bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS DETERMINING COVID-19 SEVERITY IN MALAYSIA: FROM SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Teh Bor Tsong , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Lim Noor Hashimah Hashim , Leng Pau Chung
Published: December 2022

This paper attempts to examine the factors affecting the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Malaysia. It investigates three major factors (social, economy and environment). Thirteen States and two Federal Territories of Malaysia were considered; and the data for the attributes of each major factor are derived from the official reports from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Meanwhile, the infection rate and mortality rate of COVID-19 cases were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Using non-parametric statistical approach, the several interesting results are identified. Firstly, for the social factor, we found that the percentage of non-citizens has a positive relationship with both COVID-19 infection rate and mortality rate. Further, the number of students per teacher have a positive relationship with COVID-19 infection rate. Second, in terms of the economy factor, primary industry has a negative relationship with COVID-19 infection rate. Third, in the matter of social factor, it is found that population density and percentage of high-rise residential unit are positively related with COVID-19 infection rate. The result from this study can provides an insight for policymakers to understand factors contribute on the spread and severity of COVID-19 to informing better mitigation policy and control measures.
PATHWAYS OF NEIGHBOURHOOD OBESOGENIC ENVIRONMENT DURING COVID-19: IMPACTS AND WAY FORWARD
Authors: Hashim Lim Noor Hashimah , Majid M. Rafee = , Zainol Rosilawati , Teh Bor Tsong
Published: December 2022

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, obesity is already a pandemic illness on its own. It has been a public health priority in developing countries especially Malaysia where the obesity rate in the country is one of the highest in South East Asia. Early studies have concurred that the presence of COVID-19 makes anatomising the obesity pandemic even more urgent as impaired metabolic health increase complications and mortality in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 induced movement restriction orders and related policies by the Malaysia government are believed to have altered the country’s food and physical activity environments. The paper expanded the original Neighbourhood Environment, Health Behaviours and BMI (NEHB-BMI Model) where the pathways of neighbourhood obesogenic environment that reflects COVID-19 induced changes to the constructs from the perspective of Malaysia is presented. Through the discussion, three key variables were added to the model: 1) government environment; 2) establishment/business environment; and 3) individual psychosocial factors. Exploring the impacts of COVID-19 to the obesogenic environment constructs paves way to gauging insights by allowing associations between the presented variables to be tested in future studies, especially in the South East Asian region where such studies are very limited.
DETERMINING ELDERLY-FRIENDLY FEATURES BASED ON AN AGE-FRIENDLY CITY APPROACH: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON LOCAL PERSPECTIVE IN TAIPING AND IPOH, MALAYSIA
Authors: Rashid Kushairi , Mohamed Thuraiya , Azyze Ellah Azyze Siti Norhawa , Ismail Hafiszah
Published: December 2022

The elderly come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Thus, they need strategies that can assist them in cherishing a pleasant and respected life, especially in the city. However, the state of age-friendly and elderly-friendly remains a subject for exploration, especially in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine critical elderly-friendly city features and propose quickwin strategies to adapt Malaysian cities with ageing populations. The study primarily aims to develop an age-friendly city framework consisting of key city features based on Malaysia's local perspective. Quantitative deductive research applied structured surveys as the primary research strategy. Ipoh and Taiping, two cities with the highest elderly in Malaysia, were selected for the study. The Confirmatory Factor Analyses identified 24 key features as necessary, therefore considered to form the Malaysia Cities for Ageing Population Framework (MCAP). It endeavours that the study findings can become a steppingstone to further develop an age-friendly city for the ageing population, rejuvenate the city centre through better spatial planning and utilise available city features to maximise social capital building.
HIERARCHY OF NEEDS AND SUBJECTIVE WELLBEING
Authors: Abu Bakar Aisyah
Published: December 2022

Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) are the two concepts that this paper addresses. The SWB measures used include Eudaimonic Wellbeing (EWB), Human Functioning (HF), and Satisfaction with Life (SWL). Issue: A range of human needs must be fulfilled in order to maintain SWB. However, SWB is not always dependent on the criteria that were considered significant; rather, it depends on the factors that respondents believe are most significant based on their cognitive assessments. Furthermore, people do not have to fully satisfy one need for the subsequent need to rise in the hierarchy. Purpose: In order to determine how SWB relates to the convenience and difficulty of meeting human needs, this study delves into such relationships. Method: Mann Whitney U-Tests were implemented to determine the median SWL across 24 human needs, accounting for both convenience and difficulty. These basic requirements for life are what people typically and widely strive for. Findings: SWB increased by how convenient the majority of human needs can be satisfied. The SWB did not significantly interact with some human needs, despite their being regarded vital.
THE CHALLENGES IN RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING GOVERNANCE IN SARAWAK
Authors: Edward Tuah Mark Anak , Tedong Peter Aning , Md. Dali Melasutra
Published: December 2022

