bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation for Working in Long Term Care Homes: Recommendations on Therapeutic Recreation Curricula from Recreation Therapists and Staff in Ontario
Authors: Prentice Kristin , Narushima Miya
Published: June 2022

As our population ages, more seniors will require care in long term care (LTC) homes, including care from recreation therapists and staff. This study examined recreation therapists and staff’s retrospective views of what would make them better prepared for working in LTC homes. A questionnaire distributed to 290 LTC homes in Ontario was completed by 487 recreation therapists and staff. Data were analyzed using ANOVAS and frequencies. Participants ranked experience as the most important and education as the least important factor for preparing them to work in LTC. Participants indicated increased practicum experience and knowledge of charting and documentation would help prepare them to work in LTC. The results of our study suggest the need for further training in gerontological competences for TR students, such as incorporating interprofessional collaboration and experience into TR curricula. TR practitioners can also enhance their learning by collaborating with others through communities of practice.
ConnectionsRx: A distance-support, community participation intervention for emerging adults with serious mental illnesses
Authors: Snethen Gretchen , Baker Kyra H. , McCormick Bryan P.
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to develop and test distance-based interventions. Based upon the Competence Enhancement model, ConnectionsRx is a distance-based intervention designed to support emerging adults with serious mental illnesses to identify and increase participation in the community. Using a case study approach, the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of ConnectionsRx. The case study details the APIE process, highlighting the individualized, client-driven nature of the intervention. Preliminary outcomes suggest the intervention has the potential to improve well-being through increased social and community participation. This study lays the groundwork for future research, which should explore the effectiveness of the intervention using more robust research methods.
Determinants and Preferences of Credit Risk Management in Farming: Evidence from Rice Enterprise in Nigeria
Authors: Benjamin Okpukpara , Okpukpara Victoria , Ejiofor Omeje , Ukwuaba Ikenna
Published: June 2022

Background: This research was conducted in Enugu State. Nigeria is motivated by the fact that small scale rice farmers in Nigeria are faced with severe credit risk. This has increased their instability in productivity and resulted in high loan default. A multiplicity of research in Nigeria has neglected the aspect of credit risk management, especially in crop farming. The study explores the determinants and preferences of credit risk management in rice farming in Nigeria. Methods: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Specifically, a random sampling technique was used to select 10 crop farmers from eight selected communities, which gave 80 respondents for the study. However, after data cleaning and other exercises of data editing, 75 questionnaire were collected and used for the analysis. Finally, in the selection of financial institutions, a purposive sampling technique was used to 16 formal financial institutions that had operated for more than ten years in each of the selected local government areas. Result: The study identified that credit risk management is affected by education, diversification of income sources, farming experience, banking with commercial banks and informal financial institutions, amount of credit and experience in the past credit risks. In addition, the preference of rice farmers to credit risk aversion is appropriate management of production risks, price risks and moratorium risk.
Performance of White Pekin Ducks Fed Wheat or Broken Rice based Diets during Mid Phase of Laying under Intensive Rearing System
Authors: Naik P.K. , Swain B.K. , Sahoo S.K. , Kumar D. , Mishra S.K. , Beura C.K.
Published: June 2022

Background: White Pekin ducks can be reared under intensive rearing system for meat and egg production. Depending upon the availability, duck farmers use different types of cereals for feeding their ducks. Therefore, a study was conducted to find out the performance of White Pekin ducks during mid phase of layingfed on wheat and/or broken rice based diets under intensive rearing system. Methods: White Pekin laying ducks (45; 41 weeks old) were divided into three groups. Three types of diets without (BR-0) and with broken rice (BR), replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100) per cent of wheat were prepared and offered randomly to the above three groups till the ducks attained 52 weeks of age under standard feeding and management practices. Result: The total egg production (dozen) and duck day egg production (DDEP) % were higher in BR-50 group (4.51 and 64.44) than the BR-100 group (3.85 and 55.00); however, both were similar to BR-0 group (4.09 and 58.49). The total feed intake (12.55-13.80, kg) and feed conversion ratio (feed consumed in kg per dozen eggs produced) (2.93-3.31) were similar among the groups. The cost (Rs.) per egg was lower in BR-50 group (7.79) than the BR-0 group (8.32) and BR-100 group (8.71). The egg weight in BR-50 group (76.61 g) was higher than the BR-0 group (75.42 g); however, both were similar with BR-100 group (76.19 g). There was no significant difference in the egg shape index (68.22-69.69), albumen index (0.13-0.14) and yolk index (0.42-0.44) among the groups. The However, the Haugh unit in BR-100 groups (87.32) was lower than BR-0 group (89.90); but both were similar with BR-50 group (89.56). There were no significant differences in the percentage of albumen (55.09-55.71), yolk (31.75-32.38) and shell (12.45-12.63) among the groups. Similarly, the shell thickness with membrane (0.50-0.52, mm) and without membrane (0.43-0.44, mm) were also similar among the groups. It can be concluded that White Pekin ducks can be raised on wheat and/or broken rice-based diets during mid phase of laying under intensive rearing system; however, mixture of wheat and broken rice in equal ratio increased the performance and was economical.
Nutrient Evaluation and Phytochemical Analysis of Fresh and Dry Leaves of Carica papaya
Authors: Olumide M.D. , Akintunde A.O. , Shobo B.A. , Akinboye O.E.
Published: June 2022

