Malaysian Applied Biology

Are Locally Sourced Grass or Leaf Meals A Double-Edged Sword in Poultry Broiler Production? A Comprehensive Review

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Although antibiotics have considerable positive impacts on poultry production, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters is beginning to diminish as countries continue to prohibit their use, raising concerns about food safety. Consequently, the hunt for antibiotic alternatives is intensified to prevent antimicrobial resistance while not jeopardizing broilers’ growth performance. Phytobiotics are of great relevance since, in addition to being derived from plants, they possess valuable pharmacological properties that may benefit the production performances and health status of broilers. Hence, this review will cover the use of grass or leaf meals as a feed additive in broiler diets, as well as the impact on broiler productivity and meat quality. Locally sourced grass or leaf meals could potentially be used as an antibiotic replacement due to bioactive compounds present, however, these very same compounds are deemed to be detrimental if present in high amounts. Therefore, if the appropriate inclusion level is adopted, the addition of grass or leaf meals might successfully be used as an antibiotic alternative while also improving broiler performance and end-product quality.

Tapping Into Tinospora crispa and Tinospora cordifolia Bioactive Potentials Via Antioxidant, Antiglycation and GC-MS Analyses

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tinospora crispa and Tinospora cordifolia are plant species that are commonly used in traditional medicine, such as Ayurvedic medicine, renowned for their therapeutic roles in addressing diverse health issues, including diabetes. These plants are esteemed for their ability to counter oxidative stress through electron donation which is a prominent feature of antioxidants. However, a sole assessment of their antioxidant effectiveness is insufficient to holistically understand their antioxidative capabilities. This study aimed to study the antioxidative and antiglycation properties exhibited by T. crispa and T. cordifolia. This evaluation encompassed a range of tests measuring radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), capacity for reducing ferric ions (FRAP assay), and their antiglycation potential (BSA-MGO assay). GC-MS analysis was employed to identify compounds with antioxidative properties within T. crispa and T. cordifolia. The stems and leaves of T. crispa and T. cordifolia underwent solvent extraction using 90% methanol and hot distilled water. Notably, the methanolic extract of T. cordifolia displayed the most robust radical scavenging activity, evident from its lowest IC₅₀ value, 0.03 ± 0.00 mg/mL in the DPPH assay. Conversely, the methanolic extract of T. crispa exhibited the lowest IC₅₀ value, 0.19 ± 0.00 mg/mL in the FRAP assay. Additionally, the methanolic extract of T. cordifolia showcased a minimal IC₅₀value of 0.52 ± 0.18 mg/mL in the BSA-MGO antiglycation assay. It’s worth noting that the methanolic extracts of both T. crispa and T. cordifolia outperformed their hot water counterparts in terms of antioxidative activity, potentially due to the presence of phytochemical compounds such as phenol, 4-vinyl guaiacol, guaiacol, syringol, and vanillin in the methanolic extracts. The study highlights the potent antioxidative properties of T. crispa and T. cordifolia in supporting their traditional medicinal use and leads the way for the development of antioxidant therapies, particularly for managing oxidative stress-related conditions such as diabetes.

Efficacy of Terminalia catappa Leaves Extract As An Antimicrobial Agent Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Terminalia catappa (“Ketapang” in Malay) is a plant that belongs to the family Combreteceae and is native to Southeast Asia. Various parts of this plant were reported to possess bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. However, reports on the antimicrobial activity of different ages of T. catappa leaf (TCL) against pathogenic bacteria are lacking. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of the different ages of TCL extracts against the pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Disk diffusion assay was carried out to determine the antibacterial activity of different ages of TCL extracts. Meanwhile, the efficacy of the different leaf extracts was evaluated by performing broth microdilution (MIC & MBC determination), growth reduction, time-kill study, and membrane cell leakage assay (MCLA). The findings revealed that the extracts showed greater antibacterial activity toward the Gram-positive S. aureus compared to Gram-negative E. coli, with diameter of inhibition zone ranging from 12.33±0.53 mm to 26.33±1.4 mm and 9.23±0.32 mm to 16.21±0.42 mm, respectively. The mature leaf extract (MLE) and senescent leaf extract (SLE) exhibited higher antibacterial activity compared to young leaf extract (YLE) and shoot leaf extract (ShLE) for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The broth microdilution assay showed all the different ages of TCL extracts exhibited bactericidal effects towards S. aureus. Meanwhile, the YLE and ShLE showed a bacteriostatic effect on E. coli, whereas the MLE and SLE exerted bactericidal action. The time-kill study revealed that the extract activity was time- and concentration-dependent. The results of the MCLA corroborated the time-kill study, which showed that a higher concentration of extract could successfully inhibit and kill the bacterial cells, as indicated by higher protein and nucleic acid leakage. The present study suggests that all different ages of TCL extracts, particularly the MLE can act as potential antibacterial agents against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Changes of Pancreatic Protein Profile Upon High Fat Diet Intake In Diabetic Rat Model

