bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eksplorasi Etnomatematika Pada Masjid Al-Husna Pondok Dalem Semboro di Tinjau Dari Segi Geometri
Authors: Wahyuni Indah , Nur Safitri Rieke
Published: April 2023

Ethnomathematics is learning mathematics that is integrated into the culture of society. This study aims to explore and describe the mathematical geometric objects that exist in the building design of the Al-Husna Pondok Dalem Semboro mosque which can be utilized in learning mathematics. This research is a type of qualitative ethnographic research. The instrument in this research is the human instrument, namely the researcher as the main instrument that cannot be replaced by other people. Thus, the researcher acts as a data collector through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique consists of three stages, namely: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results of the study show that the architectural form of the Al-Husna Pondok Dalem Semboro Mosque has ethnomathematics related to the mathematical concept of geometric material including triangles, hexagons, squares, rectangles, circles, rhombuses, beams, tubes, spheres, cones, pyramids, congruence and congruence.
Keywords: ethnomathematics, Al-Husna Mosque Pondok Dalem Semboro, geometry
Upaya Meningkatkan Displin Belajar Siswa Dengan Konseling Kelompok Behavior Contract
Authors: Rohmana Della Wakhosyiyah , Mutakin Fakhruddin , Ernawati Siti
Published: April 2023

Teachers must be able to create discipline in students, such as helping students improve their standards of behavior and using the application of rules as a tool to strengthen discipline in learning activities. Therefore, for the success of education, discipline in learning activities for students in the teaching and learning process is absolutely necessary. This type of research is qualitative research based on guidance and counseling action research conducted in 2 cycles. The subjects of this study amounted to 6 members in one group. The methods used in data collection are observation, questionnaires, interviews. Sampling in this study used purposive sampling, namely population sampling was carried out based on criteria determined by the researcher. Based on the results of observations, the results obtained are that the level of student discipline is relatively low. In cycle I the result was an increase in career planning in the medium category by 73% and in cycle II the results were in the highest category which was 95%. So it can be explained that the provision of group counseling services using the behavior contract technique can improve the learning discipline of class VIII students of MTs Al Khoiriyah
Keyword:
Learning discipline; behavioral contract group counseling
Pengungkapan Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) dan Karakteristik Perusahaan yang Terdaftar di Jakarta Islamic Index 70 (JII70)
Authors: Cahya Bayu Tri , Restuti Dwi Putri , Sifah Noor
Published: April 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan bukti empiris mengenai pengaruh karakteristik perusahaan dalam pengungkapan Islamic Social Reporting (ISR) pada perusahaan yang terdaftar di Jakarta Islamic Index 70 (JII70) pada tahun 2018. Karakterisktik perusahaan meliputi, Firm Size (Ukuran Perusahaan), profitabilitas, likuiditas dan leverage. Aspek karakteristik perusahaan merupakan unsur vital karena menunjukkan ciri-ciri atau karakter yang dimiliki oleh masing-masing entitas bisnis. Jakarta Islamic Index 70 (JII70) merupakan saham yang masih tergolong baru, karena baru diluncurkan pada bulan Mei 2018. Penelitian ini menganalisis ISR melalui laporan tahunan perusahaan dengan menggunakan metode content analysis. Jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 34 perusahaan yang ditentukan dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Metode analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Firm Size (Ukuran Perusahaan) berpengaruh positif terhadap pengungkapan ISR, namun likuiditas memiliki signifikansi negatif. Sedangkan profitabilitas dan leverage tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap pengungkapan ISR.
LEGAL STATUS OF THE COVID-19 COUNTERACTING FUND NEW INSTRUMENTS IN FINANCIAL POLICY
Authors: Żmuda-Matan Kamila
Published: April 2023

In order to provide the funds necessary to finance and support the implementation of tasks related to counteracting COVID-19 in 2020, the COVID-19 Prevention Fund was established at Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego. The term counteracting COVID-19 should be understood as all activities related to combating infection, preventing its spread, prophylaxis and combating the effects, including socio-economic, of infections and infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, hereinafter referred to as COVID -19. The aim of the article is to analyze the evolution of the scope of objectives for which the Funds resources have been allocated over the last two years. In addition, the impact of the legal status of the COVID-19 Counteracting Fund on the basic elements of public finance in Poland was assessed, e.g. on the principle of openness, transparency, detail, unity or transparency
OVERVIEW OF SELECTED K.P.A. SOLUTIONS COMMENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF ART. 128 K.P.A.
Authors: Majewski Kamil , Majewska Patrycja
Published: April 2023

