bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JENIS DAN KELIMPAHAN ZOOPLANKTON YANG BERENANG BEBAS DAN TERLEPAS DARI PERAKARAN ECENG GONDOK (Eichornia crassipes), KIAMBANG(Salvinia natans) DAN APU-APU (Pistia stratiotes) DI ZONA INTERRHIZONE
Authors: Gultom Efri Yanty , Ardianor Ardianor , Gumiri Sulmin , Handayani Tutwuri
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengamati kelimpahan jenis zooplankton yang terdapat di bawah eceng gondok (Eichornia crassipes), apu-apu (Pistia stratiotes) dan kiambang (Salvinia natans) serta untuk mengetahui hubungan zooplankton dengan beberapa parameter lingkungan. Penelitian ini dilakukan di kolam Peat Techno Park Universitas Palangka Raya terhadap 3 jenis tutupan spesies tumbuhan air dengan 4 kali pengambilan sampel. Kelimpahan zooplankton dihitung dengan menggunakan rumus kelimpahan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ditemukan dan teridentifikasinya 3 kelompok zooplankton yaitu Rotifera, Copepoda dan Cladocera yang terdiri dari 6 genera seperti Trichocerca sp., Anuraeopsis sp., Brachionus sp., dan Bosmina sp. Disebutkan juga Cyclopoid dan Nauplli dari copepoda. Di antara 3 spesies makrofita terapung, spesies zooplankton lebih disukai dibandingkan eceng gondok, dengan jumlah mencapai 792 ind/l. Parameter kualitas air yang diukur adalah DO berkisar (berkisar antara 3,3 mg/l hingga 3,6 mg/l), pH (berkisar antara 7,65 hingga 7,96), dan suhu air (berkisar antara 24,75oC hingga 25,25oC). Zona di bawah tumbuhan air merupakan habitat yang sangat penting untuk reproduksi dan tempat berkembang biaknya zooplankton.
Assessment of the country's readiness to use complex management technologies based on global indices: case study of China
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing
Published: October 2023

The article presents a comprehensive argument for introducing modern integrated management technologies. This introduction is contingent not only upon assessing internal enterprise environments and their capability to utilize such technologies but also necessitates the consideration of various readiness components at the national level. These components include personnel, digital, financial, and institutional readiness. It is recommended that international indices such as the Global Innovation Index, Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Network Readiness Index, and Financial Development Index be analyzed to assess a country's readiness for adopting integrated management technologies. The case study was conducted using China as an example, evaluating its readiness to adopt integrated management technologies. It was discovered that China exhibits a commendable level of personnel readiness, as evidenced by its improved rankings in both the Global Innovation Index and the Global Talent Competitiveness Index. Furthermore, China demonstrates a high degree of accessibility to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and effective utilization of these technologies. This contributes significantly to developing a digital society, fostering enhanced government, citizens, and business interactions. It is worth noting that areas requiring attention include enhancing legislative safeguards for privacy and further developing the regulatory framework for ICT. China exhibits positive trends in its financial institutions and financial markets, indicating substantial efforts towards establishing an efficient and stable financial system. However, challenges persist regarding access to financial markets and institutions, warranting focused management interventions to bolster this aspect. Additionally, there are favorable developments in the institutional and business environment, albeit specific regulatory and legal issues remain to be addressed. Simultaneously, the business climate is improving, evidenced by simplified startup procedures and bankruptcy processes. These improvements are poised to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and attract investments to the country. The proposed assessment methodology enables determining the country's readiness level in supporting business entities' integration of modern management technologies.
Keywords: integrated management technologies, personnel readiness, digital readiness, financial readiness, institutional readiness, Global Innovation Index, Global Talent Competitiveness Index, Network Readiness Index, Financial Development Index.
Сучасні методи подолання наслідків екологічної катастрофи на прикладі Каховської ГЕС
Authors: Борняк У. І. , Кривохижа Є. М.
Published: October 2023

