East Zone Research Articles

Methods of Communication between Muslim Parents and Teenagers in Malaysia

The communication process within a family typically has parents as transmitters and parents as receivers. The pattern of communication between parents and children determines the family climate, whether positive or otherwise. The growth and changes faced by teenagers in this phase cause them to become more sensitive to their surroundings. Children generally prefer to be treated like adults and desire increased autonomy in making decisions. Appropriate communication methods must be applied by parents, especially when children have entered the teenage phase. However, some parents face communication challenges in dealing with teenagers, such as difficulty in understanding teenagers’ attitudes, time constraints, and outside influences. Thus, this study aims to identify the communication methods carried out by Muslim parents with teenagers in Malaysia. This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological design and includes 20 respondents from the North, East, West and South zones of Peninsular Malaysia. The method of data collection is a semi-structured interview method. Each interview has been transcribed and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti software 23. The findings of the study show that there are five methods of communication between Muslim parents and teenagers, (1) making religion the foundation for building a strong family bond, with Islamic principles guiding interactions; (2) spending quality time together as a means to foster closeness and mutual understanding; (3) providing consistent advice and guidance to teenagers, particularly in relation to moral and ethical concerns; (4) parents acting as positive role models, embodying values and behaviors they wish to impart to their children; and (5) the use of digital media as a modern communication tool, enabling both parents and teenagers to stay connected and engaged.

Decoding morbidity patterns in ASHA workers of Vadodara, Gujarat – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) play a pivotal role as village-level functionaries under the National Health Mission, driving community transformation, facilitating health planning, and ensuring access to healthcare services. Objectives: To assess the physical health status of ASHA workers and to investigate the prevalence of morbidities among ASHA workers. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in Vadodara’s east zone, and involves 123 ASHA workers. A questionnaire focusing on health profiles, encompassing age, weight, height, body mass index, and blood pressure, as well as histories of acute and chronic illnesses, was employed for data collection. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize demographic and professional characteristics, and inferential statistics, such as Chi-square tests, were applied to assess associations and factors influencing the morbidity profile of the ASHA workers. Results: The participant’s mean age was 38.9 ± 6.85 years. The majority, 74 (60.2%), of them reported no morbidity, whereas 40 (32.52%) had a chronic illness and 9 (7.32%) had acute morbidity at the time of visit. Among the chronic morbidity, 50% of ASHA had poly morbidity. Anemia was found among most ASHAs, 32 (26.02%), followed by diabetes, 19 (15.45%), and hypertension, musculoskeletal problems, thyroid disorders, and obesity were the other major diseases found among the ASHAs in 14.63%, 13.82%, 13.01%, and 11.38%, respectively. Skin problems like fungal infection and rashes were found among 5.69%. Based on body mass index, 27 (21.95%) were found overweight and 14 (11.38%) were obese. Conclusion: The study revealed a 32% chronic morbidity prevalence among ASHA workers who are taking care of citizens’ health. It is high time to take care of our health team. First, they should be healthy as they are the role models of the community.

Percepción sobre la salinización del suelo en una zona vitícola de Argentina

Salt-affected soils occupy 1,000 million hectares and concentrate in arid and semi-arid regions, affecting between 20 and 30% of irrigated lands. Primary salinization is derived from natural conditions, while secondary salinization is the product of anthropic factors. Salinized agricultural plots can be abandoned and excluded from the productive system. In this context, productive restoration is an opportunity to recover these sites. Our objective is to inquire about the environmental perception of the social actors of salinization. We aim at transversally incorporating the social component in productive restoration planning. Our study case was the East Zone of the North Oasis of Mendoza, where almost half of the irrigated area is cultivated by vines, almost a quarter is abandoned land, and the rest includes olive trees, fruit trees, and vegetables. We conducted semi-structured interviews to identify the main lines of perception, which were analyzed to recognize strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the design of productive restoration projects at a local scale. Strategic, efficient, and sustainable planning must include the social dimension.

