bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Properties of Methanol Extract and Sodium Alginate of Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh Brown Seaweed Collected from Malaysia
Authors: Jamie Mei-Lin Kok  , Ching-Lee Wong
Published: April 2022

The edible brown seaweed, Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh was harvested from the coastal region of Malaysia. In this study, analysis of the nutrition and metal content in the methanol extract showed positive for sodium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and E and arsenic contamination. The brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) revealed the extract to be non-toxic with LC50 value of 15.60 mg mL?1 (LC50 > 1). The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the methanol extract were measured through various bioassays. The structural and physicochemical characterisation of the NaAlg, analysed through the 1H-NMR analysis revealed the M:G ratio of NaAlg at 0.733 with mannuronic (M) and guluronic (G) fractions at FM = 0.423 and FG = 0.577, respectively. The degraded NaAlg through methods of ultraviolet irradiation and sonication showed an increment in the in vivo antioxidant activities at intervals of 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of polysaccharides taken before and after UV irradiation showed breakage of covalent bonds and thus, increase in the intensity of both O?H and C?O stretching vibrations. Therefore, the increment in antioxidant activities observed in the treated samples were related to changes seen in their molecular structures.

 

Rumpai laut coklat yang boleh dimakan, Sargassum polycystum C. Agardh dituai dari kawasan pantai Malaysia. Dalam kajian ini, analisis kandungan nutrisi dan logam dalam ekstrak metanol menunjukkan ia positif untuk natrium, kalium, magnesium, vitamin A dan E dan pencemaran arsenik. Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) mendedahkan ekstrak tersebut tidak bertoksik dengan nilai LC50 15.60 mg mL?1 (LC50 > 1). Aktiviti antioksidan dan antibakteria ekstrak metanol diukur melalui pelbagai bioassai. Pencirian struktur dan fizik NaAlg yang dianalisis melalui analisis 1H-NMR, mendedahkan nisbah M:G NaAlg pada 0.733 dengan pecahan manuronik (M) dan guluronik (G) masing-masing pada FM = 0.423 dan FG = 0.577. NaAlg yang dinyahgred melalui kaedah sinaran ultraviolet (UV) dan sonikasi menunjukkan peningkatan dalam aktiviti antioksidan in vivo pada selang masa 15 minit, 30 minit, 60 minit, 90 minit dan 120 minit. Spektra FTIR polisakarida yang diambil sebelum dan selepas sinaran UV menunjukkan kerosakan ikatan kovalen dan dengan itu, peningkatan dalam keamatan kedua-dua getaran regangan O?H dan C?O. Oleh itu, peningkatan dalam aktiviti antioksidan yang diperhatikan dalam sampel yang dirawat berkait dengan perubahan yang dilihat dalam struktur molekul.
Morphometric and Heavy Metals Accumulation in the Muscles of Five Demersal Seafoods Sampled in Nigerian Coastal Waters
Authors: Fajana Oluwafemi Paul , Adeboyejo Akintade
Published: April 2022

This study examined the morphometric and heavy metals accumulated in the muscles of five demersal sea-foods: Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus notialis, Portunus validus and Cynoglossus browni from Nigerian coastal waters. 506 deep frozen samples (at -200C) each of the five demersal species were taken upon arrival from thirty-one (31) industrial fishing trawler vessels owned by a private fishing company in Lagos, Nigeria. Samples were thawed and morphometric characteristics such as weight, total length, standard length, body depth and carapace length/head length were measured. The heavy metals [Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Cadmium (Cd)] were analyzed using 210 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The morphometric characteristics revealed that P. atlantica and P. notialis showed no significant difference in mean values only for their carapace lengths while both species showed statistically different observations for other variables. The order of the heavy metals mean concentration was Zn>Fe>Pb. As and Cd had relatively very low values of <0.01mg/kg while Hg was not detected in all samples. The findings of this study revealed high and increasing values of Zinc in all five demersal species under consideration exceeding maximum limits for FAO/WHO and NIS (Nigerian Industrial Standard). The zinc value of the species appears to be contained in this order; P. notialis > C. browni > P. monodon > P. validus >P. atlantica. However, Iron value for P. atlantica is above the limit of FAO/WHO.  Consumption of the species invariably leads to a rise in the Zinc contents in diets and in humans which may cause gastrointestinal disorders, kidney and liver abnormal functioning especially in infants and children while other heavy metals contained in the species do not pose a threat to human health.
Asymmetric Decentralization
Authors: Darmawan I Gede Wira Adhi
Published: April 2022

