FREEZING CAPABILITY OF PASUNDAN BULL SPERM USING TRIS-EGG YOLK, TRIS-SOY, AND ANDROMED® DILUENTS

The aims of this study were to investigate the freezing capability of Pasundan bull spermatozoa in Tris-egg yolk (TEY), Tris-soy (TS), and AndroMed® as diluents. Semen were collected twice a week from four Pasundan bulls aged 3-5 years old using an artificial vagina and evaluated macro- and microscopically. Semen had ≥70% sperm motility, ≥800x106/mL sperm concentration, and less than 20% sperm abnormalities were divided into three parts and each of them diluted with TEY, TS, or AndroMed®. After an equilibration step at 5°C for four hours, diluted semen were packaged in 0.25 mL straw, frozen in liquid nitrogen for ten minutes and kept in liquid nitrogen container until examination. Motility test on fresh, diluted, equilibrated, and after-thawed semen was done using Androvision®. The results showed that after thawing motility of sperm diluted in AndroMed® (58.64±0.72%) was higher than in TEY (49.45±1.22%) and TS (39.34±6.33%). Sperm motility of Pasundan bulls diluted in these three diluents reduced around 33.27±2.45% during freezing process

[Ibn al-Muqaffa's Sociological Approach in al-Adab al-Kabir] Pendekatan Sosiologi Ibn al-Muqaffa’ dalam Karya al-Adab al-Kabir

Al-Adab al-Kabir is one of Ibn al- Muqafa's most famous works in Arabic literature, particularly in the art of prose. This work is also morally significant and provides insight into human behavior. As a result, this research was carried out to determine Ibn al-Muqaffa's sociology method in al-Adab al-Kabir. A qualitative technique is used in this research. The primary data came from the original publication, as well as books and journals pertinent to the study's theme. Thematic analysis was utilised to study Ibn al-Muqaffa's method, which resulted in the formation of criteria and themes. The findings reveal that Ibn al-Muqaffa' sociology approach in al-Adab al-Kabir is based on social standing, language strength, knowledge, and inventiveness. Karya al-Adab al-Kabir merupakan antara karya Ibn al-Muqafa’ yang paling terkenal dalam kesusasteraan Arab secara amnya dan khususnya dalam seni prosa. Karya ini juga mempunyai nilai akhlak yang tinggi dan pengetahuan tentang manusia dan tingkah laku sosialnya. Justeru kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengenalpasti pendekatan sosiologi Ibn al-Muqaffa’ dalam karya al-Adab al-Kabir. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Data utama diperoleh daripada manuskrip asal disamping buku-buku dan jurnal-jurnal yang relevan dengan tajuk kajian. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik yang membentuk kriteria dan tema untuk meneliti pendekatan yang digunakan oleh Ibn al-Muqaffa’. Hasil kajian menunjukkan pendekatan sosiologi yang digunakan Ibn al-Muqaffa’ dalam karya al-Adab al-Kabir adalah melalui status sosial, kekuatan bahasa, pengetahuan dan kreativiti

A comparative study on the relationship between self-directed learning and academic achievement among Malaysian and Turkish undergraduates / Badli Esham Ahmad... [et al.]

Self-directed Learning (SDL) is highly valued in the industry and is considered to be a valuable criterion for prospective employers, hence, it is pertinent for university students to develop and demonstrate their ability to be self-directed from their study years. This in turn would prepare them for the upcoming employment as the future workplace is more focused on the Industrial Revolution 4.0 This exploratory study aimed at identifying the level of SDL readiness among Malaysia and Turkey participants as well as comparing any SDL similarities between the two sets of participants. The study also looked at the relationship between SDL and academic achievement of the participants. Adapted version of the SDLRS was used in identifying the level of SDL readiness of the participants. Data was collected from one hundred and six participants from Malaysian and Turkish public universities and was analyzed using SPSS version 24. The findings from the study indicated that a majority of the participants are in the average or below average category of SDL readiness. It was also found that Malaysian and Turkish participants have similar SDL readiness level. Only a small percentage of the participants are highly self-directed. The study also found that SDL has a no significant relationship with academic achievement of the participants. This would indicate the importance of developing high SDL. It can be concluded that a majority of the participants in the study are not highly self-directed and a few contributing factors, cultural factor being one of them, are suggested behind the low scores. Suggestions were also given on how to develop SDL among the participants in order to prepare them for better assimilation into the industry

