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Fulltext Building Resilient communities: Techno-economic assessment of standalone off-grid PV powered net zero energy (NZE) villages

Arif S, Taweekun J, Ali HM, Ahmed A, Bhutto AA

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21426.
PMID: 38027710 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21426

The use of renewable energy resources for off-grid electricity production has gained more importance in recent decades for meeting the energy needs of remote areas, even with limited resources. This research aims to provide an optimized and cost-effective approach for generating electricity in rural areas. By using current methodology, a stand alone energy source of PV is designed for development of NZE village. Solar irradiance of the selected location is 6.16 kWh/m2/day while the estimated electric load data for whole village is 64.259 kWh. Electric load and solar irradiance of the loaction is used in the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) to design and analyze the techno-economic feasibility of the stand alone PV system to meet the load requirements. The study obtained the total Net Present Cost (NPC) of $0.511 M and the Cost Of Electricity (COE) is 2.26$/unit through the HOMER analysis, which is further refined by performing sensitivity analysis using parameters such as PV panel price, battery price, solar irradiance, variations in electric load and discount rates. According to the results, system is feasibile by annual electricity production of 30,078 kWh with initial capital investment of $0.434 M. This analysis compared the system performance and showed that it is economically and technically viable to meet the complete electricity needs of the village with a payback period of 7.2 years. Research can be utilized for policy making and implementation of NZE approach in remote areas by the government.
Fulltext Elevating athletic performance: Maximizing strength and power in long jumpers through combined low-intensity blood flow restriction and high-intensity resistance training

Sarfabadi P, Rizvi MR, Sharma A, Sami W, Sajid MR, Arora S, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19068.
PMID: 37636460 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19068

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training and high-intensity resistance training (HI-RT) on the leaping performance of long-jumpers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Long jump players were divided into two groups; one group (group A) receiving HI-RT (n = 8) and the other group (group B) receiving combined low-intensity BFR training plus HI-RT (n = 8). Muscle power and knee muscle strength was assessed at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks of intervention.
RESULTS: 1-RM was found to be significantly different between Group A and Group B at 3 and 6 weeks. Further, IKDQR, IKDHR and IKDQL was significantly improved in group B as compared to group A both at 3 and 6 weeks. There was significant time effect, group effect and time-group interaction in the strength of quadriceps and hamstring of both left and right leg measured through isokinetic device. Post-hoc analysis for 1-RM in group B showed a significant improvement at baseline and 6 weeks and the broad jump was significant at baseline and 3 weeks and at baseline and 6 weeks.
CONCLUSION: The combined effects of low-intensity BFR training and HI-RT is effective in improving the muscle strength and power of lower limbs in long jumpers.
Fulltext Solar energy policies in southeast Asia towards low carbon emission: A review

Govindarajan L, Bin Mohideen Batcha MF, Bin Abdullah MK

Heliyon, 2023 Mar;9(3):e14294.
PMID: 36950581 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14294

Globally, countries are developing policies and encouraging the implementation of sustainable energy resources to reduce the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment and energy-related CO2 emissions. In 2019, global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 1.8% to a new high of 33.3 Gt CO2, owing to the increasing energy consumption. The CO₂ emissions are significantly increasing due to continuing increase of Southeast Asian countries. Energy utilization contributes to CO2 emissions on earth because the energy sector produces 32,553.48 MtCO2 of CO2, or about 73% of total CO₂ emissions (WRI, 2019). The power sector alone accounted for approximately two-thirds of the emissions rise, indirectly warming the climate system, earth's temperature, and sea level. As a result, several governments have enacted policies to increase solar energy's share of the energy mix to minimize dependence on fossil fuels and environmental devastation. Therefore, this review paper presents a survey of solar energy policies implemented in Southeast Asian countries, specifically Malaysia, and assesses effective existing solar energy strategies in developed countries. Moreover, the implementation of Net Energy Metering needed for the advancing and widespread use of renewable energy technologies is also reviewed. Malaysia's existing solar energy policies have also been assessed and compared to the selected high-income nations. Lastly, limitations and key challenges of implementing large-scale applications of net energy metering policies are also presented.
Fulltext A review on experimental observation on structural performance of bamboo reinforced concrete beam

