bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of sub-acute oral toxicity effects of Phaulopsis falcisepala C.B. Clarke (Acanthaceae) in rats
Authors: Sanusi Idris Olatunji , Oladipupo Akolade Ridwan , Alaribe Stephenie Chinwe Ama
Published: March 2023

Phaulopsis falcisepala is a herb or undershrub found in forest zone of West Africa and used for a wide range of ethnomedicinal purposes. Despite the ethnomedicinal importance of P. falcisepala, detailed data about its safety and toxicity is lacking. This study was done to evaluate sub-acute toxicity of P. falcisepala in rats. Whole plant of P. falcisepala was extracted with methanol. Wistar rats (n = 6/group) were administered orally with P. falcisepala extract at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. Control group received distilled water. Physical observations were recorded daily and weights of animals were recorded weekly. After 28 days, samples of blood, serum and vital organs were obtained for haematological, biochemical and histological evaluations. Results showed that daily oral doses of P. falcisepala extract up to 1000 mg/kg for 28-days did not cause any behavioral changes or mortality. The plant extract did not induce significant alterations in body-weights, haematological, hepatic and renal parameters and serum levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in relative weights of ovaries, testes, heart and kidneys of experimental groups compared to control group. Changes were observed in lipid profile (p < 0.05) and histology of kidneys and liver of rats treated with plant extract, particularly at highest dose, 1000 mg/kg. These findings suggest that extract of P. falcisepala could be safely applied for its medicinal properties at low to medium doses. However, sub-acute administration of doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day could pose deleterious risk to liver and kidneys.
Why the World Health Organization should reconsider long lasting insecticide nets (LLIN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) in primary mosquito/malaria control in favour of house screening
Authors: Ugwu Francis Stephen Ogbonna
Published: March 2023

Mosquitoes spread malaria parasites in closed/open environment when they feed endophagously/ exophagously. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide nets (LLIN) are control measures adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that have not led to malaria elimination. Delay in defeating mosquito/malaria is attributed to WHO’s espousal of the last line of intervention that at-risk persons often ignore. Mosquito control methods will have to change if we must make progress in this direction. This paper shows that mosquitoes must survive four barriers before successfully attacking a host in a bed net. Correspondingly, indoor hosts have four levels of defenses where mosquitoes could be challenged albeit with increasing impediments. The first line of defense consists of net-screened windows, doors and eaves which circumscribe houses-outdoor environment. At-risk persons do not resist/refuse net-screening the openings in their houses. The last defensive intervention which most at-risk persons often resist most is sleeping in bed nets. The Achilles heel of IRS and LLIN include but not limited to vector resistance to insecticides, discomfort to beneficiaries, harm to non-target organisms, inequity in supply and distribution of control materials. List of advantages attributable to LLIN use has only 7 items whereas disadvantages have 37 items. House screening has better appeal to control mosquito/malaria indoors. The WHO should replace LLIN and IRS with house screening as the primary control method. Governments in endemic regions must use legislation to drive house screening especially with the s/o channel/grip devices that is accessible, cheap, effective and sustainable
An evaluation of the hydrocarbon potentials of the gboko formation, middle benue trough, nigeria
Authors: D Akori Felix , W Mode Ayonma , Akpofure Edirin
Published: March 2023

A total of seventeen (17) rock samples   from the Albian Gboko Formation were collected from the quarry of Benue Cement Company for organic geochemical analysis, in order to evaluate its hydrocarbon potential . Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values for the samples ranges from 0.11-0.5wt%.  The rock-eval data recorded S2, hydrogen index (HI), Oxygen index (OI), Tmax, and production index (PI) of 0.04-0.11, 25-54, 50-400, 310-4610C, and 0.4-0.6, respectively. These implies that the samples has a fair to poor source rock quality with a type IV kerogen. Optical methods (R0, TAI & VKF) conducted on three selected samples of shales reveal vitrinite reflectance (R0) of 0.77%, 1.11% and 1.54%, while thermal alteration index (TAI) recorded 2.7, 3.3 and 3.7.  Kerogen fluorescence indicated weak to non fluorescence. These results infer that the sediments had evolved from oil to gas window due to severe thermal effects . This indicates their potential to generate hydrocarbon gas
Distribution of heavy metal and phytoplankton in calabar river port terminals, calabar, cross river state - nigeria.
Authors: J S Hena , J I Magagi
Published: March 2023

An aquatic ecological evaluation of Calabar River Port terminals was carried out   from February 2020 to January, 2021 with the aim of assessing seasonal variation of heavy metals and the distribution of phytoplankton. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was employed to analyze heavy metal concentration and standard procedure was use in identification of phytoplankton from three sampling stations namely Eco marine terminal, INTELS terminal and Shoreline terminals in Calabar River port. Results showed elevated levels of lead, Chromium, Mercury, Zink, Nickel and copper in all the stations beyond the NESREA recommended limits. The study also showed significant negative relationship between plankton and heavy metals. It recommends a yearly monitoring by regulatory agencies to ensure that shipping activities do not interfere with water quality at the terminals.
