bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto de las tecnologías educativas digitales y rendimiento académico en matemáticas
Authors: Luzuriaga Jaramillo Héctor Alberto , Hidalgo Cajo Diego Patricio , Avilés Luna Edwin Santiago , Calderón Zambrano Richar Lutter , Mata López Juan Carlos
Published: August 2023

El presente artículo aborda la problemática que se presenta al utilizar las tecnologías educativas digitales y el efecto que estas tienen sobre los estudiantes de matemáticas de la Unidad Educativa Rodríguez Albornoz, mismo que se refleja en su desempeño académico. El objetivo de la investigación es analizar el impacto del uso de tecnologías educativas digitales, específicamente con el uso de la herramienta digital "Graphmatica", en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes en matemáticas. Metodológicamente, se utilizó un diseño de investigación cuantitativo de enfoque correlacional y corte transversal; además, se aplicaron dos instrumentos: el primero para identificar el valor que un estudiante otorga a las matemáticas en relación con su vida profesional futura mediante un cuestionario tipo Likert y el segundo, para medir las actitudes hacia las matemáticas; todo esto en una muestra de 45estudiantes (20 hombres y 25 mujeres) en el año lectivo 2022- 2023. Los resultados conseguidos demuestran que no existe una correlación significativa entre el uso de tecnologías digitales en el aula y el rendimiento académico en la asignatura de matemáticas, evidenciando así un impacto leve con la implementación de la herramienta Graphmatica.
Dampak Keberagaman Agama terhadap Pola Interaksi Sosial Masyarakat Kota Makassar
Authors: Said Ahmad M. Ridwan , Syukur Muh , Andinar Yuyun , Cahyadi Muh Falak , Afgan A Jalal Al
Published: August 2023

Religion is one of the universal elements in human life, in which almost every human being lives. Religious life in urban communities has an impact on people’s behavior patterns.  This is influenced by the human mindset that religion is a reference in interacting with society.  So that in a society that has a diversity of religions (Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Catholicism and Confucianism) it will have a major influence on the patterns of social interaction that exist in society, especially in urban communities.  The city of Makassar has a diversity of people, especially in terms of religion, namely Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and others.  This diversity arises due to urbanization carried out by the community with the aim of making a living, studying and so on.  In research using qualitative research methods with a descriptive approach.  Collecting data in this study using a purposive sampling technique.  Data analysis techniques in this study used the Member Check technique.  The results of the study show that in Makassar city society the impact of religious diversity on interaction patterns between people in Makassar city can be seen from their activities, for example cooperation, conflict, accommodation and competition activities.  The impact of religious diversity in the city of Makassar can be divided into two, namely positive and negative impacts.  The positive impact on the pattern of social interaction in society is to develop an attitude of tolerance and openness to anyone, while the negative impact is to trigger conflict between religions, as well as discrimination and exclusivism.
Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi dan Komunikasi Interpersonal Guru terhadap Manajemen Mutu Sekolah Taman Kanak-Kanak
Authors: Kurniati Erni
Published: August 2023

School quality improvement management is a quality improvement method that is based on the school itself, applying a set of techniques, based on the availability of quantitative and qualitative data, and empowering all components of the school to continuously improve the capacity and organizational ability of the school to meet the needs of students and the community. This study aims to determine the influence of organizational culture and teacher interpersonal communication on the quality management of Kindergarten schools in the Tangerang District. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach. The variables in this study are Organizational Culture, Interpersonal Communication and Quality Management. The population in this study were 222 teachers in the Tangerang District from 37 Kindergartens. Sampling used a random sampling technique and obtained a sample of 143 teachers and 30 teachers as a trial. Data collection is done by questionnaire. Validity test using product moment correlation and reliability using alpha cronbach. The results of the study obtained the following conclusions: 1) There is a positive and significant influence of Organizational Culture on the Quality Management of Kindergarten Schools in Tangerang District, Tangerang City, with an r count value of 0.559, β value = 0.580 and t value = 8.001 with a smaller significant value of 0.000 from 0.05. 2) There is a positive and significant influence of Interpersonal Communication on the Quality Management of Kindergarten Schools in Tangerang District, Tangerang City, with a t-value of 11.822 with a significant value of 0.000 which is less than 0.05, the value of r = 0.706 and β = 0.706. 3) There is a positive and significant influence of Organizational Culture on Interpersonal Communication of Kindergarten Teachers in Tangerang District, Tangerang City, with a t-value of 6.045 with a significant value of 0.000 which is less than 0.05, the value of r and β = 0.454
Tratamento endodôntico e reabilitação estética em paciente portador de dens in dente tipo II: relato de caso
Authors: De Lima Dafné Menezes , Santos Eva Maria de Amorim , Costa Érica Gabriela Santana , Brito Maiza Brenda Passos Menezes , Pereira Malvina de Souza , De Albuquerque Marcone Natágoras Alves , Lima Maria Aparecida de Araújo , Freitas Roberta Bastos
Published: August 2023