Bin Azuwa S

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30;10(2):e24628.
PMID: 38312578 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24628

Bamboo has many usages. Incorporating bamboo enhances the reinforced concrete beam's (RCB) performance, properties and behaviour as internal reinforcement. A summary of how bamboo influences the RCB properties shall be studied. This review paper discusses the use of bamboo to reinforce RCB and briefly describes the topic. Previous experimental observation results showed that RCB constructed with bamboo significantly improved the flexural, stress-strain, load-deflection, failure mode, crack pattern, tensile, compression, and shear modulus of RCB. Since this bamboo has superior strength, force, mounting and anchoring properties, it can be used as an alternate interior reinforcement, replacing normal steel reinforcing bars in RCB. The structural behaviour and performance of RCB can be enhanced by utilising bamboo in civil and structural engineering, especially in building construction projects.
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 A data-envelopment analysis-based systematic review of the literature on innovation performance

Narayanan E, Binti Ismail WR, Bin Mustafa Z

Heliyon, 2022 Dec;8(12):e11925.
PMID: 36506397 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11925

Innovation imbued in every sector in every part of the world is essential to growth and development. The National Innovation Systems (NIS) use their resources to support economies in different countries foster a novel environment. Therefore, this study is an attempt to examine the efficiency of NIS as measured by scholars in the past using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Through a systematic literature review, this study aims to show the current dearth of studies on the efficiency of NIS. The literature is categorized accordingly and provides a framework with recommendations for future research. With the advent of technical tools, DEA programming methods other than traditional DEA such as network, relational network, dynamic network, slack based model, and super efficiency DEA have emerged. This enables the calculation of innovation efficiency to be efficient and reliable. As a result, DEA is regarded as a powerful tool for assessing the relative efficiency of NIS, which employs multiple inputs to generate multiple outputs. The results also suggest that future research is needed on the efficiency of innovation by paying more attention to cross-countries studies based on regions, geographical areas, participation in free trade blocs, and a group of tie-up countries involved, especially with comparative analyses regardless of the country classification. Another important observation is that there are few studies that focus on the efficiency of middle- and low-income countries. The comparative analysis of innovation efficiency across income groups enables NIS to benchmark itself against best-in-class innovators and improve their innovation performance and ranking. These findings provide an opportunity to further investigate how NIS add value and sustainability to countries by improving resource management capabilities to improve innovation efficiency.
Fulltext Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review

Munawar K, Choudhry FR, Lee SH, Siau CS, Kadri NBM, Binti Sulong RM

Heliyon, 2021 Aug;7(8):e07842.
PMID: 34466706 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07842

OBJECTIVES: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has accumulated increasing evidence-base for a broad range of mental health issues. Considering that ACT encourages broad and flexible patterns of behaviour and neutralizes the pervasive psychological processes proposed to be caused by most individuals' distress, such a modality may be effective for ADHD. This review aimed to give a synthesis of the studies, so far, focusing on the usefulness of ACT approaches among individuals having ADHD.
DESIGN/METHODS: This scoping review searched studies exploring the effectiveness of ACT approaches for individuals with ADHD across eight electronic databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Emcare, Scopus, and Google Scholar). This review was based on a total of two quasi-experimental and four experimental studies.
RESULTS: A thematic analysis was suggested based on the PRISMA guidelines. Overall, the review presented preliminary evidence demonstrating the use of ACT among individuals with ADHD. It was found that the ACT was used to treat a variety of behavioural and psychosocial outcomes, which included reducing ADHD symptoms (e.g., impulsivity, inattention, inflexibility, etc.) and other sequelae related to the ADHD diagnosis such as poor quality of life, academic procrastination, depression and anxiety symptoms, and psychological maladjustment.
CONCLUSIONS: This review revealed that ACT was a flexible approach that could be adapted to deliver both targeted treatment of ADHD symptomatology and more general psychosocial issues. It could also be delivered in group or individual formats. Nevertheless, although the findings of the present scoping review indicate promising results, more research is needed.
Fulltext Parametric optimization of additive manufactured biocarrier submerged in sequencing batch reactor for domestic wastewater treatment

