bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of coloniality and international development assistance on Made in Africa Evaluation: Implications for a decolonised evaluation agenda
Authors: Khumalo S. Linda
Published: July 2022

Background: It is imperative to recognise the effects of the intrinsically Eurocentric development agenda on attaining transformative evaluation that appropriately addresses development priorities in Africa. The role of international development agencies as critical anchors in African evaluation practice needs examination to advance the Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) discourse.Objectives: This article critiques the dominance of a Eurocentric lens to evaluation in Africa, illustrating how this impedes MAE. It harnesses the importance of MAE as a transformative, contextually relevant approach to espousing Afrocentric values in evaluation theory and practice.Method: Through a desktop review, the article examines the intrinsic power relations inherent in Western knowledge systems and how the effects of coloniality on African knowledge systems can deter the progression of a transformative, decolonial evaluation agenda.Results: The article recognises positive strides towards legitimising African knowledge systems and harnessing a more African evaluation agenda, for example, through the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA), leading the standardisation of African evaluation competencies and guidelines.Conclusion: It establishes, however, the adverse effects of long-standing power imbalances, with the development agenda in Africa being primarily set by international development organisations, such as donors. This leaves little room for African evaluators to manoeuvre and define contextually appropriate approaches to the evaluation outside of the dominant Eurocentric evaluation standards. The article contributes to understanding the role of the dominant international development agencies on evaluation in Africa and proposes recommendations for achieving a more decolonised evaluation agenda. It highlights the importance of the legitimisation of African knowledge systems, a multidisciplinary approach to monitoring and evaluation (ME), ensuring inclusivity and representation in evaluation and negotiating power balances with international development agencies.
Caring for the indigent urban population in South Africa: A case study of the eThekwini municipality
Authors: Pillay Brandon , Mutereko Sybert
Published: July 2022

Background: Indigent policy within the eThekwini Metropolitan municipality like every well-meaning government policy seeks to address three major challenges of poverty, lack of employment and gross disparities that pose a major threat to growth in the city. Overcoming these threefold challenges forms a core objective of consolidating and advancing developmental local governance, which aims to support poor households with the intention of uplifting their everyday living conditions. There is no desire to change the current status quo of the eThekwini municipality indigent policy, and the gap still exists in the lack of internal control systems, a consolidated approach to execution and a dedicated office to deal with the roll-out of the support.Aim: This research investigated factors undermining the effective implementation of this indigent policy and proposed a strategic policy framework that ensures a long-term solution to the ineffective implementation of indigent policy.Setting: The study was conducted in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, and respondents were employees in the following units: Electricity, Customer Services and Revenue Protection, Water Services, Finance Services, and Strategy Office.Methods: The study adopted a qualitative data approach where a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from 11 purposively selected employees from five departments of eThekwini municipality.Results: The findings reveal that the indigent policy in eThekwini municipality is ineffective because of poor implementation, poor maintenance of the indigent register, budget deficit and corruption.Conclusion: The study concludes that some measures such as maintenance of indigent registers and adequate budget allocation to improve the inefficiency in the implementation of the indigent policy.
Perceptions of nurses on TB with HIV adherence counselling skills in a health sub-district, Cape Town: A qualitative study
Authors: Ticha Victoire , Bimerew Million , Phetlhu Deliwe R.
Published: July 2022

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) co-infected with Tuberculosis (TB) account for one in three HIV-related deaths. Retention in care and adherence to medication remain key behaviours that PLHIV co-infected with TB must adopt to achieve better health outcomes. Nevertheless, TB with HIV adherence-counselling services provided by nurses designed to enhance these behaviours remain inadequate. Additionally, limited information is found in the literature on the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills pertaining to PLHIV co-infected with TB.Aim: To explore and describe the perceptions of nurses regarding their TB with HIV adherence counselling skills of PLHIV co-infected with TB.Setting: The study was conducted in a health sub-district of Cape Town.Method: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was followed. A total of 14 purposively sampled nurses were interviewed individually. Nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB were included and nurses not offering care to PLHIV co-infected with TB were excluded. All interviews were audio recorded with the participants’ permission followed by verbatim transcriptions. Thematic analysis was done using ATLASti.8 electronic software.Results: It was established that the varied roles of these nurses increased their workload. Nonetheless, despite the gap in their counselling skills, the majority still maintained work expertise, professionalism and empathy towards the patients. Additionally, there were perceived barriers impacting patients’ attendance of their follow up appointments.Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, there is a need to equip nurses caring for PLHIV co-infected with TB with adherence counselling skills to improve practice.Contribution: The findings were synthesised with results from an in-depth literature review to stand as the backbone for the development of a training programme for nurses to improve adherence counselling.
Patient’s perceptions of presbycusis and associated tinnitus counselling practices within the KwaZulu-Natal province
Authors: Bhojraj Kerusha , Peter Vuyelwa Z.
Published: July 2022