Background: The relative abundance and all year availability of Carica papaya necessitated this study and the availability of these leaves in almost all regions of the world. Methods: Air-dried and fresh Carica papaya leaves were collected for comparative analysis to investigate the proximate constituent, minerals, vitamins and presence of phytochemicals. The analyses were investigated in accordance with standard procedures. Result: The results of proximate showed that the fresh leaves contained higher level of crude fat, ash, crude fiber and crude protein when compared with the dry leaves. However, the dry leaves have higher percentages of calcium, sodium and phosphorus when compared with the fresh leaves. The fresh leaves shows higher levels of vitamins, (mg/100 g) ascorbic acid (C) 26.9, thiamine (B1) 0.62, riboflavin (B2) 0.69, however, the tocopherol (E) 48.195 content of the dry leaves was comparably higher. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds: saponin, phenol, terpene, oxalate, tannin, steroid, phytate and alkaloids. Thus, fresh pawpaw leaf gave a source of essential nutrients while dry pawpaw leaf was a source of calcium, sodium and phosphorus. Therefore, pawpaw leaves can be manipulated in the herbal treatment of various diseases and a potential source of useful elements for drugs formulation.
Mapas interactivos: una herramienta para el análisis exploratorio de datos ético
Authors: Soto Rojas Cristina
Published: June 2022

Al iniciar el análisis exploratorio de datos de un nuevo proyecto, por lo general revisamos la estructura de las variables, la distribución, varianza, realizamos pruebas de normalidad, pero ¿estamos revisando si son éticos?. No siempre se corrobora que los datos no caigan en algún tipo de discriminación, y muchas veces tampoco es fácil verificar esto. Se propone el uso de mapas interactivos para la verificación de posibles sesgos geoespaciales en los datos, como un agregado al análisis exploratorio de los datos, para evaluar ese aspecto ético.
El manejo forestal del bosque secundario como alternativa de uso de la tierra en la zona norte de Costa Rica
Authors: Villalobos-Chacón Ronny
Published: June 2022

Los bosques secundarios tienen un gran potencial de manejo como generador de recursos y servicios para la sociedad. La producción de madera sigue siendo un recurso ampliamente utilizado y como una alternativa viable. El presente estudio se realizó en tres bosques secundarios de la región Huetar Norte Costa Rica, en las localidades de Florencia, Pénjamo de Florencia y Agua Zarcas. Estos bosques habían sido evaluados hace dos décadas y se les aplicó tratamientos silviculturales, sin embargo, nunca fue evaluado su efecto sobre la masa forestal, por tal motivo este estudio tiene con objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de tratamientos silviculturales sobre especies comerciales. A partir de un muestreo diagnóstico y re-medición de parcelas permanentes se estimaron cambios por efecto de la aplicación de tratamientos en la composición florística, estructura, incrementos dasometricos en especies comerciales y no comerciales; se evaluaron cambios sobre los líderes deseables sobresalientes, las estimaciones se compararon con el bosque testigo en Florencia y Pénjamo solamente. Los tres bosques presentaron cambios satisfactorios en sus variables dasométricas, estructura y composición atribuidos al efecto sobre la aplicación de tratamientos y su manejo previo, sin embargo, es importante volver a intervenirlos y monitorear su comportamiento de forma periódica.
Sistema de visión hiperespectral para el estudio de especies arbóreas tropicales
Authors: Ramírez Arnoldo , Arias Aguilar Dagoberto , Valverde Otárola Juan Carlos , Zamora Nelson , Rodríguez María , Soto Montoya Cassia , Montero Ernesto
Published: June 2022

La reducida cantidad de estudios que consideran los aspectos ecofisiológicos de las especies de plantas tropicales se debe en parte al costo elevado de la instrumentación. Sin embargo, la revolución tecnológica de la última década ha permitido desarrollar dispositivos electrónicos de bajo costo y que, aunado a los recursos de la inteligencia artificial, permiten obtener mediciones muy precisas. Todo lo anterior con el objetivo de promover una producción sostenible y de asegurar la conservación de ecosistemas. Este trabajo consiste en el desarrollo de un sistema electrónico capaz de adquirir datos espectrales a partir de imágenes del espectro visible de las hojas y procesar su reflectancia y longitud de onda, con la finalidad de analizar variables fisiológicas (tales como concentraciones de clorofila y nitrógeno) de las especies arbóreas tropicales en peligro de extinción.
Improving 3–5 Year Old Children’s Vocabulary, Listening, and Speaking Skills of English as a Second Language through Sociodramatic Play
Authors: Septia Dian
Published: June 2022

