17362 research outputs found
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Unraveling the antecedents of Internet gaming disorder and mind-wandering as an outcome in MOBA youth players
The exponentially growing game genre - multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) is propelled into the gaming culture. Employing the Interaction-Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model, this study examines the (1) predictive effects of impulsivity on IGD; (2) IGD on mind-wandering, (3) simple mediating effects of in-game satisfaction and self-control on impulsivity and IGD respectively, (4) sequential mediating effects (i.e., self-control, in-game satisfaction, IGD) on impulsivity and mind-wandering. 710 youth are included in the final analyses of this cross-sectional online survey study. The findings show that impulsivity predicts IGD positively. IGD is also a positive predictor of mind-wandering. In the simple mediation analyses, in-game satisfaction is not a significant mediator, whereas self-control is a significant mediator for impulsivity and IGD. Both self-control and in-game satisfaction sequentially mediate impulsivity and IGD. Lastly, the indirect effect between impulsivity and mind-wandering with three sequential mediators (i.e., self-control, in-game satisfaction, and IGD) is significant. A total of 41.9% variances of IGD (a large R2 effect size) and 22.2% variances of mind-wandering (a moderate R2 effect size) were explained. Future prevention and intervention should highlight the importance of individuals being empowered to navigate the gaming environment with a well-balanced and resilient mindset, fostering a healthier connection with online gaming
Morphological and molecular diversity of five superior napier grass cultivars in Indonesia
This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and genetic diversity among five cultivars of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) grown in Indonesia: ‘Gama Umami’, ‘Pakchong’, ‘Odot’, ‘Purple’, and ‘Local’. A total of 20 plants per cultivar were planted in a completely randomized design with morphological parameters, nutrient content, biomass production, and molecular analysis assessed at a cutting age of 90 days. The morphological analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in plant height, leaf length, and the number of tillers across the cultivars. Qualitative analysis revealed differences in leaf color and growth habits. ‘Gama Umami’ cultivar showed the highest biomass yield, with significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein and dry matter content than the other cultivars. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using nine primers on the five Napier grass cultivars demonstrated diverse band patterns, resulting in a percentage of polymorphic bands (PBP) ranging from 60% to 100%. The dendrogram derived from the RAPD data clustered the cultivars into two main groups, with ‘Gama Umami’ and ‘Local’ showing a high similarity coefficient of 0.73, while ‘Purple’ and ‘Pakchong’ formed a distinct sub-cluster with a similarity coefficient of 0.66, and ‘Odot’ exhibited a similarity coefficient of 0.58 with the ‘Purple’ and ‘Pakchong’ sub-cluster. This study revealed significant genetic and morphological diversity among five Napier grass cultivars, with 'Gama Umami' demonstrating superior morphological traits, nutrient content, and biomass production. These findings highlight the potential of integrating molecular and morphological analyses to support breeding programs for improving forage quality and productivity
Examining the reliability and validity of self-efficacy beliefs, stress, perceived teachers' support and academic burnout scales using the PLS-SEM approach
Likert scales were used in this study to collect data on measures such as the student academic burnout scale, the student stress scale, the student self-efficacy beliefs scale and the student perceived teacher support scale. The purpose of this study is to examine the four-part scales' reliability and validity used in this research. The number of measurement indicators for the four scales was 11, 13, 12 and 10, respectively. Seventy-five college students from five colleges and universities participated in the research and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was applied to analyze the data. Consequently, the internal consistency and reliability of the measures were assessed using Cronbach's alpha (CA) and composite reliability (CR) both of which exceeded the clinical thresholds of 0.6 and 0.7, respectively. The average variance extracted (AVE) was used to evaluate the scales' convergent validity and the reported values were all stated above 0.5. The scales' discriminant validity was also framed within the range of threshold values. As a result, the scales used in this study demonstrated good validity and reliability and can be useful in assessing relationships throughout a range of study situations
Infuence of aluminium and tungsten impurities on reduced graphene oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposites humidity sensing performance
