bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Social Media Marketing Toward Repurchase Intention Tokopedia Indonesian Consumer Through Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Fathimah Az-zahra DFarah , Tri Kurniawan Dediek , Shabrina Prameka Adelia
Published: January 2024

Currently, the development of e-commerce in Indonesia is experiencing the second fastest growth after Vietnam and is projected to continue to grow. Therefore, it is important for e-commerce to implement various strategies to attract customers to make repeat purchases and maintain their existence. This study aims to explain how the influence of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social media marketing on repurchase intention influences Tokopedia Indonesia’s customer satisfaction. The type of data used in this study is quantitative using the SEM-PLS method with a sample of generation Z research of Tokopedia consumers in Malang City. The results of this study show that there is a positive and significant influence on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and social media marketing on repurchase intention through Tokopedia Indonesia’s customer satisfaction mediation variables.
Keywords: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, social media marketing, repurchase intention, customer satisfaction
Virtual Reality Research in Office Management: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: . Filianti , Wahyudin Asep , Sobandi Ade , Churiyah Madziatul
Published: January 2024

Office digitization not only occurs in the aspect of using digital tools to facilitate the work of employees and office managers but also transfers all office activities to a virtual environment. This also invites the pros and cons. This study aims to provide an extensive bibliometric literature study on “virtual reality in office management”. The research articles were compiled from the Google Scholar database and the publishers Elsevier and Emerald. Of the 38 articles found in the database, from 2011 to 2021, 35 articles were analyzed in this study. The selected references were then managed using reference manager software, namely Zotero. After managing the database, the researcher performed classification and visualization using VOS viewer software. Overall, this literature study provides an appropriate reference point for further research on “virtual reality in office management.”
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, future office, office management, virtual reality
A Conceptual Model of the Social Entrepreneurship Design Thinking for University Students
Authors: Nizam Mohamad Razali Shahrul , Sahid Sheerad
Published: January 2024

The knowledge-building of social entrepreneurs often depends on self-will, especially in terms of knowledge, skills, creativity, and innovation. Proper planning and design development are the main pillars that help social entrepreneurs to continue to progress and be competitive. Design thinking helps in the production of creative ideas before the implementation of the mission of social entrepreneurship, which in turn contributes to change and increases the social value of society. This article aims to discuss the social entrepreneurship design thinking model of public university students in the production of more efficient and impactful social entrepreneurship behavior. The author uses a literature review approach to obtain relevant concepts and theories before developing a structured modeling framework to be tested in the study. A number of public university students in Peninsular Malaysia were selected to be respondents for this study. This study only unravels the importance of the development of design thinking for university students and no numerical data needs to be analyzed. The contribution of the study gives a positive impact and innovative value to the field of entrepreneurship, the academic sector, and local universities. This study is expected to contribute in building awareness of adapting design thinking to the social entrepreneurship of public university students in the generation of product ideation as well as community social mission activities in achieving the objective as a social entrepreneur who brings impact to the development of the country and human civilization.
Keywords: design thinking, innovation, public universities, social entrepreneurship, students
Islamic Economic System in Practice: Beyond Merely Islamic-based Transactions
Authors: Wafaretta Vega , Imari Iqbal
Published: January 2024

Islamic economic system is well-known for its not-so-generally accepted concept, a gap between theory and reality, and paradigm disputes. Regarding the different thoughts and the need for economic, social, and moral values; this study intends to elaborate on the Islamic economic system practice at a mezzo level in Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor (PMDG). This study presents the novelty of the Islamic economic system practice with authority protection and Islamic worldview. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and interpreted narratively. This study finds that the Islamic economic system in PMDG comprises economic agents and Islamic institutions, transactions, worldviews, and behaviors with market protection to ensure efficient resource allocation and business units’ sustainability. Economic agents consist of a foundation, the chairman as an economic and religious-related decision maker, the management of business units, and the society surrounding PMDG. PMDG allocates resources and regulates market protection through Islamic institutions and transactions to prevent unhealthy competition. The Islamic worldview and behaviors are shown by the integration of modern knowledge and Islamic principles with cooperation and brotherhood. Eventually, the whole process of the Islamic economic system implies the social welfare of internal PMDG and the surrounding community, as well as the achievement of the objective of Sharia. Further research can investigate the more challenged implementation of Islamic economics in a macro-level system and diverse society.
Keywords: Islamic economic system, Islamic transactions, protection, Islamic worldview, Islamic behaviors
The Role of Brand Attractiveness on Impulse Buying with Celebrity Worship as A Mediation Variable on Purchase of Official Merch BTS in East Java
Authors: Djasmin Zaylendra Anisya , Puteri Woro Subagio Dyajeng , Ratna Pudyaningsih Agnes
Published: January 2024

