WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR BORNEAN ORANGUTAN CONSERVATION IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Although endangered and protected by the strongest regulations on the island of Borneo, Bornean orang-utans are threatened by forest loss, habitat degradation, and poaching. The overall population of Bornean orangutans is estimated to be only 104,700 in total, which is less than half of the population a century ago. Thus, this study aims to measure the non – market value of the conservation of Bornean orangutans in Sarawak, both in Matang Wildlife Centre (MWC) and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre (SWC). Applying the contingent valuation method (CVM), non - visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the entrance fee of SWC and MWC in order to conserve Bornean orangutans were measured. Overall, the respondents show positive attitude towards conserving Bornean orangutans. 90% of the 600 respondents vote in favour of Bornean Orangutan Conservation Program, while the mean WTP is RM206.98. They also believe that it is everyone’s duty to ensure that plants and animals today will exist for the future generations. The results of this study will be useful for the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), government and researchers alike to manage and conserve Bornean orangutans and other endangered species more efficiently. Keywords: Bornean orangutan, Willingness to Pay, Contingent Valuation, Economic Valuation

Obsessive–compulsive symptoms as a unique presentation of complex posttraumatic stress disorder in Southeast Asia : a case report

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition outlining psychological sequelae experienced after encountering a traumatic event. Complex posttraumatic stress disorder, however, is increasingly recognized as being distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder. This is due to an observed variation from what is traditionally defned as a traumatic event, as well as greater heterogeneity in its presentation. Cultural factors may also infuence defnitions of traumatic events and heterogeneity in presentation. Case presentation In this case, a 27-year-old Malay male presented with a 9-year history of obsessive–compulsive symptoms of predominantly sexual content. Although initially treated as obsessive–compulsive disorder, persistent negative self-image and features of complex posttraumatic stress disorder surfaced in the course of therapy, stemming from a culturally-related punitive upbringing as well as bullying by peers. He responded markedly well to trauma-based psychotherapy and remains well at time of writing. Conclusion A diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder should be considered in the individual who presents with mental health difculties, particularly if the individual’s symptoms are atypical to classical diagnostic criteria or the individual does not respond to conventional treatment. It is important to note the role of cultural background—this may give rise to unique presentations of complex posttraumatic stress disorder, and the triggering events may not be traditionally defned as traumatic. Cultural background may also potentially inform treatment and future prevention strategies for complex posttraumatic stress disorder

Exploring nursing interventions in familybased approaches for preventing bullying among children and adolescents : a scoping review

Background Bullying is a prevalent issue faced by children and adolescents in both school and community settings. One contributing factor to bullying behavior is the limited involvement or inadequate role of the family in addressing this issue. However, there is a noticeable gap in existing research regarding nursing interventions that focus on family-centered approaches to prevent bullying. Identifying and analyzing these interventions is crucial to enhancing the role of families in reducing bullying behavior. The aim of this study is to explore and map the various nursing-led, family-based interventions designed to mitigate bullying among children and adolescents, and thereby addressing this critical scientific gap. Methods This study employed a scoping review method following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, including identifying research questions, systematically searching CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus. The databases used are CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus. The major keywords used are parenting, family interventions, bullying, adolescents, and children. Inclusion criteria in article selection were family-based intervention, English language, full-text, original research, and publication period in the last 15 years (2010-2024). Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively. Results The results of this research show that there are 10 articles that discuss Interventions focused on Family to reduce bullying behavior in children and adolescents. Various types of Interventions focused on Family are effective in reducing bullying behavior in children and adolescents, including improving parenting patterns, family-based education, and collaboration between school and family (p value<0.05). Some of the activities carried out are education, role play, counseling, managing conflict, and conducting assessments. Interventions can be carried out offline and online. Interventions focused on Family offer a holistic and sustainable approach to dealing with bullying behavior in children and adolescents. The advantages of this intervention include improving family relationships, strengthening communication skills, and better understanding of children’s emotions

Ethnic Disparities and Demographic Shifts in Sarawak's Aging Population : A Comprehensive Longitudinal Analysis (1980-2020)

The aging population constitutes a pivotal demographic shift with substantial implications across social, economic, and healthcare spheres, notably in ethnically diverse territories such as Sarawak, Malaysia. This investigation delivers an exhaustive longitudinal examination of the distribution and demographic trends of the elderly among various ethnic communities in Sarawak from 1980 to 2020. Despite abundant scholarship on population aging, the confluence of ethnicity and aging has received scant attention, particularly within the Malaysian milieu. This research endeavors to bridge this gap by exploring the following question: How have the proportions of senior citizens within Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups evolved from 1980 to 2020? Employing secondary data sourced from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, this study utilises descriptive analysis, linear regression models, and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to delineate and expound these trends. The analysis uncovers pronounced disparities in aging trajectories among the ethnic groups. Notably, the Chinese community exhibits the most pronounced and consistent increase in the elderly population, while the Iban and other indigenous cohorts show a decline, possibly attributable to migration and diminished fertility rates. Conversely, the burgeoning proportion of elderly Malays indicates enhancements in health and socio-economic statuses, contrasting with the steady figures observed within the Chinese and Indian communities, which likely reflect enduring cultural traditions such as filial piety. These findings underscore the imperative for culturally attuned policies and interventions tailored to the distinct needs of each ethnic group as Sarawak's demographic landscape ages. This study underscores the importance of recognizing ethnic-specific aging patterns for efficacious public health and social service strategy formulation in a culturally heterogeneous region like Sarawak. By integrating insights into the spatial dynamics of aging, anchored by Tobler's First Law of Geography, this research contributes novel perspectives to the body of knowledge and supports the creation of more effective and inclusive policies

Multi-agent reinforcement learning for Bai ethnic traditional dwelling protection in Dali : cultural identity-oriented community relationship optimization and urbanization adaptation algorithm.

The preservation of residential architecture from traditional ethnic groups has never faced the types of challenges it does today due to urbanization. These challenges include the insufficient retention of landmarks due to competing stakeholder interests, which often leads to irreversible loss of cultural heritage. This research proposes a new culturally identity-oriented multi-agent reinforcement learning system for the protection of Bai ethnic traditional dwellings in Dali, Yunnan Province. The research combines diverse multi-source data collection approaches, including the building’s architecture and culture, urbanization statistics, and stakeholder networks, and develops an advanced computational framework in which every stakeholder category is embedded as an independent intelligent agent with specific behavioral patterns and autonomous decision-making skills. Specialized deep Q-networks of enhanced Q-value methods that consider cultural identity loss in Q-value calculus through loss function adjustments aimed at balancing cultural preservation and stakeholder appeasement were employed within the framework. Implementation results show performance with an overall accuracy of 89.3% for implementation and 87.2% for cultural preservation effectiveness. Conventional approaches previously achieved significantly lower accuracy within these parameters, 15-25 percentage points. Enhancements in cultural identity increase from a baseline of 58.3% to optimized values of 91.2%, while community satisfaction improves from 54.7% to 86.4%. The framework maintains coordination indices above 85% for all stakeholder groups, showing scalability with over 85% replication success rates for populations between 5,000 and 50,000 residents. This demonstrates theoretical and practical value in the use of AI concerning culturally aware heritage preservation

Effects of different levels of cave bats guano on chilli plant growth

Chilli plants (Capsicum annuum) from the Solanaceae family are among the most widely cultivated crops globally. However, chilli plants are susceptible to numerous threat that can limit production, including pests, diseases, and environmental stressors that cause flower and fruit drop. Fertilization is critical for optimizing chilli yields, with studies showing that the application of fertilisers can substantially improve plant growth and yield. Bat guano, a highly nutrient-dense organic fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon, and beneficial microbes, has been used for centuries to improve crop growth in various countries. The present study investigates the effects of cave bat guano on several growth parameters in chilli plants, including plant height, leaf count, flower production, and fruit yield. For this study, guano was collected from Wind Cave Nature Reserve and Raya Cave in Sarawak. The experiment involved treating 81 chilli plants with three different guano levels (2.5 g, 5.0 g, and 7.5 g), along with a control group that received no treatment. Plant height, leaf count, and counts of flower buds, flowers, and fruits were measured monthly. Bat guano, especially at a rate of 7.5g per plant, was found to substantially improve chilli plant growth, flowering, and fruiting. The control group, by contrast, exhibited stunted growth, underscoring the importance of nutrient supplementation in achieving optimal growth. These findings are in line with prior research on guano applications, establishing it as a valuable organic fertiliser with the potential to boost agricultural productivity in Malaysia

Students’ Emotions in Online Learning Post-Covid-19 : A Study of Malaysian University Students

