bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO DYNAMIC DECANTERS USED AT THE PASPANGA WATER TREATMENT PLANT IN BURKINA FASO: CASE OF ACCELATOR AND PULSATOR
Authors:   Laboratoire dEnergies Thermiques Renouvelables, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso., Aziz Ouiminga Abdoul , Kabore Boureima ,   Laboratoire dEnergies Thermiques Renouvelables, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.,   UFR-ST, Universite Norbert ZONGO, Koudougou, Burkina Faso., Compaore Jerome ,   CNRST- Institut de lEnvironnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA) 03 BP 7192 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso., Kam Sie ,   Laboratoire dEnergies Thermiques Renouvelables, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
Published: May 2024

Water is a basic resource for humans because their survival and some of their activities depend on it. There are several types of water depending on their sources including groundwater and surface water. In its natural state, most water needs to be treated before consumption. The National Water and Sanitation Office (ONEA) is one of the structures responsible at the national level for the purification of this water. The Paspanga water treatment station is an ONEA structure which exploits the water from the Loumbila and Ouaga 3 dams. This raw water follows an entire treatment process which involves the use of hydraulic structures such as decanters before being drinkable. The analysis of turbidity was carried out by nephelometry, pH and conductivity by electrochemistry, and organic matter by titrimetry. The results obtained made it possible to compare the accelator and pulsator decanters. For the same raw water we observed a drop in turbidity ranging from 58 to 83% for the accelator and from 51 to 75% for the pulsator. For a minimum average pH of the raw water of 6.76, the decanted water of the accelator has a minimum average pH of 6.49 and that of the pulsator of 6.46. For the same raw water we observed a drop in organic matter ranging from 22 to 52% for the accelator and from 16 to 41% for the pulsator. From all these results, it appears that the accelator is more efficient than the pulsator.
Role of government policy in food security: Economic and demographic challenges
Authors: Guliyev Eldar , Atashov Bayali , Guliyeva Aygun
Published: May 2024

The state policy on food security should take into account economic (e.g., expansion of agricultural production following domestic food demand, exports, and imports) and demographic (e.g., adequacy of food reserves and production capacities of the agrosector to the pace of population growth, considering urbanization, migration, and a culture of rational consumption) challenges. Government policy should maintain the balance between the stability of the food system, economic development, and demographic changes. Therefore, this study aims to identify implicit (hidden) structural and functional relationships between these elements. The paper employs structural modeling using STATISTICA; the dataset consists of six food security, eight economic, and seven demographic indicators (using World Bank and Food and Agriculture Organization databases for 2011–2021, targeting 39 countries with different levels of GDP per capita (depending on the availability of statistical data)). The results proved the direct impact of the economic variable on food security and the indirect effect of the demographic variable (demographic changes are the engine that triggers economic transformations that further affect food security). When demographic changes increase by one unit, economic development increases by 0.57 and stability of the food system by 0.454. When economic development increases by one unit, the stability of the food system increases by 0.473.
Sclerobionts and some representatives of the endobenthos of soft substrates of the Lower Frasnian of the East of the Main Devonian Field
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Mining University, Tsinkoburova Maria G.
Published: May 2024

The article considers sclerobionts on the shells of the Frasnian bivalves and brachiopods of the east of the Main Devonian field, as well as common traces of bioerosion of biogenic and abiogenic substrate. In contrast to the averaged data on the Frasnian brachiopod sclerobionts, which demonstrate a clear dominance of auloporids, craniform brachiopods, bryozoas and microconchids, microconchids predominate among Frasnian bivalves sclerobionts and brachiopods of the Main Devonian field and among the eroding sclerobionts — the ichnogenus Arachnostega Bertling. Next in the degree of frequency of occurrence are cornulitids, then auloporids and eroding sclerobionts of the ichnogenus Trypanites Mägdefrau. The ichnogenus Arachnostega Bertling was first identified in the Frasnian rocks of this region. Some Frasnian sclerobionts of the east of the Main Devonian field were inhabitants of a fairly wide range of conditions. For example, microconchida Palaeoconchus omphalodes (Goldf.) are found both on shells burrowing bivalves of inhabitants of soft muddy bottom, and on shells of various representatives of epifauna that lived in conditions of both firmground and hardground. Representatives of three different ethological groups have been identified in cornulitids — fully cemented to the substrate; with a raised anterior part and free-living, attached only at the juvenile stage. The maximum morphological and ethological diversity of cornulitids was recorded on the bivalves of the Main Devonian field from the Dubnik beds corresponding to the maximum of the Frasnian regression. The active development of cornulitids in the Dubnik time was probably favored by the lack of competition with other groups of organisms of similar ethology. A fairly wide range of morphological types of cornulitids isolated within one stratigraphic level indirectly confirms O. Vinn's hypothesis about cornulitids as a group of biological opportunists. The author proved for the first time the presence of two morphologically similar ichnogenera Trypanites Mägdefrau and Palaeosabella Clarke in the Frasnian rocks of the Main Devonian field.
Dependence of bioavailability of lead compounds in soils on the type and source of contamination (the example of Mexico City and mining area of Parral, Mexico)
Authors:   Joint-stock company «VNIPIpromtekhnologii», Sedov Nikolay S. , Chernykh Natalia A. ,   Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Romero Francisco ,   Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Kasatkin Andrey V. ,   Joint-stock company «VNIPIpromtekhnologii», Evdokimov Sergey V. ,   Joint-stock company «VNIPIpromtekhnologii»
Published: May 2024

