2025 iJURECON

Commercial dental care products often include synthetic chemicals that may provoke allergic responses in sensitive individuals. This study evaluates Brucea javanica, Solanum lasiocarpum, and alum stone as natural oral care alternatives, using Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to compare their functional groups with those found in industrial formulations. The samples are inspired and selected based on a traditional recipe from The Old Book of Turath. Plant materials were dried at 60 °C for 24 h, ground to fine powder, and extracted using ethyl acetate, ethanol, and hexane, with acetone added during preparation. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed peaks at 1045, 879, and 1746 cm⁻¹ in Brucea javanica, 1235, 1043, and 2870 cm⁻¹ in Solanum lasiocarpum, and 1235, 2978, 1746, and 1049 cm⁻¹ in alum stone. These correspond to C–F stretching (~1000–1400 cm⁻¹) and C–H bending (~885–900 cm⁻¹; ~2870–2978 cm⁻¹) modes. The presence of these functional groups is strongly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in oral care applications. ATR-FTIR has long been recognized for its accuracy in identifying molecular functional groups and is suitable for biological samples. These findings support the viability of Brucea javanica, Solanum lasiocarpum, and alum stone as safe, sustainable, and effective alternatives to synthetic oral care agents, reinforcing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern analytical methodology

Ethology is a branch of biological science that studies animal behaviour. It examines the relationship between organisms and their environment, which influences the movement and actions. Knowledge about insects such asmoths, however has been less explored by ecologists. Moths belong to one of the largest families within the order Lepidoptera, alongside butterflies. Their movements can be explained through both innate and learned behaviors. Although current information about moth behaviour remains limited, the Qur’an mentions them in Surah Al-Qāriʿah, verse 4, using the word farāsh (moths scattered in flight). This study therefore, aimed to study the ethology of nocturnal moth and their interaction with the environment, as well as to compare behavioral differences between species. The method applied was a comprehensive and thorough review of past study of the nocturnal moth, mainly about the ethology. The results show that the nocturnal moth exhibits differences in their body structures, including pectinate antenna in month compared to club antenna in butterflies as well as the presence of frenulum and retinaculum that aid flying. These differences may explain the behavior of moth to fly at night in scattered manner. It suggests that unique structural adaptation of nocturnal moth is linked to their behavioral pattern.

Malaysia is currently at a pivotal stage in its demographic transition towards an ageing population. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the population aged 65 years and above is projected for 6.4% within the next 20 years. This demographic shift is expected to place unprecedented demands on the nation’s healthcare and social support systems, underscoring the importance of preparing younger generations for gerontological awareness. While most existing studies have focused on the health status of the elderly, there is limited research examining knowledge and attitudes related to gerontology among youth, who represent the future intellectual and leaders of the nation.Therefore, this study aimed to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards gerontology among Muslim gifted and talented students. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, and self-administered questionnaires were distributed among secondary students at Kolej PERMATA Insan between June and August 2025. The knowledge component of the instrument was adapted from Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz, while the attitude component was adapted from the DREAM Instrument, both contextualized with an Islamic perspective. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 (IBM, USA). Findings indicated that most students demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge (72.5%) and attitude (76.5%). Spearman’s correlation revealed a significant positive relationship (p < 0.01),

Social intelligence is often described as the interplay of cognitive abilities that help individuals to understand others and behavioral elements that support wise and effective interaction. Gifted and talented students frequently prefer socializing with older peers or adults yet may struggle to communicate with peers whose cognitive level is comparatively lower. Moreover, the social intelligence of these students is further shaped by cultural and religious expectations. Research suggests that this intelligence can be cultivated through community service programs which provide authentic social experience. While many studies have focused on social skills, research on nurturing social intelligence among Muslim gifted students remains limited. This study therefore, aimed to examine the social intelligence of Muslim gifted and talented students through participation in a community service program. A quantitative approach was employed using an online questionnaire adapted from the MESI instrument, administered survey to final-year students at Kolej PERMATA Insan two months after the program. Out of 48 students, six selfrated themselves as having poor social skills prior to the program. Categorical analysis using SPSS v27 indicated that four students demonstrated high social intelligence, forty-one were at the middle level, and three were at the lower level after participating in the community service program. While no significant gender differences were observed, a significant difference was found by age, with 17-year-old students showing higher levels compared to 16-year-olds. These findings suggest that age may play a role in the development of social intelligence and that community service provides a meaningful platform for its growth.

Sembelit ialah masalah kesihatan yang kerap berlaku dan memberi kesan kepada kehidupan seharian. Perubatan tradisional Melayu turut merekodkan Rawatan bagi masalah sembelit, antaranya dalam Kitab Tib MSS 2515. Namun kajian sistematik terhadap bahan dan kaedah rawatan daripada perspektif perubatan moden masih kurang dijalankan. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti rawatan sembelit yang direkodkan dalam Kitab Tib MSS 2515 serta menganalisis kandungannya dari aspek bahan, kaedah penyediaan dan cara penggunaannya serta dapatan kajian kontemporari. Kajian kualitatif ini menggunakan analisis dokumen dan sampel kajian Kitab Tib MSS2515. Terdapat 15 kaedah rawatan bagi penyakit sembelit yang menggunakan pelbagai jenis bahan iaitu tumbuhan, haiwan, dan bahan lain. Kaedah rawatan pula meliputi pengambilan secara oral, kaedah sapuan atau barutan di kawasan perut/dubur, penyedutan atau titisan ke dalam hidung, urutan sebelum pengambilan bahan ubat dan tampalan, dan jampi menggunakan ayat al-Quran. Dapatan saintifik juga menunjukkan bahan-bahan yang digunakan adalah berkesan dalam merawat penyakit sembelit. Kajian ini menunjukkan kearifan masyarakat Melayu dalam ilmu perubatan dan kajian lanjut boleh dijalankan dari segi penghasilan ubat dan kajian klinikal ubat tersebut.

