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Fulltext Viral etiology of severe lower respiratory tract infections in SARS-CoV-2 negative hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait

Altawalah H, Alfouzan W, Al-Fadalah T, Zalzala MA, Ezzikouri S

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 30;10(8):e29855.
PMID: 38681623 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29855

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of respiratory infections is largely underexplored in Kuwait. The aim of our study is to determine the etiology of infections from patients who are SARS-CoV-2 negative hospitalized with severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in Kuwait during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study among severe LRTI patients between September 2021 and March 2022. Respiratory samples from 545 non-COVID-19 severe LRTIs patients were prospectively evaluated with FTD Respiratory 21 Plus® real-time PCR, targeting 20 different viruses and 1 atypical bacterial pathogen.
RESULTS: Among all 545 hospitalized cases, 411 (75.4 %) tested positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. The most common were rhinovirus (HRV) (32.7 %), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (20.9 %), metapneumovirus (HMPV) (14.1 %), bocavirus (13.2 %), and influenza A (12.7 %). The proportion of pathogens detected was highest in the under-5 age group, while HKU1 (44.4 %) predominated in the elderly (>50 years).
CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a high prevalence of respiratory viruses in severe acute lower respiratory tract infections among non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Kuwait. HRV remains the main etiology affecting the country, particularly in infants. These results underscore the necessity of employing multiplex PCR for accurate diagnosis and describing the epidemiology of infections among severe lower respiratory tract infections. This will facilitate the use of specific antiviral therapy and help avoid excessive or inappropriate antibiotic therapy.
Fulltext Variability of PM10 level with gaseous pollutants and meteorological parameters during episodic haze event in Malaysia: Domestic or solely transboundary factor?

Addiena A Rahim NA, Noor NM, Mohd Jafri IA, Ul-Saufie AZ, Ramli N, Abu Seman NA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e17472.
PMID: 37426786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17472

Haze has become a seasonal phenomenon affecting Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, and has occurred almost every year within the last few decades. Air pollutants, specifically particulate matter, have drawn a lot of attention due to their adverse impact on human health. In this study, the spatial and temporal variability of the PM10 concentration at Kelang, Melaka, Pasir Gudang, and Petaling Jaya during historic haze events were analysed. An hourly dataset consisting of PM10, gaseous pollutants and weather parameters were obtained from Department of Environment Malaysia. The mean PM10 concentrations exceeded the stipulated Recommended Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline for the yearly average of 150 μg/m3 except for Pasir Gudang in 1997 and 2005, and Petaling Jaya in 2013. The PM10 concentrations exhibit greater variability in the southwest monsoon and inter-monsoon periods at the studied year. The air masses are found to be originating from the region of Sumatra during the haze episodes. Strong to moderate correlation of PM10 concentrations was found between CO during the years that recorded episodic haze, meanwhile, the relationship of PM10 level with SO2 was found to be significant in 2013 with significant negatively correlated relative humidity. Weak correlation of PM10-NOx was measured in all study areas probably due to less contribution of domestic anthropogenic sources towards haze events in Malaysia.
Utilization of Malaysia EAF slags for effective application in direct aqueous sequestration of carbon dioxide under ambient temperature

Omale SO, Choong TSY, Abdullah LC, Siajam SI, Yip MW

Heliyon, 2019 Oct;5(10):e02602.
PMID: 31667417 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02602

Iron and steel industries are among the contributors of CO2 emission in large volume into the atmosphere, causing detrimental effects to the environment and the ecosystem at large scale. These industries also generate solid wastes in the form of electric arc furnace (EAF) slag during operations which result in about 10-15% slag wastes per ton of steel produced. In this study, the EAF slags from an iron and steel-making factory in Klang, Malaysia was utilized for CO2 sequestration through direct aqueous mineral carbonation. According to the surface area analysis, the fresh EAF slag has a mesoporous structure, its elemental composition shows the presence of 20.91 wt.% of CaO that was used for the sequestration of CO2 through carbonation. The sequestration capacity was found to be 58.36 g CO2/kg of slag at ambient temperature in 3 h, with the liquid/solid (L/S) ratio of 5:1 and using <63μm particle size. Moreover, the shrinking core model (SCM) was used to analyze the solid-fluid reaction in a heterogeneous phase and the CO2 sequestration shows to be controlled by the product layer phase. The EAF slag is demonstrated to have the potential of CO2 sequestration at ambient temperature.
Fulltext Using of reciprocal teaching to enhance academic achievement: A systematic literature review