Evaluation and monitoring of soil contamination with heavy metals relies in most cases on their bulk concentrations whereas the risks of negative effects on human health depend upon the content of their bioavailable forms. The paper presents the study of the dependence of lead bioavailability in the surface soil horizons upon the contamination type and source. Two territories in Mexico with sharp difference of the source of pollution: Mexico City megapolis where the lead in soils originates from the ethyl gasoline burning and mining district in the south of Chihuahua State where the mine tailings are the source of the toxic elements including lead. Bulk lead concentrations were measured by the X-ray fluorescence method, bioavailability was estimated by the method imitating the effect of the stomach and intestine solutions. The research has shown that both in Mexico City (especially in its central part) and in the mining district in the Chihuahua State bulk lead concentrations are several times higher than the background values. The soils of the mining district have average bulk lead concentrations 787,5 mg/kg and show the average bioavailability values 64% whereas in the Mexico City megapolis average bulk concentrations of lead are lower - 324,7 mg/kg but bioavailability reaches 83% and in some samples even 100%. These results support the conclusion that despite lower bulk lead concentrations in Mexico City the risk of its negative effect on humans is higher than in the mining district polluted with the wastes of mining industry. The explanation of the observed tendency is that the chemical form of lead has a major influence on its bioavailability. Dependence of bioavailability upon the bulk concentrations within each study territory has not been established.
Demographic processes in the Baltic macro-region (1990-2022)
Authors:   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Fedorov Gennady M.
Published: May 2024

The article discusses the features and factors of the dynamics and territorial differentiation of the demographic development of the population of the Baltic macroregion in 1990 - 2022. Study have indicated, although the population of the macroregion is growing, and most of the countries located here have a migration population growth, the demographic situation cannot be considered to be satisfactory in any of its parts. Depopulation has been taking place everywhere for a long time, and there are no serious grounds for expecting, even in a fairly distant future, not only an expanded, but also a simple reproduction of the population. The population of the Baltic countries decreased catastrophically in 1990-2022. There are also territories in the Nordic countries, the Baltic regions of Germany and Poland, losing population and characterized by an intensive redistribution of residents from villages to cities, which is typical at the micro level for Russian regions as well. In the countries with a traditional market economy, characterized by a high migration influx from Asia and Africa, there are acute problems of migrant integration and / or the development of multiculturalism. At the initiative of Western partners, the cross-border mobility of the population and any (including educational and scientific ties) between the EU countries and Russia are limited. On the basis of the latest published statistical data, the listed and other problems of population dynamics in the macroregion are analyzed, its parts are typified according to the predominance of certain features of the natural and migration movement of the population, the existing and predicted demographic problems are assessed, particular attention is drawn to the need for their speedy solution.
Some Thoughts on the Baroque Organ Suite
Authors:   10.21638/spbu15.2024.101, Bocharov Yuri S.
Published: May 2024