Southern Ocean Water Mass method: A new statistical approach using microfossil radiolaria for paleoceanographic insights for the Southwest Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean

Ocean circulation and the formation and upwelling of water masses in the Southern Ocean play a critical role in the exchange of heat and carbon with the atmosphere over glacial-interglacial cycles, but the history of the subsurface water masses is poorly understood. Radiolarians inhabit the water column from the surface to the bottom of the ocean, and their distribution is known to be associated with water masses. We use radiolarian abundance census data from the SO-RAD core top dataset to explore the relationship between radiolarian distribution and surface and subsurface water mass structure of the Southwest Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean. The species distribution was first explored using non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling. Then Multivariate Regression Tree (MRT) analysis was used to understand the relationship between radiolarian distributions and parameters of water mass boundaries (using isopycnal depths) and upwelling (using nutrient data). We identified a series of indicator species associated with oceanographic zones which were used to develop the Southern Ocean Water Mass Index. The contribution of the Index Species Groups provided further information on water column structure and the relative influence of the various water masses. The index was then applied to the radiolarian assemblage data from 2 previously published cores, Y8 and Y9, from the Subantarctic Zone east of New Zealand. The results of the Southern Ocean Water Mass Method showed changes in water mass structure through the last glacial-interglacial cycle at both core sites. The results agree with other proxy data from the region. The SOWM Method provides a new tool for understanding the history of changes in the water mass structure and circulation in the Southern Ocean.

Trends in Financial Affordability of Healthcare Among Tribal Women of Reproductive Age: A Cross-Sectional Study From India.

Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. UHC is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 which India is trying to achieve with various initiatives and health programs. Tribal communities form an integral part of India's population. Due to various geographic barriers to access to thelocation of their settlements, it becomes problematic to provide essential services including healthcare without good expenditure. Moreover, as a result of various disadvantages, employment and subsequently the affordability for tribal groups poses an issue for availing healthcare services or those which are affordable are far away from the usual reach. With this study we would like to track the progress towards SDG 3 forthe tribalcommunities in India. To assess the trends of ability to afford healthcare for self among tribal women in India over five years and to assess the determinants of this affordability among the same population. We used the Individual Recode (IR) datasets of Demographic & Health Surveys (DHS) data of Fourth and Fifth round for secondary data analysis. 670,384 and 689,454 cases from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 and 5 were included for analysis. Under "svy" command, design adjusted chi square test was used, followed by binary logistic regression to derive unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio for various determinants. 6.38% and 6.23% of women belonged to tribalcommunities during NFHS 4 and NFHS 5 respectively. Only 0.24% and 0.35% had education above secondary education during NFHS 4 and NFHS 5. Majority of the tribal women were married during both surveys and around 0.3% were pregnant during the interviews. Consequently, most of the women were the wife of the head of household. Majority of the tribal women were followers of the Hindu religion and resided in the rural areas of the country. During NFHS 4, the major proportion of women belonged to the East zone and during NFHS 5, they belonged to the Northeast zone of India. For women in the age group of 25 to 29 years the odds of facing difficulty was the highest (aOR: 1.55 during NFHS 4 and 1.88 during NFHS 5). Moreover, those with no education showed highest odds of facing difficulty in arranging money for healthcare for self during both surveys (aOR: 1.69 during NFHS 4 and 1.45 during NFHS 5) when compared with those with higher education. In addition, the odds of facing affordability issues had increased from NFHS 4 to NFHS 5 for poorest tribal women (aOR 6.65 during NFHS 4 to aOR 8.91 during NFHS 5). There has been significant decrease in odds of facing affordability as a barrier among tribal women residing in Northeast zone of India (aOR: 5.01 during NFHS 4 and aOR: 3.45 during NFHS 5). The odds for facing affordability issues for tribal women residing in rural areas remained similar during both surveys. There has been a slight decrease in the proportion of tribal women facing financial affordability as abarrier to accessing healthcare. Further factors like middle age groups of 25 to 29 years, no education, divorced or separated marital status, and belonging to poorest category of the Wealth Index were significant determinants due to which financial affordability has become a barrier to avail healthcare for self.

