17362 research outputs found
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Optimisation of yield, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity via ultrasound-assisted extraction of bamboo leaves from Dinochloa sublaevigata S. Dransf. (Wadan) in Sabah, Malaysia
No full textDinochloa sublaevigata S. Dransf., an endemic bamboo species in Sabah, Malaysia, is valued for its ethnobotanical applications. However, research on extraction methods for its bioactive compounds and their bioactivities remains limited. This study optimised the D. sublaevigata leaf extract (DSLE) using response surface methodology (RSM) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Extraction parameters, including ethanol concentration, temperature, ultrasonic amplitude, solid-to-solvent ratio, and extraction time, were initially screened using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) analysis to evaluate crude extract yield (CEY), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Optimisation through a central composite design under RSM focused on temperature, amplitude, and solid-to-solvent ratio, while ethanol concentration (70 %) and extraction time (20 min) were fixed. The optimised conditions for DSLE—temperature (47.65 °C), amplitude (35.18 %), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:25.11 g/mL)—achieved a CEY of 9.07 ± 0.13 %, TFC of 14.75 ± 0.03 mg RE/g extract, and DPPH of 91.78 ± 0.00 %. These results highlight a sustainable and efficient UAE method, establishing D. sublaevigata as a promising source for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications
Monitoring the population and distribution of the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in the Klias Peninsula, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia: Insights from an 18‑year study
No full textLong-term monitoring data on population abundance and distribution are essential for developing and refining conservation strategies, particularly for endangered species like the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus), for which data remain limited across much of their range in Borneo. Previous studies conducted in 2004/2005 and 2014 in the Klias Peninsula, western Sabah, northern Borneo, provided important insights into population trends and distribution. Building on this foundation, we reassessed the proboscis monkey population in 2022 after an 8-year interval and investigated changes in land use and land cover during the same period. Our findings indicate a lower overall estimate of population abundance (number of individuals); however, the number of observed groups is comparable to previous studies, suggesting some stability. Distribution patterns have remained relatively stable, with population strongholds in the central part of the Klias Peninsula, underscoring the continued importance of areas like Padas Damit Forest Reserve for proboscis monkey conservation. Our data also reveal concerning trends, including a decline in group sizes (number of individuals per group) within breeding units and the presence of very small populations in fragmented sites such as Bongawan, presenting ongoing conservation challenges. Our land-use and land-cover change findings further revealed that less than half of the available proboscis monkey habitats in this region are fully protected. Vegetation analysis showed that tree species richness positively influences proboscis monkey abundance, emphasizing the critical role of food resource diversity. These findings have important conservation implications for the long-term survival of this endangered primate in the Klias Peninsula region
Sustainable paper from agricultural waste: A study on pineapple leaf fiber using organosolv pulping
No full textThe use of non-wood fiber sourced from agricultural waste for papermaking has attracted the interest of many researchers. In this study, paper made from pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) was developed using environmentally friendly approaches. This study aimed to prepare PALF paper using organosolv pulping with acetic acid (AcOH) and the aid of 0.1% hydrochloric acid as a catalyst. The PALF was treated with varying AcOH concentrations (16%, 20%, 24%, 28%, and 32%) for 9 h to study the effectiveness of delignification in producing high-quality pulp. Additionally, the morphological and mechanical properties of the PALF paper were characterized to analyze its potential as a quality paper. The study discovered that organosolv pulping could produce fibers that can be made into paper with properties comparable to those produced by other conventional methods. Based on Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis, the emergence of cellulose-associated peaks and the reduced intensities of peaks attributed to lignin and hemicellulose suggest effective delignification. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that the treated PALF consists of well-separated cellulosic microfibrils. Meanwhile, mechanical analysis using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) showed that the tensile strength of the papers (0.25, 0.23, 0.27, 0.20, and 0.19 MPa varied, while the tearing resistance showed an increasing trend (2.07, 5.15, 6.86, 10.03, and 11.1 mN·m²/g) with increasing AcOH concentration. These findings suggest that PALF is a viable alternative for sustainable paper production
Unconsolidated undrained shear strength behaviour Beaufort’s peat soils