Pyrolytic and provenance evaluation of organic matter from the tertiary niger delta basin, nigeria: implication on hydrocarbon generation.
Authors: M U Uzoegbu , N G Obaje , B O Omang
Published: March 2023

The present work deals with evaluation of organic matter based on detailed Rock-Eval pyrolysis techniques studies to evaluate hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks by collecting twenty- nine shale samples from well cuttings in the Tertiary Formations of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The values of vitrinite reflectance (0.57–0.74%Ro) and maximum (Tmax: 420–445°C) confirmed that samples are at early maturity to matured stage enough to generate liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon. The cross-plot between hydrogen index (HI) and oxygen index (OI) atomic ratio indicates that samples were predominant in the bituminous rank and having kerogen Type III makes it suitable for hydrocarbon generation. Rock-Eval pyrolysis analysis (Types II-III and Type III kerogen) on shale samples from the Niger Delta reveals organic matter of predominantly terrestrial origin based on type III kerogen. The organic matter (OM) assemblages suggests a marine setting but dominated by terrestrial inputs likely related to fluvial processes which is function of most delta system. Based on high total organic carbon (TOC) value of 5.42wt% and Type III kerogen made the shale an excellent source rock, with gas-prone kerogen. The high OI, low total sulphur (TS) suggests terrestrially derived OM and deposition in an oxic and dysoxic shallow marine environment. In addition, HI and Tmax values describe the samples as a characteristic Type III dominant kerogen and potential to generate oil and gases while the Tmax, consistently indicate an immature to mature on the shale organic matter.
Acoustic Environmental Analysis of Public Open Spaces and Its Impact on Users
Authors: Sultana Saima , Ibne Iqbal Mian Md Jawad
Published: March 2023

Public open spaces are considered a frame of the city's life stream. Usually, park, playfield, courtyard, and city square are considered urban open spaces where people come to relax, comfort, walk, gossip, play, recreation, physical exercise, etc. Urban parks play a critical part in protecting and advancing the well-being of citizens who are frequently exposed to noise pollution and the stress of daily life. As a result, improved acoustic quality is a critical aspect of the overall comfort of urban open space. Soundscape quality analysis is progressively taking into account both the physical and aesthetic elements of a space. It is important to identify and classify the sound sources which negatively or positively affect the acoustic environment. This paper aims to analyse and understand the overall acoustic situation of urban open space. Ramna Park, Dhaka has been selected for this analysis. The study has considered the users' apparent acoustic comfort and characteristics of this park in a different zone. Determining the sound level in a different area of the park at different times considering pick and off-pick hours through the field survey. A questionnaire survey also has been performed to understand the visitor's impression of the acoustic condition. Some zone has found to be preferred by users due to the natural sound and absence of city noise. Traffic sounds came in the park with the highest level which was considered noise. As a result of a general survey and investigation, certain recommendations have been made to reduce the disagreeable sound. The study's findings are intended to improve awareness of the function of the soundscape in the establishment of urban natural quality among architects and planners, as well as assist them in soundscape arranging and planning.
A Simple Method To Fire 3 Phase Stepped Wave Bridge Inverter Using 555 Timer, Counter By JK Flip-Flop And Decoder By And Gate
Authors: Sukratu Chakraborty
Published: March 2023

With the recent trend of economy where making one system is involved with lower cost devices used to make the same, this project involves no costly microcontroller or microprocessor IC or board for firing one 3 phase inverter in 180 degree mode. Rather simple 555 timer, JK Flipflop, AND gates, diodes used for firing one Transistorised 3 phase inverter in 180 degree conduction mode. The theoretical briffing with project circuits in MULTISIM and output are given in the following content.
impacto del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales en la legislación española
Authors: Tomás Mallén Beatriz
Published: March 2023

El presente trabajo aborda la proyección del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales (PEDS) en la legislación española, teniendo en cuenta el principio de subsidiariedad, la efectividad de los derechos sociales a través de las medidas legislativas y las preocupaciones expresadas desde la Unión Europea por legislar mejor. En primer lugar, se pone el foco de atención en la visibilidad y el valor jurídico del PEDS en vista a su aplicación a nivel nacional. En segundo término, se analizan los aspectos problemáticos de las remisiones al PEDS por parte de la legislación estatal en España. A continuación, se pone el énfasis en análoga problemática bajo el ángulo de la legislación de las Comunidades Autónomas. Finalmente, se efectúan unas consideraciones sobre la utilidad y eficacia del PEDS en el marco legislativo español, tomando en consideración los estándares fundamentales sobre derechos sociales desde el punto de vista de la protección multinivel (entre otros, la Constitución Española y la Carta Social Europea).
Print or Electronic: Preferences of the New Generation of Medical and Dentistry Students
Authors:   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan, Amin Charania Sarah Amin Charania , Ara Gati ,   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan, Khalid Khan Asaad ,   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan, Sheikh Arsalan ,   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan, Devi Manisha ,   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan, Lalani Aarish ,   Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To assess the preference for print or electronic media among undergraduate students of medical and dental colleges of Karachi and to compare the students of public versus private medical and dental colleges according to the study methods they prioritize Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over a period of more than a year. At the confidence level of 95% and bound on error of 5%, a minimum sample size of 384 was calculated and sample size of 477 was finalized after allowing for a non-response rate of 24%. The convenience sampling technique was employed to select medical students. Data was collected using a structured, self- administered questionnaire in English language after a written Informed Consent was obtained from each participant. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. The quantitative variables were represented as mean and standard deviation. The qualitative variables were represented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test of significance was applied for finding any significant differences. P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Result: The mean age of n=477 students was 21+/- 2 years. Majority were MBBS students, with 53% from public institutes. We found that 52% students preferred print medium, whereas 26% students preferred screens. There was an association between public sector colleges and preferring print medium (p= 0.0001). A significant association was found between gender and method of study (p=0.0001). Age was associated with preference for print medium (p=0.02), also higher level of study was associated with preferring print medium (p=0.001). Most students prioritized books (71%) but retained better with videos (63%). Most students (56%) preferred textbooks over reference books. Dr. Najeeb's videos were the most preferred videos (75%), furthermore, the most used site was Wikipedia (48%). Internet was the top source for preparing for PBLs (50%). Conclusion: The study showed that majority students still prefer print medium and prioritize books over other methods. Students claimed that they retain best with videos and books. So, increasing the use of videos for teaching is recommended. The Pandemic has necessitated the increased use of online teaching modalities. Students should be encouraged to use more reliable websites.
Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Dentists Working in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Physical Therapy, Northwest Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, Zubair Muhammad , Khan Perviz ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Northwest Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, Ahmad Uzair ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Northwest Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, Ul Abidin Syed Zain ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Northwest Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, Ullah Shah Saeed ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Northwest Institute of Health Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan, Kazmi Abeer ,   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemical and Life Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), Mardan, Pakistan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among dentists working in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 132 dentists working in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar, Pakistan. The data was collected from four public and three private tertiary care hospitals via convenience sampling technique. A standard Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Kamath and Stothard Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Phalen’s Test were used. The data was collected and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Frequency and percentage were calculated for categorical variables and chi-square test was applied to find the association between variables. Results: A total of 132 dentists participated in this research out of whom 65 (49.2%) were males while 67 (50.8%) were females. Twenty-eight (21.2%) respondents reported the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Fifteen (11.4 %) respondents had mild pain and 13 (9.8%) had moderate pain. The participants’ ages ranged between 25 and 30 years (66.7%), and 107 (81.1%) had a working experience of less than 10 years. Ninety-one (68.9%) dentists were working for 6-8 hours per day and 57 (43.2%) of the participants had a normal body mass index (BMI) ratio. Conclusion: Dentists who work in hospitals of Peshawar appear to suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Dentists who have more hours of contact time with patients per day have increased risk of CTS symptoms but no association was found between gender and CTS symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms of CTS increased with age.
A Campaign to Improve Practices of Infection Prevention at Small Shops of Essential Items During the Time of Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors:   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Tariq Hira , Qadri Uzma ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Memon Athar Hussain ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Shaikh Shiraz ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Rabab Umm-e- Rabab ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Mazharullah Lubna ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Zaib Samina ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU), Ansari Baig Lubna ,   APPNA Institute of Public Health-Jinnah Sindh Medical University (AIPH-JSMU)
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the effect of masks distribution and awareness pamphlets on practices of social distancing and infection prevention at small shops of essential items during the time of COVID 19 Pandemic Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental study in which three cycles of observations were carried out at 120 small shops of essential items before, immediately, and two weeks after the intervention during weekdays and weekends. Interventions introduced included the distribution of masks and awareness pamphlets on physical distancing and infection prevention and an educational session with shopkeepers. The main outcome measures were practices of shopkeepers and customers related to wearing masks properly and maintenance of distance of at least three feet. The outcome indicators were compared using the Cochrane Q test. Results: Before the intervention on weekdays, only 4.1% of shops had any system of hand hygiene which increased to 19.6% immediately post intervention but reduced to 0% two weeks after the intervention. The practice of wearing a mask with nose covered increased from 13.2% before the intervention to 62.3% immediately after the intervention, however, it dropped to 30.8% two weeks after the intervention. Comparison of distance maintenance between the customers showed that none of the customers maintained three feet distance between themselves before the intervention, which improved to 9.5% immediately after the intervention but reduced to 1.8% two weeks after the intervention. Conclusion: Practices of infection prevention at small shops were found to be poor, which showed temporary improvement post-intervention. Sustained regulatory and educational measures are needed to improve the practices.
Marinegeohazards project – an early warning system in the BLACK SEA
Authors:   INSITUTE OF SPECE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGIES, Ranguelov Boyko
Published: March 2023

The general frame of the BG-ROM MARINEGEOHAZARDS Project is considered. The Project is about set-up and implementation of the key core components of a regional early-warning system for marine geohazards of risk to the Romanian-Bulgarian Black Sea costal area The main focus is on the data and informa-tion about the investigations related to the creation of the marine geo hazards early warning system. The target topics are on the earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, floods and similar natural hazards. Maps and schemas about the main hazards have been created for the Bulgaria-Romania cross border area – both in marine and coastal environment. The typology and quantification of the hazards and their dangerous elements support the key core elements selection and the infrastructure of the early warning system targeted to the population and society safety.
Fake News, discurso de ódio e populismo penal midiático, uma trilogia corrosiva à democracia constitucional brasileira
Authors: Cedro Kassandra , Rego Silva Rodrigues Lucas , Silva Erick
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo teve como propósito investigar de que maneira o fenômeno das fake news, do discurso de ódio e do populismo penal midiático, de forma entrelaçada, contribuem para a corrosão dos pilares da democracia constitucional brasileira, uma vez que são fenômenos que têm demonstrado a capacidade de influenciar o pensamento, a comunicação e comportamento da população, e, assim, fomentar uma descrença nos valores e instituições democráticas. Para tanto, fez-se necessário analisar as formas através das quais esses fatores se relacionam e de que forma produzem impactos sobre fundamentos basilares da democracia constitucional, utilizando, para isso, desde o prisma metodológico, da pesquisa bibliográfica sobre os temas centrais do trabalho, a fim de produzir um discurso racional explicativo dos resultados alcançados com a pesquisa. Para tanto, o percurso do trabalho compreendeu uma abordagem inicial da relação entre estes discursivos mobilizadores de notícias falsas, de ódio social e político, bem como do senso comum punitivista que reverbera nas mídias, com os fundamentos da democracia constitucional brasileira no ambiente do mundo digital e suas esferas públicas, para daí avançar na compreensão da influência por eles exercidas na manipulação da opinião pública. Ao final, foi possível estabelecer uma reflexão acerca da crise da democracia constitucional brasileira a partir da análise dos impactos sobre ela produzidos pelos referidos fenômenos comunicativos, com destaque para a relevância da internet e os meios de comunicação de massa aglutinação e reprodução desses fenômenos na realidade da democracia constitucional do Brasil.
The Effect of Earning Per Share, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Debt to Equity Ratio on Stock Prices (Study on Cigarette Companies Listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the Period 2015-2017)
Authors:   Fakultas Ilmu Administrasi, Universitas Pawyatan Daha Kediri, Restanti Yani Dwi , Prasetya Yanto Budi ,   Fakultas Ilmu Administrasi, Universitas Pawyatan Daha Kediri, Khasanah Lutfi Anju Muzzuhriyatul ,   Fakultas Ilmu Administrasi, Universitas Pawyatan Daha Kediri
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine partially, simultaneously and dominantly the effect of Earning Per Share (EPS), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE), Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) on Stock Prices in Cigarette Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2015-2017. The results of research processed with the SPSS programme that the Adjusted R Square value in the coefficient of determination analysis results shows a value of 0.931 or 93.1%. This shows that the four independent variables, namely Earning Per Share (EPS), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE), Debt To Equity Ratio (DER), affect the stock price variable by 93.1%. While the remaining 6.9% is influenced by other factors besides the factors proposed in this study. The simultaneous test results (F test) show a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05, meaning that Earning Per Share (EPS), Return On Assets (ROA), Return On Equity (ROE), Debt To Equity Ratio (DER), simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on stock prices in cigarette sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the period 2015-2017. Partial results (T test) show that the significance value of Earning Per Share (EPS) 0.004 < 0.05 means that EPS has a positive and significant effect on stock prices, Return On Assets (ROA) value 0.038 < 0.05 means that ROA has a positive and significant effect on stock prices, Return On Equity (ROE) value 0.049 < 0.05 means that ROE has a positive and significant effect on stock prices, Debt To Equity Ratio (DER) value 0.049 < 0.05 means that DER has a positive and significant effect on stock prices in cigarette companies.