Mafarja N, Mohamad MM, Zulnaidi H, Fadzil HM

Heliyon, 2023 Jul;9(7):e18269.
PMID: 37519655 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18269

Reciprocal Teaching a type of cooperative teaching and learning strategy involving learners with similar academic backgrounds sharing teacher and student roles. Its use was not explored to the same degree as other types of peer-assisted strategy, including students at different levels. The goal of the systematic review was to investigate the impact of Reciprocal Teaching on existing literature in the field of education which include the use of Reciprocal Teaching for all student's level to enhancing academic achievement and ROSES (Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) was carried out as a review protocol to conduct Systematic Literature Review (SLR). A literature review performed between January 2013 and February 2022 using the relevant electronic databases (Eric Plus Text, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) as well as searching for the keywords. Twenty-eight researches met the set inclusion requirements for this review. The results found that Reciprocal Teaching improved comprehension of the subject under review, enhanced cooperative learning, improved academic achievement, communication, metacognition, teaching skills, developed a positive impact in learners understanding, especially in evaluating learning performance and reciprocal teaching which may improve the understanding of reading, solving word problems in scientific fields.
Fulltext Users' fintech services acceptance: A cross-sectional study on Malaysian Insurance & takaful industry

Hassan MS, Islam MA, Yusof MF, Nasir H

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21130.
PMID: 37954394 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21130

The emergence of fintech services in the insurance industry has been a transformative force, reshaping how insurance companies operate, how policies are sold, and how customers interact with their insurers. Financial technology developments, also known as "fintech," are changing how financial services are offered, presenting novel possibilities for the insurance industry worldwide. However, in the Malaysian insurance and takaful industry a good number of customers are still dependent on conventional channels like agents and brokers continue to be important sources for purchases and payments related to insurance instead of using Fintech services. The insurance industry's success and growth are highly dependent on adopting technological services offered by companies to make the process efficient and profitable. So, this study aimed to empirically identify the determinants influencing Malaysia's insurance and takaful industry customers to accept the fintech services for insurance-related transactions and activities. The research combined two prominent technology adoption models UTAUT2, and Delone and Mclean IS Success, and proposed a new research framework. The data for the research has been collected from the insurance and takaful industry customers through Google Forms. Finally, 350 responses were received. The PLS-SEM method was utilized to investigate the data by Smart PLS 3.2.9 software. The result of the study revealed that effort expectancy, information quality, service quality, system quality, and perceived risk impact behavioral intention to use fintech services (BI). In addition, the actual use of fintech services is impacted by behavioral intention. Nevertheless, no impact was found in the case of performance expectancy and social influence on BI. The findings of the study are helpful for academicians, researchers, and insurance companies to explore determinants for fintech services acceptance.
Fulltext Usability factors predicting continuance of intention to use cloud e-learning application

Wang LY, Lew SL, Lau SH, Leow MC

Heliyon, 2019 Jun;5(6):e01788.
PMID: 31198866 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01788

