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Integrating technology through the flipped classroom approach in English language education
No full textThis study explored how English language educators in Sabah public tertiary institutions integrated technology through the Flipped Classroom approach. Using a qualitative case study involving interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, the findings revealed that educators leveraged ICT and multimedia tools to facilitate active learning. Encouraging students to engage with instructional materials before class allowed educators to maximise classroom time for discussions and collaborative activities. This approach enhanced student engagement and supported essential 21st Century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and citizenship. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOIT), the study examined factors influencing educators’ adoption of technology, including perceived usefulness, and ease of use. The findings highlighted opportunities and challenges in effectively integrating technology within English language courses. Additionally, this study provided practical insights for future educators to improve the use of technology in English language courses
Tourism impacts and community sustainability: a qualitative study of Kobuni village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque village, Philippines
No full textCommunity-based tourism (CBT) has been recognized as a pathway to sustainable regional development, balancing economic opportunities with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. This study explores the impacts of CBT development in Kobuni Village, Malaysia, and Albuquerque Village, Philippines, based on narratives from three key informants who are community leaders and top management. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically, revealing four key themes: economic impacts, socio-cultural contributions, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. The findings show that both villages have successfully leveraged tourism to enhance livelihoods, cultural pride, and environmental awareness, albeit through different approaches. Kobuni Village emphasizes inclusive participation, structured community engagement, and environmental innovation, while Albuquerque Village highlights cultural entrepreneurship and heritage-based product development. Despite differing approaches, both communities demonstrate how tourism can be developed in ways that align with local values, strengthen social cohesion, and support long-term sustainability. This study affirms the role of community leadership and engagement in shaping positive tourism experiences and outcomes in rural settings
Effect of Al2O3, RHF, and RHA on gamma shielding and mechanical properties of TeO2-Based glass using Phy-X/PSD
No full textRadiation attenuation behaviour of TeO2–ZnO–Bi2O3–Na2O–Er2O3 with the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles (NP), rice husk fiber (RHF), and rice husk ash (RHA) was investigated using Phy-X/PSD software. The mass attenuation coefficients of the chosen glasses were measured from 0.015 to 3 MeV. The results showed that increasing the RHF concentration of the glasses or decreasing the Al2O3 component of the glass system enhances the mass attenuation coefficient of the material. At low energy, there is a significant difference between the mass attenuation coefficients values of the samples with the lowest and highest Al2O3 content, where the difference is 0.05118 cm2/g at 0.015 MeV. TZNERHF had higher mass attenuation coefficients (0.05402 cm2/g), and TZNETiAl8 had the highest mass attenuation coefficients, with a value of 0.05357 cm2/g at 1.173 MeV. The results showed a decreasing trend in the half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP) when the density increased from 5.12555 to 5.23882 g/cm3 and attenuation ability improved. Subsequently, the influence of Al2O3 on Zeff values became more considerable as Zeff values increased. The shielding qualities of their glass samples are also superior to commercial window glass and common shielding concrete. Thus, the glass samples can be used with excellent advantage as radiation shielding materials. The findings showed that adding RHF and lower Al2O3 enhanced the studied samples' radiation shielding properties. The results show that the TZNERHF glass sample has the highest mechanical properties. Thus, the TZNERHF sample is better than the other glass samples
Benefits of pre-digested feed to improve growth performance and digestive health of juvenile barramundi (Lates Calcarifer)
No full textA 35-day experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of feed that had been predigested using rumen microbes and Bacillus sp. on feed efficiency, protease enzyme activity in the digestive system, intestinal histology, glycogen levels, and RNA and DNA ratios, as well as growth and survival of barramundi fish (Lates calcarifer). This experiment evaluated four feeding treatments based on different biomass percentages (3, 4, 5, and 6%) under controlled rearing conditions, with each treatment designed in a triplet. All four treatments were filled with barramundi (average weight: 1.08 ± 0.01 g). The results showed that fish fed 5% and 6% biomass levels exhibited significantly higher total feed consumption, protein retention, FUE, glycogen levels, RNA/DNA ratio, daily growth rate, and absolute growth (P<0.05) compared to other treatments. This treatment also exhibited a lower FCR value compared to other treatments. The overall body chemical composition of fish shows an increase in crude protein and crude fat compared to 4–3% of fish/biomass. The average length of the villi and the highest absorption area were observed at a feeding rate of 5%. In contrast, feeding with 3% and 4% biomass resulted in reduced nutrient uptake and suboptimal growth performance. These findings suggest that the addition of predigested feed with rumen microbes and Bacillus sp., particularly at 5–6% of the biomass, significantly improves digestive efficiency and supports optimal growth in juvenile L. calcarifer. This study highlights the potential for microbial fermentation in feed to produce several advantages, improving the performance of aquaculture feed through increased nutrient availability and enzymatic support