Подано результати досліджень з мінімізації та подолання наслідків екологічних катастроф, використовуючи для прикладу ситуацію з Каховською ГЕС. Проаналізовано історію створення та експлуатації ГЕС, наслідки для екосистеми регіону та вплив на життєдіяльність місцевих громад. Запропоновано низку стратегій і рекомендацій для подолання вже виниклих екологічних проблем і запобігання можливим у майбутньому. Зокрема, потрібно покращити управління водними ресурсами, запровадити новітні екологічні технології та активізувати громадський контроль. Наведено інформацію для дослідників, політиків, екологів та всіх, хто зацікавлений у збереженні та відновленні природи після антропогенних впливів. Сучасні методи подолання наслідків екологічних катастроф на прикладі Каховської ГЕС ґрунтуються на комплексному підході до відновлення із застосуванням природних, науково обґрунтованих технологій. Наголошено на важливості дотримання екологічної безпеки під час експлуатації гідроенергетичних споруд і пошуку балансу між енергетичними потребами та збереженням природних ресурсів. Проаналізовано наукові дані, статистику, а також наведено результати власних експериментів, що висвітлюють зміни в екосистемі внаслідок експлуатації Каховської ГЕС. Зокрема, досліджено вплив ГЕС на гідрологічний режим регіону, флору і фауну, а також соціально-економічні наслідки для місцевих громад. Обґрунтовано важливість впровадження принципів сталого розвитку в енергетиці, враховуючи виробництво зеленої енергії і раціональне використання природних ресурсів. Приділено увагу ефективній роботі з громадськістю, щоб забезпечити підтримку та розуміння потреби у запровадженні запропонованих рішень. Використано міждисциплінарний підхід до проблеми. Наведено дані із різних галузей науки для дослідження впливу ГЕС на навколишнє середовище та можливих способів вирішення виниклих проблем. Отже, здійснено комплексне дослідження проблеми взаємодії гідроенергетичних об'єктів і навколишнього природного середовища, запропоновано конструктивні методи її вирішення.
Law Enforcement in Revealing Fraud Crime Cases via Internet Media
Authors: Harunullah Alvian , Gunawan Yusuf
Published: October 2023

This research aims to assess how investigation and law enforcement are used to uncover cases of fraud committed via electronic media. This research was conducted at the Depok Metro Police. This research applies qualitative methods in its process with a focus on empirical research. Data collection was carried out through primary data sources and secondary data. Primary data was collected through interviews with investigators, while secondary information was obtained through the use of books and scientific publications. journals. The research results show that investigators at the Depok Metro Police face several obstacles in tracking fraud perpetrators via electronic media. These obstacles include difficulties in tracking criminals because they often use fake identities, obstacles in accessing perpetrators' account identity information because of the bank's bureaucratic process which takes quite a long time, as well as the lack of a special unit that handles fraud cases using electronic media and a lack of adequate equipment. to carry out searches for criminals using electronic media.
The Responsibility of the Step Father in Conducting Criminal Actions Toward His Care Step-Children
Authors: Bimantoro Putra , Israd Agri Chairunnisa
Published: October 2023

Because child molestation is a serious societal issue, the community must work to stop it, find those responsible, and provide victims with the best possible care. The goals of this research are to (1) ascertain whether the Bandung District Court Panel of Judges' Decision No. 862/Pid.Sus /2020/PN. Bdg. is in accordance with the laws and regulations, and (2) to examine the criminal responsibility of the perpetrators of criminal acts based on Law No. 35 of 2014 against perpetrators of criminal acts of sexual immorality against children. This research used a qualitative legal methodology, namely a methodical normative-jurisdictional of relevant sources. Analysis is used as a method of data collection. Researchers collect facts, details with a constitutional and conceptual approach. The study's primary finding is that (1) Indonesian Criminal Law's provisions for protecting children from sexual crimes are essentially provisions for protecting children from sexual crimes. 862/Pid.Sus/2020/PN.Bdg is the panel judge number for the Bandung District Court's decision. is in accordance with the laws and regulations. The considerations of the Panel of Judges as above are also in line with existing laws and regulations in Indonesia and are based on evidence at trial.
Protection of the Rights of Defendants and Victims of Misaptering of Terrorist Criminal Actions in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Nugraha Muhammad Iqbal , Priyambodo Mas Agus
Published: October 2023

Almost all criminal law experts and criminologists say that the crime of terrorism is an extraordinary crime and the judicial process is different from ordinary crimes. Due to the extraordinary nature of this crime, almost all countries use special laws to deal with criminal acts of terrorism. The criminal act of terrorism is an extraordinary crime which is not easy to disclose, besides that terrorism is one of the crimes that has penetrated the territorial boundaries of a country and is a crime of violating human rights (extra ordinary crime). However, in eradicating criminal acts of terrorism, law enforcement officers must uphold human rights. Terror suspects or suspects are human beings who have human rights that we must respect. This means that they must also be treated like other human beings, whose rights as human beings must be fulfilled.
Analysis of Legality Principle in the President's Authority to Suspend the Execution of Death Penalty Convict Mary Jane Veloso
Authors: Fiddin Mohamad Fahmi , Karli Karli
Published: October 2023