The purposes of this study were to analyze 3–5 year old children’s vocabulary, listening and speaking skills as they engaged in sociodramatic play that was set around air transportation theme. The classroom action research design for this study was done in three cycles. It utilized an opportunity that the teacher provided for fourteen research subjects to use language for multiple functions within the context of sociodramatic play by encouraging the subjects to listen to other people, and to speak up their feelings and ideas by implementing the vocabulary they have learned. The data analysis in this research showed that the implementation of sociodramatic play improved the vocabulary, the listening and the speaking skills of 3–5 year old nursery children of ABC school.
Meningkatkan Keterampilan Proses, Tanggung Jawab, dan Penguasaan Konsep pada Mata Pelajaran Fisika Kelas 10 SMA Lentera Harapan Curug Melalui Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Cycle 7E
Authors: Binsartua Martin
Published: June 2022

This research aims to find out the improvement of three learning competencies that are process skills, responsibility attitude, and mastery concept students through learning model application cycle 7E in Physics. The three competencies are very important to be mastered by the students. The research implemented on grade 10 SMA Lentera Harapan Curug students from July to November 2016. The research method is weak experimental design the static-group pretest-posttest. The data obtained using questionnaire and written test to get the mean value and n gain, to see the difference between the experimental class and control class used by Mann Whitney test for process skills and responsibility attitude, and the t-test the mastery concept. The conclusion of Wilcoxon test for process skills, responsibility attitude, and concepts mastery is that there were significant differences in pretest and posttest results of the experimental class by using model 7E cycle learning.
Mengembangkan Keterampilan Memahami Cerita, Menulis, dan Kosakata Bahasa Inggris Anak TK B melalui Kegiatan Membacakan Buku Cerita
Authors: Puspitasari Lely
Published: June 2022