Indonesia has passed through long hard times to stand as an independent country. The past struggles to break from colonialism out were in concordance with Indonesia's efforts to maintain and secure its territorial sovereignty. Upheavals, threats and even rebellions to leave the Republic have often arisen in various regions even since the beginning of Indonesia's independence. One of which has occurred in the Province of Aceh. The considered injustice in the distribution of benefits from natural resources has led to conflict in Aceh. To deal with this issue, through the enactment of the Law No. 11 of 2006, the central government aims to confirm the special autonomy for Aceh to induce peace as well as security and achieve social justice within the region. Besides to improve education, quality of life, health, infrastructure, accelerate economic development through the special autonomy fund allocation. How the special autonomy has been implemented hitherto and how it contributes to improve Acehnese welfare is considered critical as well as interesting to analyze. The term ‘welfare’ is analyzed based on four aspects of analysis namely: (1) poverty and (2) unemployment alleviation, (3) Human Development Index (HDI), and (4) Gini Ratio. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design by which data were derived from analysis of secondary sources through literature review. The results show that Aceh is considerably dependent on the special autonomy fund. There are also seven priority sectors set by the government, namely: infrastructure, economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, education, social, health, and Aceh privileges. Furthermore, Aceh's special autonomy fund in general has had a positive impact on the welfare of the Acehnese society besides the Gini Ratio that is still high.
Book Review: Smith, S. R. (Ed.). (2021). Handbook of Giftedness and Talent Development in the Asia-Pacific. Springer Singapore
Authors: Lafferty Kate
Published: April 2022

As an Australian educator and a researcher in the field of Gifted Education, it is somewhat frustrating at times that the majority of research we turn to is American-centric. Borland, in the foreward of this important handbook, reminds the reader that the conceptions with which we work each day and turn to for guidance, are very much American conceptions of gifted education, so much so that the field itself could be considered an American export. However, as Borland also points out, we cannot ignore the sociocultural contexts when thinking about gifted education. Models such as Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT) and the Actiotope Model of Giftedness highlight the need to consider all aspects of the environment and yet perhaps when looking to be informed by research to shape our practice, we forget the larger sociocultural context and ‘make do’ with American research. What is immediately striking about this handbook is the geographical scope and representation of 18 nations from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania and the Americas. With such diverse sociocultural input, the perceptions and conceptions of giftedness and gifted education are bound to provide the reader with a greater understanding of a variety of ways of working with gifted children and adults. This is particularly relevant for Australian practitioners and academics given our multicultural settings.
Egy alternatív út, avagy a társasjáték felhasználásának lehetősége az oktatásban
Authors: Kattein-Pornói Rita
Published: April 2022

Jesztl József és Lencse Máté (2018): Társasjáték-pedagógia. Demokratikus Ifjúságért Alapítvány, Budapest. Letölthető innen: https://mek.oszk.hu/18800/18806/
Effect of temperature on the interaction between Rhizopus stolonifer and Colletotrichum sp., postharvest pathogens of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)
Authors: Sandoval Contreras Teresa , Íñiguez-Moreno Maricarmen , Garrido Sánchez Luis , Ragazzo Sánchez Juan Arturo , Narváez Zapata José Alberto , Calderón Santoyo Montserrat
Published: April 2022

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a climacteric fruit whit a high commercial value, but susceptible to decay. The most important pathogens for jackfruit R. stolonifer and C. gloeosporioides may interact in different ways. The objectives of this study were to examine the interaction between three fungal species isolated from jackfruit and describe their behavior and interactions as a function of temperature. Three pathogen isolates from jackfruit rots, cultivated individually or paired at 4 cm in a natural medium were used. The growth rate was evaluated at 13, 25, and 35 °C. The Baranyi-Roberts model was used to obtain the radial growth rate. Differences between the growth rate of each fungus are the reference to determine the type of interaction. The effect of temperature of the unpaired isolates was studied by Rosso-Robinson’s model. The experiment was validated by infecting fresh jackfruit whit a mix of spores of all isolates. Rhizopus stolonifer is capable of rapidly colonizing the Petri dish thus reducing the space for the other fungi. The growth rates of unpaired and paired fungal isolates were statistically different showing that interactions between them exist. Rhizopus intermingling the others at 13 and 25 °C whereas, at the same temperatures, Colletotrichum AhCx-02 dominates AhCx-03. In contrast, dominance patterns of the Colletotrichum AhCx-03 strain were higher at 35 °C.
Demand-side water management using alternative water sources based on residential end-use
Authors: Otaki Y. , Otaki M. , Chaminda T. , Matsui T. , Bokalamulla R. , Thathsarani R. , Joganathan T.
Published: April 2022

Demand-side water management in developing countries should ideally involve controlling the use of piped water supply and securing water sources that complement it to ensure sustainable use. To investigate the feasibility of incorporating these factors, we conducted a survey in Galle, Sri Lanka. First, an end-use survey was conducted to understand current and near future water use. The results indicated that the toilet, kitchen, clothes washing, and bathing related per capita water consumption in Galle was significantly lower than that in Colombo. The results also suggested that increases in indoor water needs cannot be supplemented via piped water supply only; it is necessary to consider alternative water sources, such as rainwater. Second, the residents' acceptance of rainwater usage for each indoor use was surveyed and it was found that acceptance depended on knowledge levels regarding rainwater harvesting.
Characterization of biosorption potential of Brevibacillus biomass isolated from contaminated water resources for removal of Pb (II) ions
Authors: Chintalapudi Vinay Kumar , Kanamarlapudi Ramya Krishna S. L. , Mallu Useni Reddy , Muddada Sudhamani
Published: April 2022