Clemency is very important for the government of a country because it can reduce the risks arising from a judge's decision, especially for maximum punishment such as death penalty, which allows the execution of innocent people. Problems arise when a death row convict asks for clemency and the President rejects it. However, when the executions were to be carried out, the President issued an order to postpone the executions, causing legal uncertainty regarding the denial of clemency. As a result, law enforcement on narcotics crimes becomes ineffective. This happened when the execution of Mary Jane Veloso was postponed. In this study, delaying the implementation of decisions that have permanent legal force through clemency is not a legal remedy, but it is the right of the Head of State to grant pardons to citizens who have been sentenced by a court. Apart from that, there is a legality principle in the presidential policy in delaying the execution of convict Mary Jane Veloso which has been regulated in Article 1 paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and Law Number 1 of 2006 concerning Mutual Assistance. In Criminal Matters and Law Number 15 of 2008 concerning Ratification of the Treaty On Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters). Setting the provisions of the law is an effort to realize the principle of checks and balances, so that the use of this authority has been limited, that is, before the President decides to grant a postponement of the execution of the death penalty, the President must first obtain consideration from the Supreme Court.
Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among Students in FSK UniSZA
Authors: Mohd Radzi Juliana , Shafril Hilmi Nursyaza Zulaikha , Mohamed Nurul Syazwina
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Malaysia is one of the countries that have the highest mortality rate of breast cancer among other countries in Asia. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is encouraged in every country including Malaysia to increase the detection of any breast abnormalities at an early stage and decrease the incidence of cancer presented at a late stage. This study aims to assess the level of Health Sciences students’ knowledge and practice of BSE as well as to investigate the association between knowledge and practice of BSE.

Materials and methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted among female students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, UniSZA. An adapted questionnaire was distributed online using Google Forms to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse sociodemographics, knowledge and practice on BSE while the Chi-Square test was used to determine the association between knowledge and practice of BSE among the respondents.

Results: A total of 288 female students participated in this study. The mean age was 21.4 ± 1.8 years old and most of them are single (99%). Most of the respondents (61%) have moderate knowledge of BSE, while 35% and 4% of respondents have good knowledge and poor knowledge, respectively. Among 288 participants, 93.4% have heard about BSE, but only 61% of people who have heard of BSE have performed it before. Besides, there was a significant association between knowledge and practice of BSE (χ² = 38.835, p =<0.001).

Conclusions: Practice of BSE significantly related to its knowledge. Continuous awareness campaigns must be held through various platforms to educate the public and encourage them to practice BSE as their monthly routine for the early detection of breast cancer.
The Adverse Effects After COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Determinants among Adults in Kuala Terengganu
Authors: Idris Nur Aiza , YUSOF NURUL AZREEN , Yunus Nurul izza , Daud Norwati , Juhari Siti Norazlina , Mat Hassan Nurulhuda , Mukhali Hassan Basri , Pauzi Mohd Faeiz , Ismail Mohd Zulfadli Hafiz
Published: October 2023

Background: Although Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people aged 12 and older obtain one dose of age-appropriate bivalent mRNA booster after completing the primary series, only 68.8% of the Malaysian adult population received their booster injection. The rate was even lower in Terengganu (43.5%). One of the main reasons for unwillingness to receive booster injections was due to the vaccination side effects as reported in a local study.

Aim/objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of adverse effects (AEs) after COVID-19 vaccination and its determinants among our local population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of self-reported AEs after COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine) and its determinants within 7 days following the second dose of vaccination among 379 adults in September 2021 at a public vaccination centre in Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic information, comorbidities, allergy history, history of COVID-19 infection, AEs post-vaccination, and duration of recovery. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0. 

Results: Most participants were 18 to 39 years old (n=307; 81%) and male (n=224; 59.1%). 43 (11.3%) participants had at least one comorbidity, and 28 (7.4%) participants had a history of COVID-19 infection prior to vaccination. 213 (56.2%) participants had mild adverse effects, and 16 (4.2%) reported severe adverse effects. Local pain (n=139; 36.7%), fever (n=91; 24%), and headache (n=61; 16.1%) were the commonest reported AEs. The mean duration of recovery was 1.21 days (SD=1.41). The commonest severe AEs reported was dyspnoea (n=4; 1.1%). From logistic regression, femaleshad 2.06 times the odds of having side effects compared to males (adjusted OR=2.06; 95% CI (1.32,3.22), p = 0.001). Those who never had COVID-19 infection were more likely to have side effects, as compared to those with COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR=3.50; 95% CI (1.52,8.84), p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Our study provides the real-life safety of the COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine) in our community, even among those with previous COVID-19 infection.  

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; vaccines; vaccination; immunity; adverse effects
Effect on Antioxidants and Chromosomal Aberrations in the Offspring of Methyl Isocyanate Exposed Population of Bhopal
Authors: Sukumaran Ravi
Published: October 2023