The Korean wave phenomenon that is sweeping the world is slowly starting to have an economic impact, the presence of a music group consisting of young people with attractive appearances is the biggest driving factor causing the Korean wave phenomenon to spread, including the currently worldwide boyband BTS. This study aims to determine the role of brand attractiveness in impulse buying with celebrity worship as a mediating variable for purchasing official BTS merchandise in East Java. The sample in this study was 96 respondents with a sampling technique using purposive proportional random sampling with the criteria of consumers who bought BTS. BTS official merch fans commonly called ARMY fans who were in the East Java area and for private ownership. The results of this study indicate that brand attractiveness has a significant effect on impulse buying. Brand attractiveness has a significant effect on celebrity worship. Celebrity worship has a significant effect on impulse buying. Celebrity worship partially mediates brand attractiveness and impluse buying.
Keywords: brand attractiveness, impulse buying, celebrity worship
Immediate Economic Effects of Pandemic on Inclusive Growth and Underground Economics: A Case Study Indonesia
Authors: Seprillina Linda , Annisa Qurrata Vika , Huang Wen-Chi , Yusida Ermita , Purnamasari Vidya
Published: January 2024

The informal sector had become an essential pillar that takes over the economy of Indonesia. While the pandemic is dragging the economy to a low level, the informal sector needs more attention from the government. Bad governance of the informal sector will lead to the creation of an underground economy that impedes economic potential. In contrast, good governance will create more massive economic growth, which will lead to the development of the formal sector. The informal sector supports the economy of low and middle-income countries than the high-income country. That statement is also shown by the data that the informal sector support 8.33% of Indonesian gross domestic product (GDP). This research aims to measure the impact of the pandemic on the inclusive and underground economy from two different perspectives, owners and workers in the underground economy system. This research was conducted by using descriptive and quantitative analysis involving a dummy variable to capture the difference between before and during the pandemic. Using time-series data, this research shows that there are significant effects of the pandemic on the changing of income, consumption, and saving for both owners and workers. Moreover, some informal activists shift to different jobs to keep the proper way of living during the pandemic. The changing of four different aspects, certainly brings society’s prosperousness to a low level.
Keywords: inclusive growth, pandemic era, underground economy
The Effect of GDP, FDI, and Inflation to Trade Balance in 12 APEC Countries
Authors: Aga Lumayung Galih , Ramadhona Amalia Lubis Firsty , Ngulum Fadilah Nizaul , Faudzi Maman , Sukarniati Lestari
Published: January 2024

This research analyzes the factors that affect the trade balance in 12 APEC countries because trade balance is one of the important factors for economic growth. The level of prosperity and economy of a country can be measured by its active trading activities. This activity can be a source of income for countries. So, it can be said that the strength of a country’s economy is its trade. Through trade, a country can establish diplomatic relations with other countries. This research uses panel data model with trade balance as a dependent variable, and gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), and inflation as independent variables. This research uses data from 2011-2020. The result is that GDP does not have significance with the trade balance, FDI has a positive significance for trade balance, and inflation has a negative significance with trade balance.
Keywords: APEC, data panel, trade balance
Design and Build the Social Security Equity Crowdfunding Application as Funding Optimization for MSMEs
Authors: Murdiono Achmad , . Subagyo , Siswanto Ely , Asandimitra Nadia , Abd Aziz Norzalita
Published: January 2024

