Mammal Species Composition and Activity Patterns Shift While Richness Remains Constant Across Elevational Gradients in Western Sarawak, Borneo

Changes in species composition and diversity along elevational gradients remain poorly understood for many tropical taxa. Here we elucidate the distribution of mid- to large-bodied mammals along elevational gradients in northwestern Borneo. We deployed camera traps at 209 stations using stratified sampling across seven elevation categories at six protected areas from 2014 to 2017, recording 33 mammal species. Species richness was not statistically related to elevation, but species composition shifted in response to opposing effects of elevation on the occurrence of different taxa. No species were restricted to the lowlands, but occurrence of common palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), thick-spined porcupine (Hystrix crassispinis), and long-tailed porcupine (Trichys fasciculata) was higher at low elevations. In contrast, occurrence of masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), and Malay weasel (Mustela nudipes) increased with elevation, and two species - Hose's Civet (Diplogale hosei) and Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi) - were only detected in the highlands (>700 m). Species tended to shift their activity patterns in low versus high elevation forests, though the magnitude of these effects was small. Most species that we detected currently have broad elevational ranges; nevertheless, protecting forest across elevational gradients remains critical so that if climate change forces species to abandon the lowlands, they have habitat connections to higher-elevation refugia

From Heritage to High-Tech : Bridging Culture and Innovation in Learning

This paper, From Heritage to High-Tech: Bridging Culture and Innovation in Learning, shows how education can be more engaging and meaningful by combining culture with innovation. Many systems are still rigid, focusing on fixed curricula that limit creativity and make learning less exciting. At the same time, culture risks being left behind if it is not part of the classroom. The paper shares experiences from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), including community-based projects, the use of AI and VR for cultural storytelling, the inclusion of Sarawak folk tales in lessons, collaboration across arts and sciences, and alternative assessments such as portfolios and exhibitions. Examples include documenting the Bisaya language and traditional knowledge, as well as creative writing with local writers and poets. These efforts protect cultural heritage while encouraging imagination. The paper concludes that innovation and creativity are not extras, but essential. When culture and learning work together, education becomes a living classroom that can inspire real change

Parametric evaluation of water quality from water purification systems in Saudi Arabia

The use of point-of-use household drinking water purification systems has gained popularity as a means to empower communities and individuals without access to clean water to treat their own water at home. This study evaluated the effectiveness of point-of-use systems in improving Saudi Arabia's water quality by assessing parameters such as treated water color, odor, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, free chlorine, anions (chloride and sulphate), and cations (sodium). The physiochemical properties of six widely used point-of-use systems were examined, including polypropylene cotton filters, activated carbon filters (granular activated carbon and carbon block), and reverse osmosis membranes. The results for purified drinking water showed the following characteristics: The pH of the purified water ranged from 7.24 to 7.84, with electrical conductivity between 34.63 and 49.30 µS cm-1, total dissolved solids from 16.33 to 24.33 mg L-1, and total hardness from 0.45 to 2.84 mg L-1. Sodium levels ranged from 6.50 to 11.07 mg L-1, sulphate from 0.03 to 0.55 mg L-1, free chlorine from 0 to 0.03 mg L-1 Cl₂, and chloride from 7.65 to 17.27 mg L-1. The removal efficiencies for specific contaminants were as follows: sodium, sulphate, chloride, conductivity, and total hardness removal ranged from 92% to 99%. Activated carbon filters demonstrated a high efficiency in removing free chlorine, with a removal rate of 94% to 100%. This study concludes that point-of-use systems can effectively enhance water quality in Saudi Arabia. The choice of purification system should depend on the specific water quality concerns and the user's individual needs, as each system offers distinct advantages and limitations. Polypropylene cotton, activated carbon, and reverse osmosis membranes serve different roles in addressing water purification challenges

Synthesis of Coumarin–Triazene–Alkoxyphenyl Derivatives and In Silico Simulation for Potential Antimicrobial Activity

The use of antibiotics is causing rapid growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can result in significant challenges for controlling pathogenic diseases in the future. The search for new potential antimicrobial compounds is critical, and natural-based scaffolds such as coumarin offer promising lead compounds for the development of new antibacterial compounds through structural hybridization. This study aims to synthesize coumarin–triazene–alkoxyphenyl hybrids 4a–4c bearing a long alkoxy chain and evaluate their antimicrobial potential via docking simulation. The synthesis started with the preparation of alkoxyanilines 2a–2c and cyanocoumarin 3 as precursors under microwave irradiation, resulting in a better yield (68–82 and 61%, respectively) in a few minutes. Diazo coupling reaction of 2a–2c and 3 produced coumarin–triazene hybrids 4a–4c with 47–63% yield. In silico simulation showed that compound 4a had a binding affinity (–6.7 kcal/mol) toward bacterial DNA gyrase similar to clorobiocin as reference compound, which indicates its potential to influence and inhibit the activity of the bacterial enzyme. These preliminary findings could establish a useful basis for discovering new antimicrobial compounds through derivatization or modification of the coumarin scaffol