This study explores the emotional experiences of the students in a Malaysian universityin online learning post-COVID-19. The pandemic forced a shift from traditional to online learning, leading to various emotional responses among students. However, there is limited understanding of how these emotional responses impact students’ engagement and learning satisfaction in the Malaysian context. A survey of 121 students revealed mixed feelings. While some appreciated the flexibility and comfort of learning from home, others faced anxiety, boredom, and challenges with maintaining focus and motivation. The study found that students enjoyed certain aspects of online learning, such as recorded lectures, but struggled with engagement and technical issues. The findings highlight the need for more interactive and supportive online learning environments to enhance student satisfaction and learning outcome

Predictors of Workplace Happiness among academicians in selected Public Higher Learning Institutions in Sarawak

This study investigates the relationship between total rewards, work engagement, and work happiness among academicians in selected Public Higher Learning Institutions in Sarawak. Given the increasing pressures and expectations in academia, understanding the key factors contributing to work happiness is crucial for ensuring high performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. This study involved 158 respondents from selected Public Higher Learning Institutions in Sarawak. Using Pearson correlation and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis, the findings reveal that both total rewards and work engagement significantly predict work happiness, with total rewards exhibiting a stronger impact. The statistical results confirm that total rewards and work engagement together explain 72.6% of the variance in work happiness, demonstrating their critical role in fostering a positive and productive academic work environment. The study underscores the importance of developing comprehensive reward systems that encompass monetary, material, and non-monetary benefits to sustain and enhance work happiness among academicians. Additionally, fostering high levels of work engagement is essential to ensure that rewards translate effectively into long-term job satisfaction and commitment. Institutions that implement well-structured reward systems and engagement initiatives are more likely to retain motivated and dedicated academicians, leading to improved academic outcomes and institutional success. Moreover, this study provides insights for higher education policymakers and institutional leaders, highlighting the need to re-evaluate reward structures, engagement strategies, and support mechanisms to foster an environment conducive to both academic excellence and well-being. Addressing these factors can contribute to a more fulfilling and productive work environment, ultimately benefiting students, faculty, and the broader academic community. Future research should expand on these findings by exploring additional psychological and organizational factors that may further contribute to work happiness, such as leadership effectiveness, workplace culture, and career growth opportunities. The integration of qualitative insights alongside quantitative data could also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms influencing workplace happiness in academia

Enhancing logistic regression model through AHP-initialized weight optimization using regularization and gradient descent adaptation: A comparative study

This study explores an approach to improving the performance of logistic regression model (LR) integrated with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for weight initialization model with regularization and adaptation of gradient descent (GD). Traditional LR model relies on random weight initialization leading to suboptimal performances. By employing AHP, a hybrid model that deployed priority vector as initial weights is obtained, reflecting the relative importance of input features. Previous works reported subpar performances of AHP-LR hybrid model due to the lack of optimizing for the initialized weights. In this study, the weights are proposed to be optimized with L1 and L2 regularization approach, penalizing deviations from the AHP-initialized weights through modified log-likelihood function with modified GD optimization. This comparative analysis involves four models: LR with L2 regularization, AHP weights as LR weights, and AHP-weights optimized with L1 and L2 regularization. A prediction experiment is conducted using synthetic dataset to assess the models' performance in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, and ROC-AUC. The results indicate that optimizing weights with L1 or L2 regularization significantly enhances model performance, compared to direct application of AHP weights without optimization yields near-random guesses. Additionally, incorporating true expert-derived weights, evaluating their impact on model performance and experimenting with authentic dataset and different weight derivation methods would offer valuable insights

The impact of corporate social responsibility practices on customer purchase intention of clothing industry : An integration of triple bottom line and ISO26000

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained research attention as the result of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which focus on responsible consumption and production (SDG-12).However, previous studies mainly focused on Carroll’s pyramid of CSR and other facets of CSR practices need to be further explored. The objective of the study is to examine the impact of CSR practices on customer purchase intention in the clothing industry by integrating the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model and ISO26000 best practices with the Signalling theory as the theoretical foundation. Through an online survey, a total of valid 182 responses were obtained via purposive sampling. Multiple regression was utilized for data analysis. The results show that economic CSR had the strongest impact on customer purchase intention, followed by environmental, social, and customer issues. Surprisingly, there was no significant impact between fair operating practices and customer purchase intention. The current study is unique by integrating the TBL framework with the customer-related ISO26000 CSR practices in a single framework and utilizing the Signalling Theory as the underpinning theory to explain the relationships, which is novel in an emerging market. The results provide insightful implications to the clothing company's management to emphasize the (social, economic, environmental, and customer issues) CSR attributes to guarantee business sustainability and attract consumers in this competitive marketplace