This article deals with the Baroque organ suite, which arose in France in the Reign of Louis XIV, when the tradition of publishing organ books was formed. And such books usually consisted of liturgical versets, grouped according to certain church tones. Since the musicological literature does not have a clear understanding of what an organ suite is as a genre, the author decided to clearly differentiate it among organ masses, magnificats and hymns that are similar in structure. In his opinion, an organ suite is an ordered collection of different musical pieces (usually from 6 to 13) in a single tone, without a common liturgical name. In total, there are approximately 75 such suites written by Nivers, Lebègue, Clérambault, Marchand and other masters of the French Baroque, although only a few samples are designated as Suite. Organ suites were not generally characterized by structural unification. However, they usually begin with a piece in the character of a solemn introduction, which is called Prélude or Plein jeu (by type of registration). The second most often is Fugue. Next follows a diverse group of textural and register genres. And as the completion of the entire suite, as a rule, are full-sounded Grand jeu or Plein jeu. At the same time, performance of the suites entirely “in one sitting”, as in modern concert practice, was not intended. French organ suites were addressed primarily to provincial organists, who could use individual pieces both as a guide for their own improvisations, and in the form of already “ready-made” versets for various services. If necessary, they could also combine these pieces, including other music. Therefore, any attempts of modern musicologists to find in the structure of the Baroque organ suite any purely musical meaning and to analyze them on the model of multi-movement compositions of later times have nothing in common with the authentic practice.
The status of the term violencia de género in the modern Spanish language
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Simonova Mariya V.
Published: May 2024

The problem of gender-based violence is one of the key in the most modern societies including Spain. In the country where the tradition of patriarchal relations is rooted feminist organisations, nongovernment and state organisations are constantly fighting with the gender asymmetry. In addition, the topic of gender-based violence receives special attention in the Spanish media. There are even sections in leading newspapers named “Gender-based Violence” or “Domestic Violence”. The phenomenon of gender-based violence in the context of gender language policy is actively discussed. Spain is one of the leading countries in adopting progressive gender laws aimed to combat gender-based violence. This very active attitude towards the problem of gender-based violence contrasts with the language policy in this area. Analysis of the actual linguistic material, extralinguistic situation in the country, study of the data of official statistics allowed the author to come to the conclusion that in the modern Spanish reality there is an imbalance between extralinguistic factors (active struggle against gender-based violence, presence of progressive laws) and the same language, in which the term violencia de género has not yet been codified in the dictionary of the Royal Academy of the Spanish language (while in other dictionaries and glossaries the concept is interpreted). The combination violencia de género is widely used in the Spanish speech, in the scientific papers and in the Spanish media space, that is confirmed by the Spanish language database. Free interpretations of this term because of its absence in the main dictionaries do not help the society to understand the problem properly and eradicate it.
Varieties of ironic objection in popular science Internet media text
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Lebedinskaya Ekaterina. Yu.
Published: May 2024

The article focuses on the objectionable potential of irony using popular science media texts. The empirical basis was the hypermedia text of the news about the refutation of the serotonin theory of depression, which predetermined a significant shift in ideas about the disease. The purpose of the article is to identify and analyze the variability in the implementation of ironic objection. The latter seems to be a complexly organized speech action, which is based on goal setting, which constitutes a subgoal in achieving the main communicative goal of the hypermedia text. The pre-established multitasking of the study determined the choice of approach to analysis — the praxeological method of media linguistics. As the analysis of the material has shown, objection demonstrates the moment of transition of scientific knowledge from hypotheticality to a state of epistemological certainty. Objection helps to overcome unproductive tendencies in the system of academic views. Linguistically significant characteristics of ironic objection in popular science media discourse include extensive heuristic potential, projection of the development of epistemological modality, critical rethinking of extra-linguistic situations, involvement of the addressee in discussion, debatable nature, and requiring interpretive effort. The results obtained during the study — linguistic models of the representation of ironic objection — demonstrate a paradigm shift in scientific views about the mechanisms of depressive disorder and the key lines of understanding in the public consciousness of the problems correlated with the identified epistemological crisis. In this study, patterns of speech representation of ironic objection are identified and typologized on the basis of repeated and regularly reproduced linguistic markers.
Interrogative sentences as a way of expressing Russophobia in the modern virtual space (as exemplified in network Reddit)
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Shipilova Diana S.
Published: May 2024

Modern society today is subject to global processes of Westernization, the purpose of which is to subjugate other cultures to Western influence. Thanks to the powerful potential of the virtual space to disseminate the necessary ideas, a certain vision is imposed and mass manipulation of the consciousness of citizens is carried out. The consistent and long-term policy of the Western world promotes the image of evil Russians, that leads to a surge in discrimination against representatives of the Russian-speaking culture. The image of the evil people is broadcast in the media and cinema, media personalities and politicians talk about it. Such negative representation of Russians leads to their hostility. Intolerance towards the citizens of the Russian Federation arise in the minds of a wide audience, which is reflected in both verbal and non-verbal ways. The author aims: 1) to conduct a study of interrogative sentences in the social network Reddit, one of the most famous and frequently visited Internet platforms in the world; 2) to identify Russophobic sentiments, and 3) to make an attempt to systematize the idea of the functions of interrogative sentences. Interrogative sentences are analyzed from the point of view of their secondary function — the transfer of information, feelings and one’s attitude to any situation. Selected by continuous sampling and carefully analyzed interrogative sentences allow us to draw a conclusion about the Russophobic mood that is inherent in the population of the Western world. The author has found that interrogative sentences are aimed at expressing accusations, insults and gloating. The objects of Russophobia are the Russian Federation itself, the President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the citizens of the country. It was revealed that Russophobia is observed through the use of verbs with negative connotations, negatively colored epithets, parallel constructions, metaphorical models and occasionalisms.
Diseño de políticas óptimas de vacunación en un modelo SEIR.
Authors: Islas Carlos , Vizuet David , Padilla Pablo , Prado Marco Antonio , Almaguer Dalila
Published: May 2024