Various activities of different industries are found to be the main reason for water pollution with heavy metals. Use of microorganisms that are tolerant even of a high concentration of metal ions could be a valuable tool for remediation of contaminated water resources. In the present study, microorganisms that showed high resistance to lead ions were isolated and evaluated for biosorption efficiency for removal of lead ions from waste water. Biochemical identification and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the isolated strain was Brevibacillus. The conditions of pH, biomass concentration, temperature, time, agitation and Initial concentration of metal for biosorption of Pb (II) were optimized. Based on induction coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis, the biosorption efficiency of Brevibacillus at optimized conditions of initial metal concentration of 150 μg/mL, 1 g/L of biomass dose, pH 6.0, 40 °C, for 12 h at 80 rpm was 78.58% and the biosorption capacity (qe) is 128.58 mg/g of the biosorbent. Of the three isotherm models investigated, the Freundlich isotherm model was identified as a good fit with high correlation coefficient, while kinetic data followed the pseudo first order model as best fit. Surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed morphological changes with a bulged rod-shape cell having metal depositions and rough texture. The presence of lead within the cell was detected by transmission emission microscopy (TEM). The key functional groups that participate in biosorption were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and were found to be carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino and phosphate groups. From the real-time study, it proves that the biomass of Brevibacillus can be used as a promising biosorbent for removal of metals including lead from waste water.
Beden İmgesi Esnekliği Ölçeğinin Türkçeye Uyarlanması
Authors: ACAR Sinem
Published: April 2022

Beden İmgesi Esnekliği, beden imgesi ile ilgili olumsuz düşüncelerden gerçek anlamda ayrışmak, değerlere adanmış bir şekilde eyleme geçmek ve yaşantısal kaçınma olmaksızın arzulanan davranışlarda bulunmak açısından psikolojik esnekliğin tüm temel özelliklerini işin içine dâhil eder. Beden İmgesi Esnekliği Ölçeği ise 12 maddeden oluşan ve beden imgesine yönelik kabul ve kararlılık düzeyini ölçümlemeyi amaçlayan bir ölçme aracıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Beden İmgesi Esnekliği Ölçeğinin Türkçeye uyarlanmasıdır. Bu çalışma bir devlet üniversitesinde öğrenim gören 300 üniversite öğrencisi ile yapılmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı doğrultusunda ölçeğin geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Öncelikle ölçeğin yapı geçerliliğini belirlemek için doğrulayıcı faktör analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Faktör analizine göre uyum istatistikleri, orijinal formun faktör yapısının doğrulandığını göstermiştir. İkinci olarak ölçeğin iç tutarlık katsayısı incelenmiştir ve Cronbach alfa katsayısı yüksek bulunmuştur. Toplam puan için test-tekrar test korelasyon katsayısı ise anlamlıdır. Sonuç olarak, Beden İmgesi Esnekliği Ölçeğinin Türkçe versiyonu Türk örneklemi için iyi geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçektir. Elde edilen bulgular literatür ışığında tartışılmıştır.
An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Views on Profession and Educational Philosophy Beliefs
Authors: YOLCU Ece , SARI Mediha
Published: April 2022

How teachers fulfill their job as a technician or professional teacher is very much up to the educational approach they adopt. Therefore, it is significant to reveal teachers’ educational philosophy shaping their understanding and practicing of teaching. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service teachers’ educational philosophy approaches and views on teaching profession. Educational philosophies in this study are based on the framework of perennialism, essentialism, progressivism, reconstructionism, and existentialism approaches which received substantial attention in literature; the teaching approaches were based on the professional-technician teacher classification. This study utilised a descriptive survey model. The sample of the study consisted of 793 preservice teachers. The data were gathered via the Views on Teaching Profession Scale (VTS) and Educational Beliefs Scale (EBS) in 2016-2017 Education Year Fall Semester. Findings showed that pre-service teachers accepted the teacher type required by the modern education understanding; they adopted professional teacher approach more; and they saw modern educational approaches more important than traditional educational approaches. Moreover, in line with the findings, professional teaching approach was found to be in a positive relationship with progressivism and existentialism whereas technician teaching had positive relationship (even a bit low) with perennialism, essentialism as expected.
Prezydent RP jako organ administracji publicznej
Authors: Sychowiec Jakub
Published: April 2022