Article 128 of the Code of Administrative Procedure is a manifestation of a far-reaching protective function. Introduced solutions concerning reasoning instructions as a legal measure initiating proceedings under additional proceedings of non-legal categories (dissatisfaction) and does not require the entity authorized to bring this measure to justify its opinion. The authors indicate that a fundamental change in the social environment, including an increase in awareness and the legal introduction in 2015, a legal action that free of charge assistance was justified and the actionwas justified to investigate the solution of the addendum in Art. 128 kpa and its amendments.
Human Resource Management Practices as Predictors of Employee Engagement among Independent National Electoral Commission Staff
Authors:   Department of Human Resource Development, Osun State University, Оsogbo, Nigeria, OLONADE ZACCHEAUS O. , OMOTOYE OLUWATOBI O. , BAMIDELE GBENGA ,   Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, University of Lagos,   Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, University of Lagos
Published: April 2023

The study examines human resource management practices (HRMP) on employee engagement among Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff in Osun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study's objectives are to investigate the influence of recruitment & selection, training & development, compensation management, and employee relations on employee engagement among INEC staff in Osun State, Nigeria. Four hypotheses were postulated for testing. A cross-section research design was adopted in the study. The target population was 512 staff across the INEC offices in Osun State. Multi-stage sampling techniques, which comprised stratified, purposive, and simple random sampling techniques, were used in the study to select 160 respondents. Data collected by use of a questionnaire was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression and ANOVA were used to test the formulated hypotheses. The study found a significant effect of recruitment & selection, compensation management, and employee relations on employee engagement. However, the study also found no significant influence of training and development on employee engagement. The study then concluded that engaged employees are the main drivers of the organization's productivity, and human resource management practices are important factors influencing employee engagement among INEC staff in Osun State, Nigeria. The study recommends that organizations revise their HR policies, keeping the above factors in attaining the targeted goals.
Detrimental Implication of Micromanagement
Authors:   Department of Business Administration, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, SOLAJA OLUWASEGUN ,   Department of Business Administration, Covenant University, OYALAKUN DANIEL , JOHN OLAJUGBA , SOLAJA OMOBOLANLE , OLASUBULUMI OLAJIDE , ITUNUOLUWA OGUNFOWORA
Published: April 2023

The concept of micromanagement might appear suitable to managers, but it does more harm to employees than good. This study examined the detrimental implication of micromanagement on employee performance by obtaining data from one hundred and eighty-six non-teaching staff of a public school in Nigeria. A statistical package called RStudio was used to analyze the data. The study discovered that micromanagement harms employee productivity, retention, and satisfaction. The study suggests that managers should ensure employees have maximum autonomy when assigned tasks.
Healthcare Companies Performance before and during Covid-19: Empirical Evidence from 150 companies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore
Authors:   Undergraduate Student, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Economic and Business Faculty, FLORENCE CHRISTY , SOENARNO YANUAR NANOK ,   Atma Jaya Catholic University, Economic and Business Faculty
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is analyzing the effects of Economic Value Added (EVA) and Cash Value Added (CVA) on firm performance, also analyzing whether COVID-19 pandemic affected the firm performance of listed healthcare companies in South-east Asia countries significantly. The objective of this study is to see if healthcare sectors company are really a better option for investors in this time, especially because of the emergence of COVID-19. The firm performance in this study was measured with Market Value Added (MVA). This study took samples of listed healthcare companies from three South-east Asia countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The study samples included 16 samples from 16 Indonesian Healthcare companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), 13 samples from 19 Malaysian Healthcare companies listed in the Bursa Malaysia, and 23 samples from 33 Singaporean Healthcare companies listed in the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX), the total samples used were of 150 companies. The samples used in this study are from selected companies representing the whole segment. All samples were based on the informations provided in their annual report ended per 31 December. Multi regression analysis method was applied in this study to determine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the listed healthcare companies’ performance. Based on the tests conducted for this study, it is found that EVA and CVA have a positive significant effect on MVA. However, there was no significant difference found between MVA before and during COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers` Service Skills and Customers Loyalty: Evidence from Selected Deposit Money Banks
Authors:   Department of Business & Finance, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Nigeria, SHODIYA Abideen Olayinka , OJENIKE Joseph Olushola ,   Department of Business Administration, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, Nigeria
Published: April 2023

The study examines the impact of customers’ service skills on deposit money banks’ customer loyalty in the Abeokuta metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study specifically examines the effect of problem-solving, verbal and non-verbal communication skills on customers’ loyalty. A survey research design was adopted for the study with an infinite population from three leading deposit money banks. A sample size of 384 was determined using Cochran’s (1977) sample size formula, and the convenient sampling technique was used to select 128 respondents from the designated banks. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents, which was analysed using descriptive statistics and Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling (CB-SEM). The result revealed that problem-solving skills and verbal communication skills had a significant effect on customer loyalty. Non-verbal communication skills had an insignificant effect on customer loyalty. The study concluded that customer service skills significantly influenced banks’ customer loyalty. It was recommended that the banks’ management intensify effort towards building customers’ trust, train staff on how to deal with different customer types and ensure they are committed to doing whatever it takes to satisfy customers.
Financial Inclusion and Growth of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Banking & Finance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria, OLOWOFELA Olusola Enitan
Published: April 2023

Financial inclusion involves decreasing the number of unbanked population through series of activities that will enhance the participation in the financial system. The objective of this study is examining financial inclusion and its implications on growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria from 1992 to 2020 using data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The study used the classical linear regression model using Ordinary least square (OLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) to analyse the data. The outcome of the analysis revealed that the growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria is positively and significantly influenced by financial inclusion. The findings further revealed that government needs to steer up efforts in ensuring the dissemination of all banking services to reach everyone at affordability fees regardless of income group and location.
ADERÊNCIA DA EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL ESCOLAR EM MARACANÃ ÀS DIRETRIZES CURRICULARES NACIONAIS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL. UMA PROPOSTA DE ANÁLISE
Authors: De Oliveira Gabriel Antônio Ribeiro , Rocha Gilberto de Miranda , Vasconcellos Sobrinho Mário
Published: April 2023

As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Ambiental - que constituem uma resolução do órgão gestão da Política Nacional de Educação Ambiental - preconizam que as problemáticas socioambientais locais sejam conteúdos da Educação Ambiental escolar. O município de Maracanã, no estado do Pará, abriga quatro unidades de conservação. Pesquisas nacionais consolidadas, pesquisa acadêmica local em andamento, diagnóstico do Conselho Deliberativo da Reserva Extrativista Maracanã e observações empíricas em Maracanã revelam indícios de que a Educação Ambiental escolar praticada nesse município tem fraca aderência ao que estabelece Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Ambiental. Dado que a Sociologia da Ação Pública, de Lascoumes e Le Galès (2012) propõe analisar as políticas públicas, este trabalho objetivou verificar a pertinência desse referencial teórico para analisar as razões da suposta fraca aderência indicada da Educação Ambiental escolar realizada em Maracanã ao estabelecido nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Ambiental. O resultado constatou ter esse referencial teórico capacidade para tal análise.
Structure Simulation on Portable Commuter Bike Considering Frame Design and Materials Alternatives
Authors: Iskandriawan Bambang
Published: April 2023

Portable commuter bikes (PCBs) are needed by commuters, people who live in the suburbs of a city and whose activities are in the middle of the city or vice versa, even for longer distances. For user safety, it is mandatory to check the strength aspect of the bicycle frame structure. PCBs are not only ridden by the commuter but can also be folded to bring them along on public transportation. The PCB design also included a stool to be used by the commuter while waiting for the bus or train. The strength of the PCB structure was investigated using numerical simulations based on static load. The displacements and stresses were controlled using a variety of PCB frame designs and materials. The results of this bicycle structural inspection can guide the improvement of PCB designs in the future.
Investigation on Neutronic Parameters of the KLT-40S Reactor Core with U3Si2-FeCrAl using SCALE Code
Authors: Al Mahfudz Alif , Agung Alexander , Harto Andang Widi
Published: April 2023

From a safety point of view, the fuel-cladding of the current design of the KLT-40S reactor still carries a potential risk in the event of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) allowing the formation of hydrogen gas. The concept of accident tolerant fuels (ATF) offers a variety of new safer fuel-cladding materials, one of which is U3Si2-FeCrAl, a potential fuel-cladding combination according to various research sources. In this research, a study of neutronic parameters (1) cycle length, (2) reactivity feedback coefficient, and (3) reactor proliferation resistance was performed with ATF material U3Si2-FeCrAl as fuel-cladding in the KLT-40S reactor core. Modeling and simulation of the ATF-fueled KLT-40S reactor core were performed using KENO-VI and TRITON modules from SCALE code. The results showed that replacement of the fuel-cladding material with the ATF material in the KLT-40S reactor resulted in a shorter cycle length, and the enrichment required to reproduce the original cycle length was above the safeguard limit. The fuel temperature, moderator temperature, and void reactivity coefficient were negative, although not as negative as the original ones. The spent fuel produced at the end of the cycle had good proliferation resistance, although not as good as the original one.
The spikiness of the density of states in quasicrystals
Authors: Stadnik Zbigniew M.
Published: April 2023

The spikiness of the density of states in quasicrystals

The spikiness of the electronic density of states in quasicrystals is believed to be inherent to QCs and so-called approximants (APs) to QCs. Solids have been traditionally divided into two categories: crystalline and amorphous. The dramatic discovery of an icosahedral Al-Mn alloy by Shechtman et al. (1) in 1984 (Shechtman was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) extended this dichotomous division by introducing the notion of quasicrystals (QCs). These compounds possess a new type of long-range translational order, quasiperiodicity, and a non-crystallographic orientational order associated with the classically forbidden fivefold, eightfold, tenfold, and twelvefold symmetry axes (2). Whereas there are more than 20 million/tens of thousands known crystalline/amorphous compounds, QCs have hitherto been found in more than a hundred binary and ternary intermetallic systems (3). One of the central problems in condensed matter physics is determining whether quasiperiodicity leads to physical properties that are significantly different from those of crystalline and amorphous materials.
Exploring digital twins and structural vibration in collaborative research
Authors: Ibsen Claus H. , Bhaskar Atul
Published: April 2023

Exploring digital twins and structural vibration in collaborative research

In discussion of their collaboration and funding in their Horizon Europe project on structural vibration, Prof. Bhaskar from the University of Sheffield and Dr. Claus Ibsen from Vestas aircoil A/S met during the application for the Horizon 2020 project which was to be the InDEstruct project. At that time, Professor Bhaskar was affiliated with the University of Southampton as the project coordinator. The project was qualified for funding under the Horizon 2020 programme and has recently been completed. Vestas aircoil A/S have agreed to co-finance 2 PhDs to be enrolled at the University of Sheffield, with Professor Bhaskar securing co-financing with funding from the research council in the UK. The long-term ambition is to produce a hi-fidelity model in the spirit of digital twins, so that design changes could be quickly accommodated. This industrial funding from Vestas will be supplemented by additional funding from the UK Research Council to support the work of a PhD student for the duration of three and a half years.
EAT2beNICE Project: The correlation between diet and mental health
Authors: Mostert Jeanette C. , Vasquez Alejandro Arias
Published: April 2023

EAT2beNICE Project: The correlation between diet and mental health

Jeanette C. Mostert & Alejandro Arias Vasquez from the Departments of Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, The Netherlands, reveal that diet and mental health are linked, as they reflect on the lessons learned from the Eat2beNICE project. We all know the saying, “you are what you eat”. The food we eat provides the building blocks for our bodies, directly linking our diet and mental health. Healthy eating is, therefore, essential for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Switching between different identities, the example of Paul the Apostle
Authors: Maier Felix K.
Published: April 2023

Switching between different identities, the example of Paul the Apostle

Prof Dr Felix K Maier, Professor for Ancient History at University of Zurich, uses the example of Paul the Apostle to illustrate switching between different identities. My history research project analyzes the dynamics of different identities in the Roman Empire from around 50-150 AD. This project seeks to understand the often-paradoxical dynamics of different identities in a multicultural empire and to stimulate a discussion about hidden aspects of social interactions that we still need to understand correctly. Although the Roman era is entirely different to our times, some critical questions relate to today's world, where social and political distinction mechanisms also lead to open or concealed conflicts.
Weathering the storm: Exploring flooding in agriculture
Authors: Sprunger Christine
Published: April 2023

Weathering the storm: Exploring flooding in agriculture

Christine Sprunger, the Assistant Professor of Soil Health at Michigan State University, aims to understand how the flooding in agriculture has increased with climate change and how farmers can better adapt. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns across the globe. In the upper Midwestern part of the United States, abnormal precipitation events are projected to increase. In recent years, the Midwest has experienced a 37% increase in ‘very heavy precipitation' events (defined as the heaviest 1% of all daily events) according to Karl et al., 2009. Moreover, climate change is shifting when and how these heavy rainfall events are occurring, leading to worse effects of flooding in agriculture.
Understanding amyloid beta and Alzheimer's disease: the key to helping AD patients
Authors: Guy H. Robert
Published: April 2023

Understanding amyloid beta and Alzheimer's disease: the key to helping AD patients

Efforts to prevent or treat Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by targeting Amyloid beta (Aβ) assemblies should be continued, but the strategies should be altered dramatically. The most common error with the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has been to confuse effects with causes. AD begins with small Amyloid beta (Aβ) assemblies, oligomers, that damage synaptic and organelle membranes. Pathogenic oligomers should be suppressed long before symptoms appear. The root causes of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) are poorly understood and often misunderstood. Yes, everyone knows about plaques and tangles that contain amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau fibrils; these have been observed in the brains of most Alzheimer's patients since the 19th century. Billions have been spent to develop treatments that target these assemblies with almost no success. Just as war cannot be prevented by analyzing battlefield carnage, AD treatments based on analyses of plaques and tangles have failed. By the time they appear, it may be too late to avoid damage or halt the progression of AD.
Getting to know the subsea mapping company MMA Global Aqua
Authors: Low Jared , Song Gwo-shyh
Published: April 2023

Getting to know the subsea mapping company MMA Global Aqua

Jared Low, Project Manager at MMA Global Aqua, talks about his first impressions at the subsea mapping company and his predictions for the company's future. My name is Jared, I'm 31 years old, and I originally come from Indonesia. After graduating from university, I started working for Oceaneering in the ROV division for about eight years, thus I have very limited survey-related knowledge. I left Oceaneering and subsea mapping company MMA Global Aqua found me to join their team in Taiwan. Renewable energy is such a big development in Taiwan and going forward, I think globally, it's going to be a major change to the energy industry as well. As MMA Global Aqua specialises in survey and mapping technology, my experience in ROV provides a different perspective for the company. At the same time, I can gain knowledge about survey technology from my fellow colleagues.
How can the health sector support Canada's net-zero ambition?
Authors: Miller Fiona A.
Published: April 2023

How can the health sector support Canada's net-zero ambition?

As the Honourable Steven Guilbeault has clarified, if Canada is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we will need “all-hands-on-deck.” Fiona A. Miller, Professor & Director at the Centre for Sustainable Health Systems, University of Toronto in Canada, explores Canada's net-zero ambition, looking in particular at the role of the health sector in decarbonisation. However, achieving Canada's net-zero ambition of neutral greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is a complex and challenging goal that requires a whole-of-society approach. The initiative calls for all companies operating in Canada to voluntarily commit to developing and implementing a plan to achieve Canada's net-zero ambition, supported by clear technical standards and public reporting requirements. So far, the 2030 emissions reduction plan aims at “clean air and good jobs, a healthy environment and a strong economy.” The problem lies in the significant gap in the Federal Government's plans: the health sector's direct contribution to the net-zero transition. Healthcare is a highly resource-intensive and polluting industry, estimated at 5.2% of global emissions and increasing. Moreover, Canada's health sector is estimated to be the second most carbon-intensive in the world after that of the U.S. There is clearly work to do, Professor Miller evaluates.
Using of opioids for chronic pain: Controversies, guidelines, research needs
Authors: Buckley Norm , Busse Jason
Published: April 2023

Using of opioids for chronic pain: Controversies, guidelines, research needs

First in a series of five articles, Norm Buckley and Jason Busse explore the trials and tribulations associated with using opioids for chronic pain, particularly in Canada. The prescription of opioids for chronic pain is both clinically controversial and a highly politicized arena. Although rigorously developed clinical practice guidelines, when followed, can improve patient care, a number of other issues affect the behaviour of physicians, other healthcare providers and agencies responsible for access to treatment. This is the first of five editorials that will be published over the next year that will review the use of opioids for chronic noncancer pain, with a particular focus on Canada.
Revolutionary pain relief cream and two-minute exercise to cure and prevent lower back pain
Authors: Bertrand Hélène
Published: April 2023

Revolutionary pain relief cream and two-minute exercise to cure and prevent lower back pain

In an interview with Open Access Government, Dr Helene Bertrand looks to her own back pain journey and the ways she has found to heal herself. Dr. Bertrand suffered from lower back pain for 37 years following the birth of her first child, but despite trying everything, she couldn't get the pain to go away. In 2003, she started working on prolotherapy after using it to relieve her own pain. This is when she started helping patients, and her demand skyrocketed. After conducting a research project on rotator cuff tendinopathy, she realised it was twice as good as physiotherapy in improving pain and function in the shoulder. She then published this paper on rotator cuff tendinopathy “Dextrose Prolotherapy Versus Control Injections in Painful Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy”(1) and started getting referrals. It was then that Helene decided she was going to concentrate on treating pain. After trying 16 different base creams, in 2014, they came up with QR cream, a quick pain relief cream made using Mannitol. She also came up with a two-minute exercise that could relieve lower back pain instantly.
Policy recommendations for Japan towards achieving labour CRS/ RBC
Authors: Sugawara Emi
Published: April 2023

Policy recommendations for Japan towards achieving labour CRS/ RBC

The government's current policy can be improved. Therefore, it is an urgent task to create an overarching policy vision to help Japan on its journey towards Labour CSR/RBC. The study “Policy recommendations for Japan towards achieving the labour dimension of corporate social responsibility: Japan's national policy concerning business and human rights” (co-authors Prof. Emi Sugawara, Osaka University of Economics and Law and Ryusuke Tanaka, ILO Tokyo) analyses the norms developed in the context of international instruments, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and the dynamism of normative development led by diverse actors' implementation of those norms.(1)
Ultrananocrystaline diamond (UNCD™) coatings for new generations high-tech/ medical devices/prostheses
Authors: Auciello Orlando
Published: April 2023

Ultrananocrystaline diamond (UNCD™) coatings for new generations high-tech/ medical devices/prostheses

This article provides a summary of materials science, materials integration strategies, materials properties, and design and development of new generations of industrial products, high-tech and external/implantable medical devices/prostheses, and treatment of medical conditions, based on the unique biocompatible Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCD™) coating co-developed by Auciello and colleagues, and key oxide films and nanoparticles, to improve the quality of life of people worldwide. The target audience for this article includes undergraduate/graduate students, postdocs, scientists and engineers in Academia and Industry in different fields of science and technology, including materials scientists, mechanical engineers, bioengineers, applied physicists/chemists, medical device designers/manufacturers, and medical doctors/surgeons, who, by knowing more about biomaterials and devices they are implanting in people, may make better decisions when selecting a device based on the appropriate material for implantation.
Kinematic redundancy: Kinetics for use with redundant manipulators
Authors: Okabe Kousuke
Published: April 2023

Kinematic redundancy: Kinetics for use with redundant manipulators

Kousuke Okabe, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, explores kinematic redundancy and the redundant manipulator using the Grassmann algebra. In recent years, the industrial world has witnessed the launch of manipulators with kinematic redundancy such as those from Yaskawa Electric Corporation's MOTOMAN-SIA series. However, for many of these, redundancy is applied kinematically, through contact avoidance between the arm and the environment, and not dynamically. The robot's operations include contact avoidance and turning movements. Much of the time when it is not required, the redundancy is not utilised, but rather consumes more energy due to the increased weight.
Moral markets in energy: Bridging the gap between policy, industry, and society
Authors: Georgallis Panikos
Published: April 2023

Moral markets in energy: Bridging the gap between policy, industry, and society

Dr. Panikos Georgallis, an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam, does research on the interaction between companies and their socio-political environment when adapting to moral markets. Moral markets are sectors that emerge not only to address an economic opportunity but also to solve some social or environmental problems. This includes, for example, ethical fashion, organic goods, grass-fed meat, sustainable forestry, renewable energy, fair trade products, recycling and now, plant-based meat. These markets emerged to address some broader social or environmental challenge. They differ from conventional markets in a couple of ways. One is that their products are considered superior, not from a functional or a cost-based perspective, but normatively superior. We think that fair-trade products are better than non-fair-trade products, not because we can tell a difference in taste, but because of the way farmers are paid.
The importance of good childcare services for gender equality
Authors: Naumann Ingela
Published: April 2023

The importance of good childcare services for gender equality

Professor Ingela Naumann at Fribourg University discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on childcare arrangements and family wellbeing, and how it highlighted gendered care norms. The COVID-pandemic put a spotlight on a central conundrum of modern society: you cannot do your job while simultaneously looking after your child. Whatever you do, in the long run one or the other will suffer: You can park your child in front of the TV so you can do that online meeting (bad educational value!), or you pretend to be present in that meeting while, actually, you are stacking blocks with your child (and you might miss that important part in the meeting for your input!). Yet, during COVID-lockdowns when childcare services and schools were closed and employment moved online for many, scores of parents tried to do exactly that: juggle employment and childcare in their homes, all at once. How did they fare?
An economic analysis of social welfare
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: April 2023

An economic analysis of social welfare

Welfare economics may be defined as the branch of study which formu lates propositions by which we can say that the social welfare in one economic situation is higher or lower than in another (Ng 2004, 2015(1)). Briefly, it is the economic analysis of social welfare. As a society consists of individuals in that society, social welfare is just the welfare of individuals in that society. Here, welfare is defined as the happiness of the individual. Though some authors since Aristotle require some ethical/eudemonic elements in the definition of welfare in addition to happiness, I argue (Ng 2022, Ch.1) that it is most simple to separate the subjective/hedonic element from the eudemonic element; the latter element being regarded as an issue in morality, not in the concept of welfare or happiness
Exploring current and future therapies for childhood astrocytoma
Authors: Houghton Peter J
Published: April 2023

Exploring current and future therapies for childhood astrocytoma

Here, Doctor Peter J Houghton explains current therapies for childhood brain cancer what needs to change to ensure better outcomes for children diagnosed with astrocytoma in the future. Cancer in children is rare, representing less than 1% of all cancers in the U.S. Yet, despite major advances in treating childhood cancer, it remains the major cause of disease-related death in children up to 19 years of age in the U.S. It is estimated that 1 in 285 children will be diagnosed with cancer.
Demographic pressures on the Egyptian labour market
Authors: Assaad Ragui
Published: April 2023

Demographic pressures on the Egyptian labour market

Ragui Assaad, Professor from Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, explores the upcoming resumption of demographic pressures on the Egyptian labour market and what can be done about it. Although unemployment rates have been falling in Egypt in recent years, this trend will likely reverse in the next five to ten years as the “echo” generation comes of age and starts entering the labor market and substantially increasing labor supply.
Sustainable production of pheromones now a reality
Authors: Borodina Irina
Published: April 2023

Sustainable production of pheromones now a reality

When the PHERA Project started, it was with an ambitious goal to prove that insect pheromones can be produced using a biological rather than a chemical process. A seeming subtlety, yet with the potential to propel agriculture in a much more sustainable direction involving less pesticides. Now, nearing its end, the EU-funded PHERA Project reveals just how far it has come. When modern insecticides were introduced around World War II, it was accompanied by optimism. Insecticides quickly helped to boost agricultural output for a growing global population. In time, however, concerns arose about their environmental and human impacts. Insecticides also became less effective as insects developed resistance to them. Instead, integrated pest management (IPM) became more prevalent.
How entrepreneurship industry saved COVID fighting nanotechnology?
Authors: Webster Tom
Published: April 2023

How entrepreneurship industry saved COVID fighting nanotechnology?

Here Thomas J. Webster, Ph.D. explores how Nanotechnology was crucial in the battle against COVID-19 and how entrepreneurship helped it thrive. Our healthcare system was ill-prepared for a viral pandemic, as well as many other health crises. Our only recourse when COVID emerged was to shut everything down and tell people not to interact for fear of spreading the virus. Stay home. Cancel trips. Do everything virtually. There are few examples of larger healthcare failures than COVID, when the only way to stop a virus from spreading was to tell people to stop seeing each other. Fortunately, vaccines eventually emerged, masks were worn, diagnostic kits were developed, and we have learned to live with SARS-CoV-2. But how did we get to such a dark place in our healthcare system, and what technologies helped us? In my experience, it was nanotechnology.
FMRI neurofeedback: Novel interventions for depression
Authors: Young Kymberly
Published: April 2023

FMRI neurofeedback: Novel interventions for depression

Kymberly Young, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, discusses neurofeedback as a novel non-invasive intervention for depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, disabling, and devastation condition that is the leading cause of disability worldwide (Friedrich, 2017). Up to two-thirds of patients who seek standard interventions will not respond, while only one-half of patients who do will achieve sustained remission (Cain, 2007). Therefore, there is a pressing need to research and develop novel non-invasive interventions for MDD, particularly in those who have failed to respond to previous treatments such as antidepressant medications.
Peroxisomes, lipids, and neurodegeneration
Authors: Schrader Michael
Published: April 2023

Peroxisomes, lipids, and neurodegeneration

Prof. Michael Schrader at the University of Exeter looks to understand the role of peroxisomes in human health and disease. The proper functioning of eukaryotic cells depends on membrane-bound subcellular compartments (organelles). They create distinct and unique reaction chambers with an optimised environment to promote various metabolic reactions required to sustain life. These compartments are highly dynamic and can alter their position, number, enzymatic content, and morphology according to cellular needs or environmental changes. In addition, organelles interact, communicate, and cooperate in metabolic pathways and tasks distributed across different organelles. Prof. Schrader and his team in the Dept. of Biosciences at the University of Exeter are investigating how these processes are regulated, and what molecular components and mechanisms are involved, with a particular focus on peroxisomes.
Genetic coding: Roots of genetic readout in nucleic acid structural duality
Authors: Carter Charlie
Published: April 2023

Genetic coding: Roots of genetic readout in nucleic acid structural duality

Charles W. Carter, Jr, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explores the roots of genetic readout in the inherent structural duality of DNA and how genetic coding expanded its potential, enabling life to emerge. One of Nature's most ingenious inventions, the genetic code unlocked a vast molecular machinery enabling independently living cells to emerge from the complex chemistry that preceded the origin of life.
Fostering nonhuman primate (NHP) brain research without animal sacrifice
Authors: Duque Alvaro
Published: April 2023

Fostering nonhuman primate (NHP) brain research without animal sacrifice

The MacBrain Resource Center (MBRC) at Yale University School of Medicine is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative ways to provide cost-effective means for scientists to conduct de novo nonhuman primate brain research with extant materials. This avoids superfluous animal sacrifice, increases study repeatability, decreases costs, and makes NHP brain research accessible to a much larger scientific community. Conditions that its Director, Dr. Alvaro Duque, believe will help advance neuroscience. The brain is a complex system and, as it is often the case with the study of complex systems, research is expensive and progress very slow.
Uncovering the potential for geoscience research in Canada's North
Authors: Mate David
Published: April 2023