Ying-Hui Teh, Xuan-Yi Sim, Sohaib Jumaah Owaid, Mohd Nazri Ismail, Lay-Harn Gam — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on changes in pancreatic protein expression of the T2DM rat model was investigated. This is important as proteins are the functional components that regulate an organ’s activity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced to diabetes using streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA). The diabetic rats and control rats were respectively fed with either a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD) that contained 39% fat for 6 consecutive weeks. The pancreases were harvested from the rats for proteomic analysis upon completion of the treatment period. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis was applied for protein separation and the significantly (p<0.05) upregulated protein spots in pair-wise comparison between different groups of rats were subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis for protein identification. The results showed that upregulation of anionic trypsin 1 and 2 in diabetic rats fed with ND compared to control rats fed with the same diet. The upregulation of these two proteins in diabetic rats acts as the defense mechanism against pancreatic tissue inflammation upon HFD intake. Moreover, upregulation of chymotrypsinogen B and transgelin-3 were detected in diabetic rats fed with HFD compared to those fed with ND, suggesting that these proteins may be induced by HFD intake, where upregulation of chymotrypsinogen B is a sign of pancreatic inflammation. Thus, HFD may influence specific pancreatic processes based on the observed protein changes.

Impacts of Different Salinities on Growth Performance, Stress Response, and Feeding Activity of Shortfin Eel, Anguilla bicolor

Stefanie Maria Ayu Raganata, Shigeharu Senoo, Ching Fui Fui — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Due to the declining wild fishery stock of Shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor), eel aquaculture has become increasingly important in Southeast Asian countries. Consequently, there is a rising urgency to cultivate A. bicolor as an export commodity due to its high demand and value. However, little is known about the optimum culture conditions to enhance the optimal growth performance of A. bicolor in captivity. Four different salinities (0, 10, 20, 30 ppt) were tested on A. bicolor for 28 days and its growth performance, stress level, and feeding activity were investigated. Findings revealed A. bicolor was able to survive in all salinities without any mortality recorded. Meanwhile, A. bicolor gained significantly higher body weight at 10 ppt (4.33±0.87) compared to those in 0, 20, and 30 ppt despite being insignificant different in the final total length. A. bicolor reared in 10 ppt also attained relatively higher feed intake and low feed conversion ratio indicating its excellent feeding utilization. No significant differences were also found in the stress level of A. bicolor in all salinities indicating its tolerance and adaptation in all salinities. The present study concludes 10 ppt as suggested salinity to further enhance the growth of A. bicolor as it promotes excellent feeding performance, low stress levels, and overall optimal growth.

Physicochemical Analysis on Tempeh Samples Available at Kuala Lumpur Supermarket and Sensory Evaluation of Tempeh Patty

