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Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater using modified cornstalk cellulose-derived poly(amidoxime) ligand
No full textThe use of modified cellulose for the removal of heavy metal ions is a promising method to enhance the efficiency of metal ion extraction from water. In this study, cellulose was grafted with acrylonitrile to produce a polyacrylonitrile-grafted cellulose. This product was further converted into a poly(amidoxime) ligand through amidoximation. The structures of the cellulose, grafted cellulose, and poly(amidoxime) ligand were characterized using FT-IR, FE-SEM, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A batch adsorption study was conducted to assess the polymer ligand’s ability to adsorb heavy metal ions, including Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Ni²⁺. The poly (amidoxime) ligand demonstrated exceptional Cu²⁺ adsorption capacity, primarily due to the complexation of amidoxime functional groups, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 310 mg g⁻¹ at an optimal pH of 6. Adsorption behavior was found to be pH-dependent, with various metal concentrations tested at a constant pH of 6. The Cu²⁺ ions exhibited highest adsorption capacity, followed by Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Ni²⁺, with adsorption capacities of 280, 240, 220, and 205 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The adsorption isotherms were well described by the Freundlich model, showing a high correlation coefficient (R² > 0.99), indicating a heterogeneous adsorption surface capable of forming multiple layers on the polymer ligand. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.997). This poly(amidoxime) ligand was able to remove 90–98 % of toxic metals from industrial wastewater, highlighting its potential for large-scale environmental applications. The development of poly(amidoxime) ligands from cellulosic materials offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to heavy metal ion extraction
Explaining financial sustainability by rationalising the life cycle theory and permanent income theory
No full textThis article emphasizes the dynamics interaction of household financial literacy with fundamental economic consumption theories and household context of financial sustainability. The underlying concept is to explore the complexity between household financial management knowledge in the form of money attitude, behaviours and household debt motivations. By synthesizing the fundamental two household economic consumption theories, namely Life Cycle Theory and Permanent Income Theory, this article proposes an initial framework for analyzing household debt within the context of long-term personal finance sustainability body of knowledge. The integration of these two theoretical foundations allows us to nuanced examination on the multifaced factors influencing sustainable financial practices. The crucial elements in understanding household consumption patterns, debt management and repayment sustainability, money matters attitudes, investment choices that offer reasoning mental issues in managed personal finance. Finally, this article aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding on how households navigate the complexities of financial decision-making across different household lifecycles in pursuit of financial stability
Eksplorasi gastronomi Kelantan melalui rekaan tipografi digital
No full textKelantan negeri yang terletak di timur laut Malaysia mempunyai tradisi masakan yang kaya dipengaruhi oleh budaya Melayu, Thai dan Cina, Kelantan sangat terkenal dengan keunikan serta digelar syurga makanan disebabkan oleh keunikan makanan yang ada di negeri Kelantan. Walaupun kaya dengan keunikan makanan, promosi dalam bentuk media baharu mengenai masakan yang berasal dari negeri Kelantan khususnya dalam rekaan tipografi masih kurang diberi perhatian. Kajian ini adalah bertujuan untuk mengembangkan serta meneroka mengenai perekaan tipografi dengan menggunakan tema makanan yang ada di negeri Kelantan sebagai salah satu eksplorasi dalam mempelbagaikan penggunaan media digital menerusi idea kreatif di samping mempromosikan makanan yang ada di negeri Kelantan dalam konteks tipografi digital. Dalam kajian ini, rekaan tipografi digital diteroka dengan menggunakan elemen makanan tradisional yang terdapat di negeri Kelantan sebagai asas utama. Kajian ini juga menilai bagaimana penggunaan tipografi digital dapat meningkatkan keterlihatan dan daya tarikan makanan Kelantan dalam konteks media baharu. Dengan memanfaatkan kreativiti dalam rekaan tipografi digital, kajian ini adalah bertujuan untuk mempromosikan makanan yang ada di negeri Kelantan kepada audiens dengan lebih meluas termasuk pelancong dan penduduk tempatan. Melalui pendekatan ini, bukan sahaja menawarkan cara baru dalam memperkenalkan makanan yang ada di negeri Kelantan, akan tetapi berpotensi untuk memajukan bidang komunikasi visual melalui penggunaan digital. Kajian ini juga meyumbang kepada perkembangan rekaan tipografi digital dan meningkatkan kesedaran tentang kekayaan gastronomi masakan negeri Kelantan
A bibliometric analysis of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and firm performance: A pathway to advancing SDG movement