The perception of Iraqi EFL learners towards the use of MALL applications for speaking improvement

The current study is an attempt to understand the perceptions of Iraqi EFL learners about the use of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) applications for the purpose of speaking skills improvement. The respondents of the study are 51 EFL students enrolled in the Bachelor program in the department of English Language in the Faculty of Education for Humanities at Anbar University, Rammadi, Iraq. The respondents are chosen from different academic years. The data collection is carried out using a structured interview questions adopted form Son's (2016) study. However, the adopted interview survey is structured in the form of open questions rather than close questions (See Appendix A). The open interview questions give the respondents more freedom in clarifying their perceptions about the proposed MALL applications, whereby the researcher could collect rich information about the preferred characteristics of MALL applications for EFL students to improve their English speaking skills. The results of the study revealed that the respondents have a positive view and attitude towards using MALL applications for speaking improvement. The outcome of the study is advantageous for learners, teachers and language academies to highlight the importance of using MALL applications for language skills improvement and speaking skills in particular

Perspectives on the role of National Fatwa Committee in handling food issues in Malaysia based on Maqasid Syariah

The National Fatwa Committee (NFC) is a body responsible for issuing fatwa in Malaysia. It has an important role in determining a fatwa on a certain issue whether permissible or not. Among the popular issue in the current community are food issues. These include the issues of swine DNA in food, consuming fish oil and other several significant food issues. This study aimed to study fatwa production of these issues by NFC. This fatwa tried to use the Maqasid Syariah and its understanding through scientific views and understanding. It was also noted that before a fatwa is produced, it will have to go through several processes before it is distributed to the public. This study used the qualitative method, by referring to files or documents, journals, and interviews. The study also found that most of the fatwa was made by referring to al-Shafie school of teaching and several methods in deriving laws based on illah (reason) as relevant fiqh methodology to understand the Maqasid Syariah through a scientific study. Therefore, the fatwa has been made by referring to not only the fiqh but also the science information obtained through the lab work

Ar-Rahnu: A Review of Literature and Future Research

Academicians, practitioners, and other faith-based stakeholders have recognised Ar-Rahnu or Islamic pawn broking as one of micro financing tool to the Muslims. The increasing need for Ar-Rahnu services is influenced by the awareness of the Muslims on the availability of such service and the benefit of using it. In line with this development is academician is growing interest in Ar-Rahnu research, thus create opportunities for interested scholars to assess the development of research in this discipline. This paper purported to review published studies in this discipline since the inception of Ar-Rahnu concept to the current year to identify key trends or issues in Ar-Rahnu research and propose future research agenda. This review, which is the first of its kind, is hoped to be valuable to the present and future Ar-Rahnu scholars interested in the evolution of literature and identifying opportunities for future research

Cloning, expression and functional characterization of a novel a-humulene synthase, responsible for the formation of sesquiterpene in agarwood originating from Aquilaria malaccensis

This study describes the cloning, expression and functional characterization of α-humulene synthase, responsible for the formation of the key aromatic compound α-humulene in agarwood originating from Aquilaria malaccensis. The partial sesquiterpene synthase gene from the transcriptome data of A. malaccensis was utilized for full-length gene isolation via a 30 RACE PCR. The complete gene, denoted as AmDG2, has an open reading frame (ORF) of 1671 bp and encodes for a polypeptide of 556 amino acids. In silico analysis of the protein highlighted several conserved motifs typically found in terpene synthases such as Asp-rich substrate binding (DDxxD), metal-binding residues (NSE/DTE), and cytoplasmic ER retention (RxR) motifs at their respective sites. The AmDG2 was successfully expressed in the E. coli:pET-28a(+) expression vector whereby an expected band of about 64 kDa in size was detected in the SDS-PAGE gel. In vitro enzyme assay using substrate farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) revealed that AmDG2 gave rise to two sesquiterpenes: α-humulene (major) and β-caryophyllene (minor), affirming its identity as α-humulene synthase. On the other hand, protein modeling performed using AlphaFold2 suggested that AmDG2 consists entirely of α-helices with short connecting loops and turns. Meanwhile, molecular docking via AutoDock Vina (Version 1.5.7) predicted that Asp307 and Asp311 act as catalytic residues in the α-humulene synthase. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the cloning, expression and functional characterization of α-humulene synthase from agarwood originating from A. malaccensis species. These findings reveal a deeper understanding of the structure and functional properties of the α-humulene synthase and could be utilized for metabolic engineering work in the future