Our study focuses on identifying and extracting chemical compounds from Elettariopsis curtisii and Brucea amarissima, two medicinal plants. Elettariopsis curtisil, a medicinal plant from the Zingiberacee family, also known as ‘pokok pepijat’ due to its strong bed-bug odor when its leaves and roots are crushed. It has been chosen for its ability to dissolve bioactive compounds, safety, and biodegradability. Brucea Amarissiima, on the other hand, is a type of herb-type plant that is nutritious and easy to grow in the area around the house. This plant, also called ‘lada pahit’ or ‘embalau’ is a type of shrub from the Simaroubaceae family. The plant contains anti cancer compounds, thus we conducted advanced spectroscopic techniques, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) to analyze the functional groups of these compounds. The results showed the presence of important bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have potential health benefits such as anti cancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory. In addition, we incorporated the saponification process using extracted oil from Elettariopsis curtisii and Brucea amarissima. Saponification process is a chemical reaction that converts oils into soap and glycerol, playing a key role in hygiene by helping to remove bacteria. This process not only enhances the practical applications of the extracted compounds but also demonstrates the potential of these plants in natural soap production. This research enhances our understanding of the chemical composition of these plants and supports future studies on their medicinal and hygienic applications.

According to Surah al-Fīl (105:4), Abrahah's army was destroyed by flocks of birds that pelted them with "stones of baked clay," or ḥijārah min sijjīl. Although the focus of this report is on Qur'anic descriptions, it also encourages scientific investigation. Several interpretations are consistent with contemporary science: (i) epidemiology and microbiology, where disease-like smallpox could be spread by contaminated particles or bird droppings; (ii) geology, where "baked stones" might represent meteorites or volcanic debris; and (iii) nanoscience, where the influence of tiny, invisible forces is analogous to that of microorganisms or nanoparticles on much larger entities. These viewpoints show how study of natural phenomena and their scientific explanations can be inspired by Qur'anic descriptions. This research examines the event using environmental science, geology, and microbiology to show how Qur'anic narratives can be integrated with contemporary scientific knowledge to provide a multidisciplinary bridge between faith and science.

Hypertension (HTN) is a major global public health concern and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its prevalence continues to rise due to aging, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, obesity, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress. Although the Islamic lifestyle provides comprehensive guidelines for healthy living, few studies have explored its role in shaping knowledge and practices related to hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of Islamic lifestyle in relation to hypertension among staff at Kolej PERMATA Insan (KPI). A quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted using a 27-item questionnaire on integrated Islamic knowledge and practices of hypertension. Data was collected since June 2025, and 18 academic and administrative staff members (7 males, 11 females) were participated in this study until August 2025. Findings from knowledge and practices of hypertension were categorized into three levels: low, moderate, and high. In addition, 11 (61.1%) of participants has achieved full scores in six questions of Islamic integrated knowledge. A significant difference was found between level of education and knowledge levels (p = 0.04). Total of 12 participants reported moderate Islamic lifestyle practices, however, no significant different among their socio-demographic and practices. These findings suggest that while knowledge of hypertension is relatively high, lifestyle practices remain moderate. Strengthening health promotion through Islamic-based approaches may help bridge the gap between awareness and implementation.

In this era of globalisation, many individuals with sensitivities to industrial medications and synthetic chemicals are increasingly seeking organic and environmentally friendly alternatives. This growing trend reflects a shift towards sustainable and eco-conscious choices in personal and healthcare products. This study investigates Citrus hystrix and Lagenaria siceraria, two plants traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as potential natural alternatives for oral healthcare. The plant materials were dried at 60°C for 24 hours and ground into fine powder. Extracts were prepared using ethyl acetate combined with ethanol and hexane. Analysis using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) identified several key functional groups linked to therapeutic effects. In Citrus hystrix, significant peaks were observed at 1733 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretch, esters), 1380 cm⁻¹ (NO₂ stretch, nitro compounds) . In Lagenaria siceraria, prominent peaks appeared at 1718 cm⁻¹, 1380 cm⁻¹, and 3309 cm⁻¹, reflecting similar bioactive groups. These functional groups are commonly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Literature supports their role in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation, making them suitable for natural oral care formulations. In conclusion, the combination of traditional medicinal knowledge and modern analytical methods provides scientific support for the use of Citrus hystrix and Lagenaria siceraria as safe, plant-based alternatives to chemical oral treatments. This research emphasises the potential of natural bioresources in promoting sustainable, effective solutions for contemporary health challenges