A Japanese encephalitis virus biological clone with an E gene point mutation exhibits in vitro and in vivo attenuation of neurovirulence

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a leading cause of viral encephalitis, exists as similar but non-identical biological clones whose genomic variations/mutations may determine neurovirulence. Two biological clones purified from a brain-derived, clinical isolate were tested in vitro for neurovirulence using human neuronal cells (SK-N-MC) and mouse neuronal cells (NIE-115) and in vivo on a footpad-inoculation mouse model. One clone (JEV-M) demonstrated significantly reduced infectivity in both neuronal cells and the mouse model compared to another clone (JEV-V). Of the 2 E gene point mutations in JEV-M, only the T175C mutation, which translates as an E protein residue 59, amino acid tyrosine to histidine change (Y59H), was found to be the neurovirulence determinant as confirmed by testing with infectious clones with or without these mutations. These novel findings could further our understanding of JEV neuropathogenesis and may be useful for future vaccine development

Effect of preservative and preservation methods on physical, chemical and microbiological properties of nipa palm (Nypa fructicans) sap

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the E’ food grade preservative – potassium sorbate (E202) and sodium metabisulfite (E223) in an aqueous form, and impact of the timing of preservative addition on the shelf-life, sugar and reducing sugars levels, organic acids content and microbial growth of nipa palm sap. Results The pH, sugar and reducing sugars levels, organic acids content, total bacterial count (TBC) and sensory characteristics of the sample were determined. The results showed that the treated samples were able to slow down the pH and sucrose content from dropping during storage. Sample A had lactic acid at 0.93±0.01 g/L and acetic acid at 0.05±0.0.1 g/L, while Sample B had 0.97±0.02 g/L and 0.07±0.01 g/L, respectively, both lower than the control (1.10±0.01 g/L and 0.09±0.02 g/L). Sample A with TBC of 1.03 (±0.08) x 105 CFU/mL was able to inhibit microbial growth better than Sample B, 1.14 (±0.13) x 105 CFU/mL. Preservative application prior to tapping was shown to be more successful in preserving the quality and shelf-life of nipa palm sap. This approach is likely preventing early microbial activity and fermentation without the need of proper packaging, preserving the freshness and quality of the sap more effectively than adding the preservative after collection

EVALUATING THE SEGMENT ANYTHING MODEL ON THE AGARWOOD RESINOUS COMPOUNDS SEGMENTATION TASK

The manual extraction of Agarwood resinous compounds is not only labour-intensive and reliant on skilled workers but also prone to wastage due to human errors. The commercial Agarwood industry has increasingly explored the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. These machines interpret G-code scripts derived from binary images, where regions of wood marked for chiselling are represented by an RGB value of (0, 0, 0). Instead of relying on manual marking, we propose employing a deep learning-based approach. Our proposed setup involves capturing cross-sectional images using a stationary camera. These images are then transmitted to a computer for the image-based segmentation task. The produced segmented area is translated into a G-code script for the CNC machine. In this article, we present the preliminary results of a prototype of our proposed setup. Additionally, we discuss potential enhancements aimed at refining segmentation accuracy

Identity and power differential in academic communities among Southeast Asian international graduate students in the US