In this ever-progressive digital era, conventional e-learning methods have become inadequate to handle the requirements of upgraded learning processes especially in the higher education. E-learning adopting Cloud computing is able to transform e-learning into a flexible, shareable, content-reusable, and scalable learning methodology. Despite plentiful Cloud e-learning frameworks have been proposed across literature, limited researches have been conducted to study the usability factors predicting continuance intention to use Cloud e-learning applications. In this study, five usability factors namely Computer Self Efficacy (CSE), Enjoyment (E), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), and User Perception (UP) have been identified for factor analysis. All the five independent variables were hypothesized to be positively associated to a dependent variable namely Continuance Intention (CI). A survey was conducted on 170 IT students in one of the private universities in Malaysia. The students were given one trimester to experience the usability of Cloud e-Learning application. As an instrument to analyse the usability factors towards continuance intention of the application, a questionnaire consisting thirty questions was formulated and used. The collected data were analysed using SMARTPLS 3.0. The results obtained from this study observed that computer self-efficacy and enjoyment as intrinsic motivations significantly predict continuance intention, while perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and user perception were insignificant. This outcome implies that computer self-efficacy and enjoyment significantly affect the willingness of students to continue using Cloud e-learning application in their studies. The discussions and implications of this study are vital for researchers and practitioners of educational technologies in higher education.
Urinary metabolites of type 2 diabetes rats fed with palm oil-enriched high fat diet

Sim XY, Ibrahim B, Gam LH

Heliyon, 2021 Sep;7(9):e08075.
PMID: 34632142 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08075

High fat diet (HFD) is one of the risk factors of obesity and diabetes. Recommended diet regimen for diabetes is difficult to abide by especially for HFD as it adds flavour to the taste buds. In this study, palm oil-enriched HFD and normal diet were fed to nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetes rats, respectively for six weeks. Additionally, metformin, a common drug used to treat diabetes was given to rats under treatment groups. We evaluated the change of urinary metabolites of diabetes rats fed with palm oil-enriched HFD, and also after metformin treatment. Rats were divided into six-groups with different feeding diets, disease condition and with or without metformin treatment. Rats' urine were collected at the end of six weeks feeding program and subjected to 1H-NMR and multivariate data analysis to evaluate their metabolite profiles. At the early phase of diabetes, metabolites changes in diabetic rats were associated with the disease itself. Our data showed that continuous consumption of HFD altered various metabolic pathways of diabetic rats and caused detrimental effects to the rats. On the other hand, metformin treatment combined with normal diet lessened the physiological impacts caused by diabetes condition.
Fulltext Unveiling a novel terpolymer-metal complex: A detailed exploration of synthesis, characterization, and its potential as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent

Mujafarkani N, Ahamed FMM, Babu KS, Debnath S, Sayed AA, Albadrani GM, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Oct;9(10):e20459.
PMID: 37810859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20459

In an innovative approach to push the boundaries of antimicrobial and antioxidant strategies, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel terpolymer derived from N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and 2-aminopyrimidine with formaldehyde in the presence of dimethylformamide as a reaction medium through polycondensation technique. Leveraging this terpolymer as a ligand, we introduce an intriguing terpolymer-metal complex, created with Ni (II) metal ion. In our pursuit to validate the structure and properties of these substances, we performed meticulous characterizations using important spectral studies such as FTIR, electronic, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. This provided us with a unique fingerprint for the (N-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-2-aminopyrimidine-formaldehyde) terpolymeric ligand (PAF) and its metal complex. In addition, the molecular weights of PAF terpolymer were established using gel permeation chromatography. Upon investigation, PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex exhibited impressive antimicrobial activity, tested by the disc-diffusion technique. Both demonstrated potency against a range of harmful bacterial and fungal strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. In an extension to their biological applications, we evaluated the free radical scavenging activity of PAF terpolymer and PAF-Ni complex using the DPPH assay. The complex PAF-Ni showcased an enhanced scavenging activity 73.94% (IC50 = 17.58) compared to the ligand PAF 63.06% (IC50 = 27.61) at 100 μg/ml indicating its potential role in oxidative stress management.
Fulltext Unsupervised novelty detection for time series using a deep learning approach

Hossen MJ, Hoque JMZ, Aziz NABA, Ramanathan TT, Raja JE

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25394.
PMID: 38356518 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25394

