Borneo Science | The Journal of Science and Technology

A Hybrid Network Governance for the National Response Framework: A Real-Time Decision-Making Model for Post-Katrina Disaster Resilience

2026-04-08T15:28:38+08:00

The National Response Framework (NRF) has faced persistent coordination challenges since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, where rigid hierarchical command structures struggled with the distributed, dynamic nature of modern crises. This paper proposes the Hybrid Network Governance Model (HNGM) as a transformative approach to disaster response. HNGM replaces static Incident Command System (ICS) hierarchies with a decentralized Multi-Agent Decision Network (MADN) that dynamically adjusts decision weights based on situational context. It integrates a Real-Time Information Fusion Layer (RTIFL) for synthesizing heterogeneous data streams into a unified operational picture and a Dynamic Incentive Mechanism (DIM) that aligns stakeholder priorities through real-time reward allocation using adapted Shapley values. Empirical diagnostics across post-Katrina exercises (2012 National Level Exercise, 2017 Hurricane Harvey, 2020 COVID-19) demonstrate that HNGM reduces coordination gaps by 41–42%, improves decision speed by 33%, stakeholder satisfaction by 28%, and resource utilization by 19% compared to traditional ICS implementations. The model shifts disaster governance from prescriptive top-down directives to emergent, mathematically optimized coordination while preserving compatibility with legacy NRF protocols through federated learning. Ethical safeguards (equity audits, human oversight loops, transparency protocols) address potential biases and power asymmetries. HNGM offers a scalable blueprint for modernizing national preparedness, turning reactive systems into proactive, resilient networks capable of navigating 21st-century cascading crises.

Keywords: Hybrid governance, National Response Framework, real-time decision-making, disaster coordination, multi-agent systems, dynamic incentives, federated learning, Hurricane Katrina

Tuna Handlines in Sabah: Technical Attributes, Operational Dynamics, and Gross Profit Margins

2026-02-01T10:59:49+08:00

Handline fisheries constitute the backbone of Malaysia’s oceanic tuna production, particularly in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, yet comprehensive evaluations of their technical, operational, and economic characteristics remain scarce. This study examines the vessel specifications, gear attributes, fishing operations, and gross profit margins of artisanal tuna handline fisheries across three key localities—Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, and W.P. Labuan. Data were obtained through structured interviews with 30 handline fishers and complemented by direct documentation of gear configurations. Results reveal marked spatial variation in vessel capacity and engine horsepower, with Kota Kinabalu operators employing higher-powered vessels (up to 350 HP) capable of accessing distant offshore fishing grounds (120–140 nautical miles), in contrast to the nearshore operations in Semporna and Labuan. Despite these differences, handline gear structures were broadly standardized, consisting of monofilament mainlines, swivels, sinkers, and either C-shaped (circle) or J-shaped hooks. The use of C-shaped hooks in combination with natural bait was associated with higher catch volumes and improved profitability. Fishing operations were strongly dependent on fisher-deployed Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), with trip frequencies ranging from three to four trips per month and operations targeting Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Albacore tuna. Economic analysis demonstrated substantial disparities in performance, with gross profits per trip ranging from approximately RM 2,136 in Semporna to RM 21,450 in Kota Kinabalu, driven primarily by differences in fishing range, vessel capacity, and catch volume. Overall, the findings highlight significant technical and economic heterogeneity within Malaysia’s artisanal tuna handline fisheries and underscore the importance of location-specific, evidence-based management strategies to enhance sustainability, profitability, and fisher livelihoods.

STUDENTS’ LEARNING PERFORMANCE EVALUATION USING FUZZY LOGIC

2025-10-23T10:12:58+08:00

In Malaysia, students' performance at school, foundation, and university levels is traditionally assessed using a classical evaluation method, which aggregates scores from various assessments, such as assignments and exams, and assigns grades based on predefined thresholds (e.g., A, A-, B+, B). This study introduces fuzzy logic as an alternative approach to evaluating students' performance at the foundation level, focusing on 49 students from the Preparatory Centre for Science and Technology (PPST), University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Input data includes scores from assignments, midterm exams, and final exams, which are used to compare the classical grading system with a fuzzy logic-based approach. While the classical method uses fixed grade cutoffs, it may not fully capture the subtleties of students’ abilities or learning progress. In contrast, fuzzy logic incorporates degrees of truth, enabling a more nuanced assessment. This study aims to analyze the differences between the classical and fuzzy logic methods, highlighting the potential benefits or limitations of adopting fuzzy logic in educational assessments.

SEDIMENTOLOGY OF BONGAYA FORMATION, JAMBONGAN ISLAND, BELURAN, SABAH, MALAYSIA

2026-05-21T09:34:15+08:00

Jambongan Island is located at Northeast Borneo, Sabah. The exposed Bongaya Formation on this island is a Neogene siliciclastic succession characterized by sandstones, shales, and occasional conglomerates. The formation is Miiocene aged with highly friable nature of the sandstones suggests an age potentially extending into the Early Pliocene. This study utilizes detailed sedimentary logging of 11 outcrops to refine the depositonal framework of the formation. Six distinct facies were identified: Hummocky Cross-Stratified (HCS), Swaley Cross-Stratified (SCS), Horizontally Stratified (Sh), Flaser Bedded Sandstone (FF), Structureless Sandstone (Sm), and Mudstone (M). Three facies associations are identified to represent a progradational, high-energy shoreface model ranging from lower shoreface to foreshore environments. Notably, the absence of the distal shelf-to-transition zone suggests that fair-weather finer grained deposits were either bypassed or eroded by intense storm currents during rapid progradation.

Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan/TiO₂ Membranes for Scenedesmus Remediation

2026-02-23T12:35:29+08:00

Excess nutrients from human activities have triggered harmful algal blooms (HABs), degrading water quality and ecosystem health. Traditional control methods like ultrasonication and chemical coagulants are limited by high costs and risks of secondary pollution. To address these challenges, this study investigates the use of polymeric membranes as a cost-effective and sustainable solution. Specifically, the study focuses on the development and evaluation of chitosan/TiO₂ composite membranes for the removal of HABs. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of TiO₂, as indicated by the presence of Ti–O stretching vibrations at 467–457 cm⁻¹ in the chitosan/TiO₂ composite. TGA results revealed that membranes with higher TiO₂ content exhibited lower weight loss, with the 1:2 chitosan/TiO₂ composition showing a weight loss of 49.61%. Algae removal efficiency was assessed using light microscopy at different time intervals: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours. The chitosan-based membranes demonstrated high algae removal efficiency, with chitosan alone achieving 37.64%, 1:1 chitosan/TiO₂ reaching 42.63%, and 1:2 chitosan/TiO₂ achieving the highest at 60.56%. A nitrate absorption test was also conducted to evaluate nutrient removal capacity. Interestingly, the chitosan-only membrane exhibited the highest nitrate absorption (33.98%), while the chitosan/TiO₂ composites showed reduced absorption efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan/TiO₂ composite membranes for treating HAB-affected water through dual mechanisms: algal removal and nutrient reduction. Such membranes could be integrated into water treatment facilities, aquaculture systems, and lake restoration initiatives to mitigate HABs and enhance water quality.

IMPACT OF SORGHUM GRAIN INCLUSION IN PELLET ON FEED INTAKE, GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND BLOOD METABOLIC PROFILE OF MUSCOVY DUCKS

2026-01-06T12:18:34+08:00

The rising cost and limited availability of conventional feed have driven the search for sustainable and economical alternatives. Sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolour), with a nutritive value comparable to maize, is considered a suitable substitute in poultry diets. This study evaluated the effects of sorghum grain inclusion in duck pellets on feed intake, growth performance, and blood profile. Thirty unsexed ducks, approximately 21 days old, were assigned to two groups: one fed sorghum-based pellets (treatment) and the other fed commercial pellets (control). Over six weeks, feed intake, growth, and blood parameters were assessed. Ducks fed the sorghum-enriched pellets showed significantly (p<0.05) better growth, with higher body weight (1298.0 vs. 953.3 g/bird) and daily weight gain (30.9 vs. 22.7 g/day/bird). They also had a lower, though not significant (p>0.05), feed conversion ratio (4.9 vs. 6.9). Blood biochemistry indicated higher haemoglobin (11.2 vs. 10.37 g/dL), red blood cell counts (2.3 vs. 2.2×10¹²/L), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (49.7 vs. 49.3 pg), and white blood cell counts (111.4 vs. 69.1×10⁹/L) in the treatment group, though differences were not significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, incorporating sorghum grain into duck pellets improves growth performance and positively influences blood profiles.

EFFECT OF DENSIFIED COMPLETE FEED USING ASYSTASIA GANGETICA ON FEED INTAKE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GOAT

2026-04-05T10:20:19+08:00

Densified complete feed (DCF) combining concentrates and roughages is a potential strategy to meet the nutritional requirements of goats. This study aimed to formulate DCF using Asystasia gangetica and evaluate its effects on feed intake and growth performance in Boer crossbred goats. The DCF was prepared through weighing, grinding, mixing, molding, and drying, producing cubes with an average body weight (BW) of 45.1 g, dimensions of 4 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm, and hardness of 1.93 kg/cm². Chemical analysis showed 91.7% dry matter, 18.7% crude protein, 7.3% ether extract, and 13.9% ash. Six female goats (16.6 kg BW) were assigned to control and treatment groups. The control group received a conventional concentrate diet with six hours of grazing, while the treatment group was fed DCF ad libitum for 14 days. Average daily feed intake was higher in the treatment group (672.4 g) than in the control group (217.2 g plus 6 hours of grazing). Although body weight gain did not differ significantly, goats fed DCF gained more weight (433.3 g) compared to the control (133.3 g) during the experimental period. These findings suggest that DCF can enhance feed intake and support growth in goats. Further studies with longer feeding periods and larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these results.

Oil extraction from rice bran using ethanol and isopropanol

2025-11-21T14:26:53+08:00

The objective of this study was to extract oil from rice bran using ethanol and isopropanol under different conditions in order to assess and compare their effectiveness. The rice bran oil (RBO) yields were examined at temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C, using bran-to-solvent ratios of 1:3, 1:5, and 1:7, and extraction durations of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 h. The Soxhlet extraction method was employed for the extraction, followed by solvent separation using a rotary evaporator. The isopropanol at 70°C, with a ratio of 1:7 and a reaction time of 5 hrs, achieved the highest yield of 14.87% using this method. Under the same conditions, ethanol had a yield of 12.04%. The physical and chemical characteristics of the extracted oil were thoroughly examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis, acid value, free fatty acid, and peroxide value. The analysis showed that the acid values for ethanol and isopropanol were 137.61 mg KOH/g and 119.49 mg KOH/g, respectively. The percentages of free fatty acids were 68.81% (ethanol) and 59.75% (isopropanol). The peroxide value assays, which indicate the oxidative stability, exhibited notable variation: the isopropanol-extracted RBO had lower peroxide values ranging from 436.08 to 751.56 meq/kg, whereas the ethanol-extracted RBO had peroxide values ranging from 759.38 to 879.05 meq/kg. The data were analysed via response surface methodology (RSM) to optimise the extraction parameters, forecasting the maximum yield at a temperature of 70°C, a ratio of bran to oil of 1:7, and an extraction duration of 5 hrs. The statistical analysis confirmed that the optimisation model was significant (p > 0.05).