Bhopal gas tragedy was one of the worst industrial disasters that produced short-term as well as long-term health effects in the exposed population. The present study is an attempt to know about the genomic damage as well as the level of antioxidant caused by Methyl Isocyanate in the offspring of the exposed population and to know about the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in them. Offspring’s of the Methyl Isocyanate Exposed individuals living in the vicinity of 1.5 km from the Union Carbide’s pesticide plant were selected randomly from the study. Equal number of age (20 years – 50 years), sex (male / female) and locality matched non-exposed individuals were also enrolled as controls. All the subjects were non smokers and not employed at any type of chemical industry or a radiation department. Cytogenetic analysis was performed by standard protocol of lymphocyte culture as per as Moorhead et al. Chromosomal aberrations were observed. The antioxidant level of Vitamin E and Blood Glutathione was also recorded. Student’s t-test was performed to test the significance difference between means of chromosomal aberrations. The means were considered to be statistically significant at 1% level of probability. It was observed that the level of antioxidants (both Vitamin E by Jargar et al. and Blood Glutathione by Beutler et al.) was highly significant in the MIC Exposed and MIC Exposed F2 Generation Population as compared to MIC Non-Exposed Population. But, significant difference between MIC Exposed and MIC Exposed F2 Generation Population was observed. The mean percentage of normal metaphase in the Exposed group was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) as compared to Non-Exposed. Besides this, chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics and double minutes) were recorded at mitotic metaphase and were statistically elevated in the MIC Exposed Population. The present study indicates that the genomic instability still persists at a higher intensity among the Bhopal Gas Survivors. The higher incidence of chromosomal aberrations may act as the intermediate processes in the pathway of the progression of any genetic disorders and cancers. Hence, our study suggests that the Exposed Populations and their Offspring’s is more vulnerable and gas affected.

Keywords: Chromosomal aberrations, Methyl isocyanate, Bhopal gas tragedy, Long-term genotoxicity, Exposed Population
An Analysis of the Unused Blood Components Return at the Teaching Hospital in North Eastern Malaysia
Authors: Hassan Mohd Nazri , Mohd Noor Noor Haslina , Ramli Marini , Abdullah Marne , Zulkafli Zefarina , Wan Ab Rahman Wan Suriana , Iberahim Salfarina , Mohamed Yusoff Shafini , Bahar Rosnah
Published: October 2023

Introduction: All blood components should be returned to the blood bank immediately if a decision of not to transfuse is made for reissuance or proper disposal. Improper handling of returned blood components lead to blood components wastage and may jeopardized the next recepients safety.

Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and reasons of unused blood components return and its quality indicator for the useful information of blood inventory plan in our centre.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study done from August 2020 to February 2021 at Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital USM. Each of blood components return was examined for the type and number of units, return reasons and the quality indicator (duration of stay outside the blood bank, temperature and physical appearance changes).

Results: The totals of 620 (3.1%) units of blood components were returned from 20120 units supplied and 80.8% units of them did not fit for reissuance resulted in 2.5% wastage from the total blood products. The highest rate of returned blood component was packed red cell (4.6%). The reasons of return mostly were inappropriate where majority due to ‘standby’ purpose (47.4%) followed by patient death (15.6%), adequate hemoglobin level (7.6%) and a few other unacceptable reasons.

Conclusion: Although the number of returned blood component is small but it can affect the blood supply. The proper system for assurance of returned acceptable blood components for reissuance must be applied and continuously monitored for transfusion safety and minimize wastage of this precious resource.
A Scoping Review of Melon Manis Terengganu Research Perspective in Malaysia
Authors: Jusoh Mohd Fauzie , Tengku Abu Bakar Tengku Halimatun Sa'adiah , Abdullah Farah Adila , Maidin Mohd Khairul Hafifi , Abdul Muttalib Muhammad Firdaus
Published: October 2023

Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) is an iconic and official fruit of Terengganu state, Malaysia. MMT is the new melon variety introduced to the farmers in Terengganu as one of the ways to improve their socioeconomic level. The present scoping review attempts to recognise and synthesise the published materials on MMT research and explore the research perspective of MMT. The Web of Science, Scopus, Dimensions, and Google Scholar online databases have been included in this study to screen the published peer-reviewed documents on MMT research. A total of 15 full articles (with 565 cited references) have been accessed in this study. Publication on MMT began in 2018 where most of the scholars affiliated with Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The scientific research on MMT is limited, and the research topics are considered emerging knowledge. Biochemistry is the leading research discipline of MMT besides food processing, postharvest, entomology, crop performance and entrepreneurship. This synthesis review contributes to the body of knowledge, especially to the new academicians and scholars, in better understanding the current research progress and possible future research direction of MMT study in Malaysia.
Growth Performance of Oil Palm Seedlings on Different Types of Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Adip Muhammad Esyam , Anak Meringgai Jeremy Juttie , Abdul Aziz Noorshilawati , Che Lah Mohd Khairi , Yusoff Nornasuha
Published: October 2023

