patients: A cross‑sectional study
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in instances of post COVID-19 condition (PCC), which is defined by enduring symptoms that impact all facets of everyday life. After the acute period of COVID-19, many people still face considerable difficulties in carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs), which are essential for in depend- Ent functioning and overall quality of life (QoL). Objective This study aimed to prompt how these persistent symptoms affect individuals’ ability to perform ADLs-basic tasks essential for self-care and daily functioning and how these limitations, in turn, influence overall QoL. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2054 individuals who were previously diagnosed COVID-19 and aged between 18 to 70 years old. Excluding those with severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, cognitive impair- meant, critical illness, or those not meeting PCC criteria per WHO working group criteria. We used questionnaires that considered demographic and socioeconomic data, activities of daily living, and quality of life, which were measured using the Modified Barthel ADL index (MBI) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The interactions of all data and the scores of MBI and WHOQOL-BREF were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was applied to the association between four WHOQOL-BREF domains with a total MBI score. Data were analyzed using independent t-test analyses. Result Out of the total participants, 911 individuals (44.35%) had signs of post-COVID-19 conditions. The average age of these individuals was 39.62 ± 11.4 years. PCC cases exhibited significantly lower QoL scores than asymptomatic cases across all WHOQOL-BREF domains: physical health (p 0.05). Conclusion Our study concludes that approximately 45% of subjects displayed symptoms of post-COVID-19 disorders, with an average age of almost 40. Our study reveals a slight inverse correlation between the scores of the Modified Barthel Index and most domains of the WHOQOL Brief despite the high occurrence of these symptoms. According to the WHOQOL Brief questionnaire, the degree of functional impairments following COVID-19 significantly impacted the perceived quality of life in this study. Future research could be enhanced by investigating supplementary factors and utilizing longitudinal methodologies to comprehend the intricate interaction between post-COVID-19 syndrome and outcomes related to quality of life