University of Malaysia, Kelantan

This paper investigates the effects of four factors of internal audit independence (IAI), internal audit quality (IAQ), proficiency of internal auditors (PoIA) and scope of audit (SoA) on the effectiveness of internal audit (EoIA) in the public sector. This study is based on mixed method design. In the first stage, a survey was conducted involving 203 internal auditors, selected by convenience and purposive sampling. In the second stage, three key informants were interviewed. The findings show that the determining factors that can significantly affects the EoIA. A new theme was also derived from the qualitative approach, which suggests that management support should be given in financial and non-financial aspects.

Gout is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by increased uric acid (UA) synthesis or decreased UA clearance from the bloodstream, leading to the formation of urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. Hyperuricemia (HUA), the underlying cause of gout, poses a growing challenge for healthcare systems in developed and developing countries. Currently, the most common therapeutic approaches for gouty HUA primarily involve the use of allopathic or modern medicine. However, these treatments are often accompanied by adverse effects and may not be universally effective for all patients. Therefore, this systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of phytochemical compounds that have emerged as alternative treatments for HUA associated with gout and to examine their specific mechanisms of action. A systematic search was conducted to identify phytochemicals that have previously been evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing HUA. From a review of > 800 published articles, 100 studies reporting on 50 phytochemicals associated with the management of HUA and gout were selected for analysis. Experimental models were used to investigate the effects of these phytochemicals, many of which exhibited multiple mechanisms beneficial for managing HUA. This review offers valuable insights for identifying and developing novel compounds that are safer and more effective for treating HUA associated with gout.

Rivers are often contaminated with metals. This study was conducted on the Jempul River in Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia, due to the agricultural activities carried out along this river. The aims are to investigate the levels of certain metals (namely Al, Fe, Mn, and Pb), identify their likely sources, assess their toxicity loads, and estimate the associated health risks. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to determine metal concentrations. The concentrations were discovered in the following order: Fe > Al > Mn > Pb, for both dry and wet conditions. The highest concentration in water sample was observed for Fe (1.28 mg/l) in the dry condition and the lowest was detected for Pb (0.04 mg/l) in the wet condition. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the metals originate from natural and anthropogenic sources. Based on metal toxicity load (MTL) calculations, it is recommended that approximately 73% of Pb, 60% of Mn, and 58% of Al be eliminated from the river water to ensure its safety. Children are more susceptible to non-cancer and cancer hazards than adults. This study suggests that extensive exposure assessment and detailed monitoring of water quality indicators should be carried out.

Background Extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) is an increasing public health threat. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characterization of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from broiler chicken and their farm environment, in Kelantan Malaysia. Methods Escherichia coli was isolated from 453 collected samples, including 210 cloacal swabs and 243 environmental samples. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the E. coli isolates was assessed for sixteen antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. The E. coli isolates were evaluated for phenotypic ESBL production using modified double disc synergy. After extraction of genomic DNA, ESBL resistance genes, phylogenetic group, and virulence genes were detected by PCR using appropriate primers. ESBL genes were further confirmed by sequencing. The molecular typing of E. coli strains was determined by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Results A total of 93.8% (425/453) E. coli were isolated from the collected samples. Out of 334 E. coli isolates screened, 14.7% (49/334) were phenotypically ESBL producers. All the ESBL-EC were resistant to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Thus, 100% of the ESBL-EC were multidrug resistant. Of the ESBL-EC 81.6% were positive for at least one ESBL encoding gene. The most prevalent ESBL gene detected was blaTEM (77.6%; 38/49) followed by blaCTX−M (32.7%; 16/49) and blaSHV (18.4%; 9/49). The majority of ESBL-EC belonged to phylogenic groups A followed by B1 accounting for 44.9% and 12.2%, respectively. The most frequently identified sequence types were ST10 (n = 3) and ST206 (n = 3). The most detected virulence genes in the E. coli isolates were astA (33.3%; 22/66) followed by iss (15.2%; 10/66). Conclusions Our results show both broiler chicken and their respective farms environment were reservoirs of multi-drug resistant ESBL-producing E. coli and ESBL resistance genes.

The purpose of this study is to develop a lab-scale model for energy self-sufficiency via the promotion of the generation of sustainable renewable energy from bread waste and sewage sludge to biogas. Most of the garbage consisting of bread and sewage sludge is typically disposed of in landfills, which can result in substantial health and environmental problems due to the release of gaseous substances. As a result of this, the research endeavors to make use of sewage sludge and bread wastes as substrates to produce methane. A pH meter and a drying oven were used, respectively, to analyze each substrate’s pH level as well as its dry weight, total solids, and volatile solids content. A methane gas detector was used on each sample to check for the presence of methane. The recorded pH is within the optimal range as it is between 6.9 and 7.2 for the substrates, bread waste, and sewage sludge as well as both ratios of the mixtures before and after the anaerobic co-digestion process. Following three to four days of cultivation using the streaking and spread culture method on nutrient agar, the microorganisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from the bread waste and sewage sludge, respectively. The methane gas detector registered a value of 9999 ppm, which is 20% LEL.