Se presentan los modelos clásicos de epidemiología (SIR y SEIR) de Kermack y McKendrick. Se introduce una variable de control correspondiente a la tasa de vacunación y se estudia la controlabilidad del modelo SEIR, así como un problema de control óptimo asociado y los efectos en las dinámicas de las poblaciones por medio de simulaciones numéricas. En particular se muestra que, a diferencia de la suposición usual, no es posible controlar la propagación de la enfermedad únicamente introduciendo la tasa de vacunación para individuos susceptibles. Esto evidencia que para evitar que aumente la población de individuos infectados es necesario considerar otras estrategias, por ejemplo, distanciamiento social, medidas sanitarias, etc.
Electronic effect on the L3,2 edges generated by Cu 3d and O 1s orbitals in CuO nanofibers, pure and doped with Mn.
Authors: Piñón Espitia Manuel Fidel , Camacho Ríos María Luisa , Lardizábal Gutiérrez Daniel , Ochoa Lara Martha Teresita , Verdugo Miranda Saúl , Duarte Moller José Alberto
Published: May 2024

The present work reports a comparative study on CuO and 3.0% Mn-doped CuO nanofibers (NFs) produced by the electrospinning method. State-of-the-art characterization techniques such as Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) and X-Ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) have been employed to determine the multivalent states and elucidate their electronic structure at the Cu-L3,2 (2p) edge. The CASTEP code has been used to model CuO (P1) and Mn-doped (C 2/c) with the GGA-PBE functional on the supercomputing system with the Xeon10 module (10 nuclei). Structural characterization was done by using a CM 200 Philips Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and the chemical state of surfaces with ESCALAB 250Xi XPS Thermoscientific TM. The NFs present an indirect energy bandgap, Eg = 2.03 eV and 2.85 eV, respectively. The results show that the Cu-L3,2 edge presents degenerate states associated with Cu 2p - O and Cu 3d - O hybridization, indicated as Cu3+.
Condução ética em pesquisa: aspectos históricos e orientativos de pesquisa no CEP/Huol
Authors:   Eliane Santos Cavalcante,   José Diniz Junior,   Delane Maria Rêgo,   Luciana de Medeiros,   Anieli de Azevedo Medeiros Pereira
Published: May 2024

Este livro tem o objetivo de nortear o acesso à Plataforma Brasil no sentido de facilitar a submissão de projetos de pesquisa para a avaliação dos comitês de ética (CEP). Essa coletânea foi elaborada pelos membros atuantes na avaliação ética de pesquisas no âmbito da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
The Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Wound Infection:
A Systematic Review
Authors: Mahdizade ari Marzie , Shahroodian Soheila , Afifirad Roghayeh , Asadollahi Parisa , Asadi Arezoo , Darbandi Talihe , Ghanavati Roya , Darbandi Atieh
Published: May 2024

Introduction::

This systematic review aimed to summarize the currently available
evidence on the effect of oral probiotic therapy on infected wound healing among patients who
underwent surgery

Materials and Methods::

An electronic search was conducted for articles published during 2010-
2022 in Embase, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the keywords
"probiotics," "prebiotics," "synbiotics," and "wound infection." The titles and abstracts of
2625 articles were screened, and 22 publications that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included.