O dens invaginatus ou dens in dente, ocorre quando tecidos como esmalte e dentina são encontrados no interior da cavidade pulpar. Entretanto, bactérias da cavidade oral podem contaminar essa invaginação e se propagar, levando o dente, em alguns casos, à necrose pulpar. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso clínico de paciente portador de dens in dente tipo II com lesão periapical, através de tratamento endodôntico convencional e posterior reabilitação estética com o uso de resina composta em paciente do gênero feminino, 14 anos, que procurou a clínica escola da Faculdade Soberana, a fim de melhorar aparência estética do incisivo lateral superior esquerdo (22). Durante o exame clínico, verificou-se presença de fístula na mucosa vestibular associada ao dente 22. Ao exame radiográfico, foi constatada a presença de extensa lesão periapical, reabsorção radicular externa no terço apical e dens in dente tipo II. O tratamento de escolha foi a intervenção endodôntica convencional e obturação com Agregado Trióxido Mineral (MTA). Após a conclusão do tratamento endodôntico, foi realizada a restauração estética em resina composta para harmonização do sorriso da paciente. O tratamento endodôntico realizado foi suficiente para promover o reparo da região periapical e a reabilitação estética solucionou a queixa da paciente.
Inharmonicity of two-tones in contra octave of upright piano
Authors: Milivojevic Zoran , Rajkovic Milena , Milosavljevic Dragan
Published: August 2023

The paper describes inharmonicity of musical instruments with strings. In the first part an algorithm for determination of coefficient of inharmonicity is shown, as well as algorithm for inharmonicity estimation and estimation of mean aliquote error of two-tone. In the second part paper shows results of algorithm’s application in signal processing of tones in contra octave of upright piano “August Förster” manufactured in the year 1970.  The results are given in graphics and in tables. An estimation of inharmonicity and medium aliquote error is given by comparative analysis made with Steinway pianos and Nordiska 1 and Straud upright pianos.
Sumbangsih Pemikiran John Hick: Teologi Misi Dalam Pluralisme Agama Di Indonesia
Authors: Hutahaen Edy Leonardo , Lumban Tobing Nancy Frisca
Published: August 2023

This article wrote about the attitude of Christianity in relation to other religions. The attitude in question is an act or act of acceptance or rejection of those who are of a different religion with Christians. Based on the thoughts of John Hick, through the experience of interreligious relations, the author describes his theological understanding in a settings of God’s mission which is applied through interactive dialogue. Because John Hick tends to direct Christians to build religious pluralism, not to be exclusive or inclusive. The literature approach through several books written by John Hick, the author finds as a valuable contribution to be preservation of religious tolerance in Indonesia. John Hick directs our way of thinking and relating as an attitude of tolerance that is opened and free to every religion without any intervention and the interests of certain groups.
TÜRK CEZA HUKUKUNDA MÜSADERE
Authors: ÖZDEN Nurten Kübra
Published: August 2023

Mülkiyet hakkı insanoğlunun yaşamını idame ettirebilmesi için sahip olduğu temel haklardan birisidir. Bu hak malikine geniş yetkileri sağlamakla birlikte malikin bu yetkileri sınırsız bir şekilde kullanması düşünülemez. Toplum menfaatlerinin bireyin menfaatlerinden önce geldiği durumlarda kişilerin mülkiyet hakkına devlet tarafından müdahale edilebilmektedir. Örneğin müsadere yaptırımı toplumun menfaati sebebiyle kişilerin mülkiyet hakkına müdahale edildiği durumlardan birisidir.
Müsadere, bir suçun işlenmesinde kullanılan veya suçun işlenmesine tahsis edilen veya suçun işlenmesi neticesinde elde edilen kazançların veya bizatihi varlığı suç teşkil eden eşyaların mülkiyetinin kamuya geçirilmesi yaptırımıdır. Çalışmamızda genel olarak müsadere kavramının tanımı, müsaderenin hukuki niteliği ve müsadere çeşitleri olan eşya müsaderesi ve kazanç müsaderesi ile müsaderenin uygulanma koşulları kısaca ele alınmış ve müsadere yargılaması incelenmiştir.
Features of EEG microstate analysis in post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Gulyaev SA , Khanukhova LM , Garmash AA
Published: August 2023