Przedmiotem artykułu jest próba oceny statusu Prezydenta RP jako organu administracji publicznej. W doktrynie prawa administracyjnego oraz orzecznictwie sądowym możemy spotkać różne stanowiska w tym zakresie. Problem zaklasyfikowania głowy państwa jako organu administracji jest trudny z powodu szczególnej pozycji ustrojowej jak i politycznej, która została mu przypisana przepisami Konstytucji RP. Oceny dokonywał będę z trzech perspektyw. Po pierwsze, Konstytucji RP, po drugie, definicji legalnej pojęcia „organ administracji publicznej” zawartej w Kodeksie postępowania administracyjnego i po trzecie, z perspektywy definicji tworzonych doktrynie prawa administracyjnego. Problem ten ma szersze znaczenie, którego w tym artykule rozwijał nie będę, mianowicie w zakresie w jakim Prezydent RP zostanie uznany za organ administracji publicznej możliwa będzie kontrola jego działalności (lub ewentualnie bezczynności i przewlekłości) przez sądy administracyjne.
Przedłużająca się sytuacja pandemiczna a sposobność uniknięcia konsekwencji egzekucji komorniczej
Authors: Urbanowicz Aleksandra
Published: April 2022

W artykule poruszono istotny problem związany z prowadzeniem postępowania egzekucyjnego z uwagi na przedłużającą się sytuację pandemiczną. Scharakteryzowano, jak wyglądało prowadzenie czynności egzekucyjnych przed pojawieniem się epidemii koronawirusa, i jak funkcjonuje ono od marca 2020 r. Zwrócono uwagę na trudności i problemy, jakie napotykają nie tylko wierzyciele, ale również sami dłużnicy i prowadzący postępowania egzekucyjne komornicy. Pomimo iż prowadzone są prace legislacyjne, mające na celu rozwiązanie wielu problemów dotyczących postępowań egzekucyjnych, to ich efekt może nie być zadowalający.
Odpowiedzialność rodziców w erze cyfrowej
Authors: Lasowska Marta
Published: April 2022

Każdy z nas jest uczestnikiem świata wirtualnego i użytkownikiem mediów. Różne jest natomiast nasze zaangażowanie w tym zakresie i sposób wykorzystania dostępnych narzędzi. Nie zawsze mamy też świadomość, jak przeobraża się medialny świat i co niesie ze sobą, wkraczając coraz głębiej do naszego życia. Artykuł ukazuje, jakim wyzwaniom musi sprostać aktualnie rodzina – w szczególności rodzice, w medialnym świecie. Na barkach rodziców spoczywa odpowiedzialność za własne działania medialne oraz za edukację w tym zakresie dzieci. W artykule opisane zostały więc pożądane i niepożądane zachowania rodziców, zagrożenia jakie niesie ze sobą Internet w stosunku do dzieci oraz jak im przeciwdziałać. Współcześnie nowe technologie i media tworzą życie rodzinne, jednak tylko odpowiedzialne ich wykorzystanie pozwoli, że nie zajmą one całej przestrzeni i nie wpłyną na wzajemne kontakty oraz nie naruszą wartości rodzinnych.
Rodzice czy państwo – kto pełni większą rolę w procesie wychowania?
Authors: Krasucka Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Na świecie coraz częściej państwa oraz instytucje państwowe przejmują rolę głównego wychowawcy dziecka. Wobec powyższego faktu, celem artykułu jest zaakcentowanie problematyki zagrożeń ideologizacji dzieci. Uczynione to będzie na przykładzie wybranych losowo państw: Hiszpanii, Niemczech i Stanów Zjednoczonych. Rodzice, zgodnie z nauką Kościoła Katolickiego, są pierwszymi i głównymi wychowawcami dziecka.  Państwo nie powinno pozbawiać rodziny tych zadań, które może ona spełniać sama. Władze cywilne są także zobowiązane wspierać rodzinę i zapewniać jej niezbędną pomoc. Niestety w wielu państwach dzisiejszego świata ta zasada nie jest przestrzegana, szczególnie na terenie szkolnictwa. Promowana jest permisywna edukacja seksualna, ideologia gender i LGBT. Ucząc się na błędach wymienionych powyżej krajów, Polska nie powinna dopuścić do tego, by państwo miało większą władzę wychowawczą niż rodzice.
Non-cost proposal to reduce educational-technological inequity during confinement in Chile
Authors:   Universidad de Las Américas, Yeomans Cabrera María Mercedes , Silva Fuentes Alicia ,   Universidad de Las Américas
Published: April 2022

