Examining the reliability and validity of students’ self-efficacy beliefs, stress, perceived teachers’ support and academic burnout scales using PLS-SEM approach

Likert scales were used in this study to collect data on measures such as the student academic burnout scale, the student stress scale, the student self-efficacy beliefs scale and the student perceived teacher support scale. The purpose of this study is to examine the four-part scales' reliability and validity used in this research. The number of measurement indicators for the four scales was 11, 13, 12 and 10, respectively. Seventy-five college students from five colleges and universities participated in the research and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was applied to analyze the data. Consequently, the internal consistency and reliability of the measures were assessed using Cronbach's alpha (CA) and composite reliability (CR) both of which exceeded the clinical thresholds of 0.6 and 0.7, respectively. The average variance extracted (AVE) was used to evaluate the scales' convergent validity and the reported values were all stated above 0.5. The scales' discriminant validity was also framed within the range of threshold values. As a result, the scales used in this study demonstrated good validity and reliability and can be useful in assessing relationships throughout a range of study situations

Genomic analysis and molecular profiling of dengue viruses in Sabah, Malaysia, during 2019-2020

Objectives: Limited information is available on the distribution of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and genotypes in Borneo, particularly in Sabah, as most studies have focused on Peninsular Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular epidemiological characteristics of DENV in patients from Sabah. Methods: Serum samples were collected from febrile patients in Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu between 2019 and 2020 at the Kota Kinabalu Public Health Laboratory. We performed virus isolation, serological testing, viremia quantification, and complete genome sequencing. Results: Among 188 serum samples, 89 tested positive for DENV by RT-qPCR: 20 DENV-1, 46 DENV-2, 20 DENV-3, and 1 DENV-4. A total of 38 viruses were successfully isolated. Isolates belonged to DENV-1 (Genotypes I and IV), DENV-2 (Cosmopolitan genotype), and DENV-3 (Genotypes I and III). Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships with strains from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. DENV-2 was the predominant serotype, while the highest viremia levels were observed in DENV-3-infected patients. Conclusions: This study provides the first detailed phylogenetic and complete genome analysis of DENV in Sabah. Continued molecular surveillance is essential to enhance our understanding of dengue transmission and to support effective control strategies

Digital drone education in Sarawak: Enhancing STEM learning through hands-on training for school students

In Sarawak, concerns about low STEM enrolment, digital inclusivity gaps for rural children, and the transition from digital consumption to digital creation led to the introduction of the Drone Education Program. Participants began with foundational drone operation training, advancing to capturing images and videos. Subsequently, they were acquainted with elementary photo and video editing techniques, enabling them to enhance their drone-generated content. The aim of this research is to gauge the impact of the Drone Education Program on refining drone operations, bolstering digital editing competencies, and stimulating STEM engagement in students. In our methodology, we employed tailored pre- and post-surveys for evaluation, and younger students provided feedback via an emoji-based survey. Further analytical methods encompassed non-parametric tests, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and linear mixedeffect modelling. Results indicated significant post-intervention improvements in the targeted skills. The EFA grouped 21 Likert items into five distinct learning domains. Notable insights include district-wise variances in learning outcomes and the influential role of gender. The initiative showcases promise in confronting Sarawak's educational barriers, championing digital inclusivity, and preparing a digitally proficient generation

Inflation threshold effects on stock prices: Evidence from the plantation sector in Malaysia

This study aims to examine the threshold effect of inflation on stock prices in the Malaysian plantation sector. This study used earnings per share (EPS) and return on equity (ROE) as proxies for microeconomic variables, and inflation (INF which proxies for the consumer price index) as a proxy for macroeconomic variables. A panel dataset covering 32 listed companies in the plantation sector from 2008Q3 to 2023Q3 is used. The results of threshold analysis show that inflation has a nonlinear effect, with a threshold value of 4.6128%. This implies that when inflation crosses this value, it significantly alters the outcome of stock prices. Inflation consistently has a negative effect on stock prices across both regimes, although the impact slightly decreases under higher inflation. Higher inflation will increase the detrimental effects of ROE and reverses the significance effect of EPS and DTE to insignificant, while enhancing the positive contributions of revenue and operating cash flow

Effectiveness of low-temperature storage on lipid nutritional quality of fish: A meta-analysis

Fish are rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits. Proper food storage methods, especially low-temperature storage, are crucial for maintaining the lipid nutritional quality of seafood. While numerous studies have examined the effects of low-temperature storage on fish lipids, the information remain poorly organized, and many important detail (such as various lipid nutritional quality indices) have not been systematically analyzed in most studies. To address this gap, this study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of short-term and long-term low-temperature storage on the lipid nutritional quality of fish. The results of this study are particularly valuable as they provide practical guidance to consumers for selecting optimal low-temperature storage methods to better preserve the quality of fish lipids

Determining location models for offline Micro-Entrepreneurs in Sabah using personal decision support systems

Selecting proper site is a significant challenge for offline microentrepreneurs in Sabah, where socio-economic factors complicate decision-making and intuition-based approaches often lead to financial losses. This paper proposes a Personal Decision Support System (PDSS) framework that integrates location models to guide informed site selection decisions. A mixed-methods approach, including interviews, observations, and archival research, was used for data collection. Key findings show that PDSS reduces the risk of poor location decisions and boosts profitability by replacing subjective judgment