In the face of the rising heat of the blockchain concept, many enterprises compete to be the first to develop. However, the excessive enthusiasm of enterprises will inevitably lead to a large amount of waste of resources, therefore, it is particularly important to study the impact of the application of blockchain on the enterprise economy and finance. This paper first puts forward relevant assumptions on the behavioral characteristics of the participating subjects in the supplier order financing system, calculates the expected return function based on the return matrix and the initial ratio between the supplier, the company and the financial institution, and derives the replicated dynamic equation through further projection, according to which the evolutionary stabilization strategy is analyzed. Numerical simulation experiments are used to analyze how blockchain technology, receivable period, and guarantee rate affect the three-party gaming system. The concept of blockchain+supply chain finance model is proposed, and the method of empirical analysis is utilized to study the performance impact it has on enterprises. The thresholds of blockchain technology cost, accounts receivable period, and guarantee rate are [170,000 yuan, 190,000 yuan], [1.9a,2.0a], and [0.12,0.14], respectively. The operating revenue growth rate of the FT enterprise shows an increase in 2019 and 2020, which is 15.25% and 23.54%, respectively, and both of them are beyond the industry average in the same period, while the operating profit growth rate grows steadily and reached 102.54% in 2022, which can quickly respond to market changes and challenges.

A metagenomic library consisting of 15,000 clones was constructed from the mangrove sediment. An antimicrobially active clone from the metagenomic library PS49 was identified by function- based screening. This paper presents the results of the biochemical characterization and metagenomic library screening of the marine-derived antibiotic, 8-demethoxy-10-deoxysteffimycin. Plasmid libraries were constructed, and clones were produced using a metagenomic approach. Out of 15,000 clones, 81 clones were screened for antimicrobial activity, and five potential clones were selected. The activity of one clone was characterized and named as PS49. The bioactive compounds from the selected clone were checked for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The clone PS49 was tested against various pathogens including bacteria and fungi and it showed inhibitory effects against all the tested pathogens. The antimicrobially active fractions were then crystallized and subjected to spectroscopic analysis such as FTIR, NMR and LC-MS analysis. The substance from clone PS49 has finally been recognized, and the compound from clone PS49 has been identified as 8-demethoxy-10-deoxysteffimycin. The substances isolated from the PS49 clone exhibited strong anticancer activity against skin cancer-cell lines SK-MEL2. The compounds showed a reduction in cell viability with an increase in the compound concentration. The compounds obtained from clone PS49 showed an IC50 value of 85 µg/ml.

Nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are commonly used in everyday products and offer numerous health benefits to aquatic animals. Vitamin C (Vit C) is an essential micronutrient for fish because of its strong antioxidant properties. However, the combined effects of SeNPs and Vit C on enhancing disease resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) have not been thoroughly explored. This study investigates the impacts of SeNPs and/or Vit C on the performance, blood parameters, histology, gene expression, and resistance to Saprolegnia ferax in Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). The fish fingerlings (n = 240, averaging 32 ± 3.0 g) were divided equally into four experimental groups, with 60 fish in each group. The fish were fed a basal diet as a control group (CON group) or supplemented with 100 mg of Vit C (VC100 group), 1 mg of SeNPs/kg (SeNP group), or a combination of SeNPs and vitamin C (SeNPs + VC100 group) for 70 days. At the end of the study, a challenge trial with S. ferax was conducted. The growth and feed efficiency results indicated a significant improvement in the combined group (SeNPs + VC100 group) compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Significant reduction in fat and moisture contents and the crude protein and ash significantly improved in the combined group (P < 0.05). Liver enzymes were reduced, with the lowest values observed in the SeNPs + VC group, and total protein and globulin contents were improved in all supplemented groups (P < 0.05). All supplements resulted in significant improvements in digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) and immune response (lysozyme and phagocytic activities) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase significantly increased in fish of the SeNPs and SeNPs + VC100 groups, while lipid peroxidation (MDA) significantly reduced by the treatments with the best reduction in the combined group. The liver of fish in the supplemented groups showed improved structural integrity of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, and pancreatic ducts, with reduced inflammatory cell presence and fibrocytes compared to the control fish. The intestinal structure of fish fed supplemented diets exhibited normal histomorphometry with an increase in villus length, height, and layer thickness. Diets fortified with SeNPs, VC100, or their mixture significantly boosted the growth (GH and IGF-1) and immune-antioxidant-related genes (IL-1β, IL-8, CAT, and SOD) compared with the untreated groups. Fish treated with a combination of nutrients exhibited higher survival rates and increased resistance to S. ferax. This study revealed that a dietary combination of SeNPs and Vit C synergistically enhanced tilapia fish’s antioxidant capacity, immune response, organ health, growth, and disease resistance. This approach offers a promising strategy to reduce production losses in tilapia aquaculture, particularly during disease outbreaks.

