Antibacterial activity of areca catechu nut extract / Nurul Najiha Ain Ibrahim

Areca catechu nut that is commonly known as Betel nut is an ancient herb which is significant to the cultural traditions of some countries in the South East Asia. The case of bacterial resistance to the existing antibacterial agents has increased, causing the need of novel antibacterial agent. However, the use of Betel nut as the antibacterial agent has not been reported in Malaysia. This study is carried out to determine the antibacterial properties of the young and the mature Betel nut, and to differentiate the strength of the antibacterial properties between both extracts. Both sample extracts were diluted into varying concentrations and were tested with Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus isolates by implementing disc and agar well diffusion methods. The result showed an increase in the extract concentration shown by the increase in the halo zone. Agar well method showed a larger halo zone compared to the disc method. S.aureus is most susceptible to both extracts with the highest mean of halo zone at 200mg/ml is 17.7±0.58mm, followed by S.typhi with 14.7±0.58mm while E.coli is the most resistant bacteria with no zone of inhibition. This result indicates that Betel nut can be used as the medicinal agent to combat diseases associated with common bacteria due to the antibacterial effect elicited from both samples. Nevertheless, the young extract showed a slightly stronger antibacterial property strength compared to the mature extract

The factors that influence Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sales performance / Syarifah Nurul Ain Syed Ibrahim

The availability of LPG as the multi-purpose fuel presents significant opportunities for extending energy services into the community and for generating value-added commercial and industrial applications. The developments of this energy sources can improve the economy besides the communities. As a multinational company who is generates and supplies the oil and gas sources, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) which is partly owned by the Petroleum Nasional (PETRONAS) played the roles in managing the oil and gas industry. This is done by getting information at PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) itself by using secondary data that are related with the sales of LPG. The study covered the data from 2002 until 2010. The purpose of this study is to observe whether the gross national income (GNI), industrial production index (IPI) and the advertisement values can give impact to the LPG’s sales performance at the PDB’s Eastern Regional Office. Regarding the finding of the study, it shows that only two independent variables that have significant values which influenced the sales performance of liquefied petroleum gas. This study used the secondary data which obtained from PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad Eastern Regional Office as for the research methodology. Otherwise, the study used the Statistical Procedure of Social System to transform the data into the output to be analyzed. To conclude, the study found that the sales performance of LPG can be influenced by the industrial production index and the advertisement value

A legal study on the issuance of court documents by substituted service through Social Networking Sites (SNS) in Malaysia / Farah Nadira Abdul Ghani, Nurul Ain Ibrahim and Noor Shakinah Samian

It cannot be denied that Malaysia is concerned with the Information Communication Technology (ICT) development. The syariah court of Malaysia has moved to set up the E-Syariah case management structure. Meanwhile, in civil court, E-Filing has been introduced recently. A Legal Study On The Issuance Of Court Documents By Substituted Services Through Social Networking Sites (SNS) In Malaysia is a research focusing on recommendations of the use of social networking sites in serving court documents by the plaintiff in a civil litigation. Substituted service through social networking sites is a topic which touches on the possibility of the acceptance of the advancement of technology in serving court docuemnts relating to the civil procedure in Malaysia. More importantly, the research paper will lay out the authorities of other countries that has already accepted social networking sites as part of the modes of service of court documents in the civil procedure. Chapter Two of the research deals with the definition of SNS, the examples of SNS, the developments of SNS, the advantages and disadvantages of SNS, and also the popularity of SNS. Secondly, Chapter Three focuses on the service of writ and the substituted service currenltly practiced in Malaysia. It also looks into the conventional modes of substituted service and relevant cases dealing with failure of the existing conventional modes of substituted services. Chapter Four examines the development of substituted service through social networking sites (SNS) in Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand where each and every jurisdiction has its own specific rules on how the service of court documents via SNS should be accomplished. Finally, Chapter Five sets out the conclusion and recommendations for the issuance of court documents by substituted services through social networking sites (SNS) in Malaysia

