UNIMAS Scholarhub
UNIMAS Open Access Repository
Managed by Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Rahman Ya'kub, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
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Recent Submissions
Photocatalytic Degradation of Polyethylene Microplastics Using Microwave-Activated Gadolinium Oxide Catalyst
(Gadjah Mada University, 2026) Mohammad Luqman Ismail; Muhammad Farhan Hanafi; Norezatul Shahirah Ahmad Zamanhuri; Norzahir Sapawe; Umar Kalmar Nizar; Hairul Amani Abdul Hamid; Siti Munirah Sidik; Siti Fatimah Ibrahim; Mohammed Danish; Faculty of Engineering
The persistent presence of polyethylene (PE) microplastics in aquatic environments poses serious environmental and health risks due to their resistance to conventional degradation methods. This study explores the photocatalytic degradation of PE microplastics using microwave-activated gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) under visible light irradiation. Key operational parameters, including pH solution, catalyst dosage, and initial PE concentration were systematically investigated. Optimal degradation efficiency (68%) was achieved at pH 7, a catalyst dosage of 3 g/L, and a PE concentration of 10 mg/L. Kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation followed a pseudo-first-order model, with a maximum apparent rate constant (Kapp) of 0.0103 min−1 (R2 = 0.9782). The degradation mechanism was further elucidated using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model, suggesting a surface-mediated reaction with a high adsorption equilibrium constant (KLH) of 0.4896 L/mg, indicating strong PE adsorption. The reduced degradation efficiency at higher PE concentrations was attributed to the limited generation of reactive oxygen species and increased light scattering. Overall, the findings demonstrate Gd2O3's potential as an efficient, environmentally benign photocatalyst, contributing significantly to the development of rare-earth-based materials for sustainable microplastic remediation in water treatment technologies.
Water Quality and Solid Wastes
(UNIMAS Publisher, 2026) Siti Akmar Khadijah Ab Rahim; Ruhana Hassan; Mustafa Kamal @ Haris Norman Mohd Faizal; Besar Ketol; Faculty of Resource Science and Technology; Mohd Zacaery Khalik; Dayang Nuriza Abang Abdillah; Azahari Omar; Runi Sylvester Pungga; Meekiong Kalu; Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan
Sabal Forest Reserve (SFR) encompasses several highland streams and is bordered by oil palm plantations. This chapter presents findings from a recent expedition aimed at evaluating the status of water resources within SFR. The study was motivated by growing concerns over anthropogenic pressures, climate variability, and land-use changes that may compromise water quality. By systematically collecting and analyzing data across multiple sampling sites, this work seeks to establish baseline conditions for future monitoring, detect spatial variations, and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
Harnessing Membrane Technologies for Cleaner Agro Industrial Effluent Management
(CRC Press, 2026) Dayang Norafizan Awang Chee; Nur Afiqah Kamaludin; Mohamed Afizal Mohamed Amin; Maya Asyikin Mohamad Arif; Claudeareena Gardling Malien; Faculty of Resource Science and Technology; Abu Zahrim Yaser; Pramila Tamunaidu; Junidah Lamaming
The growing demand for sustainable water management in agriculture has spurred the development and adoption of advanced treatment technologies, among which membrane systems have emerged as a promising solution for agro-industrial effluent management. This review explores the potential of membrane technologies to provide cleaner, more efficient treatment of wastewater generated from agricultural and agro-industrial activities. Characterized by their compactness, modularity, and high contaminant removal efficiency, membrane systems are particularly suitable for decentralized and remote agricultural operations. However, their broader application is constrained by several challenges, including membrane fouling, concentrate disposal, and cost-related limitations. Effective strategies such as pre-treatment processes, the use of fouling-resistant membrane materials, and the optimization of operational parameters are critical for overcoming fouling-related issues. Meanwhile, the environmental and logistical complexities of handling concentrate waste and the financial burden of implementing membrane technologies, especially for small-scale farmers—must be addressed to facilitate adoption. Advancements in material science and system integration are paving the way for more resilient and cost-effective membrane solutions. As the agriculture sector grapples with water scarcity and increasing environmental regulations, the evolution of membrane technologies will be instrumental in enabling the safe and sustainable reuse of agro-industrial wastewater, ultimately contributing to the resilience of global food systems.
The effect of phonics instruction on reading skills among primary school students in a rural district in Sarawak, Malaysia
(UNIMAS Publisher, 2026-03-31) Kartini Abdul Ghani; Sebastian Ramsay Bahal; Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development
Phonics instruction is widely recognised as essential for early literacy development, yet its effectiveness for upper primary remedial learners in rural districts of Sarawak, Malaysia, remains under-researched. This study examined the effectiveness of structured phonics instruction in improving reading skills among upper primary school students in this context. Sixty Year 4 and Year 5 pupils with low English proficiency (Pre-A1 and Low A1) were selected using purposive sampling. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control-group design was employed. The treatment group received five weeks of phonics instruction based on the Remedial Instruction Toolkit, while the control group followed the standard English curriculum. Reading performance was assessed using the measures Recognising Sound Patterns, Recognising Individual Letter Sounds, and Reading Comprehension. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, namely the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results indicated significant within-group improvements across all three reading components in the treatment group, with the strongest gains observed in individual letter-sound recognition. Between-group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference only for Recognising Individual Letter Sounds. The findings suggest that structured phonics instruction is particularly effective in strengthening foundational decoding skills among struggling readers in rural and semi-rural English-as-a-foreign-language contexts.
Cognitive Processes Underlying Drug‑Related Recidivism: A Qualitative Study
(Springer Nature Limited, 2026-05) Kalaivanan Syasyila; Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin; Ashlee Curtis; Hilwa Abdullah Mohd. Nor; Kartini Abd Ghani; Siti Nurkhairina Mohd Nor; Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development
Drug-related recidivism is a persistent challenge shaped not only by structural and social conditions but also by individual cognitive processes. This study explored how incarcerated male drug offenders in Malaysia interpret and rationalize their repeated involvement in drug-related crimes. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of in-depth interviews with 25 participants, two overarching cognitive patterns were identified: poor long-term thinking and optimism bias. Participants frequently described impulsive decision-making, limited metacognition, and a preference for immediate rewards, often acknowledging risks yet disregarding them in favor of short-term gratification. Optimism bias manifested as expectations of lenient punishment, confidence in avoiding detection, and a belief in remaining “innocent” so long as one was not caught. These patterns collectively reduced the perceived need for behavioral change and sustained cycles of reoffending. The findings highlight the limitations of deterrence-based approaches that assume rational cost-benefit calculations, as many participants’ decisions were shaped by distorted thinking and impaired executive control. Instead, interventions targeting cognitive restructuring, decision-making skills, and metacognitive awareness may offer greater potential in reducing relapses into criminal behavior. By centering the lived experiences of repeat offenders, this study underscores the importance of integrating cognitive and neuropsychological insights into rehabilitation policy, moving beyond punitive responses toward approaches that address underlying cognitive vulnerabilities.