Infrastructure development strategies remain an integral part of Malaysia’s rural development policies and strategies. For the state of Sarawak, rural infrastructure development still remains a challenge. By using qualitative approach, relevant government agencies involved in the rural infrastructure planning process were interviewed to gather their insight on the current practice and the challenge that they faced when planning for rural infrastructure in Sarawak. This paper explores the challenges in the rural infrastructure planning practice which needs to be tackled to improve rural infrastructure delivery. The findings shows that location is a prime challenge in the rural infrastructure delivery. While in terms of governance, lack of funding and investments, lack of coordination between stakeholders, and issues in public resistance are recurring challenges. The discussion suggest that these challenges have to be taken into account and indicates that the integration of governance through policies and institutional roles needs to be emphasize in the rural infrastructure planning practice. The results of this paper intend to promote the importance of rural infrastructure planning that enables practitioners and academics to move forward to recommend a better framework for infrastructure planning in rural settlements.
PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH ON THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY GARDENING: A STUDY OF RESIDENTS IN AN ISLAMIC ELDERLY HOME
Authors: Nordin Nikmatul Adha , Zainol Rosilawati , Ahmad Faizah , Awang Siti Nor , Razali Atikah
Published: December 2022

This study employs a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach in finding practical solutions to promote sustainable active ageing living environment for the elderly in a Muslim based elderly home – the Baitul Maab, Temerloh. The study was conducted in three sequential phases: initialization, action and reflection utilizing multiple data collection methods which included visual assessment, Focus Group Discussion, collaborative mapping and survey. During the Focus Group Discussion, several proposals were put forward by the residents. One of the proposals by the FGD participants were to have a community garden as an outlet for the residents to engage in healthy activities collectively. Based on this, a community garden called Laman Herba and Sayuran was then created by the researchers and the residents through gotong royong activities. A survey was carried out a year later to determine the usage of the garden and how it helped the community in achieving a healthy lifestyle. The findings suggest that the community garden is perceived to be able to help the residents to be healthier and that it improved their well-being. The study also suggested that elderly below 65 years old were in the age group who most benefited from having a community garden as they still have the energy and strength to do gardening activities This study concludes that community gardening is perceived to yield many benefits to elderly’s health and social well-being. However, for the garden to be efficient, it has to be equipped with the necessary infrastructure such as stools as resting place and easy-to-reach water supply.
TRIPLE HELIX MODEL IN HANDLING CHALLENGES TO THE INFORMAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Authors: Zainol Rosilawati , Roslan Faros Fadzira , Azali Nor Shahida , Rosni Nur Aulia , Wei Chang Lee
Published: December 2022

The COVID19 pandemic and the multiple phases of MCOs have caused a massive impact on informal economic activities. The operators have to transform their economic activities from physical to online platforms. However, changing the economic activity platform is not as easy as it may seem. It requires the operators to acquire new skills. Therefore, this paper intends to unleash the challenges faced by the operators in transforming their businesses from physical to online platforms. This study employs a qualitative approach to achieve the objective of this study. The main respondent in this study is the fishermen’s community. Three parties are involved in this study: the operators (fishermen and the entrepreneurs), the government, and the academia. Findings show that the triple helix model provides a positive platform for operators to continue their businesses online. The bonding between these three parties provides a new path for the informal operators to sustain their well-being and better quality of life.
REDEFINING URBAN-RURAL BOUNDARIES FROM THE DIGITAL DISPARITY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mahmoud Zakaria Alcheikh , Nordin Nikmatul Adha , Md Dali Melasutra , SH Yong Adilah , Rawashdeh Taiseer Mustafa , Mahmoud Sara Alcheikh
Published: December 2022

There is no international consensus on a comprehensive criterion to classify human settlements into urban and rural settlements. Different national criteria are used for delineating the borders between the two types of settlements. The main components of the criteria are population size, population density, population economic activity, administrative and legal and services and facilities. Whether all these criteria have been used or some of them, an outright socio-cultural and economic distinction between the two categories of settlements have developed over years around the world. The widely used virtual space during the pandemic provided people with access to facilities and services and enabled them to work for places that usually require their physical presence. The literature has not yet covered this point. Therefore, this paper aims at revisiting the classification of urban and rural areas in the COVID-19 aftermath. Through desk work and employing qualitative and quantitative research approaches, secondary data was collected from published relevant journals, reports, books, and websites. Content and comparative analysis for analysing qualitative data and content and quantitative comparative analysis and tabulation were used to carry out the research. This paper suggested that the world is in a transitional period towards full urban status. During this period, accessibility to virtual space can be used as a comprehensive criterion for calcifying human settlements into urban and rural.
Wearable Artificial Intelligence for Anxiety and Depression: Scoping Review
Authors: Abd-alrazaq Alaa , AlSaad Rawan , Aziz Sarah , Ahmed Arfan , Denecke Kerstin , Househ Mowafa , Farooq Faisal , Sheikh Javaid
Published: December 2022

Background

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental disorders worldwide. Owing to the lack of psychiatrists around the world, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into wearable devices (wearable AI) has been exploited to provide mental health services.