THE USE OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE DIRECTIVE SPEECH ACTS BY MALAYSIAN TOUR GUIDES

Background and Purpose: Cultural collisions in tourism communication can elicit obstacles or failure to achieve communication goals in social interactions with people of different backgrounds. A communication between cultures can present misunderstandings, vagueness in meanings and frustration due to the diverse social and cultural norms arising from various discourse systems. Among the several types of tourism communication, this study attempted to foreground delivering instructions, which is a frequently utilised speech act (SA) during tour sessions. More specifically, the study examined the use of SA in giving instructions, as expressed by tour guides throughout tour sessions. Delivering instructions is a straightforward mode of communication, even in intercultural context.   Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative research method through the collection of data from audio and visual recordings, along with observational notes from interactions between tour guides and tourists particularly during the five Free Independent Travel (FIT) packages. Five Japanese speaking Malaysian tour guides and 17 Japanese tourists (JTs) were recruited for this study. Categorisation of directive speech act (DSA) by Searle (1979) and structure formation of SDA by Blum-Kulka (1989) were employed to analyse the subcategories of directive.   Findings: Findings indicate that only three subcategories were used, namely the command, insist, and request. The findings also reveal that there were alignments and adjustments to the expressions or utterances when giving instructions. With the aim of effective intercultural communication, the tour guides were identified to have adapted to the tourist culture. The expression of instructions even in an intercultural context did not confer any contradiction of cultural norms, and were unlikely to cause conflict between the tour guides and the JTs.   Contributions: This research is expected to serve as a foundation and reference for parties involved in the teaching and learning of the Japanese language, especially in the expression of SA for tourism communication.   Keywords: Speech act, giving directive, Malaysian tourism, tourism communication, Malaysia tour guide.   Cite as: Rashid, R. A., Mat, N. H., Kamaruzaman, A. S., Ibrahim, M. Y., Noh, C. H. C., & Matsutani, S. (2021). The descriptive analysis of Japanese language directive speech acts in intercultural context by Malaysian tour guides in tour sessions communication. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(2), 358-378. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss2pp358-37

Convergence Study for Rock Unconfined Compression Test Using Discrete Element Method

Mesh convergence is a vital issue that needs to be addressed in a numerical model. This study investigated the effects of mesh element number on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to granite rock response under compression loading. This study used the 3D finite-element code LS-DYNA to model the Unconfined Compression Test (UCT) numerical simulation. Models with five different mesh types were conducted for convergence mesh, namely normal mesh, fine mesh, super fine mesh, coarse mesh, and super coarse mesh. The mesh convergence of rock media has been conducted using DEM and steel plates simulated using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The DEM-FEM numerical analysis is compared with the results obtained from the experimental test. The best mesh was obtained as the simulation could reproduce the stress-strain curve trends, the failure behaviour and compression strength observed in the experimental test. The normal mesh was selected as the best mesh type in this study based on the comparisons that have been made. This study shows that the DEM-FEM numerical simulation can represent granite rock and can be used for further study based on mesh convergence

Metabolomski pristup otkrivanju različitih metabolita u ekstraktima crne kurkume (Curcuma caesia) pomoću 1H NMR i utvrđivanju njihove korelacije s antioksidacijskom aktivnosti i inhibicijom α-glukozidaze