Results::

The current review provides evidence of the beneficial effects of probiotics on wound
infection, significantly reducing the duration of antibiotic usage and the length of hospital stay
for patients, with no serious side effects reported. Wound infections following various surgeries,
such as abdominal wound surgery, colorectal cancer resection, periampullary neoplasms treatment,
liver and bile duct resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, esophagostomy, dental wound
surgery, plastic surgery, and burns, are shown to be positively affected by probiotic usage. Although,
in some cases, the improvements were not statistically significant, overall, the administration
of probiotics appears to be satisfactory in this regard

Conclusion::

Probiotics demonstrate the ability to prevent the growth of pathogens and maintain
wound space sterility by recruiting M2 macrophages, which produce anti-inflammatory markers
and enhance the activity of phagocytic cells. Additionally, probiotics can reduce bacterial translocation
from their niche to other areas and inhibit the production of bacterial mediators that lead
to bacterial invasion.
Work Performance Among Workers without Disabilities after Industrial Accidents: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hong Chong Min
Published: May 2024

Background

Industrial accidents are work-related accidents and these accidents can result in disability. However, if workers receive appropriate treatment after an accident, they often recover without disability. Most of them return to their daily lives and work. When they return to work, they are expected to perform at the same level asbefore the accident.

Aim

This study was to identify the factors affecting the performance of workers resuming work without disability after industrial accidents.

Methods

This study was designed as a longitudinal study. Among workers who completed their industrial accident care, 2000 stratified random samples were investigated through a cohort survey by the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service, Labor Welfare Research Institute. The analysis of this study was conducted using data from 264 subjects without disabilities selected from among 2000 subjects. This study analyzed the data of the following variables: age, gender, education, marital status, health status before an industrial accident, occupational classification, claim duration, chronic disease, work performance, current health status, daily life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-efficacy of the subjects.

Results

The current health status, having a chronic disease, daily life satisfaction,overall life, and claim duration of less than 3 months accounted for 39.9% influence on work performance (F = 42.972, p ≤ 0.001), and the current health status influenced work performance the most.

Conclusions

It is important to support the workers so they can accomplish their work without failing. A system should be established to manage workers' health and chronic diseases. This may reduce health-threatening risks and prevent further industrial accidents and, could improve the work performance of workers resuming work after an industrial accident.
Introduction of Next-Generation Materials
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Dwivedi Shailendra Kumar , Prakash Om , Verma Shivani
Published: May 2024

The “next-generation materials” are those materials that have high
efficiency, high-performance structural stability, easy manufacturability, and
multifunctional capabilities. These new materials can be classified based on dimension,
shape, composition, and nanostructure like 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D. These materials have
unique enhanced properties viz;. electronic, optical, mechanical, magnetic,
optoelectronics, vitrification, thermal properties, etc;. Due to these outstanding features,
these smart materials could be a game changer for prospects. Tuning the properties of
such advanced materials provides a wide variety of fascinating opportunities. This
chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of materials used to fabricate
supercapacitor point of view and several other latest applications. The nanomaterials,
discussed in this chapter along with their properties are Graphene, nanotubes,
nanocomposites, microwave-absorbing materials, nanoparticles, biomaterials, and selfhealing polymers. It also discusses future directions for the development of advanced
materials that perform well to anticipate future trends and highlight their relevance in
real-world contexts. This chapter could become the torchbearer for new researchers
working in the field of multifunctional advanced materials.
Future Outlook and Challenges for Supercapacitors
Authors: Pandey Vikas Kumar , Verma Bhawna
Published: May 2024

The contemporary research environment calls for developing nextgeneration devices using cutting-edge technologies for energy storage applications.
Supercapacitors are becoming burgeoning contenders in the energy sector due to their
increased durability and quicker charge storage capacity. In contrast to batteries and
fuel cells, supercapacitors are a less realistic solution for practical applications.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for fabrication techniques that must be addressed
to deliver an appropriate supercapacitor electrode. The book chapter will better
describe the difficulties encountered during various supercapacitor research,
development, and commercial application phases. Finally, a conclusive prognosis has
been given on how the discussion above will deliver essential insights and create
chances to expand the possible application of new-generation supercapacitors.
URBAN GROWTH IN KANO METROPOLIS NIGERIA- THE MODELS HOW IT IMPACTS THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Abdullahi Hashim , Asmawi M Zainora , Abdul Aziz Abdul Razak
Published: May 2024

