Investigating misconceptions about acids and bases among pre-service science teachers

This study examines prevalent misconceptions among students regarding the fundamental concepts of acids and bases, which often arise during the learning process. This study aims to pinpoint misconceptions held by preservice science teachers in the realm of acids and bases; 117 university students from diverse educational backgrounds, enrolled in three distinct courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics from the Faculty of Education, participated in the study. Using a structured questionnaire, the research identified 11 misconceptions out of 26 items related to acid and base concepts among pre-service teachers, while 15 items showed a correct understanding. Notably, three misconceptions exhibit the highest prevalence, namely the universal indicator of strong alkali (71.7%), the calculationrelated concentration of acids and bases (69.3%), and the procedural steps for preparing a solution with a specified concentration using the dilution method (65.8%). The analysis indicates that although pre-service teachers generally understand acid and base concepts well, some misconceptions persist. Additionally, correlations between gender, university major, and understanding of these concepts were found. Further global research is recommended to identify misconceptions among university students. Comprehensive research in Malaysia could help educators and students address these misconceptions in Chemistry education

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

Brain tumor detection and size estimation using microwave imaging

This project focuses on developing an antenna that utilising microwave imaging technology for visualising, detecting, and estimating the size of human tumors using simulation approach. A rectangular microstrip patch antenna is chosen for its advantages of low cost, convenience, efficiency, and compactness, offering a non-ionised alternative. To meet the antenna specifications, rectangular slots are incorporated into the design. The antenna performs effectively at 7.5 GHz, exhibiting a return loss of -24.20383 dB, well below the -10 dB threshold. Placing the antenna 15 mm away from the human brain model results in a specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 0.2 W/kg for 10g, indicating its safety for brain imaging. By scanning a human head phantom with and without a tumor, the antenna captures reflected signals from different locations, enabling the generation of tumour images. A 10-mm-radius tumor is introduced to the phantom, and the unique reflected signal serves as an indicator for tumor detection, using the signal without a tumor as a reference. MATLAB software is employed for image processing, allowing the generation of tumour images and the estimation of tumor size. The simulation results demonstrate 63% accuracy in tumor size estimation. In conclusion, the antenna proves to be a safe and effective brain imaging system for tumor detection

Duckweed protein: extraction, modification, and potential application

Discovering alternative protein sources that are both nutritious and environmentally friendly is essential to meet the growing global population’s needs. Duckweed offers promise due to its cosmopolitan distribution, rapid growth, high protein content, and scalability from household tanks to large lagoons without requiring arable land that competes for the major crops. Rich in essential amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids, duckweed supports human health. Extraction methods, such as ultrasound and enzymatic techniques, enhance protein yield compared to traditional methods. However, low protein solubility remains a challenge, addressed by protein modification techniques (physical, chemical, and biological) to broaden its applications. Duckweed proteins hold potential as functional food ingredients due to their unique physicochemical properties. This re view also includes patents and regulations related to duckweed protein, filling a gap in current literature. Overall, duckweed presents a sustainable protein source with a lower environmental impact compared to con ventional crops

Aurelia aurita jellyfish collagen: Recovery properties

Wound and burn healing is a complex physiological process that can be facilitated by medications based on marine collagen. In this regard, biomass of the Aurelia aurita jellyfish is a promising alternative source of medical collagen. As the global incidence of burns and wounds continues to grow, new healing methods have become a relevant area of medical science. This study featured acetic acid as a means of marine collagen extraction from A. aurita biomass. The physical and chemical properties of jellyfish collagen were determined gravimetrically and included such indicators as water solubility and water holding capacity. The molecular weight was defined by gel electrophoresis. The spectral studies relied on the method of UV spectroscopy. The regenerative experiments included such parameters as cytotoxicity, antioxidant properties, adhesion, and wound healing rate, as well as a quantitative PCR analysis. The optimal conditions for maximal collagen yield were as follows: 0.5 M acetic acid and 48 h extraction time. However, the collagen yield was very low (≤ 0.0185%). The high water holding capacity showed good prospects for A. aurita collagen to be used as hemostatic sponge. The acid-soluble collagen sample had a molecular weight of 100–115 kDa, which made it possible to classify it as type I. A. aurita jellyfish collagen revealed no cytotoxic properties; it had no effect on adhesion, migration, and proliferation of keratinocytes, neither did it affect the expression of cell differentiation markers. The wound healing model proved that the marine collagen had regenerative properties as it was able to increase the wound healing rate by 24.5%. Therefore, collagen extracted from the biomass of A. aurita jellyfish demonstrated good prospects for cosmetology and regenerative medicine

Fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated POFA-GGBFS pastes cured in ambient temperature – An initial mix design

