17362 research outputs found
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Creative and active learning of the history of Islamic education using the near pod application
No full textThe study of Islamic educational history, vital for intellectual society’s development, is often reduced to rote memorization, placing a cognitive burden on students and diminishing its contemporary relevance. This qualitative case study explored the potential of the Nearpod application to promote creative and active learning of Islamic educational history among Malaysian trainee teachers. Thematic analysis of reflections from 93 first-year trainee teachers revealed four key findings: Nearpod enhanced concentration and comprehension through engaging and interactive experiences; fostered a deeper emotional connection to Islamic history, making learning more meaningful; inspired trainee teachers to develop innovative approaches for teaching Islamic history; and presented challenges due to internet connectivity issues. Nearpod’s multimedia features - audio, video, and interactive questions—created an immersive learning environment, significantly improving understanding, motivation, and enthusiasm for continuous learning. Despite technological challenges, the integration of Nearpod transformed the teaching of Islamic history, addressing the urgent need for engaging and relevant pedagogical methods. These findings highlighted the potential of Nearpod to make Islamic educational history more accessible and impactful. The study’s results carried significant implications for teacher training programs and Islamic education, suggesting that technology-driven approaches could modernize traditional subjects effectively
Designing a culturally adaptive information framework for anxiety disorders: A mixed-methods thematic analysis in Malaysia
No full textThis study addresses critical gaps in Malaysia's mental health landscape by developing a culturally adaptive framework for anxiety disorder resources, where only 28% of adults recognize symptoms due to cultural stigma and poor resource design. Our key contribution is a user-centered framework integrating visual-interactive tools with cultural adaptation strategies to improve accessibility and literacy. The objective was to investigate how information design can overcome barriers, using a mixed-methods approach with 12 anxiety disorder patients (screened via DASS-21). Findings revealed: (1) format preferences (infographics: 40%, videos: 35%, simulations: 25%), (2) accessibility barriers (technical language: 45%, lack of credible sources: 65%, insufficient examples: 30%), and (3) demand for demographic personalization (age-targeted content: 78%, mood-tracking tools: 62%). Quantitative results showed strong alignment between preferred formats and comprehension gains (infographics improved understanding by 40% vs. text). The novelty lies in merging cognitive load theory with Malay cultural values (familial collectivism, Islamic coping mechanisms) into actionable design principles. Our framework demonstrates that culturally tailored visual- interactive content increases engagement by 35-40% compared to generic materials, while simplified Malay Language reduces stigma-related avoidance by 28%. These ideas translate into three evidence-based strategies: (a) minimalist visual formats to reduce cognitive load, (b) family- involved examples to respect collectivism, and (c) hybrid delivery (online/offline) for rural accessibility. The study provides policymakers with metrics-backed guidance, showing SMS-based hybrid tools achieve 58% adherence in low-bandwidth areas versus 22% for chatbots. Future work should validate scalability in larger cohorts and test AR/VR adaptations (requested by 70% of youth participants). This research advances both mental health communication theory and practical interventions for Southeast Asia's multicultural contexts
Successful assisted conception in a case of recalcitrant chronic urticaria treated with omalizumab: A case report
No full textChronic urticaria (CU) is a debilitating disease characterized by recurrent wheals, angioedema, or both, lasting for at least six weeks. Although self-limiting, it remains a challenging condition to manage, particularly in patients with specific comorbidities. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with recalcitrant CU and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), along with a history of adverse obstetric events. Her CU was successfully treated with subcutaneous omalizumab, providing excellent symptom control and enhancing her quality of life. Subsequently, she underwent an uneventful assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedure with a meticulously timed, resulting in the birth of healthy twins. This case highlights the role of omalizumab in treating recalcitrant CU during the preconception period and its continuation throughout pregnancy. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach in achieving a successful outcome
PLS-SEM approach: Validity and reliability of a questionnaire on context, input, process and acceptance of stem implementation in Malaysia