Research background. Curcuma species (Zingiberaceae) are well known medicinal herbs in India and Southeast Asia. Despite various findings reporting their beneficial biological activities, very little information has been recorded on the Curcuma caesia. Thus, this study aims to determine the phenolic content, antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of both rhizome and leaves of C. caesia. Experimental approach. Rhizome and leaves of C. caesia were dried with oven (OD) and freeze (FD)-drying methods, and extracted with different Φ(ethanol,water)=100:0, 80:20, 50:50 and 0:100. The bioactivities of C. caesia extracts were evaluated using in vitro tests; total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics approach was employed to differentiate the most active extracts based on their metabolite profiles and correlation with bioactivities. Results and conclusions. The FD rhizome extracted with Φ(ethanol,water)=100:0 was observed to have potent TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents, FRAP expressed as Trolox equivalents and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with values of (45.4±2.1) mg/g extract, (147.7±8.3) mg/g extract and (265.5±38.6) µg/mL (IC50), respectively. Meanwhile, for DPPH scavenging activity, the Φ(ethanol,water)=80:20 and 100:0 extracts of FD rhizome showed the highest activity with no significant difference between them. Hence, the FD rhizome extracts were selected for further metabolomics analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed clear discrimination among the different extracts. Partial least square (PLS) analysis showed positive correlations of the metabolites, including xanthorrhizol derivative, 1-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(6E)-6-heptene-3,4-dione, valine, luteolin, zedoardiol, β-turmerone, selina-4(15),7(11)-dien-8-one, zedoalactone B and germacrone, with the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, whereas curdione and 1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(lE,6E)-1,6-heptadiene3,4-dione were correlated with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Novelty and scientific contribution. C. caesia rhizome and leaf extracts contained phenolic compounds and had varies antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory capacities. These findings strongly suggest that the rhizomes of C. caesia are an invaluable natural source of active ingredients for applications in pharmaceutical and food industries.Pozadina istraživanja. Vrste roda Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) poznate su ljekovite biljke u Indiji i jugoistočnoj Aziji. Usprkos različitim istraživanjima koja potvrđuju njihov pozitivan biološki učinak, vrlo je malo podataka o vrsti Curcuma caesia. Stoga je svrha ovog istraživanja bila odrediti udjel fenola, antioksidacijsku aktivnost i svojstvo inhibicije α-glukozidaze u rizomu i lišću biljke C. caesia. Eksperimentalni pristup. Rizom i lišće biljke C. caesia sušeni su u pećnici ili zamrzavanjem, te su pomoću etanola i vode u različitim omjerima: Φ(etanol,voda)=100:0, 80:20, 50:50 i 0:100 dobiveni ekstrakti biljke. Biološka aktivnost ekstrakata C. caesia mjerena je in vitro, pri čemu su određeni udjel ukupnih fenola, antioksidacijska aktivnost (pomoću metoda DPPH i FRAP) i svojstvo inhibicije α-glukozidaze. Metabolomskim pristupom su na osnovi rezultata protonske nuklearne magnetske rezonancije (1H NMR) pronađeni najaktivniji ekstrakti, ovisno o profilu metabolita i njhovom utjecaju na biološku aktivnost crne kurkume. Rezultati i zaključci. Ekstrakt dobiven sušenjem rizoma zamrzavanjem te ekstracijom u čistom etanolu (Φ(etanol,voda)=100:0) imao je velik udjel ukupnih fenola izražen u ekvivalentima galne kiseline od (45,4±2,1) mg/g, FRAP-vrijednost izraženu u Trolox ekvivalentima od (147,7±8,3) mg/g i svojstvo inhibicije α-glukozidaze izraženo kao IC50 vrijednost od (265,5±38,6) µg/mL. Najveću sposobnost uklanjanja DPPH radikala imali su ekstrakti dobiveni sušenjem rizoma zamrzavanjem i ekstrakcijom u otopinama etanola Φ(etanol,voda)=80:20 i 100:0, a među njima nije bilo statistički bitne razlike. Stoga su ekstrakti dobiveni nakon sušenja rizoma zamrzavanjem odabrani za metabolomsku analizu. Analizom glavnih komponenata (PCA) opažene su jasne razlike između ekstrakata. Metodom parcijalnih najmanjih kvadrata pronađene su pozitivne korelacije između metabolita, uključujući derivat ksantorizola, 1-hidroksi-1,7-bis(4-hidroksi-3-metoksifenil)-(6E)-6-hepten-3,4-dion, valin, luteolin, zedoardiol, β-turmeron, γ-selinen, zedoalakton B i germakron, i antioksidacijske aktivnosti te inhibicije α-glukozidaze, dok su kurdion i 1-(4-hidroksi-3,5-dimetoksifenil)-7-(4-hidroksi-3-metoksifenil)-(1E,6E)-1,6-heptadien-3,4-dion bili u korelaciji s inhibicijom α-glukozidaze. Novina i znanstveni doprinos. Rizom i lišće biljke C. caesia sadržavaju fenolne spojeve te imaju različitu antioksidacijsku aktivnost i svojstvo inhibicije α-glukozidaze. Rezultati istraživanja jasno pokazuju da rizom biljke C. caesia predstavlja vrijedan prirodni izvor aktivnih sastojaka za primjenu u farmaceutskoj i prehrambenoj industriji