Fertilizer and soil nutrient management is important to sustain the productivity of nursery systems for oil palm seedling. Inorganic fertilizer usually applies to the oil palm seedling in nursery. The problem of the inorganic fertilizer nowadays is the price is quite expensive and can cause pollution if not manage well. So, by changes the inorganic to organic fertilizer, farmers can reduce their cost, and can gets many benefits through the usage of organic fertilizer. This study investigated the effects of organic fertilizer on growth performance and development of oil palm seedling. 3-month-old Tenera oil palm seedling was treated with an organic fertilizer (10 g of goat manure, 10 gram of fish waste and 10 gram of coffee waste). Control treatments were left untreated. Growth of seedling, plant morphology, plant physiology and soil pH were measured to compare among the treatments. Application of organic fertilizer significantly increased number of fronds about 28% to 46% compare from the control treatment, 28% to 41% increment in plant girth for treatment that treat with organic fertilizer, and significantly increase chlorophyll content of oil palm seedling leaves more than 11% for organic fertilizer application but not significantly increase the plant height and relative growth control (RGR). Several treatments on different organic fertilizer, like soil pH and relative water content (RWC), not significantly different from control but application of organic fertilizer help to increase the soil pH and help to increase the percentage of RWC in plant. These finding indicates that application of different organic fertilizer help to improve several morphology characteristics like number of fronds, and plant girth. It also can help to increase the chlorophyll content in leaves and help to improved soil pH. In future, application of organic fertilizer can be fully utilized for growth and development of oil palm seedling in nursery where it can help to reduce the usage inorganic fertilizer and help to reduce the cost of the nursery.
The occurrence of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infection on invasive freshwater fish, the Peacock Bass (Cichla spp.) from Tasik Telabak, Malaysia.
Authors: Mohamed Anuar Aina Sabihah , Mohamad Zamri Siti Nur Nadhirah , Kamarudin Ahmad Syazni , Ismail Norshida
Published: October 2023

Peacock bass (Cichla spp.)  is an invasive fish that has established feral population in many freshwater water bodies in Malaysia. Among the negative impact of invasive species are the co-introduction of new parasites, and they also may act as vector to various disease causal agents. The aim of this study was to identify and to measure the prevalence of parasites of Peacock bass from Tasik Telabak, Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 28 fishes were sampled by line fishing with the help of anglers and examined for parasites by using general parasitological method and microscopic technique. 3 groups of parasites (Protozoa, Digenea and Nematoda) were found infecting Peacock Bass from the lake. 46% of the samples were infected by Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a common protozoan parasite that known as the causal agent for White Spot Disease (WSD) in fishes.  However, I. multifiliis is not a common parasite for wild Peacock Bass in their native area, this finding could indicate the potential of parasite spillback phenomena from the freshwater fish cages from aquaculture activities in the same lake.
Response of Auxins and Cytokinins on Citrus suhuiensis Adventitious Shoot Culture Initiation and Growth
Authors: Mohamad Puad Noor Illi , Wan Zulkifli Wan Majidah , M. Fathil Nur Alia , Amid Azura
Published: October 2023

Bacterial and viral diseases are the common problems hampering vast majority of citrus plant which resulted in the decrease of citrus trees development and production yield. While the usage of chemicals to eliminate internal pathogens is harmful to the ecosystem, plant tissue culture is another alternative to develop disease-free plants based on the defined physical and chemical conditions under aseptic environment. This study aimed to initiate Citrus suhuiensis (C. suhuiensis) adventitious shoot culture specifically in response towards different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The effect of explants and PGRs were evaluated on the shoot growth within 35 days. C. suhuiensis shoot cultures were induced from three different explants which are leaf, callus and seeds on the solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different combinations of PGR which are auxins i.e. 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) or indole butyric acid (IBA) at 0.5 mg/L, respectively with cytokinins i.e. 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin (KN) at various concentrations (0.5 - 4.0 mg/L). Based on the results, the earliest shoot emergence from the cotyledon can be observed after 8th day of inoculation for PGRs combination of 0.5 mg/L IBA with 2.0 mg/L, 3.0 mg/L KN and 3.0 mg/L BAP, respectively. Meanwhile, based on the ANOVA analysis (p-value < 0.05), the most significant PGRs combination for the establishment of C. suhuiensis shoot culture is IBA and KN followed by the treatment of NAA and KN. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for future investigation of micropropagation of shoot culture and cultivation of C. suhuiensis plant.
Heterotrigona Itama Bee Bread Extracts: Effect of Solvent Polarity on Extraction Yield, Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Mat Rashid Zalilawati , Abd Rashid Khairul Anwar , Rois Anwar Nurul Zaizuliana
Published: October 2023

The stingless bee bread formation in the beehives occurs via lactic acid fermentation of the pollen mixed with nectar and bee salivary enzymes. The lack of research and studies about the effect of different extraction solvents in retaining the chemicals and the antioxidant activity of stingless bee bread were noticed. Hence, the objectives of this study were to determine the chemical contents and DPPH scavenging activity of different extracts of Heterotrigona itama stingless bee bread. The bee bread sample was macerated with four different extraction solvents including 95% ethanol (95EE), 70% ethanol (70EE), dichloromethane (DE) and hexane (HE). The chemicals analyses were proximate analysis, resorcinol-sulfuric acid assay and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. As a result, the bee bread of H. itama was found to contain 46.88% carbohydrates, 24.72% moisture content, 21.10% crude proteins, 3.41% crude fats, 2.32% ash and 1.75% crude fibers. The highest yield of extract was recorded by 70EE (41.1%, w/w). Resorcinol-sulfuric acid assay revealed that 70EE contained more total carbohydrates (842.585 mg/mL) compared to 95EE (738.178 mg/mL). In addition, intense FTIR signals at 3100–3600 cm-1 were found in 95EE and 70EE, indicating the presence of hydroxyl group, while strong 2800–3000 cm-1 signals found in HE revealed the presence of aliphatic group, and an intense carbonyl group signal at 1550–1750 cm-1 were detected in DE. Furthermore, 70EE also showed the strongest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts with IC50 value of DPPH radicals scavenging was 0.5173 mg/mL. Thus, these findings would provide the information about chemical composition and antioxidant activity of bee bread, as well as help in promoting the bee bread as a healthy functional food.
Effect of short-term bee bread on testicular cell development and testosterone level in male Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Zakaria Fatimah Hamizah , Kari Asmad , Haron Mohd Nizam , Komilus Connie Fay , Hou Chew Ha
Published: October 2023