No full textPeat soil is a highly organic surface layer primarily derived from plant remains. Peat, on the other hand, refers to the subsurface layer of wetland systems, consisting of unconsolidated superficial layers with a high content of non-crystalline colloids (humus). It is generally dark brown to black in color, has an organic odor, and exhibits a spongy consistency. Peat soil is commonly found in swamp areas and is a partially decomposed organic layer of soil formed from plant matter that accumulates under conditions of waterlogging, high acidity, oxygen scarcity, and nutrient deficiency. Peat soils typically have a low shear strength ranging from 5 to 20 kPa, high compressibility values between 0.9 and 1.5, and a high moisture content exceeding 100%. Additionally, peat exhibits significant deformation, variable magnitudes, and specific structural characteristics, with an organic matter content exceeding 75%. The investigation of peat soil involves Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Tests, where parameters are studied under varying effective stresses of 13 kPa, 25 kPa, 50 kPa, and 100 kPa. Samples were collected from three different locations: Kpt-L1, Kpt-L2, and Kpt-L3. The findings indicate that peat soils from different locations yield varying results due to differences in composition. The Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial Test was conducted on peat soil from Sabah for the first time by a researcher at the Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre in Beaufort, Sabah. Due to the high moisture content of peat soil, the Unconsolidated Undrained and Consolidated Undrained tests are not significantly different in their results
Pengaruh emosi dan efikasi diri terhadap ketagihan berulang dalam kalangan orang diparol (ODP) di Malaysia
No full textKajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh emosi dan efikasi diri terhadap penyalahgunaan bahan berulang (relapse) dalam kalangan Orang diParol (ODP) di Pejabat Parol di Malaysia. Kajian ini juga turut dijalankan dengan membuat analisa deskriptif berdasaran demografi klien serta menggunakan kolerasi Pearson bagi mengkaji hubungan antara dua pemboleh ubah bebas dan satu pemboleh ubah terikat. Selain itu, ia turut melihat pengaruh antara pemboleh ubah yang disenaraikan. Seramai 97 orang responden telah dipilih berdasarkan sampel rawak terdiri daripada mereka yang berada di pejabat parol. Kajian berbentuk tinjauan dengan reka bentuk kuantitatif dijalankan dengan menggunakan tiga instrumen iaitu Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20) bagi yang mengukur kecenderungan penglibatan anda dengan pengambilan dadah. Kedua, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003) direka untuk menilai dan mengukur dua strategi pengawalan emosi iaitu pengalaman emosi dan ekspersi emosi. Terakhir, Drug-Abstinence-Self-Efficacy-Scale (DASES) menilai tahap keyakinan (efikasi kendiri) untuk menentang penggunaan dadah dalam situasi tersebut. Hasil dapatan yang diperolehi di analisis menggunakan aplikasi perisian IBM SPSS Statistics versi 29.0. Analisis deskriptif merangkumi min, sisihan piawai, frekuensi dan peratusan di jalankan untuk memperolehi data demografi responden. Korelasi Pearson dijalankan untuk mengkaji hubungan emosi dan efikasi diri terhadap relapse. Hasil analisis menunjukkan terdapat kolerasi negatif yang tidak signifikan antara kedua-dua pemboleh ubah dengan r (emosi) =-0.096 dan p.05). Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahawa nilai Beta (β) = 0.894 dan nilai k > 0.05. Ini bermakna, hasil kajian tidak signifikan, efikasi kendiri tidak berperanan sebagai faktor pencegahan terhadap penyalahgunaan dadah berulang. Kajian ini di harap dapat membantu setiap pihak yang terlibat dalam program rawatan dan pemulihan penagihan dadah secara langsung mahupun tidak langsung melalui penambahbaikan modul atau program rawatan dan pemulihan sedia ada
Analysing the behavior of fiscal policy in Malaysia
No full textMalaysia’s fiscal position, as measured by its budget balance, has consistently recorded deficits since the 1997–1998 Asian Financial Crisis. This persistent trend of budgetary shortfalls has contributed to a rising government debt ratio, which has nearly reached the statutory limit. The Fiscal Theory of the Price Level (FTPL) posits that, in the absence of a fiscal policy response to escalating government debt, fiscal policy—rather than monetary policy—can serve as the anchor for price levels. This scenario implies a non-Ricardian fiscal regime. Against this backdrop, this research seeks to examine the behaviour of fiscal policy in Malaysia. The study employs both backward-looking and forward- looking analytical approaches, covering the period from 1980:Q1 to 2023:Q4. The findings indicate that Malaysia’s fiscal policy aligns with a Ricardian regime, wherein an increase in government debt prompts a corresponding rise in the primary surplus. Additionally, the analysis of impulse response functions reveals that a positive shock to the primary surplus results in a reduction in government debt. These outcomes suggest that fiscal policy in Malaysia does indeed respond to changes in government debt, thereby ensuring the sustainability of its fiscal framework
First checklist of the herpetofauna (Amphibia, Reptilia) of the Kapas and Gemia Islands, Peninsular Malaysia, South China Sea
