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Expert guidelines on the use of Cariprazine in bipolar I disorder: consensus from Southeast Asia
No full textBackground/Objectives: Cariprazine, a D3/D2 partial agonist, is one of the few recommended treatment options for bipolar 1 disorder (BP1D) in Southeast Asia. This study aims to generate insights from leading experts on the safe and effective use of cariprazine for BP1D, specifically by formulating practical recommendations not thoroughly covered in the existing literature. Methods: A formal consensus methodology using the modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was employed to develop consensus recommendations. The methodology included a targeted literature search, creation of clinical scenarios, two rounds of rating of the appropriateness of each scenario on a nine-point Likert scale by an expert panel of psychiatrists from Southeast Asia (n = 13), and a face-to-face discussion among the expert panel between the two rounds of rating. In the absence of disagreement, scenarios were classified as appropriate (7–9), equivocal (4–6), or inappropriate (1–3) based on median scores. Clinical scenarios were subsequently converted to consensus recommendations upon approval by the expert panel. Results: Most experts recommended a 4–8-week trial of cariprazine for bipolar depression (85%) and 3–4 weeks for acute mania/mixed (71%). For longer treatment, 61.5% and 69% recommended >1 year for acute mania/mixed and bipolar depression, respectively. Cariprazine was also considered suitable as first-line therapy, including for first-episode bipolar depression (Mdn: 8, IQR: 7–9) and first-episode mania (Mdn: 8; IQR: 8–9). Conclusions: The consensus recommendations may serve as practical guidance for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding the management of adult patients with BP1D, while considering the preferences and circumstances of individual patients
Identification of gene diversity of melanocortin 4 receptor for commercial rabbit breeds
No full textMolecular genetic markers are regularly implemented in rabbit management for better breeding by selecting for specific genotypes. This study aimed to examine the diversity of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene in rabbits in Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 35 bucks were used in this study, comprising 10 New Zealand White, 11 Hyla and 14 Hycole. The DNA was extracted by Gene JET Whole Blood Genomic DNA extraction kit. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) was detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, reference weight and cut point 1-5 weight were among the parameters that were measured. This study showed that Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R) genes were polymorphic, containing missense mutations and one SNP at 519G→A SNP 519GA had two alleles, A and G, with three genotypes (AA, GG, and AG). The rabbit population did not achieve Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) and showed a low level of genetic diversity as indicated by the heterozygosity results. The result of this study concluded that the frecuency AG as a genotype was higher than either GG or AA and A had a higher allele frequency than G. We recommended improving the validity of the data across various rabbit populations
Molecular ABO blood group genotyping in the Indonesian Minangkabau population
No full textObjectives: Investigating the molecular ABO blood group genotyping in specific populations helps improve our understanding of population genetics and its forensic applications. This study aimed to determine the genotypes and allele frequencies of ABO blood groups in the Minangkabau population. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 200 participants (74 males and 126 females) using consecutive sampling. Only healthy, unrelated Minangkabau individuals with no history of interracial marriage of up to three generations were included. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was employed to amplify segments of the transferase gene, specifically nucleotide 261 in exon 6 and nucleotide 703 in exon 7 of the ABO gene locus, using the restriction enzymes Kpn1 and Alu1. Results: Phenotypic distribution revealed that 46.5% of participants were type A, 33% type B, 16% type O, and 4.5% type AB. The genotypes identified were 4.5% AA, 42% AO, 1.5% BB, 31.5% BO, 4.5% AB, and 16% OO. The gene frequencies calculated were 0.4 for the Io allele, 0.39 for the Ia allele, and 0.21 for the Ib allele. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic structure of the Minangkabau population and contribute to the understanding of ABO allele distributions in Southeast Asia, with potential applications in population genetics and forensic science
AI adoption in accounting education: a UTAUT-based analysis of mediating and moderating mechanisms
No full textThis study investigates the adoption and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies among Chinese undergraduate accounting students, focusing on the roles of Social Influence (SI), Behavioral Intention (BI), and Actual Usage (AU), while examining the mediating effect of BI and the moderating effect of Voluntariness of Use (VOU). By extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, it addresses gaps in understanding the social and behavioral factors influencing AI adoption within the educational context. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Data was collected through a self-administered survey distributed via the Wenjuanxing platform, with responses from 362 Chinese undergraduate accounting students analyzed to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that SI significantly affects both BI and AU, with BI serving as a partial mediator in the SI-AU relationship. However, VOU did not exhibit a significant moderating effect on the SI-BI pathway. These results provide insights into the dual role of SI and the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward AI adoption among students. This study contributes to the literature by extending the UTAUT model in an educational setting, emphasizing the interplay of cultural and social dynamics in influencing AI adoption. It offers actionable recommendations for educators, policymakers, and technology vendors to promote AI integration in accounting education and prepare students for AI-driven professional environments
