Seok-Tyug Tan, Amin Ismail, Muhajir Hamid, Pei-Pei Chong, Jian Sun and Seok-Shin Tan
Literature has shown that phenolic acids and flavonoids are bearing with hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic properties. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the possibility of…
Abstract
Purpose
Literature has shown that phenolic acids and flavonoids are bearing with hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic properties. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the possibility of phenolic-rich soya bean husk powder extract (SHPE) in combating diabetes and obesity using in vitro models.
Design/methodology/approach
The hypoglycemic properties were evaluated by determining the ability of SHPE (25-100 µg/mL) in inhibiting a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzymes and in triggering insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 cells. Murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used for evaluating the anti-adipogenic properties of SHPE through the determination of relative lipid accumulation, triglyceride content and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity.
Findings
The hypoglycemic properties of SHPE was in the dose-dependent manner, where 100 µg SHPE/mL exhibited a significant higher (p < 0.05) a-amylase inhibitory activity (56.8 ± 0.11 per cent) and insulin secretion activity (0.73 ± 0.02 µg/l) against other concentrations. In contrast to the aforementioned findings, a significant lower a-glucosidase inhibitory activity (52.0 ± 0.44 per cent) was also observed in 100 µg SHPE/mL. Nevertheless, findings revealed that all the SHPE were able to inhibit the activity of a-amylase and a-glucosidase and stimulated the insulin secretion in BRIN-BD11 cells. On the other hand, the anti-adipogenic properties of SHPE were in the reverse dose-dependent manner, where 100 µg SHPE/mL demonstrated a significant lower (p < 0.05) relative lipid accumulation (48.5 ± 0.03 per cent), intracellular triglyceride content (5.7 ± 0.07 mg/dL) and GPDH activity (1.0 ± 0.01 mU/mL). These findings reflected that 100 µg SHPE/mL was a potent anti-adipogenic agent when compared with other concentrations. In conclusion, soya husk could emerge as a potential hypoglycemic and anti-adipogenic agents in in vitro models.
Originality/value
This was the first study to explore the effectiveness of phytochemicals derived from soya bean husk in ameliorating hyperglycemia and adipogenesis. Promising findings that derived from the present study could enable the scientists to re-evaluate the potential use of agricultural wastes, especially in the formulation of nutraceuticals.
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Ahmad Syarief Iskandar, Muhammad Nur Alam Muhajir, Erwin Erwin and Fasiha Fasiha
This study aims to test the empirical Islamic bank customer loyalty model with the perspective of mosques as customers.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test the empirical Islamic bank customer loyalty model with the perspective of mosques as customers.
Design/methodology/approach
The type of research used is quantitative to collect data from mosque customers; 93 questionnaires were analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling.
Findings
This research found a significant relationship between service quality and perceived value, service quality and brand image, perceived value and customer satisfaction, brand image and customer loyalty and customer satisfaction with brand image.
Research limitations/implications
First, this study only collects data from certain organizations or communities so that further research can develop the model by adding several other communities or organizations. Second, this research does not include several other important variables that influence customer loyalty, such as product innovation and company capabilities.
Originality/value
Islamic bank customer loyalty models have been widely explored from the perspective of individual customers only. This research offers new attributes that influence customer loyalty models in the context of organizations or communities, namely, mosques.
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Aishah Mohd Nor, Nur Ezan Rahmat and Dhiyauddin Athir Nadzari
Refugees commonly face inequitable access to education in their host countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the related laws and policies on the right of education for…
Abstract
Purpose
Refugees commonly face inequitable access to education in their host countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the related laws and policies on the right of education for refugees from the international perspective; to explore the issues from the Islamic perspective; and to analyse Malaysia’s response to the international conventions, specifically in its implementation of educational access and services.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study uses an exploratory approach, reviewing materials such as books, journals, reports and newspaper articles to identify international conventions and Islamic perspectives on the rights to education for refugees. An analysis of Malaysia’s response to the rights to education for refugees was conducted to highlight the implementation of educational access and services for refugees in Malaysia.
Findings
This study reveals the existing rights and access to education for refugees from the international and Islamic perspectives. However, in Malaysia, there is a lack of a domestic legal framework governing refugees which limits access to basic human rights including education.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on the rights and access to education.
Practical implications
The lack of adequate and quality access to education for refugees in host countries will likely increase illiteracy levels and subsequently trigger societal and financial strife in the long run. This research emphasizes the importance of developing an adequate framework and strategic plan of action for better access and services for refugee education in Malaysia.