Literacy skill is essential for students’ academic success. Yet, language learning at schools takes less attention in comprehension skill and vocabulary that are integral parts of reading and writing as it focuses more on reading words. This research investigated the implication of story reading activities on the development of Kindergarten 3 students’ comprehension, writing, and vocabulary skill. It particularly aimed to: (1) describe students’ comprehension, writing, and vocabulary skill before the implementation; (2) describe the implementation of story reading activity; (3) analyze the development of students’ comprehension, writing, and vocabulary; (4) identify the obstacles during the implementation process. The classroom action research conducted in this study was carried out in three cycles. The research subjects were 20 students. Data were collected by using observation, field notes, interview, and written test, then analyzed with descriptive qualitative. The results showed: (1) the students still needed time to develop the three target skills; (2) the implementation used reading strategies consistently; (3) there is significant improvement with N-gain of 0.8 for comprehension skill, 0.63 for writing skill, and 0.8 for vocabulary knowledge; (4) suitable test formation made to ease students in doing the test, personal approach was applied to deal with certain students’ characteristic, and adjustment to learning schedule was made in conducting this research.
The Steroid Hormone Profile in Etawah Crossbreed Goat While Ovulation Induced using The Selectsynch Method
Authors: Aftabuddin Rz Muhammad , Srianto Pudji , Nidom Chairul Anwar , Madyawati Sri Pantja , Sardjito Trilas , Ismudiono Ismudiono
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to provide alternative information and solutions in an effort to increase reproductive productivity in etawah crossbreed goats (PE). The sample used in this study was 10 female PE with an average age of 2.5 - 3 years and primiparous at least . Ovulation induction was performed using 0.1 mg intra-muscular Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), after seven days injection of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was given as much as 2.5 mg submucosa of the vulva, followed by a second injection of GnRH as much as 0,2 mg intramuscular in samples that have really experienced heat and selected selectively according to the signs of natural heat shown by the sample and followed by insemination as much as 2 doses or 0.50 ml of frozen semen. Blood sampling was performed at H0, H7th, H14th and H21th after insemination. All blood samples were collected and progesterone and estrogen hormone profiles were examined using the ELISA method. From the results of the ELISA test, the mean progesterone hormone profile H0 = 4.798 ng / ml, H7th = 4.887 ng / ml, H14th = 4.824 ng / ml, H21th = 5.148 ng / ml. The profile of the hormone estrogen at H0 = 19,461 pg / ml, H7th = 17,457 pg / ml, H14th = 18,248 pg / ml, H21th = 17,515 pg / ml. This study showed an increase in the levels of the progesterone hormone at H0 to H7th, then slightly decreased in H14th and a significant increase in H21th. For the estrogen hormone, there is a decrease from H0 to H7th then there is a slight increase in H14th and decreases again in H21th.
Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Feed Efficiency, Weight and Carcass Percentage in Ducks
Authors: Chandra Evania Haris , Lokapirnasari Widya Paramita , Hidanah Sri , Al-Arif Muhammad Anam , Yuniarti Wiwik Misaco , Luqman Epy Muhammad
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, and Bifidobacterium sp) on feed efficiency, carcass weight and carcass percentage in broiler ducks. Probiotics lactic acid bacteria produce bacteriocins and organic acids that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes in the digestive tract of poultry, so that the intestinal villi of broiler ducks are healthy. Besides that, probiotics are able to reduce cholesterol levels in meat when consumed by humans and can improve health. This study used 48 peking ducks. The probiotics of Lactic Acid Bacteria used were a concentration of 1.2 x 108 CFU/ml. In this study there were four different treatments, namely P0 (without probiotics), P1 (given 1 ml probiotics/liter drinking water), P2 (given 2 ml probiotics/liter drinking water) and P3 (given 3 ml probiotics/liter of drinking water). The results of the feed efficiency study showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the P0, P1, P2 and P3 treatments. The highest feed efficiency was at P3 (33.81%) while the lowest was P0 (30.84%). The results of the study on carcass weight indicated that the probiotics tended to be higher than those who were not given probiotics but statistically not significantly different (p>0.05). The highest carcass weight was P3 (1749.92 g) and the lowest was P0 (1709.25 g). The results of the study on the percentage of carcass weight showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in both P0, P1, P2 and P3 treatments. The highest percentage of carcass weight was at P3 (64.60%) and the lowest was P0 (60.96%). It can be concluded that the administration of probiotics lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, and Bifidobacterium sp) at a dose of 1 ml/liter of drinking water, 2 ml/liter of drinking water and 3 ml/liter of drinking water can affect feed efficiency and the percentage of duck carcasses. but has no effect on the carcass weight of broiler ducks.
Immunogenicity of Local and Massachusetts Strains Infectious Bronchitis Virus
Authors: Rahmahani Jola , Wudhu R Zaksara Fero Ali Mutaqin , Suwarno Suwarno , Tacharina Martia Rani
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity between the whole virus and protein S of both local strain I-147 and Massachusetts strain of Infectious bronchitis virus with indirect ELISA. 24 healthy mice are divided into four groups with six mice in each group that are: P1) a group of mice that are vaccinated with S protein (spike glycoprotein) of local strain Infectious Bronchitis virus; P2) a group of mice that are vaccinated with S protein (spike glycoprotein) of Massachusetts strain Infectious Bronchitis virus; P3) a group of mice that are vaccinated with the whole virus of local strain Infectious Bronchitis virus; P4) a group of mice that are vaccinated with the whole virus of Massachusetts strain Infectious Bronchitis virus. The results of this research are Optical Density (OD) values of each treatment, then to be analyzed using One Way ANOVA and followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test 5% and T-test. The results show that there are differences in immunogenicity between the whole virus and S protein in both the local strain and Massachusetts strain of Infectious bronchitis virus. The OD value of the whole virus in the two strains has a significant difference from the OD value of the protein S antigen in both strains, both in the serum taken at week 2 and week 4 post-vaccination.
COVID 19 death toll trajectory on learner language proficiency
Authors: Makena Bulelwa
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this investigation is to explore whether COVID 19 deaths have effects with regards to language proficiency, predominantly reading. Reading levels seem to have deteriorated as difficulties in spelling and pronunciation of simple English words were demonstrated by learners. In this qualitative inquiry, the author used a case study. The researcher perceived it essential for a qualitative approach to be embarked on hence investigating teachers’ life experiences in their natural, context-specific settings. Semi-structured interviews were administered to ten conveniently nominated secondary school teachers. A narrative analysis was used to categorize data into themes that were noted as findings of this examination. A major finding of this inquiry was (i) sudden lack of parental involvement emanating from the (ii) drastic shift in socio-relations amongst the members of the communities, this causing reading to become an overwhelming routine. The study concludes that academic attainment for most learners seems to be hindered by the decline in learner reading proficiencies. To curb the situation, it is therefore recommended that language teachers devise approaches to instill a reading culture within a classroom setting, thus limiting tasks to be administered after school hours.
Establishing idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) as a precursor to work role performance
Authors: Dhanpat Nelesh , Legoabe Lebone
Published: June 2022