Consumer’s knowledge, awareness and willingness to pay for reusable face masks
No full textReusable face masks are cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives. However, the extent to which people are aware and willing to pay for reusable face masks is unknown. Thus, the research aimed to determine the relationship between consumer knowledge and awareness and their willingness to pay (WTP) for reusable face masks, the factors influencing consumers’ WTP for reusable face masks and the average consumers’ WTP for reusable face masks in Selangor. A total of 209 respondents were chosen by convenience sampling via an online survey method. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis analyses revealed that only the educational level was associated with a significant difference in the WTP for reusable face masks. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between knowledge and awareness of reusable face masks and willingness to pay for them. Additionally, the multiple regression analysis indicated that consumer awareness significantly influenced their willingness to pay for reusable face masks. The mean maximum willingness to pay for reusable face masks in Selangor was RM12.85/USD2.92 per mask piece/person using the open-ended contingent valuation method (CVM). These findings would aid the government in developing effective strategies for promoting reusable face masks and assist manufacturers in producing reusable face masks at a price point that consumers are willing to pay, encouraging wider adoption
Effect of blanching conditions on physico-chemical characteristics of cocoa pod husk
No full textEffective post-harvest handling and grading of cocoa fruit require a comprehensive understanding of its physical and chemical characteristics. The cocoa pod husk (CPH), a significant by-product, has potential applications due to its valuable chemical properties. The present work thus aimed to (1) characterise the physico-chemical properties of cocoa fruit and its husk, (2) develop predictive models for cocoa fruit mass based on physical parameters, and (3) optimise short-time blanching conditions to enhance the chemical quality of CPH. The methodology included measuring physical parameters (weight, dimensions, roundness, volume, surface area, and projected area), and developing predictive models for cocoa fruit mass using linear, quadratic, S-curve, and power models. Chemical analyses of CPH involved determining pH, biomass composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and dietary fibre content. Optimisation of blanching conditions was conducted using a response surface methodology with temperature and time as variables. Results indicated that a non-linear model based on projected area effectively predicted cocoa fruit mass, with the prolate spheroid volume model offering the highest accuracy. Optimal blanching conditions (79°C for 12.5 sec) yielded 36.19% crude fibre and 4.189% protein, with crude fibre content influenced by temperature, and a significant temperature-time interaction effect on protein content (p < 0.05). These findings suggested that CPH can be repurposed as a functional food ingredient rich in phenolics, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, offering practical applications for value-added agricultural waste recovery
Numerical and experimental analysis of multiphase flows in subsea electric submersible pumps
No full textElectric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) are widely deployed in oil and gas production, where managing multiphase flow—particularly gas-liquid interactions—remains a key operational challenge. At elevated gas volume fractions (GVFs), gas entrainment can lead to performance degradation, instabilities and reduced hydraulic efficiency. This study combines numerical and experimental methods to assess the effects of GVF and impeller tip clearance on internal ESP flow dynamics. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using the Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase model with the k-ω SST turbulence model to capture gas-liquid interactions. In parallel, high-speed camera imaging was used in a customized test rig to experimentally visualize transient gas behaviour inside the pump. Numerical results show that at low GVFs, gas follows the liquid streamlines and is well-distributed across the flow domain. As GVF increases, gas accumulates near the impeller tip clearance and diffuser regions, forming recirculating gas pockets that disrupt flow continuity and reduce pressure rise. Larger tip clearance exacerbates gas retention, altering phase separation and further degrading performance. Experimental observations confirm these findings, showing gas clustering around the impeller periphery and extended bubble residence times at higher GVFs. While CFD successfully predicts bulk gas distribution and tip clearance effects, it underrepresents transient gas motions observed experimentally. High-speed footage captured chaotic bubble paths, collapse events and flow recirculation patterns that standard CFD models could not fully resolve—suggesting the need for more advanced turbulence and compressibility modelling. This integrated investigation provides a deeper understanding of ESP gas-handling behaviour under multiphase flow. The results highlight the critical role of tip clearance in gas accumulation, the adverse impact of high GVFs on stability and the importance of refining CFD approaches for improved prediction accuracy. These insights support the development of more efficient and robust ESP systems for gas-laden production environments