Knowledge about the specificity of changes in the activity of neural networks associated with realization of thought processes can be used to construct the personalized medical rehabilitation systems. This approach is of particular interest for people with the speech function disturbance due to stroke, since the development of aphasia with the loss of speech leads to severe social maladaptation that worsens the disease outcome. The study was aimed to assess the functional activity of individual neural networks based on the theory of combining the EEG microstate identification technique with the method of determining spatial localization by solving the EEG inverse problem in 27 individuals (15 males and 12 females) with an average age of 52 years, who had speech impairment due to acute atherothrombotic stroke. Mathematical analysis of the scalp bioelectrical activity multichannel recording from the system for EEG microstate model isolation was carried out under changing environmental conditions caused by the auditory-speech load together with the EEG inverse problem solution for each subject. It was found that the speech disorder development depends not only on the fact of damage to brain structures, but also on the deep functional restructuring of both neural streams involved in implementation of brain function and the entire speech connectome. The disease with a predominant motor disorder, that has shown the possibility of transferring functions to the intact hemisphere prefrontal structures, in contrast to sensory disorders representing global changes in the entire speech connectome, can probably be considered the most favorable variant of aphasia.
Evaluating the Significance of Mandatory Offers in Contemporary Corporate Finance
Authors: Mudzamiri Justice
Published: August 2023

If a regulated company reacquires its voting securities in terms of section 48 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (2008 Act) or if a person, together with related persons who held less than 35 per cent voting rights before the acquisition attain 35 per cent of voting rights after the acquisition, they must offer to purchase the remaining securities within a prescribed period. Transactions that force the acquirer to offer the remaining securities holders acquisition of their securities as contemplated above are referred to as mandatory offers. Academics debate whether to retain or dispense with mandatory offers in corporate finance law. They question the rationales for mandatory offers. For instance, some academics argue that mandatory offers inhibit investment. The rationale of using mandatory offers to pursue equal treatment of securities holders is also challenged for being incompatible with generally accepted company law principles. It is within this context that this article seeks to reinforce the pertinence of mandatory offers in the South African takeover regulation regime. Mandatory offers are of practical relevance and important to achieve equal and fair treatment of the securities holders of a similar class in line with the overarching objectives of the 2008 Act read together with the Takeover Regulations, 2011 (2011 Regulations). Mandatory offers also protect minority shareholders from being forced to retain their investments in a company that has significantly shifted its securities holding control. This article suggests some amendments to the existing provisions of the 2008 Act to reinforce the functional purposes of mandatory offers.
From Subsistence to Commercialisation: Legal Implications of ‘Ecowas Regulations on Transhumance’ on Livestock Investment Options
Authors: Ezirigwe Jane
Published: August 2023

West Africa is expected to experience rapid population growth with a projected population of 796,494,188 in 2050, most of whom will be unemployed youths in quest of job and business opportunities. The increasing growth in population with an increasing demand for livestock products and a ready workforce presents exciting opportunities for investment in livestock production, job creation, poverty reduction, and food security. Nonetheless, private investment may not happen in a form that will achieve these gains if the ECOWAS texts are left in their current form, in promoting the transhumance business model to the detriment of meaningful large-scale investments that will increase productivity and create jobs for the region’s booming young population. This article adopts a socio-legal approach to examine the ECOWAS Decision and Regulation on Transhumance in order to determine whether they have adequately promoted transhumance in a form that is not inimical to other business investment options for livestock production in the region. Its aim is to show that the regulatory framework has not effectively ensured that transhumance exists in a form that will still provide other business models with opportunities to competitively engage in livestock production. This is given the fact that the transhumance method has been commercialised and even criminalised in ways that produce significant negative consequences for the livestock business. It recommends concrete plans with a view to phasing out transhumance across borders and designating rangelands in semi-arid areas of the region.
Traditional Justice Systems in the Nigerian Administration of Justice: Lessons from Kenya
Authors: Daibu Abdulrazaq Adelodun
Published: August 2023

The Nigerian administration of justice is facing many challenges such as congestion of cases in the courts, delays in the prompt resolution of cases, corruption in the formal justice system, a punitive and retributive approach to crime with little or no room for restitution and reparation of victims of crimes, as well as the adversarial, hostile, and technical nature of litigation. Although the federal government and some states have made efforts in respect of criminal matters by the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJL) traditional justice systems can effectively ameliorate these challenges in the resolution of both civil and criminal matters. However, the potential benefits of the effective application and operation of traditional justice systems in Nigeria are hindered by their restriction to civil disputes, the lack of a clear and specific legal and policy framework, scant regard for procedural justice, inadequate or lacking of enforcement mechanisms and a retributive and punitive approach of the criminal justice system. This article analyses the nature of the Nigerian traditional justice systems and their relationship with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to see how ADR could complement the Nigerian administration of justice. The article further examines the challenges of the Nigerian administration of justice and the practice of traditional justice systems in Kenya to draw lessons for Nigeria. The article argues that the reconciliatory and restorative focus of tranditional justice systems could help resolve some of the challenges facing the Nigerian administration of justice. The article suggests legal, policy, and institutional reforms and their integration for effective application in Nigeria.
Does the Platform Matter?
Authors: Binder Alice , Frey Tobias , Friemel Thomas N.
Published: August 2023