Characterization of Prickly Pear plantations in semi-arid zones! A green revolution in East Algeria: Case of the Tébessa region

The study carried out on the prickly pear shrub, in three potential production sites belonging to the commune of Ain Zerga district of Tébessa in the extreme east of the Algerian arid zone. The aim of this study was to try to interpret the main characteristics and sources of variability of this shrub of multiple interests. Carried out in 2023 on orchards planted with adult Opuntia ficus indica, developed in 45 orchards divided into 15 per site located in three localities, namely Henchir Lahdid, El Guefaifia, and Ouled Mebarek. The trees are grown extensively, with production starting in the last week of May. The cactus shrub reaches an equivalent production (10.23) kg and a production of 11,137.65kg/ha. At the time of the commercial harvest, indicated by the change in skin color, we carried out a random collection of 05 fruits per orchard, i.e. 75 fruits per site (225 fruits); these fruits were evaluated by various measurements. Shrub-specific variables such as fruit position in the canopy, cladode length, width, density, and inter-line spacing, number and weight of fruits per tree and per cladode, and annual productivity were studied. These variables per cactus shrub and fruit changed significantly as a function of climatic and edaphic environmental conditions, i.e. site and altitude, while the number of seeds/fruits was conditioned by volume. Fruit weight varied greatly within the same tree, influenced by the number of fruits per tree and the surface area of the cladodes; this variability decreased for cladodes bearing more than six fruits. Interception of climatic conditions (light) and cladode dry weight were the sources of variability in fruit weight, whereas Opuntia plant/hectare density had no effect on fruit quality.

Zone-based many-objective building decarbonization considering outdoor temperature and occupation uncertainty

Operational building decarbonization is challenging due to complex weather conditions and occupation uncertainty. This paper introduces a precise optimization framework integrating the building information modelling technique and intelligent algorithms to dynamically predict multi-scenario building carbon emissions and optimize the building emissions performance considering building zones and weather conditions. Firstly, the on-site data and building information modeling-supported building emissions simulation data are collected for model training. Secondly, using intelligent algorithms, zone-based hourly carbon emissions and multi-scenario carbon emissions prediction are conducted simultaneously. Thirdly, the optimal decarbonization strategies are conducted using intelligent algorithms under various weather conditions. This framework has been verified for decarbonization in a high-rise operational building. The results reveal that: (1) The carbon emissions prediction is highly consistent with the ground truth after considering the sub-zone correlations; the R2 for the west, south, and east zones are 0.900, 0.900, and 0.942, respectively; (2) The surrogate models can accurately predict carbon emissions and thermal comforts with all R2 are higher than 0.912. The optimization rate of the building reaches 59.2 % while the outdoor temperature is above 35 °C. (3) In the many-objective optimization model, considering occupation uncertainty makes the strategy close to the actual situation, reaching the decarbonization by 6815.23 kg compared to the empirical operation for the cooling period. This work provides a new path for operational building precise management and control-oriented optimization decarbonization.

Coexistence through sustainable conservation strategies for sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii in African ecosystems

Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii is an antelope species adapted to the dense swamps and marshes of Sub‐Saharan Africa, where traditional population survey techniques have been ineffective and encountered difficulties in making estimations. The species formerly occurred alongside waterways throughout the lowland forest zone of West and central Africa, extending into swamp systems in the savanna zones of central, East, and southern Africa. In most parts of Africa, the sitatunga population is declining, and attracting the attention of conservationists. Furthermore, its geographical range has been recorded to have shrunk. The present study reviewed major threats to sitatunga, assessed previous and current management approaches, and proposed new approaches to effectively manage its declining populations in Africa. To achieve the study objectives, published literature, reports, online information, expert knowledge, and personal experience were reviewed to acquire relevant information. Results indicated that sitatunga are threatened due to increased habitat loss, population isolation, political instability, water level changes, habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and diseases. Current wildlife management approaches raise many doubts as to their effectiveness. National‐level management may unsustainably segment management actions while the protected area approach manages only part of the range of wildlife. The current tenure system in most parts of Africa discourages human–wildlife co‐existence, whereas human–wildlife conflict management approaches only treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problems. If wildlife, including sitatunga, are to persist in Africa, management approaches should be changed and include re‐focusing of the management context at the ecosystems and landscape level; assessing the genetic diversity of sitatunga; promoting better wetland management, including the aspect of human dimension in management; using non‐invasive techniques to genetically estimate the minimum population size; assessing inbreeding; and enhancing the implementation strategy of wildlife policy in African countries. Changing the attitude of the local community may take time, but it is a pivotal point if humans and wildlife are to coexist.