Rapid urban and population growth in the KNMA is distorting environmental quality. The initial data was obtained with the aid of geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) within 35 years (1984 to 2019) with three study periods of 1984, 1998, and 2019. While water pollution samples were taken and analyzed in the laboratory for physicochemical elements. The air pollution parameter consists of carbon monoxides (CO) and carbon dioxides (CO2) emission sensed. The Structural Equation Modelling (Smart PLS-SEM) is employed. However, this study solely covers the model development of the urban growth (land use changes, water, and air pollution).  The Result uncovers that urban growth in KNMA = ∝ + RPG(P
SPATIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE LRT3 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT: A PERCEPTION STUDY IN SEKSYEN 7 SHAH ALAM
Authors: Abdullah Siti Nor Balkis , Ahmad Zawawi Emma Marinie , Abdul Rasam Abdul Rauf , Muhamad Salleh Naziah
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to examine the perceptions of the local community in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam, regarding the environmental impact of the LRT3 construction project. The objectives were to identify the environmental impact on the community and evaluate the state of environmental pollution in the area. Based on several factors, a questionnaire was selected as the data collection instrument. The LRT3 project's highest percentage of respondents, 66.8%, identified air pollution as a concern, indicating perceived negative impacts on air quality in the vicinity. Approximately 60.6% of respondents attributed increased traffic congestion to the project, suggesting disruptions caused by construction activities and changes in road infrastructure. Furthermore, 51.6% of respondents identified noise pollution as a concern from the LRT3 project, possibly due to construction-related noise and machinery operation. A smaller percentage, 20%, expressed concerns about potential health issues associated with the project, while 19.8% mentioned water pollution. The research highlights the importance of tackling air pollution, traffic congestion, noise pollution, health issues, and water pollution to alleviate the adverse environmental effects. This study's findings have the potential to provide valuable insights for spatial decision-makers involved in the implementation of specific strategies and promoting the overall well-being of the community throughout the construction and operation phases.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN THE REHABILITATION OF ABANDONED HOUSING PROJECTS
Authors: Bernard Sirau Rudy Firdaus Christopher , Zainal Abidin Muhamad Zaihafiz , Yacob Ridzuan , Ramli Zakwan
Published: May 2024

Abandoned housing projects (AHPs) lead to economic losses, social issues, and damage the reputation of responsible authorities. Effective rehabilitation project management is crucial for sustainable urban development. This study explores the challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) throughout the AHP rehabilitation life cycle using qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Identified challenges include communication gaps, inadequate planning and preparedness, deficient risk management, competency issues, documentation problems, and lack of accountability. Key CSFs are effective decision-making, time management, team management, and the role of project managers. The findings provide guidance for policymakers, liquidators, and receivers to improve the implementation of the Housing Development Act for assessing rehabilitation contractors. Addressing these challenges and focusing on the CSFs is essential for successful AHP rehabilitation, mitigating losses, resolving issues, and enhancing the reputation of the authorities.
THE EFFECT OF AN OVERNIGHT POLICY RATE (OPR) HIKE ON HOME LOAN IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ismail Suhana , Aluddin Nurul Aqilah , Sukereman Anis Syazwani , Rosman Siti Hasniza , Noorhisham Amirul Akram
Published: May 2024

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has employed numerous monetary policies to reduce inflation and ensure financial stability. It includes the change in the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), which is the benchmark interest rate at which banks borrow and lend cash overnight. The purpose of this research was to explore the implementation of OPR and the effect of OPR hike towards home loans. This was achieved through a qualitative research design involving interviews with representatives (bankers) from Bank Negara Malaysia as well as conventional and Islamic banks. The results revealed that OPR implementation is conducted by Bank Negara Malaysia through the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which is in charge of developing policies for conducting monetary activities. While the OPR hike inflicts an impact on the interest rates of home loans, statistics from BNM showed an increase of home loan borrowers during the third quarter of this year compared to the second quarter across both conventional and Islamic banks. These findings offer critical insights into the effects of OPR increase on Malaysian home loans. Therefore, financial institutions should establish risk management measures while simultaneously providing home buyers with reasonable and accessible financing choices.
DEVELOPING THE CITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: URBAN SUBURBAN AREA OF HERTASNING - TUN ABDUL RAZAK METROPOLITAN MAMMINASATA, INDONESIA
Authors: - Syafri , Surya Batara , Manaf Murshal
Published: May 2024

The development of peripheral areas as centres of socio-economic activity has an impact on land use change and the complexity of the transport system. The ongoing spatial transformation contributes to anthropogenic enhancement towards urban macroclimate change. Increased anthropogenic activity is characterised by changes in typology, land use and traffic performance along the corridor. This study examines the relationship between traffic and land use performance variables and climatic conditions using a quantitative approach. The data that has been processed is then analysed using SEM PLS. The results of the analysis show that land use variables affect climate conditions with a T-Statistic value of 2.752 > 1.96 or a P value of 0.040 < 0.05. These results suggest that land use in the Hertasning-Tun Abdul Razak road corridor is positively associated with increased urban temperatures. This study recommends the handling of urban fringe areas towards controlling spatial utilisation along major road corridors, in anticipation of increasing urban macroclimate change.
DESIGNING A PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN MALAYSIA: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH IN ENHANCING HEALTHCARE FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Muhamad Jamaludin , Ismail Amirul Amin , Shahbudin Mohammad Syathir Amini , Arman Muhammad Faris , Sulong Zaniman
Published: May 2024

