Low variations in anatomical characters of lowland and upland rice from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Oryza sativa L. or commonly known as rice belongs to the family of Poaceae. In Malaysia, rice is normally cultivated either as lowland or upland rice. The present study was undertaken with the objective to characterise and document the variations in anatomical traits of leaf, midrib and the root of 22 lowland and 22 upland rice accessions. The leaf, midrib and root anatomy of the lowland and upland rice accessions have the same fundamental anatomical structure. Stomata were found abundant on the abaxial surface as compared to the adaxial surface in general. It is interesting to note that the upland rice accessions, in general, had higher stomatal density on the adaxial surface. In addition, the upland rice accessions, in general, had larger root and stele diameters as compared to lowland rice accessions. The variation in root diameter is associated to the changes in the number and size or width of cortical cells and stele diameter. Wider stele may allow higher plant water status under water deficit, due to higher hydraulic conductivity. In addition, greater xylem diameter (indicated by larger stele diameters) is linked to better axial conductance, which improved rice’s ability to absorb and hold more water during water-limiting conditions. These traits are possibly advantageous for upland rice for efficient water capture, especially under water-deficit stress

Facilities management as moderator in improving waste separation behaviour among households

This research focuses on the role of facilities management (FM) elements which are people who represent the household, and process, place and technology as the FM elements. The findings of this research include a list of suggestions to improve SSI implementation based on the FM elements. A waste separation behaviour model was established based on the findings, which was then further validated by experts in related fields. Design/methodology/approach: This paper explains how the process, place and technology elements of FM moderate and influence waste separation behaviour among households. A conceptual framework is proposed, grounded on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect primary data from 900 eligible respondents among the residents of high-rise residential units in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. SmartPLS software was used to analyse the structural equation model (SEM) of the conceptual framework developed to test the moderator’s effects. Findings: The findings show that the process, place and technology moderators significantly and positively affected the relationship between perceived behavioural control and waste separation behaviour. Process and technology moderators significantly and positively affect the relationship between moral norms and waste separation behaviour among households. This research focuses on the role of FM elements which are people who represent the household and process, place and technology as the FM elements. The findings of this research include a list of suggestions to improve Separation at Source Initiative (SSI) implementation based on the FM elements. A waste separation behaviour model was established based on the findings, which was then further validated by experts in related fields. Originality/value: This study implements the case of categorical moderator type and multiple constructs toward the relationships of formative indicators and contributes to knowledge regarding the analysis of moderator variables and structural equation modelling

Digital Advocacy Strategies with Data Analytics Framework: A Case Study for Effective Campaigns

This paper presents a case study of a digital campaign on social media to formulate an extensive novel framework using data analytics method to measure the effectiveness of a social media campaign. The Social Media Impact Discovery (SMID) framework is built from the concept of digital advocacy strategies and data analytics techniques, which will provide a systematic approach inboth domains to carry-out an effective advocacy campaign. Since the advent of social media such as Twitter in providing platforms for freedom of speech, digital advocacy has become the new approach for delivering campaigns to a wider range of targeted audiences. The use of digital advocacy has generated interest among politicians and advocators to spread their messages across. Despite the numerous and widespread use of digital advocacy, there is still no formal framework that study the success of the technique as end outcomes in terms of the technological aspect of knowledge and the data analytic. The impact of the campaign is evaluated in terms of its effectiveness using deep machine learning methods on the acquired data on social media of a digital campaign. The results have shown that continuous loops using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and the Naïve Bayes classifier support the dynamic approach in the SMID framework to increase campaign effect and is in line with the iterative structure. The loop's cyclical structure is in tune with the shifting user trends and social media user behaviours. The framework's ability to include fresh data and modify models as advocacy campaigns change over time provides a tactical advantage responsive to shifting conditions. Thus, the overall processes of the campaign should be supported with accurate and reliable data to build trust among its audiences. A case study of sexual harassment on Twitter is used to assess the SMID framework’s practicality. It centred on a young Malaysian advocate named Ain Husniza, whose notable catchphrase is #MakeSchoolASaferPlace. For the first time, digital advocacy for sexual harassment campaigns has been used and analysed in this study. It has demonstrated its contribution by amplifying survivors’ voices and fostering online solidarity, with the aim of raining public awareness of the issue and promoting informed policy

Reply to: Causal claims, causal assumptions and protected area impact

In the accompanying Comment, Geldmann et al.1 incorrectly claim that protected area (PA) efficacy cannot be established without biodiversity data that predates establishment of the PA. Spatial correlates of diversity are known as a result of centuries of ecological research; our analyses controlled for these factors in a variety of ways in order to isolate the impacts of protection per se on bird and mammal biodiversity. The proposition of Geldmann et al. that our results are biased because PAs were established in areas with high natural biodiversity ignores these analytical controls, is naive to the realities of on-the-ground conservation, and has been disproved by recent research. Although we look forward to future work that improves on our predictions, our study provides robust estimates of the biodiversity impacts of PAs across hyperdiverse Southeast Asia2—information that is critically needed to support large-scale conservation objectives