Weak soils are characterised by their high compressibility and low shear strength, which requires stabilisation to improve their compaction and strength characteristics before being used for construction projects. Recent trends in soil stabilisation show an increased interest in the application of waste-derived geopolymers as low-carbon materials to address the carbon emission problem related to cement production. This paper presents the preliminary findings of using Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) binary blends as geopolymer precursor materials. These binary waste material blends were activated using alkaline solutions, namely Sodium Hydroxide (NH) and Sodium Silicate (NS), to synthesise geopolymers at ambient temperatures. Three main factors were considered for the optimisation of the geopolymer mix design, as recommended by past research: alkali equivalent (8-11.5%), activator modulus (0-0.7), and slag replacement (fixed at 30%). Alkali equivalent and activator modulus parameters were varied and tested to establish its initial and final setting times, workability and strength properties, while the slag replacement percentage was set at 30%. This study aimed to determine the most influential parameters to produce the geopolymer material with the highest compressive strength and satisfactory setting times and workability. Single-source alkali activators (NH only) used on POFA-GGBFS produced specimens with smaller flow diameters, longer initial and final setting times, and lower compressive strength than specimens activated with NH and NS. Geopolymer specimens synthesised with NH and NS produce stiffer compounds possessing higher compressive strength values and explosive-type failure modes due to their higher silica content. At ambient temperatures, TM-Mix 2 (7% alkali equivalent and 0.7 activator modulus) produced the highest compressive strength value of 67.3 MPa at 28 days curing, flow diameter of 227 mm, with the initial and final setting time of 25 minutes and 45 minutes, respectively. Consequently, the results show that the preliminary POFA-GGBFS geopolymer mix design could produce sustainably sourced geopolymer compounds with adequate strength and acceptable setting time and workability. This study is part of a current investigation to further optimise the POFA-GGBFS mix design for the purpose of weak soil stabilisation

Organisation’s support influences the acceptance and use of e-learning among academic staff of higher learning Institution in Sabah

E-learning refers to the use of electronic media, digital technology tools such as laptop, smart phone, and interactive Tv in teaching and learning process. Nowadays, it is undeniable that most higher learning institutions choose to implement E-learning in their education system which it becomes the alternative to the traditional learning method in teaching. Through the implementation, education institutions have the potential in establishing more open and flexible teaching and learning environment. However, to drive the a wholistic implementation of E-learning in higher learning institutions, the aspect of organisational support in terms of technicality and infrastructure facilities should be prioritised so that all parties especially the academic staffs can easily adapt and use it. Therefore, this pilot study is aimed to study the level of E-learning usage through the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Used of Technology (UTAUT) Model and the influence of organisational support on the E-learning implementation among academic staff in Sabah. The findings of simple regression analysis showed the influence of organisational support at 66 percents on the implementation of E-learning among the academic staffs, with the model’s contribution (R2=.44, k=.00). the findings found that organisational support is the significant factor in influencing the acceptance and implementation process of Elearning among the academic staffs of higher learning institutions in Sabah. Thus, this study proposes each learning institutions in Sabah to increase the organisational support especially in technicality and infrastructure to empower E-learning platforms in future

Research, writing and publication in maritime journals as an academic endeavor

Research, writing and publication in the maritime discipline play a vital role in enriching academic knowledge while providing guidance for the practice of the maritime industry globally. Maritime journals, as one of the main mediums for academic publication, serve not only as references for scientific research but also as platforms for delivering in-depth analyses of relevant maritime issues, including safety, technology, international trade, and maritime law. This article focuses on the status of maritime journals as legitimate and important academic references, while also examining key issues in writing and publishing in maritime journals. The methodology used in this research is content analysis of various leading maritime journals, followed by case studies on the impact of maritime research on policy and industry practices. The key findings from this writing demonstrate that maritime journals play a significant role in linking theory with practice, fostering critical thinking, and providing a platform for innovation in the maritime field. Writing for maritime journals requires an objective, evidence-based approach and involves rigorous hypothesis testing. This research also emphasizes the importance of reliable references and the peer-review process in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of maritime research findings

Implementation of the ksor method for solving one-dimensional time-fractional parabolic partial differential equations with the caputo finite difference scheme title of manuscript

This study presents numerical solution of time-fractional linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) using the Caputo finite difference scheme. The discretization process is based on the second-order implicit finite difference scheme and the Caputo fractional derivative operator. The resulting system of linear approximation equations is solved using the Kaudd Successive Over Relaxation (KSOR) iterative method. A comparison is made with the Gauss-Seidel (GS) iterative method through three numerical examples. The results demonstrate that the KSOR method requires fewer iterations and reduced computational time compared to the GS method

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Canarium odontophyllum (Sarawak Olive): A seasonal fruit from Borneo, East Malaysia

Background: Canarium species are reported rich of polyphenol, alkaloids, flavones, and saponins compounds. Canarium odontophyllum from Borneo’s variety, on the other hand is remaining unclear especially on the antioxidant activity towards radicals. Purpose: To investigate phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of C. odontophyllum. Methods: Antioxidant properties were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, 2,2′- azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay with different polarity of extraction solvents (methanol, acetone and hexane). The phytochemical composition was determined by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Quadrupole Time of Flight (LCMSQTOF). Results: Acetone showed the highest scavenging activity in the DPPH (0.0307 mg/ml) and FRAP (3.926 mg/ml) assays, while hexane exhibited the highest activity in the ABTS assay (0.119 mg/ml). The LCMS-QTOF chromatogram identified 22 potential compounds. Among these, the major compounds oleamide (10.49 %) and emmotin A (7.23 %) have previously been reported to exhibit antioxidant activity. Other health-beneficial compounds were also found, such as palmitic amide (2.46 %), deoxymiroestrol (6.23 %), and N-Cyclohexanecarbonylpentadecylamine (48.92 %), which are important in preventing metal corrosion, regulating hormones, and distinguishing between N-palmitoylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NPAA) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. Conclusion: The results indicate that C. odontophyllum shows a promising potential an alternative drug in pharmaceutical developments