Noor A, Mohamed Kutty SR, Baloo L, Affam AC, Jagaba AH, Saeed Ghaleb AA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Apr;9(4):e14840.
PMID: 37025813 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14840

The high nutrient concentration in domestic wastewater effluent can endanger the aquatic life via eutrophication. Thus, research have been carried out to prevent harm to aquatic life. In regard biofilm reactors have been successful by far with few limitations. Bio-carrier fabrication of desired shape is one of the limitations. Recently, the invention of additive manufacturing (AM) of object made it feasible to fabricate the desired shape. In this study additive manufactured bio‒carrier (AMB) was printed using AM technique, with high surface area to volume ratio as well as density higher than water. The submerged attach growth sequencing batch biofilm reactor (SAGSBBR) for organic and nutrient removal from domestic wastewater (DWW) was conducted to determine the optimum bio‒carrier filling ratio (FR) and cycle time (CT) by using response surface methodology (RSM) with CT ranging between 12 h and 24 h and FR ranging between 0 and 20%. The maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-nitrogen (NH4 +‒N), and total phosphorus (TP) removal was 96.8 mg/L, 93.32 mg/L, and 88.89 mg/L respectively, which was achieved in submerged attached growth sequential biofilm batch reactor with 10% FR (SAGSBBR‒10). The optimization study determined the optimal solution of CT and FR to be 17.07 h and 12.38% respectively, with desirability of 0.987. The predicted mean of responses for the optimal solution were 96.64%, 94.40% and 89.94% for COD removal, NH4 +‒N removal and TP removal, respectively. The rate of biomass attachment at the first stage in SAGSBBR‒10 and SAGSBBR‒20 was about 11.39 mg/carrier.d and 8.64 mg/carrier.d, whereas the highest accumulation achieved was 98.27 mg/carrier and 80.15 mg/carrier respectively. Thus, this study can assist us to achieve sustainable development goal (SDG) 6.
Fulltext Fenchone and camphor: Main natural compounds from Lavandula stoechas L., expediting multiple in vitro biological activities

El Omari N, Balahbib A, Bakrim S, Benali T, Ullah R, Alotaibi A, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Nov;9(11):e21222.
PMID: 38053906 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21222

Lavandula stoechas, a Mediterranean plant, renowned in traditional medicine for its health benefits, is also arousing strong interest associated with its essential oils (EOs) with promising therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of the plant, as well as to study its major activities, including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, dermatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, focusing on its major molecules. Using the GC-MS method, the main compounds identified in L. stoechas EO (LSEO) were fenchone (31.81 %) and camphor (29.60 %), followed by terpineol (13.14 %) and menthone (8.96 %). To assess their antioxidant activity, three in vitro methods were used (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS). The results revealed that LSEO exhibited the best antiradical property (54 ± 62 μg/mL) according to the DPPH test, while fenchone demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity (87 ± 92 μg/mL) in the FRAP test, and camphor displayed the highest antioxidant capacity (96 ± 32 μg/mL) in the ABTS test. However, these results were lower than those obtained by Trolox used as a reference. In addition, study also explored the anti-diabetic potential of LSEO and its major compounds by evaluating their inhibitory activity towards two digestive enzymes, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Camphor (76.92 ± 2.43 μg/mL) and fenchone (69.03 ± 2.31 μg/mL) exhibited the best inhibitory activities for α-amylase and α-glucosidase assays, respectively. Interestingly, all elements of the study exerted activities superior to those of acarbose, regardless of the test performed. In contrast, the evaluation of the dermatoprotective potential was carried out in vitro by targeting two enzymes involved in cutaneous processes, tyrosinase and elastase. In this light, fenchone (53.14 ± 3.06 μg/mL) and camphor (48.39 ± 1.92 μg/mL) were the most active against tyrosinase and elastase, respectively. It should be noted that the effect of both molecules, as well as that of LSEO, ranged between 53.14 ± 3.06 and 97.45 ± 5.22 μg/mL, which was significantly lower than the standard, quercetin (IC50 of 246.90 ± 2 0.54 μg/mL) against tyrosinase. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory potential of these elements has been studied by evaluating their ability to inhibit lipooxygenase (LOX), a class of enzymes involved in the inflammatory process in the human body. As a result, the LSEO demonstrated a remarkable effect with an IC50 of 6.34 ± 1.29 μg/mL, which was almost comparable to the standard, quercetin (IC50 = 3.93 ± 0.45 μg/mL). Concerning the antibacterial potential, we carried out a quantitative analysis of the various products tested, revealing a bactericidal activity of the LSEO against the strain L. monocytogenes ATCC 13932 at a minimum effective concentration (MIC = CMB = 0.25). Overall, LSEOs offer significant potential as a source of natural antioxidants, and antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as dermatoprotective and antibacterial compounds. Its major molecules, fenchone and camphor, showed promising activity in these areas of study, making it a valuable candidate for future research and development in the field of natural medicine.
Fulltext Development and evaluation of a scale to measure nurses' unsafe driving behaviour while commuting