Uncovering the potential for geoscience research in Canada's North

David Mate, Executive Director of the Northern Canada Division, Geological Survey of Canada, shares how the GEM-GeoNorth program is using geoscience research to improve the quality of life for Canadians. We have a longstanding geological knowledge gap in Canada. The north – the area above 57° latitude – encompasses roughly 40 per cent of the total area of Canada. Despite the importance of this region to the culture, history and identity of our country and its people, it has historically been understudied compared to southern Canada. We have much to understand about geoscience research in this environment, and resource potential, as well as the resilience of the land and infrastructure to climate change.
Updating services for people with younger onset dementia and their caregivers
Authors: Kwok Timothy , Ho Florence , Wong Bel , Cheng Tobi
Published: April 2023

Updating services for people with younger onset dementia and their caregivers

Researchers from the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing analyse the services available for people with younger onset dementia, looking to improve the lives of those affected and their carers. People who exhibit dementia-related symptoms when they are under age 65 are categorised as people with younger onset dementia (YOD). Currently, there are 4.9 million people with YOD,(1, 2) accounting for 9% of the dementia population. Compared to people with late-onset dementia, such as dementia onset at or after 65 years old, people with YOD face different challenges and therefore require different support in their daily lives. However, the existing dementia services mainly focus on the elderly with late-onset dementia, suggesting that people with YOD and their caregivers are not adequately supported.(3, 4)
Ethnography and cinema as meditation tools in gang research
Authors: Feixa Carles , Sánchez-García José
Published: April 2023

Ethnography and cinema as meditation tools in gang research

In this article, Carles Feixa and José Sánchez-García share two main results of the Special Features of the TRANSGANG project: White Paper and Documentary films which looks at mediation tools in gang research. During the last five years, the TRANSGANG Project has investigated transnational gangs as agents of mediation in twelve cities of three regions: Southern Europe (Barcelona, Madrid, Marseille, Milano), Northern Africa (Rabat-Salé, Algiers, Djendel, Tunis), and the Americas (Medellin, San Salvador, Santiago de Cuba and Chicago). Among the main outcomes of the project, two special features have used ethnography and cinema as mediation tools in gang research.
QUANTUM PHYSICS AND THE BOUNDARIES OF HUMAN PERCEPTION
Authors:   Skilik Robo Advisory, Malaysia, Mabrouk Ahmed
Published: April 2023

The experimental results of quantum physics were manipulated by empiricists to forward some philosophical notions, which are in conflict with common sense and religious convictions. Most seriously, the notion of observer-created reality questions the independent reality of subatomic particles and endows divine qualities on observers who presumably determine their status. Moreover, the seemingly spontaneous electronic transitions were used to shed light as to whether the universe has a stationary configuration. In this article, both notions are analysed in terms of the logical consistency of their arguments and the scientific approach they adopt. The same arguments are also examined in light of the Islamic conceptual framework pertinent to how the universe is like. The article starts by delineating the logical framework of classical physics through discussing three energy-related concepts. A more objective approach that emerges from the positions of rationalists, such as Faraday and Einstein, is proposed. It is argued that despite the peculiarities of quantum physics, drawing parallels between classical and quantum physics is possible, and following the same analytical approach in both is imperative.
Assessment of neurocognitive disorders in HIV infected patients receiving combination of anti-retroviral therapy at a tertiary care hospital - An observational study
Authors: Shwetha S  , Chacko Rebecca Elizabeth , K George Dr. Blessy , Ramaiah Dr. Balakeshwa , James Dr. Shirley
Published: April 2023

cARTTherapy (combination antiretroviral therapy) has improved the live expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV). But HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are still prevalent. One of the factors associated could be the cARTtherapy itself. The study aims to calculate the prevalence of HAND and associated risk factors in PLHIV who are on Cart therapy and to compare the efficiency of MMSE and IHDS scales in the assessment of HAND. A case-control study involving 54 PLHIV on cART therapy and 27 HIV negative controls were screened for their neurocognition by two neuropsychological tests such as MMSE and IHDS, followed by staging into Asymptomatic Neurological Impairment (ANI), Mild Neurocognitive Impairment (MND), HIV Associated Dementia (HAD) in PLHIV. Statistical analysis was done using suitable software. The overall prevalence of HAND in our study was found to be 70.37%. Prevalence estimates for specific HAND diagnoses were 57.89% ANI, 28.9% MND, and 13.1 % HAD. IHDS demonstrated good screening ability for HAND with an optimal cut-off score of 10, high sensitivity of 70% and minimal specificity. Age, male gender, low literacy, presence of comorbidities, severity of the disease, cART regimen with low CPE (CNS penetration effectiveness) score were strongly correlated. Study findings suggest that IHDS serves as a better screening tool for HAND with greater sensitivity and can facilitate further cognitive evaluation. The overall prevalence was found to be equivalent to that of the recently reported studies.