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Effects of marine-based protein sources feed and amino acid supplementation on feeding response of slipper lobster Thenus orientalis
No full textAlthough fish meal (FM) is a common ingredient in aquaculture feeds, lobsters often reject these formulated feeds. Attractants can help improve feed intake in crustaceans. In this study, the response of Thenus orientalis to different protein sources and amino acids was investigated. T. orientalis was fed with marine-based proteins (FM, Acetes meal (AM), scallop meal (SM), and squid meal (SQM)) and amino acids (L-glutamic acid monosodium salt monohydrate (GlA), betaine (Bet) and glycine (Gly)) at different inclusion levels. The total intake rate (TIR) for each diet was calculated using behavioural tests. T. orientalis favoured the SQM diet with a TIR of 100%, but chemoattractants reduced the TIR, especially in the SQM diet. The amino acid interactions in SQM diets were promising. Differences between amino acid additions within AM diets were insignificant; however, the combination of GlA and Gly added to the AM diet promoted better TIR compared to other treatments. The SQM diet alone was effective, while diets enriched with amino acids had different effects. The study suggests amino acid combinations in different protein sources influence T. orientalis feeding behaviour
The potential of noodles incorporated with green seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera as a low‑glycaemic food
No full textCaulerpa lentillifera has emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with some of the reported biological activi�ties including anti-diabetic and anti-hyperglycaemic properties, which could be useful in managing and preventing diabetes mellitus. Our previous research fndings have demonstrated the sensorial acceptability of incorporating green seaweed C. lentillifera into noodles at a concentration level of 2.5% among consumers. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the hypoglycaemic efects of noodles incorporated with 2.5% C. lentillifera powder (CLP), CLP2.5, alongside a control noodle, CLP0, and noodles with CLP5.0 by conducting a glycaemic trial involving healthy respondents (n=10). The present study demonstrated that noodles incorporated with CLP caused a signifcant (p<0.05) hypoglycaemic efect in the spike of post�prandial blood glucose levels as compared to the control noodles (without CLP). Corresponding to the lowered postprandial glucose levels of CLP noodles, the glycaemic study conducted categorised the CLP noodles as a low glycaemic index (GI) food, as their GI scores were lower than 55 (CLP2.5=47, CLP5.0=43). In conclusion, the incorporation of CLP infuenced the glycaemic index of the noodles, shedding light on its potential as a functional ingredient for glycaemic management
The effect of chronic microplastic exposure on the growth, biochemical responses, and histological changes of the juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra
No full textMicroplastics (MPs) are minuscule plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, originating from the degradation of larger plastic debris. MPs originate from various sources and pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem. Holothuria scabra is a species of sea cucumber with high commercial value and among the organisms affected by MPs pollution. H. scabra are also crucial in maintaining a clean seabed and recycling nutrients in the ocean ecosystem. Polymethymethacrylate (PMMA), a durable and transparent plastic polymer widely used as a glass alternative in maritime and other industries. This research aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of polymethylmethacrylate-MPs on the well-being of juvenile sea cucumber H. scabra. Over a 60-day treatment period, polymethylmethacrylate MPs were exposed to the juvenile sea cucumber diet at concentrations of 0.6 MPs/g (Treatment 1), 1.2 MPs/g (Treatment 2), and 10 MPs/g (Treatment 3) while a control group which received no MPs exposure to observe changes in their growth, biochemical responses, and histological alteration. The mean weight, weight gain percentage and specific growth rate exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) with the control group displaying the highest SGR value of 1.22 ± 0.35%. Mortality was observed in treatment 2 and 3, respectively. A disruption in enzyme activity was also observed across all treatment groups (p < 0.05). The findings of growth rates and biochemical responses were further supported by histological observation, uncovering injuries and loss of cellular components in respiratory trees and intestines. This study enhances our understanding of the toxicity mechanism associated with PMMA-MPs in deposit feeder organisms
Prevalence of chikungunya virus infection in Sabah, Malaysia during 2017–2020
No full textBackground Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus and an emerging global health threat. Most research on CHIKV in Malaysia has primarily focused on Peninsular Malaysia, with limited data on its distribution in the endemic regions of Borneo, particularly Sabah. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CHIKV infection in Sabah, Malaysia. Methods A total of 130 serum samples, comprising 74 from febrile patients and 56 healthy individuals were collected between 2017 and 2018. Subsequently, 188 serum samples were obtained from febrile patients in Sabah, Malaysia during 2019–2020. All samples underwent quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the detection of the CHIKV genome. Additionally, serological tests were conducted to identify anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies. Serologically positive samples were further validated using neutralization assays to confirm the presence of CHIKV-specific antibodies. Results In 2017–2018, 16 out of 130 samples (12.3%) tested positive for recent CHIKV infections based on CHIKV RT-qPCR or anti-CHIKV IgM results, while in 2019–2020, 7 out of 188 samples (3.7%) showed recent infections. Among the 16 recent CHIKV-positive cases in 2017–2018, four were asymptomatic individuals. In 2017–2018, 24 (18.4%) individuals tested positive for anti-CHIKV IgG, with 15 (11.5%) showing positive neutralization test results. In 2019– 2020, 20 (10.6%) febrile patients were seropositive for anti-CHIKV IgG, with 17 (9.0%) showing CHIKV neutralization positivity. The CHIKV infection rate in Sabah was higher during 2017–2018 compared to 2019–2020. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report confirming the presence of CHIKV in both patients and healthy individuals in Sabah using RT-qPCR and neutralization tests. Although the likelihood of transmission from asymptomatic individuals is low, they still present a considerable public health risk. Our results indicate that both basic scientists and clinicians should consider CHIKV when diagnosing febrile patients, and policymakers should put in place effective surveillance and control measures. Keywords CHIKV, Real time PCR, Neutralization test, Saba
Exploring the adoption of sustainable omni‑channel grocery technologies among Generation Z in Malaysia: The moderating role of risk mitigation for perishability
No full textAdvancements in technology have allowed businesses in Malaysia to shift from a multi-channel strategy to an omni-channel approach. Despite this change, there have been limited studies on Malaysian consumers' readiness to embrace omni-channel retailing, specifically grocery shopping. Moreover, the idea of a seamless shopping experience across different channels is relatively new in Malaysia. This research confirmed the legitimacy of UTAUT2 in omni-channel grocery retailing, taking into account risk mitigation of product perishability as a factor affecting customer purchase intention. The survey included 250 Generation Z respondents, with data analysis conducted using partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Unlike past research, the direct correlation showed that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions were the only factors that had a significant connection with omni-channel grocery buying intention. The moderating effect showed that risk mitigation for perishable product only significantly interacts with effort expectancy and price in relation to omni-channel grocery purchase intention. The research provides both theoretical and practical knowledge on Generation Z customers' preparedness for using technology in omni-channel grocery shopping. Furthermore, this research offered helpful recommendations for retailers who use omni-channel strategies to develop their omni-channel customer base
Optimal technological approaches for enhancing construction site layout planning efficiency
No full textThe layout design of a construction site includes the careful planning and placement of all necessary facilities to support various construction operations and tasks before building begins. The purpose is to figure out the optimal location for all essential facilities and enhance the resources and processes for the construction project. This strategy frequently results in imprecise planning of the site layout, dependent on experience, basic 2D drawings, and intuition. The unique environment and spatial limitations of each construction site can result in inaccurate site layout plans. Therefore, this study to identify technology strategies that can be adopted to improve construction site layout planning. The research used a quantitative methodology to gather data from designated respondents, specifically the G7 building contractors registered with CIDB in Johor. Sixty-five (65) respondents completed the questionnaires. The respondents comprised 21 quantity surveyors, 17 site supervisors or engineers, 11 other supervisory construction professionals, 7 project managers, 5 engineers (including electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural), and 4 safety officers. The data analysis conducted using SPSS employed descriptive methods, including frequency and mean analyses. Various factors using to identified which technology can enhancing construction site layout planning efficiency including visualization capabilities, time savings, accuracy and reliability, collaboration and communication and user-friendliness. The results demonstrated that building information modelling (BIM) was favoured as the technology most likely to improve planning for building site layouts, achieving a mean score of 3.94, while virtual reality (VR) was seen to have the least potential, with a mean score of 3.58. In conclusion, this study highlights the consequences of insufficient construction site layout planning to alert site layout planners to be more mindful of inadequate and simple layout planning. This study advocates for the gradual integration of this technology into existing methodologies for planning construction site layouts to enhance their efficacy. This is due to its significant ability to generate and provide more precise and dependable blueprints for construction site layouts
Kepimpinan instruksional pengetua dan kualiti guru sekolah menengah TS25 di Sabah
