The Precedents of University’s Parcel Service Quality Towards Student Satisfaction in a Higher Education Institution using SERVQUAL Model: A Conceptual Framework

Service quality is among the most crucial determinant for customer satisfaction in the parcel service industry. It consists of tangibility, reliability, assurance, empathy and responsiveness. However, there is lack of research and knowledge available on the customer satisfaction with the parcel service especially in higher education level. The purpose of the research is to develop a SERVQUAL framework on student satisfaction with University’s Parcel Service Quality in a higher education institution. Therefore, this paper can act as benchmark for parcel services to checklist their quality. Future researcher can use this research as the foundation and reference about the precedents of the university’s parcel service toward the customer/student satisfaction

Effect of reaction conditions on the thermal stability of polystyrene grafted oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber

Polystyrene was grafted onto oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber in aqueous medium by using the H2O2/Fe2+ system as an initiator. Optimization of the reaction conditions was carried out by varying the reaction period, temperature, amounts of the monomer, initiator and co-catalyst. The presence of the peaks around 3026 cm-1, 698 cm-1 and 755 cm-1 in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the grafted product and the presence of polystyrene on the surface of grafted OPEFB in the scanning electron micrograph provided strong evidence of the grafting. The maximum percentage of grafting (about 200%) was achieved when the reaction was carried on for 4 h at a temperature of 65°C, using 52.27 mmol monomer, 6.00 mmol initiator and 0.26 mmol co-catalyst. The thermal stability of the grafted OPEFB was found to be better than that of the ungrafted fiber, as seen from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

The DNA Sensor AIM2 Maintains Intestinal Homeostasis via Regulation of Epithelial Antimicrobial Host Defense

SummaryMicrobial pattern molecules in the intestine play immunoregulatory roles via diverse pattern recognition receptors. However, the role of the cytosolic DNA sensor AIM2 in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis is unknown. Here, we show that Aim2−/− mice are highly susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis that is associated with microbial dysbiosis as represented by higher colonic burden of commensal Escherichia coli. Colonization of germ-free mice with Aim2−/− mouse microbiota leads to higher colitis susceptibility. In-depth investigation of AIM2-mediated host defense responses reveals that caspase-1 activation and IL-1β and IL-18 production are compromised in Aim2−/− mouse colons, consistent with defective inflammasome function. Moreover, IL-18 infusion reduces E. coli burden as well as colitis susceptibility in Aim2−/− mice. Altered microbiota in inflammasome-defective mice correlate with reduced expression of several antimicrobial peptides in intestinal epithelial cells. Together, these findings implicate DNA sensing by AIM2 as a regulatory mechanism for maintaining intestinal homeostasis

Franchising for Global Distribution: A Systematic Review

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore areas that have been studied extensively in previous studies related to franchising as a platform for global distribution. Furthermore, franchising is a strategic distribution method that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to replicate an established business model. In addition, franchisees benefit from the use of established branding and receive support from the franchisor. Research design, data, and methodology: This study used the Preferred Reporting Items Systematics Review and Meta- Analyses (PRISMA) method to analyse data from 2003 to 2023 in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 79 articles were identified and analysed to see trends and related themes such as product distribution, business distribution, business strategy, emerging market, and franchising relationship. Also, publication trends by year related to franchises are also presented. Conclusions: Overall, the research trend related to franchising as a global distribution is well seen, and every year, many researchers begin to explore the topic of franchising as a method of distribution that can be explored from various aspects either quantitatively or qualitatively. Lastly, limitations and recommendations are made to provide guidance for future studies related to the topic broadly and deeply in enriching the findings

Understanding parent behavioural intention in childcare service: The effect of perceived trust and emotional satisfaction

Early childhood education and care services for children under four have become an essential societal concern in recent decades. Childcare services that are both affordable and of high quality may help to reconcile work and family life, promoting labour market participation and gender equality. Notably, there have been instances where childcare centres have failed to meet the government's minimum service requirements. As a result, the objective of this study is to determine the impact of perceived trust and emotional satisfaction on parent behavioural intentions in childcare services. The research framework on perceived trust and emotional satisfaction in childcare services was established utilising the Stimulus Organism Response (SOR) theory and Expectancy Confirmation Theory (ECT). This study selected a purposive sampling technique through the distribution of questionnaires to childcare providers. The study managed to collect responses from 364 respondents which were analysed using the Partial Least Square (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling approach. The result showed that perceived trust and emotional satisfaction were supported with behavioural intention. Apart from that, the mediation role of emotional satisfaction significantly impacted perceived trust and intention. Finally, the study concluded with the implication of the study theoretically and practically

Effects of Microwave Power and Carrier Materials on Anthocyanins, Antioxidants, and Total Phenolic Content of Encapsulated Clitoria ternatea Flower Extract

Clitoria ternatea, also famously known as the blue pea flower (local name: bunga telang), has attracted interest among researchers due to its plethora of biological and pharmacological properties. It is rich in anthocyanin and widely used as a natural food colourant. However, the poor stability of active compounds may affect the therapeutic benefits and limit their application in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Hence, this work aims to study the effects of microwave encapsulation on the anthocyanins, antioxidants, and total phenolic content of Clitoria ternatea flower extract (CTFE). Microwave-assisted encapsulation (MAEC) was carried out at three different powers (300, 450, and 600 W) with different formulations of Gum Arabic (GA) and Maltodextrin Dextrose (MD) as carrier materials from 40% to 70% w/v. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and anthocyanins in encapsulates were analysed for the formulations. The findings showed that increased microwave power increased TPC and antioxidant activity (P<0.05). However, adding carrier materials concentration above 60% reduced TPC and the antioxidant activity of microwave-encapsulated anthocyanin from CTFE. The best microwave-assisted encapsulation conditions of CTFE were found at 600 W microwave power with 50% w/v carrier materials GA/MD (ratio 1:1) concentration. The retention of anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and TPC increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased microwave power and lower concentration of carrier materials. The MAEC approach to enhance the stability of anthocyanin in CTFE presents a high potential to expand its application as a high-value-added natural colourant

