Essential Knowledge Research Articles

Future paths for GIS in K-12 education: A review of possibilities and constraints

Geographic information systems (GIS) have been highlighted as essential future knowledge and are increasingly integrated in people’s everyday lives through applications, tracking, and global positioning systems (GPS). Still, applications and re-search of GIS technology for teaching and learning in kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) education are limited. Through a scoping review of contemporary literature, this study identifies and discuss possibilities and constraints for GIS in K-12 education. Data were collected and analyzed with directed content analysis, using affordances as a theoretical lens, to identify possibilities and constraints of GIS for K-12 education. The study highlight themes of possibilities and constraints for further investigation. The possibilities of GIS for K-12 education include accessibility, transdisciplinary, and beyond classroom; and the constraints include skills and attitude, higher education and support, and teachers’ knowledge. The theoretical contribution of the study is a conceptual model for how possibilities and constraints of GIS for K-12 education relates to reaching educational goals. Findings of the study have practical implications for teachers and other stakeholders on the use of GIS in K-12 classrooms. The study also provides several suggestions for future research on GIS in K-12 education.

A Hidden Sharh in the Sarf: Sharh al-Amtsilah wa al-Binā’

One of the most important branches of linguistic studies, and indeed the foremost in terms of learning, is the science of "sarf". Therefore, Arabic language education generally begins with the science of sarf. After the first and oldest independent sarf book, Kitāb al-Tasrīf" by Abu Uthman al-Māzinī, many independent works on sarf have been written. Among these works, the books "Amtsilah," "Binā’," "Maqsūd," "ʿIzzī," and "Marāh al-arwāh" are considered fundamental in the Ottoman madrasas and still hold significance today. Among these five works, Amtsilah and Binā’ hold a special place as concise works that have been taught as the first two introductory texts in Arabic language classes in Ottoman madrasas and institutions, that follow the classical method of Arabic instruction. The most significant feature of these books is that they serve as an introduction to Arabic morphology (sarf). Amtsilah’s main characteristic is its presentation of all conjugations using a single verb which is "نَصَرَ" (nasara). On the other hand, the most important feature of Binā’ is its presentation of Arabic verb patterns from triliteral (tsulātsī) to hexaliteral (tsudāsī), along with their respective masdars (infinitives), following the order of frequency in the language. These two books have attracted numerous commentaries and annotations during the Ottoman era. Many editions and Turkish translations of these works have been produced. For instance, among the commentaries written on " Amtsilah," the following can be mentioned: "Sharh al-Amtsilah" by Muslih al-Dīn Mustafa Surūrī, "Sharh al-Amtsilah" by Abdullah Efendi of Kuyucak, "Sharh al-Amtsilah" by Dāvūd al-Karsī, "Amtsilah Sherhi" by Kosah Efendi (also known as Chorekchi-zadah Ahmad Nuzhat), "Amtsilah Sherhi " by Askidji-zadah, and "Amtsilah al-Jadidah" by Mehmed Esʿad Effendi. Likewise, many commentaries exist on "Binā’ " as well. Among these, the following works can be mentioned: "Sharh al-Binā’ " by Muslih ad-Dīn Mustafa Surūrī, "Murshid al-Ghinā fī Sharh al-Amtsilah wa al-Binā’ " by Nushī Effendi, "Sharh al-Binā’ " by Abdullah Effendi of Kuyucak, "Sharh al-Binā’ " by Dāvūd al-Karsī, "Sharh al-Binā’" by Muhammad bin al-Hājj Hamīd al-Kafawī (Akkirmānī), "Asās al-Binā’" by Ahmad Rushdi Karaaghajī, and "Talhīs al-Asās" by Ali bin Uthmān Akshehrī. In addition to these works, there is a lesser-known commentary on both "Amtsilah" and "Binā’" even absent in our libraries. The manuscript of "Sharh al-Binā’ wa al-Amtsilah," found abroad, in the Riyadh University Library, has an unknown author. The handwriting of the copy is legible naskh script, and it was likely written in the 12th century or later as it is noted in the beginning of it. It is most likely that this commentary drew from many of the aforementioned commentaries. Unlike other commentaries, this particular work presents the conclusions of various discussions and the essential knowledge a student must know, in a concise and straightforward manner. As a result, this study sheds light on the similarities and differences between this commentary and others, and it contributes to the exposure and consideration of a previously obscure commentary by researchers.

IoT Technology and Digital Upskilling Framework for Farmers in the Northern Rural Area of Thailand

One-third of Thailand’s workers are in agriculture, but the country’s agricultural GDP is still less than 10% of its total GDP. Most Thai farmers are smallholders with limited land and low incomes. To improve the agricultural GDP and the economic situation of smallholder farmers, the Thai Government has been trying for decades to encourage and support smallholder farmers to adopt modern farming methods and smart farming equipment, including digital technologies. However, the improvement is still sluggish due to a lack of an effective approach to delivering essential digital knowledge and skills, as well as investment support for smart farming equipment. These have hindered smallholder farmers’ digital farming skill progress. To address this issue, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Interest has funded a project to develop the Digital Farmer Development Framework. This framework provides essential digital knowledge, training, coaching, and fundamental resources to upgrade smallholder digital-farming literacy to become digital farmers using problem- or project-based learning approaches and collaborative blended learning theories. Bloom’s taxonomy is used as a guideline for evaluating the framework’s effectiveness. Implementation of the Digital Farmer Development Framework has shown that farmers can significantly improve their digital farming literacy and are capable of using digital technology to improve farm management and productivity. Based on Bloom classification guidelines, 100% of the farms in the project can apply digital skills and utilize fundamental smart farming equipment as well as able to evaluate and analyze data from IoT devices. Moreover, 66% can create their own smart-system solution from fundamental smart farming tools for their farm. The project has also created a digital farmer community that shares knowledge and resources with others.

Evaluating the significance of franchising entrepreneurial learning in higher education: a longitudinal study from two European Universities

This study delves into franchising education at HEIs and its advantages for students. It investigates its impact on knowledge and perceptions, preparing students for entrepreneurial careers and enhancing their job market competitiveness. Franchising is pivotal in contemporary entrepreneurship, offering aspiring entrepreneurs mentorship and risk reduction while enabling established entrepreneurs to expand efficiently. Hence, students must acquire franchising knowledge integral to their entrepreneurial learning. Existing literature extensively covers franchising. However, a noticeable gap exists concerning franchising education and its effects on entrepreneurship students. The research underscores the scarcity of franchising entrepreneurial learning in higher. Additionally, the literature reveals the necessity of collaboration between academia and the business sector in designing and delivering this course, considering the essential knowledge and skills required by lecturers of franchising courses. The longitudinal study spanned seven years based on two rounds of research at the University of Luxembourg (Public) and Vern University (Private) involving 203 students who attended the franchising course and assessed changes in knowledge and attitudes toward franchising through pre- and post-course surveys. The first study round occurred at Vern University, and the second at the University of Luxembourg. This study's results underscore the Franchising course's significance in shaping students' understanding and views regarding franchising. Overall, the course effectively promotes entrepreneurial learning outcomes, evident from the positive shifts in students' knowledge and attitudes toward franchising upon its completion. The study underscores the importance of franchising education in HEIs, aiding students in making informed entrepreneurial decisions and gaining a competitive advantage in the job market. Further Research can explore different groups of students and reasons for varying attitudes towards franchising in private and public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Keywords: Franchising, Franchise curriculum, Entrepreneurial learning, Higher Education

The role of AMO HR practices and knowledge sharing in developing a learning organizational culture: evidence from the United Kingdom

PurposeThis study aims to explore how the three types of human resource (HR) practices, encapsulated in the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) model, foster a learning organizational culture (LOC). In doing so, the authors evaluate the centrality of knowledge sharing (KS) in mediating this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey is undertaken to collect data from managers working in organizations operating in the UK. The authors use several statistical techniques to assess the psychometric properties of the measures and test the hypotheses using multiple regression executed with Preacher and Hayes’ Process macro.FindingsThe findings show that the AMO HR practices significantly facilitate the development of a LOC in the workplace, and KS among organizational members amplifies the effects of these HR practices in the process.Originality/valueA LOC functions as an important source of organizational performance and effectiveness. It enhances the absorptive capacity of the organization to capture, share and transfer knowledge to optimize work. Hence, developing a culture that nurtures organizational learning could be a priority for managing HR. This study, therefore, extends the understanding of the role of AMO HR practices in fostering a learning culture – thus, providing managers with the essential knowledge to improve performance. The study also enriches the literature on HR practices, KS and LOC by integrating these three variables into a unifying framework.