Background: Counselling manages the psychosocial effects of presbycusis and associated tinnitus, which is best conducted through patient-centred care (PCC). However, there is a paucity of research on implementing PCC within audiology and on patients’ perceptions of counselling practice, making the focus on patient benefit and satisfaction crucial. Furthermore, PCC has been documented to be suitable in addressing the psychosocial effects of hearing loss and associated tinnitus, as it focuses on the adult patient playing an integral part of the management processes, providing improved patient outcomes.Objectives: This study aimed to explore patients’ perceptions of presbycusis and associated tinnitus counselling practices by audiologists within KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).Method: Qualitative phenomenological semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted through purposive sampling, consisting of seven patients with presbycusis and associated tinnitus who were recruited from private and public facilities in KZN. Data were analysed through hybrid thematic analysis following Braun and Clark’s steps.Results: Six categories were identified: perceptions on counselling methods, efficacy and tools, audiological rehabilitative training, multicultural sensitivity, patient satisfaction and recommendations on improving counselling practices as PCC adaptation. Themes were then extracted from these categories. The overall outcome of the study found that patients had positive perceptions of methods and tools, and audiologists were viewed as adequately trained. Furthermore, they were satisfied and benefitted from counselling practices and found clinicians to be culturally sensitive in their practice. However, recommendations were made towards linguistic sensitivity and satisfaction evaluations.Conclusion: Therefore, implementing PCC into counselling practice may achieve positive patient perceptions, thus highlighting the need to identify barriers and improve the implementation of PCC into practice, especially in resource-constrained contexts.
Relationship between black ownership, capital structure and company performance
Authors: Dube Tapiwa , Brummer Leon M. , Hall John H. , Mvita Mpinda F.
Published: July 2022

Background: The notion that a company’s ownership structure may affect performance and capital structure has been the attraction, but few studies have looked at the effect of black ownership (BO).Aim: This paper contributes to the literature by examining the possible interactions between BO, performance, and capital structure. Within an agency cost framework, the study indicated that the distribution of equity ownership among black shareholders might significantly influence the performance and leverage of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).Setting: Altogether 187 companies on the JSE were selected for the period of 2007 to 2014.Method: Data on the sampled companies were sourced from the Iress database, a prominent source of financial data in South Africa, as well as annual reports. The research used a pooled fixed-effects model, random effects model and two-step generalised method of moments in the analysis.Results: The findings of the research provided support for the agency cost theory. The empirical findings indicated that BO was negatively correlated with debt ratio (long-term debt) and performance (Tobin’s Q [TQ]). Surprisingly, BO was positively and significantly correlated with return on assets. Finally, the empirical findings indicated that the proportion of long-term debt and total debt based on market value was lower for BO than for total ownership, while TQ was higher for BO than for total ownership. The finding supports the prediction that companies with a relatively small proportion of black ownership cannot support high leverage and high performanceConclusion: Although the introduction of BO by way of government intervention has been partially successful, more can be done to improve the relationship between the proportion of BO, performance and capital structure in a developing economy.
Mensajes de odio hacia la comunidad LGTBIQ+ en los perfiles de Instagram de la prensa española
Authors: Martínez Valerio Lizette
Published: July 2022

Introducción: Algunos expertos coinciden en el papel fundamental que tienen las redes sociales en el aumento de los delitos de odio en los últimos años, sobre todo entre la población más joven. Conscientes de dicha realidad, estas plataformas toman continuamente medidas para evitar que los discursos de odio se propaguen por la red. Sin embargo, también es necesaria la colaboración del resto de implicados en el proceso comunicativo. Uno de ellos son los medios de comunicación. La presente investigación se centró en analizar los comentarios realizados en las publicaciones de Instagram de los principales diarios españoles de tirada nacional (El País, El Mundo, ABC, La Vanguardia y 20Minutos) relacionadas con la conocida como “Semana del Orgullo”. Metodología: La metodología empleada fue el análisis de contenido cuantitativo y empírico de todos los comentarios que se hicieron en las publicaciones (N=20) de las cuentas de Instagram pertenecientes a dichos periódicos. Resultados: El corpus obtenido resultó ser de 6.013 comentarios: 41,8% clasificados como “otros”, 32,6% “a favor”, 16% “críticas”, 4,9% “burlas”, 3,1% “menosprecio”, 1,5% “insultos” y 0,1% “amenazas”. Discusión: Los resultados coinciden con otros trabajos en que los filtros establecidos por Instagram reducen los discursos de odio en esta red, a diferencia de otras como Twitter. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los mensajes respecto al colectivo LGTBIQ+ están a favor, y, aunque la mayor parte de los mensajes en contra pueden clasificarse como críticas, existe un pequeño porcentaje de mensajes que pueden ser considerados discursos de odio.
Dynamic Simulation of Automotive Vehicle Suspension Using MATLAB Simulink
Authors: Palli S. , Duppala A. , Sharma R.C. , Gopala Rao L.V.V.
Published: July 2022

This work focuses on obtaining the natural frequencies and simulation of dynamic modes of a typical four wheeler SUV suspension spring. A mathematical model of the suspension spring is developed in MATLAB assuming 4 DOF considering half car model of the vehicle. Lagrange's method is used to solve the motion equations and extract the predominant dynamic mode frequencies in MATLAB. Further, Simulink is utilised for validation the results determined in MATLAB by constructing the Power Spectral Density curves of the dynamic response depending on one of the eigenvectors of the suspension system under consideration.
Investigation of Microstructural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Al8011-TiC Metal Matrix Nano-Composites
Authors: Palanichamy Ragunath , Lakshmipathy Jayakumar , Raju et al M.
Published: July 2022