Objective

This review aimed to explore the features of wearable AI used for anxiety and depression to identify application areas and open research issues.

Methods

We searched 8 electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and included studies that met the inclusion criteria. Then, we checked the studies that cited the included studies and screened studies that were cited by the included studies. The study selection and data extraction were carried out by 2 reviewers independently. The extracted data were aggregated and summarized using narrative synthesis.

Results

Of the 1203 studies identified, 69 (5.74%) were included in this review. Approximately, two-thirds of the studies used wearable AI for depression, whereas the remaining studies used it for anxiety. The most frequent application of wearable AI was in diagnosing anxiety and depression; however, none of the studies used it for treatment purposes. Most studies targeted individuals aged between 18 and 65 years. The most common wearable device used in the studies was Actiwatch AW4 (Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd). Wrist-worn devices were the most common type of wearable device in the studies. The most commonly used category of data for model development was physical activity data, followed by sleep data and heart rate data. The most frequently used data set from open sources was Depresjon. The most commonly used algorithm was random forest, followed by support vector machine.

Conclusions

Wearable AI can offer great promise in providing mental health services related to anxiety and depression. Wearable AI can be used by individuals for the prescreening assessment of anxiety and depression. Further reviews are needed to statistically synthesize the studies’ results related to the performance and effectiveness of wearable AI. Given its potential, technology companies should invest more in wearable AI for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Impaired reaching adaptation links to vestibular symptoms (Preprint)
Authors: Santos Pata Diogo , San Segundo Moze Rosa , Saez Sandra , Domenech-Vadillo Esther , Carballo Leticia , Verschure Paul , Ballester Belen
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

About 30% of adults suffer from some mild to severe vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular disorders can be expressed as acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), episodic vestibular syndrome. Only half of the sufferers can compensate for their dysfunction after three months after the onset, while the other half of them become chronic, the mechanisms behind this compensation remain unclear. Several behavioural studies have explored the role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and saccades in the process, linking to the interaction between the superior colliculus and the cerebellum. Yet, despite cerebellar involvement in vestibular function and oculomotor adaptation, thus far, no studies have focused on the specific role of the cerebellum in the compensation process in vestibular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we test the hypothesis that undiagnosed cerebellar dysfunction might hinder chronic vestibulopathy sufferers from compensating and recovering.

METHODS

We recruited 19 patients who had suffered from an acute peripheral vestibular syndrome (10 clinically recovered and 9 with chronic symptoms) and ten individuals with no history of vestibular alterations (controls).

RESULTS

We assessed their implicit motor learning capacity with a visuomotor rotation task and measured by the angular aiming error, which showed an impaired implicit motor adaptation in chronic patients compared to recovered and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate the involvement of the cerebellum in vestibular compensation and suggest that implicit motor adaptation of reaching movements could be potentially used as an early prognostic tool in unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction (UPVD) patients.
Multidimensional Analysis of the Mother-to-child Transmis-sion Risk Factors in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Pregnant Women in Vietnam (Preprint)
Authors: Hoang Thi Ngoc Tram , Bui Thi Thu Huong , Pham Thi Thuy , Luong Thi Lan Anh , Doan Thi Kim Phuong , Hoang Thu Lan , Ho Cam Tu , Koerber Nina , Ho Khanh Lam , Nguyen Duc Hinh , Bauer Tanja , Protzer Ulrike , Nguyen Tien Dung
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem. The interaction between HBV and the host inflammatory response is an important factor contributing to liver damage and disease development.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the correlation between the subclinical index and PBMC(peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells) concentration in two groups of pregnant women in Vietnam (HBsAg positive), whose HBV DNA concentrations were different.

METHODS

A multidimensional analysis was performed on data collected from 80 Vietnamese pregnant women and their babies (60/80 cord blood).

RESULTS

When maternal viral load is higher than 5x107 copies/ml, the risk of being HBsAg positive in cord blood is 123% (RR=2.23 [1.48,3.36]); when viral load is lower than this baseline, the risk is de-creased by 55% (RR=0.45 [0.30,0.67]) (p<0.001). In the high-viral-load group (HBV DNA ≥ 5x107 copies/ml), there was a strong correlation between CBMCs (cord blood mononuclear cells) and serum maternal hemoglobin concentration, maternal platelets, and maternal ALT. Their R values were -0.88, 0.82, and 0.84 with p=8.97x10-3, 2.41x10-2 and 1.75x10-1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant correlation shift of the subclinical index between the two groups, which may be important in diagnosing pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Trends and patterns in cardiovascular disease mortality in China from 1987 to 2020: a serial cross-sectional analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Su Binbin , Su Yu , Zhong Panliang , Shen Xinran , Chen Chen , Tang Yi-Da , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

China has the largest number of new CVDs cases and deaths worldwide, posing huge health and economic burdens to society and families. But the trends in mortality at the national level and urban-rural and gender differences with temporal changes remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study comprehensively analyzed secular trends of national CVDs mortality statistics to inform future prevention and intervention programs in China.