An Annotated Checklist Of Herpetofauna Of Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia.

The herpetofauna ofLangkawi Island was recorded during the Scientific & Heritage Expedition ofthe Langkawi Islands, Kedah from 10 -15 April 2003. The reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles and amphibians such as toads and frogs were captured or observed and then identified. The reptiles and amphibians were captured and observed during trekking bouts along used and unused trails, along rivers and streams and during chance encounter

VIRTUAL DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN MANDARIN TEACHING: A REVIEW

Differentiated instruction, also known as differentiated learning, is a teaching philosophy that considers the needs of all students, including when they are in a virtual learning environment. Virtual strategies and differentiated instruction could be tailored to every learner’s needs and are more convincing than the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to teaching. Virtual differentiated instruction shows concerns about students’ existence, encouraging engagement while fulfilling the needs of high-performance students. However, there is little information regarding the application of virtual differentiated instruction by teachers. Besides, teachers might not regularly adapt instruction to students’ specific characteristics. Hence, this research intends to determine the status of differentiated instruction’s implementation in Mandarin virtual learning. The review demonstrates that educators are aware of the existence and importance of differentiated instruction. The practice of differentiated instruction is growing among Mandarin educators, with voices urging for proper training and guidance for its realisation. Of late, Mandarin researchers have been focusing on technology-enhanced learning. Scholars have directly or indirectly been applying the differentiated instruction approach in their teaching practices, with positive impacts on students’ learning. Nevertheless, some discrepancies need to be considered in ensuring its success. An understanding of differentiated instruction in Mandarin virtual classes can help instructors adopt the approach efficiently with attuned strategies to cater to students’ diversity. It could also provide ideas to other educators in differentiating their teaching strategies towards enhancing students’ learning performances.   Keywords: Differentiated instruction, virtual learning, Mandarin foreign language, technology-enhance learning, students’ diversity.   Cite as: Chua, N. A., Soon, G. Y., Ibrahim, M. Y., Che Noh, C. H., Mansor, N. R., Zaid, C. M., … Shen, D. M. (2021). Virtual differentiated instruction and its implementation in Mandarin teaching: A review.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(2), 231-249. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss2pp231-24

Adsorption-Desorption Profile of Methylene Blue Dye on Raw and Acid Activated Kaolinite

The efficiencies of raw (RK) and acid activated (0.5 M AAK) kaolinite clay minerals to remove methylene blue (MB) dyes in aqueous solution were investigated and compared. The 0.5 M AAK was prepared by treatment of RK in dilute 0.5 M HCl aqueous solution under reflux. Kaolinite adsorbents were characterized and their MB removal performances were evaluated via the batch method. MB desorption from spent kaolinites was investigated at pH 4 to 8. The MB removal was increased with increasing initial dye concentration, agitation speed and adsorbent dosage in 60 min reaction time at pH 6. Both kaolinites showed high MB removal (up to 97%). The Freundlich model has the best-fit equilibrium adsorption isotherm model for RK and 0.5 M AAK. The kinetic data for both adsorbents showed strong agreement with the pseudo second order kinetic model (r2 > 0.98). Nevertheless, the spent RK adsorbent demonstrated a significant higher MB retention than 0.5 M AAK in desorption experiments. Kaolinite clays have great potential as cost-effective materials for dyes removal in wastewater treatment