Blood mercury concentrations in preschool children and potential risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil

Environmental exposure of preschool children to mercury can elevate blood mercury levels (BML) and negatively affect their health. This study aimed to determine BML in preschool children from Brazil's largest city and explore potential associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected in 2013 from 2436 children (age 1–5 years) attending 50 daycare centers (DCC) located in São Paulo, Brazil. Parents or guardians answered questionnaires collecting information on sociodemographics and potential risk factors. BML was determined by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS) and categorized using a cutoff point of 2.77 μg L⁻1, corresponding to the 75th percentile. Multiple logistic regression was performed (p < 0.05). Data were georeferenced and associations with air pollution, wind frequency and direction were evaluated. The results showed a geometric mean for BML of 1.65 μg L⁻1 (95% CI: 1.60–1.70), arithmetic mean of 2.15 μg L⁻1 (95% CI: 2.09–2.22), 75th percentile of 2.77 μg L⁻1 (95% CI: 2.67–2.91) and 95th percentile of 5.51 μg L⁻1 (95% CI: 5.18–5.92). DCCs located in the Northwest and East zones (p < 0.001) and fish consumption in the past two days (p = 0.04) were associated with high BML. The elevated BML observed in children living in the eastern zone might be attributed to the southeasterly winds passing through a petrochemical complex located nearby. The 95th percentile of BML in this study exceeded the U.S. 95th percentile by five times. BML in São Paulo preschool children was associated with individual and environmental risk factors. This finding highlights the need to identify and control hot spots in São Paulo, Brazil, especially in peripheral and surrounding areas, where individuals are more vulnerable. Further research is needed in Latin America to identify additional sources of urban environmental mercury exposure and guide interventions for protecting the environment and safeguarding children's health.

Mesozoic intraoceanic subduction shaped the lower mantle beneath the East Pacific Rise.

The Pacific large low-shear-velocity province (LLSVP), as revealed by cluster analysis of global tomographic models, hosts multiple internal anomalies, including a notable gap (~20° wide) between the central and eastern Pacific. The cause of the structural gap remains unconstrained. Directly above this structural gap, we identify an anomalously thick mantle transition zone east of the East Pacific Rise, the fastest-spreading ocean ridge in the world, using a dense set of SS precursors. The area of the thickened transition zone exhibits faster-than-average velocities according to recent tomographic images, suggesting perturbed postolivine phase boundaries shifting in response to lowered temperatures. We attribute this observation to episodes of Mesozoic-aged (250 to 120 million years ago) intraoceanic subduction beneath the present-day Nazca Plate. The eastern portion of the Pacific LLSVP was separated by downwelling because of this ancient oceanic slab. Our discovery provides a unique perspective on linking deep Earth structures with surface subduction.

Depth Wise Distribution of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Nutrients Across a Toposequence Located at KVK Farm, Sakhigopal, Odisha, India

This study aims to identify soil-related constraints for crop production and provide insights for soil management by analyzing soil profiles across different topographic positions (upland, medium land, and lowland) at KVK farm, Sakhigopal, Puri located in the East and Southeastern Coastal Plain Agro-Climatic Zone of Odisha. The profiles were evaluated for key physico-chemical properties and nutrient contents, revealing significant variations influenced by topography. The results showed that the soil's physical and chemical properties and available nutrient status showed distinct variations among the pedons. Among soil physical properties, the sand percentage, bulk density, and particle density increased with soil depth. Whereas, the clay percentage, total porosity, and water-holding capacity decreased with soil depth. Soil pH ranged from 6.32 to 7.50 and the electrical conductivity was recorded below 1 dSm-1. The organic carbon content ranged from 8.6 to 10.3 g kg-1. In general, soil pH, base saturation, and exchangeable cations increased with soil depth. On the other hand, soil organic carbon content and exchangeable acidity decreased with soil depth. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur contents decreased with soil depth. However, in general, their concentrations increased along the slope (towards low land), which may be attributed to increased levels of organic carbon and clay contents in the lower topographic positions owing to high moisture content and higher cropping intensity. The findings of this study provide valuable insights regarding soil property characterisation across a transect for sustainable land use planning.