Media and politics: a study among youth in Malaysia

Media have a tendency to shape youth’s opinion on politics and election. The exposure of youth to media is more likely to change their opinions towards political issues that are widely covered in the media. This paper discusses media usage patterns among youth in Malaysia and their particpation in politics and election. A study using focus groups with Malaysian youth was carried out in June 2015. The purpose of the study was to examine how media influence perception of youth in Malaysia in relation to politics and election. Using purposive sampling, the study employed focus group to examine how and why youth use media to understand about politics and election. Findings indicated that youth mostly rely on new rather than traditional media to get updated with political news. Facebook and whatsapp are among the two channels that they mainly utilised to gain information about politics

A Game Experience Scoring Approach on Digital Educational Games and Cognitive Styles Behaviour

Assessing game experience on Digital Educational Games (DEGs) can enhance knowledge on users behaviour and experiences. The growth and popularity for DEGs among the young continues to evolve therefore further studies remains required. This study investigated how game experiences were related to children’s cognitive styles (i.e., focused attention and interaction strategies) on DEGs. In this study, a game experience scoring approach was used to examine the cognitive styles. Preliminary results presented that the Working Area of the DEG influenced a child's game experience and the Distractor was less seen by children during the interactive sorting activity. Focus attention on the Working Area and Banner works closely together (p<.05) indicating that children revisit items for confirmations. As for game experience on interaction strategies, an enjoyable game experience can be achieved when a child practice structured gameplay that develops into attention and engagement. Overall this study expands the knowledge of objects in game design and human behaviour for young children in DEGs

Status halal of cosmestic poducts: an analysis of alcohol usage for selected skin toner products in Malaysia

Alcohol is an organic solvent that is generally used in research and industry especially in food and beverage products. It is also widely used in cosmetic industries to produce cosmetic lines such as perfume, skin toner, and personal care products. However, the status of alcohol usage in skin toner from Syariah and scientific point of views are limited. Thus, the purpose of this study is to know the status of alcohol usage in skin toner products. This study regards the use of alcohol in cosmetic products and halal status of alcohol in branded cosmetic products in Malaysia. It also acknowledges the types of alcohol compound and the function of its safety to the consumer. The methodology of the study uses laboratory research to analyse data and obtain more regular and complete information. This study also uses a high-tech systematic tool, namely GC-MS. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is utilised to identify alcohol substance in the cosmetic products. Results showed that ten alcohol compounds were identified in the sample facial skin toner products. These alcohols were 1,3-butanediol, 2- phenoxy ethanol, 1,2-pentanediol, octanol, ethanol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, propanol, benzene methanol, and citronellol. These alcohols are used as cleaning agents and solvents in cosmetic products and are suitable to be applied to the skin. Among these ten alcohol compounds, three compounds were found with the highest percentages which were 2-phenoxy ethanol (92.75% ± 0.72%), benzyl alcohol (33.95% ± 7.12%) and 1,2-pentanediol (15.29% ± 6.59%). The results of this study demonstrate that the alcohol in cosmetics is produced by the scientific process and chemical reaction. The GC-MS device is considered to be the synthesis process. The results of the observations and interviews of the part researchers with science officials state that the alcohol compounds found in this study indicates the properties of this alcohol as a cleaning agent, a solvent on the outside only and safe for use. Furthermore, this study proves that the use of alcohol in skin toner products is permissible in Islam if the alcohol is derived from plants, fruits, and grains. In other word, the status of alcohol usage in skin toner products is permissible according to Syariah