Mohd Yusoff H, Ismail KI, Ismail R, Khamis NK, Muhamad Robat R, Bryce JM

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23735.
PMID: 38226263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23735

Driving is the most prevalent form of commuting for most workers but is also perhaps the most hazardous mode of travel with unsafe driving contributing significantly to road traffic accidents. Despite nurses having been reported as being at higher risk of commuter-related accidents over the last three decades, little is known about unsafe driving behaviours among nurses while commuting, which is unique from other driving routines. Additionally, the lack of appropriate tools to measure such behaviours is apparent. This study aims i) to identify unsafe driving behaviours among nurses while commuting and ii) to develop a scale to assess nurses' unsafe commuting driving behaviours. The study employed a multiphase and multimethod approach to develop the scale, which was subject to stringent validation and evaluation. Themes were specified via the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Six themes were identified namely: i) violations and reckless driving, ii) negative emotions, iii) drowsy driving iv) mind wandering, v) error and vi) carelessness. Content and face validity were sought through expert review. A total of 442 nurses' data were collected across multisite hospitals for evaluation. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) resulted in recovered structure and was confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with structural equation analyses being conducted to test predictive validity. All constructs met adequate validity and reliability. Nurses' unsafe driving behaviours while commuting were identified with a novel scale to assess them being both developed and validated. The resulting MyUDWC scale is a suitable tool for measuring nurses' unsafe driving behaviours while commuting.
Fulltext Mobile technology features and technostress in mandatory online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis

Khlaif ZN, Sanmugam M, Hattab MK, Bensalem E, Ayyoub A, Sharma RC, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Aug;9(8):e19069.
PMID: 37636397 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19069

Technostress is defined as any unhealthy condition caused by dealing with modern technology in various harmful ways; examples of technostress include addiction and stress. Even though technostress has been extensively studied in the literature, little attention has been paid to investigating technostress among academics who work in exceptional circumstances, such as crises, and who might be experiencing different psychological states due to those circumstances. To fill the gap, this study aims to explore the factors influencing technostress among school teachers. The study examined technostress's level and factor graphics structure among 692 academics from different Arab countries during COVID-19. The technostress factors and their stories were explored and measured using sequential mixed methods and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. The study discusses various factors' direct and indirect effects on mobile technology integration in education and the theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes. A model of techno-stressors among Arab academics was found to include: schedule overload, complexity, uncertainty, uselessness, invasion, and compulsion. The direct effect of various factors on mobile technology integration in education is mainly positive, while indirect effects are more varied. The theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes include: considering the psychological and physiological impact of technostress on students' learning performance, decreasing overall satisfaction with the learning experience, and improving the overall quality of online courses. As a result of this study's findings, a new perspective is provided on how academics in particular circumstances (in this study, the occupation of Palestine) may behave and feel toward technology in teaching.
Fulltext Indonesia as a legal welfare state: A prophetic-transcendental basis