METHODS

The annual estimate of CVDs mortality and its major subtypes were derived from the National Health Commission (NHC). We used Joinpoint analysis to detect the annual change trend, and the age-period-cohort model was used to estimate cohort and period effects.

RESULTS

The overall ASMR for CVDs has declined, but the total number of CVDs deaths was increasing. The rate was higher in men than women, but the trends in urban and rural areas of China showed a differentiation tendency over time. Before 2005, the ASMR in urban areas was higher than in rural areas, but after 2005, the rural mortality rates rose rapidly and surpassed urban areas. A continued decline in mortality rate from CRHDs and CDs was observed over the last three decades, while the ASMR for HHD and IHDs exhibited a trend of increase in the recent decade, especially in rural areas. The most striking cohort effect was for CRHDs, the maximum risks peaked in the generations born around 1904 and then continued to decrease across successive cohorts. But the risk of death from IHDs and HHDs has increased in recent generations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the age-standardized overall CVDs mortality has declined in China, the absolute number of CVDs cases kept increasing due to the growing elderly population. The rising mortality related to HHD and IHDs and the huge CVDs burden in rural areas should receive higher priority in managing CVDs burden and calls for targeted public health actions to reverse this trend.
Global trends of Helicobacter pylori biofilm research in the past two decades: A bibliometric study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Jinyun , Xie Jun , Liu Yang , Zeng Rong , Xie Yong
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori biofilm formation is a key factor of refractory helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to comprehend the research trends in helicobacter pylori biofilms.The aim of this study was to comprehend the research trends in helicobacter pylori biofilms.

METHODS

Web of Science Core Collection database was used to retrieve publications from 1998 to 2022. Different kinds of software, EXCEL, online bibliometric analysis platform and the VOS viewer were used to evaluate and visualize the bibliometric data.

RESULTS

There were 154 publications identified in total, and the number of publications increased annually. The China made the greatest contributions to this research field, while the journal of Helicobacter was the most productive journal. Grande rossella published the most papers, and the most productive institution was G dannunzio University. Co-occurrence network maps revealed that the keyword of “Helicobacter pylori” ranked first in research field, and the keyword of “biofilm formation” and “in vitro” began to appear in the past 3 to 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual number of publications on helicobacter pylori biofilm have grown steadily in the past two decades and will continue to grow. Future research hot spots will domain in the establishment of helicobacter pylori biofilm in vitro model and mechanism of helicobacter pylori biofilm formation.
Contactless Monitoring System Versus Gold Standard for Respiratory Rate Monitoring in Emergency Department Patients: Pilot Comparison Study (Preprint)
Authors: Goldfine Charlotte E , Oshim Md Farhan Tasnim , Chapman Brittany P , Ganesan Deepak , Rahman Tauhidur , Carreiro Stephanie P
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Respiratory rate is a crucial indicator of disease severity yet is the most neglected vital sign. Subtle changes in respiratory rate may be the first sign of clinical deterioration in a variety of disease states. Current methods of respiratory rate monitoring are labor-intensive and sensitive to motion artifacts, which often leads to inaccurate readings or underreporting; therefore, new methods of respiratory monitoring are needed. The PulsON 440 (P440; TSDR Ultra Wideband Radios and Radars) radar module is a contactless sensor that uses an ultrawideband impulse radar to detect respiratory rate. It has previously demonstrated accuracy in a laboratory setting and may be a useful alternative for contactless respiratory monitoring in clinical settings; however, it has not yet been validated in a clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to (1) compare the P440 radar module to gold standard manual respiratory rate monitoring and standard of care telemetry respiratory monitoring through transthoracic impedance plethysmography and (2) compare the P440 radar to gold standard measurements of respiratory rate in subgroups based on sex and disease state.

METHODS

This was a pilot study of adults aged 18 years or older being monitored in the emergency department. Participants were monitored with the P440 radar module for 2 hours and had gold standard (manual respiratory counting) and standard of care (telemetry) respiratory rates recorded at 15-minute intervals during that time. Respiratory rates between the P440, gold standard, and standard telemetry were compared using Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