Introduction: In Chile, social inequity becomes a critical factor that prevents the successful implementation of an online curriculum due to the unbalanced distribution of technological resources. Even though during Covid-19 confinement there is a multichannel approach from the Ministry of Education to provide families with educational material, e-learning stands as the only available option for formal instruction. Objective: This study aimed to reduce educational-technological inequity during 2020 confinement in Chile through a non-cost feasible proposal. Material and Methods: The study was applied research under a mixed approach paradigm. In order to reach the main objective, two specific objectives were set: (1) To determine the contextual challenges related to technology that prevent online implementation of courses in Chile (2) To determine the popular technological resources in Chile that can be used for educational purposes. A checklist based on Aldowah's questionnaire, and an analytic matrix were used to accomplish these objectives. Conclusions: A feasible contribution to educational-technological equity during 2020 confinement in Chile seems to be to use Facebook® for collaborative learning, lectures, oral presentations, reading comprehension, written production, discussion, creative learning, and feedback, since it can support all these types of activities, in a free-internet-access mode, supported for multi-device, which increases the opportunities of participation of all Chilean students in online classes.
Neurociencia y orientaciones ministeriales chilenas de aprendizaje socioemocional en primer ciclo
Authors:   Universidad Mayor, Mella Sánchez Valeria , Molina Vásquez Victor ,   Universidad Mayor, Pangui Inostroza Jazmín ,   Universidad Mayor, Martínez Oportus Ximena ,   Universidad Mayor
Published: April 2022

Ante un escenario crítico de salud mental y factores que alteran el neurodesarrollo afectivo típico en la población, durante el 2020 el Ministerio de Educación ha dispuesto de orientaciones curriculares para afrontar el aprendizaje socioemocional. Por tal motivo, se realizó una revisión sistemática de las investigaciones de neurodesarrollo del sistema límbico y de las referencias bibliográficas de las orientaciones ministeriales de aprendizaje socioemocional. Se obtuvieron 140 estudios publicados entre el 2015 y el 2020 de neurodesarrollo del sistema límbico y 167 artículos referenciados por las orientaciones ministeriales, que fueron analizadas siguiendo una adaptación del modelo PRISMA. Del análisis realizado, se concluye que las orientaciones curriculares poseen un sustento teórico-empírico apoyado principalmente por la psicología y con escaso aporte de las neurociencias. Se sugiere que el MINEDUC tome en consideración aportes del neurodesarrollo del sistema límbico para una mejor contextualización del aprendizaje socioemocional.
La transversalidad de la escritura en el currículum escolar chileno
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Cerda Canales Constanza
Published: April 2022

La escritura constituye una habilidad comunicativa fundamental en el proceso de formación escolar y, por ello, forma parte de las Bases Curriculares y los Programas de Estudio. Sin embargo, se desconocen las exigencias ministeriales a nivel transversal y su aplicación en el quehacer pedagógico de nuestro país. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir cómo se manifiesta la escritura en los documentos curriculares de las distintas disciplinas del sistema escolar chileno y cómo abordan los profesores estos requerimientos. Para ello se aplicó una encuesta a los docentes informantes y se revisaron tanto los leccionarios como los documentos curriculares de primer año de secundaria, incluyendo las nueve asignaturas obligatorias de dicho nivel, mediante un análisis de contenido categorial temático. Los resultados muestran que existe presencia explícita y abundante de escritura en todas las disciplinas escolares, aunque con mayor o menor grado de indicaciones metodológicas para su enseñanza. Considerando que la producción escrita es una habilidad que se delega a la escuela, este trabajo permite visualizar los elementos solicitados, tanto de manera transversal como en particular para cada disciplina, generando información relevante para el diseño de los Programas de Estudio, la toma de decisiones de instituciones educativas y para el quehacer pedagógico de los profesores.
Caracterização da madeira de espécies da Amazônia
Authors: Medeiros Dayane Targino de , Melo Rafael Rodolfo de , Cademartori Pedro Henrique  Gonzalez de , Batista Felipe Gomes , Mascarenhas Adriano Reis Prazeres
Published: April 2022

Diante da elevada demanda por madeira de qualidade pelo setor florestal e madeireiro, o conhecimento das propriedades de novas espécies florestais torna-se imprescindível para que se tenha um comércio abastecido e diversificado, reduzindo assim, a exploração de um pequeno grupo de espécies em função do desconhecimento das demais. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as propriedades físicas, químicas e de superfície da madeira de quatro espécies da Amazônia. Foram utilizadas amostras de madeira de timborana (Piptadenia suaveolens), pequiá (Caryocar villosum), sucupira amarela (Bowdichia nitida) e maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi). As madeiras foram avaliadas quanto a sua composição química, propriedades físicas (densidade, porosidade, contrações e umidade) e propriedades de superfície (colorimetria e molhabilidade). Na madeira de pequiá obteve-se os maiores percentuais de holocelulose (73,42%), extrativos (5,10%) e cinzas (1,06%). Observou-se que as madeiras de maçaranduba e sucupira amarela foram as mais densas, com valores de densidade aparente de 0,96 e 0,98 g/cm³, respectivamente. Na madeira de timborana registrou-se a maior estabilidade dimensional, obtendo valores de 2,03 (βr), 4,45 (βt) e 7,23 (βv). Já nas propriedades de superfície, conforme os valores dos parâmetros colorimétricos, as madeiras classificaram-se como rosa-acinzentado (timborana), oliva-amarelado (pequiá), oliva (sucupira amarela) e marrom-escuro (maçaranduba). Com relação a molhabilidade, verificou-se redução do ângulo de contato da água de 5 s para 10 s, em ambas as madeiras e planos. E constatou-se que as madeiras timborana diferiram estatisticamente quando se analisou o ângulo de contato em relação à face da madeira e o tempo. Assim, as madeiras tropicais avaliadas apresentaram propriedades relevantes para aplicações diversas no comércio madeireiro.
Carbono orgánico del suelo y su relación con la biomasa radical de Quercus sp.
Authors: Gómez Jesús D. , Etchevers Jorge D. , Monterroso Alejandro I. , Campo Julio , Paustian Keith , Asensio Carlos
Published: April 2022