Employees’ metacognitive knowledge and skills assessment in tourism and hospitality

This research explores academic knowledge, cognitive, emotional, and soft skills, according to the employees’ perceptions, that lead to better service provision and career development enhancement in the tourism and hospitality industry. Moreover, the research explores the possible differences and correlations in reference to five individual traits: the educational background, the tourism and hospitality sectors, the seasonal or full-time character of the organization, the location of the organization, and the working experience derived. In order to investigate the perceptions of employees, 102 online questionnaires were fully completed. Cronbach’s Alpha index, descriptive statistical analysis, correlations between first-ordinal factors, and several MANOVA tests provide information regarding the metacognitive assessment of the above-mentioned domains. According to their responses, the most important academic knowledge that entails the international nature of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, is ‘International Hospitality Management’. English is the most important foreign language, and Tourism Business Management is the most essential academic knowledge. The most important skills for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry that arise from the research are those of ‘problem solving’, ‘dealing with clients’, ‘customer service’, ‘crisis management’, ‘self-control, and ‘empathy’. The research concluded that, according to employees’ responses, skills and knowledge in the tourism and hospitality industry are generic and universal in their nature and applicability, and they do not differ regarding their individual characteristics. The analysis of the research data provides fruitful information regarding the most important and essential skills and knowledge for the tourism and hospitality industry.

The ‘Young Adult Taking Action’ programme for young adult cancer survivors: A study protocol for a feasibility study

Background Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) aged 18–39 report age-specific multifactorial challenges with self-care, leisure, work and education requiring multicomponent rehabilitation intervention. Therefore, the ‘Young Adult Taking Action’ (YATAC) programme was developed. Aims/Objectives To present a protocol for a feasibility study evaluating the acceptability of the YATAC programme and exploring implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes. Material and methods A mixed-method feasibility study with a convergent research design will be conducted. The programme is an age-specific, multicomponent, goal-oriented, and peer-based rehabilitation programme delivered by an interdisciplinary staff consisting of nine components: 1) Goal setting, 2) Everyday life, 3) Physical activity, 4) Psychological issues, 5) Work and study, 6) Sexuality and relationship, 7) Rights and finance, 8) Peer-to-peer support and 9) Individual consultation. Quantitative and qualitative data about acceptability, implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes will be collected. Results The results will provide essential knowledge about the programme’s acceptability, implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes. Conclusion and significance The study will inform adjustment of the programme and will provide knowledge of whether and how to deliver age-specific rehabilitation to YACS.

An online cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists to assess information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists play an important role in healthcare. They are frequently visited by patients to receive advice on self-medication products. Little research has been conducted to investigate pharmacists’ information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling.AimTo assess community pharmacists’ information needs in five predefined areas: general and specific individual needs, quality needs, utilisation needs, implication needs, and access needs for evidence based self-medication counselling.MethodAfter ethical approval, we conducted an exploratory, semi-quantitative, cross-sectional online survey. Members of three different chambers of pharmacists in Germany were invited to participate anonymously in the survey. They gave informed consent and received no incentive for their participation.Quantitative outcome: Frequency of relevance / importance of items within predefined information needs areas, except for access needs. Qualitative outcome: Open-text responses concerning all information needs.ResultsWe analysed data from a total of 823 participants who completed the survey. General and specific information such as dosage (74.2% [611/823]) and when to refer to a physician (64.6% [532/823]) as well as an over-the-counter product’s effectiveness according to medical guidelines (71.4% [588/823]) were rated as very important. Participants reported to prefer digital information sources (50.5% [416/823] strongly agreed), especially in the form of an easily accessible database (61.6% [507/823] strongly agreed) that contains regularly updated, manufacturer-independent, critically appraised, concise information.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists expressed distinct information needs for evidence-based self-medication counselling. Further information services on essential evidence-based pharmacy knowledge may be necessary to support implementation.

Intelligent co-design of material, process, and equipment for manufacturing high-quality traditional Chinese medicine preparations

In the context of Pharma 4.0, the design tools that support the pharmaceutical Quality by Design(QbD) are iterating fast toward intelligent or smart design. The conventional development methods for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations have the limitations such as over dependence on experience, low dimensions for the designed experiment parameters, poor compatibility between the process and equipment, and high trial-and-error cost during process scale-up. Therefore, this paper innovatively proposed the intelligent co-design involving material, process, and equipment for manufacturing high-quality TCM preparations, and introduced the design philosophy, targets, tools, and applications with TCM oral solid dosage(OSD) as an example. In terms of design philosophy, the pharmaceutical design tetrahedron composed of critical material attributes, critical process parameters, critical equipment attributes, and critical quality attributes was developed. The design targets were put forward based on the product performance classification system. The design tools involve a design platform that contains several modules, such a as the iTCM material database, the processing route classification system, the system modeling and simulation, and reliability-based optimization. The roles of different modules in obtaining essential and universal design knowledge of the key common manufacturing units were introduced. At last, the applications of the co-design methodology involving material, process, and equipment in the high shear wet granulation process development and the improvement of the dissolving or dispersion capability of TCM formula granules are illustrated. The research on advanced pharmaceutical design theory and methodology will help enhance the efficiency and reliability of drug development, improve the product quality, and promote the innovation of high-end TCM products across the industry.

Baseline study of the morphological and genetic characteristics of Haemoproteus parasites in wild pigeons (Columba livia) from paddy fields in Thailand.

Haemoproteus columbae is a common haemosporidian parasite of wild pigeons (Columba livia) reported worldwide. In Thailand, the wild pigeon population is increasing due to paddy field monoculture. However, there are limited reports on the presence of H. columbae in these pigeon populations. The aim of the study was to characterize H. columbae in wild pigeons. A total of 87 wild pigeons were examined using microscopic and molecular methods. Haemoproteus columbae was detected in approximately 27.6% of pigeons and their morphological characteristics were described. The partial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene sequence of H. columbae was then characterized into three common lineages (HAECOL1, COLIV03, and COQUI05). By highlighting the morphologic and genetic characteristics of H. columbae commonly found in this population of pigeons, this study provides essential regional knowledge about haemosporidian parasites that could benefit future taxonomic and phylogeographic studies.

Patient Experiences of Communication with Healthcare Professionals on Their Healthcare Management around Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

Communication is an important clinical tool for the prevention and control of diseases, to advise and inform patients and the public, providing them with essential knowledge regarding healthcare and disease management. This study explored the experience of communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and people with long-term lung conditions, from the patient perspective. This qualitative study analyzed the experience of people with chronic lung disease, recruited via Asthma & Lung UK (A&LUK) and COPD research databases. A&LUK invited people who had expressed a desire to be involved in research associated with their condition via their Expert Patient Panel and associated patients' groups. Two focus group interviews (12 participants) and one individual interview (1 participant) were conducted. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Two main themes were identified and we named them 'involving communication' and 'communication needs to be improved. 'They included seven subthemes: community-led support increased the patients' social interaction with peers; allied-HCP-led support increased patients' satisfaction; disliking being repeatedly asked the same basic information; feeling communication was unengaging, lacking personal specifics and the use of medical terminology and jargon. The study has identified what most matters in the process of communication with HCPs in people with long-term respiratory diseases of their healthcare management. The findings of the study can be used to improve the patient-healthcare professional relationship and facilitate a better communication flow in long-term healthcare management.

Evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis Genotypes in Endocervical Specimens by Sequence Analysis of ompA Gene among Women in Tehran.

Tehran's actual prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and its genotypes are still unclear. Molecular typing of CT strains can provide essential epidemiological knowledge and contribute to improved control measures. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of CT and its genotypes in the endocervical infections of females who attended the gynecology and infertility clinics in Tehran. A total of 291 women were tested for chlamydial infection by in-house PCR using specific primers for the CT cryptic plasmid. Nested PCR for amplification of the ompA gene in positive samples was carried out, genotyping was performed by sequencing this gene, and further phylogenetic analysis was conducted. Sexual infection by CT was observed in 10.3% (30/291) of the subjects, and the mean age of patients was 30.4. The ompA gene was sequenced in 27 samples, revealing E genotypes 40.7%, (n = 11), F 25.9%, (n = 7), G 18.5%, (n = 5), D 11.1%, (n = 3), and K 3.7%, (n = 1). This study emphasizes the importance of the diversity among CT genotypes in our studied population and the need for wide-screening the neglected bacterial infection among women in Tehran.