Energy Transformation and Flow
Authors:   Illinois Institute of Technology, Clymer, NY, USA, Oldani Richard
Published: March 2023

Energy is the driving force behind everything we know and experience. To ensure its availability we seek out energy sources of every type real and imaginable. Its presence in every aspect of our lives gives us the illusion that we understand what it is. Yet every branch of science has a different description of energy that is suitable in its own area of expertise, but is not applicable in general. It may come as a surprise then that energy has properties of its own, verifiable by experiment, that are universal and extend throughout all of Nature from the tiniest particles to the heavenly bodies and life itself. When we explore the universal properties of energy we will find that they are embodied most intensely in the phenomenon of life. We conclude in these pages that any scientific theory that claims to be complete must include life.
Supply Side Liberalization and Foreign Exchange Management in Nigeria
Authors:   Garden City Premier Business School, Plot 13 Herbert Macaulay Street, Old G.R.A, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Orji Jonah O
Published: March 2023

The daunting challenge of foreign exchange control in Nigeria has remained a burdensome economic issue to deal with economic management. Virtually in every socio-political debate, the exchange rate management is yet to be a resolved paradigm. This study empirically examined the supply side liberalization as proxy of personal diaspora remittance and exchange rate management in Nigeria. Technique of Vector Autoregression (VAR) was employed to examine the direction of shocks arising from the exchange movement with respect to diaspora remittances (REMIT), and foreign direct investment (FDI). The findings showed that, growth of remittance results in exchange rate appreciation when pass through official channel, and vice versa. While, controlling for FDI, exchange rate movement improves with growth of FDI in the short run, and decreases due to improper capital control mechanism. Policy recommendation has it that: The Nigerian Monetary Authority should harmonize the dual exchange rate aimed at maximizing the gains of capital control and achieve domestic monetary policy success; Government should implement friendly tax policies, zero charges and lowered administrative bottlenecks to clearing personal diaspora remittance inflow aimed at minimizing diversion of foreign capital into unofficial route.
Hubungan antara Strategi Pengajaran Guru dan Autonomi Pelajar Terhadap Kesediaan Pembelajaran Terarah Kendiri
Authors: Unding Iesha Rina Bawang , Mydin Kutty Faridah Bin
Published: March 2023

Pembelajaran terarah kendiri adalah kemahiran penting terutamanya di peringkat prauniversiti. Pelajar perlu mengambil alih lebih kawalan dan tanggungjawab ke atas proses pembelajaran mereka. Oleh itu, kajian kuantitatif berbentuk tinjauan ini adalah bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tahap kesediaan pembelajaran terarah kendiri (PTK) pelajar serta menentukan hubungan di antara strategi pengajaran guru dan autonomi pelajar terhadap kesediaan pembelajaran terarah kendiri (PTK) pelajar Tingkatan Enam Atas di Bintulu, Sarawak. Kajian ini dijalankan di empat buah Sekolah Menengah di Bintulu yang melibatkan seramai 180 orang pelajar Tingkatan Enam Atas berumur 18 hingga 20 tahun. Kajian ini menggunakan instrumen soal selidik yang diadaptasi, disahkan pakar penilai dan memiliki kebolehpercayaan yang baik. Data kajian ini dianalisis secara deskriptif untuk mengenal pasti tahap kesediaan pembelajaran terarah kendiri (PTK) pelajar dan inferensi iaitu menggunakan Korelasi Pearson bagi menguji hipotesis kajian. Keputusan kajian mengesahkan kesediaan pembelajaran terarah kendiri pelajar (M=3.86, SD=0.610) berada pada tahap tinggi. Di samping itu, didapati terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara strategi pengajaran guru (r=0.503, p=0.001), dan autonomi pelajar (r=0.766, p=0.001) dengan kesediaan pembelajaran terarah kendiri (PTK) pelajar. Kajian ini mengesyorkan agar guru merancang pengajaran dan pembelajaran dengan menerapkan dan meningkatkan kemahiran pembelajaran terarah kendiri yang baik dalam diri pelajar.