The study determines the relationship between i-deals and work role performance amongst employees across industries in the South African context. The study follows a quantitative approach, and a cross-sectional design was adopted. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was chosen. An online questionnaire was used. A total of 231 employees from various industries in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included in the sample. Data were collected using pre-established instruments, and SPSS was used to analyse data. Reliability analysis was used to determine the psychometric qualities of the instruments. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were chosen to examine the data against the research objectives. The study’s findings confirmed a relationship between i-deals and work role performance. Task and work responsibility, schedule flexibility and career development predicted work role performance. The findings assist researchers and practitioners in dealing with and understanding how these customised work arrangements affect individual work role performance. Expanding knowledge of i?deals will help employees and employers improve their dynamic and organisational needs more effectively. HR practitioners will also use the concept of i-deals as a strategic tool to retain talented employees. The study adds to the literature on i-deals and their relationship to work role performance in a South African context. There are limited studies in South Africa regarding our knowledge of i-deals. The present study’s results contribute to the literature on i-deals and their relationship with work role performance within a South African context.
Dynamics of the remittances: Fnancial development nexus in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA)
Authors: Mbulawa Strike , Chingoiro Samuel , Machera Robert
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the inter-connectedness of remittances and financial development and how their associated covariates such as savings, investment, money supply and economic growth are impacted by this relationship. The study employs a panel vector autoregression (P-VAR) estimation technique, and the generalized methods of moments (GMM) are applied after removing fixed effects and lagged regressors are used as instruments to have consistent estimators. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) remittances and financial development have a feedback interrelationship, and some interlinkages are identified amongst their covariates, (ii) economic growth has a dual connection with financial development and that (iii) savings, investment, and broad money supply influence both financial development and remittances. These findings contribute to current discussions in the literature as they support the importance of deepening financial markets in SSA, and attracting more remittances. The significant role played by the diaspora in improving domestic financial depth is confirmed. Progression in SSA economic growth helps to stimulate those in the diaspora to repatriate most of their earnings back home.
Management strategy of increasing revenue potential to improve local government performance
Authors: Syamsuri Helmy , Arifin Amril
Published: June 2022

This study aims to analyze the management strategy of increasing revenue potential to improve the performance of the local government of Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The type of research is quantitative with a descriptive approach. The technique of data analysis is Klassen Typology analysis, a technique of grouping a sector by seeing the growth and contribution of certain sectors to the total Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) from 2016 to 2020. Based on the results of the analysis, there will be a policy in determining management strategies if revenue potential to improve local government performance. The study found that the leading sectors are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, electricity and gas procurement, real estate, government administration, defense and social security. The management strategies of these sectors are intensification, partnership, and improvement of human resources. However, the developing sector does not exist. The potential sectors are mining and quarrying, water supply, waste management, waste and recycling, construction, providing accommodation for food and drink, and information and communication. The management strategies of these sectors are education, innovation and partnerships. While, the underdeveloped sectors are manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade sectors; car and motorcycle repair, transportation and warehousing, financial and insurance services, corporate services, education services, health services and social activities, and other services. The management strategies of these sectors are extensification or expansion.
The effect of transformational leadership and organizational justice toward employee performance mediated by job satisfaction
Authors: Amalina Nori Nur , Armanu  , Susilowati Christin
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine transformational leadership and organizational justice on employee performance with the role of job satisfaction as a mediation. This research was conducted on the employee of police officers are part of Indonesian police officers, especially located in Blitar, East Java, Indonesia with a total sample used in this study is 176 respondents. Questionnaires are used in this study for the data collection method, the data is analyzed using Structural Equation Model and Partial Least Square. The results show; (1) There is a positive and significant influence between transformational leadership on employee performance, (2) There is a positive and significant influence between transformational leadership on job satisfaction, and (3) There is a positive and significant influence between organizational justice on employee performance, (4) There is positive and significant influence between organizational justice towards job satisfaction, (5) There is positive and significant influence between job satisfaction on employee performance, (6) There is positive and significant influence between transformational leadership on employee performance through job satisfaction, (7) There is positive and no significant influence between organizational justice on employee performance through job satisfaction.
Examining the predictors of firm performance
Authors: Febrianti Adjeng Mariana , Jufri Nuke Siti Nurhuda
Published: June 2022

This study aims to understand the predictors of firm performance, namely by examining the direct influence of transformational leadership, HRM digitalization, and organizational commitment. The sample which becomes the respondents of this study is the owners or managers of creative MSMEs in Bandung, West Java, with the number of samples of 125 respondents. The data is collected using survey method, namely by giving the questionnaires to the respondents. The data is analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS 25 software. The findings prove that transformational leadership, HRM digitalization, and organizational commitment are able to predict firm performance, both partially and simultaneously.
Evaluation of the implementation of ecotourism principles in the operation of diving tourism in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Sudiarta I Ketut , Suwitra I Made , I Ngurah Suryawan
Published: June 2022

