Browsing by Type "master thesis"

Background: The proportion of the older people population in Malaysia is increasing, leading to a growing prevalence of age-related health challenges, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory issues, and other health-related problems. Addressing these issues is critical, particularly in preventing osteoporosis, fractures, and falls among older adults. However, the current approach in preventing osteoporosis and fracture is still inadequate and needs further health education programmes to be delivered within the community. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'Capture the Fracture Programme' in improving knowledge, attitudes, practices, and fall risk among older adults. The study also examines changes in these variables between baseline and six weeks post-intervention, as well as their relationship with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test outcomes. Method: This study was divided into two phases; in Phase 1 a systematic literature search was conducted to identify the evidence of the intervention’s components. Phase 2 was a quasi- experimental study conducted at the Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE) Maran Centre with a sample of 66 older adults, accounting for an anticipated 20% dropout rate. Participants completed informed consent and baseline questionnaires following a study briefing. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were utilised for data analysis using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p<0.001), practice (p<0.001), and reduction in fall risk among older adults from baseline to post- intervention (p<0.05). The knowledge (p=0.430), attitudes (p=0.224), and practices (p=0.950) of older adults did not significantly influence their risk of falls. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test demonstrated a significant reduction in fall risk following the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study provided preliminary support in preventing the issue of osteoporosis and fragility fracture among older people in Malaysia. Further research is required to investigate and explore the complex relationships between these factors and the long-term effectiveness of such interventions. Keywords: Falls, Fracture, Older people, Osteoporosis, Quasi-experimental study.

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.

Kitchen safety in the industry primarily focuses on food safety procedures to prevent contamination and disease transmission, often neglecting the safety of workers during food preparation. This oversight extends into the education perspective and focuses on students in hospitality programs at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The hands-on educational style exposes students to various hazards, leading to concerns about student injuries if their safety knowledge is not effectively delivered by the trainers. To address these issues and enhance the delivery of kitchen safety knowledge, this research aims to develop a kitchen safety framework using Virtual Reality (VR) tailored for TVET institutions' hospitality programs. Embracing an innovative educational approach, this framework seeks to integrate technology to improve kitchen safety training. The study adopts the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) and Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) models to develop the framework, with four main objectives: (1) to identify the effectiveness of existing kitchen safety education in TVET programs, (2) to conduct a needs analysis for designing a VR-based educational framework for kitchen safety in TVET hospitality programs, (3) to formulate a VR-based kitchen safety framework for these programs, and (4) to validate this framework. A Design and Development Research (DDR) approach is used, starting with qualitative interviews with 12 informants, including TVET trainers, Safety and Health Officers (SHO), IT experts, and instructional designers (ID). The validation process involves 20 participants responding to a questionnaire to achieve expert consensus on the identified items. Thematic analysis of interview data results in six main constructs: Virtual Automation, Content Determination, Coaching Content, Virtual Assessment, Kitchen User Experience (K-UX), and Machine Learning for Feedback and Guidance. A limitation of this study is the difficulty in finding VR experts, as there are not many VR developers in the kitchen industry. Additionally, the researchers have limited IT knowledge, necessitating more advanced studies in IT to better explore data and develop a comprehensive framework. Lastly, insufficient data on kitchen safety, with most existing research focusing on food safety. For the implications, this study has the potential to evolve into a fully developed VR system, while serving as a valuable tool for assessing the readiness of educators to utilize VR in enhancing kitchen safety environments. It also provides a mechanism for evaluating and improving trainers' preparedness and confidence in adopting this innovative technology.

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.

Background: The rising prevalence of obesity among Malaysian women, particularly during reproductive age, highlights the need for effective interventions during the postpartum period. Postpartum mothers (PPMs) face unique challenges that hinder their participation in physical activity (PA), including cultural practices, lack of support, and time constraints. This study aims to develop a PA module tailored for PPMs to support postpartum weight management and overall health while considering cultural and contextual factors within Malaysia's healthcare system. Methods: This qualitative study used purposive sampling and recruited nine healthcare workers (HCWs) and six PPMs from Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the current practices of HCWs and the challenges faced by PPMs during the postpartum period. Thematic analysis was employed to analyses the data, and the findings were used to guide the development of a PA module tailored to the needs of postpartum mothers in the Malaysian context. Result: Through document analysis and thematic evaluation of in-depth interviews, five key components were identified in the formulation of the PA module: (1) The module incorporates types of PA that resonate with traditional beliefs, featuring gentle movements and flexibility exercises tailored to the physical conditions of PPMs, (2) Cultural and practical adaptations were made to ensure the module aligns with local postpartum practices, considering postpartum restrictions, (3) Safety considerations were prioritized, focusing on hydration, physical recovery, and the customization of PA according to different stages of the postpartum period to prevent injuries, (4) Strategies for social support were integrated to actively involve partners, family members, and communities in encouraging PPMs to maintain an active lifestyle throughout the postpartum phase, and 5) digital platforms were harnessed to enhance motivation and adherence to PA by providing continuous access to information and support. Conclusion: This study provides a structured approach to creating a PA module for PPMs by methodically incorporating practical tactics, cultural adjustments, and evidence-based recommendations. The module offers a thorough framework for HCWs and PPMs to support safe and sustainable postpartum PA by addressing obstacles and integrating customised PA suggestions. This ensures that PA involvement is flexible, accessible, and efficiently promotes postpartum recuperation and general well-being.

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.

"Syzygium cumini (SC) has been used to treat various ailments. There is less data available about the impact of oral pathogens on oral mucositis when using SC seed. This study aims to determine the use of SC through profiling, antimicrobial effects, and its effect on biofilm formation. The SC seed was extracted using an aqueous extraction method, followed by freeze-dried drying and prepared in powdered form. As for LCQTOF-MS analysis, the sample was analysed with a 10 µL sample injection (1 mg/10 mL in methanol). The mobile phase was a 0.1% formic acid gradient in water and acetonitrile. Meanwhile, the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test determined the effect of SC seed on antimicrobial testing. The positive and negative controls were 0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.85% sterile saline, respectively. In the biofilm study, Candida albicans ATCC MYA-4901 (ALT5), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus salivarius K12 (K12) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were used in the biofilm study. To determine the effect of aqueous SC seed extract on monospecies biofilm of C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus, 60 µL suspension containing 6 × 106 oral mucositis pathogens, 60 µL of SC seed extract (6 mg), and 60 µL of sterile RPMI-1640 and BHI broth respectively were inoculated in the same well. Finally, a crystal violet (CV) assay was used to quantify biofilm formation using a microplate reader. In summary, 51 compounds were identified. As for antimicrobial testing, the disc diffusion test revealed S. salivarius (32.33 ± 2.08), followed by S. mutans (30.44 ± 1.16), S. aureus (28.67±1.15) and lastly, C. albicans (21.33±0.57). This study also showed that S. salivarius (76.7 ± 0.2) exhibited a high percentage reduction of biofilm biomass when treated with SC seed extract, followed by S. aureus (71.8 ± 0.2), S. mutans (59.1 ± 0.0) and lastly, C. albicans (14.4 ± 5.9). SC aqueous extract inhibits biofilm formation of C. albicans, S. mutans and S. aureus that predominated in the oral cavity of oral mucositis (OM) patients. The research indicates that SC seed extract exhibits effective antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against key pathogens of OM, implying its capacity to its potential to reduce microbial load and avert subsequent infections. Clinically, our findings suggest that SC seed extract may be formulated into natural oral rinses or gels as a microbiome-compatible substitute for chemical antiseptics, aiding in the management of OM and promoting mucosal repair in patients receiving cancer treatment."

Zingiber officinale var. Bentong (Bentong ginger) is a renowned herbal plant in Malaysia that is extensively cultivated due to its remarkable medicinal properties, culinary applications, and health benefits. However, its production is hindered by several constraints, including a lack of efficient planting materials. This poses a significant constraint to industrial ginger production. In vitro culture offers a promising solution for the propagation of disease-free Bentong ginger plants, with a focus on utilizing shoot buds as planting materials. Thus, the study aimed to establish an effective in vitro regeneration protocol for Bentong ginger. First, several types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were tested on the regeneration of Bentong ginger using shoot buds as explants. The most effective regeneration of Bentong ginger occurred in MS media supplemented with 1.0mg/L BAP and 0.5mg/L NAA. This combination induced the highest mean numbers of roots, shoots, and leaves. Additionally, this study assessed the effectiveness of employing cost-effective alternative sugars, namely white sugar and brown sugar for in vitro micropropagation of Bentong ginger. The finding suggested that using white sugar could significantly reduce the cost of importing analytical-grade sucrose by 94.4%. Finally, the in vitro-raised Bentong ginger plantlets were subjected to molecular analysis using ISSR markers for genetic fidelity assessment. The analysis revealed no significant variations in the ISSR profiles when comparing the mother plants and in vitro-raised Bentong ginger plantlets, with a high monomorphism rate of 98.48%. The established micropropagation protocol ensures genetically uniform plantlets and offers the potential for cost-effective sustainable exploitation of Bentong ginger. This reliable method has the potential to enhance large-scale production, promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving the genetic resources of this valuable plant.

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

Dental anxiety (DA) refers to fear, anxiety, or stress associated with dental procedures, and is often triggered by discomfort during treatment. The placement of gingival retraction cords, which are necessary for complex restorations and crown work, can cause gingival bleeding when removed. Current retraction cords do not offer painless placement, and while local anaesthesia (lignocaine) is used to numb tissues, it can exacerbate DA. Ferric sulphate, a haemostatic agent, may cause discolouration and does not prevent recurrent bleeding after cord removal, affecting the aesthetic outcomes. Thus, the lignocaine-adrenaline combination is valuable for both haemostasis and pain relief. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate the stability of an optimised lignocaine-adrenaline nanogel using a central composite design (CCD), conducting an in vitro cytotoxicity test, and in vivo for efficacy testing of the formulation. Compatibility was assessed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. 18 lignocaine-adrenaline nanoemulsions (LANEs) derived via CCD were characterised by their zeta potential, polydispersity index (PdI), pH, and particle size. All LANEs were transformed into nanoemulsion-based gels (NBG) by incorporating 0.1% Carbopol 940. Stability studies of LANE and NBG were conducted for over 12 months at 25 �C. The stability data for LANE and NBG were integrated with the CCD predictions to produce the optimised NBG. The optimised NBG was validated in triplicate and centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 30 min, freeze-thaw cycles at -5 �C and 25 �C, and repeated thermocycling at 4 �C and 40 �C. The in vitro drug release profile was gathered using Franz diffusion cells with cellulose acetate membrane 0.45 �m pore size. The samples were taken at predetermined times of 0, 5, 10, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30, 40, 60, 90, and 120 min, and the absorbance was read with UV-Vis at the respective lignocaine and adrenaline absorbance wavelengths. The in vitro cytotoxicity test was performed by MTT assay using the Ea.hy926 cell line with two-fold serial dilutions in 96-well plate, and the reading was performed using an ELISA microplate reader. In the in vivo study, the efficacy of a gingival retraction cord impregnated with lignocaine-adrenaline nanogel was evaluated in 18 Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs, divided into experimental, positive, and negative control groups. The investigation included clinical assessment of bleeding time and pain management, along with histopathological examination (HPE) analysis of tissue samples to assess inflammation and toxicity, with comparisons within the three control groups. ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis confirmed compatibility between lignocaine-adrenaline and excipients. The nanogel exhibited viscosity comparable to that of ferric sulphate (24 � 1 mPa.s) at 20 �C. Post-stability assessment, LANEs and NBGs showed no phase separation. The optimised LANE exhibited a zeta potential of -26.47 � 0.02mV, PdI of 0.36 � 0.01, pH of 6.28 � 0.02, and particle size of 61.76 � 0.25 nm. The optimised NBG was stable under stress conditions. The in vitro drug release studies showed that lignocaine followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R2 = 0.95, n = 1.01), indicating non-Fickian diffusion, whereas adrenaline displayed zero-order release (R2 = 0.9862), providing consistent and prolonged drug release. Cytotoxicity studies revealed an IC50 to be 7.98 mM, which was lower than the 2% (85.29 mM) lignocaine concentration in the nanogel. However, the IC50 concentration was ineffective in controlling bleeding, in contrast to the 2% lignocaine-adrenaline nanogel, for which the concentration was emulated from the market LA anaesthesia concentration. Therefore, the assessment of 2% toxicity was performed in in vivo studies in which necrosis was absent in HPE findings. The lignocaine-adrenaline control group had a significantly shorter bleeding time (p-value < 0.001) with 41.17 � 1.47 seconds and a pain score of 4, indication no pain. The group also shows significant reduction in haemorrhage and increasing of cell count from 96.17 � 0.75 cells/mm2 at 10 minutes to 97.50 � 0.85 cells/mm2 at 15 minutes, with statistically significant p-value < 0.01, suggesting the nanogel may enhance cellular proliferation or activity in the tissue. Overall, the lignocaine-adrenaline nanogel demonstrated good haemostatic control, reduced inflammation, and minimised pain, making it a promising addition to the clinical dental practice for gingival retraction procedures.

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.