Agro-Pastoral Youth Participation in Livelihood Activities, Development Programs and Interventions in East and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to identify the status and determinants of male and female youth participation in selected livelihood activities, development programs and interventions in agro-pastoral areas of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design and mixed methods research approach were employed. A multi-stage random sampling strategy was followed to select four agro-pastoral Woredas (A ‘Woreda’ is an administrative unit equivalent to a District), 12 Kebeles (A ‘Kebele’ is the smallest administrative unit in Ethiopia. A Woreda/District consists of several Kebeles) and 398 youth aged 15–29 years for a face-to-face interview. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics and an econometric model (Logistic regression) estimation. We found that whereas male youth had better access to land, participation in extension/advisory services and Farmers’ Training Centers (FTCs), agricultural training, and NGOs, female youth had better participation in non-/off-farm livelihood activities and Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP). Our findings indicated that lack of access to financial resources, limited access to land, poor extension and rural advisory services, limited skills development programs and mentorship were key factors affecting youth participation. Other factors include: targeting criteria, discrimination (e.g. on the basis of gender, social structure), cumbersome organizational procedures and requirements, limited availability and capacity of supporting organizations, poor infrastructural developments, mismatch between needs and services provided, conflict, and climate-induced shocks and uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, local and regional governments and their development partners operating in the area should implement a multi-stakeholder, participatory, co-design and development of programs, projects and interventions to enhance collaboration, youth engagement and benefit. Investments in capacity-building and alternative income-generating activities, entrepreneurship education and business skills training are also important.

Exploring impact of green finance and natural resources on eco-efficiency: case of China

China ranks 160 out of 180 countries in terms of ecological efficiency, with an EPI score of 28.40 and a 10-year average change in score of 11.40. This article examines the impact of green finance and China’s natural resources on regional ecological efficiency using the Tobit regression model. The study uses the average yearly exchange rate to normalize dollar-related values and GDP to 2012 RMB using the price deflator. Variables used as explanatory tools include green financing, the availability of natural resources, and regional eco-efficiency. The results of the study imply that natural resources in eastern region of China are better managed as and have avoided the resource curse as compared to central and western regions. Resources temporarily support area economic and social growth. However, resource agglomeration locks many elements in the resource industry and degrades regional industrial development, generating environmental and social difficulties that may hinder regional economic progress. Given that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increases regional eco-efficiency after accounting for adjustment. The FDI positively correlated with ecological efficiency in the east zone, while central and western zones have negative correlations. The industrial development of the nation negatively impacts ecological efficiency in the East, Midwest, and West regions. Western results are distinctive, with ecological efficiency and regional economic growth frequently going hand in hand.

Magma fizz: Tremor during the Kīlauea summit reservoir decompression

Typical eruptions at Kīlauea volcano involve the evacuation of magma from the summit and/or south caldera reservoirs towards the East or Southwest rift zones. The reservoir drainage provokes the summit deflation, and on extreme occasions, such as in 2018, the summit caldera collapse. Systematically, seismic tremor, often with a particular multichromatic spectral signature characterized by frequency gliding, accompanies summit deflation episodes. In 2018, this type of continuous tremor accompanied the steady subsidence stage, whereas discrete earthquakes dominated the collapse stage. In this work, we aim to understand the source mechanism of the syn-deflation tremor of 2018. To locate the seismic source, we develop a novel machine-learning-based algorithm as an alternative to the amplitude source location technique. We use a large high-resolution catalog to resolve a composite amplitude decay function. Under these conditions, our method outperforms the traditional technique. We locate the tremor source 1 km below the eastern perimeter of the Halema‘uma‘u crater, which coincides with the position of the summit magma reservoir, as determined in many other studies. Furthermore, we model the seismic source as pressure oscillations driven by gas porous flow at the roof of the reservoir. In this model, gas accumulates temporarily in many gas pockets between the magma and the roof. Our modeling shows that the gas flux is responsible for the tremor amplitude modulations, whereas the gas pocket thickness controls the frequency variations. Beyond a critical point of depressurization, the magma cannot contribute further to the tremor oscillations via decompression-driven degassing, nor support the roof above it, resulting in rock failure. This work advances our understanding of magma-degassing dynamics and tremor generation at Kilauea volcano, and provides novel seismological techniques for volcano seismology monitoring and research.