Bee bread has been widely traditionally used for male fertility enrichment although limited scientific data are available on its effectiveness. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of bee bread on testicular cell development and testosterone level in male Sprague Dawley rats. In this study, 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and divided equally into four treatment groups (n = 6/group) which were Control (C: 0 g of bee bread/kg body weight), Treatment 1 (T1: 1 g of bee bread /kg body weight), Treatment 2 (T2: 2 g of bee bread /kg body weight) and Treatment 3 (T3: 3 g of bee bread /kg body weight). The bee bread was administered daily and orally according to the designated treatment groups using oral gavage for 28 days. After 28 days of treatment, rats were euthanised and testicular cell development and testosterone level were measured. Results showed that rats in the T2 group had thicker (P<0.05) seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) than the control group and higher (P<0.05) seminiferous epithelial height (SEH) compared to C and T1 groups. The testosterone level in the T1, T2 and T3 groups was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to control. In conclusion, this study suggests that supplemented with 2 g of bee bread per kg body weight is likely to give a positive effect by improving testicular cells development and testosterone level in male Sprague Dawley rats.
Stunting as a Health Problem in Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Yuliarni  , Shelly Juliska  , Rizka Amayu  , Merry Afriliana Sari  , Muhammad Alamsyah  , Ahmad Azwin Fadhlan  , Hamzah Hasyim
Published: October 2023

Stunting, or stunted growth in children, is a serious public health problem in developing countries. The risk factors that contribute to the prevalence of stunting in these countries are complex and multifactorial. In an effort to understand this problem, this study aimed to present a number of risk factors associated with stunting in children in developing countries. Preparing this literature review begins with searching journals, articles, and scientific works through a search engine like Google Scholar and PubMed using the keywords "stunting", "stunting prevalence", "stunting risk factors", "stunting prevention", and "developing countries". The prevalence of stunting cases is still quite high in developing countries. Risk factors for children and mothers play a significant role in the incidence of stunting in children in developing countries. The factors of birth weight, child's age, gender, mother's education level, and family welfare act as the main factors in initiating stunting.
Effect of Product Brand Identity on Customer Buying decisions: A Case of Del Monte Company`s Products in Kenya
Authors: Karemu Grace Karamuta , Kaaria Ann Gaceri , Kegoro Ongoto Henry
Published: October 2023

Brand identity helps a company`s product stand out in a crowded market. It creates a unique identity that customers can easily recognise and differentiate from competitors. A strong brand identity enables customers to connect with a product on a personal level and can influence customers` purchase decisions because customers are more likely to choose a product with a brand they are familiar with. The main purpose of this study was to explore the effects of brand identity on customer buying decisions. Specific objectives of the study were to find out the effects of brand image on customer buying decisions, to assess the relationship between brand packaging design and customer buying decisions and to determine the effect of brand quality on customer buying decisions. The target population of this research were people from the general public in Kenya who are customers of Del Monte Company products in Kenya. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 customers of Del Monte Company for the collection of data using the purposive sampling method. The study revealed that the three dimensions of brand identity, that is, brand image, brand packaging design, and brand quality, have positive and significant correlations with customer buying decisions as follows: r = .548, P < .05, (r = .642, P < .05) and (r = .437, P < .05) respectively. Regression outputs also showed that customer buying decisions correlates highly with brand identity measures with R=.644 and R2 =.441. The study concludes that product brand identity is vital to attracting and retaining customers.
Role of Investment Literacy on Household Income Generation Among SACCO Members in Narok County, Kenya
Authors: Wambua John , Gathuru Edmund , Mwaura Simon
Published: October 2023

