HEADS : hybrid ensemble anomaly detection system for Internet-of-Things networks.

The rapid expansion of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices has revolutionized connectivity, facilitating the exchange of extensive data within IoT networks via the traditional internet. However, this innovation has also increased security concerns due to the presence of sensitive nature of data exchanged within IoT networks. To address these concerns, network-based anomaly detection systems play a crucial role in ensuring the security of IoT networks through continuous network traffic monitoring. However, despite significant efforts from researchers, these detection systems still suffer from lower accuracy in detecting new anomalies and often generate high false alarms. To this end, this study proposes an efficient Hybrid Ensemble learning-based Anomaly Detection System (HEADS) to secure an IoT network from all types of anomalies. The proposed solution is based on a novel hybrid approach to improve the voting strategy for ensemble learning. The ensemble prediction is assisted by a Random Forest-based model obtained through the best F1 score for each label through dataset subset selection. The efficiency of HEADS is evaluated using the publicly available CICIoT2023 dataset. The evaluation results demonstrate an F1 score of 99.75% and a false alarm rate of 0.038%. These observations signify an average 4% improvement in the F1 score while a reduction of 0.7% in the false alarm rate comparing other anomaly detection-based strategies

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Leaf Anatomy and Micromorphology for New Zingiberaceae Species in Borneo

This study aims to explore and document the micromorphological characteristics of four newly identified species of the Zingiberaceae family in Singai Bau, Sarawak: Sulettaria meekiongii, Alpinia songet, Zingiber singaiensis, and Amomum jackliamii, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Conducted in the biodiverse region of Mount Sijanjang Singai, the research focuses on the anatomical features of leaves, including trichomes, stomata, epidermal cells, subsidiary cells, epicuticular wax, and glands. Collaborating with botanists and utilizing herbarium records and MyBIS for classification, the study meticulously prepared leaf samples for high-resolution SEM imaging. Findings revealed distinct anatomical features: Sulettaria meekiongii exhibited long non-glandular trichomes and rectangular wax patterns; Alpinia songet displayed diverse trichome distributions and protective wax layers; Zingiber singaiensis showed smooth resinous layers and stunted trichomes; and Amomum jackliamii featured dense stomatal arrangements and fissured wax. Additionally, the study assessed these species' traditional uses and ecological significance within the Bidayuh community, highlighting the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific techniques. This research provides a foundational understanding of micromorphological diversity within the Zingiberaceae family, demonstrating the value of combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches for holistic biodiversity conservation. Key Words: Zingiberaceae, Micromorphology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservatio

Educators’ Perceptions Towards Their Roles and Experiences in Adapting Alternative Assessment

The use of alternative assessment has gained significant attention in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally educators rely on written examinations to assess students’ understanding of course content; however, it has become increasingly evident that written examinations alone may not fully capture the breadth and depth of students’ learning. Alternative assessment has been used to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students’ learning in which students can learn mental skills, develop attitudes and the potential to acquire new physical skills. These three domains of learning are commonly known as Bloom’s Taxonomy (Bloom, 1956) and learning is viewed as a process of human development and growth (Hoque, 2016). The role of educators is critical in deciding and setting alternative assessments to ensure students’ learning captures these domains. Undoubtedly, educators as academic knowledge experts are often prepared for the research role, but they might have had little or no training for the teaching role (Kane, et al., 2002; Minter, 2010) which includes assessing students. Despite the crucial role educators must play, very little is known about educators’ perceptions and experiences regarding alternative assessment. Herein, this study delves into the adaptation of alternative assessment among educators, their perceptions and experiences. This study aims to shed light on the significance of alternative assessment as a means to inform practices in higher education

Caffeine Extraction from Sarawak Liberica Coffee

Liberica coffee is a minor coffee species that is cultivated all around the world. There are only a few studies conducted on this coffee species as it only occupies one percent of coffee plantations all around the world. There has yet to be a research study in Malaysia focusing on the caffeine content, the total phenolic content (TPC), and the flavonoid content (TFC) of the liberica sp. coffee mainly cultivated in Sarawak, Malaysia. Thus, in this research, Sarawak liberica sp. coffee was extracted using Soxhlet extractor using ethanol as solvent. The extracted sample was analyzed using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the caffeine concentration in the sample. Colorimetric assays for phenolic compounds and flavonoids were also performed to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and the flavonoid content (TFC). As a result, the dry basis of caffeine (w/w) in the extracted sample is 5.404%. In contrast, the total phenolic content of extracted products is 89.472 mg GAE/g of coffee beans, and the total flavonoid content of the extracted products is 308.19 mg quercetin/g of coffee beans. This research will further contribute knowledge for future Sarawak liberica sp. coffee studies

Evolving trends in the surgical, anaesthetic, and intensive care management of acute spinal cord injuries in the UK