Development of a nurse-led follow-up pathway for patients discharged from cardiology unit: the DIMACC project

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Background The first year after hospitalisation for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) or Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is the most critical period, with the highest incidence of complications and re-hospitalisations. Multiple epidemiological studies have documented that while hospital mortality in the acute phase has gradually decreased, the mortality trend after discharge remains stable or even increased. These trends may be an expression of inadequate follow-up and poor patient involvement, resulting in poor control of risk factors, and suboptimal adherence to treatments. Aim To present a protocol design for a quality improvement intervention regarding a supported discharge pathway for ACS and AHF patients. Methods The construction of the DIMACC protocol is based on the Plan, Do, Check, Act methodology. Pre-intervention phase: A research project has been developed to introduce a supported discharge pathway from Cardiology wards. The objective and motivation for the change from the existing situation were defined and supported by the theoretical model and international guidelines. Development of the study tools: This phase included the Consensus Conference held with the local institutions, the University delegation, the Head Manager of the District, doctors and nurses, where the actors shared intentions, thus proceeding to their formal approval. Data collection instrument was set. Intervention phase: The group identified strategies to ensure the best possible dissemination of the procedure and the professionals' adherence. A data processing company was involved, which created an online platform to collect the study data. Recruitment within the pilot study started in November 2022. Results The DIMACC project is a PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY evaluating the feasibility and performance of a quality improvement intervention on patients discharged from Cardiology following admission for ACS and AHF. The study consists of TWO phases. Phase one aims to implement a structured follow-up in the first year after discharge, with examinations and visits planned according to the severity of the single case. As primary endpoint, there is the achievement of clinical objectives defined on discharge, based on ESC guidelines, improve disease control and reduce the number of admissions to the Emergency dept. and re-hospitalisations. In the second phase, the group plans a series of structured educational interventions held by community nurses care to promote patient engagement and further reduce the elements listed in phase one. In the first two months of the pilot phase, 41 patients were included, with a progressive increase compared to total admissions for ACS or AHF (41% in November and 72% in December). Conclusions This study will generate essential knowledge on CVD patients' experiences and self-empowerment. Findings will be of considerable interest and benefit to many health and care organizations beyond the immediate community of interest.

Navigating the acute to post-acute transition with patients: a first characterization of medical student knowledge gaps in rehabilitation and post-acute care

Purpose Clinical rehabilitation and post-acute care (PAC) learning experiences are not uniformly required within medical school core curricula in the United States or internationally. This study aims to characterize what medical students might know/need to know to support patients in the transition from acute hospitalization to post-acute rehabilitation settings. Materials/Methods The medical student cohort completing required clinical rotations in a United States quaternary care hospital system was provided a voluntary survey prompting reflection on experiences discharging patients to rehabilitation/PAC and related learning needs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative grounded theory. Results Response rate was 72% (39/54). All respondents reported at least one gap in rehabilitation/PAC knowledge, falling into 8 themes: daily experience of rehabilitation/PAC; determination of eligibility/screening processes; distinctions among levels of rehabilitation/PAC; insurance coverage/equity; rehabilitation/PAC clinical practice environment; post-rehabilitation/PAC discharge support; medical capabilities within PAC settings; developing rehabilitation goals. Conclusions Despite caring for patients discharged to post-acute rehabilitation settings, medical students lack essential knowledge about the process of rehabilitation and recovery, including patient eligibility for and service availability across PAC settings. Explicit rehabilitation/PAC education for medical students could enhance their ability to counsel and advocate for patients with disability and rehabilitation needs through care transitions. Implications for rehabilitation Medical students lack knowledge about rehabilitation and post-acute care that is important for helping patients navigate the acute to post-acute transition. Dedicated rehabilitation/post-acute care education could prepare trainees for counseling and advocating for patients during care transitions. Knowledge gaps identified in this study could inform development of curricular interventions to address medical student learning needs.

Exploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study.

