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Curb children's social media usage
No full textIn Malaysia, it is common to see parents relying on smartphones to pacify toddlers, particularly during meal times at restaurants. As researchers in the field and mothers of toddlers, we are writing this letter out of concern for our young susceptible to physical harm or legal consequences
Self-Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemics: Everyday Discourse on a New Social Phenomenon among University Students
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic was the first experience for the largest part of the world’s population of a new disease that spread rapidly across continents, a global threat to which unprecedented restrictive measures were elaborated. The purpose of the study was to analyse the everyday discourse on self-isolation among student youth based on the Theory of Social Representations. The study was conducted in two time periods corresponding to two “waves” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia (“first wave”: from 18, June to 10, July, 2020, and “second wave”: from 12, October to 18, November, 2020). The sample included 275 Russian university students (9.5 % male) aged 17 to 27 years. The main tool to reveal the social representations was free associations technique. The survey was conducted in online format via Google-forms. Comparison of the structure and content of social representations on self-isolation as a new social phenomenon at different stages of the pandemic made it possible to reveal their emergence and dynamics among student youth: (1) the opposition between voluntariness and coercion was characteristic of the everyday understanding of selfisolation at the very beginning of the pandemic, and (2) psychological experiences associated with the pandemic and the self-isolation caused by it turn out to be key further. In general, research findings show that self-isolation is understood by university students as a search for “pluses” in a situation of forced restrictions
It’s Time For Long-Term Care Home To Make Mental Health A Priority
No full textThe 2024 World Mental Health Day theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlights the need to focus on mental well-being in long-term care facilities, often a new ‘workplace’ for many elders. The challenge is to shift from prioritising physical care to recognising mental health as equally essential for overall well-being
Towards a unified image quality assessment technique for cross-content image processing applications
No full textThe rise in consumer electronics has led to the daily generation of massive multimedia signals. To make efficient multimedia processing systems, understanding human perception is crucial. This has sparked significant interest in image quality assessment (IQA) and its applications within the research community. This study focuses on creating IQA tools that align with human perception, are practical, and can enhance multimedia content. It addresses two key issues: unified image quality assessment for diverse content and perceptually-driven image reconstruction. The study aims to address gaps in image quality research, particularly the lack of suitable IQA metrics for cross-content multimedia applications. Hence, the issue of cross-content type, i.e., screen-content images (SCIs) and natural-scene images (NSIs), image quality assessment is the main objective of this study. The study’s second objective is to apply IQA practically in image processing applications/operations. It specifically tackles image reconstruction, a vital post-processing task in image systems. Most state-of-the-art (SOTA) image reconstruction methods areapplication-specific (AS), requiring extra information like tuning parameters to correct distortions. However, practical scenarios often involve unknown causes of distortion, making reconstruction complex. While some generic reconstruction methods exist, they lag AS ones in performance. Additionally, these methods often don’t consider visual perception, even though human vision is crucial in most applications. The study aims to develop methods for reconstructing distorted images while prioritizing visually important areas. This leads to the development of a two-stage IQA-based perceptual image refinement framework, acknowledging the challenge of translating IQA metrics into practical applications. In summary, the study develops algorithms for accurate image quality prediction, refining images, and enhancing visual quality. For the first objective, two metric types are created: Permutation Entropy-Based (PEFRF, IW-PEFRF) and Deep Feature Similarity (DFeaSim) for better image quality assessment. For the second objective, the study introduces a two-stage perceptually-driven image reconstruction framework. It can reconstruct images with five distortion types, outperforming SOTA AS algorithms, even under high distortion. The first stage uses an application-specific reconstruction algorithm, while the second stage employs an IQA-based model called the observation-based bilateral filter (OBF) with non-linear weights calculated using a Haar-PSI-based maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator. Further, the study utilized 13 benchmark IQA databases with diverse image contexts, appearances, and quality distortions to develop and validate the proposed models. Experimental results demonstrated the robustness of the quality assessment and refinement models compared to existing techniques. PEFRF and IW-PEFRF IQA methods achieved significantly higher performance indexes (PLCC, SRCC, KRCC, RMSE) than classical and SOTA techniques, with values of 0.9644, 0.9687, 0.8419, and 0.0585 for PEFRF, and 0.9647, 0.9690, 0.8420, and 0.0584 for IW-PEFRF, averaged over 20,000 images. Subsequently, the HaarPSI-based reconstruction approach improved accuracy from 2% to 84% compared to AS algorithms at both low and high distortion levels. There is no doubt that the findings put forward in the study will aid in the development of perceptually driven image processing systems and applications in the future
Challenges in strengthening Malaysia’s SDGs: insights from the all-party parliamentary group Malaysia (APPGM) impact evaluation.