Increased formal financial access is widely recognised as a crucial factor in boosting household income generation, a key driver of economic growth. Paradoxically, despite Kenya’s notable increase in formal financial access from 75.5% in 2019 to 83.7% in 2022, household income growth has yet to follow suit. Shockingly, over 50% of Kenyan citizens, in stark contrast to the 25-40% seen in other developing nations, still endure extreme poverty, falling below the international poverty line of $1.90 per day, according to a sobering 2022 World Bank report. This grim reality indicates that financial access may not be the issue. To shed light on this adverse trend, this research focused on the role of investment literacy on household income generation among Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) members in Narok County, Kenya. The study was rooted in behavioural finance theory and adopted a descriptive research design. Further, the study targeted 3,050 registered SACCO members, from which a sample size of 217 was obtained using the Yamane 1957 formula. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were also used to select the study sample. The study used structured questionnaires, which were self-administered to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the study data. A simple linear regression model was adopted for the study. The findings revealed that investment literacy had a significant positive role (β = 0.225, p < 0.05) in household income generation, underscoring its importance in boosting household income among SACCO members. As a result, the study recommends implementing comprehensive investment literacy programs by SACCOs and relevant stakeholders to maximise their impact on income generation
Role Conflict and Burnout among Administrators in Higher Institutions of Education in Uganda
Authors: Mbabazi Faith , Eduan Wilson , Ocheng Mary Kagoire
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between role conflict and burnout among administrators in higher education institutions in Uganda. There have been a number of studies on academicians in universities, but not much research has been done on administrators, especially in Uganda. The respondents included midlevel administrators such as deans, directors, heads of department, heads of sections, academic registrars, librarians, directors of services and human resource officers. This was a survey research design carried out on administrators in universities. The questionnaire, which was a combination of role conflict questions and Maslach burnout inventory, was administered to the administrators who had been randomly selected from universities. The findings indicated that role conflict was not a predictor of burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional efficacy; however, coupled with demographics, the results changed, and there was a positive significant relationship, especially with age on emotional exhaustion. It was recommended that university top administrators should be interested in the mental state of their staff because, as earlier noted, emotional exhaustion was the most significant burnout dimension predicted by role conflicts
Interplay of autophagy, apoptosis, and senescence in primary
biliary cholangitis
Authors: Kouroumalis Elias , Tsomidis Ioannis , Voumvouraki Argyro
Published: October 2023

The pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is particularly complicated as both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are implicated. Several forms of cellular death, both programmable and non-programmable, operate leading biliary epithelial cells (BECs) to elimination. The precise role of critical pathways like autophagy, apoptosis, senescence, and their interplay has not been fully clarified. Therefore, in this review, data on these important mechanisms are presented and their implication in PBC is discussed. The interplay of the three mechanisms is examined and the factors that drive them are analyzed. Moreover, the upstream drivers of autophagy, apoptosis, and senescence are presented. They include the loss of the protective bicarbonate umbrella in BECs due to the reduction of activity of the anion exchanger 2 (AE2) with the resultant activation of the intracellular soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). The role of toxic bile acids is also presented. A sequence of events is proposed including involvement of the gut-liver axis and the possible role of ferroptosis. Finally, a brief account of the initial trigger of the disease is given.
About Direct Start of Induction Motor with Two-Stage Reactive Power Compensation as a Part of the Auxiliary Drive of Electric Locomotive
Authors: Pustovetov Mikhail
Published: October 2023

The auxiliary electric drive of electric locomotives is often built on the basis of three-phase induction motors. In a number of auxiliary drive circuits, direct starting of motors is practiced, which is accompanied by significant starting currents. This imposes increased requirements on the installed power of the supply converter. A method for reducing starting and operating currents through the use of three-phase capacitor banks is considered. The simulation results are presented.
Digestibility In Vitro Discorea Hispida Dennst using Albizia Saponaria Lour Extract as Local Feed
Authors: Zulkarnain Deki , Bain Ali , Tasse Andi Murlina , Pagala Muhammad Amrullah , Munadi La Ode Muh. , Ndabi Sarno
Published: October 2023

The availability of local feed resources in various regions in Indonesia is quite abundant in quantity and availability, but their utilization is not optimal. This study specifically analyzes the In Vitro Digestibility of Dioscorea hispida Dennst Using Albizia Saponaria Lour (Langir) Extract as local feed, which was carried out at two locations, namely Tinanggea District, Konawe Selatan Regency, and the animal feed laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science, Halu Oleo University with a research duration of 6 months, namely January-July 2023 The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) unidirectional pattern with 4 treatments and 4 replications so that a total of 16 experimental plots. The experimental procedure begins with preparing Dioscorea hispida Dennst, the preparation of langir bark extract, the Soaking of the Trial Samples, and the Collection and Sampling. The findings showed that using langir bark extract up to 15% reduced cyanide acid (HCN) levels to 10,07 ppm or 49,06% compared to HCN levels in the study controls. Langir bark extract up to 15% usage level in Dioscorea hispida Dennst immersion has no effect on dry matter digestibility and organic matter digestibility in vitro because it still shows the maximum digestibility level of 91,54-93,48% dry matter and 69,74-77,86% organic matter, langir bark extract into Dioscorea hispida Dennst flour was used effectively in improving the concentration of NH3 and VFA at the 5% level, with the achievement of a concentration of NH3 of 5,09 mM and a concentration of VFA of 147,10 mM.
Valid Fictional Contributions to Non-Fictional Debates: Fictocritical Writing in Artistic Research
Authors: Maroto David
Published: October 2023