Using a set of attributes of ecotourism principles, this study aims to evaluate the compatibility between community expectations and the performance of implementing ecotourism principles and to find out the actual performance of implementing ecotourism principles in diving tourism practices in Bali from the perspective of the local community. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 234 respondents from indigenous community leaders regarding their expectations of 18 attributes of ecotourism principles and their perceptions of the performance of these attributes. A total of 17 of the 18 attributes of the ecotourism principles have negative performance, meaning that the performance level of these attributes was lower than expected, and one attribute is neutral. Importance-Performance analysis shows that the attributes of ecotourism principles that have performed well and need to be maintained include Minimizing environmental impact, Responsibility for the natural environment, culture, and local wisdom, Use of local products, Use of local workers, and Hospitality in services. On the other hand, the attributes of ecotourism principles that have become weaknesses and need to be focused on for improvement include Partnership with the local community, Increase local capacity Eco-friendly tourism facilities, and Minimizing social impact.
The impact of the selected macroeconomic indicators’ volatility on the performance of South African JSE-listed companies: a pre-and post- Covid-19 study
Authors: Kola Benson Ajeigbe , Thomas Habanabakize , Fortune Ganda
Published: June 2022

The influence of macroeconomic variables on aspects of business and the country's economy has been a subject of robust discussion. This study was conducted to identify the effect of macroeconomic variables, namely inflation rate, economic growth, exchange rate and share price, on listed companies in South Africa. The goal was to study the long run and short run effects of macroeconomic volatility on company performance because of the world’s recent pandemic experience. To achieve this objective, the study applied the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model on annual panel data from 2010 to 2020 to analyse the short run and long run effects of macroeconomic variables on a company’s performance. The study results suggested a positive impact of economic growth, exchange rate and share price on asset returns, whilst a company's equity return is supported by economic growth and share price in the long run. The short run revealed that none of the independent variables has a sufficiently significant effect to influence a company's performance changes in the short run. Based on the findings, it was recommended that policymakers and economic authorities should introduce and implement strategies that favour and enhance the country's economic growth and stable exchange rate in order to improve company performance. Additionally, given that the company's short-run performance may highly depend on internal factors such as corporate governance, internal policies and business strategies, these decisions should be taken with precaution and a high level of professionalism.
The effect of perceived social support and life orientation on anxiety caused by online education in Covid 19 conditions
Authors: Halis Mine , Yildirim Duygu
Published: June 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a disadvantaged student population due to the sudden obligation for distance learning. Poor performance of online educational tools, risk of transmission and staying at home cause stress and anxiety in students. This research examines the effects of usability and accessibility of the online learning system on students’ anxiety in presence of students’ perceived social support as well as students’ perceived optimistic/pessimistic life orientation. The survey instrument prepared for this purpose includes questions about the online learning system used, Covid-19 anxiety, life orientation and perceived social support. Web-based questionnaires were collected from 5,682 students from different universities and the data was analyzed for the role of social support and life orientation on anxiety caused by stress born of distance learning. Findings show that accessibility has a negative effect on anxiety while the effect of perceived social support on access problems could not be ascertained. It was determined that the optimism dimension had a moderating effect on students’ anxiety and the pessimism dimension had a mediating effect. The research results are consistent with the literature.
Influence of undergraduate experience on alumni loyalty to their alma mater in the Tanzania’s higher education context
Authors: Magasi Chacha , Bwemelo Gordian S.
Published: June 2022

This study examined the influence of undergraduate experience on alumni loyalty to their alma mater in Tanzania’s higher education context. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent to which alumni are satisfied with their undergraduate academic and social experiences and the influence thereof on their loyalty towards their former universities or colleges. The study involved a questionnaire survey to collect primary data from a conveniently selected sample of 188 Tanzanians who had bachelor's degrees from various Tanzania universities and colleges. Descriptive statistics using mean values were used to measure the satisfaction level. To estimate the influence of alumni satisfaction with their undergraduate experience on loyalty to their alma mater, Binary Logistic Regression Model was used. Overall, the findings indicate that alumni were satisfied with their undergraduate experience and their time as students. Further, Binary Logistic Regression results indicate that satisfaction with undergraduate experience positively and significantly influences alumni loyalty to their alma mater. It is reasonable to conclude from this evidence, that alumni loyalty can be created, reinforced and retained through favorable students’ experiences. Thus, Tanzania’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should improve their level of students’ experience so as to increase their level of satisfaction and consequently enforce their loyalty. The study adds value in the context of Tanzanian HEIs since it provides a base on how to determine strategies to create, reinforce and maintain alumni loyalty through a favorable student experience.
Lack of community participation in the fight against stock theft in Dr. Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality, South Africa: What went wrong?
Authors: Masuku Sandile , Motlalekgosi Puleng
Published: June 2022