Purpose We surveyed the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries in the UK and compared current practices with 10 years ago. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted amongst neurosurgeons, neuroanaesthetists, and neurointensivists that manage patients with acute spinal cord injuries. The survey gave two scenarios (complete and incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries). We obtained opinions on the speed of transfer, timing and aim of surgery, choice of anaesthetic, intraoperative monitoring, targets for physiological parameters, and drug treatments. Results We received responses from 78.6% of UK units that manage acute spinal cord injuries (33 neurosurgeons, 56 neuroanaesthetists/neurointensivists). Most neurosurgeons operate within 12 h for incomplete (82%) and complete (64%) injuries. There is a signifcant shift from 10 years ago, when only 61% (incomplete) and 30% (complete) of neurosurgeons operated within 12 h. The preferred anaesthetic technique in 2022 is total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), used by 69% of neuroanaesthetists. Signifcantly more intraoperative monitoring is now used at least sometimes, including bispectral index (91%), non-invasive cardiac output (62%), and neurophysiology (73–77%). Methylprednisolone is no longer used by surgeons. Achieving at least 80 mmHg mean arterial blood pressure is recommended by 70% neurosurgeons, 62% neuroanaesthetists, and 75% neurointensivists. Conclusions Between 2012 and 2022, there was a paradigm shift in managing acute spinal cord injuries in the UK with earlier surgery and more intraoperative monitoring. Variability in practice persists due to lack of high-quality evidence and consensus guidelines

Selection of Vaccine Candidates Against Pseudomonas koreensis Using Reverse Vaccinology and a Preliminary Efficacy Trial in Tor tambroides (Empurau)

The unregulated and/or incorrect use of antimicrobial agents against diseases of farmed aquatic species poses a considerable threat to the development and growth of a sustainable aquaculture industry. Hence, vaccination has emerged as a pivotal strategy to mitigate this threat. This study marks the first utilization of reverse vaccinology to develop subunit vaccines against Pseudomonas koreensis infection in Empurau (Tor tambroides). WGS analysis revealed that the genomic size of P. koreensis CM-01 is 6,171,880 bp and has a G+C content of 60.5%. The proteome (5,538 proteins) was screened against various filters to prioritize proteins based on features that are associated with virulence, subcellular localization, transmembrane helical structure, antigenicity, essentiality, non-homology with the host proteome, molecular weight, and stability, which led to the identification of eight potential vaccine candidates. These potential vaccine candidates were cloned and expressed, with six achieving successful expression and purification. The antigens were formulated into two distinct vaccine mixtures, Vac A and Vac B, and their protective efficacy was assessed through in vivo challenge experiments. Vac A and Vac B demonstrated high protective efficacies of 100% and 81.2%, respectively. Histological analyses revealed reduced tissue damage in vaccinated fish after experimental infection, with Vac A showing no adverse effects, whereas Vac B exhibited mild degenerative changes. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed a significant upregulation of TNF-α and downregulation of IL-1β in the kidneys, spleen, gills, and intestine in both Vac A- and Vac B immunized fish after challenged with P. koreensis. Additionally, IL-8 exhibits tissue-specific differential expression, with significant upregulation in the kidney, gills, and intestine, and downregulation in the spleen, particularly notable in Vac A immunized fish. The research underscores the effectiveness of the reverse vaccinology approach in fish and demonstrates the promising potential of Vac A and Vac B as recombinant subunit vaccines

A Scoping Review of Assertiveness Therapy for Reducing Bullying Behavior and Its Impacts Among Adolescents

: Bullying is a global problem in adolescents which has increased every year. One of the factors in the occurrence of bullying is the ability of interpersonal skills. This ability can build good relationships with assertive between adolescents and can prevent bullying. The purpose of this study is to describe assertiveness therapy for reducing bullying behavior and its impacts among adolescents. The method used in this study is scoping review. The search strategy used is PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews through three databases namely PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. The authors used inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria in the selection of articles. The major keywords used in the article search were bullying, assertiveness therapy, and adolescents. Data analysis used descriptive qualitative. The results showed that there were 10 articles that discussed assertive therapy. All articles show that assertiveness therapy can reduce bullying behavior and its impact significantly, such as reducing the impact of anxiety and increasing self-esteem. Assertiveness therapy methods carried out in the form of education, games, and role play. Education is carried out online and offline. Educational media is provided directly and through media such as educational videos which can be accessed at any time. Gender and cultural approaches are important aspects in the implementation of assertive therapy. Assertive therapy can improve interpersonal skills, social skills, empathy and assertiveness so that it can reduce bullying behavior and its impacts in adolescents. Then, this data becomes the basis for nurses to carry out assertive therapy as an effort to prevent and reduce bullying behavior in adolescents

ANALYSIS OF CURRICULUM NEEDS BASED ON LOCAL PROBLEMS (SADONG JAYA DISTRICT)

Sadong Jaya was previously a small district under the administration of Derah Simunjan and from January 1, 2002, Derah Kecil Sadong Jaya has become a small district under the administration of Asajaya. which is located between Batang Samarahan and Batang Sadong. The population still rely on the agricultural sector as their main source of income. This study aims to analyse the curriculum needs of residents in the Sadong Jaya district based on local problems. This study is a qualitative study where the researcher obtains local background through data stored at the Sadong Jaya Subdistrict Office, crime and health statistics. In addition, an interview session was held with a local representative to obtain his opinion and views towards the problems faced by the local population. After analyzing the data collected, the researchers indicate that there are 5 main elements of the curriculum for residents in the Sadong Jaya district, which are elements to overcome social problems, elements to improve health, elements to expand the exposure of English language in daily life, element to increase skills in technical fields and element to further increase the understanding of religious knowledge