The existence of MSMEs for the economy in Indonesia is very strategic because of their contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and high employment. In addition, the MSME sector has proven to be strong in facing national and international economic crises. Even though it has a high contribution it does not mean that MSMEs do not face problems. One of the problems faced by MSMEs is the low ability to develop their business due to limited access to capital. Therefore, this study aims to design and build a funding application (social security equity crowdfunding) for MSMEs. The design of this study uses a research and development approach with four main stages, namely (1). Carry out a preliminary study through theoretical studies and field studies in order to develop an application framework. (2) Compile applications according to the design carried out in the preliminary stage. (3) Conduct expert validation tests and limited-scale trials. (4). The final stage of this research was conducting a large-scale trial of 30 MSMEs in Tulungagung, Kediri and Blitar Regencies. Through research, a funding application is produced with a social security equity crowdfunding scheme that can assist MSMEs in developing alternative funding outside of financial institutions, so as to increase the business capacity and competitiveness of MSMEs at the national and international levels.
Keywords: social security equity crowdfunding application, funding alternatives, MSMEs
Perception and Interpretation Analysis Among Consumers Toward Instant Herbal Products
Authors: Soesilowati Etty , Mizar Alfian , Susanti Evi , Prasisca Dhita
Published: January 2024

Traditional medicine is an alternative that the community can use to maintain body immunity. Plants that can be consumed as immune boosters include ginger and turmeric. Several phytochemical compounds known to have physiological functions are carotenoids, phytosterols, saponins, glycosinolates, polyphenols, protease inhibitors, monoterpenes, phytoestrogens, sulfides, and phytic acid. The abundant availability of biopharmaceutical plants has been utilized by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Semarang to be processed into various postharvest processed products in the form of instant powder drinks, as was provided by AIG Bunda Nisa SMEs in Delik Village, Tuntang District. This study aimed to determine consumer perceptions and interpretations of instant herbal products. The research locus is located in the city and regency of Semarang and its surrounding areas. Primary data were obtained through interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained through literatures related to the research. The product used as the object of study is the product of AIG Bunda Nisa’s instant herbal medicine. The attributes that will be assessed by consumers include price, taste, benefits, texture, packaging, legality, and ease of obtaining. The results showed that the types of instant herbal medicine that were often consumed by respondents were ginger 30%, Curcuma (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Roxb) 26%, and turmeric (Curcuma Domestica Vahl) 21%. The motivation of 68.1% of respondents to consume instant herbal medicine is for health, while taste and quality being the primary considerations. In this matter, the benefit attribute becomes essential. Consumers expect the spice taste to be strengthened by reducing the sugar content and the price to be more affordable.
Keywords: consumer, interpretation, instan herbal medicine, perception
Optimization of Rice Distribution Network Based on Green Logistics Concept
Authors: Umitri Praftiwi , Ciptomulyono Udisubakti
Published: January 2024

SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals have become a global and national commitment. Greenhouse gases (GHG) are indicators of climate change which is one of the 17 SDG’s goals. In the national food logistics system with rice as a staple food, there are some regions with surplus production and other deficits. Hence, the distribution involved the transportation activities that need to be carried out. In transportation, the carbon footprints are generated from exhaust gases as residue from the fuel combustion process. The carbon footprint efficiency is one of the indicators in green logistics. Green logistics for decarbonization in the transportation sector for a better environment has to start massively. Indonesia is committed to implementing the green logistics concept in logistics distribution. In this case, the author determined the surplus area and the deficit one based on statistical data on the production and consumption of each city in Java. Furthermore, a distribution network model is designed that involves emission level as a parameter in determining the route on the network. In the design, the selected mode of freight transportation was limited to land transportation modes besides trains. The design makes environmental aspects a major consideration in the distribution as well as the shipping costs.
Keywords: carbon footprint, emission factor, green logistics
Factors Affecting Indonesian Women's Spending During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rachmawati Lucky , Cahyono Hendry , Hanifa Nurul , Rezang Roy Vansyah Luthfi , Amalia Yanuarti Wella
Published: January 2024