Chai Jia Law, Nur Syamimi Farahin Fazil, Mohd Noor Hidayat Adenan, Hasnah Haron — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of fresh tempeh samples available in Kuala Lumpur supermarkets. The proximate composition, mineral content, and color of the fresh tempeh were assessed. One of the fresh tempeh samples was selected to create three formulations of tempeh patty, which were then subjected to sensory analysis. Seven attributes of the tempeh patty-aroma, color, appearance, texture, taste, nutty taste, and overall acceptance were evaluated by 40 panelists. The average macronutrient content of tempeh in Kuala Lumpur supermarkets was 61.47 ± 0.43% moisture, 0.84 ± 0.02% total ash, 20.10 ± 1.3% crude protein, 0.66 ± 0.30% crude fat, and 16.89 ± 1.47% total carbohydrate. The average mineral content per 100 g of tempeh was 0.11 ± 0.03 mg Fe, 3.29 ± 1.08 mg Zn, 2.38 ± 0.68 mg Na, 304.62 ± 35.98 mg Mg, and 466.40 ± 220.48 mg Ca. Color analysis revealed an average brightness (L*) of 73.8 ± 0.27, redness (a*) of 3.42 ± 0.02, and yellowness (b*) of 17.02 ± 0.07. The study found significant differences (p<0.05) in moisture, total ash, Mg, and color (L*, a*, b*) among the raw tempeh samples. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed only in the aroma and color attributes for the three tempeh patty formulations. In conclusion, significant differences were identified in the moisture, ash, crude protein, carbohydrate, and magnesium content among the tempeh samples collected from Kuala Lumpur supermarkets. The nutrient content data obtained from this study can serve as a reference for various stakeholders, and the tempeh patty has the potential to be developed as a healthy tempeh-based dish.

Changes of Fatty Acid Profiles in Mushroom Corals (Fungia fungites) After Short-Term Laboratory Exposure to Anti-Fouling Herbicide Diuron

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

There is a great concern about the recent use of new anti-fouling chemicals for boats and ships to the coral reef health. Diuron is one of the new anti-fouling paints after the ban of organotin as an anti-fouling system (AFS) compound, but yet to be proven safe for the marine environment. Presently, we demonstrated the effects of Diuron on the fatty acid composition of hard coral species (Fungia fungites) in the laboratory. The corals were exposed to different doses of Diuron under short-term exposure (96 hr) and the fatty acid (FA) compositions of the coral tissues were determined using the gas chromatography technique. The fatty acid composition between fresh and control samples of F. fungites was significantly similar where both samples were dominated by Saturated FA (SAFA), followed by Polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and Monounsaturated FA (MUFA). In contrast, the trends for exposed samples (20, 100 & 500 µg/L) of F. fungites showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) of SAFA, MUFA, and PUFA with species suffering more as the dose of diuron increased. As the level of dose increased, SAFA such as 16:0 was largely affected while unsaturated FA from ω3 and ω6 series showed a slight decrease in their composition. The decrease in fatty acid composition after Diuron exposure indicates that the anti-fouling chemical can affect corals and may impact their metabolism. The finding that Diuron significantly impacts coral tissue fatty acids and metabolism is crucial evidence for classifying marine water quality in sensitive habitats (Class 1) like coral reefs, which are widespread in Malaysian waters. This finding serves as a basis for incorporating Diuron anti-fouling as a parameter in the Malaysian Marine Water Quality Standard (MMWQS). These key policy reforms to protect coral reef ecosystems have multiple benefits for marine ecosystems and humans.

The Investigation of Bio-Preservative Properties in Plukenetia volubilis L. (Sacha Inchi) Seeds Protein Extract For Food Spoilage Prevention

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The importance of food quality and safety has long been recognized by the food industry to cater to food spoilage. Food spoilage is caused by the loss of food quality from its original organoleptic qualities due to chemical and biological spoilage processes that may impact customer acceptance. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of Sacha inchi seeds protein as a multifunctional food preservative in controlling chemical (oxidation) and biological (microbial and protease activity) food spoilage. The antioxidant capacity revealed that the Sacha inchi seed protein has 73.72 ± 0.70% inhibition towards oxidation with the total phenolic content detected at the concentration of 463.13 ± 0.51 μg/mL in the protein extract. The tested food spoilage bacteria (Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus) and fungus (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) were susceptible to Sacha inchi seed protein showing its potential antimicrobial properties. The Sacha inchi protein extract (46.65 μg/mL & 23.28 μg/mL) shows a significant inhibition for E. coli (30.5 mm) and M. luteus (33 mm), respectively, which indicated its effectiveness. Sacha inchi seed protein also displayed potential antifungal activities by suppressing the growth of C. gloeosporioides at inhibitory concentration percentages (IC%) of 1.5±0.12%, 5.85±3.89% and 5.90±1.98% after 2, 3 and 4-days of incubation, respectively. The caseinolytic plate assay revealed that Sacha inchi seed protein showed inhibition of trypsin digestion on casein with reduced inhibition diameter from 1.9±0.00 cm (negative control) to 1.05±0.00 cm. Following the effective protein separation by SDS-PAGE, zymography analysis revealed that a prominent protein band at 25 kDa showed protease inhibitory activity. This research contributes insights into the potential application of Sacha inchi seed extract as a bio-preservative in the food industry to combat food spoilage and it is aligned with SDG 2 for zero hunger.