No full textObjective: Companies engage in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities to enhance financial returns and demonstrate adherence to market practices. Despite the existence of ESG, corporate performance is often in conflict due to inconsistent results and arguments. Theoretical Framework: Reflecting on that, this study uses a combination of bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to examine the ESG literature and its impact on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By utilising this approach, researchers can enhance their comprehension of ESG advancements by conducting quantitative bibliometric analysis and systematic review. Method: Thus, this study presents a bibliometric analysis covering articles obtained from the Scopus Database published between 2016 and 2022. The co-occurrence analysis includes 233 keywords from 50 articles relevant to the study was evaluated using VOSviewer software. Results and Discussion: The initial study concluded 121 articles related to ESG and corporate performance. This study opted for articles from the disciplines of business, management, and economics. As a result, 87 documents were selected. Co-authorship analysis showed that ESG analysis was associated with five main continents: Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. Research Implications: An overview of trends and development directions is also provided in this study to visually show the current interest of the researcher in the topic. The analysis focuses on finding the best authors, the best journals, active institutions and the best citations of sustainable development research. Originality/Value: The bibliometric analysis effectively illustrates the evolution of ESG research and its potential to advance the SDGs, offering insights for future research in this field
Modelling the predictors of social media marketing on consumer buying behavior in Malaysia
No full textDespite the rapid increase in internet and mobile users in Malaysia, the growth of online purchases through social media platforms has not kept pace with this broader digital trend. This study investigates the key predictors that influence consumer buying behavior through social media marketing, with a specific focus on the roles of Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU) of these platforms. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 115 respondents in Malaysia who have experience making online purchases via mobile applications. The study also examines variations in consumer experiences based on demographic factors, including age, gender, education level, and geographic region. The findings indicate that both PEOU and PU are significant predictors that shape consumer buying behavior on social media platforms. This research provides valuable insights for marketers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their social media marketing strategies. By better understanding the factors driving consumer behavior in the Malaysian market, businesses can design more targeted and personalized campaigns for specific consumer segments, ultimately improving their competitive advantage in this digital landscape
A perspective on anti-inflammatory properties of Cleome gynandra
No full textCleome gynandra L. is a widely consumed leafy vegetable. This plant is grown as a weed and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions such as Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, this plant is known as 'maman' and is commonly consumed in stew and pickles. Cleome gynandra contains various natural bioactive including flavonol, glycoside, flavonoids, essential oils, bicyclic diterpenes, triterpenoids, coumarinolignoids and dipyridodiazepinone substances that have nutritional values and health-promoting characteristics. Numerous investigations have shown this plant exhibited significant pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-arthritic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Various reports showed that the C. gynandra extracts significantly reduced paw edema in adjuvant arthritis-induced rats. Nonetheless, a comprehensive review investigating the anti-inflammatory attributes of this plant has not yet been conducted. This paper aimed to explore the antiinflammatory activities of C. gynandra and its potential mechanism of action
Determinants of continuance usage intention of Fintech services (digital banking) in Malaysia: a conceptual framework
No full textPurpose: This research aims to develop a conceptual framework to understand the determinants of continuance usage intention among consumers in the Malaysian banking industry. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study will evaluate Gen Y and Z in Malaysia using a quantitative approach. Data will be collected through a survey questionnaire, and PLS will be used to validate hypotheses from a sample of 300 respondents. Findings: It is expected that trust will emerge as a significant determinant of continuance usage intention, indicating that consumers who perceive a higher level of trust in fintech services are more likely to continue using digital banking platforms. Research limitations/implications: This research relies on cross-sectional data, which may limit the ability to establish causal relationships among variables. Practical implications: The findings can offer practical insights to Malaysian banks and fintech providers, helping them enhance their services based on identified determinants. Policymakers can use the findings to formulate regulations that promote trust and encourage the continued usage of fintech services in Malaysia. Originality/value: To identify factors that influence the continued usage intention of fintech services in Malaysia's banking industry, we can consider several dimensions. These include perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust and security, user experience, social influence, technology readiness, and perceived cost and value. By incorporating these dimensions into a conceptual framework, researchers can provide a comprehensive analysis of the determinants of continuance usage intention of fintech services. The framework should be adapted and refined as research progresses and new insights emerge
