bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mere Theological Garb? A Reply to Thomas Osborne, Jr.'s Thomas Aquinas on Virtue
Authors: Anderson Justin M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This overview of Thomas Osborne's Thomas Aquinas on Virtue opens by seeking to establish the context and relevance of the project, especially considering developments in contemporary analytic practical philosophy. Following a precis of the six chapters of Osborne's text, indicating some of the highlights of each, I close by hazarding a few evaluative comments especially around some of the questions that the book helpfully provokes about the limits of philosophical and theological inquiry in Aquinas's understanding of virtue.
Thomas Aquinas on Virtue: Directions for Future Inquiry
Authors: Osborne Thomas M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This article is a reflection in response to reviews of my book, Thomas Aquinas on Virtue . I suggest that Thomas's philosophy, especially as contained in the Summa theologiae , is simply the part of natural knowledge, scientific in the Aristotelian sense, that is needed for theology, and that this natural knowledge might be supplemented with what we have learned from the contemporary sciences. Moreover, new editions of historically significant texts allow us to better understand Thomas's philosophical and theological achievements. Finally, Thomas's account of virtue could be enriched through responding to problems raised in our contemporary cultural context and incorporating aspects of non-Western traditions of philosophical enquiry, such as Confucianism.
Impacts of climate change on human health in humanitarian settings: Evidence gaps and future research needs
Authors: McIver Lachlan , Beavon Emma , Malm Alexandra , Awad Amr , Uyen Angela , Devine Carol , Voûte Caroline , Tremblay Léo , Baxter Louisa , Dewez Juan Emmanuel , Guevara Maria , Rull Monica
Published: March 2024

This mixed-methods study focuses on the evidence of the health impacts of climate change on populations affected by humanitarian crises, presented from the perspective of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)–the world’s largest emergency humanitarian medical organisation. The Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was used as the basis of a narrative review, with evidence gaps highlighted and additional literature identified relevant to climate-sensitive diseases and health problems under-reported in–or absent from–the latest IPCC report. An internal survey of MSF headquarters staff was also undertaken to evaluate the perceived frequency and severity of such problems in settings where MSF works. The findings of the survey demonstrate some discrepancies between the health problems that appear most prominently in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report and those that are most relevant to humanitarian settings. These findings should be used to guide the direction of future research, evidence-based adaptations and mitigation efforts to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on the health of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Real-time prognostic biomarkers for predicting in-hospital mortality and cardiac complications in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Omar Rawan , Tavolacci Sooyun Caroline , Liou Lathan , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Broza Yoav Y. , Haick Hossam
Published: March 2024

Hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are highly susceptible to in-hospital mortality and cardiac complications such as atrial arrhythmias (AA). However, the utilization of biomarkers such as potassium, B-type natriuretic peptide, albumin, and others for diagnosis or the prediction of in-hospital mortality and cardiac complications has not been well established. The study aims to investigate whether biomarkers can be utilized to predict mortality and cardiac complications among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Data were collected from 6,927 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021 at one quaternary (Henry Ford Health) and five community hospital registries (Trinity Health Systems). A multivariable logistic regression prediction model was derived using a random sample of 70% for derivation and 30% for validation. Serum values, demographic variables, and comorbidities were used as input predictors. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was onset of AA. The associations between predictor variables and outcomes are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Discrimination was assessed using area under ROC curve (AUC). Calibration was assessed using Brier score. The model predicted in-hospital mortality with an AUC of 90% [95% CI: 88%, 92%]. In addition, potassium showed promise as an independent prognostic biomarker that predicted both in-hospital mortality, with an AUC of 71.51% [95% Cl: 69.51%, 73.50%], and AA with AUC of 63.6% [95% Cl: 58.86%, 68.34%]. Within the test cohort, an increase of 1 mEq/L potassium was associated with an in-hospital mortality risk of 1.40 [95% CI: 1.14, 1.73] and a risk of new onset of AA of 1.55 [95% CI: 1.25, 1.93]. This cross-sectional study suggests that biomarkers can be used as prognostic variables for in-hospital mortality and onset of AA among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of serological rk-39 test for visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getnet Mihret , Minaye Dejen Addisu , Abebaw Dessie , Fentahun Getachew Gedefaw , Birhanu Emebet
Published: March 2024

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a vector-borne tropical disease caused by a group of intracellular hemoflagellate protozoa belonging to the family of Trypanosomatide and the genus Leishmania. The disease is distributed around the world and transmitted via the bite of infected female Phlebotomine sandflies, and there is variation in the diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled global sensitivity and specificity of the rk-39 test and to evaluate if there is a difference between the different parts of the world.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted on the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy. After setting eligibility criteria, literature was searched in four databases and one searching engine. Articles were screened, critically appraised, and extracted independently by two reviewers, and any disagreements were resolved with the involvement of a third person. The quality of the included studies had been assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS 2) tool. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were determined by bivariate random effect analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by Higgins’s I2, and when it was present, mitigation was conducted by using sensitivity analysis.

Result

A total of 409 studies were identified, and finally 18 articles were eligible for the review with a total sample size of 5, 253. The bivariate random effect meta-analysis of the 7 diagnostic accuracy studies showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.89 (0.76–0.95) and specificity of 0.86 (0.72–0.94). The +LR was 6.32 (95% CI: 2.85–14.02), the–LR was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.06–0.30), and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 47.8 (95% CI: 11.3–203.2). Abdel-Latif (2018) was both an outlier and influential for sensitivity, and Walter (2011) was both an outlier and influential for specificity, and removing them from sensitivity and specificity, respectively, was beneficial for reducing the heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Rk-39 is found to have highly accurate measures in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Both sensitivity and specificity were found to be highly accurate in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (0.88–0.93) and a pooled specificity of 0.89 (0.85–0.91).

Ethical consideration

As we will use secondary data for the systematic review and meta-analysis, ethical concerns are not necessary.
Study on dynamic characteristics of salinized silt under cyclic loading
Authors: Wu Biao , Kou Jing Yuan , Xuan Ming Min , Li Yu , Xu Xi Yong , Yi Wen Ni
Published: March 2024

Under the repeated action of aircraft taxiing load, the subgrade plastic deformation becomes the key factor affecting the service performance of the airfields when salinized silt is used to fill the subgrade. In this study, the dynamic triaxial tests were carried out on a region in the northern part of China to study the effects of different salt contents on the dynamic characteristics of silt under cyclic loading. A prediction model for the salinized silt dynamic strength with a plastic strain of 4% as the failure criterion for the subgrade was thus proposed. It is found that with the increase of dynamic stress amplitude, the salinized silt plastic deformation transforms gradually from plastic deformation to incremental failure. The salt contents significantly influence the plastic strain and critical dynamic stress of silt. The strength of the salinized silt specimen is related to the ion concentration in the soil pores and the arrangement pattern of soil particles, as indicated by the progressive strength increase of the salinized silt at the low salt content of 1% and a further gradual decrease at high salt content.
Melatonin supplementation enhances browning suppression and improves transformation efficiency and regeneration of transgenic rough lemon plants (Citrus × jambhiri)
Authors: Mahmoud Lamiaa M. , Killiny Nabil , Dutt Manjul
Published: March 2024

Enzymatic browning poses a significant challenge that limits in vitro propagation and genetic transformation of plant tissues. This research focuses on investigating how adding antioxidant substances can suppress browning, leading to improved efficiency in transforming plant tissues using Agrobacterium and subsequent plant regeneration from rough lemon (Citrus × jambhiri). When epicotyl segments of rough lemon were exposed to Agrobacterium, they displayed excessive browning and tissue decay. This was notably different from the ‘Hamlin’ explants, which did not exhibit the same issue. The regeneration process failed completely in rough lemon explants, and they accumulated high levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which contribute to browning. To overcome these challenges, several antioxidant and osmoprotectant compounds, including lipoic acid, melatonin, glycine betaine, and proline were added to the tissue culture medium to reduce the oxidation of phenolic compounds and mitigate browning. Treating epicotyl segments with 100 or 200 μM melatonin led to a significant reduction in browning and phenolic compound accumulation. This resulted in enhanced shoot regeneration, increased transformation efficiency, and reduced tissue decay. Importantly, melatonin supplementation effectively lowered the levels of TPC and PPO in the cultured explants. Molecular and physiological analyses also confirmed the successful overexpression of the CcNHX1 transcription factor, which plays a key role in imparting tolerance to salinity stress. This study emphasizes the noteworthy impact of supplementing antioxidants in achieving successful genetic transformation and plant regeneration in rough lemon. These findings provide valuable insights for developing strategies to address enzymatic browning and enhance the effectiveness of plant tissue culture and genetic engineering methods with potential applications across diverse plant species.
A comparison of Bayesian and frequentist approaches to incorporating clinical and biological information for the prediction of response to standardized pediatric colitis therapy
Authors: Wang Zhu , Nie Jia , Song Xing , Denson Lee A. , Hyams Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2024

Background

The prospective cohort study PROTECT is the largest study in pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) with standardized treatments, providing valuable data for predicting clinical outcomes. PROTECT and previous studies have identified characteristics associated with clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to compare predictive modeling between Bayesian analysis including machine learning and frequentist analysis.

Methods

The key outcomes for this analysis were week 4, 12 and 52 corticosteroid (CS)-free remission following standardized treatment from diagnosis. We developed predictive modeling with multivariable Bayesian logistic regression (BLR), Bayesian additive regression trees (BART) and frequentist logistic regression (FLR). The effect estimate of each risk factor was estimated and compared between the BLR and FLR models. The predictive performance of the models was assessed including area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Ten-fold cross-validation was performed for internal validation of the models. The estimation contained 95% credible (or confidence) interval (CI).

Results

The statistically significant associations between the risk factors and early or late outcomes were consistent between all BLR and FLR models. The model performance was similar while BLR and BART models had narrower credible intervals of AUCs. To predict week 4 CS-free remission, the BLR model had AUC of 0.69 (95% CI 0.67–0.70), the BART model had AUC of 0.70 (0.67–0.72), and the FLR had AUC of 0.70 (0.65–0.76). To predict week 12 CS-free remission, the BLR model had AUC of 0.78 (0.77–0.79), the BART model had AUC of 0.78 (0.77–0.79), and the FLR model had AUC of 0.79 (0.74–0.83). To predict week 52 CS-free remission, the BLR model had AUC of 0.69 (0.68–0.70), the BART model had AUC of 0.69 (0.67–0.70), and the FLR model had AUC of 0.69 (0.64–0.74). The BART model identified nonlinear associations.

Conclusions

BLR and BART models had intuitive interpretation on interval estimation, better precision in estimating the AUC and can be alternatives for predicting clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with UC. BART model can estimate nonlinear nonparametric association.
Language-based EMA assessments help understand problematic alcohol consumption
Authors: Nilsson August Håkan , Schwartz Hansen Andrew , Rosenthal Richard N. , McKay James R. , Vu Huy , Cho Young-Min , Mahwish Syeda , Ganesan Adithya V. , Ungar Lyle
Published: March 2024

Background

Unhealthy alcohol consumption is a severe public health problem. But low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with high subjective well-being, possibly because alcohol is commonly consumed socially together with friends, who often are important for subjective well-being. Disentangling the health and social complexities of alcohol behavior has been difficult using traditional rating scales with cross-section designs. We aim to better understand these complexities by examining individuals’ everyday affective subjective well-being language, in addition to rating scales, and via both between- and within-person designs across multiple weeks.

Method

We used daily language and ecological momentary assessment on 908 US restaurant workers (12692 days) over two-week intervals. Participants were asked up to three times a day to “describe your current feelings”, rate their emotions, and report their alcohol behavior in the past 24 hours, including if they were drinking alone or with others.

Results

Both between and within individuals, language-based subjective well-being predicted alcohol behavior more accurately than corresponding rating scales. Individuals self-reported being happier on days when drinking more, with language characteristic of these days predominantly describing socializing with friends. Between individuals (over several weeks), subjective well-being correlated much more negatively with drinking alone (r= -.29) than it did with total drinking (r= -.10). Aligned with this, people who drank more alone generally described their feelings assad,stressedandanxiousand drinking alone days related tonervousandannoyedlanguage as well as a lower reported subjective well-being.

Conclusions

Individuals’ daily subjective well-being, as measured via language, in part, explained the social aspects of alcohol drinking. Further, being alone explained this relationship, such that drinking alone was associated with lower subjective well-being.
Chronic and immediate refined carbohydrate consumption and facial attractiveness
Authors: Visine Amandine , Durand Valérie , Guillou Léonard , Raymond Michel , Berticat Claire
Published: March 2024

The Western diet has undergone a massive switch since the second half of the 20thcentury, with the massive increase of the consumption of refined carbohydrate associated with many adverse health effects. The physiological mechanisms linked to this consumption, such as hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia, may impact non medical traits such as facial attractiveness. To explore this issue, the relationship between facial attractiveness and immediate and chronic refined carbohydrate consumption estimated by glycemic load was studied for 104 French subjects. Facial attractiveness was assessed by opposite sex raters using pictures taken two hours after a controlled breakfast. Chronic consumption was assessed considering three high glycemic risk meals: breakfast, afternoon snacking and between-meal snacking. Immediate consumption of a high glycemic breakfast decreased facial attractiveness for men and women while controlling for several control variables, including energy intake. Chronic refined carbohydrate consumption had different effects on attractiveness depending on the meal and/or the sex. Chronic refined carbohydrate consumption, estimated by the glycemic load, during the three studied meals reduced attractiveness, while a high energy intake increased it. Nevertheless, the effect was reversed for men concerning the afternoon snack, for which a high energy intake reduced attractiveness and a high glycemic load increased it. These effects were maintained when potential confounders for facial attractiveness were controlled such as age, age departure from actual age, masculinity/femininity (perceived and measured), BMI, physical activity, parental home ownership, smoking, couple status, hormonal contraceptive use (for women), and facial hairiness (for men). Results were possibly mediated by an increase in age appearance for women and a decrease in perceived masculinity for men. The physiological differences between the three meals studied and the interpretation of the results from an adaptive/maladaptive point of view in relation to our new dietary environment are discussed.
Performance evaluation of different albumin assays for the detection of analbuminemia
Authors: Zhang Yi , Abdollahi Afsoun , Andolino Chaylen , Tomoo Keigo , Foster Bailey M. , Aryal Uma K. , Henderson Gregory C.
Published: March 2024

