bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping of Health Literacy and Social Panic Via Web Search Data During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Infodemiological Study
Authors: Xu Chenjie , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Yaogang
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a type of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus that was discovered in 2019. As of May 6, 2020, 84,407 cases and 4643 deaths have been confirmed in China. The Chinese population has expressed great concern since the COVID-19 outbreak. Meanwhile, an average of 1 billion people per day are using the Baidu search engine to find COVID-19–related health information.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to analyze web search data volumes related to COVID-19 in China.

Methods

We conducted an infodemiological study to analyze web search data volumes related to COVID-19. Using Baidu Index data, we assessed the search frequencies of specific search terms in Baidu to describe the impact of COVID-19 on public health, psychology, behaviors, lifestyles, and social policies (from February 11, 2020, to March 17, 2020).

Results

The search frequency related to COVID-19 has increased significantly since February 11th. Our heat maps demonstrate that citizens in Wuhan, Hubei Province, express more concern about COVID-19 than citizens from other cities since the outbreak first occurred in Wuhan. Wuhan citizens frequently searched for content related to “medical help,” “protective materials,” and “pandemic progress.” Web searches for “return to work” and “go back to school” have increased eight-fold compared to the previous month. Searches for content related to “closed community and remote office” have continued to rise, and searches for “remote office demand” have risen by 663% from the previous quarter. Employees who have returned to work have mainly engaged in the following web searches: “return to work and prevention measures,” “return to work guarantee policy,” and “time to return to work.” Provinces with large, educated populations (eg, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong) have been focusing on “online education” whereas medium-sized cities have been paying more attention to “online medical care.”

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that web search data may reflect changes in health literacy, social panic, and prevention and control policies in response to COVID-19.
The Status of the Arab Women in Israel: Trends, Changes and Factors
Authors: Gabaren Sara
Published: June 2020

The term “the Arab society in Israel” represents about one-fifth of the country’s population, with about 80% of the population being Muslim, 12% Christian, and 9% Druze. This is a traditional society, based on the definition of the complex family and the place of each member in this family. The roles reserved for women within this society, especially among Muslims, are domestic roles, linked to marriage and children, the maintenance of the home, and rarely leaving it (Fichtelberg, 2004). Despite the advancement of the status of women in Israel in general, and women in Arab society in particular, they are still women who are in a weakened position, who fall victim to violence within the family, including by the spouse (Zaatut & Haj-Yahia, 2016) and are in a status of women who do not work, study or are in any kind of training (NEET) (Haj-Yahya, Schnell, & Khattab, 2018). However, this situation is gradually changing. In this article, we will discuss a number of changes in the status and beliefs of Arab women in Israel, as well as known factors affecting the existing situation and the possibility of changing it.
Metapneumovirus humano: epidemiología y posibles tratamientos profilácticos
Authors: Solís-Rodríguez Marcela , Alpuche-Solís Ángel G. , Tirado-Mendoza Rocío G.
Published: June 2020

In 2001 in the Netherlands, Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was identified as a “new” etiologic agent causing acute respiratory infections in children younger than 5 years old;
however, it has also been isolated in the elderly and immunocompromised people. This virus is considered the second etiological agent in acute diseases of the respiratory tract. Currently, the estimated cost of IRAs in our country is of 9,000USD per inpatient.
hMPV is a member of the genus Metapneumovirus, family Pneumoviridae, and it belongs to the order Mononegavirales that is part of the negative single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, consisting of eight genes ordered: 3’-N-P-M-FM2-SH-G-L-5 ‘, and which encodes for 9 proteins. Of these proteins, the F fusion glycoprotein is highly conserved in the genus Metapneumovirus, and is the major antigenic determinant, and because an approved vaccine doesn’t exist, it has been used as a candidate epitope for the design of a vaccine that confers host immunity or as a therapeutic target in the creation of antiviral peptides that inhibit the fusion of the virus to its target cell and to avoid infection in subjects at high risk of contagion since there is currently none accepted by COFEPRIS as a prophylactic treatment against hMPV.
Key words: hMPV; respiratory infections; epitopes; protein F;vaccines.
Linfoma no Hodgkin tipo MALT de la glándula parótida
Authors: Vidal Beckers Cinthia Karina , Vallejo Rodríguez Deishi Myreya , García Pérez Mario Alberto , Vázquez Zamora Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2020

Lymphomas of the salivary glands are a rare entity with a rare incidence. They are more commonly found on the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular and sublingual glands. The majority of parotid lymphomas are non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and are considered to be derived from mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Reports of these cases are scarce and often misdiagnosed since: their manifestation is relatively benign, they have a localized behavior, a slow growth and the evolution takes several years.
Key words: Type MALT lymphoma; parotid gland tumor
Chinese employees' psychological empowerment and voice behavior: Organizational justice as a moderator
Authors: Wei Xueyan , Hisrich Robert D. , Peng Xin
Published: June 2020