Screening of Native Fungi For Biodegradation of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic in Mangroves Ecosystem

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Accumulation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic in the environment has become a global issue. A substantial amount of HDPE wastes ends up in the mangroves posing a significant menace to the ecology. Mitigation techniques using mycoremediation to treat the HDPE are gaining ground due to its sustainable approach. This study aims to screen and identify fungi isolated from a mangrove located in Kampung Kuala Lukut, Malaysia, that can degrade HDPE. From this study, eight fungi species were shown able to grow on HDPE as a sole carbon source in a Bushnell-Hass Broth culture. The identity of these isolates was confirmed using morphological observation and molecular identification using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The ability of these eight fungi species to degrade plastic was assessed based on the percentage of weight loss of HDPE and the increment of fungal biomass. Results from this study show Aspergillus niger has the highest biomass increment, but Leptobacillium sp. shows the highest percentage of weight loss of HDPE. Thus, Leptobacillium sp. has the best potential to be developed as an efficient agent to degrade HDPE in an integrated plastic waste management system.

Anatomical and Histochemical Analysis of Hoya pentaphlebia MERR. Flower: Insights into Structure and Chemical Composition

Syazwani Basir, Noraini Talip, Hamidun Bunawan, Ruzi Abdul Rahman — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hoya R.Br. is an epiphytic plant known as an exotic ornamental plant with distinctive, unique, and fragrant flowers. Investigating its floral structure is crucial for understanding how these structures may contribute to the production and storage of secondary metabolites emitted by Hoya. This study aimed to identify the type and position of floral glands in Hoya pentaphlebia. The investigations began by identifying the type and position of the floral glands, utilizing light microscopy, electron microscopy, and histochemical staining techniques. Secondary nectaries (sn) were discovered in the corona lobe, while conical-shaped glandular trichomes (unicellular) (ct) were at the adaxial epidermis of the corolla. The secretory activity of proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and starch grains was found in sn, whereas ct detected only lipids and proteins. Subsequent studies to identify the secondary metabolite profiles characterizing aroma emitted from H. pentaphlebia flowers using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed 26 compounds were identified, with the methyl salicylate (MeSA) compounds being the most abundant. In conclusion, this study successfully identified the floral glands and secondary metabolites present as aromas in the species studied. Sn and ct were discovered to be present for the first time in H. pentaphlebia, providing new information into the Hoya’s floral structures. The presence of floral glands indicates the existence of secondary aromatic metabolites that play a role in the interaction between plants and numerous environmental elements.

A Preliminary Screening of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of A1 and A2 Beta-casein Alleles in Dairy Cattle

Nadiatur Akmar Zulkifli, Sharifah Salmah Syed Hussain, Nurhafizatul Ain Baharim — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Milk containing A1 variants in the beta-casein gene is considered to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), type I diabetes (DM-I), autism, and schizophrenia due to the release of beta-casomorphin 7 (BCM-7). The objectives of this study were to screen for polymorphism of beta-casein in dairy cattle and to examine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of A1 and A2 variants. A total of 290 cattle blood samples were collected from two states and the samples were extracted. This was followed by PCR amplification for exon 7 of the beta-casein gene (CSN2). The PCR products were then subjected to DNA sequencing. The sequencing results were aligned and the variants were screened. In Pahang, 125 samples are of the A2A2 genotype, followed by A1A2 (n=97) and A1A1 (n=28). While in Melaka, the highest genotype was A2A2 (n=20) as compared to A1A2 (n=18) and A1A1 (n=2). Meanwhile, the frequency of the A2 allele was higher than A1 in both states. The high genotypic frequencies of A2A2 in these cattle populations could be influenced by the cattle breed as well as the rate of crossbreeding on the farm. Thus, screening of dairy cattle for A1 and A2 beta-casein could be used in selecting the preferred animals for breeding.