Aluminium alloys reinforced by nanoparticles are widely utilized in space vehicles, automotive components and industrial applications due to the unique characteristic of high stiffness to weight ratio. In this research, aluminium alloy 8011-TiC (Titanium Carbide) composites with a various weight percentage of reinforcement such as 5%, 7% and 9% wt.% were produced through stir casting technique. The contribution and uniform dispersion of TiC nano particles in Al 8011 was investigated through microstructural examination, mechanical and tribological behaviour. To sew up the uniform distribution of reinforcement particles over composite metal matrix alloy was investigated using Scanning and Optical Electron Microscope (OEM and SEM) depiction. The pattern of TiC content in the Al8011 alloy was observed through X-ray diffraction technique. Also, specimens are exposed to wear test as per ASTM G99 standard and the weight loss method is adopted. The result exhibits that tensile, yield strength properties and microhardness of nano-composites particles to about increases by 35%, 170% and 150% respectively. The mechanical properties and wear resistance of 7% TiC yields better results compared with Al 8011 alloy and other compositions of augmentations.
Specific Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emission Test on Single Cylinder Four-Stroke Diesel Engine using Polyethylene Extract Biodiesel as Fuel
Authors: Rajesh S.P. , Stanly Jones Retnam B. , Edwin Raja Dhas J. , Haiter Lenin A. , Manjunathan A.
Published: July 2022

More than 70% of the plastic wastes come out the packing materials. This causes heart problems and cancer too in the later stages. The plastics started to blend in drinking water in a major percentage. Recycling of the existing waste plastic is the only major way so that we can reduce this harmfulness to the globe. Here we have made use of polythene which plays a part of 33.5 percentage of the total plastic waste and is the highest waste among them. These wastes are mechanically separated and converted to plastic oil through pyrolysis. These oils are blended with the existing diesel in about 6 to 12 percentage for conversion to biodiesel and tested on a single cylinder four-stroke diesel engine for its performance. The exhaust gas which comes out is tested for its emissions and compared with diesel specific fuel consumption (SFC) and emissions.
Evaluation and Optimization of Plastic Pyrolysis Blends Performance on Diesel Engine with Ethanol Additive using Full Factorial Design
Authors: Padmanabhan S. , Karthikeyan K. , Nagachandrika K.K. , Giridharan K. , Chakravarthi G.
Published: July 2022

Hydrocarbons, present in plastic, are a great fuel source because of their high energy density. The disposal of waste plastic offers major potential for energy conservation and recovery. This research focuses on recovering energy from waste plastics as a potential alternative fuel source for automobiles. This study aims to evaluate the performance of Plastic Pyrolysis Fuel (PPF) produced by the pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene. Ethanol is an attractive alternative fuel since it is produced from renewable bio-resources and acts as an oxygenated to allow for emission reductions in diesel engines. Three distinct ratios of PPF were mixed with 15% ethanol as an oxygenated addition to producing tertiary fuel blends. The performance and emission requirements of a single-cylinder direct injection diesel engine are examined in this study. Specific fuel consumption decreases for P20E15 about 3.5% to 7.8% with diesel. The carbon monoxide emissions from P20E15 were about 4.2% to 6.8% lesser than diesel and hydrocarbon reported with a decrease of 6% to 13.43%, at the different loading. The smoke produced by the P20E15 blend is decreased by around 24% when compared to diesel. The results were analysed further using the full factorial design technique to determine the most optimal running condition.
Performance and Emission Characteristics of Jatropha and Dimethoxy-Methane Fuel Blends with EGR in Single Cylinder Water Cooled CI Engine
Authors: Prabhakaran D. , Thiagarajan S. , Senthilkumaran M. , Selvarasu S. , Thirumavalavan S. , Cheralathan S.
Published: July 2022

The number of vehicles on the road has increased by a factor of ten in recent years. As a result of the pollutants emitted by these vehicles on and off the road, ambient air quality has deteriorated significantly. It also increases greenhouse gas emissions as more CO2 is discharged into the atmosphere. As a result, researchers are concentrating on reducing fuel usage and emissions. Because fossil fuel stocks are decreasing, there is an increasing demand for alternative energy. Alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, which are made from vegetable oil and sugar molasses, are both renewable and environmentally friendly. Blending fuels to increase the combustion qualities of fuel has recently become a viable alternative. A single-cylinder, water-cooled diesel engine with a rated output of 3.7kW at 1500 rpm was used in the tests. We tested diesel, biodiesel and biodiesel with a 10% DMM blend with and without EGR and biodiesel with a 20% DMM blend with and without EGR. Biodiesel with DMM blends has lower thermal efficiency, produces less smoke and emits more NOx. NOx emissions were lowered whereas smoke emissions increased after EGR was used.
Mechanical Performance of Luffa Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites using Injection Moulding
Authors: Ashok K.G. , Gopinath B. , Raju M. , Kasirajan G.
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of polypropylene polymer matrix composites reinforced with luffa fibers. It also tries to reduce polypropylene content in the manufacturing process by incorporating natural fibers such as luffa. Natural fibers offer good mechanical qualities and are inexpensive. They have a high specific strength, are environmentally benign and are biodegradable. The fiber is first alkaline-treated and then heated on the surface in the sun. The fiber is then powdered using a ball milling technique and mixed with polypropylene in various weight proportions. The composite samples were prepared using the injection molding process. The prepared samples were tested for mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness. The percentage increase are 8.32, 2.56, 23.07 and 7.73 respectively as compared with the control sample. The research demonstrates that adding the right amount of natural fiber with the polymer can significantly improve their mechanical properties. From the study, it is concluded that natural luffa fiber can be used to minimize the content of polymers in structural applications.
Synthesis, Microstructure and Wear Analysis of Copper Alloy with Alumina and Graphene as Reinforcement
Authors: Shakarappa R. , Peter A.A. , Mallikarjuna M.V. , Padmanabhan S. , Ramesha P.
Published: July 2022