Se estudió la distribución de la biomasa de raíces finas, medias y gruesas, la concentración carbono orgánico del suelo (COS), la densidad aparente (Da), los almacenes de COS, en los primeros 90 cm de profundidad en tres bosques con predominio de encino (Quercus sp.) ubicados en la zona centro de México (Morelos). La edad estimada de los árboles de los tres bosques fue (a) ≈ 40 años o maduro, ≈ 20 años o medio y ≈ 10 años o joven. En general, la concentración de COS y los almacenes de COS decrecieron a medida que lo hacía la profundidad del suelo, en tanto que la Da aumentaba. Más de la mitad del COS almacenado se encontró en los primeros 30 cm del perfil. La biomasa de raíces finas presentó un patrón de disminución exponencial con la profundidad, mientras que la biomasa de las raíces medias y gruesas tuvo un patrón irregular, pero siempre con tendencia a disminuir a medida que lo hacía la profundidad. En los bosques de las tres edades indicadas, la biomasa de raíces finas, medias y gruesas presentó mayor correlación con la Da que con los almacenes de carbono orgánico del suelo. Los coeficientes de ajustes (R2) de los modelos de regresión lineal que relacionan Da con el contenido de COS se ubicaron entre 0.61 y 0.72.
A Review on Housing Policy and Practices in Malaysia in Providing Access to Housing: Are they adequate?
Authors: Yaacob Mahazril Áini , Mohd Noor Nurul Hidayana , Chowdhury Shofiqur Rahman
Published: April 2022

Drawing on Malaysia as the case study, the objective of this paper is to examine whether the current housing policy and practices in Malaysia are adequate in providing housing opportunities among young people. Utilising the Participatory Action Research (PAR) and the Delphi Technique, this study involved observation and in-depth interviews with key informants in Greater Kuala Lumpur. Two key themes emerged that contributed to the deficiency of housing policy and practices in Malaysia and suggest the development of comprehensive housing policies to address the issue of housing as one of the principles of human rights and improve the quality of life.
Keywords: Housing policy; housing practice; young people; housing opportunities
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3216
Globalisation's Impact on Local Food Identity in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Md Ramli Adilah , Mohd Noor Harifah , Afrizal Teuku
Published: April 2022

This study aims at the impact of globalisation on local food identity in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This study surveyed 422 domestic tourists from Peninsular Malaysia using questionnaires as the research instrument. Tanjung Aru, Likas, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah are the study venues. Results showed that respondents agree with the statements under the globalisation awareness (item2,  =4.15±2.534); localisation (item 2, =4.04±0.666); food intake (item 2, = 4.01±4.007). Regarding local food identity, respondents agreed with the statements under sustainability ( = 4.41± 0.693). There is a moderate relationship between globalisation and local food identity with   = 0.593 (p <0.05).
Keywords: Local food, Globalisation, Identity, Tourism
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. Adilah Md Ramli, NorFatihah Muslim, Harifah Mohd Noor, Teuku Afrizal. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3242
Employees’ Self-Worth: Psychological and sociological factors influencing job satisfaction
Authors: Mat Yusoff Norhayati , Norhamdani Nur ‘Aziemah , Muhammad Rosmaliza , Sudono Agus
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to examine whether individual self-worth influences job satisfaction through the mediating role of employee engagement at Kedai Ayamas, a convenience food store chain. Data were collected from 120 employees from Kedai Ayamas outlets throughout Malaysia. Questionnaires were developed and distributed via Google form link through emails. Perceived organizational support outperformed self-worth and value congruence in enhancing employee engagement and job satisfaction in convenience stores. Moreover, perceived organizational support makes employees feel accountable for the organization and helps it achieve its goals. The findings assist managers understand how employee engagement affects job satisfaction and view their personal traits.
Keywords: Convenience stores, employees’ self-worth, sociological factors, job satisfaction
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3247
A Review of Urban Biodiversity Management: Local Authority approach
Authors: Ahli Norziana , Suratman Robiah , Hosen Nadzirah , Jagun Zainab Toyin
Published: April 2022