Contact investigation is a proven intervention for tuberculosis (TB) case finding and prevention. Although widely endorsed by national public health authorities and the World Health Organization, many countries struggle to implement it effectively. The objective of the study is to describe and characterize the barriers and facilitators of TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia from the perspective and experience of the key stakeholders involved. We collected data from group discussions during two workshop sessions with clinic and public health staff involved in TB contact investigation (June 2019 and March 2020 respectively) and semi-structured interviews with TB cases and their household contacts (July 2019 to April 2020). We undertook an inductive thematic analysis with the RADaR technique to characterize the barriers and facilitators of the TB contact investigation process. The two workshops included 21 clinics and 12 public health staff. We also conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with TB cases and their household contacts. Using thematic analysis, we identified four common themes: Healthcare Operations, Essential Knowledge, Time Limitations and Competing Responsibilities, and Interpersonal Interactions. The main barriers to conducting household visits were low data quality, stigma and mistrust, safety concerns for health workers, and limited resources. The main barriers to TB uptake by contacts were competing responsibilities, low TB risk perceptions among contacts, and difficulty accessing diagnostic tests for contacts. In contrast, good communication and social skills among health workers and accurate TB knowledge facilitated successful household visits and TB test uptake, according to key stakeholders. This study provides a deeper understanding of TB contact investigation barriers and facilitators in a high-prevalence urban setting in a middle-income country from the perspective and experience of key stakeholders. The study shed light on the barriers that hinder household contacts engagement and TB test uptake such as issues of systemic capacity and TB knowledge. Also, highlighted facilitators such as the importance of interpersonal communication skills among health workers in the public and private sector. The insights from this study can serve as a valuable resource for public health organizations seeking to enhance their contact investigation efforts and improve TB control in similar settings.

Incorporating simulation exercises using collaborative tools into disaster and emergency medicine curriculum—A pilot survey among Saudi Arabian professionals

AbstractThis study evaluates the need for changes in Saudi Arabia's current disaster and emergency management curriculum, incorporating disaster exercises and using the collaborative tool of CSCATTT (Command and Control, Safety, Communication, Assessment, Triage, Treatment, Transport). Several statements were presented among five experts in three rounds of the Delphi technique; thereafter, the statement was presented as a questionnaire among 128 professionals and practitioners in disaster medicine through a quantitative survey. The results revealed that a high percentage of participants urged the necessity for several changes in the current Saudi curriculum of disaster and emergency medicine. According to the participants that the current curriculum does not cover essential knowledge in Command and Control, Safety, Communication, Assessment, and the roles of each individual and agency, needs to be enhanced by including several other aspects of disaster and emergency management, such as all risk management, internal and external communication, coordination, cooperation and collaboration in transport issues, teaching and training, and promoting multiagency collaboration and enable extracurricular activities. This study recommends continuous revision, and development of the current curriculum in Saudi Arabia and integration of the collaborative tools as well as the inclusion of disaster simulation using the same collaborative strategy. This study may be transferrable to other developing countries.

Lalu Sekejap Enterprise

Encik Ben and Encik Cha embarked on a humble venture called Lalu Sekejap Enterprise in 1990, offering general maintenance services. Despite lacking business experience, they registered their company and secured contracts with the local government. Their commitment to integrity and halal income was deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. Encik Ben, a dedicated employee with limited education, grew from a general worker to a supervisor, acquiring essential knowledge of the maintenance industry. Encik Cha, having witnessed corruption during his time in the treasury department, recognized Encik Ben's ethical approach and engaged in discussions outside of office hours. Together, they explored the possibility of starting their own business, driven by their shared vision of conducting business ethically. While Encik Ben and Encik Cha faced challenges due to their lack of business expertise, they persisted in their commitment to integrity. They overcame compliance issues and rebuilt their business, focusing on delivering high-quality services. Their dedication resonated with like-minded clients, and they established a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Years later, Encik Ben and Encik Cha attended a digital business training program that opened their eyes to the potential of digitalization in the maintenance industry. Recognizing the need to ensure the continuity and growth of their business, they started grooming their children and loyal employees to take over key responsibilities. With a strategic focus on digital transformation, Lalu Sekejap Enterprise integrated digital tools and platforms into their operations, enhancing efficiency and expanding their customer base. The business thrived, driven by a new generation of leaders who shared Encik Ben and Encik Cha's commitment to quality service and community well-being.
 Keywords: Ethical practices, Digital transformation, Integrity, General maintenance, Small business

Accelerated vegetative growth measured by gross primary productivity in China from 1980 to 2018