In this work, impurities-induced ZnO nanostructured powders were prepared via a benign, ultrasonicated low-temperature solution immersion method. The humidity sensor was constructed utilizing the nanocomposite consisting of the synthesized impurities-induced ZnO nanostructured powders with reduced graphene oxide by a facile brush printing procedure. This work intended to evaluate the efect of impurities on the formation of nanocomposite heterostructures for optimal humidity sensing properties and investigate their correlation with morphological, chemical, optical, and electrical characteristics. The characterization for morphological, chemical, and optical changes induced by Al and W impurities in the nanocomposites was conducted through XRD, HRTEM, EDS, Raman spectroscopy, XPS and DRS. The fabricated humidity sensors have been evaluated at room temperature to assess their sensor resistance ratio, sensitivity, sensing response, and other related humidity sensing performance at relative humidity levels ranging from 40 to 90%. The humidity sensor utilizing rGO/W:ZnO nanocomposite exhibited better resistance changes compared to rGO/ZnO. Corresponding to the nanocomposite formation between W:ZnO and rGO, the sensor resistance ratio and sensitivity improved signifcantly to 249.61±0.97 and 12.67±0.06 MΩ/%RH, respectively with the sensor establishing a maximum sensing response of 99.61±0.02. Furthermore, the rGO/W:ZnO heterostructure-based humidity sensor demonstrated improved and lowest hysteresis error, long-term stability over 30 days, and reliable repeatability compared to other tested samples within the tested relative humidity range. The utilization of W:ZnO with rGO as sensing material provides a novel direction for designing a cost-efective and highly sensitive humidity monitoring sensor
Unity in diverse society of Malaysia
Objective: This article aims to use historical institutionalism to examine how the Malay Bumiputera Muslims identity was constructed and analyse people’s responses to related government policies. Theoretical Framework: The role of religion in constructing an identity for Malay Bumiputera (son of the soil) Muslims, who form the majority of the population, is a topic of debate among Malaysians. Since independence in 1957, the supreme law of Malaysia, the Federal Constitution, has pronounced Islam as the official religion but other religious ideologies are allowed to be practiced. Apart from the race riots of 1969, Malaysians have been living in a harmonious and peaceful multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society; where each ethnicity promotes its own culture, while also respecting other diversities and cherishing differences to promote unity. This study applies the HI framework to examine the identity construction of Malay Bumiputera Muslims and also assess people’s responses to related government policies. Method: For empirical data analysis, the authors employ qualitative method through historical analysis based on authentic sources available in libraries as well as interviews with key informants in order to collect data from their personal opinion and experience. In other words, this comprehensive study has used mixed methods beginning with documentary analysis and using qualitative interviews to support the documentary analysis to achieve our objectives. Results and Discussion: The government has taken many steps to promote stability and racial harmony. Still, there are hurdles such as economic disparities among ethnicities, education based on vernacular languages, and others. On top of that, there are vast differences in community identity construction between the Malay Peninsula and the Borneo states, Sabah and Sarawak. To some extent, however, this historical setting has shaped Malaysian politics to be primarily centred upon the Malay and Bumiputera racial-hegemony context. This political setting cannot be avoided, but other ethnics are also permitted to form parties to represent their communities. Conclusion: To conclude, this identity construction has been a way to provide unity in diversity in the multi-racial society which is politically and socioeconomically constructed
Brash syndrome – a rare cause of bradycardia with renal failure
The BRASH syndrome is a rare clinical pentad characterised by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) blockade, shock and hyperkalaemia. Patients with BRASH syndrome typically present with bradycardia and hypotension due to the synergistic effect of AV node blocker and hyperkalaemia, compounded by underlying renal failure. In this report, we present a young patient with a history of chronic kidney disease and hypertension, who was taking regular beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, and presented with persistent dizziness, headache and lethargy, which progressed into bradycardia and shock. These symptoms were refractory to initial resuscitation, requiring inotropic support and urgent haemodialysis. The patient was discharged in good condition after initiating regular dialysis. A high index of suspicion and early recognition are key to managing BRASH syndrome. Standard advanced cardiac life support algorithms without calcium are generally impractical for BRASH syndrome. The prognosis for BRASH syndrome is excellent with timely recognition and management
Enhancing milk yield and quality of holstein friesian through special formulation urea molasses multinutrient block