Analbuminemia is characterized by the near absence of albumin in the plasma. Different methods are available for measuring albumin levels, but they do not necessarily agree with one another. It is a concern that analbuminemic samples could be falsely characterized due to the incorrect estimation of albumin. The objective of the work was to evaluate the performance of different assays in detecting analbuminemia. Albumin knockout (Alb-/-) mouse plasma was used to test the suitability of different albumin assays for their ability to properly characterize extreme albumin deficiency. Bromocresol green (BCG), bromocresol purple (BCP), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gel electrophoresis were tested. The LC-MS/MS assay exhibited broad coverage of the amino acid sequence of albumin and indicated 8,400-fold lower (P<0.0001) albumin expression in Alb-/- than wildtype (WT), demonstrating its suitability for identifying extreme albumin deficiency. ELISA estimated albumin at 1.5±0.1 g/dL in WT and was below the detection limit in all Alb-/- samples. Gel electrophoresis yielded consistent results with LC-MS/MS and ELISA. The BCG assay overestimated albumin with apparently appreciable albumin concentrations in Alb-/- mice, yet the assay still indicated a significant difference between genotypes (Alb-/-, 1.2±0.05 g/dL, WT, 3.7±0.1 g/dL, P<0.0001). BCP drastically overestimated albumin and could not successfully identify the known analbuminemic phenotype of Alb-/- mice. By using Alb-/- plasma as a reference material and LC-MS/MS as a reference method, ELISA and gel electrophoresis appear appropriate for identifying analbuminemia, while BCG and BCP are not suitable. It is concluded that dye-binding assays should be avoided when extreme hypoalbuminemia or analbuminemia is suspected.
Design of infiltration swales
Authors: Chin David A.
Published: March 2024

Conventional designs of infiltration swales either neglect infiltration while the swale is filling or approximate the flow in the swale as being normal instead of gradually varied. The adequacy of these approximations are elucidated, and two common design configurations for infiltration swales are considered. For swales designed to store the water-quality volume behind check dams, the retained volume can be on the order of twice the design water-quality volume depending on the magnitude of the inflow rate normalized by the infiltration rate. In a second configuration, the swale is designed to infiltrate the water-quality flow, where the limiting assumption is that the flow is normal along the infiltration length. The actual required infiltration length can be expressed as a function of the normalized bottom width, and the required infiltration length can be up to 30% longer than derived using the conventional design. Graphical relations are developed that can be used to either quantify the factor of safety of conventional designs or provide credit for in the flood-control function of infiltration swales.
Observaciones sobre IGUR III 1427
Authors: Muñoz Martínez Sandra
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo se presenta una nueva edición del poema epigráfico bilingüe (griego-latín) que Moretti catalogó como IGUR III 1427, encontrado en Roma y ya en estado fragmentario. Las lecturas propuestas, tal como se indicará a lo largo del documento, son hipotéticas y no tienen intención de ser absolutas, pues el texto conservado no supone más de una tercera parte de la inscripción original. Asimismo, se comentarán algunos aspectos relativos al posible origen del difunto, cuyo nombre no está atestiguado en el epígrafe que ha perdurado, con base en la información que se puede desprender de esta pieza en su totalidad.
Nuevo epígrafe funerario romano procedente de San Félix (Paredes, Siero, Asturias)
Authors: Ríos González Sergio , García de Castro Valdés César , Díaz García Fructuoso , Muñiz Álvarez Juan Ramón , Piñán Gargantiel Adrián , Sánchez Díaz Alejandro
Published: March 2024

Se presenta un nuevo epígrafe funerario romano procedente del lugar de San Félix (Paredes, Siero, Asturias), descubierto con ocasión de la prospección realizada para la actualización del Inventario arqueológico del Concejo de Siero (Asturias, España). La cercanía a la necrópolis tardorromana de Paredes y el hecho de haberse elaborado sobre un fragmento de elemento arquitectónico permiten aproximarse a su fecha, a caballo entre los siglos IV y V dC.
T. Nogales Basarrate (ed.), Ciudades romanas de Hispania. Cities of Roman Hispania
Authors: Santos Yanguas Juan
Published: March 2024

Reseña de la monografía Ciudades romanas de Hispania. Cities of the Roman Hispania.
Pietas, Virtus y Voluptas en la épica flavia
Authors: Romano Martín Sandra
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo se analizan dos pasajes pertenecientes a dos poetas épicos de la época flavia, Silio Itálico y Estacio (Sil. 15.18–120 y Stat. Th. 11.457–473), en los que se representan personificaciones alegóricas como personajes del relato, Virtus y Voluptas en Silio y Pietas en Estacio. El estudio consiste en descubrir cómo están construidos estos personajes, a la luz principalmente de la quellenforschung, pero intentando explicar los motivos que justifican estas adaptaciones concretas de diferentes modelos griegos y latinos.
Reflexiones a propósito de una nueva inscripción romana en territorio vascón (Santa Criz de Eslava, Navarra)
Authors: Andreu Pintado Javier
Published: March 2024

La presente nota aporta la editio prínceps de un nuevo titulus sepulchralis que viene a incrementar el ya extenso repertorio epigráfico de la ciudad vascónica, y romana, de Santa Criz de Eslava (Eslava, Navarra). Al hilo del lugar de su procedencia y de otros materiales con ella localizados se introducen algunas reflexiones sobre la economía de las ciudades vasconas en época alto-imperial romana que abundan en nuestro conocimiento de las fuentes de riqueza de la elite local de la zona.
Pesadilla de Clitemnestra en Esquilo y Sófocles
Authors: Rodríguez Fernández Guzmán
Published: March 2024

La experiencia onírica de Clitemnestra cobra una notable relevancia en las versiones trágicas del mito como elemento que propicia las libaciones ante la tumba de Agamenón, marco en el que se desarrolla el reconocimiento de sus descendientes antes de la venganza de Orestes. Sin embargo, Esquilo y Sófocles nos presentan un contenido onírico radicalmente distinto para plasmar la congoja de la soñadora asesina de su marido y anunciar la vuelta de su hijo vengador. A pesar de las diferencias entre las imágenes oníricas de Coéforas y de Electra, en ambos casos se aprecia una funcionalidad similar del elemento onírico dentro del argumento de las obras. La imbricación del sueño en el mito es patente desde Estesícoro, cuyo texto (fr. 219 PMG) parece haber condicionado en gran medida la reelaboración del relato mítico por parte de los autores trágicos.
Priapeo 68 y su parodia de los mitos griegos: algunas propuestas para el texto latino y su traducción
Authors: González Iglesias Juan Antonio
Published: March 2024

Se estudia la parodia de los mitos griegos en el Priapeo 68 como procedimiento racionalizador, más retórico que poetológico. La noción de mito se contrapone a la de verdad y a la de realidad. Se analiza la naturaleza discursiva de las palabras de Príapo en el marco teórico general de la parodia, para llegar a unos cuantos versos del Priapeo 68. Se propone que la clave paródica puede ayudar a la fijación del texto latino (en el caso de la conjetura Homeriacas), a la comprensión de alguno de sus términos (notas) o al desciframiento de algunos juegos de palabras (flos aureum/ phallós y môly/mollis). Se analizarán algunas traducciones del texto latino y se propondrán algunas otras soluciones para dar cuenta verbalmente del complejo juego paródico que caracteriza los Priapea, dentro de una línea contracultural cínica que propone una alternativa sexual a la paideia.
Seis esgrafiados sobre cerámica de mesa romana procedentes de Osca (Huesca)
Authors: Díaz Ariño Borja , Justes Floria Julia
Published: March 2024

En este trabajo se estudian cinco esgrafiados latinos y uno griego incisos post cocturam sobre cerámicas de mesa romanas (terra sigillata hispánica y engobada), recuperados en una intervención arqueológica realizada en 2014 en la calle Canellas nº 3, Huesca. Todas las piezas pueden datarse entre mediados del siglo I y comienzos del siglo II d.n.e.
Introducción
Authors: Santamaría Álvarez Marco Antonio
Published: March 2024

Introducción al dossier que incluye varios de los trabajos presentado en el congreso «Transformaciones de los mitos griegos: parodia y racionalización», celebrado en la Facultad de Letras/Letren Fakultatea de la Universidad del País  Vasco (UPV/EHU) en Vitoria-Gasteiz el 6 y 7 de julio de 2022.
Experiências periféricas em Guarulhos durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Santos Wesley Lima , Paula Liana de , Rodrigues Joana de Fatima
Published: March 2024

O artigo apresenta e discute os resultados da pesquisa “Desigualdades e vulnerabilidades na epidemia de COVID-19: monitoramento, análise e recomendações”, realizada pela Unifesp em parceria com a Fundação Tide Setubal, dos territórios de Guarulhos. Nele discutimos as especificidades dos territórios em Guarulhos, ambos no bairro dos Pimentas, focalizando a discussão sobre desigualdades, classes sociais e experiências e vivências das periferias urbanas, e os eixos analíticos constituídos para todos os territórios da pesquisa, que buscaram relacionar as desigualdades vividas e as experiências frente à pandemia.
“Colocando a Mooca na moda”
Authors: Sales Pereira Verônica , Dos Ouros Gabriel
Published: March 2024

O texto aborda a construção, pela mídia impressa, da paisagem urbana do bairro da Mooca como lugar de consumo e lazer para as classes médias, e o papel dos intermediários culturais (jornalistas, fotógrafos, publicitários, etc.) nesse processo. Analisamos a constituição das culturas de consumo e lazer pós-modernos, o seu lugar nas culturas urbanas contemporâneas e as relações entre a sociedade e a fotografia na formação de uma cultura visual. Assim, por meio da análise iconográfica e textual observa-se o protagonismo da mídia na gentrificação do antigo bairro industrial reconfigurado pela verticalização residencial.
More Innovation, Less Poverty-Stricken: A Case of Rural Youth Activism in Trenggalek, Indonesia
Authors: Dedo Ari Setiawan  , Astuti Eka Zuni Lusi
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has evoked collective anxiety among rural populations due to social restrictions that have caused disruptions to local education and industries. This article delves into the intricate social innovations undertaken by Ikatan Sedulur Trenggalek [Trenggalek Brotherhood] in its endeavors to address the multifaceted challenges of poverty amid the backdrop of pandemic. IST as a prominent constituent of Trenggalek civil society assumes a pivotal role in the realm of rural humanitarian affairs and the provision of robust health support. This empirical investigation primarily seeks to illuminate the profound social programs orchestrated by astute youth members within this fraternal association, which have emerged as indispensable responses to the escalating urgency of poverty-related predicaments stemming from the pandemic. The analysis reveals that IST, as a rural youth-led civil society initiative, has undergone innovations and adaptations during the pandemic. The results highlight some of IST's principal programs, including the creation of a digital database for local individuals in need, ambulance services, voluntary initiatives, fund-raising programs, and institutional collaborations with rural entities and local institutions. This research strives to provide scholarly insights into the indispensable contributions of rural youth activism in ameliorating the plight of poverty during the tumultuous course of pandemic.
Tissue culture of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevir.) Schultz Bip.)
Authors: Gspan Mateja , Vrtačnik Margareta , Ambrožič Dolinšek Jana , Kovač Maja , Camloh Marjana , Žel Jana
Published: March 2024

Pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium), is plant species with the highest amount of natural insecticides - pyrethrins. An in-house information sys­ tem for the development of different plant tissue cultures and marketing of their products was designed. The application of the relational information system in set­ ting up a research hypothesis of high probability is discussed. By processing the information system, plant tissue cultures' parameters were identified, selected and modified. They were tested on the plant tissue culture of Tanacetum cinerariifoli­ um. The influence of jasmonic acid on axillary shoot differentiation was studied. An inhibitory effect of jasmonic acid on shoot tissue culture differentiation was proven (100 µM, 10 µM), and a prediction method for determination of the variable optimal concentration interval was presented (between 0,5 and 4,5 µM). In addition a HPLC method was introduced for pyrethrins determination.
UV-B radiation screen and respiratory potential in phytoplankton in mountain lakes
Authors: Germ Mateja
Published: March 2024

UV-B radiation screen and the respiratory potential (terminal elec­ tron transport system - ETS activity) were investigated in phytoplankton from five mountain lakes located on an elevation gradient from 1383 m to 2150 m a.s.l.. The amount of UV absorbing compounds inphytoplankton was generally higher on the lakes from higher elevation. The increased ETS activity of phytoplankton in high­ er lakes wassuggested to reflect the energetic cost of generating the internal mech­ anisms for photoprotection.
The phenotypic plasticity of Glyceria fluitans growing over the water/land gradient
Authors: Kržič Nina , Gaberščik Alenka , Germ Mateja
Published: March 2024

The amphibious species Glyceria fluitans successfully thrives in an intermittent ecosystem Lake Cerknica, where floods alternate with dry periods. The species grows over the environmental gradient from open water to dry land. The plant's phenotypic plasticity was studied analysing anatomical, morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics in specimens from different loca­ tions. Floating leaves were thicker, having abundant aerenchyma, lower chloro­ phyll a+b contents and higher chlorophyll alb ratio. The relative amounts of total UV-B and UV-A screening compounds per leaf area were high and similar in all forms that indicated possibly saturated amounts. The measurement of fluorescence parameters revealed no disturbance in energy harvesting since the values of poten­ tial and effective photochemical efficiencies, photochemical and non-photochemi­ cal quenching were similar over the gradient.
Teaching Customer Service Principles Using the Massive Open Online Course (Moocs) Platform
Authors: Yunus Noor Azlina Mohamed , Ibrahim Norzawani , Zakaria Ibhrahim , Zainuddin Ahmad Zuhairi , Salleh Mohammad Zaim Mohd , Abd Rahim Nur Najjah
Published: March 2024

This study reviewed the effects of a developing MOOC platform for Customer Service Principles course in higher education. Essentially, the Customer Service Principles course is designed to give knowledge and exposure about the fundamental of customer service and discover how to deliver customer service efficiently across various sectors. The development of MOOC platform is believed to be a role of an interactive learning method to attract and motivates students to clearly understand and to apply this course effectively. The originality of this study is its review the MOOC platform as an interactive learning method specifically for Customer Service Principles course, something that has been unobserved by previous scholars.  This study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the effect of MOOC platform and to improve the learning activities for higher education institution.
Barriers and Challenges in Managing Textile Waste in the Circular Economy
Authors: Humaidi Norshima , Prabowo Hayu Susilo
Published: March 2024

Textile waste is one of the biggest pollution issues in the world, especially in developing countries. Malaysia is one of the examples of a country that has experienced double the amount of textile waste entering landfills every year. The resolution of this challenge hinges on the effective management of the recycling process by key stakeholders, including consumers, waste collectors, and manufacturers. Collaborative efforts in optimizing the recycling chain not only address this issue but also contribute to the advancement of sustainable practices, fostering the production of new goods and promoting the principles of the circular economy (CE).This process not only reduces new raw materials (e.g., cotton) but also reduces textile waste so that the industry is more sustainable. Therefore, this study aims to discover the barriers and challenges of managing textile waste in a circular economic environment in Malaysia. This study employed the scoping review technique to understand the concept and global issue of textile waste. This study also interviewed key informants from the industry who are involved in this business process, such as textile collectors and waste manufacturers. An attempt is made to address the challenges through a conceptual model on CE and Sustainable Consumption and Pattern (SCP) targeting material waste in the textile industry. This study is aligned with the Malaysian Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), covering three development dimensions: economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social reengineering. Thus, investigating the waste issue specifically for textile materials in the CE is crucial.
Digital Media as Medium to Create Learners’ Understanding, Knowledge Construction and Behavioral on Social Media Engagement in Teaching and Learning
Authors: Mohamed Rozita Naina , Rusli Mohd. Saifullah
Published: March 2024

In the contemporary era, digital media, facilitated by electronic devices, has transformed the way individuals connect and communicate globally. This study investigates the synergy between digital media platforms used and face-to-face teaching methods in the classroom as tools to foster learners' understanding, knowledge construction, and behavior in the realm of social media engagement. By examining the application of these techniques, the study aims to transcend traditional boundaries in higher education, exploring their impact on student interaction and resource transfer. Drawing on a literature review, focus groups, and an in-depth survey involving the Business and Management Faculty at UiTM, this empirical study utilizes collaborative learning and interactivity among students and lecturers. 96 self-administered questionnaires were collected from a sample of 150 respondents, employing a university intercept approach. The results reveal significant positive effects on social media engagement concerning learners' understanding, knowledge construction, and behavior. Additionally, socio-demographic variables such as age, education, and ethnicity play influential roles. The findings underscore the transformative potential of digital media in collaborative learning, fostering student engagement, creativity, and a dynamic, learning-oriented environment. This study contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of digital education, emphasizing the limitless possibilities for information acquisition in a digitally connected world.
Youth Unemployment and Macroeconomic Determinants in Malaysia
Authors: Ma’in Masturan , Isa Siti Sarah Mat , Mustaza Nur Fatihah Nabilah , Johanis Nur Aina Athirah Mohd
Published: March 2024

As youth unemployment has been gradually increasing over the years, it is crucial to investigate which economic indicators that significantly contributed in affecting the Malaysia’s youth unemployment rate. In this study, 30 annual data observations from 1991 until 2020 were used to investigate the empirical relationship between youth unemployment rate (YUR) and gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), inflation rate (INFR), gross domestic savings (GDS) and trade (TRD) through multiple linear regression analysis using the ordinary least square method. It is hypothesised that these selected macroeconomic determinants have an effect in influencing the Malaysia’s unemployment amongst youth. The results showed that there is positive significant relationship between youth unemployment rate and trade. Whereas, negative significant relationship was found between youth unemployment rate and the GDP as well as GDS. In contrary, there is no significant relationship exists between YUR with FDI and inflation rate.
The Effect of Inflation and Interest Rate on Consumer Spending: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Nizam Nurin Sabrina Khairul , Safian Sharulshahida Shakrein , Jamaludin Salwaty , Osman Adibah Alawiah
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to determine the exact impact of inflation, interest rate and disposable income on consumer spending in Malaysia. Although there have been few studies which explored the issue of inflation, interest rate, disposable income and consumer spending, their method, time scope and geographical location had been different. This study aims to examine the relationship of inflation (CPI), interest rate, disposable income (GDP per capita) with consumer spending in Malaysia using annual time series data from the period 1980 to 2022 and employing Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Granger Causality to test causality relationship amongst variables. The result revealed that there is a significant negative relationship between interest rate and consumer spending. However, inflation rate has an insignificant positive effect with consumer spending. Disposable income (GDP) shows a significant positive relationship on consumer spending. In addition, the findings supported Keynesian Absolute Income Hypothesis which stated that consumption positively correlates with disposable income. The study recommends the employers of labour should make an effort to periodically raise workers' wages to reflect shifts in the macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions impacting the country. Only when wages are raised in line with the nation's economic conditions will consumers be able to improve their consumption expenditures through an increase in disposable income. Policies that lower taxes should also be developed to increase consumers' disposable income.
Empowering Bumiputra SMEs Through Intellectual Capital: Lessons from a Developing Nation
Authors: Hashim Maryam Jameelah Mohd , Osman Idris , Khamis Mohd Rahim
Published: March 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the economic development of countries by contributing to the expansion of the export sector's GDP, generating a significant number of employment opportunities, and promoting the development of social infrastructure. Despite their crucial role, SMEs in Malaysia have not received sufficient attention in terms of intellectual capital research. This study aims to address this gap in the current literature by examining the intellectual capital of Bumiputra SMEs in a developing country. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of intellectual capital components on the performance of Bumiputra SMEs. The data gathering process will involve qualitative techniques, specifically NVivo-facilitated interview sessions. The insights derived from these sessions will provide SME firm owners with a comprehensive understanding of how intellectual capital influences company performance, empowering them to make informed decisions. This study relies on two firm owners as the main sources of information during the interview sessions. The findings reveal that various elements of intellectual capital, such as human capital, structural capital, customer capital, social capital, technological capital, and spiritual capital, significantly influence the commercial performance of Bumiputra SME entrepreneurs. The study's conclusions have a notable and positive impact on the theoretical and practical aspects of Bumiputra SME businesses by expanding the understanding of how intellectual capital serves as a strategic asset for SMEs and by incorporating resource-based, knowledge-based, and social capital frameworks. The decision of employing only a small number of participants was determined by limitations on time, money, and accessibility. Nevertheless, only a small number of representations can yield significant results, particularly in qualitative studies where data accuracy and breadth are crucial.
Practitioners’ Perspectives on B40 Takaful Protection
Authors: Senawi Azhan Rashid , Kamarudin Mohd Faizal , Ariffin Azitadoly Mohd , Mokhtar Mohammad Zulfakhairi , Putriani Diyah
Published: March 2024

Takaful is a form of insurance that adheres to shariah principles and has been established in Malaysia since 1984. With takaful, Muslims are protected from any ambiguous activities or transactions that are not aligned with shariah. However, participation in takaful reveals that only affluent individuals have the means to protect themselves against risks, whereas the impoverished, particularly the B40, cannot do so. The B40 refers to a specific socio-economic group in a given population in the lower-income category with an annual income below RM 4,850. No other takaful and insurance business has demonstrated a willingness to provide a system specifically designed to safeguard the B40, as observed. They have been excluded from any form of protection. Consequently, the question arose: do they possess a favorable outlook for Takaful? Hence, the SWOT analysis was employed to assess the competitiveness of the B40 market. Eleven takaful operator agency participants were randomly selected for semi-structured interviews. All the answers will be tabulated from these interviews according to the SWOT categories. This study aims to analyze the B40 market for takaful goods, identify the obstacles takaful operators face, and propose ways to increase the takaful penetration rate, focusing on the family takaful product.
Investigating the Correlation Among Social Media Marketing, Electronic Word-Of-Mouth, Celebrity Endorsements, and Consumer’s Purchase Intention of Cosmetic Products
Authors: Halid Nur Farrah Mohammad , Tajuddin Nur Akmal Ahmad , Abas Zahidatun Najah Md , Yusof Yuslina Liza Mohd
Published: March 2024

Instagram is one of the most popular and fastest-growing social commerce platforms among Gen Y, as it allows users to browse online shops by using visual interface on a mobile device. They are also used to shopping online using this platform. Most cosmetic products company adapting social media marketing by promoting products using social commerce such as and Instagram. Thus, the purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the relationship between social media marketing, electronic word of mouth, celebrity endorsement, and purchase intention on social commerce of cosmetic products in Malaysia. The unit of analysis is individual that was more likely to buy when they were exposed to social media marketing, electronic word-of-mouth, and celebrity endorsement on social commerce which was Instagram.  The descriptive statistics analysis was applied to describe the different characteristics of the respondents. The study's outcomes demonstrated a noteworthy and affirmative connection between consumers' purchase intention and social media marketing, electronic word of mouth, along with celebrity endorsement. This research centers around three pivotal variables: social media marketing, electronic word of mouth, and celebrity endorsement. The conclusions drawn from this study can serve as valuable pointers for enhancing the realm of social commerce among cosmetic product marketers. This study holds significance in its exploration of the determinants impacting consumers' purchase intent for cosmetic products. Furthermore, it furnishes cosmetic product marketers with a set of four strategic recommendations to enhance their social commerce endeavor. The recommendations encompass the utilization of customer testimonials/reviews sharing, collaboration with celebrities or influencers of diverse backgrounds, staying abreast of developments in social media, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI).
Innovation in the Malaysian Traditional Food Industry: A Conceptual Paper
Authors: Abdullah Khairunnisa Mohamad , Putit Lennora , Yulia Cica
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, Malaysia ‘s sub-sector of the agricultural commodity industry, particularly the innovative and convenient traditional food products, is expanding in tandem with increasing urbanisation and   women workforce, reduction in household size and current lifestyle changes respectively. There are a variety of products in the Malaysian market that have been created by incorporating innovation into traditional Malaysian foods. As such, this situation has led to intense competition and oversupply of products in the market, and it requires food companies to develop critical strategies for introducing innovations in traditional foods so as to be sustainable and more competitive. The aim of this paper is two-fold: firstly, to provide an overview of innovation development in the Malaysian traditional food industry. This paper reveals that, studies on innovation in Malaysian traditional food industry remains under-researched and scarce until to date.  The present study also reveals that a clear understanding of consumer perceptions, needs, and preferences, as well as a product's quality attributes, is critical when making even minor changes to traditional foods, thus leading to successful introduction of innovation in traditional foods. Besides that, sustaining consumer continuance behaviour beyond initial purchase and consumption is crucial for innovative food product success and sustained market.