JoA is indexed at MyCite and DOAJ. The Journal of Academia (JoA) (e-ISSN: 2289-6368) is an open–access and Universiti Teknologi MARA campus-based refereed journal. JoA will be publishing articles two times in a year (April Issue and October Issue). JoA will be accepting research paper in the fields of multidisciplinary as specified in the Aims and Scope section. Authors interested in submitting a paper, should send the paper using an online submission (OJS UiTM). PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE. JoA is available in DOAJ, Google Scholar Read full details of the journal here. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT MANUSCRIPT
EFFECTS OF FETAL BOVINE SERUM CONCENTRATION AND VENTED FLASK CONDITIONS ON E-11 CELL GROWTH AND TILAPIA LAKE VIRUS PROPAGATION
Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) is an emerging pathogen threatening global tilapia aquaculture, causing high mortality and significant economic losses. The present study aimed to optimize E-11 cell culture conditions for improved growth and TiLV propagation under different serum and flask ventilation conditions. E-11 cells were cultured in Leibovitz’s L-15 medium supplemented with 10%, 15%, and 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and maintained at 25°C in a CO₂-free incubator. Cell viability was assessed over four days using the Trypan Blue exclusion assay, while TiLV propagation was evaluated in both seal-cap and vent-cap flasks through microscopic observation of cytopathic effects (CPE). Results showed that E-11 cells supplemented with 15% FBS exhibited the highest viability (85–90%) and optimal proliferation compared to cells grown in 10% or 20% FBS. Morphologically, all cultures displayed similar epithelial-like characteristics with polygonal cell shapes and intact monolayers under the microscope. No significant differences in viability were observed between open- and closed-vented flasks; however, CPE were detected only in infected E-11 cells maintained in vent-cap flasks by 10 days post-infection (dpi), while cells in seal-cap flasks remained morphologically intact. These findings suggest that a 15% FBS concentration and a vented culture environment support both healthy E-11 cell growth and effective TiLV propagation. This optimized culture system enhances the reliability of in vitro TiLV studies and supports efforts toward sustainable aquaculture and food security.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Academia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
OPTIMIZATION OF Spirulina platensis USING AQUACULTURE WASTEWATER AS A SUSTAINABLE NUTRIENT SOURCE
Aquaculture effluent, if not utilized, causes environmental impacts due to its high organic matter content. Therefore, the nutrient source from aquaculture effluent is used to cultivate Spirulina platensis reducing the cost of synthetic nutrient media production and waste management for sustainable aquaculture. In this study, tilapia wastewater (TWW), catfish wastewater (CWW) and NPK fertilizer were used as alternative substrates for cultivating S. platensis. Cell density was recorded daily for 15 days, and biomass, protein and chlorophyll content ​​were determined after 15 days of S. platensis culture. The culture using TWW produced the highest biomass (1.53 g L⁻¹), exceeding that of CWW at 10⁻² dilution by 34%, the highest chlorophyll content (0.017 mg mL⁻¹) at 10⁻⁵ dilution exceeding that of CWW by 0.4% and the maximum protein content (0.587 μg mL⁻¹) at 10⁻⁴ dilution, exceeding that of CWW by 13.5% and comparable to Zarrouk medium. These results support integrating aquaculture waste into Spirulina bioprocessing for environmentally efficient protein production. This indicates that TWW is a consistent and more balanced nutrient source that can support microalgae metabolism. Therefore, environmental sustainability can be enhanced by transforming aquaculture effluents into valuable nutrient sources. Keywords: Aquaculture waste, protein production, Spirulina platensis, sustainable aquaculture, Tilapia wastewater
A READINESS OF CHEMISTRY TRAINEE TEACHERS TOWARDS THE 2027 SCHOOL CURRICULUM
This study aims to identify knowledge and readiness of Chemistry trainee teachers in Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia towards the 2027 School Curriculum. A survey design was used. The sample selection was conducted using simple random sampling, involving 150 UPSI Chemistry trainee teachers from Semester 6, 7 and 8. The research instrument was a questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire consisted of three sections including demographic aspects, knowledge, and readiness of UPSI Chemistry trainee teachers towards the 2027 School Curriculum. The instrument was evaluated through expert agreement percentage for face validity (88.7%) and content validity (90%). The reliability of the instrument was measured through a pilot study conducted on 30 respondents, obtaining a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.976 for knowledge and 0.977 for readiness. The data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 27 to obtain the mean and standard deviation (SD). The findings showed that the level of knowledge (mean = 3.93, SD = 0.899) and readiness (mean = 4.39, SD = 0.592) of UPSI Chemistry trainee teachers towards the 2027 School Curriculum were obtained. In conclusion, their knowledge level is moderately high, while their readiness level is high. The study's implications highlight the need to reassess teacher training programs, emphasizing practical training and modern teaching strategies. Education lecturers should adopt student-cantered approaches and provide continuous guidance. Additionally, trainee teachers should enhance their readiness through training, seminars, and workshops to ensure effective teaching aligned with the new curriculum.