Cannabis is one of the most common substances consumed among adolescents and research demonstrates that exposure to cannabis-related content online is associated with cannabis consumption. However, little is known about the relationship between exposure on different social media platforms and the role of personal characteristics such as sensation seeking. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1,309 adolescents between 15 and 19 years old in Switzerland investigating the relationship between exposure to cannabis-related content on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok and the intention to consume cannabis.  Results suggest a positive link between exposure to cannabis-related content on Instagram and the intention to consume cannabis. No such link emerged regarding Snapchat or TikTok. Additionally, we found a positive relationship between adolescents’ sensation seeking and the intention to consume cannabis. Moreover, we found that high sensation seekers’ exposure to cannabis-related content on Snapchat is positively related to the intention to consume cannabis. In sum, this study shows that not only the platform matters when discussing the effects of cannabis-related online content but also personal characteristics such as sensation seeking.
Edukasi Pencegahan Kekerasan pada Anak Melalui Literasi Digital Keluarga
Authors: Jamin Nunung Suryana , Jamin Fitriah Suryani , Djuko Rapi Us. , Laya Unaisah Sabriani , Abdul Noval Setiawan
Published: August 2023

Meningkatknya angka kekerasan pada anak menunjukan kekhawatiran pada publik bahwa kekerasan pada anak bisa terjadi kapan saja dan pelakunya adalah orang-orang terdekat dengan anak, yakni orang tua. Banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi kekerasan pada anak tersebut, salah satu faktornya adalah banyaknya konten kekerasan yang disediakan oleh internet tanpa filter. Orang yang terbiasa melihat dan bertindak dengan kekerasan tentu akan cenderung berperilaku seperti itu juga ketika dihadapkan pada suatu masalah. Dari fakta diatas maka perlu diadakan kegiatan edukasi pada orang tua dalam pencegahan kekerasan pada anak melalui literasi digital keluarga. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian adalah untuk memberikan gambaran pengetahuan dan pemahaman tentang pencegahan kekerasan pada anak melalui literasi digital keluarga di TK Pembina Kihajar Dewantara Kota Selatan Kota Gorontalo, Provinsi Gorontalo. Sasaran kegiatan ini adalah orang tua anak dan guru-guru PG Paud di sekoilah. Hasil yang dicapat adalah telah terlaksana kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini secara optimal, dilihat dari kehadiran peserta, penyampaian materi, diskusi, dan konsumsi. Diharapkan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat lainnya dapat dilaksanakan dimasa depan dengan tema dan lokasi yang berbeda.
Comparative Review of Credit Card Fraud Detection using Machine Learning and Concept Drift Techniques
Authors: Adebayo Oluwadare Samuel , Favour-Bethy Thompson Aderonke , Otasowie Owolafe , Okunola Orogun Adebola
Published: August 2023

Credit card fraud is a significant concern for financial institutions and cardholders alike. As fraudulent activities become more sophisticated, traditional rule-based approaches struggle to keep up. This has led to the adoption of machine learning techniques for fraud detection, which have shown promising results. However, the dynamic nature of credit card fraud poses a challenge due to the concept drift phenomenon. Concept drift refers to the changes in the underlying data distribution over time, requiring models to adapt and evolve to maintain their effectiveness. This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive comparative review of credit card fraud detection methods using machine learning and concept drift techniques. This literature review provides an overview of relevant studies comparing credit card fraud detection using machine learning techniques and concept drift handling methods. The paper evaluates the performance, strengths, and limitations of various approaches in addressing credit card fraud detection under concept drift scenarios.
A Dynamic Zone Adaptive Model for Dynamic Reconfiguration of WSN
Authors: Harshita Harshita , Deswal Suman
Published: August 2023

Dynamic network localization is required to achieve the architecture level improvement to the network. It provides the network reconfiguration to achieve the communication improvement with behavior and the architectural analysis. In this work, a three stage model is presented to achieve the network reconfiguration. In first stage, the critical point analysis is provided. This analysis is applied under maximum flow algorithm. In second stage, the neighboring point analysis is provided for load analysis. In final stage, the reconfiguration is applied to improve the communication. The results obtained from work shows that the work has improved the network communication and network life.
The Impact of Interest Rate Spread and Money Supply (M2) on Economic Growth – A Study in 40 Selected Nations
Authors: Vo Quy T. , Tran Mai. H. T.
Published: August 2023