The public healthcare system in Malaysia was established in the 1850s, prior to the country's independence. Today, it encompasses 146 public hospitals to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to all Malaysian citizens. However, the public healthcare sector faced various challenges, including ageing facilities and infrastructures, deferred maintenance, limited accessibility, and inefficient layouts. This paper presents a comprehensive approach in designing public hospitals in Malaysia, with a focus on addressing the healthcare needs of the population and improving healthcare infrastructures through architectural optics. This article explores key aspects of hospital designs, including architectural considerations, functional requirements, technological integration, and compliance with regulations and relevant acts. Eight expert samples were employed through semi-structured interviews to ensure credibility and validity. This methodology allowed flexibility in questioning and yet tailored exploration of relevant issues and expertise. Clear data sources and research objectives were established to minimize potential bias and limitations. By incorporating patient-centric design principles, enhancing accessibility, promoting sustainability, and considering future scalability, the proposed design aims to improve public hospitals that can effectively meet the healthcare demands of Malaysia. The recommendations outlined in this study can serve as a guideline for policymakers, healthcare authorities, and designers involved in the creation of efficient and effective healthcare facilities.
AN ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL SUITABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT OF CORAL REEF IN PROMOTING ECOTOURISM IN THE PAHAWANG ISLAND, INDONESIA
Authors: - Ahmad Herison
Published: May 2024

Unorganized and constant changes in land use heighten flood risk in a region. Flood issues in Snorkeling tourism, which offers a range of stunning undersea natural resources, is another popular activity on Pahawang Island. Marine tourism should adhere to the idea of environmental preservation, such as avoiding harming and polluting marine habitats, in addition to helping the economy. The goal of this study is to spatially assess the condition of suitability and infrastructural support needed for coral reef ecotourism on Pahawang Island. Line Intercept Transect, coral reef ecotourism carrying capacity calculations, ArcGIS spatial processing, and infrastructure observation were the techniques employed. The findings of this study show that the value of suitability index for ecotourism involving snorkeling and diving had an average value of 2.21, falling into the appropriate category (S2) with a carrying capacity of 3,614 persons per day on an area of 90.35 Ha. Coral reef transplants, which enhance coral reef coverage, can be done to fully utilize the potential in this location in order to preserve and enhance coral reef tourist potential of Pahawang Island. There are a few things that need to be fixed in order to build integrated coral reef ecotourism management although the infrastructure was fairly good according to the findings of direct field observations. The conclusion is that, from a spatial standpoint, the suitability index and the area of snorkeling and diving ecotourism carrying capacity, as well as the supporting infrastructure, are in good condition. To enhance and advance this, integrated management and governance are necessary.
Reflective Evaluation of Next-Generation Sequencing Data during Early Phase Detection of the Delta Variant
Authors: RAMPHAL UPASANA , Tshiabuila Derek , Ramphal Yajna , Giandhari Jennifer , van Heerden Carel , Baxter Cheryl , van Wyk Stephanie , Pillay Sureshnee , Laguda-Akingba Oluwakemi , Wilkinson Eduan , Lessells Richard , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: May 2024