A total of 14 participants were enrolled in the study. The P440 and gold standard Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of –0.76 (–11.16 to 9.65) and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.38 (95% CI 0.06-0.60). The P440 and gold standard had the best agreement at normal physiologic respiratory rates. There was no change in agreement between the P440 and the gold standard when grouped by admitting diagnosis or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the P440 did not have statistically significant agreement with gold standard respiratory rate monitoring, it did show a trend of increased agreement in the normal physiologic range, overestimating at low respiratory rates, and underestimating at high respiratory rates. This trend is important for adjusting future models to be able to accurately detect respiratory rates. Once validated, the contactless respiratory monitor provides a unique solution for monitoring patients in a variety of settings.
Reproductive Biology of Moonlight Gourami (Trichopodus microlepis) in U Minh Thuong and U Minh Ha National Parks
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tran , Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan , Duong Thuy Yen
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to provide information about the reproductive biology of moonlight gourami (Trichopodus microlepsis) distributed in U Minh National Parks. Fish samples were collected monthly from January to October 2019 at two locations: U Minh Ha (UMH, Ca Mau, n=462) and U Minh Thuong (UMT, Kien Giang, n=635). Results showed that the maturation-stage ratios of females were similar between the two fish populations. Mature females (with stage IV-ovaries) and the increase in their gonadal somatic index (GIS) were found from June to October, indicating that this period is their spawning season. GSI reached the highest values in August with 8.04% in UMH and 6.44% in UMT. Female fish of the UMH population showed higher average fecundity (7,483±3,008 eggs/female) and larger egg diameter (762±55 µm) than those of UMT (6,898±2,952 eggs/female and 754±43 µm, respectively), but these differences were not significant (p>0.05).
Application of socio-hydrological approach to study water-related hazards in Can Tho City
Authors: Le Van Thuy Tien , Nguyen Thanh Binh
Published: December 2022

The concept of socio-hydrology was applied in this study to explore the interaction between urban development and water-related hazards in Can Tho using both primary and secondary data. The results showed that water-related hazards tend to increase. Many drivers are identified including both social and hydrological. The trend of water level at Can Tho station (mid-stream) in the last 20 years has a positive relationship with down-stream (Dai Ngai station), and a negative relationship with up-stream (Chau Doc station). It means that sea level rise has increasingly affected the water regime in Can Tho. Heavy short duration rainfall also contributes to urban floods. Moreover, social drivers as human behaviors and uncontrolled urban development also increase the risk. Therefore, to minimize the impacts of water-related hazards it is necessary to take into account a combination of  hard measures and soft measures. Green urban development which shows potential for improving the quality of ecosystem services and provide opportunities for urban dwellers to reconnect with nature should be promoted for disaster risk reduction.
Genetic diversity of two successive generations of selection in bighead catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) populations
Authors: Duong Thuy Yen , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tran
Published: December 2022

Selective programs associated with domestication can improve fish production but also can have an impact on broodstock’s genetic diversity. In this study, the genetic diversity of original sources (G0) from wild and cultured bighead catfish populations, as well as the two successive generations (G1 and G2) subjected to selection experiments, was assessed. G0 wild adults were collected in Ca Mau conservation area and G0 cultured fish were from a hatchery in Can Tho. The G1 fish included pure crosses and crossbreeds of G0, while G2 was the offspring of the selected G1. Fin clips from 27 to 29 individuals of each fish group were randomly sampled for genetic analysis. The amplification results using six ISSR primers showed that the genetic diversity was relatively higher in G0 (effective number of alleles Ne from 1.43 to 1.49; heterozygosity He from 0.265 to 0.290) than in G1 (Ne = 1.32±0.04; He = 0.201±0.023) and G2 (Ne = 1.34±0.04; He = 0.216±0.023). Genetic differences increased between the original populations and the descending generations. To reduce the detrimental impacts of low genetic diversity in domesticated bighead catfish in the Mekong Delta, it is recommended that broodstock in later generations should be produced in a larger...
Structural and electronic properties of hydrogen - functionalized armchair germanene nanoribbons: A first-principles study
Authors: Nguyen Duy Khanh , Nguyen Thi Hong Hue , Nguyen Thanh Tien , Vo Van On
Published: December 2022

Structural and electronic properties of armchair germanene nanoribbons functionalized by hydrogen atoms (H-AGeNR) are studied through density functional theory (DFT) method. The DFT quantities for analyzing the structural and electronic properties are fully developed through the DFT calculations, including the functionalization energy, relaxed geometric parameters, orbital- and atom-decomposed energy bands, electronic density of states, charge density, and charge density difference. Under hydrogen functionalization, the functionalization energy is achieved at -2.59 eV, and the structural parameters are slightly distorted. This provides evidence of good structural stability of the functionalized system. Besides, the very strong bonds of H-Ge are created because the electrons are transfered from Ge atoms to H adatoms, which induces hole density in the functionalized system, which is regarded as p-type doping. As a result, the π bonds of 4pz orbitals at low-lying energy are fully terminated by the strong H-Ge covalent bonds, in which the strong hybridizations of H-1s and Ge-(4s, 4px, 4py, and 4pz) orbitals have occurred at deep valence band. The termination of π bonds leads to the opened energy gap of 2.01 eV in the H-functionalized system that belongs to the p-type semiconductor. The enriched properties of the H-functionalized system identify that the H-functionalized system...
Common mistakes in pronouncing English consonant clusters: A case study of Vietnamese learners
Authors: Tran Thi Khanh Lam , Nguyen Anh Thi
Published: December 2022