No full textThis study aims to test the validity and reliability of the context, input, process, and acceptance of STEM implementation questionnaires for secondary school teachers in Malaysia. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SMARTPLS 3.2.3 software was used to do the analysis. The study involved 825 secondary school teachers using stratified random sampling. Based on composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha values, the Reflective Measurement Model showed that there was internal consistency reliability. Convergent validity was also achieved through outer loading analysis and average variance extracted (AVE). It also met the criteria for discriminant validity based on the Fornell-Larcker Criterion, Cross Loading, and the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio (HTMT). The findings of this study demonstrate that this questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing STEM implementation among secondary school teachers in Malaysia. These results have a significant impact on educators and policymakers when they evaluate and enhance STEM programmes. Further studies are necessary to examine the predictive validity of this instrument in various educational contexts and to assess its capability to monitor changes in STEM implementation over time
Effect of torrefaction temperature on the elemental composition of bamboo biomass
No full textMalaysia’s commitment to achieving 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) necessitates exploration of sustainable biomass sources. Gigantochloa levis bamboo, known for its rapid growth and high yield, is a promising candidate but suffers from high moisture content and low energy density, limiting its direct use as a solid biofuel. This study investigates the effects of torrefaction at 220–300 °C on the physicochemical and fuel properties of G. levis. Results demonstrate that torrefaction significantly improves fuel quality by increasing carbon content (from 45.6% to 67.9%) and decreasing oxygen content, which enhances the atomic O/C ratio and chemical stability. The higher heating value (HHV) increased by 73%, reaching 25.80 MJ/kg at 300 °C, indicating a substantial enhancement in energy density. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of raw bamboo revealed distinct pyrolysis stages, providing baseline thermal degradation data. These improvements highlight torrefaction as an effective thermochemical pretreatment to advance G. levis as a viable solid biofuel for biomass power generation. Future work will integrate TGA and combustion analyses of torrefied samples and conduct technoeconomic evaluations to assess scalability and practical implementation for large-scale bioenergy applications in Malaysia
In silico analysis and preliminary expression of antigenic fragments of OmpK and GAPDH of Vibrio species
No full textInfections by pathogenic marine Vibrio bacteria lead to high fatalities in grouper and cause systemic diseases in various fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, resulting in significant economic losses in the aquaculture industry. The use of antibiotics has led to antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture systems, prompting the exploration of vaccines as an alternative solution. Currently, full-length outer membrane protein K (OmpK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from various Vibrio species are being explored as vaccine candidates. However, little is known about the potential of using antigenic fragments. Moreover, no data exists on combining OmpK and GAPDH proteins as a bivalent vaccine candidate against vibriosis. This study investigates the potential of antigenic fragments from combined OmpK and GAPDH as a bivalent vaccine candidate against vibriosis. The amino acid sequences of OmpK and GAPDH proteins from three species known to infect fish-V. parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi, and V. alginolyticus-were retrieved from the GenBank database. Their physicochemical properties were analyzed using PROTEIN CALCULATOR, and antigenic fragment prediction was conducted using BepiPred, Emini Surface Accessibility, and Kolaskar & Tongaonkar Antigenicity methods from the IEDB Analysis Resource. The selected fragments were expressed using a pET30a vector in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3), linked by a flexible linker and tagged with a His-tag for purification. Overexpression was induced with IPTG, and the proteins were harvested and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. The sequences of OmpK and GAPDH showed high similarity, with more than 85% and 70% identity, respectively. Physicochemical properties varied between the proteins but were comparable within the same protein type across different species. Antigenic fragment prediction identified the fragments of Ile76-Phe151 and Ala140-Thr235 as the best epitope candidates for OmpK and GAPDH, respectively. Expression of the genes encoding these fragments demonstrated that the combined OmpK and GAPDH antigenic fragments were successfully expressed in a bivalent form in E. coli BL21(DE3), with approximately 50% of the expressed proteins being in soluble form. This study successfully demonstrated the expression of combined OmpK and GAPDH antigenic fragments from Vibrio species as potential bivalent vaccine candidates against vibriosis. Although the solubility of the fused OmpK-GAPDH protein needs improvement, this research opens new opportunities to explore the immune-protective potential of these fusion fragments against vibriosis in marine organisms