Hybrid copper alloy composites are widely used in numerous industrial applications, such as aeronautics and automobile, because of their wear resistance and excellent cast ability. They are widely used for high load and low speed application such as stone crushers and earth movers. The pin-on-disc dry sliding wear investigation and microstructure characterization of copper alloy reinforced with Al2O3 and graphene particulates were conducted. Stir casting technique is used to prepare the composites. Wear loss of hybrid composite (Cu alloy + 4wt.% Gr + 4wt.% Al2O3) is compared with Cu alloy, Cu alloy + 4wt.% Gr and Cu alloy + 4wt.% Al2O3. In microstructural analysis SEM and EDS images were assessed to know the distribution uniformness of reinforcement in copper alloy matrix. Dry wear test was carried on pin on disc machine. In the first trial, the sliding speed was kept as constant to 300 rpm and load was varied in range of 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg. In the second trial, the load was kept as constant and the sliding speed was varied in range of 100, 200 and 300 rpm. Results in both trials have shown that the wear resistance was increased and wear rate was very low in hybrid composite (Cu alloy + 4wt.% Gr + 4wt.% Al2O3) compared to the other compositions of the tested composites.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Nebulizer Spray-Deposited Tin Disulphide Thin Films with Different Substrate Temperatures
Authors: Sarathkumar R. , Pavankumar N. , Pandyan R.K. , Amalraj L.
Published: July 2022

The Nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique is used to make tin disulphide thin films at various substrate temperatures. SnS2 thin films structural, electrical and optical properties are investigated. The polycrystalline nature was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, which revealed a hexagonal structure with a preferred orientation along the (0 0 2) plane. The full width half maximum value of the Bragg peak is used to calculate the size of SnS2 crystallization. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to examine the composition and surface morphology of SnS2 thin films. The wavelength range of 400-1110 nm is used to determine the transmittance and absorption spectra of these films. With increasing substrate temperature, the optical band gap of tin disulphide thin films decreases from 3.17 eV to 2.61 eV. With regard to substrate temperature, the absorption coefficient and activation energy were reduced with SnS2 deposition.
Volatile Bioactive Compounds from Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64, an Endophytic Fungus Residing in the Leaf of Ocimum sanctum
Authors: Jalil Mohd Taufiq Mat , Ibrahim Darah
Published: July 2022

Endophytic fungi are known as potential novel compound producers with promising antimicrobial activities. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the possible bioactive compounds present in the ethyl acetate extract of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in disc diffusion assay. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed with chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate (1:2:1, respectively) used as a solvent system and nine spots with diverse polarities were obtained. The TLC chromatogram with the active spot was localized with bioautography assay and the finding revealed that the dark spot with an Rf value of 0.5882 showed good antibacterial activity against all test bacteria. The fraction F5 exhibited promising antibacterial activity upon partial purification of dark spot via column chromatography and the GC-MS analysis of fraction F5 resulted in the detection of a major compound, 2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester with 90% matching factor. Thus, this compound may greatly contribute to the antibacterial activity of the fraction and has the potential to be developed as an antibiotic. The findings indirectly indicate that fungal endophytes from the medicinal plant could be a potential candidate for bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical properties.
Genetic Diversity of the Endangered Endemic Anoa (Bubalus spp): Implication for Conservation
Authors: Priyono Dwi Sendi , Solihin Dedy Duryadi , Farajallah Achmad , Purwantara Bambang
Published: July 2022

Anoa is an endemic ungulate in Sulawesi and its status now is endangered because the population continues to decline. Conservation genetics is one of the crucial issues in the anoa conservation strategy and action plan 2013-2022 document, but this genetic data is not yet available. To investigate and provide valuable information for conservation genetics measures, thirteen polymorphic microsatellites were used to analyze 20 adult anoa. Anoa has relatively low genetic diversity within populations (HO = 0.58), and high genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0157). Although the anoa population has a bottleneck signal (T.P.M: 0.019; P0.05), the bottleneck simulation results show that the loss of genetic diversity is being slow over the next 100 years (9.5%). We provide some recommendations for conservation genetics based on the findings in this paper, including monitoring and genetically mapping for other anoa populations due to bottleneck signals, establishing the founder of the ex-situ population by examining their genetic diversity status, maintaining and increasing the number of individuals in the ex-situ population to genetically safe population size, and managing anoa populations by avoiding inbreeding. In-situ and ex-situ conservation programs should be combined to maintain the genetic diversity of anoa.
Ecological Studies of Epiphytic Diatom on Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta) thallus Cultivated in Horizontal Floating Cage
Authors: Kasim Ma’ruf , Winesti Ade , Nurgayah Wa , Balubi Abdul Muis , Jalil Wardha
Published: July 2022