No full textEstablishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) signals a robust national commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aligned with the comprehensive principle of “Leaving No One Behind” (LNOB), this initiative follows a structured, four-phased approach of issue identification, project design, implementation, and rigorous monitoring and impact assessment. Through a multi-stage evaluation process encompassing domains such as Deep, Clear, Wide, and High, the impact of these projects was assessed, with considerations for SDG understanding and gender aspects. To ensure effective SDG implementation at the grassroots level, APPGM-SDG appoints evaluation groups to impartially evaluate the effectiveness of solution project implementations across Malaysian parliamentary constituencies. In 2023, the Central One team evaluated solution projects in Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka. This paper examines the challenges encountered by beneficiaries, solution providers, and evaluation teams during the Impact Evaluation (IE) of 18 projects in the Central One region. Beneficiaries faced hurdles in accessing follow-up learning opportunities and managing marketing and resources. Solution providers struggled with managing human interactions, while evaluators dealt with issues in communication and navigation. Improving the evaluation process and incorporating Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is imperative to address the needs of all involved parties, which will lead to more effective and sustainable development outcomes in the Central One region
Physical work environment satisfaction and productivity of working adults in Malaysia
Get PDFStudies have established that satisfaction with the physical work environment has an impact on individual productivity. This study investigated the influence of physical work environment satisfaction (including environmental design, welfare facilities, work organization, equipment and tools, and health and safety) on the productivity of Malaysian employees as they gradually return to physical workplaces post-pandemic. A total of 253 working adults (135 males, 118 females, mean age = 39.00 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The results supported the hypotheses that the physical work environment collectively, and environmental design and tools and equipment specifically, predict employee productivity. These findings emphasize the importance for organizations to consistently maintain satisfaction with the physical work environment in order to enhance employee productivity
Game on! A state-of-the-art overview of doing business with gamification
Get PDFGamification is the act of applying game-design elements to transform activities, products, services, and systems in a way that provides the kind of experiences similar to those offered by games. These elements include badges, points, and leaderboards to motivate and reward problem solving activities and processes. Both businesses and business researchers are increasingly interested in the application of gamification. In this regard, this review aims to offer a state-of-the-art overview of gamification in business, revealing its current trends and future directions. Using business research on gamification published in the last decade (2012–2022) found on Scopus and Web of Science, we conduct a performance analysis to illuminate the field's performance (publication productivity and impact) alongside its key contributors (journals, authors, and countries) as well as a science mapping using a co-citation analysis to locate knowledge foundations, and bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence analysis to reveal major themes in business gamification. Our exploration has unearthed gamification's pervasive influence across business domains, from enhancing learning and fostering innovation to empowering marketing strategies and catalyzing transformation. Gamification has also made significant inroads into management practices, driving engagement, influencing behavioral outcomes, and ushering sustainability. Peering into the future, our density-centrality quadrant analysis casts light on emerging frontiers. Noteworthily, we expect the next wave of gamification to be shaped by the allure of video games and the metaverse, bespoke industry-specific designs, confluence with e-commerce trends, emphasis on sustainable development, expanded social responsibilities, innovations in virtual reality, intersections with human urbanism, and the rise of smart cities. As gamification continues to integrate and reshape myriad facets of the business world, it holds the promise of not only enriching current practices but also charting the course for the future of innovative, sustainable, and transformative business strategies
Nanogel-based drug delivery system as a treatment modality for diverse diseases: Are we there yet?