The goal of this research study is to look at how the Interest Rate Spread and Money Supply (M2) affect Economic Growth in different countries. We evaluate the literature on conducting research to investigate the impact of independent variables and control variables on economic growth. The research spans 40 countries from 2001 to 2021 and is divided into three groups: Developed Countries, Developing Countries, and Emerging Countries. The findings confirmed that the Interest Rate Spread and Money Supply (M2) have a positive impact on Economic Growth. These results imply that expantaionary mometery policy supports economic growth. The positive relationship between interest rate spread and economic growth confirmed the the importance of the banking sector in the economy.
Influence of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on Value Chain Activities of Members of Cooperative Societies in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Ogochukwu Esther , Chinenye Michael Maureen , Okoreaffia Dr. Okafo , Grace Nwafor Obiageli
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the influence of international fund for agricultural development (IFAD) on value chain of farmer’s cooperative members in Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State. The researcher set to determine the influence of IFAD on the production patterns of farm crops, on the processing techniques for farm crops and on the marketing systems for farm crops in the study area. To guide this study, three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The study was anchored on Porter’s Value Chain (1985). The study employed a descriptive survey design, the instrument for data collection was questionnaire constructed for the study and calibrated with the 5-point Likert ordinal measurement and rating scale. The population of the study was 268 selected multipurpose cooperatives members in Awka NORth local Government Area of Anambra State. The sample size used was 160 cooperative members using Taro Yamane formula. Adopting a judgmental sampling technique, 160 questionnaires was distributed and 132 copies of questionnaire were completed and returned and used for this study which represent 82.5% response rate. Research hypotheses were tested using Z-Test. The finding revealed that there is a significant influence of IFAD on production pattern in the study area with a p-value 0.0177 (p < 0.05). With a p-value 0.0142 (p < 0.05) indicating a significant influence of IFAD on processing techniques in the study area and with a p-value 0.0162 (p < 0.05) indicating that there is a significant influence of IFAD on marketing systems in the study area. The study recommends that the IFAD should do more in giving financial assistance the women network to have more financial backing which will enable them produce more food and, to organize more workshops, lectures, seminars, conferences among others for farmers.Majority of the farmers are illiterate, adult education programmes should be mounted for them in their various communities and prize awarded for good work. These will help them to understand how to use new agricultural techniques and understand instruction on agricultural handouts and Aspects of agricultural production that are largely the responsibility of farmers must be given adequate attention. Such areas include, for example, food crop production, livestock production, processing, storage and marketing of agricultural produce, pest and disease control
Online Learning and Its Short-term Impact on Digital Engagement and Digital-related Health Symptoms Amongst University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Ai-Hong , Roslan Nur Rifqah , Cosette YW Hoe , Teoh Swee Chai
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a rapid shift of learning and education from traditional means to digital platforms. This paper aims to examine the impact of online learning on digital engagement and digital-related health symptoms among university students one year into the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Data was collected through a self-administered online questionnaire after ethical approval. The questionnaire was adapted from the previously published Lifestyle Study in Youth Questionnaire. Through the questionnaire, the perception of students toward online learning was probed and recorded. Digital engagement and digital-related health symptoms were compared before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Results: The majority (97.5%) of respondents preferred face-to-face learning. The time spent on digital devices was 1.8 times higher during COVID-19 than before the COVID-19 lockdown (t-test = -18.86, p<0.0001). The total hours of sleep were reduced during COVID-19 lockdown (0.6 hours lesser) (t-test = -3.92, p<0.0001). The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed significant changes in digital-related health symptoms (15 out of 17) due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Digital eye strain, dry eye syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and upper quadrant postural and muscle strain emerged (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most university students favoured face-to-face learning compared to online learning. There was a two-fold rise in digital engagement during the COVID-19 lockdown. As a result, it has seemed to translate into reduced sleeping hours. The short-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic on digital-related health symptoms amongst university students was apparent. The long-term effects require further investigations to facilitate fact-based decision-making.
Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of 2% Formulation of 2-Medpy-3-CN on Infected Burn Wounded Animal Model
Authors: Neela Vasantha Kumari , Ahmad Nor Maziah , Wada Surajo Adamu , Karunanidhi Arun Kumar
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Humans have learned to recognize and process plants into medicinal forms through centuries. Burns can spread to other tissues, especially when infected with bacteria such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study aimed to assess the in vivo antibacterial and wound healing activity of 2% formulation of 2-Medpy-3-CN on infected burn wounded animal model. Methods: In vitro antibacterial activity of the Alsti was done by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. Alsti 2% ointment was prepared for the infected burn wound treatment. A total of 18 rats are grouped into A, B, C, and D, the first three groups (A-C) were injured thermally, and Group D was used as healthy controls. The three test Groups were exposed to MRSA ATCC 43300 at 105 CFU/mL. Group A was treated with 2% Alsti, Group B with Silver sulfadiazine 1% (SSD), and Group C was untreated. Wounds healing was assessed by the healed area and microscopic identification of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained skin tissue. Results: Wound healing progresses with application of Alsti 2% ointment as observed through wound diameter and histopathological changes of the skin. Wound diameter decreases with treatments, while the contrary was observed in the non-treated group. Microscopic observation of the stained skin showed that epidermal development, and collagen formation progress with treatment days. Untreated wounds showed marked inflammation, progressive ulceration, and necrosis. Conclusion: Alsti 2% formulation showed antibacterial and wound healing activities, hence, can be used as alternative in burn wound infections.
Screen Media Dependency and Its Associated Factors Among Preschool Children in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Abdul Hadi Azwanis , Abd Latip Nurul Akmal , Mohammad Aidid Edre
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Excessive screen time among young children is associated with screen dependency. At this moment, there is a lack of data on screen dependency among young children in Malaysia. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of screen dependency and its associated factors among preschool children in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at registered preschools in Kuala Lumpur. 300 parents of preschool children aged 4 to 6 years old who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited via simple random sampling. The Screen Dependency Scale (SDS) were used to assess their dependency to screen media. Univariate and multivariate statistics were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Results: The prevalence of screen dependency among preschool children in Kuala Lumpur was 65.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that using the screen to resolve children’s quarrels (aOR 2.855, 95% CI 1.187 - 6.868), children who use smartphones (aOR 2.735, 95% CI: 1.244 - 6.013), children’s screen time exceeds 2 hours over the weekend (aOR 2.261, 95% CI: 1.058 - 4.830) and having a television in the bedroom (aOR 5.562, 95% CI: 1.591 - 19.442) were predictors for screen dependency. While active co-use mediation (aOR 0.505, 95% CI: 0.302 - 0.845) were protective. Conclusion: The prevalence of screen dependency was high among preschool children in Kuala Lumpur. Active screening at health care clinics or in schools is essential to identify early children with risk factors for screen dependency.
GFAT1: A Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Faroque Habibah , Azmahani Abdullah , Othman Muhammad Afiq Izzuddin , Abu Bakar Nor Hidayah , Arfah Nadiah Wan- , Omar Siti Zarqah , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Sasano Hironobu
Published: August 2023