In the Smart Homes and IoT devices era, abundant available data offers immense potential for enhancing system intelligence. However, the need for effective anomaly detection models to identify and rectify unusual data and behaviors within Smart Home Systems (SHS) remains a critical challenge. This research delves into the relatively unexplored domain of novelty anomaly detection, particularly in the context of unlabeled datasets. Introducing the novel DeepMaly method, this approach provides a practical tool for SHS developers. Functioning seamlessly in an unsupervised manner, DeepMaly distinguishes between seasonal and actual anomalies through a unique process of training on unlabeled pristine features extracted from time series data. Leveraging a combination of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Deep Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN), the model is primed to detect anomalies in real-time. The research culminates in a comprehensive data prediction and classification process into normal and abnormal data based on specified anomaly thresholds and fraction percentages. Notably, this function operates seamlessly unsupervised, eliminating the need for labeled datasets. The study concludes with a complete data forecasting and sorting method that divides data into normal and abnormal categories based on defined anomaly thresholds and fraction percentages. Working in an unsupervised mode reduces the requirement for labeled datasets. The results highlight the model's prowess in new detection, which has been successfully applied to benchmark datasets. However, there is a restriction since deep learning algorithms can recognize noise as abnormalities. Finally, the investigation enhances SHS anomaly detection, providing a crucial tool for real-time anomaly identification in the ever-changing IoT and Smart Homes scene.
Fulltext Unravelling trends, patterns and intellectual structure of research on bankruptcy in SMEs: A bibliometric assessment and visualisation

Rashid U, Abdullah M, Khatib SFA, Khan FM, Akhter J

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30;10(2):e24254.
PMID: 38293348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24254

Despite the burgeoning interest among academics in investigating the factors contributing to the high business failure rate among SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), the systematic synthesis of the literature on bankruptcy in SMEs is restricted. This article aims to significantly advance the understanding of the causes and repercussions of bankruptcy in SMEs and the preventative actions that may be taken to avoid it. This review assesses 282 articles from 175 outlets employing quantitative and statistics-based bibliometric tools. This bibliometric assessment helped delineate the citation and publication trends and the top contributors to the domain. The underlying thematic clusters of research on bankruptcy in SMEs were also identified, deciphered and elaborated, along with charting the future research vistas through the lens of theory, context, and methods framework. The authors believe this bibliometric variant of systematic literature review makes a significant contribution to bankruptcy and SME research by highlighting the development of the literature and some of the most active research fronts in the domain by offering insights that were not clasped thoroughly or assessed by prior literature assessments.
Fulltext Unravelling the nexus between energy prices and exchange rate in Malaysia: Fresh insights from a non-linear perspective using threshold cointegration analysis

Butt S, Ramzan M, Wong WK, Chohan MA, Bazhair AH

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 15;10(5):e26512.
PMID: 38434319 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26512

This paper proposes a nonlinear threshold cointegration framework to study how energy prices affect Malaysia's nominal exchange rate, considering the money supply, income, and interest rate. The study employs a threshold cointegration approach utilizing threshold autoregressive and momentum threshold autoregressive models. The momentum threshold vector error correction model determines the short-run adjustment of exchange rate deviation from the long-run equilibrium level. The findings reveal that the nonlinear adjustment process to capture the short-run deviation in the long-run equilibrium path is primarily influenced by energy prices, money supply, and interest rates. These results highlight the importance of considering the impact of energy prices on exchange rate policies when formulating and implementing economic policies in Malaysia. The findings can also be valuable for decision-makers to comprehend the future dynamics of exchange rates and make well-informed decisions.
Fulltext Unmasking the challenges in ideological and political education in China: A thematic review

Ouyang S, Zhang W, Xu J, Mat Rashid A, How SP, Bin Hassan A

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 30;10(8):e29176.
PMID: 38644869 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29176

China's distinctive educational approach, particularly its emphasis on ideological and political education, has garnered considerable academic attention for its impact on shaping individual values, fostering citizenship, and maintaining social stability. Despite the Chinese government's prioritization of ideological and political education, academic research in this field appears constrained, with existing studies predominantly focusing on normative and descriptive aspects. Normative research delineates how ideological and political education should be executed, while descriptive research illustrates its practical implementation. The effectiveness of these approaches is significantly diminished if they are not adequately interconnected-when only the current reality is explained without providing tools for improvement or when prescribed steps for improvement lack a basis in specific contexts. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of research on ideological and political education using ATLAS. ti 9 for thematic analysis. The review aims to unveil the intricate landscape of current research in China and address key questions: What are the primary trends in the literature on ideological and political education between 2021 and July 2023? What challenges does ideological and political education face? Through a direct exploration of these issues, this paper seeks to optimize the ideological and political education system, elevate its adaptability and effectiveness, and open avenues for research, fostering a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient development of ideological and political education.
Fulltext Unlocking the secrets of exchange rate determination in Malaysia: A Game-Changing hybrid model