Seismic vulnerability assessment of non-seismically designed buildings in moderate earthquake zone
No full textThis study evaluates the seismic vulnerability of non-seismically designed buildings in moderate earthquake located in Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia using the FEMA P-154 Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) methodology and EMS-98 damage descriptions. The buildings, primarily constructed between the 1970s and early 2000s, were designed to support gravity and wind loads rather than seismic forces. Although it is on the tectonically stable southern Eurasia plate, the region experienced significant building damage during a magnitude Mw 6 earthquake in 2015 due to local faults. Field assessments of 215 buildings collected data on characteristics such as number of stories, construction year, occupancy, soil type, geological hazards, pounding, structural irregularities, and exterior falling hazards. Damage levels were categorized by structural type, including concrete moment-resisting frames (C1), concrete frames with unreinforced masonry infills (C3), and light wood frames (W1). The results indicate that in Ranau, 4%, 20%, 9%, and 68% of buildings were categorized as Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 damage categories, respectively. In Lahad Datu, 62% and 38% were classified as Levels 3 and 4. Vertical irregularities, such as short columns in Ranau and split-level configurations in Lahad Datu, along with horizontal irregularities such as reentrant corners and misaligned beam-column connections, contributed significantly to structural vulnerability. These findings highlight the critical influence of architectural design on the reduction of seismic risk in moderate seismic regions and the need to improve design strategies for earthquake resilience
Overcoming Tetracycline Pollution in soils through the addition of a mycorrhizal fungal species funneliformis mosseae
No full textThe presence of residual antibiotics in the black soils of northeastern China poses a significant threat to food safety. This study investigated the potential of Funneliformis mosseae, one of the predominant biocontrol fungi in northeastern China, to mitigate the negative effects of tetracycline contamination (40 mg kg⁻¹) in soil. Advanced biotechnological methods were employed to assess plant growth, soil microbial antioxidant enzyme activity, and soil fertility. Additionally, changes in microbial diversity, composition, and abundance at both the phylum and genus levels were analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA and ITS gene regions of soil microorganisms. The results demonstrated that F. mosseae colonization in tetracycline-contaminated soils significantly improved soybean growth. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in the soybean plants further contributed to increased resistance against tetracycline stress. Notably, F. mosseae colonization was associated with lower tetracycline levels, elevated total nitrogen (TN) content in the soil, alongside a shift in microbial diversity and abundance favoring nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This indicated that F. mosseae colonization influenced the bacterial and fungal community composition, altering the relative abundance of dominant microbial taxa and modulating the overall soil microenvironment. In conclusion, the application of F. mosseae effectively mitigated tetracycline-induced stress, improved soil health, and provided a promising strategy for the bioremediation of antibiotic-contaminated agricultural soils
The enlightenment of Huayin Qimeng on the use of Yi language and Yi language education
No full textHuayin Qimeng, a representative spoken Chinese textbook from abroad, provides significant insights for the education of minority languages, specifically in the context of Yi language instruction. This study initially examines the compilation logic and educational attributes of Huayin Qimeng through textual analysis. This study examines the interplay between language policy and sociolinguistic theory, focusing on their effects on language attitudes and identity. Through comparative analysis, the experience of Huayin Qimeng is associated with the present condition of Yi language education, emphasizing the deficiencies of Yi oral language textbooks, the intricacies of learners' language attitudes, and the constraints faced by teachers in utilizing the textbooks. The research indicates that the communicative orientation, scenario-based design, and cultural integration present in Huayin Qimeng provide valuable insights for tackling the existing issues in Yi language education, including the dominance of written textbooks, insufficient communicativeness, and a disconnection between identity and usage. This strategy can enhance learners' positive language attitudes and ethnic identification by utilizing the functional capabilities of Yi language textbooks, including elements of ethnic culture, and integrating teacher development, so supporting the use and preservation of the Yi language