This study aimed to assess the water culture supplementation of fermented prebiotic (mannanoligosaccharide, MOS) and probiotic (Bacillus subtilis WB60) on water quality parameters, growth performance, feed utilization, immunity response, intestinal microbes, and histological investigations of Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Shrimp juveniles (4.98 ± 0.11 g) were distributed into four experimental groups (twelve 1 m³ hapa, 25 shrimps/m3/each hapa, 3 triplicates/group). The first group (G0) used only fermented B. subtilis at a rate of 0.2 g/acre. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups contained the same constant level of B. subtilis (0.2 g/acre) with three different levels of fermented MOS at 25, 50, and 75 g/acre (G1, G2, and G3, respectively). The results showed that TAN and NH3 values were significantly lower in all fermented groups compared to G0. Increasing the levels of fermented MOS led to significant improvements in growth performance, feed utilization, shrimp biomass, survival rate, crude protein, and ash content (p < 0.05). Compared to G0, the values of SOD, CAT, and IgM were significantly improved, while MDA levels were significantly decreased in all fermented MOS levels (p < 0.05). The G3 group exhibited the highest values of immune responses, including total hemocyte count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, respiratory burst activity, and lysozyme activity, as well as phenol oxide activity and total aerobic bacteria compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the G2 and G3 groups showed significantly lower mortality (30%) of shrimp challenged with V. parahaemolyticus infection compared to G0. In conclusion, the commercial scale recommends using fermented MOS and B. subtilis (50–75 g/acre) as water culture additives for shrimp L. vannamei due to the improvements in growth performance, feed utilization, immunological, and antioxidant indicators.

Merapoh, Pahang, is an area rich with limestone karst located within the Lipis National Geopark and home to the Sungai Relau gate of Taman Negara Pahang, a totally protected rainforest in Malaysia. Much of the research conducted here is mainly inside the National Park, with few published faunal records for the Merapoh caves. This study compiled the data on the bat species diversity of eight Merapoh caves (March 2020 to March 2022) using mist nets and harp traps. Our results indicate that Chiroptera diversity at Merapoh caves is rich, with a total of 32 species recorded from 865 individuals and four new locality records for the State of Pahang, namely Rousettus leschenaultii, Lyroderma lyra, Rhinolophus coelophyllus and Hipposideros pomona. Gua Gunting has the highest diversity of bats recorded in this study (19 species). Significant Merapoh caves with bat colony roosts in Merapoh include Gua Jinjang Pelamin (Eonycteris spelaea & Rousettus leschenaultii), Gua Tahi Bintang (Hipposideros larvatus) and Gua Pasir Besar (Miniopterus medius). Rhinolophus convexus, previously recorded only in upper montane rainforests, was also recorded in Merapoh caves indicating that this species can also be found in lower elevations than previously thought. Based on the findings of the current study and additional records from two previous studies, the Merapoh bat species diversity checklist totalled up to 38 species. On the whole, the rich bat diversity in Merapoh is reflective of its immense limestone karst landscape, which highlights the reason Lipis National Geopark has been recently gazetted. Future bat research should continue here and in other karsts within Lipis Geopark to sustainably conserve biological diversity, manage geological structures and raise awareness amongst the locals to appreciate their national heritage.

Sustainable practices through green innovation have become key while the organization aims to achieve COP26 (Conference of the Parties, 26th Summit) targets. This study examined the relationship between management environmental concern, green process innovation, green product innovation and green performance in China’s hotel industry. It further examines the mediating role of green products and process innovation between management environmental concerns and green performance. Researchers utilized Structural Equation Modelling using Partial Least Squares version 4 to test theory and path analysis. Findings suggest that management environmental concern significantly influences the green process and product innovation. For indirect effects, green product and process innovation mediate the relationship between management environmental concerns and green performance. This study contributes to the growing body of work on green innovation in several important ways addressing the gap in the literature and examining the causes of green innovation from the point of view of green performance in the hotel industry’s perspective.