Butt S, Ramzan M, Wong WK, Chohan MA, Ramakrishnan S

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19140.
PMID: 37636448 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19140

Nominal exchange rate determination is a puzzling phenomenon throughout the literature. Thus, the study aims to analyze the nominal exchange rate determination with a hybrid approach of macroeconomic and microstructure determinants, i.e., interest rate differential, oil price, order flow, and bid-ask spread over the long- and short-run horizons in the context of Malaysia. The dataset consists of high-frequency daily data from 2010 to 2017, employing a nonlinear ARDL approach. The results indicate that the bid-ask spread and interest rate differential were found to be key determinants of exchange rate dynamics in the long and short run. The findings show strong evidence of long-run asymmetry in the interest rate differential, while short-run asymmetry effects exist between microstructure determinants and the exchange rate. In addition, it indicates that the bid-ask spread holds informative content to explain the dynamics of the exchange rate in Malaysia. Additionally, the negative changes in the oil price could potentially act as macroeconomic news announcements and the bid-ask spread as liquidity determinants in Malaysia, which play a significant role in exchange rate determination. The study concluded that the prominent short-run asymmetry effects captured in cumulative order flow and bid-ask spread While a long-run asymmetry exists between the oil price and exchange rate in Malaysia. The empirical results allow for long-run and short-run asymmetric pricing impacts of a hybrid approach on the nominal exchange rate in Malaysia. This study is helpful in providing policy direction and practical implications for monetary authorities and market dealers. The bid-ask spread and oil price could be considered influential exchange rate determinants in the short run in Malaysia.
Fulltext Unlocking digital potential: Exploring the drivers of employee dynamic capability on employee digital performance in Chinese SMEs-moderation effect of competitive climate

Wang G, Niu Y, Mansor ZD, Leong YC, Yan Z

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25583.
PMID: 38379974 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25583

While dynamic capabilities have been described as crucial for achieving organizational performance in dynamic environments, there has been limited scholarly distinction between dynamic capabilities and employee dynamic capabilities (EDC), especially in the digital era. Consequently, a knowledge gap has emerged. To address this void, this paper aims to investigate the driving factors of EDC and their impact on employee digital performance (EDP). Simultaneously, incorporating the competitive climate (CC) as a moderating variable between employee dynamic capabilities and employee digital performance addresses theoretical gaps in specific regions in China, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study utilizes survey data from SMEs in four Chinese provinces: Shanghai, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Anhui. It employs CB-SEM (AMOS) to analyze the new conceptual framework. Firstly, the research uncovers that the positive relationship between digital capabilities and employee digital performance necessitates employee dynamic capabilities as a mediator. Secondly, there exists a direct and indirect relationship between organizational learning and employee digital performance. Finally, this study discerns that the competitive climate moderates the relationship between employee dynamic capabilities and employee digital performance. This finding demonstrates remarkable alignment with the competitive culture in specific regions of China. The research results encourage SMEs to seize the opportunities presented by emerging digital technologies and industry digitization trends. They should commit to embracing new digital technologies, enhancing digital capability, strengthening organizational learning, fostering a positive competitive climate, and focusing on the development of employee dynamic capability to enhance their competitive edge. The findings of this research contribute not only to academic inquiry but also furnish pertinent decision-making references for relevant departments.
Fulltext Unilateral external fixator and its biomechanical effects in treating different types of femoral fracture: A finite element study with experimental validated model

Abd Aziz AU, Ammarullah MI, Ng BW, Gan HS, Abdul Kadir MR, Ramlee MH

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e26660.
PMID: 38404809 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26660