The Emergence and Development of Top-Shaped Jars in Top-Shaped Pottery Culture
Authors:   The Pusan Archaeological Society, Oh Kang Won
Published: March 2023

A top-shaped jar is a artifact representing top-shaped pottery culture. The top-shaped jar is classified into 7 types(A to G types) and 13 styles[(AI style(Seokgyo-ri style), AII style(Pyodae No. 32 style), BI style(Sinheung-dong style), BII style(Namgyeong style), CI style(Chimchon style), CII style(Seoktan-ri style), CIII (Pyodae fourth layer style), DI style(Pyodae second layer style), DII style(Juam-ri style), EI style(Pyodae first layer style), EII style(Juam-ri style), FI style(Masan-ri style), and FII style(Goyeon-ri style)], depending on differences in overall pottery shapes and in the location and detailed attribute of the maximum body diameter. In addition, there is a flat base-similar top-shaped jar which has a vessel mouth similar to a top-shaped jar while the bottom is a flat base. This type of pottery is classified into 4 types (A to D types) and 6 styles according to a pottery shape and a detailed attribute. As the group living in the middle and lower streams of the Daedonggang River functionally improved the ring base plain coarse jar at the end of Gungsan culture in the 12th to 11th century B.C., the AI style of the top-shaped jar emerged. In the mid-9th to early-8th century B.C., AI style was differentiated into B type and CI style, and B type into D type and E type, and then the type gradually changed. In this sense, it is possible to set A type as the emergence pottery and initial types, B to D types as the development and former types, and E to F types, which changes are clearly identified in the double-rimmed vessel mouth and pottery shape, as the latter and transform types. In the case of top-shaped jars, in the early 8th to 7th century B.C., a flat base-similar top-shaped jar emerged under the influence of the Liaodong region, and at the end of that period, it is confirmed that there existed some potteries with significant changes observed.
Livelihood Style of Bronze Age in Northeast Asia (vol. 1): Focusing on the Korean Peninsula, Liaoning Province, and Jilin Province
Authors:   The Pusan Archaeological Society, Kim Dong Il
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to identify the livelihood style of Northeast Asia. Thus, livelihood studies of Liaoning province, Jilin province, and the Korean Peninsula were listed, and based on this list, the livelihood style has been reconstructed. At the center of the study are plant remains and animal remains. According to the analysis, Liaoning province and Jilin province focused mainly on the agricultural and livestock industry, but not much on hunting. When it comes to agriculture, not only rice but also foxtail millet and proso millet were cultivated, which continues to Iron Age. Livestock industry was primarily about raising cattle, pigs, and dogs, and sheep were secured from interacting with nomads. Yet the number of sheep was relatively less than that of the other livestock animals. Meanwhile, it is estimated that wild fruits and grains were gathered to ensure nutrition and provisions. The fishing and shell gathering of Liaoning province were centralized in the Bohai Bay, while in Jilin province, those were centering around the river of the inland. Also, storage pits existed to keep the spare food. Despite the shortage of data from North Korea, Liaoning province and Jilin province are right beside the Korean peninsula, and therefore it is concluded that there cannot be a significant difference of livelihood style between the north and south of the Amnok River. For this reason, it is estimated that there is a high possibility of excavating livelihood resources in North Korea, which are unknown yet to South Korea. Although there are differences within the Korean peninsula, limiting only to the northern parts of the Korean Peninsula, this northern part and Liaoning province gradually came to have similar livelihood style. In conclusion, through these studies, Mandolin-shaped Bronze Dagger culture and livelihood style of Ancient Joseon could be understood, as well as the unrecorded livelihood style of the inhabitants in the Korean Peninsula and Northeastern China in Bronze Age. Furthermore, the society of that era can clearly be interpreted.
Learning Satisfaction on Practical Teaching Methodologies among Nursing Students of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
Authors: Abdullah Sharifah Shafinaz Sh , Zaini Noor Hanita , Ibrahim Mas Syahida , Mohd Daud Nurain Nabila
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Practical skills are vital for undergraduate nursing students. The attainment of skills depends largely on the methodology used in the teaching. The study was to determine the satisfaction level towards the two teaching methods during a practical session namely the didactic and videotape methods. Method: This study was conducted among 243 nursing students at University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) using the convenience sampling method. A cross-sectional study design was applied to assess the students’ satisfaction level with the teaching methods during the practical session. Additionally, the study was to compare the satisfaction level of two tertiary education groups, namely Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing students using the Satisfaction Teaching Methodology questionnaire. Result: The findings showed that the overall mean of students’ satisfaction was 3.93±0.43 for the didactic method and 2.14 ±0.12 for the videotape method, indicating that all nursing students (n=243) were satisfied with the didactic teaching method used during the practical sessions. Moreover, the two tertiary education groups, namely, the Diploma and Degree level Nursing students did not show a significant difference in the satisfaction level of didactic teaching (p value=0.76). Hence, 90% of students preferred didactic teaching for their practical sessions rather than videotaped demonstrations. Conclusion: The findings suggest that each practice session should begin with didactic teaching to enhance immediate learning absorption and be followed by video demonstration as a teaching aid for retention of knowledge and memory retrieval.