Fictocritical writing has been defined as an interdisciplinary practice that seeks to “blur the boundaries between the fictional, the factual and the theoretical.” As a mode of experimental writing, it holds a great potential to reinvigorate the current state of critical art writing – specifically, artistic research. The present paper sets out to investigate the usefulness of venturing beyond the constative function of the text and discusses the performative nature of writing employed at the service of artistic enquiry.
To that end, I examine three key case studies that shed light on the intricacies of fictocritical writing: Bert Danckaert’s The Extras, Barbara Browning’s The Gift, and Katrina Palmer’s The Dark Object. They all constitute artistic research projects written as novels (two of them are also PhD theses) that, at the same time, are inscribed in an art project. Furthermore, I offer a practice-based example, an excerpt from my novel The Fantasy of the Novel (also part of my PhD thesis), with the hope that the reader will be able to apprehend the effects of fictocritical writing directly, rather than just their description.
Surmounting the Skepticism: Developing a Research-Creation Methodology
Authors: Bruce Greg
Published: October 2023

This paper was written to help address the tenuous status of research-creation at the University of Toronto, where I am a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate. There, I devised a “feedback saxophone” system in which I combine the tenor saxophone with various microphones and speakers to encourage and control acoustic feedback. The DMA program at U of T is classified as professional, so the premise of centering my thesis around my feedback saxophone practice was met with some healthy skepticism. This was not because it was viewed as uninteresting, but because creative practice is not typically considered a justifiable form of research in thesis writing.
To therefore bolster research-creation as a legitimate form of scholarly inquiry and to build a model for my own research in music, I aim to answer two questions, insofar as they pertain to my research-creation project: (1) “How is creative practice research?” and (2) “What methods are appropriate for carrying out my creative practice as research?” In answering the first, I draw from the literature to demonstrate how research-creation is a form of knowledge gener- ation that complements conventional modes of investigation. Following this, I examine different categories of research-creation and illustrate them on a music research “compass” to facilitate comparison and understanding. To answer the second question, I discuss two relevant research-creation methodologies and combine them to construct my own “problem-practice-exegesis” approach. I conclude by detailing how I carry out my research using this methodology.
Through this work, I endeavor to provide a practical model for graduate artist-researchers who are interested in integrating their creative practices with thesis writing and to contribute to the validation of research-creation within Canadian graduate music programs and beyond.
Karaoke Theory / Karaoke Therapy
Authors: Sivanesan Sumugan
Published: October 2023

This article, an outcome of practice-based artistic research, concerns singing as a therapeutic performance and conveyor of knowledge. It arises from my project fugitive radio, which responds to the uptake of radio in contemporary art by pursuing experimental modes of “performance-radio.” Following a voicing event in Helsinki, a colleague suggested that singing had been “somehow civilized out of us”, prompting me to investigate connections between singing, therapy, and knowledge and in relation to the global phenomenon of karaoke singing.
My considerations are framed by ideas from neuroscientist and popular writer Daniel J. Levitin, who argues that the human brain evolved with song, and ethnomusicologist and voice therapist Anne Tarvainen, who encourages her clients to pursue unconventional methods of singing so as to experience their bodies in relation to power. Singing forms discussed include samba and música popular brasileira, Sámi yoiking, Estonia’s Singing Revolution, and Aboriginal “Songlines”, the latter being exemplar of how knowledge is kept in song. Thus, my text turns to consider how (Western) knowledge is subordinate to discourse and how artistic research fits into this schema with reference to the writing of curator and theorist Simon Sheikh. Its final movement follows the “ontological turn” in anthropology and philosophy to addresses how different practices of “worlding” arise as struggles in contemporary art and artistic research.
POSTRESEARCH!
Authors: Kues Christiane
Published: October 2023

The article addresses the situation of research in art institutions and its contradictions. Can postresearch become a critical impulse for artistic research? The proposition of “postresearch” was first introduced in the European context of artistic research when the 9th Bucharest Biennale, “Farewell to Research”, curated by Henk Slager in 2020 was announced. The philosopher Peter Osborne consequently analyzed the concept of postresearch and its self-contradictory claim of wanting to leave the research paradigm.1 He emphasized that artistic research must fulfil a non-administrative function, as does the “concept of art” by neglecting or revising its form. In comparison, higher education standards and academic legitimation processes of artistic research follow stricter standardization rules (e.g., written supplements). If artistic research neither competes with the “concept of art” (whatever that is?) nor acts as a legitimate science or discipline and furthermore does not escape administration, should these practices reclaim their status as art?
Within the unresolved question of how to position artistic research between art and science – or more specifically in the humanities – lies also its attraction, its character or junction for crossing disciplines and critical studies. Artistic research has what the theorist Natalie Loveless called a polydisciplinamorious character which can lead future debates from methodo- logical introspection to collaborate in postresearch practices.