Abstract Purpose – The objective of this research was to investigate the dynamics of identity and power within academic communities in the United States, specifically focusing on international graduate students from Southeast Asia. The study focused on exploring the lived experiences of Southeast Asian international graduate students at a university in the Midwest. The theoretical underpinnings of the research drew upon the poststructuralist understanding of identity and the community of practice framework (Lave & Wenger, 1991). Design/methodology/approach – Various methods were employed, including reflective journals, documents and interviews, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the participants’ experiences and perspectives regarding their identity construction and participation in academic communities. Findings – The research revealed that identity among Southeast Asian international graduate students is fluid and subject to constant negotiation. Participants reported experiencing multiple layers of identities, including their national identity, cultural identity and academic identity, which were influenced by interactions within the academic community. The study uncovered power dynamics that affect Southeast Asian international graduate students’ experiences. Power relationships were observed within the academic community, where students’ ability to participate, contribute and be recognized was influenced by factors such as language proficiency, cultural background and perceived academic competence. Research limitations/implications – The study focused on a specific group of participants – Southeast Asian international graduate students at a university in the Midwest. The limited sample size may restrict the generalizability of the findings to a broader population of international graduate students or academic communities in different regions of the United States or other countries. The research centred on Southeast Asian international graduate students, which may introduce cultural and regional bias in the findings. Different cultural backgrounds and regional contexts of participants from other parts of the world could yield different dynamics of identity and power within academic communities. Practical implications – To overcome cultural and regional bias, future researchers and educators should aim to diversify the participant pool. Including international graduate students from various cultural backgrounds and geographical regions will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of identity and power within academic communities. Additionally, the insights from this study can offer guidance to educators in higher education institutions by highlighting the challenges faced by international graduate students and providing recommendations for their support. Social implications – The research highlights the importance of cultural understanding and empathy within academic communities. Recognizing the diversity of cultural backgrounds and experiences among international students fosters a more inclusive and respectful environment where students from different regions feel valued and understood. Additionally, understanding and navigating cultural differences require intercultural competence. Institutions can develop programmes and initiatives that promote intercultural competence among students, faculty and staff, enhancing their ability to interact effectively in diverse settings. Originality/value – While studies on international students in academic communities are common, this research specifically targets a subset of students from Southeast Asia. This specialized focus allows for a deeper exploration of the unique experiences, challenges and dynamics that this particular group of students faces within the academic context. The adoption of a poststructuralist understanding of identity in the research adds theoretical novelty. This framework emphasizes the fluid and complex nature of identities, challenging traditional fixed notions of identity construction. By applying this lens to the experiences of international students, the research offers a fresh perspective on how identity is shaped within academic communities

The paradoxes of heritage participation

Conceptualising and theorising heritage participation is an uneasy quest, with ongoing debates over what constitutes genuine participation. Debates often highlight the expectations placed upon it – expectations that, as I argue in this paper, are accompanied by conceptual paradoxes. First, the paradox of participatory parity. According to Nancy Fraser, economic maldistribution, cultural misrecognition and political marginalisation are primary barriers to achieving equal participation. Paradoxically, participation is often proposed as a solution to eliminate these barriers. Second, the paradox of inclusion. Although heritage participation can serve both inclusion and exclusion purposes, heritage is inherently exclusive, as it often reflects values specific to certain groups. Third, the paradox of multivocality. If multivocality is to prioritise marginalised voices and challenge dominant discourses, distinguishing between them proves challenging. Moreover, entrenched dominant discourses may lead marginalised individuals to doubt their own judgement rather than challenging the power structures behind them. Fourth, the paradox of balancing citizen power and government control. Theoretically, participation is intended to empower citizens to counterbalance government control; however, it has increasingly become part of governmentality itself. Highlighting the paradoxes of participation is not intended to dismiss this concept entirely. Instead, this approach serves to caution against the idealisation of participation

Antibiotic resistance of Vibrio cholerae isolated from environmental water and clinical samples

Vibrio species are classified as potential hazards because of their tendency to impart serious diseases that can cause death if not well treated. The symptoms associated with a Vibrio spp. infection are usually gastrointestinal, commonly expressed as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Vibrio cholerae is a foodborne bacterial pathogen that may cause infections in humans through the ingestions of food and water contaminated with this microorganism. The emergence of antimicrobial and multidrug-resistant bacteria is another serious global health concern. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat infections in humans,animals, and in aquaculture to prevent bacterial diseases. In this study, the antibiotic susceptibility test of V. cholerae in environmental water and clinical samples were determined. V. cholerae were isolated from environmental water samples (n = 3), moore swab (n = 6), stool (n = 2) and rectal swab (n = 15). The isolation and confirmation of the presumptive of Vibrio cholerae was performed by using 2 types of selective agar, Thiosulfate Citrate bile salts sucrose agar and CHROMAgar Vibrio, and were identified using the API 20E microtest. Antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined using a disk diffusion assay against 22 antibiotics. The Vibrio cholerae isolates showed high to moderate resistance (2 or more antibiotics) to ampicillin, amoxycillin, bacitracin, cephalothin, gentamicin, imipenem, kanamycin, meropenem, penicillin, rifampin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, but were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline, ceftazidime, amoxycillin, norfloxacin, enrofloxacin, imipenem, amikacin and norfloxacin. Interestingly, all (100%) of the isolates were resistant to bacitracin and penicillin, while multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.09 to 0.27. Only 2 isolates have high reading of MAR index exceeding 0.2. Hence, considering the possible changing patterns in consumption of certain antibiotics in clinical and agricultural settings and the implementation of new antibiotics, it is necessary to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of V. cholera and to employ the most effective antibiotic treatment