Dimyati K, Nashir H, Elviandri E, Absori A, Wardiono K, Budiono A

Heliyon, 2021 Aug;7(8):e07865.
PMID: 34485743 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07865

Introduction: The modern welfare state concept is based on individualistic and liberal social contracts that prioritize individual interests with liberalist, partial and non-holistic hegemonies. The welfare state concept has failed in directing citizens to achieve justice, peace, and welfare. The basic aim of the Republic of Indonesia's formation is to form a welfare country. But the Indonesian constitutional articles do not have the power to form a welfare society compared to those of other states, such as Norway, Japan, the USA, and Malaysia, whose constitutions aim to achieve welfare.
Objective: This research aims to explore the formulation of Indonesia as the Prophetic Transcendental-Based Legal Welfare State. The urgency of this research is on the effort of model invention, or a new postulate on the form of the Indonesian Legal Welfare State.
Methods: This is normative-juridical research with a philosophical approach to find and explore the formulation of Indonesia as the Prophetic Transcendental-Based Legal Welfare State.
Conclusion: This research found that as a Legal Welfare State, Indonesia inspirits Pancasila as the moral-spiritual guidance in all developmental policies on the national law, economy, politics, and culture. Thus, the direction of the state's development is inseparable from its roots, namely the prophetic and transcendental Pancasila.
Novelty: The previous researches discussed Indonesia as a welfare state only based on the determining legislation or laws. But this research discusses the philosophical aspect based on the thoughts of Indonesia's founding fathers.
Fulltext DeepPulmoTB: A benchmark dataset for multi-task learning of tuberculosis lesions in lung computerized tomography (CT)

Tan Z, Madzin H, Norafida B, ChongShuang Y, Sun W, Nie T, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25490.
PMID: 38370224 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25490

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates on a global scale. With the rapid advancement of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) tools in recent years, CAD has assumed an increasingly crucial role in supporting TB diagnosis. Nonetheless, the development of CAD for TB diagnosis heavily relies on well-annotated computerized tomography (CT) datasets. Currently, the available annotations in TB CT datasets are still limited, which in turn restricts the development of CAD tools for TB diagnosis to some extent. To address this limitation, we introduce DeepPulmoTB, a CT multi-task learning dataset explicitly designed for TB diagnosis. To demonstrate the advantages of DeepPulmoTB, we propose a novel multi-task learning model, DeepPulmoTBNet (DPTBNet), for the joint segmentation and classification of lesion tissues in CT images. The architecture of DPTBNet comprises two subnets: SwinUnetR for the segmentation task, and a lightweight multi-scale network for the classification task. Furthermore, to enhance the model's capacity to capture TB lesion features, we introduce an improved iterative optimization algorithm that refines feature maps by integrating probability maps obtained in previous iterations. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of DPTBNet and the practicality of the DeepPulmoTB dataset.
Fulltext Sustainable fashion: Design of the experiment assisted machine learning for the environmental-friendly resin finishing of cotton fabric

Pervez MN, Yeo WS, Shafiq F, Jilani MM, Sarwar Z, Riza M, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Jan;9(1):e12883.
PMID: 36691543 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12883

Given the carcinogenic properties of formaldehyde-based chemicals, an alternative method for resin-finishing cotton textiles is urgently needed. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to introduce a sustainable resin-finishing process for cotton fabric via an industrial procedure. For this purpose, Bluesign® approved a formaldehyde-free Knittex RCT® resin was used, and the process parameters were designed and optimized according to the Taguchi L27 method. XRD analysis confirmed the crosslinking formation between resin and neighboring molecules of cotton fabric, as no change in the cellulose crystallization phase. Several machine learning models were built in a sequence to predict the crease recovery angle (CRA), tearing strength (TE) and whiteness index (WI). Assessment of modelling was evaluated through the use of various metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2). Results were compared to those from other regression models, such as principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and fuzzy modelling. Based on the results of our research, the LSSVR model predicted the CRA, TE, and WI with substantially more accuracy than other models, as shown by the fact that its RMSE and MAE values were significantly lower. In addition, it offered the greatest possible R2 values, reaching up to 0.9627.
Fulltext Kernel partial diagnostic robust potential to handle high-dimensional and irregular data space on near infrared spectral data

Silalahi DD, Midi H, Arasan J, Mustafa MS, Caliman JP

Heliyon, 2020 Jan;6(1):e03176.
PMID: 32042959 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03176

In practice, the collected spectra are very often composes of complex overtone and many overlapping peaks which may lead to misinterpretation because of its significant nonlinear characteristics. Using linear solution might not be appropriate. In addition, with a high-dimension of dataset due to large number of observations and data points the classical multiple regressions will neglect to fit. These complexities commonly will impact to multicollinearity problem, furthermore the risk of contamination of multiple outliers and high leverage points also increases. To address these problems, a new method called Kernel Partial Diagnostic Robust Potential (KPDRGP) is introduced. The method allows the nonlinear solution which maps nonlinearly the original input

X

matrix into higher dimensional feature mapping with corresponds to the Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces (RKHS). In dimensional reduction, the method replaces the dot products calculation of elements in the mapped data to a nonlinear function in the original input space. To prevent the contamination of the multiple outlier and high leverage points the robust procedure using Diagnostic Robust Generalized Potentials (DRGP) algorithm was used. The results verified that using the simulation and real data, the proposed KPDRGP method was superior to the methods in the class of non-kernel and some other robust methods with kernel solution.
Fulltext If you build it, will they come? Exploring the success factors of knowledge management systems in the Malaysian public sector

Ali N, Mustaffa MM, Alkawsi G, Capretz LF

Heliyon, 2024 Mar 30;10(6):e27093.
PMID: 38510048 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27093

The current study investigates the factors that influence the success of knowledge management systems in the public sector. This study integrates the DeLone and McLean Model with critical organizational factors. The model has been tested on the data collected from 158 employees in the public sector in Malaysia, the study found that knowledge content quality has a higher significant impact on the use of knowledge management systems than system quality. Perceived usefulness also has a greater impact than user satisfaction in determining the system's overall success. Among the organizational factors, leadership is the most significant determinant of success. However, the culture of sharing, perceived trust, and incentives do not significantly influence the use of knowledge management systems. The findings suggest that public sector organizations should focus on both system and organizational factors to implement successful knowledge management systems.
Fulltext Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. essential oil as a promising source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties: In vitro and in silico evidence

El Hachlafi N, Fikri-Benbrahim K, Al-Mijalli SH, Elbouzidi A, Jeddi M, Abdallah EM, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23084.
PMID: 38169772 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23084

Tetraclinis articulata is a known traditional medicinal plant used to manage various ailments, such as diabetes, rheumatism and infectious diseases. This study aims to determine the chemical constituents of T. articulata essential oil (EO) and to evaluate its in vitro antibacterial, anti-candidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. In addition, a computational docking approach was used to predict the potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of the identified compounds. The volatile oil obtained by hydrodistillation was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of T. articulata EO was investigated using three complementary assays: DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and tyrosinase enzymes were used to assess the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effects of this oil. Moreover, disc-diffusion technique, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were employed for the antimicrobial screening. The GC-MS analysis revealed that bornyl acetate (41.80 %), α-pinene (17.97 %) and camphor (15.97 %) are the major components of the studied EO. Moreover, T. articulata EO has exhibited promising antioxidant effect on FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS experiments. It also significantly inhibited 5-LOX (IC50 = 67.82 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 211.93 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The results of MIC and MBC assays indicated that T. articulata EO is able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria (Gram + and Gram -) and Candida species. The ratio of tolerance level indicated that the tested oil was bactericidal against the Gram + bacteria and Candida species, whereas it has a bacteriostatic behavior against the Gram- bacteria. In light of these findings, T. articulata EO may be suggested as a potential pharmaceutical agent to prevent inflammation and skin problems and may serve as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant alternative for sustainable application in food products.
Fulltext Characterization of phytochemicals, minerals and in vitro medicinal activities of bael (Aeglemarmelos L.) pulp and differently dried edible leathers

Hazra SK, Sarkar T, Salauddin M, Sheikh HI, Pati S, Chakraborty R

Heliyon, 2020 Oct;6(10):e05382.
PMID: 33163665 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05382

Aegle marmelos (L.) is a seasonal fruit that contains significant amounts of bioactives like, phenolic acids (gallic acids, 2,3-dihydroxy benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid), flavonoid (rutin), organic acids (oxalic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid), vitamin C, vitamin B group (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, biotin, cobalamins, riboflavin), tocopherols (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene, δ-carotene) and also rich in essential minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, copper, manganese). This study provides a comprehensive composition analysis (determined using RP-HPLC and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Spectroscopy). In vitro medicinal activities (antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-diabetic activity) are quantified for different bael samples. The study also investigates the changes of these bioactive components with freeze, sun, hot air, and microwave drying. The study gives a proper vision to preserve the nutraceutically rich pulp by converting it into fruit leather.
Fulltext Effects of one-year supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri on fibrosis score and metabolic markers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abu Hassan MR, Hj Md Said R, Zainuddin Z, Omar H, Md Ali SM, Aris SA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e16652.
PMID: 37313177 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16652

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: and purpose: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant global health concern with limited pharmacotherapy options. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized extract of Phyllanthus niruri in mild-to-moderate NAFLD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 12-month randomized controlled trial, in which adults with a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score >250 dB/m and a fibrosis score <10 kPa were randomly assigned to receive a standardized P. niruri extract at a dose of 3,000 mg daily (n = 112) or a placebo (n = 114). The primary outcomes were changes in CAP score and liver enzyme levels, while the secondary outcomes were changes in other metabolic parameters. The analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.
RESULTS: After 12 months, there was no significant difference in the change of CAP score between the intervention and control groups (-15.05 ± 36.76 dB/m vs. -14.74 ± 41.08 dB/m; p = 0.869). There was also no significant difference in the changes of liver enzyme levels between the two groups. However, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score, which was not observed in the control group (-0.64 ± 1.66 kPa versus 0.10 ± 1.61 kPa; p = 0.001). No major adverse events were reported in either group.
CONCLUSION: This study showed that P. niruri did not significantly reduce CAP score and liver enzyme levels in patients with mild-to-moderate NAFLD. However, a significant improvement in fibrosis score was observed. Further research is needed to determine its clinical benefits at different dosages for NAFLD treatment.
Experience attributes and service quality dimensions of peer-to-peer accommodation in Malaysia

Wong TS, Chan JKL

Heliyon, 2023 Jul;9(7):e18403.
PMID: 37539243 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18403

This paper reports the empirical findings of experience attributes and service quality dimensions of peer-to-peer accommodation (P2P) in Malaysia. Data collection was conducted using in-depth interviews, which involved 10 P2P accommodation hosts and 15 P2P accommodation guests. Thematic analysis of the data guided by the concepts of service experience and service quality, revealed that P2P accommodation has four experience dimensions (property/accommodation, hosts, local people/culture, and location) and seven service quality dimensions (home facilities, personal advice, helpfulness, feeling welcome, responsiveness, reliability, and caring). These dimensions differentiate P2P accommodation from other types of accommodation, such as hotels, and are different from those of the SERVQUAL model. Subsequently, a new model, P2PSERVQUAL, is proposed for peer-to-peer accommodation. The findings add to the tourism and hospitality literature on experience attributes and service quality, with implications for the marketing and management of P2P accommodation.

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