Epiphytic diatoms are phytoplankton groups commonly attached to substrates such as macroalgae. This study analyzes the community structure and diversity of epiphyte diatoms attached to Eucheuma denticulatum cultivated using the horizontal floating cage method. Six thalli of E. denticulatum propagules were taken randomly from each station. The samples were analyzed and identified in the laboratory. The research results clarified that epiphytic diatom composition consisted of 3 classes, two orders, 38 genera, and 79 species. The three classes that have been found include class Coscinodiscophyceae (10 genera) with percentages ranging between 8-34%, class Fragillaryophyceae (12 genera) with percentages ranging between 34-46%, and class Bacillariophyceae (16 genera) with percentages ranging between 26-46%. The uniformity index was 0.8287-0.9286, which is considered relatively high. The dominance species index was 0.0644-0.2055, categorized as low. Fluctuations in water's physical and chemical factors have no significant effect on the growth of diatom epiphytes in the thallus of E. denticulatum.
Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Mangrove Species Rhizophora apiculata and Their Efficacy as Herbicides
Authors: Julia Za’aziza Ridha , Sukarno Nampiah , Ardie Sintho Wahyuning , Batubara Irmanida , Tjitrosoedirdjo Soekisman , Waite Mashuri
Published: July 2022

Endophytic fungi play an important role on mangrove growth and development, however research on the endophytic fungi of the mangrove Rhizophora apiculata is limited. The endophytic fungi produce diverse bioactive compounds involved in the mangrove’s adaptation to varied biotic and abiotic stresses and could have applied uses in agriculture or medicine. The purpose of this research was to isolate endophytic fungi of Rhizophora apiculata mangrove and to study their activity as herbicides on the weed Gomphrena globosa. The fungi were isolated using the surface sterilization method and identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular characteristics using ITS regions of rDNA. Herbicidal activity of the fungal filtrates extracted by ethyl acetate were tested on seed germination and seedling growth of G. globosa. Five fungal isolates were obtained, namely Penicillium citrinum, Diaporthe eucalyptorum, Diaporthe musigena, Colletotrichum queenslandicum, and Diaporthe tectonae. All isolates were able to grow on PDA medium containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 (% v/v) seawater concentrations, but the growth rate varied by species and seawater concentration. In general, all five isolates showed herbicidal activity by delaying seed germination and reducing shoot and root growth. P. citrinum showed the highest herbicidal activity compared to the other isolates. Analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry of the crude extract of P. citrinum filtrate identified 7 main compounds: 3-Methoxy-2-methyl-cyclohex-2-enone, Cyclohexane-carbohexaldehyde, 6-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl)-2-oxo, Cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 1-(2-propenyl)-1,1-dimethylethyl ester, 2-Hydroxy-4-isopropyl-7-methoxytropone, Beta-Asarone, Oxane, 4-(2-amino-1-hydroxyethyl)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-, and Diisooctyl-phthalate. These compounds should be studied further to determine which ones are responsible for the herbicidal activity.
The Occurrences of Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and Wild Shrimps Caught from Barito Estuary, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Herliwati Herliwati , Rahman Mijani , Hidayat Achmad Syamsu , Amri Ulil , Sumantri Ika
Published: July 2022

The research investigated the occurrences of heavy metal (Pb, Cu, and Cd) in waters, sediments, and wild shrimps collected from the Barito River estuary. Water and sediment samples were collected from 11 study sites by purposive sampling. At the same time, shrimps samples were captured around the sites. The study showed low levels of heavy metals in water samples; those were: Cd<0.0019 mg/L, Cu<0.001 mg/L, and Pb<0.0019 mg/L. Low levels of heavy metals were also detected in sediment samples, those were Cd <0.24 mg/kg, Cu <0.013-0.69 mg/kg, and Pb<0.024 mg/kg. Heavy metals contaminations were detected in Parapenaeopsis sculptilis, those were Cd = 2.802 mg/kg; Cu = 3.399 mg/kg, and Pb = 1.294 mg/kg. In Acetes japonicus, the heavy metals concentration were Cd = 2.127 mg./kg, Cu = 5.518 mg/ kg, and Pb = 2.723 mg/kg. In Penaeus merguiensi, the heavy metals concentrations were Cd = 8.598 mg/kg, Cu = 6.403 mg/kg, and Pb = 5.433 mg/kg. This study indicated the increases of heavy metals concentrations from water to sediment and finally into the shrimps. The presence of heavy metals in shrimps indicated the bioaccumulation of toxic metals, especially for Pb and Cd concentrations which exceeded the tolerable limit according to JECFA.
Molecular Characterization and Pathogenesis of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Brontok Eagle in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Angeliya Liza , Kristianingrum Yuli Purwandari , Asmara Widya , Wibowo Michael Haryadi
Published: July 2022