Indonesia as a country that still holds a patriarchal culture, and the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted women. The study aims to: 1) analyze women’s spending conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic; and 2) analyze what factors affect women’s spending during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of this study can be used as material to formulate women’s economic policies in the future. This study is a type of quantitative research using multiple regression analysis tools. Based on the results obtained: a) the average years of schooling has no significant effect on women’s spending during the Covid-19 pandemic; b) the gender development index has a significant and positive effect on women’s spending during the Covid-19 pandemic; and c) open unemployment has a significant effect on women’s spending during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Covid-19, women’s spending, average length of school, gender development index, open unemployment
Programa Residência Pedagógica
Authors: Portela Ellen
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar as produções acadêmicas (dissertações) relacionadas ao Programa Residência Pedagógica, a partir da sua implementação pelo MEC e pela CAPES, no recorte temporal de 2018 a 2022, disponíveis no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES. O Programa Residência Pedagógica (PRP), foco deste estudo, tem como um de seus objetivos a imersão do licenciando nas instituições de educação básica, a fim, de promover uma relação mais direta das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) com as instituições de educação básica. O estudo caracteriza-se como caráter qualitativo. Para tal, foi realizado uma busca com os seguintes descritores “Programa Residência Pedagógica” AND “Programa de Residência Pedagógica”. A base de dados forneceu ao todo dezessete dissertações, destas apenas dezesseis estavam disponíveis para download e dez foram analisadas, pois cinco não apresentavam relação com a temática, uma encontrava-se duplicada. A análise deu-se a partir de uma leitura flutuante do título, resumo e metodologia das produções identificadas, procedemos com a leitura parcial dos demais tópicos de modo a confirmar sua pertinência ao PRP. A partir das análises dos trabalhos, constata-se que há uma crescente dos trabalhos envolvendo o PRP, principalmente no que se refere a sua contribuição na formação profissional.
"Muitos só querem aprender assinar o nome”
Authors: Araújo Júlio , Ferreira Luis Carlos
Published: January 2024

O objetivo é analisar os significados construídos na relação de professores com o saber ensinar leitura e escrita em turmas da educação de jovens e adultos no município de Redenção – CE. A base teórica está centrada nos conceitos de mobilização, atividade e sentido, discutidos por Bernard Charlot (2000), em sua teoria sobre a Relação com o Saber. Acrescentam-se a essa base teórica a discussão de Magda Soares (2004) sobre as práticas de alfabetização e a compreensão de Brian Street (2006) sobre o letramento, além das ideias de Paulo Freire (1987) no diálogo com a formação humana. A pesquisa qualitativa, descritivo-interpretativa, produziu dados a partir de áudios autorizados pelos professores da EJA em encontros de formação e visita in loco nas escolas, em 2023. A análise dos dados nos autoriza a afirmar que, para os professores, é significativo o exercício da docência por meio do qual eles reconhecem o valor da leitura e da escrita pelos estudantes a partir da grafia de seu próprio nome, pois isso ultrapassa e amplia o sentido de ensinar a aquisição convencional da tecnologia da escrita, tendo como mobilização o desencadeamento de significados plurais nos aprendentes. Os dados confirmam ainda o pressuposto de que essa relação com o saber ensinar apresenta uma conexão, em forma de espelhamento, entre as histórias pessoais dos estudantes de EJA e a baixa escolarização vivenciada pelos pais dos professores.
Delimitação e escrita do objeto de estudo na pesquisa científica em educação
Authors: Medeiros Filho Antonio Evanildo Cardoso de , Farias Isabel Maria Sabino de
Published: January 2024

A delimitação do objeto de estudo se configura como um dos principais desafios dos professores e estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação na elaboração de pesquisas científicas. Diante disso, objetivamos discutir a construção e a delimitação do objeto de estudo na pesquisa em Educação. Como aporte teórico, utilizamos, dentre outros escritos: André (2016), Gamboa (2018), Ghedin e Franco (2011) e Severino (2009). Via questionário em formato eletrônico, participaram do estudo doutorandos vinculados a um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação, com área de concentração em formação de professores. A construção e delimitação do objeto de estudo partem, pelo menos, da história de vida, da história profissional e da história de formação do investigador, exigindo conhecimentos tácitos e científicos, tempo, dedicação, dentre outros elementos também problematizados ao longo do texto. Visamos, a partir das análises sistematizadas neste escrito, a contribuir para o enfrentamento dos desafios envoltos da construção e delimitação de um objeto de estudo, sobretudo, para pesquisadores iniciantes.
Da relação com a escrita à aprendizagem de formas discursivas
Authors: DIEB MESSIAS
Published: January 2024