Evaluating the vertical accuracy of lidar and open source dem for oil palm plantation planning and design

Accurate elevation data are essential for effective oil palm plantation planning, hydrological modeling, and environmental management particularly in tropical regions characterized by complex topography and dense vegetation. While LiDAR-derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) offer high vertical precision, their acquisition costs often hinder adoption in resource-limited settings. Open-source DEMs provide accessible alternatives but are frequently affected by vegetation interference and coarse resolution, leading to reduced vertical accuracy. This study proposes a hybrid correction framework that integrates a random forest (RF) machine learning algorithm and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) a spatially adaptive statistical method to enhance the vertical accuracy of open-source DEMs for terrain-sensitive applications. The study used377 high-precision Ground Control Points (GCPs) and LiDAR data to evaluate and correct six global DEMs: Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS), TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement (TanDEM-X), Copernicus GLO-30, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Forest And Buildings removed Copernicus DEM (FABDEM), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) GDEM, and a high-resolution drone-derived DEM. RF was used to identify key topographic predictors, including aspect, slope, curvature, Topographic Position Index (TPI), and Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI), while GWR applied spatially adaptive corrections to the RF residuals. The integrated RF–GWR model significantly improved the vertical accuracy across all DEMs. The post-correction R² values reached 0.914 for TanDEM-X, 0.910 for ALOS, and increased from 0.608 to 0.914for Copernicus, with the residual standard deviations reduced by up to 75% and near-zero mean bias. These results highlight the model’s ability to correct both systematic and spatially varying elevation errors. The framework presents a scalable and alternative to LiDAR for use in precision agriculture, flood risk modeling, and infrastructure planning. Future work should explore integration with deep learning to improve the temporal responsiveness and operational scalability. Keywords: Digital Elevation Models, Machine Learning, Random Forest, Geographically Weighted Regression, Vertical Accuracy.1. INTRODUCTION Accurate terrain data are fundamental to informed land-use planning, hydrological modeling, and precision agriculture, particularly in tropical environments characterized by dense vegetation, high rainfall, and complex topography. In the context of oil palm plantation development, reliable elevation models are critical for the design of efficient drainage systems, optimization o

Pedagogical practices in history education: A comparative study of China and Malaysia's higher learning institutions

This comparative study examines the pedagogical practices in history education within higher learning institutions in China and Malaysia, focusing on how cultural, curricular, and institutional differences shape the teaching and learning of history. In China, traditional methods of rote memorization are gradually being replaced by critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, reflecting broader educational reforms aimed at fostering more active and analytical student engagement. In contrast, Malaysia’s history education is strongly influenced by its multicultural context, with an emphasis on national identity and civic education, often integrating more diverse teaching methods that cater to its pluralistic society. The study effectively contrasts the pedagogical practices in two distinct cultural and educational contexts, offering rich insights into how history education reflects sociopolitical and cultural values

The relationship between peer relationships and classroom engagement among undergraduate private college student

Classroom engagement is a key determinant of student learning and academic success, yet relatively little attention has been paid to the role of peer relationships in shaping engagement levels within private higher education settings in China. This study aims to examine the relationship between peer relationships and classroom engagement among undergraduate students at a private university in Qingdao, Shandong Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 17,122 students from a private undergraduate college in Qingdao, Shandong, China, yielding 534 valid responses. The average peer relationships score was 3.29, suggesting a relatively harmonious relationship among students. Simple linear regression analysis revealed that peer relationships positively predicted classroom engagement, explaining 30.3% of its variance (R²= 0.303, Adjusted R²= 0.302). Additionally, the hierarchical multiple regression results indicate that gender (β=0.096, p=0.007) plays a significant moderating role in the influence of peer relationships on classroom engagement, and similarly, grade (β=0.080, p=0.023) exerts a significant moderating effect on the relationship between peer relationships and classroom engagement. Moreover, the moderating effects of gender and grade on the relationship between peer relationships and classroom engagement are more pronounced among female students. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive peer interactions and considering gender- and grade-specific needs when designing engagement-enhancing interventions in private college contexts in China

Optimization of polymers for organic solar cells: Effects of alkyl, fluorinated and thiophenated chains

This paper explores optimization strategies for polymeric materials in organic solar cells (OSCs) with the focus on varying alkyl side chain, addition of fluorine atom, and thiophenated derivatives onto polymer. As such, it outlines the significance of renewable energy sources and the potential of photovoltaic technologies, particularly organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Objectives include factors affecting power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (Voc), aggregation tendencies, and optoelectronic properties in OPVs. The scope encompasses the impact of alkyl as well as the comparison between fluorinated and chlorinated polymers and the role of thiophene units to obtain an efficient organic solar cell. The review examines how alkyl chain structures influence thin film morphology, packing, and device performance, comparing linear and branched configurations. It also explores the role of halogenated polymers in modifying electronic properties and stability, focusing on the comparative performance between fluorinated and chlorinated polymers. The importance of thiophene units in polymer design for OPVs is discussed, along with performance comparisons based on different architectures. The paper summarizes key findings regarding the impact of various side chain modifications for OPVs device performance and outlines future research directions to enhance efficiency, stability, and scalability. It suggests exploring novel material design to further optimize OSCs