SYNERGISTIC ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF ALTERNANTHERA SISSOO AND COSMOS CAUDATUS METHANOL EXTRACTS
Antibacterial and antioxidant properties are important in medical applications, nutrition and food preservation. A combination of these properties plays a significant role in promoting health, preventing disease, and maintaining overall well-being. As current drugs have become less effective and have come with bad side effects, this has increased the need for safer alternatives like plant-based remedies that are more effective. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of a crude methanolic extract from a mixture of Alternanthera sissoo (Brazilian spinach) and Cosmos caudatus (Ulam raja). The concentrations of methanolic crude extract used were 500 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL, 125 mg/mL and 62.5 mg/mL. Antibacterial activity was first tested using the disk diffusion method. However, minimal and no visible inhibition zones were observed at most of the evaluated concentrations used. Therefore, a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration assay using a 96-well plate was applied. The results showed that wells with concentrations between 500 mg/mL down to 7.81 mg/mL were clear, indicating complete inhibition of bacterial growth. Slight turbidity was observed at 3.91 mg/mL and 1.95 mg/mL, particularly in wells with Bacillus cereus, suggesting low effectiveness at lower concentrations. For antioxidant evaluation, the DPPH radical scavenging assay was conducted. The results demonstrated that antioxidant activity increased with higher extract concentrations. The highest concentration (500 mg/mL) recorded the lowest absorbance value at 517 nm (0.125), corresponding to the highest scavenging activity of 78.55%. As the concentration decreased, a gradual decline in antioxidant activity was observed, with the lowest still maintaining a strong activity at 68.81%. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Alternanthera sissoo and Cosmos caudatus mixture has been proven to possess both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential for future development.
Assessing Studio- Based Teaching and Learning (SBTL) through Physical and Virtual Classroom among Postgraduate Students
Design studio projects form the pedagogical core of built environment education, providing a platform for students to integrate theory with creative practice, offering them experiential, collaborative, and reflective problem-solving environments. This paper aimed to assess the efficacy of the teaching and learning strategies employed in the postgraduate design studio course, focusing on student engagement, critical thinking, and project outcomes among students in the Urban Development and Management Master's programme, specifically for the course code UDM 720, Urban Development Project. The problem identified in this study centres around the uncertainty in student expectations, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction due to variations in supervisory styles and challenges in group work, which may impede holistic development and innovation in design thinking. To explore this issue, the research uses a case study approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods for a comprehensive analysis. The quantitative component includes an analysis of student performance data and survey responses, facilitating an objective understanding of trends in academic achievement and satisfaction. Complementing this, the qualitative components involve detailed classroom and observation, enabling deeper insight into student experiences, interpersonal interactions, and engagement with the design studio environment. The study is based on a sample of 25 postgraduate students from four (4) academic sessions: 20252 – 9 students, 20244 – 8 students, 20242 – 4 students, and 20232 – 4 students. Findings indicated that while students value the exploratory freedom of studio-based learning, they often encounter challenges with unclear evaluation criteria and inconsistent feedback quality. Successful studio outcomes are closely linked to structured guidance, iterative critique sessions, and well-defined rubrics that balance creativity with technical rigour. The study concludes that enhancing the clarity of instructional goals, aligning assessment practices with learning outcomes, and fostering reflective dialogue between instructors and students can significantly improve the effectiveness of design studio teaching. Recommendations include integrating digital tools for feedback, a standardised assessment framework, and professional development for studio educators to ensure consistency and innovation in postgraduate design education.
DISSOLUTION OF ZINC OXIDE USING DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have potential as substitutes for conventional solvents like aqueous acidic/alkali solutions in dissolving metal oxides (MO). DESs have several advantages and unique physicochemical properties, including their low toxicity, biodegradability, low cost, can be easily prepared from renewable resources, high viscosity, low volatility, and the ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, including polar and nonpolar molecules, metals, and even biomolecules making them a more sustainable alternative than conventional solvents. This study focuses on the dissolution of zinc oxide (ZnO) using choline chloride (ChCl) based DESs with three different hydrogen bond donor (HBD) which are ascorbic acid (AA), maleic acid (MA) and urea. The characterisation of the DESs were determined by using Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The concentration of zinc (Zn) dissolved in the DESs was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) at different parameters such as heating time, heating temperature and mass of ZnO. This study found that different HBD could influence the dissolution of ZnO. ChCl:AA (2:1) shows the highest ability to dissolve ZnO. This study also found that ChCl:AA (2:1) and ChCl:MA (2:1) can dissolved 20 mg of ZnO while ChCl:urea (1:2) can dissolve about 6 mg of ZnO. The optimum dissolution parameter of ZnO in each DESs were obtained which are ChCl:AA (2:1) (70°C, 48 hours), ChCl:MA (2:1) (60°C, 18 hours) and ChCl:urea (1:2) (80°C, 48 hours).
ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCES AS FISHMEAL REPLACEMENTS ON THE GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF JUVENILE Tor tambroides (BLEEKER 1854)
Fishmeal has traditionally been a primary protein source in aquafeeds due to its high nutritional quality. However, declining availability and rising costs have driven interest in alternative protein sources. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with different protein sources on the growth performance of juvenile Malaysian mahseer, Tor tambroides. Four experimental diets were used and formulated using Danish fishmeal as Diet 1 (Control), soybean meal (SBM) as Diet 2, Black Soldier Fly Larvae meal (BSFL) as Diet 3, and poultry by-product meal (PBM) as Diet 4. Juvenile T. tambroides were reared in outdoor tanks (triplicate groups per diet) over a five-month feeding trial. Growth performance metrics, including body weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed. Results indicated that fish fed the Diet 2 achieved the highest weight gain which is 32.66 ±0.18 g compared to fish fed with Diet 3 (30.29 ±1.41g) and Diet 4 (25.54 ±1.51g). Meanwhile, for SGR, the fish fed with Diet 3 showed highest result (0.42±0.02%/day) compared to those fed Diet 2 (0.41±0.02%/day) and Diet 4 (0.38±0.02%/day). However, the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Notably, the Diet 2 (1.06±0.001)resulted in significantly higher PER values (P<0.05) compared to the Diet 1 (control)(0.97±0.001). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in FCR across the different diet treatments, HSI values did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. These results highlight the potential of SBM and BSFM as viable substitutes for fishmeal in juvenile T. tambroides diets, while emphasizing the need for additional studies on protein utilization and long-term effects.
Microbiological Analysis of High Value Vegetables Grown on Biodegradable Cellulose Hydrogel
Vegetables have increasingly been implicated in outbreaks of foodborne pathogens, raising concerns over the safety of fresh produce and leading to substantial economic losses globally. Alternative cultivation systems such as soilless agriculture are being explored to mitigate the risk of microbial contamination while ensuring sustainable production. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of high-value vegetables including tomato, chili, cucumber, lettuce, and kale grown using biodegradable cellulose hydrogel under varying formulations. Fresh samples were collected from 24 hydrogel treatment combinations, including different hydrogel concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%), combinations with topsoil, and varying irrigation intervals (1, 2, 4, and 6 days). Aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts ranged from 0.33 to 4.67 log cfu/g across all treatments, while Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected in any samples. Lettuce exhibited the highest coliform counts, followed by kale and cucumber. Notably, the combination of 40% hydrogel with 60% topsoil and a 4-day irrigation interval yielded the lowest microbial loads across vegetable types. The findings indicate that the use of biodegradable cellulose hydrogel in vegetable cultivation can effectively minimize microbiological contamination while reducing water use, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for high-value vegetable production.
SYNTHESIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF RICE BRAN AND MUSSEL SHELL POWDER BIOCHAR FOR HEAVY METAL ADSORPTION IN WATER
Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to human health and environmental safety. Therefore, researchers are highly concerned about finding low-cost and safe biochar modification solutions. This study used rice bran and mussel shell powder as raw materials to synthesize calcium phytate biochar. The synthesis conditions were optimized based on the characterization and adsorption experiment results. The results showed that the raw biochar synthesized by the hydrothermal carbonization method under 200 ℃ (H-200) had the largest surface area of 51.09 m2∙g-1. The biochar synthesized from H-200 at different ratios of phytic acid and mussel shell powder became rough in surface and possessed rich mesoporous structures and key functional groups such as C-O, -OH, and C=O that enhanced adsorption. The sample 1P-1.5 exhibited the best adsorption effect 60.06 % of Cd2+ and 99.98 % of Pb2+, indicating potential for further applied research.
EXPLORING STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON LEARNING COORDINATE GEOMETRY THROUGH COMICS: A NOVEL VISUAL APPROACH
Recent years have shown an increasing focus on developing and implementing innovative pedagogical strategies that improve student engagement and understanding of complex mathematical concepts. One such approach involves the use of comics as a learning tool to make abstract topics more accessible and engaging. However, despite potential advantages, research on students' perceptions of the creation and use of comics specifically in mathematics education, particularly in areas such as coordinate geometry, remains limited. Thus, this article aims to examine students' perspectives regarding the creation and use of comics in the classroom for understanding coordinate geometry, a subject under the Foundation Mathematics course taken by students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia. This study took a quantitative approach using a survey method. The sample consisted of 100 CDCS240, CDCS253, and CDCS255 students from UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia. The research data were obtained from questionnaires filled out by students and distributed online. The findings revealed that when students created comics to express their understanding of coordinate geometry, they engage in a creative and constructive process that promotes the development of problem solving, representation, and communication abilities. These findings highlight the effectiveness of comics as an effective pedagogical tool in mathematics education. Integrating comics into teaching practices may enhance students’ conceptual understanding and motivation, pointing to valuable opportunities for curriculum innovation and instructional design within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Academia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
WHAT DRIVES FINTECH ADOPTION? EXAMINING KEY PREDICTORS AMONG MALAYSIAN USERS
Understanding the behavioural drivers behind FinTech (Financial Technology) adoption is essential in accelerating digital financial inclusion, especially in emerging markets. This study examines the effects of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, brand image, financial literacy, financial health, user innovativeness, government support, and attitude on FinTech adoption in Malaysia. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical foundation, data were collected from 203 experienced FinTech users and analysed using multiple regression techniques. The results show that all variables, except attitude, have a significant and positive influence on adoption, with user innovativeness identified as the strongest predictor. The insignificance of attitude challenges conventional assumptions within acceptance models, suggesting that practical considerations, personal capabilities, and structural enablers may have greater influence than emotional or attitudinal responses in this context. These findings extend current adoption frameworks by incorporating financial and contextual dimensions relevant to emerging markets. The study offers theoretical contributions by refining the understanding of user behaviour in digital finance and highlights the need for FinTech solutions that prioritise functionality, trust, and accessibility. Practically, the results provide actionable insights for FinTech developers, regulators, and policymakers to design targeted strategies that drive inclusive adoption and enhance financial empowerment across diverse user segments in Malaysia.
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Real-Time PCR Assay for Specific Detection of Chlamydia psittaci in Clinical Respiratory Specimens
Chlamydia psittaci is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that is zoonotic causing diseases called psittacosis in humans. Humans are usually infected through inhalation, which often leads to atypical pneumonia, with fatal outcome if left untreated. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective clinical management and containment of potential outbreaks. Nevertheless, C. psittaci infections are often underestimated as their clinical and laboratory presentations closely resemble those of other respiratory infections. Traditional diagnostic methods relied on serology and culture but has limitations in specificity, sensitivity and biosafety. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid, specific and sensitive real-time PCR assay targeting the ompA gene for detection of C. psittaci in human respiratory samples. A synthetic plasmid containing an ompA gene fragment was used as a positive control, eliminating the need for hazardous live cultures while ensuring assay stability. Specificity testing against 28 bacterial strains revealed no cross-reactivity, and in silico PCR analysis against 268 bacterial genomes confirmed exclusive amplification of C. psittaci. Spiking experiments with human respiratory samples (n=43) demonstrated robust detection across various matrices and concentrations, with no amplification in non-spiked controls, confirming absence of false positives. The assay achieved a detection limit of 0.0002 pg (~25 DNA copies) with 97.84% amplification efficiency and an R² of 0.9995, indicating high precision and reproducibility. These findings establish the developed real-time PCR assay as a highly specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for C. psittaci, enabling rapid and accurate detection to support timely clinical management and outbreak control
Understanding Learner Perspectives on E-Learning Tools: A Case Study of the MyIntegrated Reading Companion
This study investigates students’ perceptions of the MyIntegrated Reading Companion Website as a digital tool for enhancing English language learning. Employing a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected from 37 students through a 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire. The study aimed to evaluate the website’s usability, content organization, and effectiveness in supporting self-directed learning and motivation. Results show an overall positive response, with an average score percentage of 77.3%. Students particularly appreciated the platform’s support for autonomous learning, helpful multimedia features, and the motivation it provided for continued e-learning. The highest-rated items reflected satisfaction with explainer videos and independent learning opportunities. However, slightly lower ratings in areas related to long-term engagement and language improvement suggest a need for more dynamic and adaptive learning content. The findings underscore the potential of the MyIntegrated Reading Companion website as a useful supplementary tool in English language instruction. Recommendations are made for further content enhancement and continued integration of digital platforms in language education to foster learner motivation and effectiveness.
student perception, e-learning, language learning, reading website, digital education, MyIntegrated Reading Companion
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF EMITTER AND BASE LAYER DOPING CONCENTRATION FOR SILICON SOLAR CELLS BASED ON ONE-DIMENSIONAL MODELS
Research into solar cell efficiency is a dynamic and crucial field. Scientists and researchers are exploring a variety of approaches to maximize the power output of solar cells making it more competitive with other energy sources. Some of the key areas that are effectively increase the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell: enhancing the absorption of incident sunlight on the silicon surface by reducing the reflection loss and improving the photovoltaic effect by reducing the electrical loss. This study will be focused on enhancing the photovoltaic effect by modifying the parameters which are the doping concentrations of emitter and base layers. The doping concentrations of emitter and base layers will range from moderate to heavy doping level. Numerical modelling was employed to design and analyse the solar cell model. The results indicate that the highest efficiency of 13.4% to 13.5% for the designed solar cell is achieved with an emitter doping concentration of 1x1018 cm-3 and a base doping concentration ranging from 3x1019 cm-3 to 4x1019 cm-3. By carefully controlling and balancing the doping levels in emitter with those in the base layer, the solar cell can be optimized for better performance and efficiency.
OPTIMIZING SWEET CORN AND GROUNDNUT INTERCROPPING: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF YIELD AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES
Intercropping is an inexpensive method of enhancing agricultural productivity, especially when land resources are scarce and food demand is on the rise. This study focuses on the intercropping of sweet corn and groundnut, assessing its biological, competitive, and economic performance using the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Aggressivity Index (AI), and Monetary Advantage Index (MAI). The work was conducted in the context of three cropping regimes: sweet corn monoculture (T1), groundnut monoculture (T2), and combined treatments (T3, T4, T5) planted in strips with different planting dates (relay intercropping); same day planting (T3), two weeks after groundnut planting (T4), and two weeks after sweet corn planting (T5). Findings revealed that sweet corn monoculture (T1) always recorded higher performance compared to other systems, in terms of earning more profits since corn was marketed based on the number of ears rather than by weight, as was the case for groundnut. The T4 system involving two-week advance sowing of groundnut before sowing corn recorded higher values of LER, suggesting improved yield and efficiency. However, the values of ATER were below 1, suggesting no time benefit over monocropping systems. Positive values of CR, RCC, and AYL confirmed the dominance of corn in intercropping systems. The highest MAI was for T4 with greater yield and profitability, but T1 was better than intercropping systems. Additionally, the number of sweet corn plants grown was higher in the monoculture system compared to the intercropping systems. Sweet corn monoculture (T1) is advised for greater profitability by smallholders.
Forecasting Malaysia's Unemployment Rate: A Comparative Study of ARIMA and Interupted Time Series with ARIMA models
Malaysia, like other countries, was experiencing the effect of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic on the economic sector, which led to a hike in unemployment. A high unemployment could interfere with the economic progress, which may impact Malaysia’s long-term performance. Hence, to maintain economic stability in the long run, the issue of unemployment should be addressed strategically. In a previous study, the ARIMA and ARFIMA models were used to model and forecast the unemployment rate in Malaysia. Since then, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic which saw a sudden spike resulting in an abrupt change of trend in the unemployment rate may cause the forecast ability of existing models to be not as good. Thus, this study aimed to model Malaysia’s unemployment rates using ARIMA and ARIMA interrupted time series models besides comparing the forecast performance between these two models. The monthly data obtained from of the Department of Statistics Malaysia consisted of 176 observations of Malaysia’s unemployment rate from January 2010 to August 2024. The ARIMA (0,1,1) was found to be the best ARIMA model in its class for forecasting Malaysia’s unemployment rate since it has the lowest BIC and AICc values. Further, the ARIMA model also gave a better forecast performance compared to the ARIMA with interrupted time series model based on the error measures of RMSE, MAE and MAPE values.
Application of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography and Chemometric Analyses for Halal Authentication in Food Products
The growing global demand for halal-certified foods requires the development of robust and reliable analytical methods to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Conventional testing methods are often unable to detect non-halal ingredients in complex and highly processed food matrices. This study explores the integration of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography (GC) and chemometric analysis as advanced tools for halal authentication in food products. FTIR spectroscopy enables rapid and non-destructive analysis of food samples, while GC provides an accurate profile of fatty acids and volatile compounds. The combination of FTIR and GC data with multivariate statistical techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), enables the accurate identification of non-halal substances such as lard and gelatine, even at trace levels. Studies have shown high classification accuracy in distinguishing between halal and non-halal products based on spectral and chromatographic signatures. In addition, recent advances in portable analysers and cloud-based chemometric platforms have improved the feasibility of these methods for real-time verification of halal products in both industrial and regulatory settings. This article highlights recent advances, challenges and future directions in analytical halal authentication and emphasizes the potential of integrated spectroscopic and chromatographic approaches to ensure the integrity of halal food in the global supply chain.
KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURE OF NATURAL ANAESTHETICS IN AQUACULTURE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Aquaculture anaesthesia, particularly with natural agents, has gained increasing attention due to its relevance in fish welfare, stress management, and sustainable aquaculture practices. This study addresses the need to systematically assess the state of knowledge, gaps, and potential future trajectories in this dynamic field. We conducted a bibliometric analysis using Scopus to collect and analyse scholarly publications related to natural anaesthesia in aquaculture. Metrics such as citation counts, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence were employed to unveil the research landscape. The VosViewer tool was utilised for network visualisations, offering insights into collaboration patterns and thematic clusters. Preliminary findings indicate a prolific output of research, with specific authors and countries playing pivotal roles in shaping the discourse. The co-authorship network analysis reveals key figures and interdisciplinary collaborations, while the keyword co-occurrence analysis uncovers central themes and emerging topics. The country collaboration map provides a visual representation of regional clusters, emphasising the global nature of aquaculture anaesthesia research. This bibliometric study is poised to contribute a holistic understanding of the trends and patterns in natural anaesthesia research for aquatic species. The expected results will shed light on the interdisciplinary nature of the field, identify potential research collaborators, and pinpoint knowledge gaps for future exploration. The insights gained from this study aim to inform researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in aquaculture, paving the way for sustainable and welfare-centric practices in the field of aquaculture anaesthesia.