Postpartum Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) Changes among Exclusive Breastfeeding and Non-Exclusively Breastfeeding Mothers of 6-Months Postpartum
Authors: Mohd Zawahid Balqis Sofeyya , Muniandy Naleena Devi , Ahmad Shuhaimi Farhanah
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Failure to return to pre-pregnancy weight after pregnancy may be one of the contributing factors to obesity that might impact women’s health in the long term. The main objective of this study was to observe and compare postpartum body weight and BMI changes between exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding mothers of 6-months postpartum. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted online via Google form related to breastfeeding practises of mothers in Malaysia that were recruited via simple random sampling. Invitation to fill in the form was distributed via identified breastfeeding support group on the social media platform . The participants’ pre-pregnancy and 6-months postpartum weight were self-reported, meanwhile the participants’ 1-month postpartum weight were recorded based on antenatal book record. All variables were described using Descriptive analyses. Independent T-test was used to assess the difference in weight and BMI changes between exclusively and non-exclusively breastfed mothers. Result: A total of 116 mothers were included based on the selection criteria using simple random sampling across Malaysia. 70% of the participants in this study practised exclusive breastfeeding (n = 81). Exclusively breastfeeding mothers showed decreasing postpartum weight (-1.04 ± 4.66 kg) changes whilst non-exclusively breastfeeding mothers of 6-months postpartum showed an increasing pattern (0.32 ± 4.25 kg). However, there was no significant difference in postpartum weight and BMI changes between these two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study found no significant difference in postpartum body weight and BMI changes in exclusively breastfed and non-exclusively breastfeed mothers at 6-months postpartum.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Breast Self-Examination Among Female Health Sciences Final Year Students
Authors: Muhsin Mirfat , Mohamad Yamin Lyana Shahirah
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the procedures used to identify breast cancer. It is a straightforward, low-cost, and non-invasive procedure that allows women to inspect their breasts to discover suspicious lumps regularly. Health Sciences students should have sufficient knowledge and good practice to serve as role models and future instructors to the public. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE among female Health Sciences final-year students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 205 students. Results: 42% of students performed BSE monthly, 74% had good knowledge, and 99% had positive attitudes. Programme course (p=0.001) and BSE included in the curriculum (p=0.008) were significantly related to the level of BSE knowledge of students. While the practice of BSE was significantly related to age (p=0.031) and BSE is included in the curriculum (p=0.002). Students agreed that lack of technical knowledge is the main reason they did not perform the BSE. The practice of BSE among the female final year students is inadequate despite most of them having good knowledge and attitude towards BSE. Conclusion: The findings suggested the necessity to strengthen the dissemination of BSE knowledge in public health education and teaching-learning programmes for university students.
The Dual-Task Effects of Conversating While Walking on Gait Spatiotemporal Parameters in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Latir Aliff , Justine Maria , van Deursen Robert
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Conversating during walking is an everyday multitask activity, if compromised may lead to gait instability or a fall. This study aims to examine the dual tasking effects of conversating while walking on gait performance conducted in a virtual reality environment. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited thirty healthy individuals (27.3 ± 5.7 years, 23 males) through a purposive sampling method. They completed two sessions of three-minute tasks on an instrumented dual-belt treadmill: silent walking (ST) and conversational dual-tasking (DTC) in a Real-Time Gait Analysis Lab, Cardiff University. The gait speed, stride length, and step width between ST and DTC were compared using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA), with a p-value of 0.05. Results: The results of this study showed a significant (Cond x phase) interaction effect on gait speed, stride length, and step width (p<0.05), respectively. In contrast, no significant (Cond) main effect was found on any gait parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: Conversating while walking may influence gait performance, possibly through the extrinsic focus of attentiveness in healthy adults.
The Etiology and Pattern of Low Vision Patients in UiTM
Authors: Ibrahim Wan Nur Amirah , Razif Nurul Syuhadah
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Rehabilitation services for low vision patients are important to provide training of residual vision. This study reviewed the causes of visual impairment and low vision aids prescribed at the UiTM Low Vision Clinic. This study also assessed their visual improvement after prescribing low vision aids. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the UiTM Low Vision Clinic from January 2016 to January 2022. Results: A total of 113 low vision patients aged between 7 and 88 years old, with a mean age of 49.17±23.06 years old, were involved in this study. Half of the patients had visual acuity of less than 6/18 and is classified as moderate visual impairment. The leading causes of visual impairment were cataracts (61.1%), diabetic retinopathy (5.6%), chorioretinitis (5.6%), Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (5.6%), Ocular Albinism (5.6%), Retinitis Pigmentosa (5.6%), nystagmus (5.6%), and keratoconus (5.6%). Less than half of the patients were prescribed low vision aids (44.4%), and the remaining patients (55.6%) were referred to an ophthalmologist. Post-intervention, 87.5% of patients showed improvement in visual acuity with low vision aids. Conclusion: Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairments in the UiTM Low Vision Clinic. The improvement in visual acuity can be seen in a majority of the patients prescribed with low vision aids. Hence, low vision aids are beneficial for low vision patients to improve their quality of life, especially in performing daily tasks.