Previous works had successfully demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of unilateral external fixator in treating various types of fracture, ranging from the simple type, such as oblique and transverse fractures, to complex fractures. However, literature that investigated its biomechanical analyses to further justify its efficacy is limited. Therefore, this paper aimed to analyse the stability of unilateral external fixator for treating different types of fracture, including the simple oblique, AO32C3 comminuted, and 20 mm gap transverse fracture. These fractures were reconstructed at the distal diaphysis of the femoral bone and computationally analysed through the finite element method under the stance phase condition. Findings showed a decrease in the fixation stiffness in large gap fracture (645.2 Nmm-1 for oblique and comminuted, while 23.4 Nmm-1 for the gap fracture), which resulted in higher displacement, IFM and stress distribution at the pin bone interface. These unfavourable conditions could consequently increase the risk of delayed union, pin loosening and infection, as well as implant failure. Nevertheless, the stress observed on the fracture surfaces was relatively low and in controlled amount, indicating that bone unity is still allowable in all models. Briefly, the unilateral fixation may provide desirable results in smaller fracture gap, but its usage in larger gap fracture might be alarming. These findings could serve as a guide and insight for surgeons and researchers, especially on the biomechanical stability of fixation in different fracture types and how will it affect bone unity.
Fulltext Understanding consumers' continuous-use intention of crowdsourcing logistics services: Empirical evidence from China

Liu Y, Shang M, Jia C, Lim XJ, Ye Y

Heliyon, 2024 Apr 30;10(8):e29819.
PMID: 38681650 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29819

Crowdsourcing logistics-based O2O (online to offline) has been increasingly implemented to help individuals or merchants tackle down the problem of intra city instant delivery in China. However, since insufficient control is imposed on free couriers, consumers are subjected to certain risks generated by the uneven service quality provided by free couriers, such that the continuous-use intention to adopt crowdsourcing logistics may be affected in an unexpected manner. A sampling survey was carried out in China's first- and second-tier cities, with 292 valid questionnaires collected. On that basis, the corresponding hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares (PLS) method. The findings of this study revealed that trust, perceived value, and satisfaction positively contributed to continuous-use intention, where trust contributed the most. Perceived risk exerted a significant negative effect on continuous use intention. Trust is capable of notably reducing perceived risk. Crowdsourcing logistics service quality is the critical driving variable of perceived value and satisfaction. Perceived risk has a negative moderating effect on satisfaction-continuous-use intention relationship, showing that the higher the perceived risk, the weaker the effect of satisfaction on continuous-use intention. Given perceived risk, a conceptual model was built by integrating e-CSI model (e-Customer Satisfaction Index Model) and PAM-ISC model (Post-acceptance Model of IS Continuance Model). From the integration, the findings of this study are expected to provide decision-making basis for crowdsourcing logistics platforms to help solve the "last mile" delivery problem.
Fulltext Understanding Trust Drivers of S-commerce

Al-Kfairy M, Shuhaiber A, Al-Khatib AW, Alrabaee S, Khaddaj S

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23332.
PMID: 38163094 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23332

Trust has emerged as a pillar in the acceptance and use of new technologies in the ever-changing digital landscape, notably in the booming field of social commerce. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it explores in-depth the aspects of customer trust in Instashopping using new constructs that have yet to be explored in s-commerce literature. Focusing on Instashopping, the research proposed a multi-dimensional model of trust to examine the dynamics of user trust in social commerce platforms and analyses the effects of various factors, including institution-based trust, disposition to trust, personal inventiveness, perceived page quality, and overall web experience. Structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis were used to examine data from 267 responses in a survey of university students in the United Arab Emirates who have used Instagram for shopping. The analysis showed that user trust and trusting beliefs were significantly influenced by the disposition to trust, institution-based trust, and general web experience. Still, no significant association was found between perceived site quality and trusting beliefs. These findings highlight the crucial part that user trust plays in social commerce platform success and how important it is for online platforms to build and maintain user trust. The work also contributes theoretically to the knowledge body by comprehensively analysing trust dynamics in social commerce. In practice, the knowledge gained can help organisations plan their strategy for gaining and keeping client trust, which is essential for long-term success in the digital arena. To ensure long-term success, organisations must emphasise building and maintaining customer trust.
Fulltext Ultra low-pressure filtration system for energy efficient microalgae filtration

Wan Osman WNA, Mat Nawi NI, Samsuri S, Bilad MR, Khan AL, Hunaepi H, et al.