Effects of Government Incentives on Sales Growth of Selected Industrial Firms in South- East, Nigeria

The study focused on the effects of government incentives on sales growth of selected industrial firms in South-East, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of government incentives on sales growth of selected industrial firms in South-East, Nigeria: The significant effect of government incentives on sales growth of selected industrial firms in south east, Nigeria will require management of industrial firms to focus on most lucrative and productive government incentives to improve on their marketing performance. Incentives help firms generate economies of scale in production and they can manage to sell excess domestic capacity with government formulated policies and support with institutional knowledge transfer to facilitate SMEs to industrial development in South East Nigeria. Improved marketing performance of industrial firms in south east, Nigeria will also improve the contribution of industrial firms sector to the gross domestic product of the economy. This will also imply increased tax payment by the firms to government, which will in turn make revenue available for societal development. The study adopted survey research design The population of the study was 12100 selected industrial firms in South-East, Nigeria. A sample size of 387 (Three hundred and eighty-seven) was drawn from the population using Taro yamani statistical formula. One hypothesis was formulated and tested with Simple Linear Regression model.. The major findings in the study showed that: there is a significant effect of government incentive on sales growth of selected industrial firms in South-East, Nigeria; This study has formed a body of knowledge (reference material) which has closed the gap identified in literature and which can also be cited by both present and potential researchers. Results of the study provided direction for management of industrial firms with respect to which government incentive to adopt in order to improve on marketing performance as well as where and how to direct available resources.. Hence, we concluded that successful investments in R&amp;D result in innovative products and services that enable the company to improve its sales revenue. It implies that government subsidies can serve as effective catalyst that can boost the overall productivity of firms located within south east, thereby increasing their sales revenue and also their competitiveness We, therefore, recommended that firms in the south east zone should upgrade their activities relating to cost efficiency, quality, variety/diversification, responsiveness, acceptance of entrepreneurial risks, and a positive attitude towards change and innovation as prerequisites for surviving in a globalized market.

Coseismic deformation and seismogenic structure of the 2024 Hualien Earthquake measured by InSAR and GNSS

On April 3, 2024, an M7.3 earthquake occurred in the offshore area of Hualien County, Taiwan, China. The seismogenic structure at the epicentral location was highly complex, and studying this earthquake is paramount for understanding regional fault activity. In this study, we employed ascending and descending orbit Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and utilized differential interferometry (InSAR) technique to obtain the co-seismic deformation field of this event. The line-of-sight deformation field revealed that the main deformation caused by this earthquake was predominantly uplift, with maximum uplift values of approximately 38.8 ​cm and 46.1 ​cm for the ascending and descending orbits, respectively. By integrating the three-dimensional GNSS co-seismic deformation field, we identified the seismogenic fault located in the offshore thrust zone east of Hualien, trending towards the northwest. The fault geometry parameters, obtained through the inversion of an elastic half-space homogeneous model, indicated an optimal fault strike of 196°, a dip angle of 30.9°, and an average strike-slip of 0.4 ​m and dip-slip of −2.6 ​m. This suggests that the predominant motion along the seismogenic fault is thrusting. The distribution of post-seismic Coulomb stress changes revealed that aftershocks mainly occurred in stress-loaded regions. However, stress loading was observed along the northern segment of the Longitudinal Valley Fault, with fewer aftershocks. This highlights the importance of closely monitoring the seismic hazard associated with this fault segment.

Pengaruh Kemahiran Literasi Media dalam Konteks Pengundi Muda Baharu di Malaysia

The Influence of Political Information Processing Skills among New Young Voters in Malaysia ABSTRACT: The eligible voters age limit from 21 years to 18 years and triggered the issue of political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. This study claims that media literacy skills from political information process dimension influence the political participation readiness. This study aims to evaluate the influence of media literacy skills from political information process dimension towards political participation readiness. There are seven political information process skills that are verified such as analysis, evaluation, grouping, induction, deduction, synthesis and abstract. By using survey and simple random sampling towards 547 respondents aged 18 to 26 years, this study, strategize data collection to represent the population of new young voters in Malaysia. The map of Malaysia is divided into North, South, East, West and Borneo Zones covering urban and rural areas. This study reported that the skills of induction, deduction and synthesis have positive influence towards political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. However, the skills of analysis, evaluation, grouping and abstracting do not have any significant influence. This study suggests a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the Malaysian Election Commission, the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Digital in the National Service Training Program (PLKN). This initiative is expected increase the level of political participation readiness among new young voters in Malaysia. Keywords: Media literacy, new young voters, political information processing skills, political participation, voting.