No full textTraditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) are often associated with poor drug solubility, low bioavailability, and side effects, which severely limits the therapeutic potential of existing encapsulated drugs. A promising alternative to these conventional DDSs is a nanogel-based DDS. Possessing dual characteristics of both nanoparticles and hydrogels, nanogels have the capacity to transport and release drugs to the target site in a controlled manner while protecting encapsulated drugs from enzymatic degradation. With this, the therapeutic benefits of available drugs will be potentiated, and their side effects will be limited. Due to their tunability in size and chemical properties, nanogels can be functionalized to carry drugs of different properties. Given these merits, the potential of nanogel-based DDSs is currently being investigated as a treatment modality for various diseases. Among the diseases focused in this review are cancer, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and ophthalmic conditions. To provide context, the synthesis and characterization of nanogels along with their delivery process to the target site is briefly reviewed. Besides, the challenges faced by researchers in translating nanogel-based treatments from preclinical to clinical practice are also discussed. The three identified challenges are (I) reproducibility and scalability; (II) enhanced site targeting, penetration and bioavailability; and (III) biocompatibility and safety of nanogels. Nonetheless, fueled by continuous development, nanogel-based drug carriers will be the future of drug delivery. To achieve this, future studies should focus on overcoming the aforementioned obstacles while providing evidence of safety to ensure the continued progress of ongoing developments towards clinical trials and ultimately, implementation for the benefit of patients
Improving the substrate binding of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AccB) from Streptomyces antibioticus
No full textMalonyl-CoA serves as the main building block for the biosynthesis of many important polyketides, as well as fatty acid–derived compounds, such as biofuel. Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium gultamicum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have recently been engineered for the biosynthesis of such compounds. However, the developed processes and strains often have insufficient productivity. In the current study, we used enzyme-engineering approach to improve the binding of acetyl-CoA with ACC. We generated different mutations, and the impact was calculated, which reported that three mutations, that is, S343A, T347W, and S350W, significantly improve the substrate binding. Molecular docking investigation revealed an altered binding network compared to the wild type. In mutants, additional interactions stabilize the binding of the inner tail of acetyl-CoA. Using molecular simulation, the stability, compactness, hydrogen bonding, and protein motions were estimated, revealing different dynamic properties owned by the mutants only but not by the wild type. The findings were further validated by using the binding-free energy (BFE) method, which revealed these mutations as favorable substitutions. The total BFE was reported to be −52.66 ± 0.11 kcal/mol for the wild type, −55.87 ± 0.16 kcal/mol for the S343A mutant, −60.52 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for T347W mutant, and −59.64 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for the S350W mutant. This shows that the binding of the substrate is increased due to the induced mutations and strongly corroborates with the docking results. In sum, this study provides information regarding the essential hotspot residues for the substrate binding and can be used for application in industrial processes
Perspectives on cultivation and harvesting technologies of microalgae, towards environmental
No full textThe development of algae is seen as a potential and ecologically sound approach to address the increasing demands in multiple sectors. However, successful implementation of processes is highly dependent on effective growing and harvesting methods. The present study provides a complete examination of contemporary techniques employed in the production and harvesting of algae, with a particular emphasis on their sustainability. The review begins by examining several culture strategies, encompassing open ponds, closed photobioreactors, and raceway ponds. The analysis of each method is conducted in a systematic manner, with a particular focus on highlighting their advantages, limitations, and potential for expansion. This approach ensures that the conversation is in line with the objectives of sustainability. Moreover, this study explores essential elements of algae harvesting, including the processes of cell separation, dewatering, and biomass extraction. Traditional methods such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation are examined in conjunction with novel, environmentally concerned strategies including flocculation, electro-coagulation, and membrane filtration. It evaluates the impacts on the environment that are caused by the cultivation process, including the usage of water and land, the use of energy, the production of carbon dioxide, and the runoff of nutrients. Furthermore, this study presents a thorough examination of the current body of research pertaining to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies, presenting a perspective that emphasizes sustainability in the context of algae harvesting systems. In conclusion, the analysis ends up with an examination ahead at potential areas for future study in the cultivation and harvesting of algae. This review is an essential guide for scientists, policymakers, and industry experts associated with the advancement and implementation of algae-based technologies