Anaesthesia, Aquaculture, Natural Agents. Fish Welfare
CYTOTOXICITY AND GENOTOXICITY OF INSTANT NOODLE SEASONING EXTRACT ON Allium cepa ROOT
The increasing consumption of instant noodles has raised concerns about their potential health and environmental impacts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of instant noodle seasoning extract on the mitotic index of Allium cepa root tip. Using A. cepa as a model organism, the study compared the mitotic index under different treatments: distilled water (negative control), malathion (0.9 g/L) as (positive control), and instant noodle seasoning (73.3 g/L). The onion root tips were exposed to the treatments for 24 and 48 hours. Roots were fixed with ethanol-acetic acid and stained with 2% acetic-orcein for microscopic analysis. The mitotic index was calculated by counting the number of cells in mitosis out of the total observed cells. The results showed that instant noodle seasoning exhibited an initial mitotic index of 14.6% ± 0.04 in 24 hours, which significantly dropped to 7.4% ± 0.01 after 48 hours (p = 0.0018), meanwhile distilled water maintained a high mitotic index of 9.6% ± 0.01 at 24 hours, which increased to 15.2% ± 0.03 at 48 hours with p= 0.014. In contrast, malathion had the lowest mitotic index, starting at 7.6% ± 0.04 in 24 hours and decreased to 4.9% ± 0.01 at 48 hours but not significant. Furthermore, both malathion and instant noodle seasoning treatments resulted in various chromosomal aberrations, such as lagging chromosomes and chromosomal stickiness. Hence, these findings highlighted that instant noodle seasoning possess cytotoxic properties that disrupt normal cell division, with more pronounced effects observed after 48 hours (p<0.05). This study shows the utility of Allium cepa as a sensitive model for evaluating the genotoxicity of food additives, offering critical insights into their potential impact on health. Further research is recommended to explore the specific mechanisms of toxicity, including long-term effects of chronic exposure and identification of the active components responsible for the observed cytotoxicity.
Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity, Instant Noodle, Mitotic Index, A.cepa root
BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF OLEYL OLEATE AS AN ACTIVE AGENT TO BE APPLIED IN COSMETIC FORMULATION.
This study aimed to synthesize oleyl oleate via esterification, confirm its structure using spectroscopic methods, and evaluate its antimicrobial properties and physicochemical characteristics for cosmetic use. Oleyl oleate synthesis was confirmed with FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Oleic acid and oleyl alcohol were reacted in a 1:2 molar ratio at 50°C for 5 hours in hexane. The product yield was approximately 85%. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using agar diffusion method, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Dilutions of 1:1 to 1:4 (v/v) were tested, and the bacterial inoculum was standardized to 107 cells/mL. The compound showed higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with MBC of 1:2 (v/v) for Bacillus subtilis. Physicochemical properties such as Sun Protection Factor (SPF), peroxide value, saponification value, and iodine value were also measured. Physicochemical assessments yielded an SPF value of 8.0, peroxide value of 17.98 meq/kg, saponification value of 82.48 mg KOH/g, and iodine value of 82.37 g/100g. These properties meet cosmetic ingredient standards. Unlike traditional extraction methods that rely on limited and costly natural wax sources like jojoba oil, this study demonstrates a simple, catalyst-free synthetic route using readily available materials, offering a scalable and economical alternative. The study demonstrates that oleyl oleate has notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, and physicochemical properties suitable for cosmetic formulations, indicating its potential for wide spread use in the cosmetic industry.
oleyl oleate, wax ester, antimicrobial, physicochemical, cosmetics
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN PHYTOCHEMICALS, miRNA EXPRESSION, AND CANCER: A COMPREHENSIVE BIOINFORMATICS APPROACH
Phytochemicals, naturally occurring compounds in plants, have significant potential in modulating microRNA (miRNA) expression, offering therapeutic options for cancer treatment with reduced side effects and lower drug resistance. This study explores the relationship between phytochemicals, miRNA expression, and cancer using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach. MiRNAs, short non-coding RNAs, regulate gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of target genes, playing pivotal roles in cancer biology. The objectives of this study were to identify cancer-associated miRNAs regulated by phytochemicals, determine their target genes, and perform gene enrichment analysis with network visualisation. A literature search using the terms "phytochemicals," "miRNA," and "cancer" was conducted, with miRNAs selected based on their association with phenolic compounds, carotenoids, alkaloids, and organosulfur compounds. Bioinformatics tools such as DIANA TOOLS and TargetScan were employed to identify miRNA target genes, while STRING and Cytoscape facilitated the construction of protein-protein interaction networks and gene enrichment analysis. The study identified 42 miRNAs regulated by phytochemicals, linked to 1,951 target genes. Among them, hsa-miR-34a, regulated by curcumin, resveratrol, and genistein, emerged as a promising candidate for colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. This miRNA influences critical processes such as cell differentiation, division, and apoptosis, and is involved in pathways like p53, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signalling. These findings highlight hsa-miR-34a’s potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Future research should focus on experimentally validating these predictions and integrating additional databases and bioinformatics tools to enhance the reliability and scope of the results. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular interactions between phytochemicals, miRNAs, and cancer, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies for this complex disease.