Introduction: There is an increasing demand for additional techniques to diagnose and treat cancer including CRC or colorectal cancer effectively. Utilizing antibodies as biomarker could contribute to accurate diagnosis of cancer due to its high specificity and sensitivity. One of the etiologies of CRC progression was proposed as the alterations of hexosamine biosynthetic pathway which could subsequently influence the rate-limiting enzyme, glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT1). These increased enzymatic activities resulted in an elevation of glucose uptake that provides nutrients facilitating the progression of cancer cells. Therefore, we attempted to determine the potential of GFAT1 as the biomarker for CRC by correlating its expression with clinicopathological features of the patients. Methods: A total of 132 10% formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on the tissue sections and digital images were subsequently acquired. All the images were automatedly analyzed using IHC Profiler. GFAT1 immunoreactivity in colorectal tissues was calculated using an adapted H-score formula. Clinicopathological features of the patients were statistically correlated with the status of GFAT1. Results: Colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues had the significantly highest GFAT1 H-scores with the mean of 103.18 compared to adenoma and non-tumor tissues. There have been no significant associations between clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and the status of GFAT1 except for tumor size. Conclusion: Immunoreactivity of GFAT1 was significantly different between non-tumorous tissues and adenocarcinoma as well as between adenoma and adenocarcinoma tissues. GFAT1 could serve as one of the prognostic biomarkers or useful targets.
Methadone Reduced Nevirapine Pharmacokinetic Parameters in People Living With HIV in Malaysia
Authors: Mustafa Suzana , Mustafa Mahiran , Wan Yusuf Wan Nazirah
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The HIV epidemic in Malaysia predominantly affects males (90% of total HIV cases) mostly intravenous drugs users. Nevirapine-based of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) once- or twice-daily dosage improve accessibility and effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment for HIV positive intravenous drug users (IDUs) receiving methadone maintenance treatment. Studies reported that concomitant administration of nevirapine with methadone reduced methadone plasma concentration. Since methadone and nevirapine were both known to be the substrate for cytochrome 2B6 (CYP 2B6), concomitant use of both drugs may affect nevirapine concentration too. However, methadone effect on nevirapine concentration is still unclear. This is a cross sectional study which reports how methadone co-administration affects the pharmacokinetic parameters of nevirapine in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods: 112 patients receiving nevirapine-based antiretroviral drugs were recruited. Seventeen were maintained with methadone without withdrawal symptoms. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure plasma nevirapine concentrations. Nevirapine population pharmacokinetics was modelled with a non-parametric approach using Pmetrics software. Result: According to univariate analysis, concurrent methadone administration increased the clearance of nevirapine by 25.3% (p = 0.046). Multivariate analysis showed that methadone medication was independently linked with lower nevirapine concentrations and area-under-curve (Cmin was reduced by 15.2%, p = 0.011, Cmax 19.5%; p = 0.003, AUC12 16.2%; p = 0.021 respectively). Conclusion: This study provides in-vivo evidence of methadone co-administration reducing nevirapine exposure. Since a low concentration of nevirapine will lead to treatment failure, monitoring is essential for PLHIV using both medications at the same time.
Variation of Proconvertase 1 and Resistin Gene as Risk Factor for Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Obesity Papua Population
Authors: Hastuti Pramudji , Sadewa Ahmad Hamim , Jems K. R. Maay
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) include obesity and some genetic factors. Obesity involves mild chronic inflammation that predisposes cells to insulin resistance. Two genes that influence obesity and insulin resistance are Proconvertase-1 (PC-1) and resistin (RETN). PC-1 affects the activation of hormones that regulate satiety and hunger. Resistin is one of the inflammatory factors that influence the occurrence of insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the influence of polymorphism in the PC-1 gene rs1044498 (C>A) and resistin gene RETN + 299 G>A rs3745367 on the risk of diabetes in obese Papua population. Methods: This study involved 58 obese people with T2DM and 58 obese people without DM. We examined the characteristics of blood pressure, lipid profile and insulin resistance by HOMA-IR. The genes examined were PC-1 rs1044498 (C>A) and RETN+ 299 G>A rs3745367 by the PCR-RFLP method. The relationship of gene variations with biochemical parameters was determined with analysis of variance. The results were considered significantly different if P < 0.05. Results: In this study, parameters of diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and insulin resistance were higher while high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were lower and significantly different in the obese with T2DM group compared to the obese only group. The carrier of the A allele in the PC-1 gene rs1044498 was higher in the obese group than the obese with T2DM but not significantly different in biochemical parameters. Carrier of the AA genotype in the RETN gene + 299 G>A rs3745367 had higher triglycerides and HOMA-IR and lower HDL levels significantly different (P<0.05) than other genotypes in the obesity with T2DM group. Conclusion: PC-1 rs1044498 gene was a risk factor for obesity but not for T2DM, while RETN gene rs3745367 was a risk factor for dyslipidemia and diabetes in obese people in the Papua population.
Linguistic and Content Validation of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 in Three Languages
Authors: Ahmad Ainuddin Husna , Romli Muhammad Hibatullah , SF Salim Mazatulfazura , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Mackenzie Lynette
Published: August 2023