Pronunciation plays a significant role in English teaching and learning around the world and this particular field has received much attention from several scholars. The study was conducted to investigate common mistakes made by Vietnamese university learners while pronouncing English consonant clusters. This is a quantitative study with the participation of 39 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. To collect data for the study, a pronunciation test was employed. The results show that the common mistakes made by the learners varied, depending on the types of consonant clusters. Specifically, clusters containing voiceless plosives led to the highest mispronunciation. There was also a tendency to simplify the complex clusters of three-consonant by deleting the first, second consonant, or in some cases, both. Accordingly, this study suggests pedagogical implications for teachers and learners in similar contexts in Vietnam in acquiring the pronunciation of English.
The antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of Elsholtzia blanda (Benth.) Benth. essential oils in Lam Dong Province, Viet Nam
Authors: Nguyen Van Ngoc , Hoang Thi Binh
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of essential oils of Elsholtzia blanda (Benth.) Benth. in Lam Dong Province, Viet Nam, and evaluate their biological activities. Essential oils obtained by hydro-distillation of the aerial parts of E. blanda were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-one constituents were identified in the oil, and the essential oil was predominantly monoterpenoid, with camphor (25.14%), camphene (22.64%), a-Pinene (11.53%), and cineole (9.89%) as the four most abundant constituents. The evaluation of antimicrobial activity using the agar wells diffusion method showed that the essential oil in all concentrations was active against the Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans), they are most sensitive and resistant to S. aureus strain.
Effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) and bhumi amla (Phyllanthus amarus Chum et Thonn) extracts on haematological parameters and oxidative stress of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings exposed to high-temperature stress
Authors: Pham Ngoc Nhu , Bui Thi Bich Hang , Nguyen Thanh Phuong , Kestemont Patrick , Do Thi Thanh Huong
Published: December 2022

Effects of guava (Psidium guajava L.) and bhumi amla (Phyllanthus amarus Chum et Thonn) on haematology and thermal stress mitigation of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) were investigated. In a 42-day trial, fish were administered 4 diets as control (without extract), 0.2% P. guajava (Pg0.2), 0.5% P. amarus (Pa0.5), and a mixture of Pg0.2 and Pa0.5 (Mix). Fish were then subjected to temperatures of 27°C, 31°C, and 35°C for another 42 days. Haematological parameters were highest at 35°C, but these parameters were not significantly different from values recorded at 31°C on day 14 post-temperature challenge. The Pg0.2 diet modified red blood cells, haematocrit, and haemoglobin (p<0.05). The lowest glucose concentration was recorded in Pg0.2 (57.4±1.34 mg/100 mL) and Mix (58.9±1.87 mg/100 mL) groups after 14 days of thermal exposure. Glucose concentration surged on the third-day post-temperature challenge, then declined, and was maintained at 35°C until the end of the experiment which was not significant if compared to those at 27°C. Pg0.2 and Mix diets significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced catalase in gill and liver after 42 days. In the case average water temperature in the Mekong Delta remains below 35°C, the feeding diets for P. hypophthalmus administered Pg0.2 or...
Identification of rose black spot pathogen in Sa Đéc city, Đồng Tháp province of Vietnam
Authors: Le Hung Cuong , Pham Thi Phuong Anh , Tran Quoc Tuan , Nguyen Dac Khoa
Published: December 2022

Black spot is one of the most destructive diseases of roses, causing premature defoliation, thus progressively weakening the plant and even leading to death. This study aimed at identifying the pathogen causing black spot on Rosa chinensis Jacq. cv. nhung (Hồng Nhung) and R. chinensis Jacq. var. minima (Hồng Tỉ Muội) in Sa Đéc city, Đồng Tháp province, Vietnam, using a combination of conidia morphology and pathogenicity tests including detached leaf and intact plant techniques. A total of 32 infected leaf samples with the black spot typical symptoms were collected from six rose cultivation areas. The morphological characterization of the conidia obtained from these samples was elliptical, hyaline, two-celled and had vacuole-like structures, similar to those produced by Diplocarpon. In pathogenicity test, the symptoms were observed on cv. nhung but not var. minima in the detached leaf technique while symptoms were observed on both cultivars in intact plants technique. These included black spots with perforated edges, aggregating into bigger patches. The infected leaves could yellow and defoliate at 21 days after inoculation. Compared to the previous pathogenic studies and description of diseases on roses, the fungal pathogen was identified as fungus Diplocarpon rosae.
Nutritional value and factors affecting milk production and milk composition from dairy sheep: A review
Authors: Nguyen Vu Quang
Published: December 2022