Preliminary Exploration of Bioactive Compounds and Anthelmintic Activity in Diospyros kaki Fruits

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Helminths, or parasitic worms, pose a significant global health concern, affecting more than 25% of the world's population. In Malaysia, these infections are endemic, with varying prevalence rates among different populations, especially those impacting economically disadvantaged communities. The present study aimed to determine the secondary metabolites present and evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Diospyros kaki fruit extracts against earthworms. Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water extracts of Diospyros kaki fruits were obtained via the cold maceration technique. Preliminary phytoconstituent screening of Diospyros kaki fruit extracts was performed to identify the phytoconstituents present in the extracts. The anthelminthic activities of different extracts (200 and 300 mg/mL) of Diospyros kaki fruits were evaluated separately in adult Malaysian earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The durations of paralysis and death of individual worms were determined and compared with those of the standard drug albendazole at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. Ethyl acetate extract of D. kaki fruits at a concentration of 300 mg/mL resulted in better anthelmintic activity than the standard drug, albendazole, and other D. kaki fruit extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils that might contribute to the anthelmintic activity of D. kaki fruits. Further research is intended to isolate anthelmintic bioactive compounds that could serve as new lead structures for developing alternative novel herbal anthelmintic agents.

Distribution and Community Structure of Tropical Gastropod In The Intertidal Area of Bintulu, Borneo

Hadi Hamli, Muhammad Hafiy Yusof , Mohd Hanafi Idris — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Marine gastropods can be considered a biological indicator of the ecosystem's health, such as intertidal areas. The objectives of this study are to identify marine gastropod species, diversity, and distribution along the coastal area of the Bintulu Division. The study was conducted in December 2021. A 50 m transect was laid perpendicular to the coastal line, and three quadrats were set up at each transect at all four stations. The specimen of gastropod were counted and collected from each sampling station, then preserved in ice and taken to the laboratory for the species identification. The gastropods subject to an analysis for their diversity index and morphological characteristics. Forty-three species of marine gastropods were discovered, representing 25 families and 39 genera. The, Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’), evenness index (J’) and Simpson index (1-D) index were assessed, whereas the station 4 indicated higher diversity of Gastropods followed by stations 3,2 and 1. The dominance index (D) showed an inverse relationship, with the highest value observed at station 1, followed by stations 2, 3, and 4.The information presented in this paper might be helpful for ecological wealth studies and considered as the baseline data for the intertidal ecosystem in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Antimicrobial Activity, In Silico Analysis, and Molecular Docking Studies of An Iodide-Bridged Dimeric Palladium Complex: A Comprehensive Insight

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The iodide-bridged dimeric palladium complex [NⁿBu₄]₂[Pd₂I₆] was synthesized and characterized using various physiochemical analyses, including elemental and thermal analysis, UV-Vis, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the compound was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against a panel of bacteria, demonstrating broad-spectrum effectiveness against two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus & Bacillus subtilis) and four Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes & Klebsiella pneumoniae). Molecular docking studies revealed a calculated binding energy score of -9.90 kcal/mol against the Thymidylate Kinase (TMK) protein, suggesting potential interaction and affinity. Physicochemical parameters, as the Swiss ADME web server predicted, indicated limited permeability across the blood-brain barrier and no gastrointestinal absorption. The Lipinski and Egan models predicted favorable drug-like characteristics for [NⁿBu₄]₂[Pd₂I₆]. [NⁿBu₄]₂[Pd₂I₆] was classified as Toxicity Class 3 for acute oral toxicity, with an LD₅₀ value of 189 mg/kg. Predictive modeling using the ProTox-III web server yielded an average similarity of 88% and prediction accuracy of 71%. In conclusion, the obtained biological data suggest that [NⁿBu₄]₂[Pd₂I₆] could be a promising candidate for future development as an antibacterial agent.

Taxonomic Value of Leaf Anatomical Characteristics in Lepisanthes (Roxb.) Leenh. (Sapindaceae) of Peninsular Malaysia

Mohd Norfaizal Ghazalli, Noraini Talip, Abdul Latiff — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics in Lepisanthes (Roxb.) Leenh. (Sapindaceae) of Peninsular Malaysia. Leaf anatomical study was carried out on five species of Lepisanthes (Roxb.) Leenh. (Sapindaceae), namely L. amoena, L. fruticosa, L. rubiginosa, L. senegalensis, and L. tetraphylla. The studies involved a cross-section method using sliding microtome on petioles, lamina, midribs, and leaf margins, leaf clearing method and leaf epidermis mechanical scrapping, and light microscope observation. The objective was to observe the taxonomic value of the leaf anatomical features. The results showed that there are three common generic features, nine features whose variations can be used for species differentiation, and three diagnostic features that can be used for species identification. The common generic features consist of the presence of a layer of collenchyma cells in the petioles and the presence of cells or mucilaginous canals in the midribs. The anatomical features with variations consist of features of outer shape and pattern of petiolar vascular tissue, outer shape and vascular tissue of midribs, leaf margin shape, presence of brachysclereid cells, and leaf venation type. The results showed that the anatomical features of leaves in Lepisanthes have taxonomic value, especially in species differentiation and recognition.

Understanding The Effects of Climate Change on Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidea), An Important Oil Palm Pollinator in Malaysia: Predicting Future Distribution For The Year 2050 Under Different Climate Pathways

Kumara Thevan Krishnan, Marcela Pimid — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Elaeidobius kamerunicus is an African oil palm weevil that plays a crucial role as the primary pollinator of oil palm trees and is linked to the production of fruit and palm oil. Malaysia's palm oil and related products export earnings reached RM94 billion in 2023, according to the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB). Climate change poses a potential threat to the E. kamerunicus population in Malaysia, necessitating research to comprehend the impacts of various climate change variables. This project seeks to document the presence of E. kamerunicus, collect current and future climate data, develop a predictive model using MaxEnt software, and assess the model using statistical techniques to forecast the geographical distribution of E. kamerunicus in Malaysia. The habitat distribution of E. kamerunicus was projected for the year 2050 using two typical concentration pathways (RCPs) from global climate models (GCMs), specifically 2.6 and 8.5. The Maxent models generated a satisfactory model forecast of the Area Under the Curve, which was 0.71. Moreover, True Skilled Statistics achieved a rating of 0.84 (acceptable limit >0.5). The model showed a much greater distribution of E. kamerunicus in Peninsular Malaysia than in East Malaysia. The future model under RCP 2.6 indicates a decrease in E. kamerunicus in high distribution areas in Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, northern Johor, and Sabah, while RCP 8.5 reveals that all states in Malaysia exhibit very high and high distribution of E. kamerunicus. Given the expected increase in atmospheric CO² levels due to climate change, a more thorough evaluation of the long-term effects of elevated atmospheric CO² on the physiological characteristics of E. kamerunicus is necessary.

Pre-COVID19: Knowledge and Level of Vaccine Acceptance Among University Students

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Vaccine confers acquired active immunity against many diseases. The emergence of anti-vaccine groups has reinstated the outbreak of many vaccine preventable diseases (VPD), which was once thought to be eradicated from the face of earth, mostly due to ever-present misinformation and disinformation spread through various channels of communications. Hence, public awareness on immunization is vital to prevent the re-emergence of VPD. In this study, we targeted students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and aimed to obtain the level of awareness and perception regarding vaccination among these students. We acquired information on the knowledge of vaccines and the degree of acceptance of vaccines among the university students, and through educational intervention, including the Islamic view on vaccination, we aimed to increase their awareness on immunization and the adverse effects of anti-vaccination. The questionnaires used in the present study were validated by reliability analysis. The study was conducted for a duration of four months, from January to April 2019. A total of 929 respondents were interviewed, and the degree of acceptance on vaccination was at satisfactory level, and none of the students rejected vaccination. Out of 929 respondents, 36 attended the vaccine workshop to undergo the educational intervention, and were asked to refill the questionnaires, and the results of pre- and post-workshop questionnaires were compared. Vaccine workshop successfully improved the knowledge and awareness of the participants on vaccines. The number of participants who can explain herd immunity has also increased. However, there were participants who still believed that vaccine-related information retrieved from social media can be trusted without consideration. Therefore, educational intervention is suggested to be used in public as a tool to combat the expansion of the anti-vaccination community since it was shown to give positive outcomes among the students.