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Abstract Background The phylogenetic relationships and phylogeny of twenty-six Trichoderma species collected from various Egyptian locations were investigated. The genetic diversity among the examined isolates was tested using the rep-PCR marker. Trichoderma species were screened for their cellulase activities. Results Three isolates demonstrated highly significant FPase activities, namely MNF-MAS-Tricho 1, MNF-MAS-Tricho 2, and MNF-MAS-Tricho 3 (0.50, 0.39, and 0.49 IU ml−1, respectively). MNF-MAS-Tricho1 showed the highest significant CMCase activity (0.80 IU ml−1). Concerning β-glucosidase, MNF-MAS-Tricho 1 was the highest (0.78 IU ml−1), while MNF-MSH-Trich 11 and MNF-MAS-Tricho 15 were the lowest (0.36 IU mL−1). The percentage of polymorphism ranged from 46.15 to 83.33%. (GTG)5 marker produced the greatest number of polymorphic loci (13 loci out of 18 loci) with about 83.33% polymorphism, followed by rep-10 with 69.2% polymorphism. Furthermore, the polymorphism information content (PIC) estimates ranged between 0.285 for Rep-10 and 0.340 for (GTG) 5 with an average of 0.306. The tested primers exhibited high discriminating and resolving powers. Conclusion The findings of this investigation were used to classify Trichoderma species, evaluate their genetic variability using ITS sequencing, rep-PCR, and measure their cellulase activities. These markers can facilitate more rapid and less complicated studies of Trichoderma population dynamics and evaluate their establishment after release into agricultural environments. The results will help to evaluate the genetic diversity of Trichoderma in future research.

The recent global pandemic has conveyed emergency remote teaching (ERT) specifically the blended approach, an indispensable alternative teaching and learning delivery in formal schools. In Brunei secondary schools, the blended learning approach formed the core 'Continuity Learning Plan' for instruction along with the mandated educational changes accruing to the social and economic challenges of the twenty-first century learning system. Its widespread adaptation underlies teachers' transitional initiatives and practices which must have reshaped the structural climate and relational dynamics of conventional instruction. Espousing the continuous learning model, this paper envisages to investigate the adaptive-related practices of Bruneian secondary school teachers and learners employing blended learning. Qualitative research approach with semi-structured interview was adopted in the study with respondents comprising of 18 teachers and 13 students. Thematic coding and recursive analysis of data revealed seven (7) dimensions or centre points of blended learning and teaching practices, namely: technological, interactive and effectiveness, added value, feasibility, pedagogical, institutional support and evaluation of success. In general, results suggest the "Hub-and-Spokes" model that organic support, integrated implementation and professional readiness are germane to the adaption of a functional and manageable blended delivery approach.

The principle of the digital learning ecosystem is the application of the educational process through digital learning environment platforms that help users learn more effectively. Educational institutions, teachers and students must evolve to adapt and be ready for the new world of learning. The individual's emotional quality can influence their readiness in the digital learning ecosystem. This study aimed to examine whether there is a significant relationship between students' readiness in the digital learning ecosystem and their emotional intelligence levels. This study utilized a correlational research method and multiple linear regression analysis. For data collection, the primary tools used were Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale-Short Form (TEIS-SF) and the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS). The questionnaires were administered to 103 students enrolled in seven different higher institutions in Brunei. The results of the research showed that there was a link between students' online learning readiness levels and their emotional intelligence levels. This study found that students with a high well-being sub-dimension of emotional intelligence had high online learning readiness levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the bifurcation parameter of the chaotic map is estimated accurately by utilizing the ergodic properties of a chaotic dynamical signal. Binary Phase Shift Keying Ergodic Chaotic Parameter Modulation (BPSK-ECPM) scheme is used to modulate the information signal in the bifurcating parameter of the chaotic map. A mean value estimation technique is used at the receiver to retrieve the original information accurately. This method minimizes the computational complexity of the receiver; thereby, reduces the total manufacturing cost. Simulation results confirm that, in AWGN channel and at bit error rate (BER) of 10-3, BPSK-ECPM achieves gains in Eb/N0 of about 0.7dB and 5dB in comparison with conventional direct sequence spread spectrum with BPSK modulation (DS-SS BPSK) and conventional ergodic chaotic parameter modulation spread spectrum (ECPM-SS) systems respectively. The results also confirm that in Rayleigh fading channel and at BER of 10-3, BPSK-ECPM achieves gains in Eb/N0 of about 6.3dB and 1.6dB in comparison with DS-SS BPSK and ECPM-SS systems respectively, which make BPSK-ECPM an ideal candidate for the intelligent transportation system (ITS).

This study aims to investigate elements associated with consumer behavior towards the demand for halal logistics, namely concern about halal (COHA), knowledge of halal (KNHA), awareness of halal logistics (AWHL), and perceptions of halal logistics (PEHL). This research applied a quantitative methodology that gathered primary data from Muslim consumers residing in Brunei Darussalam. Data were collected using an online self-administrated survey questionnaire, and regression and correlation analyses were tested to investigate the proposed hypotheses. The result demonstrates that COHA, KNHA, AWHL, and PEHL constructs significantly influence demand for halal logistics (DEHL). All four elements show a medium to strong positive correlation with the dependent variable, inferring that the independent variables and the DEHL construct are closely related or associated — suggesting that an increase in the independent variables will increase DEHL and vice versa. This research does not fully represent the general consumers in Brunei markets as this research solely focuses on Muslims. Future research on non-Muslim consumers might be an option to give a bigger picture of the need for halal logistics in Brunei Darussalam. This study is beneficial to relevant stakeholders such as halal businesses, logistics service providers (LSP), policymakers, and consumers to reconsider the extent of halal logistics in not only safeguarding halal integrity across the logistics chain but also its significance in shaping continuous and viable demands in the pursuit of competitive advantage. This paper is among the first attempts to investigate Muslim consumer demand for halal logistics in Brunei, considering that past research focused heavily on Malaysian and Indonesian markets. This paper could contribute to future theoretical and empirical studies and suggest practical initiatives towards relevant stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an efficient technique for initial condition estimation of chaotic map in binary phase shift keying initial condition modulation (BPSK-ICM) scheme is proposed. This technique is named maximum autocorrelation estimation (MACE). The proposed scheme reduces the complexity of the chaotic demodulator thereby minimizing the hardware implementation cost. Simulation results confirm that the proposed technique outperforms the conventional technique used in direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) system. In AWGN channel and at bit error rate (BER) of 10-3, the results showed that the proposed BPSK-ICM scheme achieves a gain in Eb/N0 of 1.5 dB over DS-SS system with the same value of the processing gain for both systems.