Social implications
A lack of research and engagement on the rights and access to education services may come at the expense of refugees. An adequate framework and strategic plan of action incorporating access to education services for refugees are necessary to support refugees in enhancing their quality of life and creating a safer environment reducing the possibility of exploitation, abuse or harm. This study may generate interest and create awareness of refugee education in Malaysia, especially among advocates and policymakers interested in such groups.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the discussion on the right and access to education for refugees from the international and Islamic perspectives, while also examining Malaysia’s response to its implementation. Refugees displaced to Malaysia have become a matter of concern that should be addressed by academic researchers, activists and official authorities. The findings demonstrate the urgency of developing an adequate framework and strategic plan of action to minimize disparities in education access among refugees. Further research is still needed, as very limited research has been conducted on this topic, particularly in developing countries like Malaysia.
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Significance of Knowledge The functional name of the Holy Quran is ‘huda’, the guiding light. It focuses divine light on each and every object separating thereby the right from…
Abstract
Significance of Knowledge The functional name of the Holy Quran is ‘huda’, the guiding light. It focuses divine light on each and every object separating thereby the right from the wrong' (al‐furqan). As this is accomplished by dint of knowledge (al‐ 'ilm). All these three guiding elements namely huda, furqan and ilm, are lined‐up by Allah, the Lord Providence (Rabb‐ulalamin), for earthly welfare (hasanah) and other‐worldly salvation (falah) of human beings. In Quranic context, knowledge, therefore, carries a great significance.
This desk research critically reviews the existing literature to be dialogued with interviews with several experts on multicultural education in Indonesia to provide input for…
Abstract
Purpose
This desk research critically reviews the existing literature to be dialogued with interviews with several experts on multicultural education in Indonesia to provide input for policymaking and practical strategies. Through a systematic review of academic literature, policy documents and reports, this study aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with multicultural education and propose action-based and actionable solutions to promote tolerance, understanding and unity among diverse cultural groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a systematic review methodology, this study analyzed existing literature and involved semi-structured interviews with several experts on multicultural education in Indonesia. By searching academic databases and online repositories, relevant literature was synthesized to generate insights into the current state of multicultural education, key challenges and potential solutions. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes and patterns across the literature, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding multicultural education in Indonesia.
Findings
This research highlights the importance of promoting tolerance and unity among diverse cultural groups in Indonesian education, highlighting curriculum reform, teacher training and community engagement, despite institutional barriers and sociocultural prejudices.
Practical implications
The findings of this study suggest that to maximize the impact of multicultural education in Indonesia, there is a need for comprehensive teacher training programs, equitable resource allocation and localized curricula that reflect Indonesia’s cultural diversity. Policymakers should focus on developing strategies that address the unique challenges of implementing multicultural education in diverse regions, ensuring that all students have access to culturally relevant and inclusive education.
Social implications
The successful implementation of multicultural education has the potential to promote social harmony and inclusivity in Indonesia by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Addressing the identified challenges and gaps could lead to more cohesive and tolerant communities, reducing social tensions and conflicts rooted in cultural misunderstandings. This research calls for sustained efforts to ensure that multicultural education becomes a cornerstone of Indonesia’s educational system, contributing to the country’s broader goals of unity in diversity.
Originality/value
This research contributes to existing literature on multicultural education by synthesizing insights from diverse academic sources. By systematically reviewing literature, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in Indonesia and provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators and stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of promoting tolerance and unity, this study offers practical strategies for realizing these goals in Indonesian society.
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Hinadi Akbar and Mohammad Anas
This study aims to examine the influence of the talent management (TM) process on employee ambidexterity (EA) and the moderating role of learning organizations in Indian IT and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of the talent management (TM) process on employee ambidexterity (EA) and the moderating role of learning organizations in Indian IT and ITes organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is descriptive and based on empirical data from 390 IT and ITES employees from India. Data were collected using three valid and reliable questionnaires. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings show that the TM process significantly impacted EA. The moderating effects of the four dimensions of learning organization (LO) on the relationship between the TM process and EA were also noteworthy, even though no direct association was found to be significant. Regarding demographic variables, male and female employees do not vary considerably in their perception of TM process and EA in LO.
Originality/value
The study’s novelty lies in creating and discussing a synthesis of exploration and exploitation stemming from EA in learning organization.