This study explores the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of bio-based polymer films made from semi-refined carrageenan (SRC), plasticized with glycerol, and enhanced with eugenol to inhibit lipid degradation in meat patties. The active films were developed using 2% w/w SRC, 0.9% v/v glycerol, 10% v/v cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a reinforcing agent, and 0.2% and 0.4% v/v eugenol (Eu). The wettability of the films was evaluated using contact angle analysis, while weight loss was assessed through soil burial degradation over a period of four weeks. Additional tests examined the films’ swelling and transparency properties. Lipid degradation in meat patties was measured using Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS). The CNG-0.4%Eu films showed a contact angle of 109.01º and a swelling rate of 93.44%. The antioxidant films successfully delayed lipid oxidation in meat patties, with final TBARS values of 0.768–0.844 mg malondialdehyde per kg of sample. Therefore, the CNG-0.4%Eu formulation demonstrates potential as an alternative food packaging material to extend shelf life.

This study explores the adoption of innovative technologies for sustainable agriculture among paddy farmers in Kelantan. Drawing on a survey of 45 farmers, the research findings reveal that attitudes and subjective norms significantly influence technology adoption, while perceived behavioral control does not. Farmers who perceive technology and innovation as advantageous and who feel social pressure to utilize them are more likely to adopt these technologies. However, the high cost of technology and insufficient skills for its use pose significant barriers to adoption. The study underscores the critical role of technology and innovation in paddy farming for enhancing productivity and achieving national food security policy goals. It highlights the need for policymakers and agricultural extension agents to develop programs that cultivate positive attitudes towards technology and innovation and address social norms that hinder their adoption. Additionally, the findings suggest that financial support and training programs could mitigate the barriers related to cost and skill deficiencies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment for technology adoption through supportive policies, capacity-building initiatives, and community engagement. By fostering a culture that values innovation and equipping farmers with the necessary skills and resources, sustainable agricultural practices can be promoted. The study also recommends the application of the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model in future research to better understand the alignment between technology and the specific tasks of farmers. This approach could provide deeper insights into the practical requirements and challenges faced by farmers, thereby facilitating more effective technology adoption strategies.

This study employs a quantitative approach to examine the impact of government development expenditure on economic growth in ASEAN countries. Utilizing panel data analysis techniques, the study analyzes annual secondary data from ten ASEAN nations spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) approach is applied to identify long-term cointegrating relationships between the variables. The findings reveal that government development expenditure has a significant and positive long-term effect on economic growth, indicating that investments in development projects and infrastructure are crucial drivers of economic growth in the ASEAN region. However, in the short term, government development spending has a negative impact, likely due to temporal lags in realizing the benefits of such expenditures. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at increasing long-term government development expenditure, promoting sustainable development projects, investing in human capital, and fostering innovation and productivity, all of which can help ASEAN countries achieve sustained economic growth and development.

The food and beverage (F&B) sector in Malaysia is experiencing rapid growth, largely driven by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, many Malaysian F&B companies are encountering challenges when it comes to adopting environmentally friendly practices to enhance their environmental performance. This research aims to pinpoint the obstacles that hinder the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) in the F&B industry and to identify the drivers that influence companies' adoption of GSCM initiatives. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals from five different F&B SMEs (Companies A, B, C, D, and E) using a qualitative methodology. The data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti version 10, and themes were identified through coding. The study's findings revealed that a lack of knowledge and information sharing presents the most significant barrier to GSCM implementation, as there is insufficient awareness and dissemination of green concepts and practices among SME employees and consumers. Information sharing is crucial for facilitating green activities and promoting collaboration within the supply chain. Additionally, green manufacturing was identified as the most important driver in encouraging environmentally friendly practices among the top five drivers. SME companies need to find a balance between production performance and meeting sustainability requirements. Understanding the barriers and drivers of Malaysian F&B SMEs will enable practitioners to make well-informed decisions regarding GSCM implementation, ultimately enhancing the performance of the F&B industry and ensuring a sustainable food supply.

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant easily obtained in Malaysia. It is commonly used for constructing various solid structures including the guitar. Its unique sound quality makes it different from the traditional wooden guitar. The Yamaha guitar sound was used as reference for the generally preferred guitar characteristics. This work focused on the acoustic characteristics easily obtained using the frequency spectrum analysis via a PicoScope oscilloscope and spectrogram using Adobe Audition. A microphone was used for recording the string sound and yielding the frequency response function. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectra showed that the Yamaha guitar had less partials compared to the bamboo guitar, except string 4. Strings 1, 2, and 3 showed a regular signal from the Yamaha guitar whereas the bamboo guitar showed an irregular pattern with significant overtone. The intensity of the partials in the bamboo guitar displayed a recognizable pattern, i.e., a reduction of partial intensity amplitude proportional to increasing frequency in strings 4, 5, and 6. Some random partials appeared between the harmonics in string 1, 2, and 3 from bamboo guitar whereas the absence of partials in the Yamaha guitar could be due to the higher radiation coefficient of wood, which displays a different timbre.