Heliyon, 2021 Jun;7(6):e07367.
PMID: 34222699 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07367

Microalgae-based products have gained growing interest leading to an increase in large-scale cultivation. However, the high energy associated with microalgae harvesting becomes one of the bottlenecks. This study evaluated an energy-efficient microalga harvesting via ultra-low-pressure membrane (ULPM) filtration (<20 kPa) in combination with aeration. ULPM offered various benefits especially in terms of reducing the energy consumption due to it operated under low transmembrane pressure (TMP). High TMP often associated with high pumping energy hence would increase the amount of energy consumed. In addition, membrane with high TMP would severely affect by membrane compaction. Results showed that membrane compaction leads to up to 66 % clean water permeability loss when increasing the TMP from 2.5 to 19 kPa. The Chlorella vulgaris broth permeabilities decreased from 1660 and 1250 to 296 and 251 L/m2hrbar for corresponding TMPs for system with and without aeration, respectively. However, it was found that membrane fouling was more vulnerable at low TMP due to poor foulant scouring from a low crossflow velocity in which up to 56 % of permeability losses were observed. Membrane fouling is the biggest drawback of membrane system as it would reduce the membrane performance. In this study, aeration was introduced as membrane fouling control to scour-off the foulant from membrane surface and pores. In terms of energy consumption, it was observed that the specific energy consumption for the ULPM were very low of up to 4.4 × 10-3 kWh/m3. Overall, combination of low TMP with aeration offers lowest energy input.
Two-level factorial analysis of the effect of fructose on DHA biosynthetic capacity of Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1

Manikan V, Nazir Y, Hamid AA

Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e06085.
PMID: 33553753 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06085

Thraustochytrids are getting increasingly popular due to their high potential role as alternative producers of the high-valued ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While most thraustochytrids prefer glucose as the major carbon source, few strains have been reported to prefer fructose. One such strain is Aurantiochytrium sp. SW1. In this study, the effect of fructose on DHA accumulation by SW1 was investigated using a two-level full factorial design. Besides, biomass, lipid and DHA accumulation profiles of SW1 cultivated in fructose and glucose media were compared. Results revealed that fructose has a very significant positive effect on the volumetric DHA content. Meanwhile, its involvement in affecting DHA biosynthetic capacity, though significant, is not very profound. It was also found that when cultivated in fructose medium, SW1 had a less steep log phase compared to that of glucose medium. However, after 48h of cultivation, biomass and lipid accumulation in fructose medium outweighed the other. Volumetric DHA content in fructose medium at 96h was 11% higher than that of glucose medium. Overall, fructose was found to be a more suitable substrate for biomass, lipid and DHA accumulation in SW1 compared to the conventional source, glucose.
Fulltext Tualang honey supplementation as cognitive enhancer in patients with schizophrenia

Yahaya R, Zahary MN, Othman Z, Ismail R, Nik Him NAS, Abd Aziz A, et al.

Heliyon, 2020 May;6(5):e03948.
PMID: 32426546 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03948

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with clusters of symptoms, including cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the effect of Tualang Honey (TH) on cognitive domains, especially as it pertained to the verbal memory of schizophrenia patients.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study involved 80 individuals, diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Malay Version Auditory Verbal Learning Test (MVAVLT) was used. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. Intention to treat analysis was applied.
Result: A comparison of the total learning score at eight weeks between the two groups based on time effect and time-treatment interaction favoured TH group.
Conclusion: This study concludes that by supplementing schizophrenia patients with 8-week of TH did improve total learning performance across domains in the immediate memory among patients with schizophrenia.

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