Introduction: A stroke can have devastating consequences and may reduce the Quality of Life (QoL) of stroke survivors. Specific QoL measurement is therefore needed to appreciate and quantify the impact of this condition. The objective of the study is to culturally adapt, translate and validate the Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil versions of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) 3.0 for its application in clinical practice and stroke research in Malaysia. Methods: A total of nine translators translated the SIS 3.0 and five professional experts carried out the linguistic validation of the SIS 3.0 in accordance with the Mapi Research Institute’s linguistic validation guideline. The steps for linguistic validation included forward translation, synthesis, backward translation, clinicians’ review, and cognitive debriefing. Ten to thirteen healthcare practitioners rated the translated versions of SIS 3.0 using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR). Results: During the translation processes, concerns were expressed about various grammatical and semantic issues, such as the appropriateness of some phrases used for the Malaysian demographic. The Scale-CVI average was 0.91 and 0.95 for relevance and clarity respectively which indicated excellent content validity. The CVR values ranged from 0.40 to 1.00. Conclusion: The Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil versions of SIS 3.0 was well developed. The translated versions of SIS 3.0 could be adopted in clinical, community and educational settings. Nevertheless, further in-depth psychometric testing including construct validity and reliability on a larger sample among the multi-ethic Malaysians stroke survivors is advised.
Self Efficacy and Nurses’ Disaster Competency in Disaster Preparedness Management
Authors: Khairina Ilfa , Nelwati Nelwati , Maisa Esthika Ariany
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Natural disasters are catastrophic events with geological, and hydrological origins such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides that can cause fatalities, property damage and social environmental disruption. The threat of geological disasters like tsunami and earthquakes as well as the threat of hydrometeorology, such as floods, landslides, hurricanes, and fires normally occur in Indonesia. Nurses have a role to play in educating the public and engaging in the crisis. This research aims to determine the relationship between nurses’ self-efficacy and disaster preparedness management competency. Method: This research is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of nurses who served in the Emergency Room at three disaster referral hospitals in Padang. According to the inclusion criteria, nurses who participated in this study were selected by the purposive sampling method as 1st level disaster nurses, as many as 60 nurses. The data collection was carried out from August to October 2020. Results: This research shows that there was a significant relationship between nurses’ self-efficacy and disaster preparedness management with a p-value of 0.0001 and a strong relationship with a value of r = 0.673. There was a relationship between disaster management competencies and disaster preparedness management with a p-value of 0.0001, the strength of the relationship was moderate with a value of r = 0.473. Conclusion: The nurse is one of the resources responsible for disaster preparedness management in the community. Educating the nurses about disaster preparedness management increases the nurses’ readiness. Nurses can take action in managing the disaster response.
Challenges in the use Electronic Medical Records in Middle Eastern Countries: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hamdan Abdullah Bany , Abdul Manaf Rosliza , Mahmud Aidalina
Published: August 2023