Newcastle disease (ND) is a contagious disease in poultry and numerous birds of various ages. Eagle is considered a potential reservoir for ND transmission as a wild  bird. This  research  was  conducted  to  molecularly  characterize  Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from ND cases in Brontok Eagle and analyze the pathogenesis  in  chicken  embryos.  qRT-PCR  was  conducted  as  conﬁrmation of  NDV  without  mixing  Avian  Inﬂuenza  (AI).  Sequencing  the  fusion  (F)  and haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes from the three NDVs was performed with  a  speciﬁc  primer. Amino  acid  sequence  compared  with  other  NDV  from Genbank.  Pathogenicity,  genetic  variation,  distance,  and  phylogenetic  studies were  analyzed  using  bioinformatics  software  (MEGA-X).  This  study  analyzed pathogenesis  based  on  lesions  and  distribution  of  viral  antigens  in  chicken embryos  infected  with  NDV.  Observations  were  based  on  tissue  lesions  with HE and IHC staining. NDV isolated from three Brontok Eagles is classiﬁed as velogenic  strain,  virulent  NDV  (KRQKRF),  and  belonging  to  Genotype  VII subgenotype VII.2. The NDV was detected in various organ lesions, more severe in  the  pulmo,  trachea,  proventriculus,  and  intestine  of  chicken  embryos. That is still similar to the previous case reports in the ﬁeld. These results show that NDV, which infected Brontok Eagle, has similar molecular characteristics and pathogenesis in chickens. These cases could be a threat to the poultry industry. Further research, surveillance, and monitoring of wild birds are needed to obtain more NDV epidemiological information in wild birds.
Ectoine and Hydroxyectoine from Halophilic Bacteria Isolated from Traditional Solar Saltern at Pejarakan Village, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Authors: I Putu Parwata  , Siti Maryam  , I Nyoman Tika
Published: July 2022

The increased use of ectoine and hydroxyectoine in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals has led to the increasing demand for these bioactive compounds. This study aims to investigate the production of ectoine and hydroxyectoine by halophilic bacteria isolated from traditional solar saltern at Pejarakan Village, Buleleng Regency, Province of Bali, Indonesia. The halophilic bacteria were grown from the brine and the sediment samples using Luria Bertani media. The production of ectoine and hydroxyectoine was determined by inoculating the bacteria in MM63 media containing 12% w/v NaCl. Ectoine and hydroxyectoine were then extracted from the bacterial cells using a mixture of methanol/chloroform/water (10/5/4). Finally, the ability of the bacteria to excrete ectoine and hydroxyectoine was investigated using the osmotic downshock technique. The results showed that a total of 88 halophilic bacteria have been isolated which showed varied salt tolerances from 0 to 27.5% w/v. Most of the bacteria (86 isolates) were able to grow in MM63 media, suggesting the potential of the bacteria producing ectoine and hydroxyectoine. Further investigation showed that 33 selected halophilic bacteria were able to produce ectoine and hydroxyectoine with levels of 9.1 to 301.8 mg/L and 3.9 to 122.1 mg/L, respectively. All the bacteria were also able to excrete ectoine and hydroxyectoine after the osmotic downshock process with levels of 9.8 to 277.5 mg/L and 14.3 to 122.7 mg/L, respectively. The best ectoine and hydroxyectoine-producing bacteria showed the closest homology relationship with Salinivibrio costicola and Salinivibrio kushneri. Our study has found several promising candidates for ectoine and hydroxyectoine producers.
Effect of Chronic Toxicity Studies of Sappan Wood Extract on The Kupffer Cells Number in Rats (Rattus novergicus)
Authors: Khristian Erick , Safitri Ratu , Ghozali Mohammad , Bashari Muhammad Hasan
Published: July 2022

Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is a plant used by the community to mix drinking. The antioxidant index of Sappan wood extract has a higher value than commercial antioxidants to counteract oxidative free radicals and improve the body's defense system. The use of Sappan wood drinking in society is often used in daily so it is necessary to do a chronic toxicity test to observe the response to prolonged use of the system in the body. Kupffer cells are an important part of the innate immune system, acting as “scavengers” and phagocytes. A study that aims to see the chronic toxicity studies of the ethanolic extract of Sappan wood on the number of Kuffer cells in the liver has been carried out on 60 Wistar rats divided into 12 groups. The group was the negative control group, doses 100 mg/kgBW, 200 mg/kgBW, 300 mg/kgBW, 400 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW of extract Sappan wood which were divided into male and female groups. Each group was given ethanol extract of Sappan wood for one year orally. The results showed a significant increase in Kupffer cells in the female group at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW and the male group at 200 mg/kgBW with significant values, respectively, p<0.001 p = 0.004.
Crude Oil Biodegradation Potential using Acinetobacter baumannii CYA20 and Bacillus subtilis CYA27 from the Bekasi Coast, Indonesia
Authors: Christy Nur Cahyani  , Ismayana Andes , Yani Mohamad
Published: July 2022

The pollution of coastal areas caused by oil spills is an environmental issue that needs further attention. Crude oil contains persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are difficult to degrade. This study aimed to isolate bacterial strains capable of degrading crude oil from the Bekasi coast through bacterial isolate characterization and crude oil biodegradation tests using a crude oil-enriched microcosm model. Two strains with higher TPH degradation values were selected among the isolated bacteria, namely CYA20 and CYA27, which specifically showed values of 46% and 66%, respectively. These strains were tolerant to NaCl concentrations of up to 4% and 12%, respectively, and they were also tolerant to pH values ranging from 5 to 9 and temperatures between 10°C and 50°C.  Both strains were shown to utilize POPs, such as phenanthrene and fluorene, produce biosurfactants, and exhibited an emulsification activity in paraffin ranging from 0.373 to 0.533. Phylogenetic analyses identified these bacterial strains as Acinetobacter baumannii CYA20 and Bacillus subtilis CYA27, respectively. The results of this study indicate that these isolates could be developed as biodegradation agents for the bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated environments.
Pollination by Three Species of Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) Increase Seed Set of Mustard (Brassica rapa L.: Brassicaceae)
Authors: Asmini Asmini , Atmowidi Tri , Kahono Sih
Published: July 2022

Pollination and fertilization are critical factors in horticultural cultivation to increase seed production. In this study, we measured the visiting activity and pollination of three species of stingless bees, i.e., Tetragonula laeviceps, Lepidotrigona terminata, and Heterotrigona itama in mustard (Brassica rapa). Visiting activity of stingless bees were observed in mustard plants caged by an insect screen. The observations were done visually per hour, starting from 07:00 until 16:00, using the focal sampling method. The visiting activities observed were flower handling time, foraging rate, and total visit per plant. We also measured the pollen load of each stingless bee species. Results showed the highest foraging rate occurred in H. itama (28.38 flowers/5 minutes), followed by T. laeviceps (27.88 flowers/5 minutes), and L. terminata (27.85 flowers/5 minutes), respectively. The longest flower handling time was found in H. itama (40.15 seconds), followed by T. laeviceps (35.25 seconds), and H. terminata (34.84 seconds). Whereas, the highest total visiting time occurred in H. itama (40.10 minutes), followed by T. laeviceps (37.47 minutes), and L. terminata (36.76 minutes). Heterotrigona itama has a highest pollen load (36,650 pollen grains), followed by L. terminata (26,940 pollen grains), and T. laeviceps (9,700 pollen grains), respectively. Pollination by the stingless bees increase 27-40% the number of pods per plant, 32-72% the number of seeds per pod, 32-54% of seed weight per pod, and 18-36% of seed germination of mustard.
Critical Reading in Architectural Education
Authors:   Istanbul Kultur University Department of Architecture, Istanbul, Turkey, Birer Emel
Published: July 2022

Architectural production is a text. Texts; while producing the new based on the other, architecture needs, production social life, technology, the geography where it is produced, etc. It is formatted by references before it, as well as elements. Blending this production into architectural education must be carried out adding readings on architectural design conception and teaching the articulated power of the theoretical structure of design. The need to rebuild, reinterpret and reproduce knowledge in the mind of each individual in their own way necessitates the questioning of the need to surpass the centred position that teaches the teaching method of the studio. The aim of this study is to prove the possibility of a method that by incorporating architectural texts and theory books into undergraduate education makes these texts more comprehensible, by demonstrating the contributions of these courses in architectural design studio. In accordance with this purpose a methodology suggestion has been tried to read and understand texts as part of production in architectural education. This methodology is formed by superposing steps towards understanding architectural theory texts through critical reading with learning steps towards transforming the text from conceptual maps to images. This way architectural education is rendered a whole with design and theory altogether and as a result, subjective construction of knowledge defines the key concepts of design studio as criticism and reconstruction.
Considering Sidewalls as an Architectural Ground: Parasitic Architecture Approaches in Design Studio
Authors:   Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture, Istanbul Topkapi University, Istanbul, Turkey, Karacali Atlihan Onat , Erdil Tugba ,   Faculty of Architecture, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
Published: July 2022

Approaches mimicking nature constitute a biopolitical specific area in architecture. Today, what is called parasitic architecture is also accepted as one of these biopolitical approaches. Parasitic architecture follows the path of parasitism in nature in terms of biomimicry. And parasitism is accepted as one of the symbiotic lifeforms, others being commensalism and mutualism. They all consist of the biological relationship between distinct organisms where parasitism specially defines duality between a harming parasite and a vulnerable host. Talking in architectural terms, here the parasitism defines an additional structure that can only exist via clinging to a preexisting one. These clinging mechanisms or reflexes can be listed as “sticking”, “climbing”, “holding”, “fixing”, etc. This study aims to evaluate the architectural parasitism phenomena as a case study for the design studio. As known, the design studio is the backbone of architectural education, which is carried on with unique themes each semester. Hence, such a theme was programmed in İstanbul Topkapı University, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design department in the 2021-2022 Spring Semester, to handle the surrounding idle walls in an ad hoc way as hosting structures for parasitic design ideas of the students. As a result of the works, the idle walls were converted into fruitful public backgrounds for creating a large variety of design ideas with distinct functions and structures as well.
Bütüncül Hemşirelik Bakımı İçin Metafor Analizi: Bir Puzzle Oluşturmak
Authors: KARDAŞ Çiğdem , ÜNLÜSOY DİNÇER Nigar
Published: July 2022

Giriş: Hemşirelerin birçok kavramı, içinde barındıran bütüncül hemşirelik bakımın ne olduğunu analiz edebilmeleri için, bütüncül bakım sürecini, bileşenlerini ve etkilerini anlamlandırmaları gerekir. Bu bağlamda hemşirelerin bütüncül bakımı nasıl algıladıklarını belirlemek son derece önemlidir. Amaç: Araştırma; hemşirelerin bütüncül hemşirelik bakımına yükledikleri anlamları metaforlar aracılığı ile ortaya çıkarmak amacı ile yapılmıştır. Yöntem: Araştırma; nitel araştırma desenlerinden fenomenolojik (olgu bilim) desen kullanılarak, Mart-Nisan 2021 tarihlerinde bir eğitim araştırma hastanesinde araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 227 hemşire ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulan 10 soruluk veri toplama formu ile elde edilmiş, hemşirelerin demografik özelliklerini belirlemek amacıyla 9 soru sorulmuş ve bütüncül bakım kavramına ilişkin metaforları belirlemek amacıyla; ‟bütüncül hemşirelik bakım ………. gibidir; çünkü …………” cümlesinin tamamlamaları istenmiştir. Verilerin analizi beş aşamalı içerik analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden 227 hemşireden formu eksiksiz dolduran ve metafor-açıklama arasında tutarsızlık olmayan 209 hemşirenin 106 metafor ürettiği görülmüştür. Oluşturdukları bu metaforlar 9 kategoride "güven verici, kapsayıcı, yardım, gereksinim/gereklilik, zorunlu görev, profesyonellik, ahlaki sorumluluk, önemsiz/değersizlik, yol gösterici/yansımacı" incelenmiştir. Hemşireler %89 oranında pozitif metafor üretmişlerdir. En çok ürettikleri metaforlar; anne (n = 22, %20.8),puzzle/yapboz (n = 15, %14.2), gökkuşağı (n = 6, %5.7), güneş (n = 5, %4.7), aile (n = 5, %4.7)’ dir. Sonuç: Hemşirelerin bütüncül bakım algısıyla ilgili ağırlıklı olarak olumlu metaforlara sahip olduğu saptanmıştır. Metaforlara ait her bir kategori için olumlu algıların desteklenerek geliştirilmesi, olumsuz algıların değiştirilebilmesi için strateji planlaması yapılmalıdır.
Presentación del dossier: Marx, los marxismos y la cuestión colonial
Authors: Martínez Navarrete Edgars , Mazzeo Miguel , Soto Oscar , Ciriza Alejandra
Published: July 2022

Presentación del dossier: Marx, los marxismos y la cuestión colonial
Emancipatory Methodologies: Knowledge Production and (Re)existence of the Misak People in Colombia
Authors: Banguero Velasco Rigoberto , Gruber Valerie V. V.
Published: July 2022

Indigenous communities such as the Misak people in Colombia continue to struggle against the consequences of colonization and violence, but at the same time, they propose emancipatory methodologies of knowledge production. These practices towards epistemic justice are crucial to assure the (re)existence of indigenous peoples and their wisdom in Abya Yala. In this vein, our article sheds light on research methodologies rooted in Misak cosmogonies and processes to validate ancestral knowledge production. Through ethnographic and participatory action research in the indigenous reserve of Shura Manéla in the Colombian Cauca Department, we got insight into the spiral of persistent existence (espiral de pervivencia) and the law of origin of the Misak people. On this basis, we describe the Latá-Latá methodology reinvented by the community to recover their ancestral knowledge, and the Pachakiwa social cartography applied to depict their territorial relations. Moreover, we explain how collective validation processes work in practice. This serves to open up a transdisciplinary discussion on the potentials and the limitations of such vernacular research methodologies. We observe that healing from the trauma of colonization and inferiorization is a key driver of indigenous research processes. Therefore, developing further emancipatory methodologies based on equal subject-subject relations is an urgent task in the field of decoloniality. Learning from communities like the Misak is an invitation to become aware of the pluriversal complexity, listen to silenced sagacity, and find methods to pursue epistemic equality.
IMPACT OF EXTRINSIC REWARDS ON JOB OUTCOMES: ROLE OF EMPLOYEE WORK ENGAGEMENT AND PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT:
Authors: Yaqoob Samina
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the impact of extrinsic rewards on employee affective commitment and innovative work behavior (IWB). Moreover, unpack the role of employee work engagement as an intervening mechanism between extrinsic rewards and employee job outcomes (IWB & commitment). Besides, it investigates the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS) for the associations of extrinsic rewards and employee work engagement. Data (N = 307) was collected from the higher education sector by using survey method, comprising of faculty members and administrative staff of Lahore, Pakistan. The findings revealed that extrinsic rewards enhanced the employee IWB and their affective commitment. The results show the mediational role of work engagement and the relationship of extrinsic rewards and employee work engagement is found to be more salient in high perceived organizational support as compared to lower one. The findings are discussed in terms of its implications for theory and practice at the end.