No full textOff the coast of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, lie the Kapas and Gemia Islands. The biota, and particularly the herpetofauna, of these small, famous islands is poorly known. Opportunistic surveys were conducted on these islands during the dry and pre‑monsoon periods using visual encounter surveys (VES) as the method to record the herpetofauna. The surveys recorded five species of amphibians from four genera and three families, and 16 species of reptiles from 15 genera and 10 families. This report represents the first checklist of the herpetofauna of the Kapas and Gemia Islands, Terengganu, and it shows the unrealized biodiversity of small offshore islands in the archipelagos of the South China Sea. More extensive surveys should be conducted in the future to get a more complete understanding of the herpetofauna inhabiting these small islands, which face anthropogenic disturbances
Magombok reimagining traditional performance (Ritual-Theatre) for heritage sustainability
No full textFacing cultural erosion, the endangered Magombok ritual of Sabah's Bajau Laut may be revitalized through theatrical transformation. This research explores bridging ritual and performance, guided by Schechner and Turner's theories. By integrating performance elements with ritual perspectives, the study aims to empower local identity, preserve cultural heritage, and enrich Sabah's traditional theatre scene. Practical adaptation methods offer a path to cultural sustainability. The reimagined Magombok holds potential as a cultural tourism asset, boosting the socio-economic well-being of the local community and ensuring the tradition's continued existence. This innovative approach offers a sustainable future for cultural preservation
Impact of diet variation on growth performance, feeding efficiency, health condition and water quality of juvenile short-finned eel (Anguilla bicolor)
No full textThis study aimed to assess the effects of three different types of feed on the growth and feeding performance, water quality and health condition of short-finned eel (Anguilla bicolor) juvenile. This experiment was conducted for 31 days and involved a total of 180 fish with initials of body weight of 202.89±3.80 g and total length of 44.33±0.6 cm. The fish were divided into three groups , with each group were fed with different types of diets: 1) Japfa dough feed (JDF), 2) dough feed made of from grinded marine pellet (GDF) and 3) pelleted feed (PF). Each treatment was prepared in triplicate. The findings revealed that the pellet-type feed (PF) significantly improved the overall growth performance including survival rate (100.00%) and specific growth rate (3.176±1.08 %/day) with excellent feeding performance recorded with lower feed conversion ratio (2.15±0.9) and high protein efficiency ratio (1.15±0.45). Histological examination of the intestine and liver showed no notable differences in condition of fish in all treatments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that PF is an effective feed and beneficial for improving growth and feeding performance while maintaining health condition of short-finned eel juveniles hence it suggests the potential for developing a promising feed in the future for eel aquaculture industry
Biological aspects of slipper lobster (Thenus orientalis) on West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia
No full textTeoh C-F, Yong AS-K, Ihsan YN, Sahari NSB, Alvicius A, Radzi IHB, Tuzan AD. 2025. Biological aspects of slipper lobster (Thenus orientalis) on West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 26: 1443-1452. Thenus orientalis, a highly sought-after Scyllaridae species, is a promising aquaculture candidate. The acquisition of reliable fishery statistics is critical to reducing overfishing risks and understanding its biological aspects, ensuring long-term viability and sustainable practices. This study analyzed the biological characteristics of sex composition, monthly sex ratio, and size frequency distribution of 922 T. orientalis (473 males and 449 females; 47.24-99.02 mm Carapace Length; CL) collected at bimonthly intervals of 10 months from April 2019 to January 2020 from the West Coast of Sabah, Malaysia and the reproductive biology of ovarian maturation stages, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and size at first maturity of 179 females (46.24-82.66 mm CL), has practical implications for aquaculture. The overall sex ratio was found to be 1:0.95 (χ²: 0.54, P=0.46), with the highest abundance of males sampled between November and December. Thenus orientalis is distributed with an average size of approximately 64.14 mm CL, with males dominating smaller size classes (<65 mm CL) and females dominating the larger size classes. The ovarian development of T. orientalis was observed to progress through five stages: immature, early maturing, late maturing, mature, and spent, correlating with changes in the GSI ranging from 0.1256 (immature) to 2.8942 (mature). The peak of GSI coincided with lobster maturity and was accompanied by conspicuous color changes from transparent immature to dark orange mature ovaries. The monthly distribution of the different maturity stages of ovaries and ovigerous females indicated the spawning season of T. orientalis is definitely between October and May, with a major peak occurring in January and a minor peak in May. Female T. orientalis was found to reach Sexual Maturity (SMy-50) at 51.9 cm CL. This understanding of the reproductive biology of T. orientalis has practical implications for sustainable aquaculture, enhancing breeding programs and hatchery productivity and contributing to ecological studies by evaluating population resilience and environmental impact on reproduction