Search

The value chain is an essential framework for understanding how industries create and sustain value for consumers or target markets. It encompasses various activities that contribute to delivering valuable products, such as supplier, channel, and buyer value chains. The primary activities in the value chain include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service. This study analyzes the value chain, focusing on halal fried chicken MSMEs, in the Malang Raya. A quantitative descriptive method was employed, involving 56 randomly selected respondents, starting from MSMEs' owners, managers, and operational staff. Data collection techniques included a survey method with questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observations. The analysis utilized a Likert scale to measure key value chain elements such as inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing, and service. The results indicate that the halal value chain ecosystem in Malang Raya is well-established. Respondents agreed that critical activities such as material storage, smooth distribution, product quality control, customer service, and satisfaction significantly impact the success of MSMEs in the region. This study highlights the importance of halal certification and optimal value chain management to enhance product competitiveness in local and international markets. These findings provide insights for policymakers to support the development of the social trustworthiness of the halal value chain ecosystem, ensuring that MSMEs remain competitive in the growing halal food sector.

Purpose Bangladesh has experienced a rapid epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in recent decades. There is, however, limited evidence about multidimensional determinants of NCDs in this population. The BangladEsh Longitudinal Investigation of Emerging Vascular and nonvascular Events (BELIEVE) study is a household-based prospective cohort study established to investigate biological, behavioural, environmental and broader determinants of NCDs.Participants Between January 2016 and March 2020, 73 883 participants (aged 11 years or older) were recruited from 30 817 households across urban, urban-poor (‘slum’) and rural settings in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained personnel recording participants’ demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, medical, environmental and other factors. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded for each participant. Biological specimens were collected and aliquoted for long-term storage and analysis.Findings to date Of the 73 883 study participants (mean [SD] baseline age: 39 [15] years), 43 470 (59%) were females, and 38 848 (52%) had no or only primary-level education. Focusing only on the 65 822 adult participants aged 20–79 years at baseline, 15 411 (23%) reported being diagnosed with hypertension; 10 578 (16%) with type 2 diabetes and 7624 (12%) with hypercholesterolaemia. Age and sex-standardised prevalences of these conditions were much higher in urban than slum and rural settings. Overall, the mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 25 (5) kg/m2, with 10 442 (16%) participants aged 20–79, classified as obese (ie, BMI≥30 kg/m2). Mean BMI was also higher in urban than slum and rural areas.Future plans The collection of information during the baseline visit was completed in 2020. Regular longitudinal follow-up is ongoing for ascertainment and adjudication of a range of fatal and non-fatal health outcomes among participants. This cohort will provide a powerful resource to investigate multidimensional determinants of incident NCDs across diverse settings in Bangladesh, helping to advance scientific discovery and public health action in an archetypal low-middle-income country with pressing public health needs.

Abstract A third of patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) develop pleural effusion during the disease course for various reasons. In most cases, lymphoma‐related pleural effusion is a manifestation of widespread systemic disease, signifying a high tumour burden and therefore, a poorer prognosis. On the other hand, primary pleural lymphomas (PPLs) exhibit exclusive or dominant involvement of serous cavities, without detectable solid tumour masses. PPL is an uncommon disease and is of two types: primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation (DLBCL‐CI). PPLs not related to PELs and DLBCL‐CIs are exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe four patients with biopsy proven B‐cell NHL. One had no extra‐pleural involvement at the time of diagnosis, indicating PPL. In all cases, histopathological examination of pleural biopsies obtained via medical thoracoscopy (MT) were crucial in clinching the final diagnosis. Clinicians are alerted to the potential relationship between exudative effusion and NHL as well as the role of MT in the diagnosis of B‐cell NHL.

Abstract Primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA) is a rare and challenging tumour to diagnose, often mistaken for other malignancies such as mesothelioma and lung cancer due to overlapping clinical and imaging features. We report a 52‐year‐old woman who presented with progressive shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. Imaging studies and thoracentesis revealed a large haemorrhagic left pleural effusion. Medical thoracoscopy (MT) showed a thickened and lobulated parietal pleura with multiple nodular lesions. Histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of angiosarcoma, characterized by pleomorphic tumour cells, a high Ki67 proliferation index and positive immunohistochemical markers, including CD31, D2‐40, Vimentin, and Factor VIII. Tragically, the patient developed a hospital‐acquired infection and passed away before any definitive treatment for the angiosarcoma could be initiated. This case underscores the diagnostic complexities of PPA and highlights the utility of MT in identifying this rare malignancy.

The broiler industry is crucial in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to meat production and the economy. However, the industry faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from high production costs, with feed costs constituting a substantial portion. Therefore, there is a need to improve domestic farm performance and competitiveness by optimizing resources and minimizing expenses to enhance overall productivity. This study aims to estimate the extent of cost efficiency in broiler farming in Peninsular Malaysia and identify key determinants influencing the inefficiency cost. A comprehensive survey involving 241 broiler farms in Peninsular Malaysia was conducted using structured questionnaires and a stratified random sampling technique. Employing the Stochastic Cost Frontier model revealed an operational inefficiency of approximately 5.7% above optimal costs among the surveyed farms, indicating substantial potential for a 5.7% reduction in production costs through enhanced management strategies. Factors such as feed prices, day-old chick prices, price of miscellaneous inputs, production output levels, and capital investment prices emerged as prominent influencers in the broiler cost function. Furthermore, the study indicated that socio-economic factors such as housing system, extension visits, credit access and contract farming are associated with lower inefficiencies, thereby enhancing cost efficiency in broiler farming operations. Conversely, higher bird mortality rates are associated with the increased inefficiency. Gaining insights into these factors is crucial for stakeholders to allocate resources wisely, plan strategically, and enhance competitiveness in broiler farming.

Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is a multivariate statistical analysis technique used to analyse structural relationships that exist between indicated variables. Works on SEM commonly used analysis of moment structures (AMOS) and SPSS. In this article, we present the coding in statistical analysis software (SAS) as alternative to AMOS, in particular the factor analysis, reliability test, and path analysis. These analyses are conducted to measure academic performance among student in higher learning institution. The finding showed that in factor analysis, Kaiser’s measure of sampling adequacy is 0.8244, which indicated a good sampling adequacy. In reliability test, the Cronbach’s alpha values (>0.6) indicate that each factor involved in the study is reliable and valid. From the path analysis value, five factors, i.e. lecturer’s assistance and motivation, self-determination, student’s habit, universities facilities and services, and parents and friends’ support were found to be approximately equal in term of degree of affecting the academic performance among students.

The demand for synthetic bone grafts has increased in recent years. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the highly suitable candidates as a bone graft material due to its excellent biocompatibility and high osteoconductive properties with low toxicity. HA has disadvantageous mechanical strength showing relatively fragile and brittle behavior due to its high hygroscopic properties. This leads to improper mechanical properties for such grafting applications. Therefore, HA should be combined with another material with similar biocompatibility and high hardness, such as SiO2. In this work, HA/SiO2 (HAS) composite material was prepared via a hydrothermal method to obtain the high purities of HA with a particle size of approximately 35 nm and around 50% crystallinity. It was found that the addition of SiO2 stimulated the composite system by forming an orthosilicic acid complex that can reduce the overall solution’s pH, thus contributing to the integrity and stability of the HAS composite. Therefore, higher SiO2 contents in the HAS composite can enhance its mechanical stability when immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). Our work demonstrated that HAS can highly improve HA material’s hardness and mechanical stability under immersion of SBF. The Vickers test showed that the 0.05 GPa hardness in 10% SiO2 increased to 0.35 GPa hardness with the addition of 20% SiO2. The crystal structures of HAS were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, and the morphology of the HAS composites was observed under electron microscopy.

BackgroundParticipating in physical exercise is advantageous for maintaining optimum health, improving physical capacity, decreasing the likelihood of chronic diseases, and promoting overall wellbeing.AimThis study aimed to find out the prevalence and factors that contribute to musculoskeletal injuries among individuals who participated in fitness activities at the gym.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1123 gym members, both male and female, aged between 18 and 50 years, from selected fitness centers in Bangladesh. Musculoskeletal injuries were assessed using the Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire. Binary logistic regression identified the gym members' predictors of musculoskeletal injuries.ResultsThe highest prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries at the low back (36.6%) was seen among the eight body sites, followed by the shoulder (24.7%) and knee (17.1%). Males (aOR 2.589, CI 1.18 to 5.65) and those who go to the gym to lose weight (aOR 3.859, CI 0.91 to 16.33) and for physical fitness (aOR 1.895, CI 1.07 to 3.35) had a greater risk of musculoskeletal injury. Participants who carried out strength training exercises (aOR 4.10, CI 2.74 to 6.19) had a four-fold increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries than those who did not. Furthermore, higher adjusted odds of musculoskeletal injuries were found for the potential causes of injuries in incorrect holding (aOR 1.69, CI 1.10 to 2.60), overweight lifting (aOR 2.00, CI 1.30 to 3.08), lack of workout knowledge (aOR 3.56, CI 2.09 to 5.85), and insufficient information from the trainer (aOR 5.66, CI 1.84 to 17.39).ConclusionMusculoskeletal injuries are highly prevalent among gym-goers in Bangladesh. The back was the most often injured area, followed by the shoulder and knee. It is important to exhibit caution and take extra care while doing strength training activities in order to avoid injury. Prior to engaging in gym-based activities, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of proper exercise knowledge.

Under the sustainability domain, food waste is a significant global challenge receiving growing attention. The management of household food waste which relies heavily on landfilling, is predominantly ineffective and unsustainable. To implement sustainable food waste management, an understanding of the individual behaviour is needed since psychological effects often undermine technological solutions. This study direct its investigation on urban households’ sustainable food waste management behaviour by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour. An online survey was utilized for data collection. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling, assessments were made on the determinants of intention and behaviour of 520 households in the Klang Valley. The analysis support two factors that influence attitude positively, while five factors positively influence intention to implement best practices of reusing leftovers, separating household waste, and doing home composting. However, although the households have positive intentions, yet their composting practices seem to be the least adopted compared to the other sustainable elements. Addressing the lack of participation requires a holistic approach via dissemination of educational materials, social media coverage, and awareness campaigns. It is also suggested that composting be incentivized and be included in reward schemes similar to recycling. This study paves the way to enhance understanding of the factors to adopt sustainable food waste management among households in the urban areas. The findings provide insights for policy makers and other stakeholders on what type of information to consider when designing effective food waste management campaigns and urban development strategies, supporting the opportunity for consumer behavioural change.

Highlight Research • Research on pirik endemic fish (Lagusia micracanthus) was first conducted in the Gilireng River. • Based on the length-weight relationship, the growth type of pirik fish in the Gilireng River is isometric. • The average size distribution, total length, and body weight of female fish were greater than those of male fish though not statistically significant. • The Gilireng River water conditions are sufficient to support the growth of endemic pirik fish. Abstract Lagusia micracanthus or locally known as pirik fish and is the only endemic freshwater fish from the family Terapontidae. To date, published information related to biological aspects of this species in the Gilireng River, Arajang Village, Wajo Regency, is unavailable. This study aims to determine the length−weight relationship and condition factors of L. micracanthus fish populations in the Gilireng River. Fish sampling was performed once a month January 2022 to June 2022.The fish collected from Gilireng River comprised 69 male and 66 females during the study period. Pirik (L. micracanthus) in the Gilireng River demonstrated nearly an isometric growth pattern. Condition factor values ranged from 0.6455 to 4.3239, and the average condition factor values for female fish were smaller than male fish. The result of this study has contributed to the knowledge of the endemic pirik fish population in the Gilireng River that could assist fishery management scientists in conducting studies on the management of these fish.

Heat transfer, comprising viscous dissipation and activation energy, of Jeffrey nanofluid flow induced due to impulsive movement of the bounding surface is addressed. Governing equations are non-dimensionalized and retained in same form. A numerical algorithm namely, multidomain bi-variate spectral quasilinearisation method (MD-BSQLM) is exercised to generate solution of non-linear coupled partial differential equations. Approximate solutions are substantiated by evaluating solution and residual based error norms. The careful perusal of solution and residual error norms suggest that the derived numerical solutions are highly precise and attains accuracy of almost 10−58 in 17 iterations. This residual error of fluid temperature and nanoparticle concentration converge linearly as the number of iterations increase whereas fluid velocity shows consistent residual error from the start. Achieved numerical solution are presented graphically and further explored in context to its physical behaviour. Activation energy parameter witness a growth in nanoparticle concentration. Time has boosting nature on fluid temperature and nanoparticle concentration.