We examined how Chinese employees' psychological empowerment and organizational justice relate to their voice behavior and how organizational justice moderates the effect of psychological empowerment on voice behavior. Participants were 236 employees of Chinese small- and medium-sized
enterprises who completed a survey to measure psychological empowerment, organizational justice, and voice behavior. Results show that psychological empowerment and organizational justice were related to, and explained the variance in, voice behavior. Moreover, organizational justice moderated
the relationship between psychological empowerment and voice behavior. Improvement of organizational justice and clarification of the importance of employees' psychological empowerment for organizational functionality and effectiveness can help promote sound voice behavior.
Evaluating participants' customer citizenship behaviors using an Internet charity platform
Authors: Du Lanying , Li Xiumei , Chen Fan , Feng Yi
Published: June 2020

We revealed the mechanism of customer citizenship behavior through an Internet charity platform by examining the validity of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). We introduced trust in, and interactivity of, the Internet charity platform to develop a model
based on the UTAUT, and conducted an online survey with 302 participants in China. The results show that performance expectancy and effort expectancy had a positive impact on reparticipation intention, which led to an increase in customer citizenship behavior, on which facilitating conditions
also had a significant positive impact. Further, trust in the Internet charity platform moderated the influence of performance expectancy and effort expectancy on reparticipation intention, and the interactivity of the Internet charity platform promoted the impact of facilitating conditions
on customer citizenship behavior. Practical implications for managers of nonprofit organizations are discussed.
Teacher online feedback and learning motivation: Learning engagement as a mediator
Authors: Pan Xiaoquan , Shao Huijuan
Published: June 2020

Teacher online feedback (TOF) through online course delivery has been identified as key to promoting and validating knowledge in online learning environments. We examined the relationships between TOF, learning motivation, and learning engagement, and the mediating role of learning
engagement in the relationship between TOF and learning motivation, using structural equation modeling and bootstrap analysis. Participants comprised 312 university students of College English courses in China. The results indicated that TOF was positively related to both learning motivation
and learning engagement. Further, the positive effect of TOF on learning motivation was partially mediated by learning engagement. Theoretical implications and practical implications for language teachers' implementation of TOF are discussed.
Entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial perseverance, and new enterprise performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Xia Lei , Han Qingjiang , Zhang Weidong
Published: June 2020

We investigated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and new enterprise performance by introducing entrepreneurial perseverance and entrepreneurial competence as mediating mechanisms. Our sample comprised 228 new enterprise owners in Wuhan, Chengdu, and Zhengzhou, in China.
The results of our empirical analysis show that entrepreneurial passion had a positive impact on new enterprise performance, and that entrepreneurial perseverance mediated this relationship. In addition, entrepreneurial competence had a positive mediating effect in the relationship between
entrepreneurial perseverance and new enterprise performance, and partially mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and new enterprise performance. That is, the stronger is an entrepreneur's competence, the stronger is the mediating effect of entrepreneurial perseverance on
the performance of their new enterprise. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of why encouraging and inspiring entrepreneurs is crucial to their success.
How perceived value of feedback influences its impact on self-efficacy
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Gumah Bernard
Published: June 2020

We tested the effect of feedback on the self-efficacy of 317 people from other countries who were teaching English in China, to establish the influence of their perceived value of feedback on the relationship between feedback seeking and receiving and self-efficacy. We used hierarchical
regression to analyze the data and found that participants' perceived value of feedback seeking had a significant positive moderating effect on their feedback seeking and self-efficacy. In addition, value perceptions played a critical role in determining behavior through feedback. A practical
implication of these results is that managers and employees should cultivate a positive feedbackseeking and receiving attitude to enhance self-regulation.
The McGurk effect in self-recognition of people with schizophrenia
Authors: Lu Hong , Pan Chaochao
Published: June 2020

The McGurk effect is a robust illusion phenomenon in the perception of speech; however, there is little research on its demonstration in nonverbal domains. Thus, we tested for the McGurk effect in the context of self-recognition. We presented a group of people with schizophrenia and
a control group of people without mental illnesses, with 2 videos accompanied by a soundtrack featuring different identity information. The first video had a matched face and voice; the other featured conflicting face–voice information. The participants judged if the voice in the video
was their own or someone else's. The results show there was a robust McGurk effect in self-recognition, which was stronger among participants with schizophrenia because of the influence of self-disorder. Further, people with schizophrenia were less accurate in voice self-recognition when there
was conflicting face–voice identity information. Thus, presenting audiovisual-consistent information is conducive to information processing for people with schizophrenia.
Síndrome de Hoffman: reporte de un caso de miopatía tiroidea
Authors: Lama Rivera Gustavo , Guzmán Adum Ivette , Flor Rodríguez Miguel , Mariani Carrera Roberto
Published: June 2020

El hipotiroidismo primario constituye el 95% de las insuficiencias tiroideas. Este se presenta con diversas manifestaciones, entre ellas la debilidad simétrica proximal e hipertrofia muscular conocida como síndrome de Hoffman. Dicha patología se reporta únicamente en el 10% de casos, por lo que realizar el diagnóstico diferencial de debilidad muscular es indispensable. A continuación se relata el caso de un paciente de 69 años que consulta por debilidad muscular proximal progresiva, mialgias, dislalia y somnolencia; durante su hospitalización fue diagnosticado con tiroiditis de Hashimoto y miopatía hipotiroidea hipertrófica del adulto.
Indicios de displasia ósea en un neonato: reporte de un caso.
Authors: Masson Pinto Ingrid de los Ángeles , Mestanza Rosero Gabriela , Naranjo Fiallos Priscilla , Mancero Merino Andrés , Camacho Merchán Cristian
Published: June 2020

Las displasias óseas son patologías que presentan una alteración del tejido óseo y constituyen la causa más frecuente de retardo de crecimiento. Hasta la actualidad se han descrito aproximadamente 450 tipos de displasias óseas. Documentamos un caso de infante de sexo masculino de 42 días de nacido que presenta rasgos dismórficos compatibles con una displasia ósea. Se realizó el estudio por imágenes para demostrar los signos radiográficos característicos de la enfermedad cuyo resultado demostró acortamiento de las extremidades. La acondroplasia presenta signos típicos como talla baja, abombamiento frontal, mano en tridente y fémur arqueado, en el caso de la hipocondroplasia los hallazgos esqueléticos son similares pero en una presentación menos severa por lo que el diagnóstico es difícil en niños por debajo de los 3 años.
Síndrome de Patau mosaico en paciente pediátrico: reporte de caso
Authors: Erazo Vaca Gabriel Alonso , Moggia Morla Dennisse Alejandra , Martínez Calero Adriana Gabriela , Cornejo Sierra Silvia Catalina , Martillo López Youmana María
Published: June 2020

La trisomía 13 o Síndrome de Patau es una entidad rara cuya incidencia varía entre 1/5000 y 1/12000 nacidos vivos, con un predominio por el sexo femenino. Ocupa el tercer lugar en frecuencia de las anepleudías y la tasa de supervivencia es baja, 3-10% en el primer año de vida, debido al compromiso del sistema nervioso central y el aparato cardiovascular (80% de los casos). La gravedad de las manifestaciones clínicas dependerá del mecanismo por el cual se produjo la trisomía: no disyunción, translocación o mosaicismo. La supervivencia en este síndrome puede ser prolongada en individuos mosaicos; sin embargo, este es un fenómeno poco frecuente que aparece aproximadamente en 5% de los casos. A continuación se expondrá el caso de una niña de 7 años de edad con síndrome de Patau diagnosticado mediante un cariotipo que muestra un mosaicismo del cromosoma 13.
Paciente con diagnóstico de esclerodermia sin esclerodactilia: reporte de caso
Authors: Batista Kushinski Osmar , Urquiola González Ernesto Roberto
Published: June 2020

Se presenta un paciente masculino de 37 años, con antecedente de alergia al polvo y los ácaros. Síntoma de disfagia de curso indolente en los últimos 5 años, asociado a intolerancia al frío en pies y manos. Semanas después de haber ingresado por sospecha de dengue comienza a sufrir de rigidez en articulaciones de ambas muñecas y los tobillos, asociado a dolores en masas musculares de antebrazos y pantorrillas; lo cual fue inicialmente identificado como un síndrome post-dengue. Entre los estudios complementarios relevantes se encuentra un factor reumatoide elevado, ANA positivo y una dermatomiositis en la biopsia de piel y músculo. Con respuesta terapéutica parcial con el uso de esteroides asociados a penicilamina y colchicina. Diagnóstico nosológico: Esclerodermia.
How effective are population health surveys for estimating prevalence of chronic conditions compared to anonymised clinical data?
Authors: Whiffen Tony , Akbari Ashley , Paget Tony , Lowe Sarah , Lyons Ronan
Published: June 2020

IntroductionPopulation health surveys are used to record person-reported outcome measures for chronic health conditions and provide a useful source of data when evaluating potential disease burdens. The reliability of survey-based prevalence estimates for chronic diseases is unclear nonetheless. This study applied methodological triangulation via a data linkage method to validate prevalence of selected chronic conditions (angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and asthma).

MethodsLinked healthcare records were used for a combined cohort of 11,323 adults from the 2013 and 2014 sweeps of the Welsh Health Survey (WHS). The approach utilised consented survey data linked to primary and secondary care electronic health record (EHR) data back to 2002 within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank.

ResultsThis descriptive study demonstrates validation of survey and clinical data using data linkage for selected chronic cardiovascular conditions and asthma with varied success. The results indicate that identifying cases for separate cardiovascular conditions was limited without specific medication codes for each condition, but more straightforward for asthma, where there was an extensive list of medications available. For asthma there was better agreement between prevalence estimates based on survey and clinical data as a result.

ConclusionWhilst the results provide external validity for the WHS as an instrument for estimating the burden of chronic disease, they also indicate that a data linkage appproach can be used to produce comparable prevalence estimates using clinical data if a defined condition-specific set of clinical codes are available.
Stable Algorithm Based On Lax-Friedrichs Scheme for Visual Simulation of Shallow Water
Authors: Arry Sanjoyo Bandung , Hariadi Mochamad , Purnomo Mauridhi Hery
Published: June 2020

Many game applications require fluid flow visualization of shallow water, especially dam-break flow. A Shallow Water Equation (SWE) is a mathematical model of shallow water flow which can be used to compute the flow depth and velocity.  We propose a stable algorithm for visualization of dam-break flow on flat and flat with bumps topography. We choose Lax-Friedrichs scheme as the numerical method for solving the SWE. Then, we investigate the consistency, stability, and convergence of the scheme. Finally, we transform the strategy into a visualization algorithm of SWE and analyze the complexity. The results of this paper are: 1) the Lax-Friedrichs scheme that is consistent and conditionally stable; furthermore, if the stability condition is satisfied, the scheme is convergent; 2) an algorithm to visualize flow depth and velocity which has complexity O(N) in each time iteration. We have applied the algorithm to flat and flat with bumps topography. According to visualization results, the numerical solution is very close to analytical solution in the case of flat topography. In the case of flat with bumps topography, the algorithm can visualize the dam-break flow and after a long time the numerical solution is very close to the analytical steady-state solution. Hence the proposed visualization algorithm is suitable for game applications containing flat with bumps environments.
Secure Data Travelling User using Hybrid Cryptosystem with User Privacy Protection
Authors: Anindya Dwi Putri Islamidina  , Amang Sudarsono  , Titon Dutono
Published: June 2020

Nowadays traveling is the activity that everyone likes the most, but sometimes there is one traveling member who is lost and confused looking for the location of the other members. When traveling, they must bring a smartphone because of its small size and easy to carry anywhere. For this reason, an Android-based smartphone application that is able to send GPS data to all travelling members is proposed. In order to secure data transmission, cryptography and group signature to ensure that only traveling members could find out the location are applied. We use hybrid cryptography, which is a combination of symmetric cryptography using AES and asymmetric cryptography using IB-mRSA. We also add group signature as verification that members are in the same traveling group. The test result showed that the proposed method is safer than the comparison method because the symmetric key is encrypted before the key is distributed, so the attacker can not know the key. The total processing time needed to send data until member get data is 2.01 s.
Implementation of a V/f Controlled Variable Speed Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Duranay Zeynep Bala , Guldemir Hanifi , Tuncer Servet
Published: June 2020

DSP implementation of speed control of three phase induction motor drive is presented in this paper. A closed loop speed control has been achieved using constant V/f technique which is a simple scalar control method used to control the magnitude of the control quantities. In this study, a fourth order polynomial drived from V/f curve is constructed instead of using look up table which takes much time for determination of voltage from frequency value. A PI controller is used in speed control.  dSPACE DS-1103 controller board is used for the implementation with Matlab/Simulink, which has a simple real time interface. Steady-state speed characteristics and transient responses with various reference speed commands are presented by experimental system.  The simulation and experimental results provide a smooth speed response and good performance under various dynamic operations. Real time speed control has been implemented and some results are presented.
Automatic Segmentation on Glioblastoma Brain Tumor Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Modified U-Net
Authors: Tjahyaningtijas Hapsari Peni Agustin , Nugroho Andi Kurniawan , Angkoso Cucun Very , Purnama I Ketut Edy , Purnomo Mauridhi Hery
Published: June 2020

Glioblastoma is listed as a malignant brain tumor. Due to its heterogeneous composition in one area of the tumor, the area of tumor is difficult to segment from healthy tissue. On the other side,  the segmentation of brain tumor MRI imaging is also erroneous and takes time because of the large MRI image data. An automated segmentation approach based on fully convolutional architecture was developed to overcome the problem. One of fully convolutional network that used is U-Net framework. U-Net architecture is evaluated base on the number of epochs and drop-out values to achieve the most suitable architecture for the automatic segmentation of glioblastoma brain tumors. Through experimental findings, the most fitting architectural model is mU-Net architecture with an epoch number of 90 and a drop out layer value of 0.5. The results of the segmentation performance are shown by a dice value of 0.909 which is greater than that of the previous research.
Appropriate Ratio Of Wild Yam (D. praehensilis) Flour To Add To Wheat Flour For Breadmaking Process
Authors: Soro Songuimondenin , Kouassi Koffi Jean Didier , Konan Hubert K. , Kouadio Eugène J-P.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this work was to find the suitable incorporation ratio of D. praehensilis flour into wheat flour in order to obtain appropriate bread. All incorporation reduced bread making potential as wet gluten, dry gluten, gluten index and gluten water binding capacity. These values decrease significantly from (28.4 % to 21.7 %), (10.3 % to 7.54 %), (95 to 88 %) and (18.1 to 14.16 %) respectively for wet gluten, dry gluten, gluten index and gluten water binding capacity. The yam flour incorporation reduced the dough rising potential and the final bread volume. The specific volume decreased from 3.26 to 1.37 cm3/g. During dough fermentation, highest volume values were ranged from 135.45 cm3 to 100.06 cm3, respectively from control (WF) to WYF-25 flours. Flours damaged starch content increasing from 21.8 % to 28.9 %, was responsible of the Hagberg Falling Number reduction related to increase of amylase’s activities. The Falling Number of composite flours was ranged from 327s to 357s, compared to control flour dough (362s). This induced the increasing of dough hydration from 62 % to 82 %. Increase in dough Tenacity (from 103 to 222 mmH2O) and P/L configuration ratio (from 0.93 to 7.93) were noticed. The sensory evaluation showed that below 10 % of yam flour substitution to wheat flour the final bread crumb colour, aroma, taste, and overall are acceptable by consumers.
Physicochemical Properties of Tagangu Seasonal River Receiving Abattoir Wastewater Discharge, Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Jega Bilyaminu Garba , Adebisi O. O. , Manga S. S. , Muhammad A.
Published: June 2020

The physicochemical parameters of the thirty water samples collected at the point of discharge of abattoir wastewater as site A (upstream), site B  (downstream) and site C (the irrigation space) of the seasonal River Tagangu were analyzed. The parameters tested include: pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, sulphate, phosphate and ammonium. All the parameters were tested following the standard procedures. The pH values obtained ranged from 6.5–7.9; suggestive of suitability of the water for bacterial growth. The temperature values ranged from 21.2–31.2oC; falling within the WHO standard. The turbidity of the water samples ranged from 520–627 NTU, which are exceedingly higher than WHO limit. The conductivity of the water samples ranged from 42.9–624.0 mS/cm; values were far higher than 400.0 mS/cm of WHO standard. The dissolved oxygen (DO) measured between 6.9-19.0 mg/l; which is also greater than WHO standard (6.0 mg/l). Biological oxygen demand (BOD) measured between 312–527.9 mg/l; greater than WHO threshold of 10.0 mg/l. The nitrate contents varied between 39.2–72.3 mg/l; greater than WHO standard (10 mg/l). The sulphate values varied between 45.6–93.9 mg/l; falling within the WHO threshold. However, values greater than 10 mg/l, suggests that the water has been polluted. The phosphate contents observed ranged from 0.435–0.849 mg/l across the three sites, values were higher than 0.3 mg/l of WHO standard. The ammonia contents of the water samples ranged from 27.7–948.5 mg/l; far greater than 0.5 mg/l of WHO standard. The physicochemical study across the three (3) sites shows the typical pollution of the river and rendered the quality of the water hazardous to humans, animals and aquatic lives that could be the users of the water.
A Survey of Ticks Infestation on Some Domestic Animals in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Wahedi Jasini Alexander , Ande Adeolu Taiwo , Pukuma Micah S. , David Comfort , Danladi Thomas , Adokwe Jonah Bawa
Published: June 2020

Infestation of domestic animals with ticks constitutes both a major health and economic problem   in livestock production. The study was conducted to identify the species of ticks infesting domestic animals such as cattle, sheep and goats in Mubi cattle market, Adamawa State. Ten (10) each of cattle, sheep and goat were randomly selected at Mubi Cattle Market at every collection date, and were examined for tick infestation. Ticks were collected from different predilection sites. Ticks collected were transferred to Safe-Lock Eppendorf tubes containing 70% ethanol. The specimens were identified to species level using hand lens and dissecting microscope. A total of 232 adult ticks (17 male, 215 females) were collected. 8 species of ticks were identified across three genera namely  Ripicephalus microplus (79.74%) was the most prevalent, followed by Ripicephalus decoloratus (9.05%), Amblyomma variegatum (4.31%), Rhipicephalus simus (3.02%), Hyalomma dromedarii (2.16%), Amblyomma habraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (0.86%), respectively, and the least was Hyalomma truncatum (0.43%). Cattle were the most heavily infested (44.8%), followed by sheep (33.6%) and goat (21.6%). The study revealed that livestock in Mubi were infested by varieties of ticks especially Ripicephalus microplus which was the highest and found on all the animals examined.
Coronavirus Disease 19 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: To More Efficient Control
Authors: Brini Otmane El
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by a new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is considered as a public health emergency of international concern. The only available way, apparently effective, to control this pandemic is the social distancing. However, other possible aspects of infection control may be mentioned. In this review, we highlight certain peculiarities linked to the nature of the virus and its angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, the host defense and the final clinical manifestation of the infection that could be essential elements in strengthening the effectiveness of COVID-19 pandemic control efforts.
A Comparative Evaluation Of The Proximate Analysis, Mineral Contents And Phytochemical Screening Of Dioscorea Dumetorum (Bitter Yam)
Authors: Daramola Adebayo S. , Amira Philip O.
Published: June 2020

This study sought to probe into the health significance of two (white and yellow) species of Dioscorea dumetorum (bitter yam) based on their chemical composition and phytochemicals. Matured tubers were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral contents and phytochemicals, using standard analytical procedures. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the means of some of the compositions in the two species. The results showed moisture contents of 71.45±0.15 and 75.55±1.20 g% wet weight for white and yellow species respectively. Others in g% dry weight included: crude protein (white, 5.20±0.27; yellow, 5.70±0.35), crude ash (white, 4.75±0.16; yellow, 4.05±0.09), crude fat (white, 0.70±0.20; yellow, 0.72±0.01), crude fibre (white, 15.90±0.75; yellow, 14.95±0.070) and carbohydrate (white, 81.86±0.17; yellow, 75.95±0.05). The most predominant minerals were potassium (white, 680±0.20; yellow, 767.85±1.35), phosphorus (white, 270.00±2.10, yellow, 277.25±3.45), sodium (white, 70.35±1.40; yellow, 76.45±0.05) and magnesium (white, 47.10±0.25; yellow, 67.40±0.05). The yellow species showed significantly higher concentrations over the white. The phytochemical screening revealed much presence of glycosides and alkaloids, but little presence of flavonoids, oxalates, phytates and  tannins. The results justify the medicinal use of the tuber and could serve as a synergy to man and animal nutrition.
Comparative Studies On The Phytochemical Screening And In Vitro Antioxidant Activities Of Aqueous Extracts Of Garcinia Kola Stem And Root Barks
Authors: Amira Philip O. , Daramola Adebayo S. , Philomina Ayobioloja A. , Ibukun Salau A.
Published: June 2020

Phytochemicals are natural chemicals of plant origin that have implicated in anti-disease mechanism. Antioxidant are insulator of the process of the oxidation even at relatively small concentration and this have diverse physiological role in the body. They are naturally occurring in the medicinal plants, vegetables, leaves and roots that have defense mechanism and protect from various diseases as well inhibit, or delay the oxidation of other molecules by inhibiting the initiation or propagation of oxidizing chain reaction. Garcinia kola is a tropical flowering plant grown mainly in West and Central Africa. Garcinia kola is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, comparative studies on the phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity on aqueous extracts of stem and root of Garcinia kola were investigated to assess their antioxidant properties in different antioxidant property determination assays. Aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola stem and root bark revealed the presence of tannins, resin, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, carbohydrates and alkaloids. In addition, the aqueous root bark extract of the plant contained phlobatanins and sterols while its stem bark aqueous extract contained terpenoids. The IC50 (μg/ml) values of the stem bark extract were 108.35 ± 7.70, 122.81 ± 3.98, 0.20 ± 0.01, 0.16 ± 0.01 and 0.43 ±0.01 for total antioxidant capacity (AAE), ferric reducing antioxidant activity (AAE), diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity and metal chelating activity respectively. On the other hand, the IC50 (μg/ml) values of the root bark extract were 31.54 ± 2.72, 30.50 ± 0.96, 2.26 ± 0.13, 4.36 ± 0.52 and 0.75 ± 0.04 for total antioxidant capacity (AAE), ferric reducing antioxidant activity (AAE), diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity and metal chelating activity respectively. Consequently, both the stem bark and root bark extracts generally exhibited remarkable in vitro antioxidant properties with respect to the parameters investigated.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR HIGH FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF LEAN SIX SIGMA AT A MALAYSIA TRADING COMPANY
Authors: Iberahim Hadijah , Azman Izmahariz , Shahri Mohd Haniff , Abdul Hamid Nur Fara Ellyanie
Published: June 2020

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a method that helps an organization to maximize profit and minimize cost. One of the essential factors for a successful LSS project is the availability of employees who are willing to engage. Employee engagement brings about a strong sense of belonging and high productivity. Consequently, engaged employees will work harder to achieve the mission of the organization. This paper discusses a case of LSS project with a low level of employee engagement. As a result, LSS was less likely helpful in sustaining company’s performance. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that contribute to employee engagement in LSS practices. Review of the relevant literature suggests four variables, which include goal clarity, management support and trust, knowledge sharing and transfer, and teamwork. The questionnaire survey applied census in collecting feedback from 80 respondents. Statistical analysis results indicate that goal clarity, management support, and trust are significant to employee engagement. However, knowledge sharing and transfer as well as teamwork are not substantial. It is recommended for the organization to give attention to all the four factors. This paper extended understandings on critical inputs to a successful implementation of LSS for sustainable company’s performance and growth.

Keywords: Lean Six Sigma, Employee Engagement, Goal Clarity, Management Support and Trust, Teamwork, Knowledge Sharing.
A STUDY OF THE ELEMENTS OF DEPRESSION IN “ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES” (2015)
Authors: Zainol Abidin Zaireen Zuleiqha , Abu Bakar Mohd Syuhaidi
Published: June 2020

The majority of research that exists on mental illness refers to the portrayals of adults with mental illness in films and television shows but limited research has been conducted on the portrayals of teenagers suffering from mental illness through a medium such as young adult literature. This study discussed and discovered the elements of depression behaviors depicted in the novel ―All the Bright Places‖ by Jennifer Niven (2015). The writers chose to study the two main characters, Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, and explored the elements of depression behaviors in the novel. Each text was descriptively examined using textual analysis and coded using a coding book. It was found that the novel depicts all elements of cognitive distortions in Beck's Cognitive Theory of Depression (All-Or-Nothing Thinking, Overgeneralization, Magnification and Minimizing, Personalizing, Mental Filter, Jumping to Conclusions, Labelling, Emotional Reasoning, Mind Reading; and Disqualifying the Positive). To conclude, Niven has addresses not only depression and also suicide with a seriousness and realism. A beautiful juxtaposition. Despite the ending, she leaves the reader with a sense of hope, that it will get better although never easier.

Keywords: Young Adult Literature, Depression, All the Bright Places
THE EFFECT OF MEDIA VIOLENCE ON THE VERBAL AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOURS OF MALAYSIAN CHINESE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Yun Hoong Tan , Pakirnathan Paul GnanaSelvam , Hong Ling Irene Law
Published: June 2020

With the rising ownership of mobile phones and access to social media, school teachers have noted and reported on the increase in secondary school students’ use of verbal aggressive behaviours at school compared to the past. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of media violence on the verbal aggressive behaviours of male and female Chinese independent secondary school students in Malaysia. In this quantitative study, 380 male and female Malaysian secondary school students enrolled in Forms Three to Five were selected through simple random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through a survey form. The Free Time Questionnaire (Gunderson, 2006), Content-Based Media Exposure Scale (Den Hamer, 2017), and the Verbal Aggressive Scale (Infante& Wigley,1986) were used to collect data. The data were then analysed using the SPSS- 23. The results showed that the most popular media used among Malaysian secondary school students were videos and computer games. The results also showed that media violence significantly affected the verbal aggressive behaviours of Malaysian Chinese independent secondary school students. However, there was no significant difference between male and female students in indulging in verbally aggressive behaviours. Thus, the results of this study are significant for parents, educators and school administrators to be aware on the types of media violence that could indirectly stimulate students to committing verbally aggressive behaviours which in turn lead to other negative socio-communicative implications.

Keywords: Social Media, Teenagers, Verbal Aggressive Behaviour
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CAREER DEVELOPMENT, COMPENSATION, JOB SECURITY, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYEE LOYALTY
Authors: Samat Muhammad Faizal , Hamid Muhammad Najmuddin , Awang@Ali Muhammad Ameer Shafiq , Wan Juahari Wan Muhammad Iqmal Fazri , Ghazali Khairul Asraf , Mat Nawi Farahiyah Akmal
Published: June 2020

Malaysia has recorded the second highest involuntary turnover rate at 6% and third highest voluntary rate at 6.5% in South East Asia. Employee loyalty becomes critical towards employer. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between career development, compensation, job security, work environment and employee loyalty. In conducting this study, convenience sampling technique has been employed and respondents have been chosen in the area of Kuala Lumpur. Hypothesis were tested using regression analysis by using Smart-PLS. Based on the result, career development, compensation and job security were found to be significant with employee loyalty. However, work environment was found to be not significant with employee loyalty. It is suggested for future research to explore other variables in order to find the factors contributed in employee loyalty.

Keywords: Career Development, Compensation, Job Security, Work Environment, Employee Loyalty
Establishing The Principles In Halal Logistics
Authors: Tieman Marco
Published: June 2020

This research paper aims to establish the principles of halal logistics. This exploratory research paper is based on a large discussion group held in Malaysia to define the scope of halal logistics, its principles and foundation for Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Halallogistics covers warehousing, transportation and terminal operations. The establishment of these principles serves as a guide for the creation of a global halal logistics system; minimising hardship for the halal industry; define cross-contamination between halal and haramand how to avoid it; create an evolution of a complete halal value chain and supply chain; and benchmark with existing standards and best practices. For Muslim countries, halal logistics is based on avoiding direct contact with haram, addressing the risk of contamination, and perception of the Muslim consumer. For non-Muslim countries, halal logistics is only based on avoiding direct contact with haram and addressing the risk of contamination. Since this paper is an exploratory study, it provides some insights into the minimum and preferred level of halal logistics in Muslim and non-Muslim countries. However, quantitative research is needed to confirm this difference in consumer perception between Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
Privatization and Efficiency: Once Upon a Time in Libya
Authors: Abokaresh Mohamed Saad Mohamed , Kamaruddin Badrul Hisham , Mohd Rohani
Published: June 2020

This efficiency assessment of Libyan manufacturing firms is unique as efficiency is assessed on a developing country that undertakes privatization primarily for political and organizational reasons. Moreover, the state of mixed results in the literature with regards to production efficiency between state-owned and private-owned firms motivated the conduct of this study. Despite deliberate implementation of programs to improve efficiency, the situation in Libya was such that firms were able to improve their performance through internal efforts even in a negative environment.  This has made the results of this study differ for developed and developing countries. For instance, from 1978-2002, the socialism-oriented economy replaced the capitalism system, transferring private ownership to the state. This has resulted in low levels of labour productivity, and weak structure of production in terms of acquisition of new technology. Moreover, both the United States and United Nation Security Council imposed sanctions on Libya from 1992-2003 which have restricted foreign direct investments. During these periods, the Libyan manufacturing sector suffered from increasing inefficiencies resulting in slowing down of growth of output following decline in labour productivity and financial capital. The objective of this study is to compare the technical efficiency of firms before and after privatization to be able to differentiate between state control and privatized firms, as well. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique was used to compute the efficiency scores of firms. The average efficiency score before privatization was 49.5 per cent, but the score improved to 62.3 per cent after privatization. However, this minor improvement was not statistically significant as verified by the Mann-Whitney U test. These results have verified the situations in Libya which suggest that firms in Libya have not been prepared for real privatization. Consequently, almost all firms faced difficulties in optimizing their own resources economically.
Zakat as a Measure of Social Justice in Islamic Finance : An Accountant’s Overview
Authors: Dhar Pranam
Published: June 2020

Zakat is an important form of religiously mandated charity under Islam. It is the third pillar of Islam. The giving of Zakat is important for Muslims, as this leads to purification of their wealth from all sins. This paper examines the role of Zakat as an instrument of social justice and poverty eradication in society. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. Generally, this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital, after the needs of the family have been met. One can donate additional amount as an act of voluntary charity but Zakat is fundamental to every Muslim. Zakat is the Islamic contribution to social justice: those who have to give charity share the benefit of their prosperity to those who have fallen short. This is the Islamic approach to remove greed and envy and to purify one's soul based on good intentions. This is the institution of Zakat in Islam. The institution of Zakat serves to eradicate poverty in the community and uphold the light of Islam. Allah says “whatever is paid as Zakat for the sake of Allah shall be rewarded in manifolds”.
Global Business Discourse – Reflections from a Cultural Nomad
Authors: Wilson Jonathan
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this paper is to document and disseminate the full experiences of the author following a series of events hosted by UiTM MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor; and attending World Halal Week, Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia; during the first week of April 2013. The paper shares the content and key findings presented at these events, which took the form of a workshop, guest lecture, keynote, and panel session; and is supported by further reflective narratives, analogies and allegories. The underpinning methodological approach has been termed an ‘Eagle Eye Gestalt’, which presents an innovative approach to antipostivist phenomenological analysis, rooted in Consumer Culture Theory (CCT). The key arguments presented are that global business discourse, for both practitioners and academics, necessitate the championing and implementation of 21st century Culture, Branding, and Transformational Leadership strategically. Furthermore, consideration should be given to nurturing an environment, which is conducive to facilitating inspiration, social interactions, and networking opportunities – all with an intended purpose dictated by business imperatives.
Zakat Disbursement via Capital Assistance: A Case Study of Majlis Agama Islam Johor
Authors: Yaacob Ahmad Che , Mohamed Safiah , Daut Azizah , Ismail Normah , Muhammad Don Mohd Ali
Published: June 2020

This paper examines management of zakat in the state of Johor and focuses on the distribution of zakat to the recipients of capital assistance who are involved in the socio-development programs. It intends to examine the impact of the program towards their achievements after receiving capital assistance to start their small business ventures. Both primary and secondary data are used in the studies. The primary data were collected from interviews with the officers of Majlis Agama Islam Johor (MAIJ) and the statistical data were obtained from documents such as reports, financial records, and brochures. The findings show commendable improvement in zakat management for the five-year period of study. Nonetheless, recommendations pertaining to supervision, procedures, and cooperation are posed for improving the programs in assisting the poor and needy recipients and to optimize the zakat disbursement. The study was made possible with the research grant from Accounting Research Institute (ARI) of UiTM.
Impact of Kyoto Protocol and Institutional Factors on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Jalil Siti Ayu , Habibullah Muzafar Shah
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the impact of Kyoto Protocol and four institutional factors i.e. political stability, property rights, corruption and freedom of trade on the growth of per capita CO2 emissions in Asia and the Pacific region for the period of 1971-2009. The region consists of East Asia, South Asia and the Pacific islands are the fastest growing economic region and the source of global greenhouse gas emissions. A dynamic panel data model based on the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) technique is utilized to examine these impacts. The findings indicate only Kyoto commitment (Kcom), Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism (Kcdm) and Corruption (COR) describe statistically significant positive effects on CO2 emissions.
Islamic Financial Innovation: Tools and Trends
Authors: Dar Humayon A
Published: June 2020

In a business context, innovation is of two types: model innovation and process innovation. Model innovation involves developing new instruments and methods (inputs) to achieve new objectives (outputs), which must bring new business and hence improve profitability. Process innovation is, in general, an incremental process that utilises existing instruments and methods in new formats and permutations to achieve desired objectives, goals and outcomes in a more efficient and cost effective way. In a business context, it will still be considered as an innovation if a desired outcome is achieved by utilising the same existing instruments and methods with no increased efficiency or cost effectiveness, as long as the new format and permutation result in increased profits.