Get PDFKajian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti hubungan kepemimpinan instruksional pengetua dengan kualiti guru sekolah menengah TS25 di Sabah. Kajian ini berbentuk bukan eksperimental dan menggunakan kaedah tinjauan. Teknik pensampelan yang digunakan adalah kaedah pensampelan rawak berperingkat. Instrumen soal selidik kajian daripada Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) dan adaptasi daripada beberapa kajian lepas untuk kualiti guru. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan satu set borang soal selidik ke atas 418 orang guru. Data dianalisis menggunakan perisian IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa min kepimpinan instruksional pengetua berada pada tahap yang tinggi, (min=4.12; sisihan piawai=0.35). Manakala, kualiti guru juga pada tahap yang tinggi (min=4.06; sisihan piawai=0.45). Hubungan kepimpinan instruksional pengetua dengan kualiti guru (r=.578, sig.(2-tailed)=0.000(p<0.05) menunjukkan hubungan yang sederhana kuat, dan nilai menunjukkan terdapatnya hubungan variabel kepimpinan instruksional pengetua dengan kualiti guru TS25 di Sabah. Implikasi kajian ini memberikan mesej kepada semua pihak yang berada dalam sistem pendidikan supaya sentiasa bersedia untuk berubah demi melestarikan hasrat PPPM 2013-2025. Usaha peningkatan kepimpinan instruksional harus diteruskan tanpa mengabaikan peningkatan kemahiran pengurusan dan komitmen guru. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini diharapkan dapat dijadikan bacaan semua pihak untuk menambah pengetahuan kepimpinan sekolah
Assessing public attitudes towards E-Waste recycling: Case study of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
No full textE-waste refers to those electrical and electronic appliances that are still in use, then degraded and ready to be disposed of by consumers. Malaysia is not excluded from facing this global environmental issue. Hence, this cross-sectional study was conducted among 936 respondents in the residential area (door-to-door) as well as public spaces such as shopping malls and recreational areas to determine the attitude of the public in Kuala Lumpur towards the E-waste recycling activity. Using this cross-sectional approach, the respondents are chosen by ensuring they fit the inclusion criteria – 18 years old and above, Malaysian, living in Kuala Lumpur, and willing to participate. It is considered a large sample size where a larger sample size provides more power. Based on the findings, the study underlined a significant p-value between gender and occupation with the level of attitude towards E-waste recycling as reported at 0.005 and 0.008, respectively. It was also identified that female respondents and those working in the private sector are among the respondents with a good attitude. According to the results, respondents with other demographic backgrounds require room for improvement to ensure the public can manage this environmental issue at every level. These findings offer information on the current attitude towards E-waste recycling among the general population in Kuala Lumpur. Where it will facilitate the national goal of sustainable waste management, aligning with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, and Net Zero by 2050
The role of regional original income, regional size, and transfer funds in improving regional financial performance
No full textThis study analyzes the implementation of the regional autonomy system after the transition from a centralized system, focusing on evaluating the financial performance of local governments through aspects of independence, effectiveness, and regional financial growth. The main factors influencing local financial performance are local government size, local own-source revenue (PAD), and transfer fund management. This study offers a new contribution by examining the simultaneous influence of PAD, regional size, and transfer funds on regional financial performance, especially in Tarakan City, which has unique geographical and socioeconomic characteristics. The results of this study provide important insights for local governments in designing more effective and efficient financial management strategies. In addition, these findings are expected to be a reference for policymakers in formulating transfer fund allocation formulas and PAD optimization to improve regional financial performance sustainably. This research method uses a descriptive quantitative approach with a purposive sampling technique. The data used is secondary quantitative data, and the analysis is conducted using multiple linear regression with classical assumption tests. The results show that PAD has a positive effect on regional financial performance, supporting financial independence. In contrast, regional size has a negative effect, reflecting resource management challenges in larger regions. Fund transfers have a positive effect, confirming their role in improving regional financial performance. This research also opens up opportunities for further studies on the relationship between regional financial management and regional economic development
Vietnam-China economic cooperation: An ambivalent engagement
No full textSoutheast Asia holds a significant role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR). Despite the substantial power asymmetry between Southeast Asian nations and China, their responses to the BRI vary, falling into categories such as “the embracers”, “the cautious collaborators”, and “the sceptics”. Vietnam, specifically, has been categorised as “the sceptic” due to the absence of BRI-labelled projects and limited uptake of BRI loans, despite offering diplomatic support to the initiative and joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a founding member. This article contends that such a label fails to capture Vietnam’s overall economic engagement with China, which can be characterised as “ambivalent engagement”. It argues that while Vietnam exhibits passive resistance towards the BRI, it actively engages in trade, investment, project contracting in energy sector, and economic corridor cooperation with China. This characterisation aligns with Vietnam’s established strategy of engaging with China through a combination of “both cooperation and struggle”. These diverse patterns of agency can be understood through the lens of elite legitimation and external alternatives. By doing so, this article seeks to enrich Kuik’s typology on host-country agency within the context of Southeast Asian states’ responses to the BRI and economic collaboration with China, thereby contributing to the literature on the asymmetry-authority framework