Sheep milk contains much higher concentrations of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins than milk from other common domestic species such as cows and goats. High nutritional value and lower allergic sensitization compared to cow milk make sheep milk an ideal source of nutrition for humans. Moreover, advantages in physicochemical characteristics also make sheep milk a very good raw material for processing, especially in cheese making. However, dairy sheep industry remains small in many regions of the world,  mostly due to restricted genetics and limited milk production. Milk yield and composition are influenced by various factors including genetic parameters, dietary nutrient composition, parity, lambing season, milking frequency, and stage of lactation. Future research on dairy sheep in different production systems especially in developing countries and new genes regulating milk production and quality need to be undertaken.
EFFECT OF SORTING AND SPACING ON THE GERMINATION OF COCONUT GROUND BED NURSERY
Authors: IBRAHIM KOLOCHE MUSA , OLANREWAJU ODUFALE OLADAPO , CHUKS ADAIGBE VICTOR , ABDULRAHMAN YAHAYA SADIQ , MUBO ADEYEMI-AJIBULU ABIMBOLA
Published: December 2022

Cultivation of coconut is deterred by unavailability of improved planting material. Reducing the quantity of un-germinated seed nuts will optimize nursery space as well as increase seedling production per cycle. The experimental design was randomized complete block with two treatments at two levels each and four replicates. Four hundred seed nuts were randomly selected while the remaining Four hundred were selected by sorting. The seed nuts were arranged in the seed beds in two treatment pattern “spaced” and “cluster” sowing methods with spacing of 30 cm by 30 cm and 5 cm by 5 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the spacing methods tested. As much as spacing is between 5 and 30 cm, the germination rate will be similar in ground bed nursery. There were differences in the germination parameters between the sorted and unsorted seed nuts. Sorting had significant effect on seed nut emergence 59.38A and 42.38B; p<0.05 for the unsorted and sorted, respectively. The number of days to emergence and germination was significant at 10% (84.50A; 72.72B), 25% (101.25A; 90.63B), and 50% (126.50A; 110.38B) for the unsorted and sorted respectively. The significant negative correlation coefficient (–0.56, p<0.05) between 50 and maximum germination (MGP) percentage indicated that sorted seed nuts attained 50% germination earlier than the unsorted ones. This will be effective in determining the duration of MGP percentage in the seed lots. Sorting before sowing is essential to ensure early germination of seed nuts and to achieve high germination percentage. It will as well save resources.
REDUCED INSECTICIDE APPLICATIONS CAN ENHANCE NATURAL ENEMIES OF BEMISIA TABACI IN COTTON
Authors: NAZIR JAVARIA , SHAKEEL MUHAMMAD ARSHAD , SALEEM MUHAMMAD ASAD , QAYYUM MIRZA ABDUL , NAZ IFFAT
Published: December 2022

Excessive amount of insecticides destroys natural enemies of cotton pests and consequently the population of whitefly flares up. The present research focused on the use of PB ropes to reduce application of insecticides and to investigate the ecological impact on Bemisia tabaci and beneficial fauna in cotton fields. Two cotton varieties (BS-15 and NIAB-878) were sown in research area of MNS University of Agriculture, Multan during 2018 on 30 acres. PB ropes dispensers (PB-ropes L®) were installed at 120/acre at pin head square stage of cotton. It was observed that application of PB ropes reduced need for insecticide applications, thus helped conservation of beneficial fauna in cotton fields throughout the season, which kept whitefly populations below EIL. Population of whitefly nymph was reduced after application (0.9/leaf-seasonal average) in PB ropes treated fields as compared to untreated check (8.1/leaf-seasonal average). Furthermore, higher population of green lacewing (4.00/plant) was observed in PB ropes treated field. It was concluded that populations of whiteflies were kept below EIL due to conservation of green lacewing. This positive effect of PB ropes is presumably due to increasing the number of cotton insect pest biological agents. This indirect effect of mating disruption (PB ropes) is of great value within the framework of IPM in cotton.
BNP AND NT-PRO BNP AS INDEPENDENT DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKERS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Vijayam Balaji , Balaji Taarika , Balaji Madhuri S , Veerasamy Seshiah , Ganesan Vinoth Kumar
Published: December 2022

The risk of developing heart failure (HF) with a reduced and preserved ejection fraction is known to increase with pre-diabetes and diabetic mellitus (DM). Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have been shown to be an important tool for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people with pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), regardless of HF characteristics. Elevated levels of NPs were associated with an increased risk of readmission for HF, all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, HF progression, and readmission due to HF, according to earlier clinical investigations. In pre-diabetes and T2DM populations, the discriminative power of NPs for CVD death and HF-related clinical events has not been established beyond conventional CVD risk variables. The purpose of the review is to gather details regarding the predictive value of circulating NPs based on pre-diabetes and established T2DM presentation. Researchers have found that HFrEF or HFpEF in T2DM patients may necessitate a change in NP cutoff values to diagnose primary HF and identify HF-related risks. The relationship between clinical outcomes and the dynamic of circulating levels of NPs in diabetics treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors has to be clarified in big clinical trials in the future.
COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCOMPOUNDS PRESENT IN LEUCAS ASPERA TO TARGET PARKINSON’S DISEASE-CAUSING ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN
Authors: MENEZES ASHTON
Published: December 2022