Nos trabalhos de pesquisa sobre o ensino da escrita, estão presentes duas correntes: uma delas se apropria da noção de representação de diferentes ramos das ciências sociais; a outra toma emprestada à linguística a noção de formas discursivas. Meu propósito é tentar relacionar as duas abordagens. Para isso, este trabalho está organizado em três tempos: (a) inicialmente, evoco os avanços recentes da pesquisa sobre o ensino da escrita, que incitam o apelo à noção de representação; em seguida, (b) analiso essa noção. Explico por que, no ensino da escrita, utiliza-se a noção de representações sem acrescentar a ela o adjetivo “sociais”; depois explico por que um certo número de pesquisadores prefere a noção de relação com a escrita à de representações da escrita; finalmente, (c) abordo as conexões entre a relação com a escrita e a aprendizagem de formas discursivas. Com essa finalidade, apresento alguns resultados de uma pesquisa de campo. Mostro como uma das dimensões da relação com a escrita – o modo de verbalização sobre a escrita – pode ser objeto de uma operacionalização didática.
Ensino e Aprendizagem da Escrita
Authors: DIEB MESSIAS , Medeiros Filho Antonio Evanildo Cardoso de
Published: January 2024

O Dossiê “Ensino e Aprendizagem da Escrita” que ora apresentamos foi produzido por membros do Laboratório de Estudos da Escrita. Trata-se de um grupo de estudo e pesquisa que vem trabalhando, desde 2016, sob a coordenação (liderança) do Prof. Dr. Messias Dieb, tendo como principais colaboradores os orientandos de mestrado e doutorado no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Faced/UFC e pesquisadores de outras universidades em supervisão de estágio pós-doutoral.
Agradecemos imensamente pela parceria.

Atenciosamente,
 
Organizadores do Dossiê:
Prof. Dr. Messias Dieb (UFC)
Prof. Dr. Antonio Evanildo (UECE)
Factors affecting tourist visits to archaeological sites in Turkey: A spatial regression analysis
Authors: Toköz Özge Deniz , Avci Ali Berkay , Duran Hasan Engin
Published: January 2024

The study focuses on the factors affecting visitor numbers to archaeological sites in Turkey. The aim is to investigate the geographical, economic, and demographic factors underlying the visits using statistical methods. The study covers 117 archaeological site visits in 2019. Although existing studies analysed determinants of visits to archaeological sites of different countries, the evidence needs to be explicit. Methodologically, the classical linear regression models are primarily applied in the literature, whereas the incorporation of spatial dependence has largely been ignored. This study contributes to the literature by employing demographic, economic, and climatic factors and spatial relations between the sites. Therefore, spatial autoregressive (SAR) and spatial error models (SEM) are developed in the analyses. According to the results, WHL inscription and distance to the city centre are crucial factors for the visits. In addition, the study emphasizes the significant negative effect of spatial dependence on visitor numbers of archaeological sites near each other.
Промене у каталошким и сродним стандардима у светлу развоја семантичког веба
Authors: Ивошевић Данка , Рудић Гордана
Published: January 2024

Библиографски опис извора умногоме се променио под утицајем развоја семантичког веба. Нагли пораст количине информација и различитих врста садржаја и медија, као и потреба да се информације семантички обрађују и међусобно повезују, подстакли су редефинисање старих и развијање нових националних и међународних каталошких стандарда. Пре свега, то су Међународни стандардни библиографски опис – ISBD (International Standard Bibliographic Description), и Англоамеричка каталошка правила – AACR (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules), која се, управо да би обухватила поменуте промене у планираној трећој верзији, појављују под новим називом Опис извора и приступ (RDA – Resource Description and Access). Са друге стране, треба поменути и да су библиотечки системи за организацију знања важни ресурси за реализацију принципа и смерница семантичког веба, јер садрже богате и добро структурисане податке. У раду су, поред кратког прегледа развоја семантичког веба и његових основних карактеристика, анализиране промене у стандардима ISBD и RDA, као и у шемама за унос библиографских метаподатака које су настале под утицајем оваквог правца у развоју веба. Такође, приказани су и примери примене технологије семантичког веба у националним библиотекама Француске и Немачке, које реализују пројекте у вези са повезаним подацима.
THE IMAGE OF THE SERBS IN THE STORY “NOCHE SERVIA” BY BLASCO IBÁÑEZ
Authors: Sekulić Mirjana
Published: January 2024