The South African Police Services (SAPS) has a constitutional responsibility to prevent, combat, and investigate crime that would naturally occur within communities. It therefore stands to reason that, if the police are to fullfil this responsibility, community members should be involved. This paper examines the phenomenon of lack of community involvement in the fight against stock theft in Dr. Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to first determine the extent to which community in the Dr. Pixley ka Isaka Seme Municipality is involved in the fight against of stock theft. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study with the use of semi-structured in-depth interviews to collect data. The sample consisted of 22 participants selected through purposive sampling, who included farmers, herdsmen, Community Police Forum members, and community leaders. The study found that the community in the Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality is not involved in the fight against stock theft and that this could mainly be attributed to the poor relationship between the South African Police Service and the community. It was also found that there are no regular meetings taking place to ensure that there is a common understanding regarding various stakeholders’ responsibilities in an attempt to combat stock theft within the area of study. There are no awareness campaigns to discuss the stock theft trends in Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality area between the police and the community.
Manajemen Risiko Rantai Pasok Getah Pinus Dengan Model House Of Risk
Authors: Rachmalia Meidy , Cahyadi Eko Ruddy , Slamet Alim Setiawan
Published: June 2022

Pine resin is one of the demanded products to have proceeded into gondorukem. Gondorukem from Indonesia has a competitive advantage compared to other countries because it is stickier, heat resistant, and has a distinctive aroma so its exports are attractive to other countries. Ensuring the quality and quantity of gondorukem requires a smooth pine resin supply chain. This study aims to determine risk events and risk agents in the supply chain of pine resin that inhibit production, and design strategies to reduce the chance of emerging risks. House of Risk (HOR) is used to determine and apply the priority of risk agents and preventive actions. The study identified a total of 15 risk events and 30 risk agents that affect the quality and quantity of pine resin. Eighteen risk agents are prioritized, three of which are weather conditions, tapping personnel, and tree conditions for designing preventive actions. There are 3 priority preventive actions to handle the risk agent, namely (i) improving and controlling the quality of pine resin from the beginning process, (ii) giving a performance-based incentive and special tariff for a local tapper, and (iii) applying a resin tapping system with biogemme program.
Perizinan Lingkungan Terintegrasi Pasca Berlakunya Undang-Undang Cipta Kerja
Authors: . Ubaiyana , Viri Kristina
Published: June 2022

Indonesia doesn’t clearly regulate, adheres to an integrated environmental licensing system or not. This research focuses on three problems, namely examining in depth the concept of integrated permits and their urgency and analyzing integrated environmental permits before and after UUCK. This study aims to examine in depth the concept of an integrated environmental permit which then becomes a benchmark in analyzing environmental permits adopted by Indonesian law before and after the enactment of the UUCK. This type of research is normative legal research with a statutory approach, a historical approach, and a conceptual approach. This research material is sourced from primary legal materials and secondary legal materials, with data collection techniques using library methods which are then analyzed using descriptive and deductive-inductive methods. The results showed that in the implementation before the enactment of the UUCK, namely the regime of the Environmental Protection and Management Act (UUPPLH), there were already several permits that were integrated with environmental permits. Meanwhile, after the enactment of UUCK, UUCK replaced environmental permits with environmental approvals. This change has the potential to sacrifice environmental sustainability and has the consequence of eliminating the integration of environmental permits with other permits previously applicable in UUPPLH.
PADI3 induces cell cycle arrest via the Sirt2/AKT/p21 pathway and acts as a tumor suppressor gene in colon cancer
Authors: Chang Xiaotian , Chai Zhengbin , Zou Jiaorui , Wang Hongxing , Wang Yao , Zheng Yabing , Wu Hui , Liu Chunyan
Published: June 2022