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have great value in healthcare, as they enhance healthcare quality, decrease costs, optimize patient safety and health care research. Worldwide and particularly in the Middle Eastern countries have pushed for usage and implement EMR systems. However, there were some obstacles and challenges toward implementation of the EMR system. This review aims to look at the challenges and constraints of using and adopting EMR in Middle Eastern countries. Electronic databases of PubMed, country reports, newspaper, magazine articles, and hospital reports between 2008 to 2021 were used. Most common challenges highlighted were high cost of EMR implementation, lack of training, insufficient information technology personnel support, poor acceptance of new technology, confidentiality, and privacy concerns. Understanding the hurdles of using EMR technology in health care setting is essential for decision makers to focus on economic and human factors challenges to enhance the use and acceptance of EMR systems.
Evaluation of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dry Eye Syndrome among Medical Students Exposed to Visual Display Terminal in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Authors: John Patricia Ann , Hussein Adil , Sonny Teo Khairy Shamel
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Dry eye syndrome (DES) has become a public health concern, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students are at risk due to an increase in visual display terminal (VDT) exposure given the transition to full-time online lectures. The presence of reduced blink rate and tear film instability in VDT users causes an increase in tear evaporation leading to symptoms of DES. This study helps us to learn about the associated factors of VDT use and DES among the young generation. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of DES among medical students exposed to VDT at the health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 140 undergraduate medical students aged 22 to 29 years old who were VDT users. Factors analysed are age, gender, race and duration of VDT usage. Data collection included both subjective assessment (OSDI questionnaire) and objective assessment (TBUT and Schirmer’s test). Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS Inc Version 24). Results were analysed using descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Most of the medical student cohort was female and Malay. Most of the students use VDT for less than 8 hours. A high incidence of DES was noted among medical students (92.1%). None of the factors showed significant association with positive findings DES by subjective and objective assessment and duration of VDT usage. Conclusion: DES is common among VDT users. This study showed a high prevalence of DES among medical students in USM. The factors analysed did not show a significant association between DES and duration of VDT usage. This study may help to recognize the problem and will raise awareness of their daily practice and implement preventive measures to avoid VDT-related DES.
Development and Validation of FFQ for Assessing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) and High-Energy Dense Foods Intake among Malaysian Adolescents
Authors: Fauzi Nur Anis Fadzliyana , Ab Hamid Mohd Ramadan , Abd Talib Ruzita , Jailani Fadhilah , Buhari Siti Sabariah
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is strongly associated with weight gain, dental cavities, and a higher risk of chronic diseases among adolescents. However, there is no available FFQ for the Malaysian population individually to evaluate and assess the consumption of SSBs and high-energy dense (HED) foods among adolescents. Method: A 24-hour diet recall with 30 adolescents were performed via Google Meet to identify the most common and frequent types of SSBs and HEDs foods consumed nowadays. The food checklist of SSBs and HED foods from literature review search was also provided to the participants. Experts critically reviewed each food item and provide a score for its relevancy and essentiality. Face validity were conducted among 10 adolescents to validate the developed FFQ. Results: The final FFQ consisted of 63 food items with ten categories. This FFQ showed high content validity for individual items with I-CVI ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and overall questionnaires with S-CVI/Ave valued at 0.97. The calculation of Kappa statistic showed that this newly developed FFQ has excellent inter-rater reliability at the item level with K > 0.74 for 55 items and K = 0.57 only for 4 items. Most of the items were marked as relevant with a CVR score of 1.00. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that the newly developed FFQ could be utilised to estimate the intake of SSB and HED foods of Malaysian adolescents.
Effect of Credit Financing on Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (Smes) in Thika Town, Kiambu County
Authors: David Joseph Makau , Njogu Lucy Wanjiru
Published: August 2023

Purpose: To determine effect that credit financing has on the financial performance of SMEs in Thika Town, Kiambu County.

Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive survey design and the targeted population was 468 registered SMEs in Thika town. A structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data collected was analyzed for both inferential and descriptive statistics and the qualitative data from the open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The study found that trade credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.804; p=0.026) and that bank credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.956; p=0.000). The study also revealed that micro-finance credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.783; p=0.000) and that informal associations credit has a significant effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town (B=0.892; p=0.002).

Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concluded that bank credit had the greatest effect followed by informal associations credit, then trade credit while micro-finance credit had the least effect on financial performance of SMEs in Thika town. The study recommends that the Kenyan government should devise strategies of regulating and reducing interest rates in order to protect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from unfair shylocks who lend money at unsustainable high interest rates coupled with undisclosed fees.