Bat (Mammalia: Chiroptera) Diversity of the Taliwas River conservation area, Lahad Datu, Sabah
No full textUnderstanding species diversity and distribution is essential for informing conservation strategies, particularly in lesser-explored forest habitats. This study provides the first species checklist of bats in the Taliwas River Conservation Area (TRCA), a forest reserve adjacent to the Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) in Sabah, Malaysia. A four-night bat survey was conducted from June 8–11, 2022, using mist nets and harp traps placed along three forest interior trails. A total of 16 bat species comprising 61 individuals were recorded across four families: Pteropodidae (4 spp.), Rhinolophidae (6 spp.), Hipposideridae (3 spp.), and Vespertilionidae (3 spp.). The insectivorous Hipposideros cf. saevus (formerly Hipposideros ater) was the most frequently captured species (21 individuals), while Pteropus vampyrus (n = 4) was visually observed feeding on Octomeles sumatrana (Binuang) nectar near the main camp. Two species of high conservation concern were recorded: the Endangered P. vampyrus and the Vulnerable Hipposideros ridleyi. The detection of multiple forest-interior species, including individuals showing reproductive signs, suggests that the TRCA provides suitable habitat for both foraging and roosting. These results highlight the conservation relevance of the TRCA as a complementary area to the broader DVCA landscape. Future studies incorporating long-term monitoring, acoustic detection, and habitat quality comparisons between protected and adjacent modified landscapes are recommended to inform site-based conservation management
Unheard voices: Smokers' support for anti-smoking campaigns
No full textTobacco use remains a significant global public health challenge, with considerable health, social, and economic consequences. In Malaysia, anti-smoking campaigns like the long-standing "Tak Nak Merokok" and the 2019 "Speak Out" campaign have raised awareness about smoking dangers, with "Speak Out" empowering non-smokers to reprimand smokers and protect themselves. However, understanding smokers' attitudes toward these campaigns is essential for improving their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate smokers' perception of anti-smoking campaigns that encourage people to stand up, reprimand smokers who smoke around them, and protect themselves from secondhand and thirdhand smoke, as well as the factors that influence these perceptions. Data were collected from a survey conducted by the Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, in 2019, involving 3,453 respondents aged 18 and above, with 217 identifying as smokers. The survey examined respondents' smoking behaviours, awareness of secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and their outrage to reprimand smokers who smoke in public places spaces. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The results revealed significant differences in attitudes based on demographic factors and smoking behaviours. Younger respondents were more likely to support reprimanding smokers in public, while those with family members or housemates who smoked were less willing to take action. Awareness of the dangers of secondhand and thirdhand smoke significantly influenced respondents' likelihood to reprimand smokers. Logistic regression analysis identified key predictors, with respondents who perceived secondhand smoke as harmful being six times more likely to reprimand smokers in public. These findings emphasize the importance of considering demographic and behavioural factors in the design of future anti-smoking campaigns, offering valuable insights to enhance their reach and impact in reducing smoking prevalence in Malaysia
Synthesis, structural elucidation, fire retardancy and mechanical properties of cyclotriphosphazene derivatives blended with polyurethane lacquer as wood coatings
No full textThis study synthesized cyclotriphosphazene derivatives and evaluated their fire retardancy and mechanical properties for use in wood coatings. Two hexasubstituted cyclotriphosphazene derivatives with dodecyl and hydroxy groups were successfully synthesized. These compounds were subsequently characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy and CHN elemental analysis. The thermal stability of the cyclotriphosphazene compounds was assessed using TGA, while the fire-retardant properties of each coating were evaluated through LOI. Both compounds exhibited good fire retardancy compared to pure epoxy resin, with LOI values of 24.71 (dodecyl) and 25.80 (hydroxy) wt.%, respectively. The LOI results show that coatings made with these nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing compounds demonstrated a significantly improved retardant effect when combined with polyurethane lacquer, compared to polyurethane alone. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties of these derivatives were analysed to assess potential drawbacks of the additives. The essential indicators of the quality of the lacquered wood panel surfaces were: the determination of resistance to household chemicals (ASTM D 1308-2), determination of temperature change resistance (ASTM D1211-97 (2001)), determination of adhesion: cross-cut test (ISO 2409-2007(E)), determination of impact (BS 3962 Part 6:1980) and determination of abrasion (ASTM 4060-10). These tests revealed that the performance of the surface coating systems was significantly influenced by the coating formulation