COMPARATIVE TRANSCRIPTOME ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENES RESPONSIBLE TOWARDS GROWTH OF METROXYLON SAGU

: Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the most important cash crops grown abundantly in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. The palm’s versatility and high starch content led the Sarawak government to introduce large scale commercial sago estate plantations in efforts to boost the local economy. However, several challenges were encountered, including stunted growth (non-trunking) despite the plants reaching maturity. In spite of many researches to address this, information on the molecular mechanisms of sago palms is relatively low. This study compares the transcriptome datasets expressed in trunking sago palms of different localities. The RNA extracted was subjected to RNA sequencing. Raw data was processed with fastp, generating 85.61 Gb clean data, averaging 7 Gb data from each sample. The clean reads were subjected to assembly and mapping using Salmon. Expression count tables were used for DEGs identification using idep.96 webserver. A total of 718 DEGs were commonly expressed in all datasets. Enrichment analysis revealed gene products responsible for maintaining cell stability were enriched in GO, whereas the MAPK and ribosome pathways were significantly enriched in KEGG. The data obtained from this study can be considered for further analysis and understanding, especially toward the genes responsible for normal development in sago palms

A Review of Metadiscourse Research

The concept of metadiscourses has developed greatly since it was proposed by Zelig Harris in 1959. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the definitions of metadiscourse and evolution of metadiscourse studies. In addition, the research patterns of metadiscourse research in major academic databases are analyzed. We find that metadiscourse research is keeping an upward tendency since the occurrence of this term and has boomed in recent years, especially in academic writing, whether from synchronic or diachronic perspective. Synchronic studies examine metadiscourse in a variety of written and oral contexts, revealing interdisciplinary and cross-cultural differences; while diachronic studies trace the historical development of metasdiscourse practices. The paper demonstrates the growing research interest in metadiscourse and offers future prospects for scholars

Family Counseling for Mothers on Household Resilience on the Indonesia-Malaysia Border

This research is motivated by the importance of the resilience of the role of wives of migrant workers who have Long Distance Relationship (LDR) status in increasing household resilience. The counseling process provides hope to help mothers face and solve family problems with various factors and challenges in border areas. This study aims to identify and provide treatment using family counseling. This study uses a case study approach to study, explain, and interpret the role of mothers in household resilience. The research instruments used were in-depth interviews, observation, and individual counseling. Through this study, it was concluded that counseling for wives who are in a long-distance relationship in their household is very much needed to strengthen household resilience. However, this counseling should be done routinely, at least once a month, considering that wives generally cannot express their problems to others, which results in their inner conflict. This research is importantbecause the important role of family counseling in this study is to assist mothers in dealing with crisis problems, finding appropriate solutions, and developing the ability to work together in the family

Carbon-neutral blueprint strategies and challenges

The Malaysian Carbon Neutral Healthcare Facilities Blueprint outlines the roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in healthcare facilities across Malaysia, and delineates key strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability within the healthcare sector. Several challenges hinder the implementation of these strategies, including financial constraints, technological limitations, and regulatory frameworks. Overcoming these is crucial to realising the vision of carbon-neutral facilities in Malaysia and advancing towards a more sustainable healthcare system, as Dr Muhammad Radzi bin Abu Hassan, Ts Huszian Husin, Dr Noor Muhammad Abd Rahman, Dr Khairul Azmy Kamaluddin and Dr Muhammad Syukri Imran Abdullah explai

Driving Climate Awareness through Knowledge and Action

Final-year students from the Strategic Communication Programme, Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication (FELC), pulled off a successful roadshow as part of their PBK 4202, Strategic Campaign and Event Management course. The Planet Pulse Roadshow was tied into the course’s main campaign, “EarthSOS: Our Planet, Our Future.” The theme was all about raising awareness of climate change and teaching the 5Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot – which are principles that help minimise waste and promote environmental responsibility, to fellow UNIMAS students. In addition, it showed how learning can be fun with play activities

Independent designers and the future of sustainable fashion : A qualitative inquiry

This study aims to investigate how independent designer labels incorporate sustainable design methods into their products, thus allowing designers to contribute to the development of sustainable products. The study was conducted through qualitative interviews with eight independent designers in Beijing, China. The results were analyzed thematically to conclude how independent designers incorporate sustainable design methods into their designs and the challenges that independent designers face when practicing sustainable design and dealing with them. This paper explores the relationship between designers and sustainable design from three perspectives. Firstly, designers, as key factors in the transition of the apparel industry towards sustainability, have found from the concept and evolution of sustainable fashion that the right design approach plays a vital role in the environmental, economic, and social factors of the product cycle. Secondly, the researchers look at the perspective of independent fashion brand designers' labels, how they are confronted with sustainability issues, and how designers are improving, how designers are facing the challenges of sustainable design in the future, and how to integrate sustainable design methods into their labels