Objective: Parkinson’s disorder is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the world that manifests in both the motor and non-motor systems. The pathogenesis of the disorder involves alpha-synuclein in a variety of ways, and therefore, this protein can be appraised as a therapeutic target. In the present study, the bioactive phytocompounds from Leucas aspera were examined to establish their inhibitory activity against alpha-synuclein protein.
Methods: In this study, ten phytocompounds were selected from L. aspera and their efficacy to counteract Parkinson’s disease (PD)-causing alpha-synuclein was evaluated. The study was done computationally using Indian medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and therapeutics and PubChem to source information and molecular structures of the phytocompounds. Several other tools were used for pharmacological assessment of these compounds under ADME properties and ProTox-II was used for toxicity prediction.
Results: Molecular docking using PyRx and BIOVIA revealed that Baicalein and Leucasperones A were the best antagonists for 3Q25 Parkinson’s causing alpha-synuclein. Hence, these compounds can be used as potential candidates to produce drugs which help prevent PD.
Conclusion: Since ancient times, plants have been used to cure several maladies. The phytochemical Baicalein and Leucasperones A present in L. aspera, bind to disease causing alpha-synuclein, and help in disease management.
ECONOMIC THEORY OF DEEN DAYALJI: A CRITICAL STUDY FROM INDIAN NON-MATERIALISTIC APPROACH
Authors: LADDUNURI MADAN MOHAN
Published: December 2022

Deendayal Upadhyay aspired for people to be educated with bhartiya mulya or values. Only knowledge of the integral humanism of Hinduism can solve problems. Humans depend on natural resources to survive. Humanism is a fundamental part of how people treat each other and nature. The economic structure that the West has created is governed by constitutional principles that go against the laws of nature and, therefore, encourage unrest and disaster. It can be managed to get rid of it through Deendayal’s integral humanism. He said developing countries should not rush into industrialization as it would lead to poverty and unemployment. Instead, they should focus on farming until all their economic difficulties are resolved. Food grain self-inefficiency can be achieved and is required when a country plans continuously and effectively and the environment is benign. It can sometimes be detrimental to encourage industries while neglecting agriculture. He supported decentralization. This essay examines the economic theories of Deendayal Upadhyay.
Editorial. Ciencia, economía, educación y patrimonio. Reflexiones contextuales
Authors: Ulloa Hung Jorge
Published: December 2022

No necesita de un resumen.
¿Cómo se gestiona el talento humano en las mipymes de la provincia El Oro, Ecuador, para mejorar los niveles competitivos?
Authors: Carvallo Monsalve Yanary Emelina
Published: December 2022

Las mipymes son un sector importante en la economía de los países en vías de desarrollo, en Ecuador el 99,7 % de las empresas son mipymes, sin embargo, la mayoría de estas no logran ser competitivas, encontrando debilidades que conducen al cierre de estas empresas. Por medio de la gestión del recurso humano, se generan ventajas compe-titivas que conducen al logro de los objetivos empresa-riales. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar cómo se gestiona el talento humano en las mipymes de la provincia El Oro, Ecuador, para mejorar la competiti-vidad. El estudio se realizó bajo el enfoque cuantita-tivo, por medio de un análisis estadístico, desarrollado a partir del Mapa de Competitividad aplicado por el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID); la población se conformó de 1,406 mipymes de la provincia del Oro, con una muestra de 172 empresas, a las cuales se les aplicó el instrumento, considerando aspectos generales: capaci-tación y promoción del personal, cultura organizacional, salud y seguridad industrial, obteniendo como resultado la falta de gestión del talento humano en estas empresas, lo que atenta al logro de los objetivos empresariales y, con ello, a la no competitividad y crecimiento de este sector. Este aporta al proyecto de investigación de la Universidad Metropolitana, sede Machala, denominado “Propuestas de mejoras para la competitividad interna/empresarial de las mipymes de la Provincia de El Oro”, y servirá a futuras exploraciones para la generación de propuestas de mejoras, que puedan implementar para fortalecer su participación y competitividad en el mercado.
Un Discurso Inspirador
Authors: Sánchez Maríñez Julio
Published: December 2022

No necesita de un resumen.
An Overview of Application of Fuzzy Planar Graph in Orbit Positioning for Satellite
Authors: L Naveen , N Uma , R Harsavarthini K
Published: December 2022

Abstract: A graph is a convenient way of representing information involving relationship between objects. Now-a-days, Fuzzy graph plays the most important role in the research area due to its wide range of application. Fuzzy graph theory is of two subclasses, namely (i) Fuzzy multi-graph and (ii) Fuzzy planar graph. Fuzzy planar graph is a very important subclass of fuzzy graph. In this paper, the fuzzy planar graph is studied with its properties. Also in this paper, one of its application say, orbit positioning for satellites are discussed.