The impact of student computer competency on e-learning outcomes: A path analysis model of virtual learning infrastructure, collaboration, and access to electronic facilities

Aim This study explored the influence of student computer competency on e-learning outcomes among Iranian nursing students and examined its mediating role in the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, student collaboration, access to electronic facilities, and e-learning outcomes. Design A cross sectional study. Method A self-administered online survey was used from August to October 2022, with a sample size of 417 nursing students selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and PROCESS macro v4.1 (Model 4) were used for data analysis. Results The results revealed that virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, and student collaboration, significantly predict student computer competency and e-learning outcomes. Virtual learning infrastructure and access to electronic facilities were found to be the strongest predictors of student computer competency, while student collaboration had a smaller but still significant effect. Student computer competency was found to mediate the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, student collaboration, and e-learning outcomes

Exploring cultural preservation and innovation: augmented reality packaging prototyping for the Mah Meri tribe in Malaysia

This paper delves into the intersection of cultural preservation and technological innovation through the lens of a research-creation project centered on the Mah Meri tribe in Malaysia. The project focuses on the development and implementation of augmented reality (AR) packaging prototyping as a means to safeguard and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Mah Meri community. The Mah Meri tribe, residing in the coastal areas of the Malaysian peninsula, possesses a unique cultural identity characterized by intricate wood carvings, traditional dances, and elaborate rituals. However, like many indigenous communities, the Mah Meri face challenges in preserving and transmitting their cultural practices to future generations amidst rapid globalization and modernization. AR offers a promising avenue for cultural preservation by blending the physical and digital realms to enhance user engagement and learning experiences. In this project, AR enabled packaging prototypes were designed to showcase Mah Meri artifacts, stories, and rituals in an interactive and immersive manner. By scanning the packaging with a mobile device, users can access augmented content such as 3D models, audio narratives, and visual animations that provide contextual information and insights into Mah Meri culture. Through a reflective inquiry approach, this paper explores the conceptualization, design process, and implementation of the AR packaging prototypes, as well as the insights gained from engaging with members of the Mah Meri community. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential implications of AR technology for indigenous communities beyond the Mah Meri tribe, highlighting opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cultural revitalization. By bridging traditional practices with contemporary innovations, this research-creation project exemplifies a holistic approach to cultural preservation that respects indigenous knowledge systems while embracing technological advancements in a rapidly changing world

Improving the synthetic coefficient of variation chart by incorporating side sensitivity

The control chart is recognized as a crucial technique in Statistical Process Control. However, due to inconsistencies in the mean and/or standard deviation of some processes, traditional control charts monitoring the mean or standard deviation become inappropriate in such situations. Therefore, monitoring the coefficient of variation is selected as an alternative and it has been implemented in numerous industries, for example, in human and public sciences, environmental research, agricultural sciences, engineering, technology, finance and education. The synthetic chart that monitors the coefficient of variation, namely the synthetic-y chart, is a widely used control chart. Unlike the Shewhart-y chart, the synthetic-y chart does not immediately signal an out-of-control condition when a sample coefficient of variation(yˆ) appears in the non-conforming region, i.e. the region below the lower control limit (LCL) or the region above the upper control limit (UCL). Instead, it waits until a second sample coefficient of variation to appear in the non-conforming region, and if these successive points are close to each other, it generates an out-of-control signal. In the existing literature, the synthetic-y chart performs better than the Shewhart-y chart at the same rate of false alarms, as waiting for the second sample coefficient of variation to appear in the non-conforming region allows for the adoption of tighter control limits without increasing the false alarm rate. However, the existing synthetic-y chart treats all points falling below the LCL or above the UCL as non-conforming samples. A side-sensitive synthetic-y chart is proposed in this thesis in order to monitor the coefficient of variation, where the non-conforming samples must appear in the same non-conforming region, for instance, either both samples must fall in the region above the UCL or both must fall in the region below the LCL, resulting in faster detection of out-of-control conditions. Markov chains are applied to compute various performance measures, for example, the Average Run Length (ARL), Standard Deviation of the Run Length (SDRL) and Expected Average Run Length (EARL). In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed chart accurately due to run lengths that may be skewed, the analysis of the entire run length distribution was conducted, together with the Median Run Length (MRL) and Expected Median Run Length (EMRL). Algorithms to obtain optimal chart parameters are also formulated. Based on the results obtained which had been validated using simulations, the proposed side-sensitive synthetic-y chart outperformed the Shewhart-y chart, the EWMA-y2 chart and the existing synthetic-y chart without the side sensitivity feature for most cases and displayed a significant improvement. For instance, when n=5, t=1.3 and yo = 0.05, the values of the ARL1 and MRL1 for the proposed chart were 10.18 and 4, respectively, whereas the values of the ARL1 and MRL1 were 30.61 and 14, respectively, for the Shewhart-y chart, 11.80 and 9, respectively, for the EWMA-y2 chart, and 16.38 and 5, respectively, for the existing synthetic-y chart. The proposed chart was further implemented on actual industrial data and compared with the same existing coefficient of variation charts, showed better efficiency in detecting out-of-control conditions

