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Interpretations of Zoomorphic Images in the Painted Cave at Sarawak, Malaysia
Get PDFThe Painted Cave, located within in the Niah Cave Complex is a cave believed to have been inhabited by the Neolithic people. Inside the cave, there are numerous artefacts including boat-shaped coffins, jewelry made of shells, bones, and ceramics. There are also cave paintings drawn on the cave wall using hematite materials mixed with a mixture of plant liquid material. Zoomorphic refers to images of animals. In this cave, there are several animal images, which have not been adequately interpreted or understood. This paper examines these zoomorphic images which are significant to the community. The paper interprets the zoomorphic images found inside the cave by recording them digitally. The research re-produced the images using Adobe Photoshop’s digital software. By analysing the characteristics, this research identifies these images as being of chicken which it argues could have been important at the time. The paper concludes that the images demonstrate the significance of chicken during the Neolithic period as a source of food. Based on the premise that ancient people drew the images on the cave wall when they believed they are important as part of the history the paper argues that ancient society could have started consuming chicken as their source of protein at that time
Investigating Fertilizer Spreader Blades for Improved Flow Behaviours and Material Resilience in Palm Plantation Settings
Get PDFFertilizer spreaders play a crucial role in evenly distributing granule fertilizer across palm plantations. However, in specific areas where growth conditions are unsuitable, fertilizer application becomes unnecessary. Therefore, this study aims to improve granule fertilizer distribution efficiency through enhanced fertilizer blade design. Using Finite Element (FE) simulation, the stress deformation and deflection of the existing spreader blade were evaluated. Meanwhile, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was used to investigate the influence of spreader design on fertilizer projection speed and direction in the case of open and closed side discharge. The study revealed that the applied forces increased both the critical stress deformation and deflection. To ensure the fertilizer spreads properly over the desired area, the initial velocity had to be increased proportionally with an increase in the angle of direction. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of the relationship between fertilizer projection velocity, spreader blade strength, and flow behaviour, enabling the reduction of waste in granule fertilizer, while enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of fertilizer spreader
Transforming food systems in Maritime Southeast Asia and Pacific Small Island Developing States to support food security and sustainable healthy diets
Get PDFFood is one of the basic necessities for human life. Nutritious food is essential for human health and helps oneself live up to our best potential as productive members of society. In spite of this, 3 billion people are estimated to have limited access to nutrient-rich food, and there are 768 million undernourished people in the globe today. There are still concerns with food systems and food security, despite the fast economic transformation of low-and middle-income nations in Maritime Southeast Asia and Oceania over the past 10 years. These issues include dwindling agricultural land, deforestation, ineffective food supply networks, environmental degradation, changing and unhealthy diets, non-communicable diseases, disappearing cultural legacy, and ineffective policies. These problems are exacerbated by climate change, natural hazards, and pandemic shocks. This review explores the perspectives of food systems that relates to all the elements and activities in transforming agri-food industry. In this paper, we discuss the challenges and solutions to transforming food systems in this region to achieve a sustainable and healthy diet for all, with the perspective of bringing the region closer toward the UN sustainable development goals. This paper is an outcome of the deliberations that took place during the Food Security in Small Islands and Developing States workshop in 2020. It also includes insights from subsequent expert group sessions that focused on the following topics: Agriculture and Food Systems; Nutrition, Health, and Culture; Innovations and Digitalization in Food Systems; as well as Policies Coordination and Future Shocks
Cultivating Self-Directed Learning in Malaysian Higher Education: A Qualitative Inquiry
Get PDFHigher education institutions are increasingly moving away from traditional, lecture-centric teaching methods towards more student-driven approaches. This study delves into the promotion and application of self-directed learning in the Malaysian context. Through a qualitative research approach, we interviewed four lecturers and thirteen students from a specific Malaysian public university. The grounded theory was employed to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that fostering self-directed learning necessitates cultivating specific attitudes and behaviours in both students and the broader higher-education establishment. Students should be encouraged to find purpose in their lives, transition from a fear-based mindset to a critically assertive one, and embrace a sense of academic freedom. Conversely, lecturers need to refine their teaching methods by offering clearer explanations, adjusting their attitudes, and enhancing assessment techniques. Additionally, the system should grant lecturers greater flexibility in syllabus design and additional time for pedagogical development. A collaborative effort among lecturers, students, and policymakers is essential to embed self-directed learning in Malaysian universitie
The Impact of Chatbot Technology on Enhancing Historical Learning in K-12 Education
Get PDFThis paper discusses the integration of chatbot technology into K-12 education has ushered in a transformative era of historical learning. This innovative approach fosters engagement, personalized guidance, and interactive exploration of historical subjects, revolutionizing the way students absorb and retain historical knowledge. By offering real-time responses to queries, tailoring content to individual learning styles, and simulating immersive historical experiences, chatbots empower educators to create dynamic and inclusive learning environments. The impact of chatbot technology on K-12 historical education is a testament to its potential in nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past, paving the way for more informed and culturally literate citizens of the future
Online Impulse Buying: Investigating the Role of E-Commerce Attributes, Customer Motivation, and Urge to Buy Impulsively
Get PDFOnline impulse buying is shaped by both external e-commerce factors and individual psychological intricacies. Thus, it is vital to comprehend the interplay between external e-commerce factors and individual psychological intricacies, providing insights essential for developing effective strategies in the digital marketplace. This research, centered on 205 samples from Malaysia, provides a nuanced understanding of the interplay between internal and external factors in shaping impulsive buying behavior by employing the S-O-R paradigm. Structural equation modelling technique was applied for analysis. The findings indicate that hedonistic consumer motivation in online impulsive buying is influenced by three external factors, website personality (β = .25; p ≤ .001), product attributes (β = .16; p = .01), and retailer motivational activities (β = .60; p ≤ .001). Moreover, the results suggest that website personality (β = .17; p = .02), and retailer motivational activities (β = .57; p ≤ .001), have direct significant effects on utilitarian consumer motivation, while product attribute does not affect utilitarian customer motivations (β = .12; p = .11). Results also suggest that features of e-commerce platforms and the motivations of consumers can influence impulsive tendencies, providing an opportunity for businesses to offer conscientious nudges. By deliberately prompting customers about their goals and underscoring the value of products and their attachment from hedonic and utilitarian aspects, companies can guide impulsive buying shoppers towards more deliberate and gratifying decisions aligned with long-term goals and choice architecture in behavioral science
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey from Lombok and Bali Islands
Get PDFLimited honey production worldwide leads to higher market prices, thus making it prone to adulteration. Therefore, regular physicochemical analysis is imperative for ensuring authenticity and safety. This study describes the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey sourced from the islands of Lombok and Bali, showing their unique regional traits. A comparative analysis was conducted on honey samples from Lombok and Bali as well as honey variety from Malaysia. Moisture content was found slightly above 20% in raw honey samples from Lombok and Bali, adhering to the national standard (SNI 8664:2018) of not exceeding 22%. Both honey types displayed pH values within the acceptable range (3.40–6.10), ensuring favorable conditions for long-term storage. However, Lombok honey exhibited higher free acidity (78.5±2.14 meq/kg) than Bali honey (76.0±1.14 meq/kg), surpassing Codex Alimentarius recommendations (50 meq/kg). The ash content, reflective of inorganic mineral composition, was notably lower in Lombok (0.21±0.02 g/100) and Bali honey (0.14±0.01 g/100) compared to Tualang honey (1.3±0.02 g/100). Electric conductivity, indicative of mineral content, revealed Lombok and Bali honey with lower but comparable values than Tualang honey. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentrations in Lombok (14.4±0.11 mg/kg) and Bali (17.6±0.25 mg/kg) were slightly elevated compared to Tualang honey (6.4±0.11 mg/kg), suggesting potential processing-related changes. Sugar analysis revealed Lombok honey with the highest sucrose content (2.39±0.01g/100g) and Bali honey with the highest total sugar content (75.21±0.11 g/100g). Both honeys exhibited lower glucose than fructose content, aligning with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in Lombok and Bali honey compared to Tualang honey, suggesting potential health benefits. Further analysis by LC-MS/MS-QTOF targeted analysis identified various flavonoids/flavanols and polyphenolic/phenolic acid compounds in Lombok and Bali honey. The study marks th
Analyses of Chinese manufacturing entrepreneurs' business performance improvement through entrepreneurial orientation
No full textThis study delves deeply into the intricate mechanism by which Chinese manufacturing enterprises enhance their entrepreneurial orientation through the strategic implementation of information sharing, ultimately fostering an environment that is conducive to improving profitability and overall business progress. By leveraging network capabilities, fostering interorganizational learning, and harnessing network power, these enterprises can effectively achieve resource integration, facilitate seamless knowledge sharing and synergies, promote market adaptation and innovation, and ultimately enhance their competitive edge in the global marketplace. The empirical analysis conducted underscores the significant role of information sharing in bolstering the entrepreneurial orientation of enterprises, enabling them to secure distinct advantages in the fiercely competitive market landscape, foster sustainable growth, and attain a comprehensive improvement in overall enterprise performance
Microplastic pollution in commercially important edible marine bivalves: A comprehensive review
No full textMicroplastics have become major pollutants in the marine environment and can accumulate in high concentrations, especially in the gut of marine organisms. Unlike other seafood, bivalves are consumed whole, along with their digestive systems, resulting in the transfer of microplastics to humans. Therefore, there is an urgent need to review the status of microplastic pollution in marine bivalves. In this context, this article provides a comprehensive review of the status of microplastic pollution in marine bivalves and the impact of microplastics on the physiology and immunology of marine bivalves. In general, marine bivalves can accumulate high levels of microplastics in a tissue-specific manner. Although microplastic pollution does not cause mortality in bivalves, it can adversely affects bivalves' immunity, byssus production, and reproduction, potentially affecting bivalve populations. This article provides important information that will aid establishing management measures and determining the direction of future research
Biodiversity assessment of flora and fauna in Bukit Panchor forest reserve: conservation implications based on IUCN status
No full textLowland tropical rainforests, renowned for their rich species diversity, are predominant across Malaysia but increasingly face threats from human activities. This study, conducted on 8 April 2024 at the Bukit Panchor Forest Reserve (BPFR), aimed to assess the impact of nearby rural settlements, recreational areas, and private agricultural lands on the reserve’s native flora and fauna. Using comprehensive landscape surveys, field observations, photographic documentation, and digital tools, we documented species distribution across various taxonomic groups and evaluated their conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A total of 20 species were identified, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, and angiosperms. Most species were classified as Least Concern, though two species—Ratufa bicolor (Near Threatened) and Dryobalanops aromatica (Vulnerable)—require conservation attention. Avian species exhibited the greatest diversity with four species, including Nisaetus cirrhatus limnaeetus and Lonchura striata subsquamicollis, both categorized as Least Concern. Amphibians and reptiles were represented by two species each, including Chalcorana labialis and Eutropis multifasciata. Insect biodiversity was substantial, with five species documented, contributing to the ecological health of the reserve. Furthermore, five angiosperm species were identified, notably Gmelina arborea and the vulnerable Dryobalanops aromatica. These findings underscore the ecological significance of BPFR and highlight the necessity of sustained conservation efforts to safeguard its biodiversity, particularly for species facing higher risk