Numerasi budaya dan pelancongan pendidikan mengaplikasikan matematik hidup dalam konteks warisan Cina Sarawak
No full textKajian ini meneroka persimpangan numerasi budaya dan pelancongan pendidikan melalui aplikasi matematik hidup dalam konteks warisan Cina di Sarawak, Malaysia. Dengan menyepadukan kerja lapangan etnografi, pemerhatian penyertaan, dan analisis sumber awam dalam talian, penyelidikan mengkaji bagaimana konsep matematik tertanam dalam ungkapan budaya tradisional Cina seperti seni bina, simbolisme dan amalan perayaan. Data yang dikumpul daripada tapak warisan, pendidik tempatan dan pengamal budaya mendedahkan bagaimana matematik berfungsi sebagai elemen hidup yang membentuk identiti komuniti dan menyokong pembelajaran berasaskan pengalaman. Penemuan ini menyerlahkan potensi mengintegrasikan numerasi budaya ke dalam pelancongan pendidikan untuk menggalakkan penghargaan warisan, literasi matematik dan pembangunan pelancongan mampan. Kajian ini menyumbang kepada wacana yang semakin berkembang tentang etnomatematik dan meletakkan warisan Cina Sarawak sebagai platform dinamik untuk pendidikan matematik berasaskan budaya
Screening and characterization of thermostable lipases-producing bacteria from Sabah hot springs
No full textThis study was aimed to screen lipase-producing bacteria (LPB) from Tawau and Poring hot springs in Sabah, Malaysia, identify the best bacterium and characterize its lipolytic activity. Methodology and results: The sediment and water samples from the hot springs were used to screen for LPB using Luria-Bertani (LB) agar containing tributyrin as a screening medium at 50 °C. The screening process yielded eight LPB isolates (C1-C8) from the Poring hot spring sediment sample. The specific lipolytic activity of the crude enzymes obtained from these isolates against the p-nitrophenol palmitate substrate ranged from 0.01×10-2 U/mL (C7) to 6.90×10-2 U/mL (C5). The optimum temperature for their activity ranged from 40 °C (C6) to 75 °C (C5), indicating that they were These LPB isolates exhibited an optimum pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and were relatively stable in the presence of metal ions, detergents, or dimethyl sulfoxide. The LPB isolate with the highest optimum temperature activity (C5) was identified based on BLAST results of 16S rRNA gene sequence as a species of Serratia with an optimum growth temperature of 65 °C. Significance and impact of study: The study confirmed that Sabah hot springs are potential sources of thermostable LPB with unique properties that may be useful in lipid-processing-related industries
Bridging the rural education gap in Sabah: Challenges, innovations, and inclusive strategies for equitable access and quality learning
No full textThis study explores the persistent rural education gap in Sabah, Malaysia, focusing on the challenges, innovations, and inclusive strategies that shape equitable access and quality learning. Using a two-part research design, the study first gathered primary quantitative and qualitative data through online tools, supported by AI-assisted data collection methods to reach remote participants efficiently. Secondly, a Mixed-Methods Secondary Data Analysis (MMSDA) approach was employed to examine existing reports, policies, and academic literature. Findings reveal key barriers such as digital inequality, teacher shortages, and infrastructure limitations, while also highlighting emerging solutions including technology-driven learning, community involvement, and policy initiatives. The study contributes practical insights for educators, policy
Ai-supported development of a humanitarian character education model for rural Malaysian preschools: Historical perspectives and lessons from Japan
No full textThis study explores the development of an AI-supported humanitarian character education model tailored for rural Malaysian preschools, informed by historical perspectives and educational philosophies from Japan. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers collected primary quantitative and qualitative data through AI-assisted online tools, enabling efficient engagement with educators and stakeholders across diverse rural settings. Additionally, secondary data—including educational policies, historical frameworks, and scholarly literature from both Malaysia and Japan—were analyzed through a Mixed-Methods Secondary Data Analysis (MMSDA) framework. Drawing from Japanese models such as Makiguchi’s value-creating pedagogy and Obara’s whole-person education, the study identifies culturally adaptable principles that can inform the integration of moral and character education in rural preschool environments. The findings propose a conceptual framework that leverages AI technology while honoring local values and pedagogical integrity, offering a scalable solution for character formation in early childhood education