The urban area is rapidly expanding, with the population expected to triple in the next eight years. This situation might harm the urban biodiversity population in the city. When the areas in the town become limited, the places for urban biodiversity living might be narrowed and replaced to fulfill urban dwellers’ needs. In addition, the population of fauna species is declining, whereas flora species are gaining popularity among city dwellers. This study highlights the role of the Local Authority in managing the fauna species in terms of conservation in urban areas. 
Keywords: Urban Biodiversity; Local Authority; Management
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. PThey are publishedfor AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3250
Stress and Conflict During the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Impact on Petaling Jaya Police Officers
Authors: Ab Rahman Farah Adilla , Mohd Jody Jeniwaty , Mohd Noor Nurul Hidayana , Mohd Yusof Mohd Idham , Harsono Dwi
Published: April 2022

Police officers play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety of residents by protecting their lives. However, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, police officers were supposed to organize local shutdowns, promote social distance, and enforce stay-at-home orders. Hence, this research aims to identify potential sources of stress, and causes of conflict. The respondents are the police officers from Petaling Jaya District Police Headquarter. Data is collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Findings show that most police officers feel stressed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their workload.  
Keywords: Conflict; COVID-19; police officers; stress
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i19.3251
Radar sensor integration and quality testing of sheet moulding compound parts in the automotive frequency range
Authors: Bonfig Teresa , Wehler Simon , Kroll Lothar
Published: April 2022

Sheet moulding compounds (SMC), a type of fiber-reinforced polymers with discontinuous fibers, are a highly used lightweight material due to their cost efficiency and processability. Since the use of radar sensors behind structural skin body parts for advanced drivers assistant systems in the automobile industry is increasing, the usability of this kind of material as a radar cover is examined. Additionally, a method for the analysis of SMC parts with radar measurement methods in the Gigahertz area is introduced. The hereby considered parameters are the fiber orientation, fiber volume content, and quality failures like welding lines as they are crucial for the mechanical properties of the material. The methods presented are already in use in the automotive industry for quality assurance of radar covers and show potential as a fast and non-destructive method to analyse those important material parameters of SMC components.
Factors Associated With COVID-19 Death in the United States: Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Uan-I , Xu Hua , Krause Trudy Millard , Greenberg Raymond , Dong Xiao , Jiang Xiaoqian
Published: April 2022

Background

Since the initial COVID-19 cases were identified in the United States in February 2020, the United States has experienced a high incidence of the disease. Understanding the risk factors for severe outcomes identifies the most vulnerable populations and helps in decision-making.

Objective

This study aims to assess the factors associated with COVID-19–related deaths from a large, national, individual-level data set.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using data from the Optum de-identified COVID-19 electronic health record (EHR) data set; 1,271,033 adult participants were observed from February 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020, until their deaths due to COVID-19, deaths due to other reasons, or the end of the study. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate the risks for each patient characteristic.

Results

A total of 1,271,033 participants (age: mean 52.6, SD 17.9 years; male: 507,574/1,271,033, 39.93%) were included in the study, and 3315 (0.26%) deaths were attributed to COVID-19. Factors associated with COVID-19–related death included older age (80 vs 50-59 years old: hazard ratio [HR] 13.28, 95% CI 11.46-15.39), male sex (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.57-1.80), obesity (BMI 40 vs <30 kg/m2: HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.50-1.96), race (Hispanic White, African American, Asian vs non-Hispanic White: HR 2.46, 95% CI 2.01-3.02; HR 2.27, 95% CI 2.06-2.50; HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.65-2.57), region (South, Northeast, Midwest vs West: HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.33-1.98; HR 2.50, 95% CI 2.06-3.03; HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.64), chronic respiratory disease (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.32), cardiac disease (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19), diabetes (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.75-2.10), recent diagnosis of lung cancer (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.14-2.55), severely reduced kidney function (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.69-2.19), stroke or dementia (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.36), other neurological diseases (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.59-1.98), organ transplant (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09-1.67), and other immunosuppressive conditions (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.46).

Conclusions

This is one of the largest national cohort studies in the United States; we identified several patient characteristics associated with COVID-19–related deaths, and the results can serve as the basis for policy making. The study also offered directions for future studies, including the effect of other socioeconomic factors on the increased risk for minority groups.
Popular and Scientific Discourse on Autism: Representational Cross-Cultural Analysis of Epistemic Communities to Inform Policy and Practice
Authors: Gauld Christophe , Maquet Julien , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Dumas Guillaume
Published: April 2022

Background

Social media provide a window onto the circulation of ideas in everyday folk psychiatry, revealing the themes and issues discussed both by the public and by various scientific communities.

Objective

This study explores the trends in health information about autism spectrum disorder within popular and scientific communities through the systematic semantic exploration of big data gathered from Twitter and PubMed.