Blackcurrants: A Nutrient-Rich Source for the Development of Functional Foods for Improved Athletic Performance

Blackcurrants are nutrient-rich fruits with a significant amount of bioactive compounds including vitamin C and polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. The high phytochemical content of blackcurrants promotes this fruit to become a valuable functional food ingredient with varying health-promoting activities targeting different consumers including athletes. Athletes experience oxidative stress during intense exercise, which can result in inflammation and reduced exercise performance. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols can restore the regular oxidative status of the body. Blackcurrant supplementation has shown potential ergogenic activity to improve athlete performance during high-intensity training. Clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of blackcurrant supplementation on exercise performance, fat oxidation, blood lactate levels, muscle fatigue, and cardiac output. Due to the rich nutritional value of blackcurrants, they can be a potential candidate for the development of functional foods targeted at the improved performance of athletes. Blackcurrants can be used as ingredients to develop functional beverages and snacks for athletes as well as gluten-free products for celiac athletes.Blackcurrant is rich in bioactive compounds that can help improve athletic performance. It can be considered a potential bioactive ingredient to develop functional foods for athletes

Polymorphism of HLA and Susceptibility of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common malignancy in the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and cancer. The occurrence and development of BC are closely linked to genetic factors. Human leukocyte antigens G and E (HLA-G and HLA-E) are non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These molecules play an important role in immune surveillance by inhibiting the cytotoxic and natural killer T cells responsible for immune escape. The expression of HLA-G and HLA-E has been associated with several diseases, including tumors. The HLA system plays a key role in the escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. This review aims to determine the correlation between BC susceptibility and HLA markers specific HLA alleles such as HLA-B07, HLA-DRB111, HLA-DRB113, and HLA-DRB115 are associated with an increased risk of developing BC. Furthermore, HLA-G mutations have been attributed to an elevated likelihood of metastasis in BC patients. Understanding the complex associations between the HLA system and BC development is critical for developing novel cancer prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. This review emphasizes the importance of analyzing HLA polymorphisms in the management of BC patients, as well as the urgent need for further research in this area

Megaproject governance's impact on mega construction project CPEC success: the mediating role of agile project management and the moderating effects of project complexity and project management office.

In the last few decades, mega project governance has become an essential subject for discussion in project management literature. Organizations used the project governance approach to meet the organizational objectives and goals. Yet, many projects fail, and the reasons are sometimes obscure because of the many problems involved in the governance and management of a project. Therefore, current study examined the influence of mega project governance on mega construction project success through mediating role agile project management, moderating effects of mega project complexity and the project management office as a moderated moderator. Data were collected from 327 project managers, middle management personnel, and CEOs involved in various mega construction projects in Pakistan under CPEC, utilizing purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was employed to test the hypotheses using SmartPLS 4 software. The results indicate that mega project governance significantly and positively influences the success of mega construction projects. Furthermore, agile project management was found to mediate this relationship, demonstrating a positive and significant effect. Additionally, mega project complexity was observed to have a negative and significant moderating effect on both mega project governance and project success, while not significantly impacting the relationship between mega project governance and agile project management. Lastly, the project management office was found to be a significant moderated moderator, reducing the effects of both mega project complexity on mega project governance and the success of mega construction projects, as well as between mega project governance and agile project management. These findings demonstrate that mega project governance within a company, supported by effective agile project management, is the primary driver of sustained high performance and successful completion of mega construction projects. These results will make a valuable contribution to the field of project management

Psychological factors shaping public acceptance of the adoption of autonomous vehicles in Indonesia