Balance Performance and Motor Function After Inpatient Rehabilitation: a Retrospective Study in Post-stroke Individuals
Authors: Wahid Wahida , Chung Tze Yang , Manaf Haidzir
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Early and intensive rehabilitation programs has been consistently shown to effectively improve post-stroke individuals’ physical functions. Therefore, this study aims to i) examine the effect of an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program on balance performance and motor function and ii) determine whether age and length of hospital stay are associated with balance performance and motor function in post-stroke individuals. Methods: Data of post-stroke individuals who were admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Ward, University Malaya Medical Centre, from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data such as gender, diagnosis, length of stay (LOS) and both admission and prior to discharge Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) scores were gathered from the medical records. Results: A total of 55 individuals meet the study criteria. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 51.0 ± 6.2 years and the range of LOS was between 2 – 8 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in BBS (p = 0.001), and MAS (p = 0.001) following the rehabilitation program. There was a moderate, positive correlation between the changes in BBS and MAS (r = 0.595, p = 0.001). There was a low, positive association between LOS and changes in MAS score (r = .381, p = .004). No significant association between age and both BBS and MAS (both p > .05). Furthermore, there is no significant correlation between BBS and LOS (p >.05). Conclusion: Post-stroke individuals improved balance performance and motor function after an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program.
Effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Group Education in Improving Quality of Life, Physical Performance and Back Extensor Muscle Strength among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis
Authors: Chua Siew Kuan , Chua Yin Yian , Ajit Singh Devinder Kaur , Mokhtar Sabarul Afian
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Menopause associated symptoms may interrupt daily activities and wellbeing among postmenopausal women. Decline in muscle strength and bone mineral density may lead to bone fragility, increase osteoporotic fracture risk, decrease functional performance and quality of life (QOL) among postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 8-weeks physiotherapeutic education (an education session and home-based exercise) on back extensor muscle (BEM) strength, physical performance, balance and QOL in postmenopausal women. Methods: A single blinded, two-arm pilot randomize clinical trial consisting of 30 postmenopausal women with mean age of 68.90 (SD = 8.44) years were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Experimental group received a group education and performed 8-weeks of home-based exercises. Participants in experimental group recorded exercises performed in their exercise diaries and a physiotherapist monitored their progress through phone calls every two weeks. Control group maintained their daily routine. Assessments were performed at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention for quality of life (QOL), physical performance, BEM strength, handgrip muscle strength and balance using Euro-EQ5D Questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, prone trunk extension test with a load cell, hand-held dynamometer and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, respectively. Results: The adherence of exercise in experimental group was 86.67%. Mixed model ANOVA analysis showed that there was an interaction effect for BEM strength (p < 0.01). Specifically, the self-perceived health status (EQVAS), EQ5D health Utility index, SPPB and ABC scale had more improvements from pre to post test (all p < 0.05) among experimental compared to control group. Conclusion: Physiotherapeutic education (a group education combined with 8-weeks of therapeutic home-based exercises) provides an effective means to improve BEM strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women.
Optimum Temperature and Salinity Conditions for Growth, Lipid Contents, and Fatty Acids Composition of Centric Diatoms Chaetoceros Calcitrans and Thaassiosira Weissflogii
Authors: Ahmed Sas Ahmed Awadh , Arshad Aziz , Kumar Das Simon , Nyun Pau Suriyanti Su , Che Cob Zaidi
Published: March 2023

Microalgae are very important organisms as primary producers and have a wide range of applications in areas such as aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, biofuels, and others. In this study, the effect of temperature and salinity on growth, biomass, proximate composition, and lipid production of Chaetoceros calcitrans (Paulsen) and Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow) were investigated. The best growth rate (SGR) and highest biomass production were observed at 30°C and 30 ppt for C. calcitrans and at 30°C and 25 ppt for T. weissflogii. At these optimum temperature and salinity combinations, the maximum cell density was accomplished by day 12 for C. calcitrans (6.74 × 106 cells ml˗1) and by day 10 for T. weissflogii (3.45 × 106 cells ml˗1). The proximate composition during this period was 38.25 ± 0.99% protein, 16.96 ± 0.90% lipid, and 9.39 ± 0.59% carbohydrate in C. calcitrans, compared to 13.49 ± 0.28% protein, 10.43% ± 0.25% lipid and 16.49 ± 0.47% carbohydrate in T. weissflogii. Furthermore, over 35% of lipids in C. calcitrans were palmitic acid (C16), while in T. weissflogii, over 24% of lipids were myristic acid (C14). Although C. calcitrans exhibited higher lipid content than T. weissflogii, both species displayed higher levels of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFAs) fatty acids and low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The findings illustrated that under their optimum temperature and salinity combinations, both species might produce significant sources of lipids, which can be utilised in various activities such as aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, biofuels and others.