The production of urea molasses multinutrient block (UMMB) typically involves cement and molasses. However, prolonged use of cement can lead to health issues in livestock, while molasses is often in short supply due to its extensive use as a raw material in various industries. Thus, alternative materials are highly needed as substitutes for both cement and molasses. This study assesses the effects of using cocoa pulp as filler and tapioca meal as an adhesive in UMMB production on Holstein Friesian dairy cows’ performance, milk yield, and milk quality. The experiment applied a complete randomized design (CRD) with three treatments, namely without UMMB supplementation (T0 as control), supplementation with 500g of regular UMMB (T1), and supplementation with 500g of UMMB made with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal (T2). Each treatment had five replications. The results indicated that UMMB supplementation significantly affected (p < 0.05) forage dry matter intake (DMI), total DMI, milk fat, and milk viscosity. Up to 50% of the molasses and cement used in UMMB production can be replaced with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal without reducing the final product’s physical quality. Substitution of molasses filler and cement adhesive with cocoa pulp and tapioca meal enhances forage DMI and total DMI while maintaining the yield and physical quality of milk in Holstein Friesian cows
Examining the role of training, compensation, and work environment in employee performance: A gender-based analysis
Research Aims: This study aims to analyze the influence of training, compensation, and work environment on employee performance by considering gender differences as a moderating variable. The study seeks to determine the extent to which these factors contribute to performance enhancement among male and female employees at PT POS Indonesia DIY. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was employed using the Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) method in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study was conducted on a population comprising all employees of PT POS Indonesia DIY, with a sample of 117 respondents selected through random sampling. Data were collected via a Likert scale-based questionnaire, measuring key indicators of training, compensation, work environment, and employee performance. Research Findings: The findings indicate that the work environment plays a dominant role in improving employee performance, whereas training has a limited impact, and compensation does not significantly influence performance. When analyzed by gender, the results reveal that for male employees, only the work environment has a strong effect on performance, while training and compensation are insignificant. In contrast, for female employees, training has a weak effect, compensation remains insignificant, and the work environment continues to be the key determinant of performance. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literature on employee performance by providing empirical evidence on the differential impact of training, compensation, and work environment across gender groups. The findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing a conducive work environment to enhance productivity, as well as the importance of considering gender-specific responses when designing organizational policies. From a managerial perspective, optimizing work facilities and fostering a supportive organizational culture are critical strategies for improving employee performance
An adaptive semi-analytical approach in solving nonlinear korteweg-de vries equations
This paper introduces a novel method named the Adaptive Hybrid Reduced Differential Transform Method (AHRDTM) for solving Nonlinear Korteweg-De Vries Equations (NKdVEs). AHRDTM provides convergent semi-analytical solutions over long-time frames by generating subintervals of varying lengths, significantly reducing the number of time-steps and processing time needed for solutions, distinguishing it from the traditional multistep approach of RDTM. Notably, AHRDTM avoids the need for perturbation, linearization or discretization, enhancing its adaptability and reliability. The findings demonstrate that AHRDTM provides highly accurate and efficient solutions for NKdVEs. Additionally, the method is straightforward, significantly reduces the computational effort required to solve NKdVE problems and shows promise for application to a wide range of partial differential equations (PDEs). The efficacy of AHRDTM is illustrated through tables and graphical representations
Non‑native freshwater molluscs: a brief global review of species, pathways, impacts and management strategies
Molluscs represent the second most diverse phylum on Earth and are among the most prevalent in freshwater ecosystems, exhibiting both high species richness and abundance/biomass. In addition, molluscs are one of the taxonomic groups with the highest number of non-native species in freshwater ecosystems. Many of these have significant ecological and economic impacts, and some also act as vectors for pathogens and parasites, affecting human and animal health. Here we provide a comprehensive list of all known freshwater mollusc species that have successfully established populations outside their native range, together with diversity pattern maps for both their native and invaded ranges. We also provide a brief overview of historical research investment, the main pathways of introduction, the ecological, economic and human health impacts of these species and the most effective strategies for the prevention of new introductions and for the control and possible eradication of already established populations. Finally, we highlight the gaps in our knowledge of the biology and management of non-native freshwater molluscs and future research needs and present a special volume dedicated to this topic