phytochemicals, miRNA, cancer, bioinformatics
THE EFFECTS OF SPENT MUSHROOM COMPOST ON PLANT GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SOIL PROPERTIES ON Amaranthus tricolor
Spent mushroom composts (SMC) are agricultural wastes from harvested mushroom farms. In Malaysia alone over 100 tonnes of fresh mushrooms are produced. Annually resulting in 438 tonnes of composted leftovers that require disposal. Currently, only 28% of the SMC is recycled for agricultural use, while 3% was burned, and over 69% is dumped in landfills or on the ground. However, it has been proven that SMC, which is rich in nutrients and organic materials, is an excellent option for agriculture as it is ideal for mulching soil and enhancing nutrient content. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the effects of SMC on Amaranthus tricolor growth performance and to investigate its impact on soil properties. In this research, various concentrations of SMC 10%,20%,30% and 50% were applied to A. tricolor plants to evaluate their impact on plant height, leaf area, number of nodes and internodes, and stem diameter. Concurrently, soil samples were analyzed to determine the changes in soil analysis and proximate analysis. The results indicated that the applications of SMC significantly enhanced the growth performance of A. tricolor. From all of the treatments with SMC, the result obtained from the growth analysis of A. tricolor showed that the vegetable planted on 20% of SMC soil had the best growth. Overall, this study demonstrates that a certain amount of SMC on to soil is necessary to be an effective organic amendment for improving the growth of A. tricolor and enhancing soil health.
Spent mushroom compost, A. tricolor, agriculture, organic materials
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF HALIA MERAH (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Theilade) ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OBTAINED FROM DESA WISATA TUO PARIANGAN, WEST SUMATRA
Halia Merah (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum Theilade) is serve as a good source of antioxidants and very useful in medicine field especially in area where it is native such as West Sumatera. This study of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of Halia Merah ethanolic extract using disc diffusion assay and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Halia Merah in scavenging free radicals. The concentration of Halia Merah ethanolic extract ranging from 400 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. Based on the result obtained, the highest concentration that is 400 mg/mL showed the largest inhibition zones. The result was 10.00±0.00 mm for S. aureus, 22.75±1.75 mm for E. coli, 28.50±1.06 mm for B. subtilis, and 9.50±1.50 mm for P. aeruginosa. The antioxidant activity that was measured by using DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay determined that the Halia Merah ethanolic extract scavenging activity increased when the concentration is increased; (0.0183 at 50 mg/mL, 0.0397 at 100 mg/mL, 0.0483 at 200 mg/mL, and 0.094 at 400 mg/mL). By using ANOVA analysis, it indicated that the significant difference (p<0.05) across concentrations. As conclusion, the different concentrations of Halia Merah ethanolic extracts have the ability inhibiting the growth of bacteria from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Halia Merah ethanolic extract also showed a positive activity of antioxidant by using DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay.
Application of enzyme preparation in alcoholic industry
The use of enzymes in industrial production has increased greatly, especially in the alcoholic industry, namely beer, grape wine, Huang jiu, and liquors. Diacetyl produced in the fermentation process of beer affect the essence of beer in which α-acetyllactate decarboxylase plays a good inhibitory role. Glucosidase, pectinase, and lysozyme play their respective roles in the process of grape wine fermentation. Huang jiu is produced through traditional technology by taking glutinous rice and japonica rice as the main raw materials and employing wheat koji or a variety of microorganisms contained in rice koji. Wheat koji provides rich enzyme systems such as amylase and protease for the brewing process of rice wine. Enzymes are widely used in various stages of liquor production, such as making koji, fermentation of grains, distillation blending, and waste utilization of distillers' grains. This paper mainly describes the application of enzymes in the production of various wine industries, the improvement of enzyme stability through enzyme immobilization, the treatment of waste enzymes in the wine making process and the future challenges and development.
FROM FORMULAS TO FUN: CC FACTS RACE GAMIFIES FOOD AND BEVERAGE COST CONTROL LEARNING
Traditional pedagogical approaches frequently encounter obstacles, including limited student engagement and challenges in retaining complex formulas. This study investigates the efficacy of an educational online game, "CC Facts Race," designed to enhance comprehension of Food and Beverage (F&B) Cost Control concepts. The research was conducted at Polytechnic of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin in Perlis, Malaysia, involving 150 participants from the Diploma in Resort Management (DHR) and Diploma in Foodservice (DHF) programs. Data were gathered through questionnaires, and a descriptive analysis was employed to evaluate the findings. Results indicate that students rated "CC Facts Race" highly for its usability, player experience, and overall satisfaction. The game was perceived as accessible, engaging, and effective in improving both understanding and retention of F&B cost control principles. This study concludes that "CC Facts Race" represents a valuable supplement to educational curricula, providing an interactive and enjoyable learning platform. Future research could explore longitudinal effects on knowledge retention and instructors’ perspectives regarding the integration of "CC Facts Race" into teaching practices.