Objective As a member of the peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) family, PADI3 is weakly expressed in colon cancer tissues and highly expressed in adjacent colon cancer tissues. However, the role of PADI3 in colon cancer is unclear. In this study, we investigated the function and molecular mechanism of PADI3 in colon cancer tumorigenesis. Methods Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression levels of several genes. CCK-8, flow cytometry (FCM) and colony formation assays were used to examine cell proliferation, the cell cycle and colony formation ability. RNA-sequencing analysis was used to study the molecular mechanism of PADI3 in tumorigenesis. A truncation mutation experiment was performed to determine the key functional domain of PADI3. Results PADI3 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation and led to G1 phase arrest in both HCT116 (originating from primary colon cancer) and LoVo (originating from metastatic tumor nodules of colon cancer) cells. PADI3-expressing HCT116 cells had a lower tumor formation rate and produced smaller tumors than control cells. PADI3 significantly decreased Sirtuin2 (Sirt2) and Snail expression and AKT phosphorylation and increased p21 expression, and Sirt2 overexpression partly reversed the effects induced by PADI3 overexpression. Immunocytochemistry showed that PADI3 is mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Truncation mutation experiments showed that the C-domain is the key domain involved in the antitumor activity of PADI3. Conclusions PADI3 suppresses Snail expression and AKT phosphorylation and promotes p21 expression by downregulating Sirt2 expression in the cytoplasm, and the C-domain is the key domain for its antitumor activity.
Technical advances in NK cell-based cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Fang Fang , Wang Wei , Chen Minhua , Tian Zhigang , Xiao Weihua
Published: June 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising future for tumor immunotherapy because of their unique biological functions and characteristics. This review focuses on technical advances in NK cell-based cellular immunotherapy and summarizes the developments of recent years in cell sources, genetic modification, manufacturing systems, clinical programs, and outcomes. Future prospects and challenges in NK cell immunotherapy are also discussed, including off-the-shelf NK cell exploitation, automatic and closed manufacturing systems, cryopreservation, and therapies involving regulatory checkpoints.
Crucial role of Anxa2 in cancer progression: highlights on its novel regulatory mechanism
Authors: Wang Tong , Wang Zhiyong , Niu Ruifang , Wang Liang
Published: June 2022

Anxa2 is the most studied member of the calcium-mediated phospholipid-binding protein family annexins and is a biomarker in cancers. In this review, we listed clinical findings and confirmed the value of Anxa2 in early diagnosis and prognostic prediction due to its overexpression and adverse effect on the outcome in most tumors. Anxa2 plays a pivotal role in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Improved understanding of its cancer-promoting function might make it an ideal target for cancer therapy. Here, we systematically summarized the mechanism of Anxa2 in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cytoskeleton dynamicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immunology by using various tumor models. These data emphasize the potential of Anxa2 for targeted intervention in tumors. Altering Anxa2 expression, neutralizing the cell surface Anxa2, or inhibiting its activation, such as through Tyr23 phosphorylation, could be considered based on the regulatory mechanism of Anxa2 in tumor progression.
Low-frequency HIFU induced cancer immunotherapy: tempting challenges and potential opportunities
Authors: Shi Guilian , Zhong Mingchuan , Ye Fuli , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

Immunotherapy is playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of tumors. Different from the traditional direct killing or excision therapies, immunotherapy depends on autologous immunity to kill tumor cells and tissues by activating or enhancing the bodys immune system. Large numbers of recent studies suggest that low-frequency HIFU can not only enhance the intensity of the bodys anti-cancer immune response, but also improve the efficiency of immunotherapy drug delivery to strengthen the effects of tumor immunotherapy. The focused ultrasound (FUS) destructs the tumor and simultaneously generates tumor debris and tumor-associated antigens, which enhances the immunogenicity of the tumor and stimulates the immune cells, inducing the bodys immune response. Microbubbles are clinically used as a contrast. As a matter of fact, the addition of microbubbles can reinforce the destructive effect of FUS on the tumor and activate a stronger immune response. The combined application of ultrasound and microbubbles can more effectively open the blood brain barrier (BBB), which is beneficial to improving the intake of immune cells or immunotherapy drugs and exerting a positive influence in the lesion area. Currently, microbubbles and nanoparticles are commonly used as gene and drug carriers. Using ultrasound, the immune-related gene or antigen delivery itself can enhance the immune response and improve the efficacy of the immunotherapy.
The challenge of drug resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a current overview
Authors: Quiñonero Francisco , Mesas Cristina , Doello Kevin , Cabeza Laura , Perazzoli Gloria , Jimenez-Luna Cristina , Rosa Rama Ana , Melguizo Consolación , Prados Jose
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the highest mortality rates among all cancer types. Its delayed diagnosis precludes curative resection, thus most of the current therapies against PDAC are based on chemo- and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, these strategies are insufficient to improve its poor prognosis. Despite the advances made in chemotherapy (e.g. nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine), many patients with PDAC are unable to benefit from them due to the rapid development of drug resistance. Currently, more than 165 genes have been found to be implicated in drug resistance of pancreatic tumors, including different integrins, mucins, NF-κB, RAS and CXCR4. Moreover, drug resistance in PDAC is thought to be mediated by the modulation of miRNAs (e.g. miRNA-21, miRNA-145 and miRNA-155), which regulate genes that participate in cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Finally, cancer stem cells are intimately related to drug resistance in PDAC due to their ability to overexpress ABC genes -involved in drug transport-, and enzymes such as aldehyde dehydrogenases -implicated in cellular drug metabolism- and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases -involved in drug-induced DNA damage repair. Understanding the mechanisms involved in drug resistance will contribute to the development of efficient therapeutic strategies and to improve the prognosis of patients with PDAC.