Introduction The rapid development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has the potential to revolutionize transportation systems and address societal challenges. However, understanding the psychological factors influencing public acceptance and readiness for AV adoption is crucial for successful implementation. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of these psychological factors, specifically focusing on the context of health issues in Indonesia. Methodology A mixed-methods approach analyzed quantitative data from 500 respondents to a questionnaire addressing key perceptions of AVs using regression analysis, coupled with 30 qualitative interviews. Results The results revealed that trust in AV technology mediates the relationship between control perception, perceived safety, human-machine interaction, educational status, cultural factors, and public acceptance of AV adoption. Cultural factors were also identified as moderators influencing this relationship. Qualitative analysis of interview data further highlighted the significance of trust, reliability, and safety concerns in shaping public acceptance. Participants emphasized the need for effective human-machine interaction and educational awareness to enhance understanding and acceptance. Discussion This research contributes to the existing literature by explicitly examining psychological factors within the context of health issues in Indonesia, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to promote AV adoption. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these psychological factors will pave the way for a successful and sustainable AV future

Microbial populations, sensory, and volatile compounds profiling of local cooked rice

Objectives This study is designed to investigate the microbial populations, sensory, and volatile compounds profiling of locally cooked rice stored at room temperature (30 °C) on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 (D0, D1, D2, and D3) for the determination of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs). Materials and Methods Microbiological, physicochemical, sensory evaluation, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analyses were conducted for samples of cooked rice stored at room temperature on days 0, 1, 2, and 3. SSO of cooked rice was then identified by linking present organisms with the changes occurring throughout the storage period. Results Microbiological analysis revealed the presence of spore-forming bacteria, yeast, and moulds, which survived the cooking process. While total viable count exceeded the microbiological limit at 6.90 log CFU/g on D3, panellists deemed cooked rice unacceptable for consumption on D2 at a total sensory score of 11.00, which indicates that D2 was the day cooked rice spoiled. Through culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, Bacillus cereus was identified as the sole bacteria observed throughout the storage period, confirming that the bacteria were SSOs. The VOC analysis proposed several metabolites, 3-eicosene, 1-heptadecene, hexacosane, phenol, 4,4ʹ-(1-methylethylidene)bis-, n-nonadecanol-1, and cyclohexanone, as potential spoilage markers of cooked rice. Conclusions B. cereus is confirmed to be the SSO of cooked rice, in which spoilage occured after 48 h of storage at room temperature. The organoleptic rejection in cooked rice was shown to be linked to the production of various compounds by B. cereus which could be proposed as potential spoilage markers for cooked rice

Exploring Responsible Tourism: How Small Actions Make a Big Impact

In conjunction with World Tourism Day, let’s explore the concept of responsible tourism. It can be traced back to the early root that initiate to promote environmental conservation that related to ecotourism, it has since then expanded to three aspects: environment, economy, and society, aiming to create a healthier tourism ecosystem for both tourists and hosts

Sensitization to oil palm pollen associates with risks and severity of allergic diseases

Background: Elaeis guineensis (Ela g, oil palm) pollen is one of the most predominant species of inhalant allergens in the tropical Southeast Asia region; however, its association with the manifestation of allergic diseases remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine the sensitization pattern of oil palm pollen and associate this with the risk and severity of allergic diseases. Methods: Participants were recruited as a part of the Singapore and Malaysia cross-sectional genetic and epidemiological study (SMCSGES). Two independent cohorts were recruited: n = 564 serum samples were collected and serological assessment was performed against a panel of 16 crude inhalant allergens including house dust mite, pet, insect, pollen, and fungal allergens; n = 13 652 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese young adults were recruited and skin prick test was used to assess oil palm sensitization, which was tested for its association with the risk and severity of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). Results: The sensitization rate of oil palm pollen is 9.6% in the n = 564 Singapore/Malaysia cohort. In the n = 13 652 Singapore/Malaysia Chinese cohort, oil palm sensitization significantly associates with increased risks of asthma (p = 1.34x10-4), AR (p = 2.91x10-13), and AD (p = 6.95x10-7). Asthmatic patients with oil palm sensitization have increased risks of wheezing (p = 0.00995), nocturnal cough (p = 0.0122), and exacerbations (p = 0.00139) in the past 12 months. AR patients with oil palm sensitization also have an increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe symptoms (p = 0.00113). Conclusions: We have identified significant associations of oil palm sensitization with increased risks, exacerbations, and the severity of symptoms of allergic diseases in the tropical Southeast Asian region (Singapore/Malaysia)