Expert panel opinions on carbon sequestration through bamboo utilisation in Malaysia: Rehabilitation of tin mines
No full textTin mining was once crucial to Malaysia's economy, but its decline left large areas of land severely degraded with poor soils and minimal vegetation. Bamboo has become a promising alternative for ecological restoration in these areas, but the understanding of carbon sequestration using bamboo remains limited. The study has two main objectives: (1) to evaluate the existing practices of carbon sequestration using bamboo in Malaysia, and (2) to assess the benefits of bamboo cultivation for its ecological functions and economic viability. This study investigates the perspectives of experts on the use of bamboo for carbon sequestration, particularly in the rehabilitation of tin mines in Malaysia, through panel expert interviews. The results showed that carbon sequestration in Malaysia is still in its early stages. Understanding of bamboo's capacity to absorb CO₂ and release oxygen varies among stakeholders. The experts recommended two bamboo-based benefit models: (1) using bamboo for carbon sequestration on degraded tin mining land, and (2) producing high-value downstream bamboo products such as bamboo biochar, bamboo panels, bamboo-based food, and handicrafts. The panel identified major challenges to bamboo utilisation in Malaysia, including land use competition, the need for specialised knowledge in bamboo cultivation, effective regulations, funding, and the willingness of the industry to engage with relevant stakeholders. Bamboo's key characteristics include rapid growth, high carbon absorption capacity, and its ability to stabilise soil. Recommendations for improving the use of bamboo in tin mine rehabilitation include enhanced training programs for local farmers, revisions to government incentives and policies, and further research into suitable bamboo species for rehabilitating tin mines or degraded land
The pore water pressure changes on forested slopes in tropical humid climate area
No full textThis study investigates the pore water pressure and water content on a forested slope, focusing on the impact of canopy interception across various rainfall intensities. The study was performed on slopes in the Sukajaya Sub District of West Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, a region that encountered landslides in 2020. Soil hydraulic characteristics, soil textures, saturated water content, and soil moisture content at different pressures, were assessed at different slope locations and depths. The pore water pressure and water content change were simulated using the one-dimensional uniform (equilibrium) finite element model of water movement using the modified Richards and were executed with the HYDRUS 1D model across six scenarios of a combination of three rainfall events at two initial conditions of water content, contrasting bare and vegetated slopes of Maesopsis eminii, which exhibited 35% canopy interception. Findings demonstrate that bare soil attains saturation more rapidly, resulting in elevated pore water pressure and increased susceptibility to slope instability. Conversely, vegetated slopes have delayed saturation owing to canopy interception, which diminishes the volume of rainfall that reaches the soil. The results highlight the crucial function of vegetation in preserving slope stability by regulating soil water pressure and water content, particularly during intense rainfall events. This research enhances comprehension of how vegetated areas might reduce landslide hazards in high-rainfall environments
A study on allelopathy effects of dinoflagellate margalefidinum (cochlodinium) polykrikoides on pyrodinium bahamense
No full textThe dinoflagellate Margalefidinium polykrikoides, a fish killer, is found all over the world and is associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs). In this study, we investigated the allelopathy effects of M. polykrikoides on the growth of toxic dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense. Allelopathy effects of M. polykrikoides were studied using different volumes (10 mL, 20 mL, and 50 mL) of filtrate filtered from M. polykrikoides’s bloom collected from the field and cultured medium. The results showed that P. bahamense was inhibited significantly (p80%, but not in M. polykrikoides cell-free culture filtrate. In a bialgal, non-contact culture experiment of M. polykrikoides and P. bahamense at three different ratios was also conducted, separated by a 5µm membrane. The observation showed that at a ratio of 1:5 (100 cells mL-1 of M. polykrikoides: 500 cells mL-1 P. bahamense), P. bahamense cell number increased significantly (p<0.05) after Day 4. This study provides useful information on competing with P. bahamense and forming bloom to dominate the area occupied by M. polykrikoides