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies like the Ion Torrent S5 and Illumina MiSeq, alongside advanced software, improved genomic surveillance in South Africa. This study analysed anonymized samples from the Eastern Cape using Genome Detective and NextClade, showing Ion Torrent S5 and Illumina MiSeq success rates of 96% and 94%, respectively. The study focused on genomic coverage (above 80%) and mutation detection (below 100), with the Ion Torrent S5 achieving 99% coverage compared to Illumina MiSeq's 80%, likely due to different primers used in amplification. The Ion Torrent S5 was more effective in sequencing varied viral loads, whereas Illumina MiSeq had difficulties with lower loads. Both platforms were adept at identifying clades, successfully differentiating between Beta (<45%) and Delta variants (<30%), despite minor discrepancies in assignments due to Illumina MiSeq's lower coverage, leading to a failure rate of up to 6%. Manual library preparation showed similar sample processing and clade identification capabilities for both platforms. However, differences in sequencing duration (3.5 vs. 36 hours), automation level, genomic coverage (80% vs. 99%), and viral load compatibility were noted, highlighting each platform's unique advantages and challenges in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance. In conclusion, the Illumina MiSeq and Ion Torrent S5 platforms are both efficacious in executing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) via amplicons, facilitating precise, accurate, and high-throughput examinations of SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes. However, it is important to note the existence of disparities in the quality of data produced by each platform. Each system offers unique benefits and limitations, rendering them viable choices for the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.
Pengaruh Media Promosi Terhadap Meningkatkan Minat Menabung Masyarakat Di Perbankan Syariah
Authors: Riyaldy Novien , Batubara Tsabitah Fadlillah , Putri Lily Indriyanti , Br Sitepu Himmatul Ulia , Isnaini Endang
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui media promosi perbankan syariah yang berpengaruh dalam menarik minat masyarakat menabung di bank syariah. Media promosi yang digunakan oleh perbankan syariah dalam peneitian ini terbagi 3 yaitu media internet media banner dan media brosur. Metode yang digunaan dalam peneitian ini adaah metode desrkriptif kuantitatif dengan teknik analisis regresi linear berganda. Adapun data yang digunakan dalam Penelitian ini adalah data primer berupa kuisioner yang disebaran kepada masyarakat. Berdasarkan anaisis data yang telah dilakukan variabel media internet dan banner memiliki distribusi yang lebih besar dari pada variabel brosur dalam meningkatkan minat menabung masyarakat di bank syariah.
Pengaruh Kecerdasan Spritual dan Sikap Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Cendrawardani Debby Ismi , Razak Abdul , Asraf Asraf
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis: 1) Pengaruh secara simultan kecerdasan spritual dan sikap kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara, 2) Pengaruh secara parsial kecerdasan spritual terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara dan 3) Pengaruh secara parsial sikap kerja terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara.Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh Aparatur Sipil Negara pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara sebanyak 154 Orang. Pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini dengan menggunakan rumus slovin. Sehingga sampel dalam penelitian adalah sebanyak 61 Orang. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah menggunakan analisi deskriptif dan regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa; 1) Kecerdasan spritual dan sikap kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara. 2) Kecerdasan spritual berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara dan 3) Sikap kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Sekretariat DPRD Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara.
 
Engagement With a Relaxation and Mindfulness Mobile App Among People With Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of Use Data and Self-Reports From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schläpfer Sonja , Schneider Fabian , Santhanam Prabhakaran , Eicher Manuela , Kowatsch Tobias , Witt Claudia M , Barth Jürgen
Published: May 2024

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer unique opportunities to support self-care and behavior change, but poor user engagement limits their effectiveness. This is particularly true for fully automated mHealth apps without any human support. Human support in mHealth apps is associated with better engagement but at the cost of reduced scalability.

Objective

This work aimed to (1) describe the theory-informed development of a fully automated relaxation and mindfulness app to reduce distress in people with cancer (CanRelax app 2.0), (2) describe engagement with the app on multiple levels within a fully automated randomized controlled trial over 10 weeks, and (3) examine whether engagement was related to user characteristics.

Methods

The CanRelax app 2.0 was developed in iterative processes involving input from people with cancer and relevant experts. The app includes evidence-based relaxation exercises, personalized weekly coaching sessions with a rule-based conversational agent, 39 self-enactable behavior change techniques, a self-monitoring dashboard with gamification elements, highly tailored reminder notifications, an educational video clip, and personalized in-app letters. For the larger study, German-speaking adults diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years were recruited via the web in Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Engagement was analyzed in a sample of 100 study participants with multiple measures on a micro level (completed coaching sessions, relaxation exercises practiced with the app, and feedback on the app) and a macro level (relaxation exercises practiced without the app and self-efficacy toward self-set weekly relaxation goals).

Results

In week 10, a total of 62% (62/100) of the participants were actively using the CanRelax app 2.0. No associations were identified between engagement and level of distress at baseline, sex assigned at birth, educational attainment, or age. At the micro level, 71.88% (3520/4897) of all relaxation exercises and 714 coaching sessions were completed in the app, and all participants who provided feedback (52/100, 52%) expressed positive app experiences. At the macro level, 28.12% (1377/4897) of relaxation exercises were completed without the app, and participants’ self-efficacy remained stable at a high level. At the same time, participants raised their weekly relaxation goals, which indicates a potential relative increase in self-efficacy.

Conclusions

The CanRelax app 2.0 achieved promising engagement even though it provided no human support. Fully automated social components might have compensated for the lack of human involvement and should be investigated further. More than one-quarter (1377/4897, 28.12%) of all relaxation exercises were practiced without the app, highlighting the importance of assessing engagement on multiple levels.