Prevalence and determinants of e-cigarette use among vocational college students: a cross-sectional study
No full textIntroduction E-cigarette use is rising globally, particularly among young adults, posing increasing health risks. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with e-cigarette use among diploma students in a Malaysian vocational college. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 students using probability proportionate to size sampling and a validated online questionnaire. Logistic regression identified factors associated with e-cigarette use, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results The response rate was 87.7%, with an e-cigarette use prevalence of 29.0%. Significant factors included male gender (aOR = 5.2, 95% CI: 2.7–10.1), Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera ethnicity(aOR = 83.1, 95% CI: 2.2–3146.3), perceived e-cigarette aids in quit smoking (aOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1), perceived e-cigarette does not contain the toxic chemicals found in conventional cigarette (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–2.0), having close friends who use conventional cigarette (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.1) or e-cigarette (aOR = 8.0, 95% CI: 2.3–28.1), television exposure (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0–4.2), positive attitude towards e-cigarette (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.2), and higher willingness (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3) and intention (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.5) to use. Conclusion E-cigarette use among students was influenced by gender, ethnicity, risk perceptions, peer influence, and media exposure. Targeted interventions addressing these factors are essential for reducing e-cigarette use in this population
Investigation of drying behavior of glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa) in a fixed-bed dryer
No full textSmall-scale glutinous rice processing facilities often rely on manual drying methods, with drying conditions typically determined by experience. Establishing an accurate drying profile of glutinous rice allows for optimal selection of drying conditions. This contribution investigated glutinous rice drying behaviors in fixed bed dryers at temperatures 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The Page model was determined to be the best-fit thin layer model for describing glutinous rice drying with R2 of 0.953 (50°C). Experimentally determined drying information was fed into the Aspen Plus V14 simulator to produce a digital version of glutinous rice drying process. A combined constant and falling rate mass transfer coefficient specified in the process simulator produced a simulation output close to that of the Page model with an R2 of 0.9843. Modeling and digitalization of glutinous rice drying in this work are instrumental to accurately predict the drying performance of glutinous rice or other food grains
Jackfruit bronzing disease surveillance study in selected orchards of Peninsular Malaysia
No full textPurpose: IIn Malaysia, jackfruit (variety Tekam Yellow) significantly contributes to the nation’s economy. The valuable fruit production is affected by jackfruit bronzing disease (JBD). Information on JBD occurrence in Peninsular Malaysia is necessary to develop effective disease control strategies. Hence, this study aimed to survey JBD occurrence and identify the corresponding causative pathogens in selected jackfruit orchards distributed in Peninsular Malaysia. Research Method: A total of eight jackfruit orchards from five states in Peninsular Malaysia were selected for JBD sampling. Fruit samples were described for characteristic symptoms and disease incidence was expressed in percentage. The causative pathogens were identified using morphological observation and molecular methods while the pathogenicity test was done using Koch’s Postulates. Findings: JBD incidence in Peninsular Malaysia ranged between 20.13-70.25%. JBD-causal pathogen isolation showed that the bacterium was gram-negative, oxidase-negative, and non-capsulated straight rod shape with an average size of 0.35 x 1.31 µm (facultative anaerobic). A DNA sequence analysis on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that 15 putative isolates were unique to P. stewartii and one to P. dispersal at a 99-100% similarity index. Pathogenicity test of the P. stewartii isolates showed JBD characteristic symptoms suggesting that JBD occurrence caused by P. stewartii is common in Peninsular Malaysia and the pathogen could co-exist with P. dispersa. Research Limitations: The number of orchards sampled in this study is low and therefore, the findings pose biases to a certain extent. Originality/Value: JBD occurrence is common in small jackfruit orchards in Peninsular Malaysia. JBD is primarily caused by P. stewartii while both P. stewartii and P. dispersa could co-exist in JBD pathosystem