BINGE-WATCHING ADDICTION ON OVER-THE-TOP (OTT) AND ITS IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
The prospect of video on demand in the streaming industry contributed to binge-watching and has risen. Binge-watching can be defined as “watching two or more episodes of the same TV series in a row”. The scenario of binge-watching has definite benefits and disadvantages for viewers. Binge-watching, due to its highly immersive nature, carries the risk of addiction, potentially resulting in a loss of control. Many studies have been conducted in discussion of mental health issues but less on students’ learning performance. 162 respondents were selected among undergraduate students via an online survey using a purposive sampling technique. The data was analysed through a multiple regression analysis. A 25-item survey instrument from past research studies on binge-watching addiction and academic performance was adopted and modified. Respondents were asked about their binge-watching experiences on OTT services. The Binge-Watching Addiction Questionnaire was used to measure respondents’ behaviour. The scale has 20 items divided into four domains (dependency, avoidance, craving, anticipation), and academic performance with a five-point Likert-response. This scale has between four to nine items with total possible scores that can be categorized as low, moderate, and high binge. The results for binge-watching addiction in four domains show moderate as well as academic performance. Multiple regression was used to predict the relationship between binge-watching addiction and how these variables influence academic performance. The results show that Dependency (β=.00, p>0.05), Craving (β=.07, p>0.05), and Anticipation (β=.01, p>0.05) have insignificant relationships towards academic performance. This indicates that increased Dependency, Craving, and Anticipation of binge-watching do not lead to any significant changes in academic performance. Meanwhile, Avoidance shows a positive and significant relationship with academic performance (β=.35, p<0.001). It shows that there is a lack of awareness regarding the problematic behaviour of binge-watching and the tendency to minimize or hide the actual time spent watching TV series with academic performance. Studies on binge-watching that if done in moderation it is not dangerous. Thus, moderate behaviour on binge-watching is harmless and can be integrated into a balanced healthy lifestyle if students use it in a regulated manner without adversely affecting other sides of life.
A RAPID ASSESSMENT ON VERTEBRATES IN UiTM KUALA PILAH CAMPUS AND ITS ADJACENT FOREST RESERVE, NEGERI SEMBILAN
During the Forest Biological Diversity Scientific Expedition Programme, a rapid assessment was carried out at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Kuala Pilah Campus in Negeri Sembilan, which is built next to the Pelangai Forest Reserve (PFR). The rapid assessment was executed based on direct observation, animal calling, footprints and mark, and active search around the campus and its adjacent forest. In total, 45 species of vertebrates were recorded based on the two days survey, which includes five species of mammals, 32 species of birds, and eight species of herpetofauna. Out of 45 species, only White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) and Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) are categorised as threatened species under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In conclusion, this information presented herein should not be treated as exhaustive and more systematic surveys should be carried out to assist the university and forestry department in terms of vertebrates’ documentation within their management landscapes
Journal of Academia Vol. 1, No. 1 (2011) The first issue was published as a physical hardcopy under the ISSN: 2232-1519. Thus, no electronic copies deposited in the online version.
Copyright (c) 2011 Journal of Academia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
THE EFFECTS OF EFB COMPOST AND HEXACONAZOLE ON BETA-CAROTENE CONTENT AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE YIELD COMPONENTS OF SWEET POTATO VAR. VITATO
[System Error - please read the full abstract in the pdf view] Field experiment was conducted on sandy tin-tailing soil to test the effectiveness of oil palm EFB compost and hexaconazole (HEX) growth regulator in increasing the storage root β-carotene content and yield components of sweet potato var.
Copyright (c) 2017 Journal of Academia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
[Zn(TAC)]Cl COMPLEX POTENTIAL AS CORROSION INHIBITORS: SYNTHESIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
Corrosion of metal is a severe issue in any industry which is considered to involve many costs. The use of acid solution during cleaning to get rid of rust in industries may contribute to metal corrosion. Since corrosion impact is causing worries, especially in many industries, the application of a corrosion inhibitor is required to reduce the rapid deterioration reaction of a metal surface that is exposed to corrosion ‘boosters’ like oxygen gas and water. A corrosion inhibitor, which is [Zn(TAC)]Cl, was produced from the reaction between thiacetazone (TAC) with ZnCl2 in an acetonitrile solvent with ratio 1:1 (ligand:metal). The elemental analysis (C, H, N, and S), FT-IR, UV-Visible, melting point, gravimetric analysis, and molar conductivity were used to characterize the synthesized complex. Based on infrared spectra and electronic transitions, the shifting of a complex from the ligand indicates that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ion through carbonyl O, azomethine N, and thiolate S; thus, producing a tridentate complex. Melting point for the complex was higher than ligand. [Zn(TAC)]Cl was gained after being confirmed by 1:1 electrolyte behavior and elemental analysis calculations. A metal oxide, ZnO, was formed with the calculated percentage of Zn(II) ion, 13.66 % after combustion through the gravimetric analysis. [Zn(TAC)]Cl portrayed better inhibitory action against corrosion of mild steel as compared to the ligand in both acidic media, H2SO4 and HCl. A higher concentration of inhibitor gave a higher percentage of corrosion inhibition efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2018 Journal of Academia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0