Vegetation response to climate change can be characterized as long-term trends, but with periodic oscillations. Revealing vegetation response trends, with oscillations, is essential for formulating climate change mitigation and adaptation planning, as well as adopting ecological protection and restoration measures. Here, the long-term trend and periodic oscillations in vegetation changes were explored through a measure of gross primary production (GPP), an indicator of vegetation photosynthesis, using data of both high spatial resolution (1 km2) and a long-term of nearly 4 decades, from 1980 to 2018. The GPP data were estimated for China’s terrestrial ecosystem and validated against the eddy covariance-based observations of 70 site-year in China and compared to other GPP data products. The results showed the estimated GPP can explain 76% of spatial–temporal variance with the same data accuracy as other products, but with the advantage of both high spatial resolution and long time periods that other products do not have. From the estimated GPP data, Chinese terrestrial vegetation growth was found to have a periodic oscillation of close to 2.79 years and a long-term increasing trend of 59.8 Mt C per year over 92% of all vegetated land in China from 1980 to 2018. Moreover, it was found that vegetation growth accelerated significantly in the two recent decades over the previous two decades. The growth rate was 83.5 Mt C a−1 from 2000 to 2018, which was 2.31 times faster than the rate from 1980 to 2000. The underlying mechanism of the vegetation responses was analyzed by ridge regression, a method to decrease the effects of multicollinearity. Long-term variability and trends in vegetation could be attributed to a warming minimum air temperature when examined with precipitation, maximum air temperature, and solar shortwave radiation. Though more influences, such as those from freezing and thawing and human activities, should be explored in the future, this study offers insight that warming, with increasing daily minimum temperatures, is likely to be a vital contributor to ecosystem changes, and will be essential knowledge for mitigation of effects and adaptation to future climate.

Untangling microbiota diversity and assembly patterns in the world's longest underground culvert water diversion canal.

The long-distance underground box culvert water transport system (LUBWT) is a crucial link between the source of drinking water and the consumers. It must ensure the stability of water quality during transportation. However, uncontrollable microbial growth can develop in the water delivery system during the long delivery process, posing a risk to health and safety. Therefore, we applied 16s and 18s gene sequence analysis in order to study microbial communities in box culvert waters sampled in 2021, as well as a molecular ecological network-based approach to decipher microbial interactions and stability. Our findings revealed that, in contrast to natural freshwater ecosystems, micro-eukaryotes in LUBWT have complex interactions such as predation, parasitism, and symbiosis due to their semi-enclosed box culvert environment. Total nitrogen may be the primary factor affecting bacterial community interactions in addition to temperature. Moreover, employing stability indicators such as robustness and vulnerability, we also found that microbial stability varied significantly from season to season, with summer having the higher stability of microbial communities. Not only that but also the stability of the micronuclei also varied greatly during water transport, which might also be related to the complex interactions among the micro-eukaryotes. To summarize, our study reveals the microbial interactions and stability in LUBWT, providing essential ecological knowledge to ensure the safety of LUBWT's water quality.

Adaptability, Acceptance and Resistance to Change of Local College Personnel in the Province of Batangas Philippines: Basis for Organizational Change Management Framework

Change is indeed one of the struggles of any employee and company itself when there are changes in administration, leadership, and in-office occurs. Cognitive, affective, and behavioral adaptability in times of change are the three main facets of adaptability that are considered intrinsically related (Ashford and Taylor, 1990; Ployhart and Bliese, 2006; Van Dam, 2013). Marques (2016) concluded that acceptance grows as the changed situation loses its threats. Different dimensions are being distinguished such as open expressively, concealed, active, and passive support. Meanwhile, Rehman et al. (2021) mentioned that it is vital to shape the employees' resistive attitudes for the successful implementation of change, while their readiness greatly influences resistance (Banguntopo, 2018). The researchers further evaluated the personnel's adaptability, determined the personnel's acceptance, and assessed the personnel's resistance to change in local colleges. The researcher used descriptive-correlational research was valuable in providing facts that could form the basis of scientific judgment, which provided essential knowledge. The results revealed that the respondents displayed a high level of adaptability and acceptance, and strongly agreed to be resistant to change. Significant differences were observed in behavioral adaptability and openly expressive and passive support when grouped to position. Gen X group exhibited greater resistance to change in terms of behavioral response. Moreover, positive relationships among variables in different dimensions of change were identified as highly significant. The art of change allows organizations to ensure that new policies, procedures, and controls are adapted, accepted, and free from any form of resistance.