103790 research outputs found
Sort by
Free-roaming dog population and density in Klang Valley, Peninsular Malaysia: A comparative enumeration method for improved management and rabies control
No full textManaging free-roaming dog populations is a critical global public health issue, particularly in urban settings. Accurate population estimates are essential for designing effective management and rabies control strategies. This study aimed to estimate the free-roaming dog population in Klang Valley, Peninsular Malaysia, using multiple analytical models based on the photographic sight-resight method. Data—including GPS location, ownership status, age, and environmental factors—were collected across five districts and 15 towns between March and October 2022. Secondary data on land area, human population density, and ethnicity were also analysed. Five population models were applied to estimate free-roaming dog populations, assessing density per street length and area. A total of 599 dogs were recorded, comprising 492 sightings and 107 resights. The overall detection probability was 0.38 (95 % CI: 0.35–0.41), with population estimates ranging from 818 (Bailey method) to 1407 (Schnabel method). The Lincoln-Petersen index and Schnabel method yielded population estimates of 937 and 1407, respectively, but with low precision (27.53 % and 41.51 %). In contrast, the Bailey correction, Chapman correction, and Detection Probability models provided more precise estimates, with percentage precision values of 4.89 %, 3.53 %, and 2.39 %, respectively. The Detection Probability model emerged as the most precise, accounting for unseen individuals and detection bias—a crucial factor for accurate population estimation in free-roaming dog studies. Dog density per street length ranged from 3.33 dogs/km (direct count) to 8.34 dogs/km (detection probability). Overall population estimates varied significantly, ranging from 23,120 to 33,340 depending on the estimation method. Heatmaps revealed strong correlations between dog density, ethnicity, and environmental factors. These findings underscore the importance of precise estimation models to inform effective dog population management and rabies control strategies
Abang cookies, berazam terbang tinggi dalam bidang Aeroangkasa
No full textSERDANG,5 Oct- Walaupun membesar dalam keluarga yang berlatar belakangkan dunia perniagaan, Ia bukan hambatan bagi Asnor (23) anak kelahiran di bawah bayu untuk melanjutkan pengajian dalam bidang Aeroangkasa
Climate change governance, Shariah governance quality, and financed emission mitigation: Evidence from Islamic banks in Southeast and West Asia
No full textThe financial sector holds major responsibility in climate mitigation, as the proliferation of environmental damage within the real economy largely stems from the negative externalities of the financial economy. Islamic banking, as a subset of the global financial market, is often adjudged as a promoter of ethical practices. This study investigates how climate governance mechanisms and Shariah governance quality influence Islamic banks’ mitigation of financed emissions. Data was obtained from the LSEG database and the annual reports of 28 sampled Islamic banks covering the period of 2019–2023. The results of logistic regression indicate that sustainability committees, sustainability reporting, and Shariah governance quality positively affect financed emission mitigation in Islamic banks. This study therefore recommends for Islamic banks to adopt robust climate governance mechanisms, as well as for regulators to institutionalize policies mandating sustainable finance
Radiation dose and cancer induction risk from diagnostic mammography in Dubai tertiary hospital
No full textThis study aimed to estimate radiation dose and to assess the probability of cancer induction risk among patients who underwent mammography procedure in tertiary hospital in Dubai. After obtained approval from the research ethic committee,155 female patients with an average age of 55.5 ± 12.7 years-old were selected as subjects. Acquisition parameter, tube potential, tube current, compression force, and entrance dose were recorded and analyzed. The Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) were determined by applying the Dance formula, considering the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and other conversion coefficients. Patient age-data was used to assess the cancer induction risk from the acquisition, based on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report, and standardizing the breast thickness. The MGD ranged between 0.7 and 3.5 mGy for medio-lateral oblique (MLO) and for cranio-caudal (CC) projections, respectively. The median MGD for CC lies between 1.4 mGy and 2.1 mGy, with an average of 1.7 mGy. Additionally, the MGD for the 3rd quartile spans a two-fold range. In a population of 100,000 exposed to MLO projection, the cancer incidence risk for a 37-year-old female was 6 times higher than that of a 60-year-old female, at 3.2 out of 100,000 and 0.5 out of 100,000, respectively. The LAR for the 35–45 years age group is 1.91 ± 0.66, decreasing to 0.27 ± 0.07 for those over 65 years. The CC view also shows a decrease from 1.73 ± 0.57 to 0.23 ± 0.04. The mammographic screening radiation dose and the risks that have been found in Dubai all fall within the recommended range, thereby calling for more works of research to determine the progress made in radiation protection. The study has provided additional evidence that the radiation dose used in current practice can be improved
Do employees and customers understand their new roles for collaborative value co-creation in technology-driven service settings?
No full textThe use of innovative technologies in restaurant premises has transformed the roles of service employees and customers. The present research aimed to estimate the level of awareness of the transformed roles of the two key parties, and examine how the role stress caused by changed roles affects psychological empowerment, which in turn contributes to collaborative value co-creation. The consequences of joint value co-creation were also examined by testing the effects on satisfaction and behavioral intention. Data were acquired from 312 employees and 393 customers in technology-dominant restaurants, and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 23.0. The level of awareness of the transformed roles of employees was relatively better than for those of customers. The results showed the double-edged sword effect of role stress in creating psychological empowerment. The study also discovered the importance of collaborative value co-creation in the development of positive behavioral intentions for both employees and customers
Advances in spermatogonial stem cell research: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis
No full textSpermatogonial stem cells (SSC) are an exceptionally rare group of testicular cells that give rise to all subsequent male germ cells, the basis of spermatogenesis and male fertility. The SSC have shown great potential in livestock breeding systems, medical applications, and genetic conservation of endangered species. In this study, we used bibliometric analysis to assess worldwide research trends in the SSC area based on publication outputs, co-authorships among authors, and affiliated countries. A systematic review was performed to discuss: 1) The culture system of SSC, 2) The methods used to generate an ideal male for SSC transplantation, 3) The type of transplantation and the success of SSC transplantation in various species, 4) Application of SSC culture and transplantation technique to agricultural practice. Results of the bibliometric analysis on the Scopus database showed a total of 2171 research articles issued between 1965 to 2023. With a consistent annual publication of more than 100 articles, it was suggested that a strong interest in SSC research started in the last 11 years. About 54% of the total global publications were contributed by researchers from the United States of America (USA) and China, leading the other 59 countries/territories. The three main topics in SSC research are the culture system, generation of an ideal male recipient, and SSC transplantation applications. The culture system has the highest number of publications, reflecting its importance in studying and manipulating SSC. Currently, several challenges must be addressed before this technique can be applied in agricultural contexts, particularly the establishment of a stable long-term culture system. Looking ahead, we anticipate ongoing development and optimization of the SSC culture system and its application in the field, which will enhance valuable approaches for improving livestock production
Valorisation of Acacia mangium bark for sustainable bio-based wood preservatives: tannin extraction and boron complexation with additives
Get PDFThe increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally benign wood protection systems has prompted the exploration of natural polyphenolic compounds such as tannins. This study investigates the valorisation of Acacia mangium bark, a plantation byproduct, as a source of condensed tannins for bio-based wood preservatives. Tannin extraction was conducted using three solvent systems: hot water, 70% acetone, and a sulfite-based solution (2% Na2 SO3 + 0.5% Na2 CO3). Among these, the sulfite-based method demonstrated superior performance, yielding the highest tannin content (56.24%) and purity (Stiasny number = 70), along with elevated phenolic content as measured by UV-Vis spectrometry. The extracted tannins were complexed with boron-tannin and further modified with various additives—formalin, ϵ-caprolactam, hexamine, and low molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin—to enhance leach resistance, gelation time, and viscosity. Among the formulations, BTCHF (boron-tannin-caprolactam-hexamine-formalin) showed the most balanced performance with improved water resistance (40% insoluble matter), moderate viscosity (11.45 cP), and near-neutral pH (6.12). FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of stable crosslinked structures and reduced free –OH groups, indicating successful boron-tannin complexation. This study provides a novel approach to producing high-performance, renewable wood preservatives from A. mangium bark. The findings highlight the potential of tannin-boron systems as durable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic preserva-tives, supporting sustainable forestry and green construction initiatives in tropical regions
An experimental study on the effect of lobe swirl device and its transition parts on thermal performance using Graphene-CuO/water nanohybrid
Get PDFEnhancing heat transfer efficiency is a key focus in thermal applications. Smooth channels often suffer from poor fluid mixing, limiting their performance. Swirl flow techniques have been introduced to improve heat exchanger efficiency by altering flow direction and inducing turbulence. However, integrating nanofluids with swirl techniques presents challenges such as increased pressure loss and nanoparticle sedimentation. The four-lobed swirl generator is a promising solution, delivering high swirl intensity with manageable pressure loss. This study explores the impact of GO-CuO/water hybrid nanofluid and Reynolds numbers on the thermal performance of a four-lobed swirl generator. The system parameters include a twisted angle (θ = 360°), β-transition type, transition multiplier (n = 0.5 mm), and a variable helix (t = 1). The hybrid nanofluid, synthesized with a 20 % GO to 80 % CuO ratio, has volume concentrations of 0.15%–0.75 % wt., with Reynolds numbers from 15,000 to 35,000. Results indicate a significant heat transfer enhancement (1.26–1.72 times) with a moderate friction factor increase (1.27–1.53). The highest thermal performance (1.511) occurs at 0.75 % nanofluid concentration and Re = 25,000. This study confirms the four-lobed swirl generator's effectiveness in improving heat exchanger efficiency while maintaining an acceptable pressure drop
Digital Resilience: Learning to Endure Without Self-Pressure
Get PDFArticle Summary
In today’s hyperconnected world, younger generation face mounting mental health challenges shaped by the digital environment. The NHMS 2023 reports that one in four Malaysian teens show signs of depression, with social media comparison emerging as a major cause
Effects of ultrasonication on the physical properties of Herba rice grain
Get PDFThe main cause of obesity is overconsumption. The idea of enhancing satiety and satiation is considered an effective way to control appetite and regulate energy and food intake. The principal objective of this study was to make rice healthier for consumption through texture and structure modification of rice grain using ultrasound treatment. Sonication alters the microstructure of rice grain by degradation of rice starch to manipulate the water absorption ability of rice during cooking. Greater porosity of rice grains from sonication treatment allows better water absorption. Herba rice was sonicated at different amplitudes (0 to 60 µm). The water absorption ratio was calculated, and texture properties (hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness) were determined using a texture analyzer. This paper concluded that Herba rice was most suitable for sonication analysis relative to Basmati rice and Calrose rice due to its relatively consistent physical properties under soaking. It was proven that sonication is a useful and effective way to modify rice grain texturally and structurally, with texture analysis showing enhancement in cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirm substantial microstructural changes after sonication. It was concluded that sonication can significantly improve cooked rice texture (cohesiveness +5%, gumminess +5%, chewiness +20%) and water absorption ratio (+10%) of Herba rice, with significant microstructure modifications using amplitudes of 60 µm. This study showed a new methodology of rice modification to control appetite. This novel way of modification is easy to operate and simple to introduce. Rice is the most common staple food, and an improved rice will benefit a significant part of the population to prevent overconsumption and obesity