A novel approach for identification of environmentally and economically suitable locations for establishment of wastewater treatment plants

ABSTRACT Despite having several economic and environmental benefits of locating suitable sites for wastewater treatment plants, only a few studies have been reported in the literature. The present study implemented a fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy-AHP) method followed by the multi-criteria decision analysis for identification of suitable locations for wastewater treatment plants. Also, the study incorporated additional parameters such as slope and relative elevation to reduce environmental hazards and to increase economic benefits of locating wastewater treatment plants. The findings of the study revealed that 2.05% (42.68 km2) of the total study area is suitable for the establishment of environmentally and economically suitable wastewater treatment plants in each zone of the study area. It was assumed that half of wastewater will be treated in the East zone and the other half will be treated in the West zone. A minimum area of 30 ha was considered to treat half of the wastewater generated and based on this, 10 suitable sites were identified with five sites located in each zone. The approach of this study will help public health engineers and other stakeholders to identify environmentally and economically suitable locations for wastewater treatment plants in the study area and other similar areas globally.

Discussion on Deep Geothermal Characteristics and Exploration Prospects in the Northern Jiangsu Basin

The Northern Jiangsu Basin (NJB), located at the northeast edge of the Yangtze block, is not only rich in oil and gas resources but also contains abundant geothermal resources. Nevertheless, the distribution of geothermal resources at medium depth in the NJB is still unclear due to its complex geological structure and tectonic–thermal evolution process, which restricts its exploitation and utilization. The characteristics of the geothermal field and distribution of geothermal reservoirs within the NJB are preliminarily analyzed based on available temperature measurements and geothermal exploration data. The prospective areas for the exploration of deep geothermal resources are discussed. The analysis results show that (1) Mesozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonate rocks are appropriate for use as principal geothermal reservoirs for the deep geothermal exploration and development within the NJB; (2) the geothermal field is evidently affected by the base fluctuation, and the high-temperature area is mainly concentrated at the junction of the Jianhu uplift and Dongtai depression; (3) the southeast margin of Jinhu sag, Lianbei sag, the east and west slope zone of Gaoyou sag, the low subuplifts within the depression such as Lingtangqiao–Liubao–Zheduo subuplifts, Xiaohai–Yuhua subuplifts and the west of Wubao low subuplift, have good prospects for deep geothermal exploration.

Kaiwi shoreline basalts fed by the west rift zone of East Molokaʻi

Bathymetry and acoustic imagery swath mapping, along with observations and samples from four manned submersible and four ROV dives, confirm that a seafloor slope break on the northern approaches to Kaiwi Channel, between the islands of Oʻahu and Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi is a former shoreline, now submerged ∼800 m below present sea level. Subaerially emplaced, low-relief basaltic lavas above the slope break transition to submarine morphologies below. The entire region has been tilted about 1° to the SSE (150°), and is cut by an 8–15 m-high, north-facing scarp, 100–400 m south of the slope break. The distribution of platy, table-top, and rarer mounded branching corals indicates the former presence of fringing reefs around low-relief paleo-islands. We infer that the regional tilt resulted from loading by younger Hawaiian volcanoes, compounded by flexural uplift and back tilting away from the unloaded footwall of a flank landslide to the north.Basalt samples collected from both above and below the slope break have petrography, chemical composition, and age (1.64–1.80 Ma) indicating correlation with the (late-shield) Lower Member of the East Molokaʻi Volcanics, rather than with the more proximal volcano of West Molokaʻi. The most likely source of the Kaiwi basalts is a submarine ridge (rift zone) that extends northwest away from ʻĪlio Point on West Molokaʻi. Although the submarine ridge was previously assumed to be an extension of West Molokaʻi's northwest rift, we conclude that regional bathymetry and gravity are consistent with this feature being an extension of the west rift of East Molokaʻi. A corallary of this interpretation is that the shoreline slope break (SSB 7 of Taylor, 2019) in this area is distinct from and younger than the southern SSB 7 formed on West Molokaʻi volcano (∼1.65 Ma vs. ∼1.8 Ma).