Methods

First, we performed a natural language processing by text-mining analysis and with unsupervised (machine learning) topic modeling on a sample of the last 10,000 tweets in English posted with the term #autism (January 2021). We built a network of words to visualize the main dimensions representing these data. Second, we performed precisely the same analysis with all the articles using the term “autism” in PubMed without time restriction. Lastly, we compared the results of the 2 databases.

Results

We retrieved 121,556 terms related to autism in 10,000 tweets and 5.7x109 terms in 57,121 biomedical scientific articles. The 4 main dimensions extracted from Twitter were as follows: integration and social support, understanding and mental health, child welfare, and daily challenges and difficulties. The 4 main dimensions extracted from PubMed were as follows: diagnostic and skills, research challenges, clinical and therapeutical challenges, and neuropsychology and behavior.

Conclusions

This study provides the first systematic and rigorous comparison between 2 corpora of interests, in terms of lay representations and scientific research, regarding the significant increase in information available on autism spectrum disorder and of the difficulty to connect fragments of knowledge from the general population. The results suggest a clear distinction between the focus of topics used in the social media and that of scientific communities. This distinction highlights the importance of knowledge mobilization and exchange to better align research priorities with personal concerns and to address dimensions of well-being, adaptation, and resilience. Health care professionals and researchers can use these dimensions as a framework in their consultations to engage in discussions on issues that matter to beneficiaries and develop clinical approaches and research policies in line with these interests. Finally, our study can inform policy makers on the health and social needs and concerns of individuals with autism and their caregivers, especially to define health indicators based on important issues for beneficiaries.
Tele-Active Rehabilitation for Youth With Concussion: Evidence-Based and Theory-Informed Intervention Development
Authors: Shore Josh , Nalder Emily , Hutchison Michael , Reed Nick , Hunt Anne
Published: April 2022

Background

Active rehabilitation involving subsymptom threshold exercise combined with education and support promotes recovery in youth with concussion but is typically delivered in person, which may limit accessibility for families because of a lack of services in their communities or logistical challenges to attending in-person sessions.

Objective

This paper describes the evidence-based and theory-informed development of the Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) intervention for pediatric concussion, which was specifically designed for remote service delivery.

Methods

The intervention was designed by clinician-researchers with experience in pediatric concussion rehabilitation following the Medical Research Council guidance for developing complex interventions. Development involved a critical review of the literature to identify existing evidence, the expansion of the theoretical basis for active rehabilitation, and the modeling of the intervention process and outcomes.

Results

Tele-AR is a 6-week home exercise and education and support program facilitated through weekly videoconferencing appointments with a clinician. Exercise consists of low- to moderate-intensity subsymptom threshold aerobic activity and coordination drills that are individualized to participant needs and interests (prescribed for 3 days per week). Education includes the evidence-supported Concussion & You self-management program, which covers topics related to energy management, nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, and return to activity. Elements of self-determination theory are incorporated to support motivation and engagement. We present a logic model describing predicted intervention effects using a biopsychosocial conceptualization of outcomes after concussion.

Conclusions

The Tele-AR intervention may help to increase access to care that improves recovery and promotes a timely return to activity in youth with concussion. Future research is needed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this approach.
Exploring Patient Multimorbidity and Complexity Using Health Insurance Claims Data: A Cluster Analysis Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Nicolet Anna , Assouline Dan , Le Pogam Marie-Annick , Perraudin Clémence , Bagnoud Christophe , Wagner Joël , Marti Joachim , Peytremann-Bridevaux Isabelle
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Although the trend of progressing morbidity is widely recognized, there are numerous challenges when studying multimorbidity and patient complexity. For multimorbid or complex patients, prone to fragmented care and high health care use, novel estimation approaches need to be developed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the patient multimorbidity and complexity of Swiss residents aged ≥50 years using clustering methodology in claims data.

METHODS

We adopted a clustering methodology based on random forests and used 34 pharmacy-based cost groups as the only input feature for the procedure. To detect clusters, we applied hierarchical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise. The reasonable hyperparameters were chosen based on various metrics embedded in the algorithms (out-of-bag misclassification error, normalized stress, and cluster persistence) and the clinical relevance of the obtained clusters.

RESULTS

Based on cluster analysis output for 18,732 individuals, we identified an outlier group and 7 clusters: individuals without diseases, patients with only hypertension-related diseases, patients with only mental diseases, complex high-cost high-need patients, slightly complex patients with inexpensive low-severity pharmacy-based cost groups, patients with 1 costly disease, and older high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that cluster analysis based on pharmacy-based cost group information from claims-based data is feasible and highlights clinically relevant clusters. Such an approach allows expanding the understanding of multimorbidity beyond simple disease counts and can identify the population profiles with increased health care use and costs. This study may foster the development of integrated and coordinated care, which is high on the agenda in policy making, care planning, and delivery.