Effects of microwave power and carrier materials on anthocyanins, antioxidants, and total phenolic content of encapsulated Clitoria ternatea flower extract

Clitoria ternatea, also famously known as the blue pea flower (local name: bunga telang), has attracted interest among researchers due to its plethora of biological and pharmacological properties. It is rich in anthocyanin and widely used as a natural food colourant. However, the poor stability of active compounds may affect the therapeutic benefits and limit their application in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Hence, this work aims to study the effects of microwave encapsulation on the anthocyanins, antioxidants, and total phenolic content of Clitoria ternatea flower extract (CTFE). Microwave-assisted encapsulation (MAEC) was carried out at three different powers (300, 450, and 600 W) with different formulations of Gum Arabic (GA) and Maltodextrin Dextrose (MD) as carrier materials from 40% to 70% w/v. The total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and anthocyanins in encapsulates were analysed for the formulations. The findings showed that increased microwave power increased TPC and antioxidant activity (P<0.05). However, adding carrier materials concentration above 60% reduced TPC and the antioxidant activity of microwave-encapsulated anthocyanin from CTFE. The best microwave-assisted encapsulation conditions of CTFE were found at 600 W microwave power with 50% w/v carrier materials GA/MD (ratio 1:1) concentration. The retention of anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, and TPC increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased microwave power and lower concentration of carrier materials. The MAEC approach to enhance the stability of anthocyanin in CTFE presents a high potential to expand its application as a high-value-added natural colourant

Global injury morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2017 : results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Correction:Background Past research in population health trends has shown that injuries form a substantial burden of population health loss. Regular updates to injury burden assessments are critical. We report Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study estimates on morbidity and mortality for all injuries. Methods We reviewed results for injuries from the GBD 2017 study. GBD 2017 measured injury-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) using the Cause of Death Ensemble model. To measure non-fatal injuries, GBD 2017 modelled injury-specific incidence and converted this to prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs and YLDs were summed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Findings In 1990, there were 4 260 493 (4 085 700 to 4 396 138) injury deaths, which increased to 4 484 722 (4 332 010 to 4 585 554) deaths in 2017, while age-standardised mortality decreased from 1079 (1073 to 1086) to 738 (730 to 745) per 100 000. In 1990, there were 354 064 302 (95% uncertainty interval: 338 174 876 to 371 610 802) new cases of injury globally, which increased to 520 710 288 (493 430 247 to 547 988 635) new cases in 2017. During this time, age-standardised incidence decreased non-significantly from 6824 (6534 to 7147) to 6763 (6412 to 7118) per 100 000. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALYs decreased from 4947 (4655 to 5233) per 100 000 to 3267 (3058 to 3505). Interpretation Injuries are an important cause of health loss globally, though mortality has declined between 1990 and 2017. Future research in injury burden should focus on prevention in high-burden populations, improving data collection and ensuring access to medical care.Peer reviewe

Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic

Mapping geographical inequalities in access to drinking water and sanitation facilities in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-17

Background: Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is an essential human right, recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals as crucial for preventing disease and improving human wellbeing. Comprehensive, high-resolution estimates are important to inform progress towards achieving this goal. We aimed to produce high-resolution geospatial estimates of access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. Methods: We used a Bayesian geostatistical model and data from 600 sources across more than 88 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to estimate access to drinking water and sanitation facilities on continuous continent-wide surfaces from 2000 to 2017, and aggregated results to policy-relevant administrative units. We estimated mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive subcategories of facilities for drinking water (piped water on or off premises, other improved facilities, unimproved, and surface water) and sanitation facilities (septic or sewer sanitation, other improved, unimproved, and open defecation) with use of ordinal regression. We also estimated the number of diarrhoeal deaths in children younger than 5 years attributed to unsafe facilities and estimated deaths that were averted by increased access to safe facilities in 2017, and analysed geographical inequality in access within LMICs. Findings: Across LMICs, access to both piped water and improved water overall increased between 2000 and 2017, with progress varying spatially. For piped water, the safest water facility type, access increased from 40·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 39·4–40·7) to 50·3% (50·0–50·5), but was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to piped water was mostly concentrated in urban centres. Access to both sewer or septic sanitation and improved sanitation overall also increased across all LMICs during the study period. For sewer or septic sanitation, access was 46·3% (95% UI 46·1–46·5) in 2017, compared with 28·7% (28·5–29·0) in 2000. Although some units improved access to the safest drinking water or sanitation facilities since 2000, a large absolute number of people continued to not have access in several units with high access to such facilities (>80%) in 2017. More than 253 000 people did not have access to sewer or septic sanitation facilities in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, despite 88·6% (95% UI 87·2–89·7) access overall. Many units were able to transition from the least safe facilities in 2000 to safe facilities by 2017; for units in which populations primarily practised open defecation in 2000, 686 (95% UI 664–711) of the 1830 (1797–1863) units transitioned to the use of improved sanitation. Geographical disparities in access to improved water across units decreased in 76·1% (95% UI 71·6–80·7) of countries from 2000 to 2017, and in 53·9% (50·6–59·6) of countries for access to improved sanitation, but remained evident subnationally in most countries in 2017. Interpretation: Our estimates, combined with geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden, identify where efforts to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are most needed. By highlighting areas with successful approaches or in need of targeted interventions, our estimates can enable precision public health to effectively progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation