Browsing by Type "master thesis"

ABSTRACT The idea of the research is summarized in the fact that it deals with the defects of marriage in marital disputes and the role of family conciliation offices in addressing these marital disputes through reconciliation between spouses; due to the noticeable increase in the number of cases filed with the offices, there seems to be an urgent need to identify these issues that threaten the stability of marital life and the entire society, this study aims to clarify the truth about the defects of marriage and their sections for filing a divorce case for defects in the Bahrain Family Conciliation Office, and discuss defects that prevent the achievement of the legitimate objectives of marriage and those that do not prevent this, as well as ways and means to prove legitimate marriage defects and to identify the ways and means of proving the defects of marriage. This study will adopt the inductive approach by reading jurisprudence books and tracing the statements of jurists on issues related to family reconciliation and reconciliation, the analytical approach when citing and analyzing the texts of jurists, jurisprudence books, Bahraini family law books and the statements of specialized workers in family conciliation offices, and the field study through a semi-structured interview with relevant officials and experts in the field of Bahraini family law in family conciliation offices, where they will be asked specific questions to collect data on reconciliation and family reconciliation cases. The study concludes after referring to the important and prominent role of family conciliation offices in settling marital disputes and the extent of the effectiveness of these offices and their compatibility in achieving the purposes of marriage: That the defects of marriage are not limited to what was mentioned in the books of jurists in the past; and that there are new defects in our time, so everything that applies to the jurisprudential controls is considered an influential defect; among the recommendations are the most important ones: Developing a legal document that gives the guardian the right to expand medical examinations according to the need and interest, and obligating the employees of family reconciliation offices to conduct reconciliation attempts more than once and in several separate sessions.

The popularity of the concept of Islamic tourism has given more focus on providing guides that may suit the needs of the Muslims travelers. This study seeks to establish knowledge on the notion of Muslim tourism, competencies involved in offering Muslim-friendly tour guiding services, and the current competency level of the tour guides in Malaysia in order to come up with a model of core competencies that anticipates the satisfaction of Muslim tourists. The study sets out four primary objectives: For the first study, to understand the idea of Muslim friendly tour guides in Islamic tourism, to establish what competencies are necessary for tour guides to enhance the Muslim friendly experience, to evaluate the existing competency levels of tour guides serving the Muslim tourist, and for the last, to suggest a framework for the core competencies of Muslim friendly tour guides in Malaysia. Hence, a qualitative research design was adopted, accompanied by in-depth interviews with the tour guides, tourism agencies in Malaysia, also academicians who specialized in tourism industry to provide verbal data, giving a vivid and credible account of respondent’s experience/views. The study identified six key elements essential for a competent Muslim-friendly tour guide: culture and religion awareness, destination knowledge, awareness of Halal food, language barriers, respect tourists’ professional handling treating equally and handling of emergencies situations. On the mentioned elements, all of the participants confirmed the awareness but came up with more enhancements for a broader competency model. The study entails the use of these competencies in an effort to enhance a Muslim-friendly experience; and contributes to the formulation of training frameworks for tourist guides of the Malaysian region. The research importance also points to the need for specific competencies among the tour guides with a view of improving the Islamic tourisms and thus the proposed model of core competencies helps as a directory for the tour guides’ training and development since they have to meet the expectation of the Islamic tourists in all aspects. Thus, this research enriches the knowledge about Islamic tourism and the position of the tour guides in this domain. It will also highlight gaps in the preparation of tour guides and also it can be used to chart the training and assessing of tour guides regarding the area. Besides, this research serves the development of Muslim-friendly tourism and is useful for tourism institutions, operators, trainers, and developers of tour guides for Islamic countries.

Khabar is an epistemological concept discussed in various Islamic disciplines, including u??l al-d?n, u??l al-fiqh, and u??l al-?ad?th. The 4th century AH/10th century CE witnessed dynamic intellectual endeavours by Muslim scholars, and significant contributions were made in these then-developing symbiotic sciences. This century produced one of the earliest luminaries to have discussed the sciences of u??l al-d?n and u??l al-fiqh at great length and with a high degree of sophistication, namely al-Q??? Ab? Bakr Mu?ammad b. al-?ayyib al-B?qill?n? (403/1013). Regrettably, many of his works are lost to history, and it appears that most of his published works to date remain incomplete. Although he wrote at least several works on u??l al-fiqh, none have survived except for portions of al-Taqr?b wa al-Irsh?d, and none of the published portions includes the main chapter on sunnah and discussions on khabar. However, statements related to khabar are found elsewhere in the book and fragmented in his other surviving works. In addition to that, sixteen narrations from al-B?qill?n? are found in al-Kif?yah f? Ma?rifat U??l ?Ilm al-Riw?yah, a manual on u??l al-?ad?th composed by al-??fi? Ab? Bakr A?mad b. ?Al?, also known as al-Kha??b al-Baghd?d? (463/1071), and all of these narrations, which are taken directly from al-B?qill?n?�s student, are on the subject of khabar. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of comprehensive investigation into al-B?qill?n?�s theory of khabar. This present study proposes that this theory can be formulated and has a significant impact on ?ad?th scholarship, primarily through the channel of al-Kha??b al-Baghd?d?. This research employs the library research method and textual analysis by consulting relevant primary sources, mainly al-Kha??b�s al-Kif?yah and the published works of al-B?qill?n?. This study concludes that al-Kha??b was the first to incorporate al-B?qill?n?�s articulation of khabar in a ?ad?th manual and that al-B?qill?n?�s theory of khabar, which is constructed by analysing his statements concerning reports and reporters, served as the foundation of al-Kha??b�s conception of ?ad?th and impacted subsequent ?ad?th scholarship. Consequently, this study will enhance the understanding of the epistemic status of ?ad?th and contribute to the ongoing discussion on the confluence between u??l al-d?n, u??l al-fiqh and u??l al-?ad?th.

This study investigates the relationship between brand loyalty and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by Nestlé Malaysia, with a focus on consumer perceptions in the Malaysian market. It highlights the growing role of CSR in enhancing corporate reputation and fostering consumer loyalty. This research uses the Hierarchy of Effects Model (HEM) Theory as a framework to examine how CSR initiatives influence brand preference and consumer loyalty. Findings reveal that consumers appreciate CSR efforts, viewing them as indicators of a brand's social responsibility. The study shows that CSR activities, particularly those focused on community support and environmental sustainability, positively impact consumer perceptions and reinforce brand loyalty. While CSR initiatives elevate consumer preference for the brand, practical factors like product quality and affordability remain decisive in brand loyalty. This study concludes that CSR efforts can strengthen consumer loyalty. However, a comprehensive approach that combines quality, competitive pricing, and social responsibility is essential for sustaining loyalty in the Malaysian market.

Research funding plays an important role in financing a research project. Besides covering the expenses of the research, it enables researchers to produce tangible output from their work. Research outputs not only demonstrate the productivity of the researcher but also provide valuable contributions to others in related fields. The objective of the study was to analyse the trend of research funding and output in halal-related research projects at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and develop a framework for effective assessment of research funding trends and outputs. Content analysis method was performed to examine the funding trends and outputs from 41 projects (from the year 2012 until 2022) obtained from the Research Management Centre. Taking into consideration all the issues that arise during the process involved, self-reflection method was also used during the process to develop a framework for assessment of research funding trends and outputs. It was found that the amount of grant received was between RM10,000 to RM300,000. The Ministry of Higher Education was found to be the main funder. Most of the talents nurtured were at Master’s level. A total of 77 journals were published, of which 75% were indexed in either Science (WOS), Scopus, or MyCite with one journal article indexed as Q2. Only 12.5% of the projects were reported to have commercialization output. No significant correlation was found between the total grant (RM) and i) total publications, or ii) talent produced. The developed framework would be useful for other researchers in diverse fields to adopt hence facilitate the process of collection and analysis of the data. In conclusion, the halal-related research in IIUM is progressing. The findings will not only benefit the research centre at the university, but also the other parties to open more opportunities, particularly in the area of priority of halal research and development.

This study examines the participation of Micro-Industry Women Entrepreneurs (MIWEs) in the halal food sector of Perlis, Malaysia, focusing on the challenges and opportunities related to halal certification. Women's involvement in the workforce is crucial for economic growth, especially in the halal industry, which has seen increased demand from a growing Muslim consumer base. However, the number of halal-certified establishments in Perlis is low, with only 53 out of 7,150 MSMEs holding halal certificates in 2023, highlighting a significant gap in certification among women-owned businesses. Women's participation in entrepreneurship is notably lower than their representation in the Malaysian population. Research indicates that women face disparities in social and cultural expectations compared to men, which, along with various challenges in their business ventures, restricts their economic engagement. Thus, the study aims to explore MIWEs’ involvement in the Perlis halal food industry, identify challenges hindering their access to halal certification, examine opportunities available, and propose guidelines for obtaining certification. A qualitative approach was adopted, utilising semi-structured interviews with fifteen participants, including seven women entrepreneurs and eight experts from various backgrounds. Data analysis involved inductive and deductive methods to identify themes related to the study objectives. The findings revealed that the external challenges consisted of limited employees for halal certification, inadequate facilities, low product marketability, and insufficient consumer demand for halal products. Internal challenges included a lack of IT skills in handling the MYeHALAL portal, a lack of positive attitude, and limited proactive engagement with government agencies. Several opportunities linked to obtaining halal certification revealed global demand for halal products, its significance in both local and international markets, customer satisfaction with halal certification, proactive government support for coaching MIWEs, and the positive impact of halal certification on business performance. The resulting guidelines for MIWEs are structured as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) comprising three phases: pre-application, application, and post-application, detailing 23 steps. This research provides valuable insights and resources for MIWEs to thrive in the halal industry while contributing to the existing literature on halal certification and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Current head imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can accurately diagnose brain injuries like stroke and brain tumors. However, these technologies have several limitations, notably their bulkiness, high cost, lengthy scanning times, and stationary nature. In addition, most of the antennas used for microwave imaging suffer high signal loss due to strong reflections from the body surface. This issue would lead to inaccurate diagnosis of diseases such as false negative results for cancer detection. Typically, standard antennas release electromagnetic (EM) energy into free space with a dielectric constant (or relative permittivity), 𝜀𝜀𝑟𝑟=1. However, the dielectric properties of the human body are approximately 20 to 30. Due to this impedance mismatch, almost ¾ of the energy transmitted into the body is reflected back at the body-air boundary. Considering the very low limit set upon the level of electromagnetic energy that the human body should be exposed to, simply increasing the transmitted power to probe inside the body is not an option. Moreover, the existing antennas are rigid to be used for wearable head imaging applications. This thesis proposes a flexible body-coupled (co-planar waveguide) CPW-fed triangular planar monopole antenna (PMA) for wide-band microwave sensing and imaging, particularly for head imaging applications. The proposed antenna has been made with advanced ceramic material barium titanate (BaTiO3) incorporated with silicone-based hyperplastic elastomer to synthesize a flexible body-matched impedance substrate with low loss. The proposed barium titanate silicon-elastomer composite layer is designed with the dielectric property of 20 which acts as an impedance-matching layer for the CPW-fed triangular PMA. The dimension of the proposed antenna is 70mm × 30mm × 6mm. The mixed ratio by weight of barium titanate powder and silicon used to synthesize the impedance matching layer is 1:1. The measured dielectric constant of the impedance matching layer is 6.9. It has been shown that the power radiated into an artificial head phantom improved by almost 160% as compared to an antenna without an impedance-matching layer. Moreover, the SAR level is 0.0286 W/kg when 1 mW of power is transmitted, which is well below the limit set by the FCC (<1.6 w/kg for mass) regulation for the public at microwave frequencies. The proposed antenna has a bandwidth of almost 900 MHz (0.6 GHz - 1.5GHz) when measured directly on the actual human head. This makes the antenna suitable for wearable head imaging applications due to its wideband characteristic and improved power penetration into the human head.

Malaysia strives to advance the development of the Halal industry and achieves its goal to become a global hub for innovation, production, and trade in the Halal sectors. Halal food is still the most prominent sector among Halal sectors and remains a core driver of the Islamic economy growth. Human competence and capability building are among the success factors to sustain Halal industry in the competitive market. Competent Halal Executive is essential to support comprehensive and future developments of the Halal industry. The alignment of the Halal core competencies is also needed to address the gap between the educational institutional output and industry requirements. Thus, the study aims to develop the core competency index for Halal Executive in the food company in Malaysia using a combination of the Delphi and AHP technique. Document analysis was conducted to identify core competencies before the Delphi-AHP process. A combined Delphi-Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then applied to identify and determine the top core competencies of Halal Executives, which were conducted in three rounds of surveys. Initially, 19 expert panels with a range of experiences in the Halal industry provide their judgments. However, only 15 individuals remained in the final round. The results suggest that four sub-criteria of knowledge namely the Malaysian halal management system (MHMS), halal certification, halal food production, and halal and Shariah are the most important competencies for Halal Executives. Conversely, the three sub-criteria of skills; analysis, relationship, and technical, are viewed as the least important. Business owners can enhance organizational performance by using specific criteria for hiring Halal Executives and offering pertinent training courses to current employees. Competencies identified can serve as vital benchmarks for ongoing improvement in training sessions, ultimately bolstering the capabilities of Halal executives. Furthermore, this research acts as a strategic roadmap for industry practitioners, aiding in the efficient allocation of resources and prioritization of competency development.

The aim of this research is to examine how the wording of fatwas issued by the Terengganu State Fatwa Council and published electronically is understood by the local community. Additionally, the research seeks to analyze the prevalence of fatwas in Terengganu and their impact on the community. The main research question focuses on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of fatwas published by the State Fatwa Council, as well as how these fatwas are communicated to the community, particularly regarding the language and wording used to help Muslims apply important rulings. The research also investigates how e-fatwas influence the community's understanding of Islamic values and principles. To address these questions, the study employs a descriptive approach to clarify the elements, conditions, and etiquette surrounding fatwas, especially among fundamentalists, and an analytical approach to assess the significance and challenges of e-fatwas in the modern era. The research includes a field survey, which involved personal interviews with 30 Terengganu residents to collect data related to the research topic. The findings show that the electronic publication of fatwas is considered one of the most important methods of delivering religious guidance to the community, allowing for quick and reliable access to fatwas. While the community engages positively with online fatwas, some fatwas are not fully understood due to complex wording. Furthermore, the study revealed that the State Fatwa Council faces technical challenges related to information security and the accuracy of published texts, especially in the current technological age. The researcher recommends organizing training courses for preachers, including members of the Fatwa Committee, to improve their ability to handle, publish, and widely distribute fatwas electronically, thereby enhancing the technical skills of those responsible for fatwas and improving their effectiveness.

Coastal agriculture in Malaysia faces significant challenges due to acid-sulfate soils, which are highly acidic and contain excessive amounts of harmful minerals such as aluminium and iron, negatively impacting rice (Oryza sativa) growth and yield. While the use of beneficial endophytic bacteria to promote plant growth is well-established, their effects on rice in acid-sulfate soils remain underexplored. This study aimed to isolate endophytic bacteria from rice roots cultivated in acid-sulfate soils, assess their plant growth-promoting traits, and evaluate their potential to enhance rice growth and productivity in these challenging environments. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized roots collected from a rice plot in Nenasi, Pekan, Pahang. Molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed six distinct bacterial genera, including Chromobacterium, Bordetella, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Moraxella. The isolates were evaluated for key plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and indole acetic acid (IAA) production. A nursery experiment was conducted, applying three different rates (100%, 75%, and 50%) of NPK fertilizer and inoculating with the two most promising isolates. Among the isolates, Burkholderia sp. and Falsibacillus sp. exhibited the strongest plant growth-promoting activities and were selected for further testing. The results showed that the combination of endophytic bacteria and fertilizers significantly enhanced rice growth and yield compared to the control. Specifically, Falsibacillus sp. (BAC 2) resulted in a 53.60% increase in grain yield, 11.69% higher grain filling, and 3.56% greater grain weight. This study demonstrates that beneficial endophytic bacteria can effectively enhance the growth and yield of rice in acid-sulfate soils, providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to improving agricultural productivity.

Whistleblowing is a key countermeasure to reduce vulnerabilities in the halal food supply chain. Despite its importance as a monitoring mechanism, limited studies have examined whistleblowing intentions in halal-certified food companies. This study addresses that gap by exploring whistleblowing intentions through a qualitative study design, using in-depth interviews with 16 employees and experts. Thematic analysis, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), was employed to analyse the data. The interviews were audio-recorded, and the transcriptions were exported to qualitative analysis software, ATLAS.ti Web. The analysis was conducted through several analytical stages. Findings reveal varying levels of employee awareness and knowledge about whistleblowing. While some employees have a clear understanding due to company policies and training, others grasp the concept intuitively despite limited exposure. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, as outlined in the TPB, were found to influence whistleblowing intentions. Additionally, factors such as organisational support, employee responsibility, religious obligation, seriousness of wrongdoing, knowledge, and the perceived authority of the complaint recipient also shaped whistleblowing intentions and decisions. These findings underscore the complex interaction of individual, social, and organisational factors in whistleblowing. They highlight the importance of clear reporting channels, strong management commitment, and supportive policies to encourage employees to report wrongdoing internally within halal-certified food companies. The insights gained can help companies, halal agencies, and policymakers develop better systems to protect whistleblowers and uphold ethical standards in the food industry, ultimately benefiting consumers and the halal market. This research also contributes valuable insights to the academic understanding of whistleblowing intention.

The increasing presence of potentially unsafe nutraceutical products has led to recommendations for consumers to opt for Halal nutraceuticals. Choosing Halal products ensures that they have undergone a rigorous process to ensure their safety and permissibility. This study aims to identify the factors that influence consumers' intention to purchase Halal nutraceuticals. This research focuses on the population in Kelantan, Malaysia, and employs convenience sampling for quantitative analysis. The collected data is then analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM). The findings indicate that knowledge affects attitude, which in turn influence their intention to purchase Halal nutraceuticals. Other factors such as attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, also affect the consumers' intention to purchase Halal nutraceuticals. However, factors such as religiosity influence on attitude and Halal awareness itself do not significantly impact the intention to purchase Halal nutraceuticals. In conclusion, the results suggest that consumers in Kelantan are more inclined to purchase Halal nutraceuticals when they possess sufficient knowledge about the product, hold positive opinions, receive encouragement from others, and have the means to make the purchase. Therefore, businesses targeting consumers in Kelantan need to prioritise these aspects to appeal to their targeted market.

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the factors influencing international students’ choice of Islamic Educational Branding at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The study was guided by the theories of consumer behaviour and brand management with an aim to examine six key objectives and hypotheses. The sample size for the study was 355 international students determined using proportionate random sampling technique to ensure that each and every stratum of the population is equally represented in the study without any bias. To conduct the study, a quantitative approach was adopted whereby a survey whose validity and reliability indices were established at 0.9 and 0.8 was used for data collection, respectively. For data analysis, both descriptive (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Regression Analysis) were employed. The analysis was executed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The findings revealed that university’s academics, facilities, campus life, reputation, industrial linkage and access have statistically significant positive impact on international Students’ Choice of Islamic Educational Branding at the IIUM. Additionally, it was shown that facilities and academic activities were the key factors with greater influence compared to other variables. Finally, the study recommended that the management of IIUM and the Malaysian Government make greater efforts to improve these areas to attract more international students

The global rise of modest fashion is a great opportunity to increase the revenue of halal industry in Malaysia. Most studies on the halal industry focus on halal food while there are hardly any studies on modest fashion. Non-Muslims make up 11 million of the country's population. Moreover, the demand for modest fashion is increasing among non-Muslims. For this reason, there is a need to cater to the non-Muslim consumer market segment in Malaysia as marketers should not ignore the potential purchasing power of non–Muslims. The purpose of this study is to investigate the purchasing intentions of female non-Muslim consumers for modest fashion products. Using a quantitative method, this study investigates 302 Malaysian non-Muslim women through convenience sampling. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through social media and as well as offline interception. Descriptive analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. This study attempts to answer the questions on the influence of product price, product quality, fashion uniqueness and cultural adaptation on female non-Muslim consumers of modest fashion products in Malaysia. The results show that product price, product quality, fashion uniqueness and cultural adaptation have a positive relationship with the purchase intentions of female non-Muslim consumers for modest fashion products in Malaysia. This research benefits the government, fashion industry workers and the researcher by improving the Islamic economy and halal industry revenue, helping fashion designers and marketers to improve their marketing strategies to non-Muslim consumers, and increasing knowledge and research on modest fashion products in Malaysia. Keywords: cultural adaptations, fashion uniqueness, modest fashion, non-Muslim consumers, product price, product quality

Cracked structures pose significant challenges in engineering applications. Cracks can lead to stress concentrations, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure and complicating maintenance efforts. In fields such as aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering, cracks may arise from factors like material fatigue, environmental conditions, and manufacturing defects. Aircraft structures are frequently subjected to thermal variations due to operating conditions, which can exacerbate crack propagation and compromise structural integrity. While passive repair methods using composite patches have been extensively studied, recent advancements focus on active repair techniques, notably integrating piezoelectric (PZT) actuators for electro-mechanical crack control. However, studies often overlook thermal influences and the impact of adhesive disbonding on repair effectiveness. This study addresses these challenges by investigating the hybrid repair of Mode I cracked plates under thermo-mechanical loading, integrating adhesive disbonding effects and precise PZT patch placement. The research validated the proposed thermal stress intensity factor equation, conducts Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS software, and assesses the influence of temperature variations and mechanical loads on hybrid repair using composite and PZT actuators. Additionally, various adhesive disbond scenarios in composite and PZT patches are examined to evaluate repair efficacy. Furthermore, this study employs novel Machine Learning (ML) techniques to optimize hybrid repair under thermo-mechanical loading, selecting five key parameters for ML optimization and training using FE simulation data. Results indicate that temperature fluctuations significantly impact repair efficiency and fatigue life. Importantly, strategic positioning of the PZT patch directly above or on the crack tip significantly enhances repair efficacy, preventing further propagation and optimizing stress mitigation. Disbonding, however, diminishes repair efficacy from 85% to 30% and accelerates crack propagation. In the study of optimization and prediction using Machine Learning, the findings indicate that the Squared Exponential Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) model demonstrated superior accuracy, effectively minimizing errors, and enhancing predictive performance. Particle Swarm Optimization identified Graphite/epoxy as the optimal material, achieving a minimum SIF of 0.163 with parameters: composite patch thickness of 0.633 mm, PZT patch size of 250 mm�, PZT thickness of 1 mm, and PZT distance of 0.75 mm. This study highlights the importance of considering thermal influences and adhesive disbonding in hybrid repairs, emphasizing the need for robust repair techniques under thermo-mechanical loading conditions. The results offer valuable insights into improving repair efficiency and predictive capabilities.

Conserving endangered species is a critical global challenge, with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) playing a key role in preserving biodiversity. This study focuses on optimizing In Vitro Maturation (IVM) protocols using BALB/c mice (aged 8�16 weeks) oocytes as a model for endangered species conservation. The objectives include determining optimal doses of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in IVM media, examining the effects of cumulus monolayer cells (CMC) and their secretions on oocyte maturation, and grading matured oocytes to evaluate the influence of different IVM environments. Findings indicate that specific FSH and LH concentrations significantly improve oocyte maturation rates. Co-culture with cumulus cells and supplementation with their secretions enhance oocyte quality and developmental potential. Oocyte evaluation, based on features such as the zona pellucida and polar body, provided key insights into effective IVM protocols. This study highlights the potential of refined IVM techniques as a non-invasive tool for increasing reproductive success in endangered species. The BALB/c mouse model proved valuable for developing species-specific IVM methods, which can be adapted for animals with similar reproductive traits. These advancements could improve genetic diversity and support conservation efforts for endangered wildlife, offering an ethical and efficient alternative to more invasive ART methods.

Home language exposure is a key factor in the language acquisition of ESL learners, enhancing development and facilitating learning among bilinguals. However, its impact varies across language groups and learner demographics, raising questions about the influence of bilingual home environments on language acquisition. This study investigates the English morphological acquisition of Malay-English bilingual secondary school students from three distinct home language environments: English-dominant, Malay-dominant, and equally dominant in both languages. Using Processability Theory, data were collected via parental questionnaires and elicitation tasks. Findings show that participants reach advanced stages of morphological acquisition (Sentence Procedures and Phrasal Procedures) even without having English as the main home language. While home language exposure alone does not determine English acquisition, factors like parental support, family interaction, and available resources significantly enhance learning. This study provides valuable insights for parents of bilingual learners, researchers, and policymakers in understanding and supporting bilingual language acquisition.

Polyamide 11 (PA 11) is a semi-crystalline engineering polymer with excellent impact strength and the ability to accept high filler loading, making it a promising alternative in a variety of applications. However, using PA 11 alone results in lower stiffness and heat resistance, as well as more expensive materials; therefore, reinforcement with halloysite nanotube (HNTs) filler, magnesium hydroxide (MH) flame retardant additives and styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) elastomers has been considered. The goal of this research is to investigate the effects of HNTs as fillers, MH as flame retardants and SEBS-g-MA as an impact modifier contents on the thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of PA 11. This study used counter-rotating twin-screw extrusion and injection moulding to create nanocomposite samples, which were then characterized by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), tensile, flexural, impact, UL-94 standard flammability and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The addition of 4 phr HNTs improved the PA 11 matrix’s thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of the PA 11 matrix. The addition of 30 phr MH flame-retardant additives increased the young’s and flexural modulus by up to 34% and 31%, respectively, but decreased the elongation at break for all formulations. All the nanocomposite samples passed the UL 94 V-2 rating. The addition of 15 phr of SEBS-g-MA increased the elongation at break by 40% and impact strength up to 57%. However, the addition of elastomers reduced tensile and flexural strength. The study discovered that the adding nanofillers, flame retardant additives and elastomer to PA 11 can effectively improve these properties to a desired level, potentially opening new market opportunities for PA 11 manufacturers.

Cassava starch, a key product of cassava cultivation, has driven the expansion of large plantations in rural areas. This has led to several issues, including insufficient infrastructure, soil degradation, and a reliance on imported labor and mechanization. Thus, this study was in place to explore plant tissue culture technology to improve starch production efficiency. The present study aims to determine the optimum culture parameters for maximal cassava callus growth and starch content, explore the ideal NaOH concentration for the highest starch yield, and analyze the extracted starch's physical, chemical, structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics. The optimization of starch production and callus growth involved a multi-stage experimental approach. It began with surface sterilization and factor screening using Plackett Burman Design (PBD), focusing on basal media (Murashige & Skoog (MS) and Gamborg B5), carbon sources (sucrose, glucose and maltose), and plant growth regulators (PGRs) (Auxin: 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); Cytokinin: benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin). Significant factors identified were further investigated using the One-Factor-At-A-Time (OFAT) methodology. The process continued with a face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) to refine the media composition and parameters based on OFAT findings. The collected callus was dried and then immersed in varying concentrations of NaOH (0.10 w/v %, 0.25 w/v % and 0.50 w/v %) to determine the optimal levels that would lead to the highest starch yield, recovery, and purity following the completion of the starch purification process. A comprehensive analysis of starch obtained from native cassava tuber (CAS) and cassava callus culture (CAL) was performed using amylose content analysis, FTIR, TGA/DTG, and SEM studies. The present study observed the optimal conditions for cassava callus growth and its starch production being 110 g/L sucrose, 9.48 g/L Gamborg B5, and 6.15 mg/L of 2,4-D, which resulted in a callus weight of 0.331 g and a starch content of 4.640 %. Alkaline extraction with 0.25 % NaOH significantly enhanced starch yield, purity, and recovery at 1.0944 %, 22.67 %, and 35.89 %, respectively, compared to control samples without alkaline treatment. The study also highlighted differences between CAL and CAS starches, with CAL starch showing low amylose content and suitability for biodegradable materials, while CAS starch exhibited higher amylose content and purity. Both types demonstrated distinct chemical structures and thermal degradation patterns, suggesting distinct applications based on their unique properties. These results highlight the possibility of using cassava plant tissue culture as an alternative method for traditional starch production by investigating various plant tissue culture techniques, including cell suspension culture.

Blood culture (BC) is a crucial test for diagnosing bloodstream infections (BSIs) and can be significantly influenced by pre-analytical factors. Despite its importance, concerns persist regarding the reliability of BC results, often due to contamination and variability in positivity outcomes. This study addresses the research gap concerning the impact of specific pre-analytical factors such as location, transportation time, site of collection, and sample volume on BC positivity rates at Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre @ IIUM. A cross-sectional analysis of 276 BC vials from 138 patients revealed that 58% were male, with a mean age of 61.8 years. Samples for the BC analysis were collected from emergency wards (35.5%) and peripheral veins (84.8%). The overall positivity rate was 29.0%, with 34 (24.6%) positive aerobic vials and 24 (17.4%) positive anaerobic vials. Optimal blood volume (8-10 ml) was achieved in only 17.4% of cases. The mean blood volume was 6.3 ± 3.7 ml for aerobic vials and 5.9 ± 3.0 ml for anaerobic vials, both of which are considered suboptimal based on the literature review (<8 ml). The mean time to positivity (TTP) was significantly different in anaerobic cultures when comparing varying blood volumes (p = 0.009). Although demographics and other pre-analytical factors did not significantly predict true or false positives (p > 0.05), the observed trends underscore the need for improved diagnostic practices. This study provides valuable insights into the pre-analytical factors affecting BC outcomes, emphasizing the importance of refining protocols to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient management for suspected BSIs.