In the present article, following the theoretical approaches of literary imagology, we propose to interpret how Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Spanish author, is constructing the image of the Serbs in his story "Noche servia", published in the book El préstamo de la difunta y otros cuentos (1921). The first time this author from Valencia left written some impressions on Serbian people was in 1907 when he travelled from France to Turkey and spent few days in Serbia. The result of this travel was the travelogue Orient where he presented very negative image of Serbian people. With the First World War, Blasco Ibáñez changed his perspective and built a positive image of the Serbs, as described in Historia de la Guerra Europea (1914-1921) and later on in the story "Noche servia". In this article we are making a synchronous analysis of the Serbian image, that is, we will focus our attention on the story "Noche servia" with some references to images constructed in other writings of this Spanish author. As a starting point for this study, we discuss ideas pronounced by relevant theoretics of imagology. We underline that the image of the Other is a construct, a representation that has a discursive nature that needs to be questioned. By analysing the structure of the story, the position and the impact of changing the position of the narrator, as well as the analysis of the discourse used in the story, we will interpret how the image of Serbian people is being constructed under specific personal and ideological influences on Blasco Ibáñez. We conclude that author’s Francophilia had the decisive impact on his last writing on Serbian people leaving a positive image of them.
THE ABILITY OF STUDENTS AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL OF EDUCATION TO APPLY RELEVANT MOVES AND CONTENT IN JOB APPLICATION LETTERS
Authors: Ivanović Katarina
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an analysis of 22 job application letters written by students at the level of Master’s studies. The letters were analyzed regarding their structure, i.e. the moves they contained and their content, in order to determine whether students are able to write effective job application letters. When analyzing the documents, the main emphasis was put on the issues students had regarding the structure and content – the type of information included in each move. The small-scale research we conducted is mostly descriptive and qualitative with some quantitative data as well. The conclusions reached indicate that students are well aware of the correct structure of this type of document, but there is still room for significant improvement in terms of the content and the means to connect their skills to the requirements and present themselves in the best way possible. The findings reveal the necessity of explicit genre teaching with the focus on formal register and the ways in which applicants could attract potential employers.
НЕВИНОСТ, ИСКУСТВО И НЕГАТИВНА СПОСОБНОСТ: РОМАНТИЧАРСКО ДЕТЕ У ЊЕГОВИМ МРАЧНИМ ТКАЊИМА ФИЛИПА ПУЛМАНА
Authors: Vujin Bojana
Published: January 2024

Дечија књижевност је и даље под великим утицајем романтизма и идеолошке конструкције Детета као свете, наднаравне, невине фигуре, нарочито Вордсвортове слике детета као „оца човека“, творевине коју одликују невероватна духовност и наивност и која има интуитивну способност да разуме тајне универзума. Узевши у обзир ову идеју, као и актуелне теорије дечије књижевности, овај чланак анализира трилогију Филипа Пулмана Његова мрачна ткања (Северна светлост, 1995; Чудотворни нож, 1997; Ћилибарски дурбин, 2000) и показује да у њој аутор на типично постмодернистички начин тумачи идеолошки конструкт Романтичарског детета, тако што ту фигуру истовремено потврђује и подрива, кроз интертекстуални дијалог са платонизмом Вилијама Вордсворта, идејама невиности и искуства Вилијама Блејка, те теоријом негативне способности Џона Китса.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related stroke incidence: a case series
Authors: Prabaningtyas Hanindia Riani , Hapsari Maria Yosita Ayu , Putra Stefanus Erdana , Hafizhan Muhammad , Mirawati Diah Kurnia , Budianto Pepi , Subandi Subandi , Danuaji Rivan
Published: January 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause systemic and respiratory symptoms. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), anemia, acute heart injury, secondary infection, and stroke are the complications of COVID-19. Age, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory status, vascular risk factors, and hypoxemia are risk factors for stroke associated with COVID-19. In this case report, two cases of COVID-19 complicated by stroke and other thromboembolic diseases were discussed. Case 1: a 46-year-old man presented with right extremities weakness, dysarthria, cough, colds, chest pain radiating to left upper extremity. He was diagnosed with moderate COVID-19, with complication of embolic stroke and myocardial infarction. After administration of IV furosemid and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA), his condition improved, and he was discharged from our facility. Case 2: a 54-year-old woman presented with a decreased level of consciousness, skin discoloration, tenderness on her left calf, cough, fever, and shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with moderate COVID-19 with a complication of thrombotic stoke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was treated with rTPA, IV citicoline, and fondaparinux for 5 days. In conclusion, COVID-19 carries a risk of thromboembolic complication. COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of bleeding, therefore, medications, particularly anticoagulant, should be administered with more caution.
Chinese-Style Modernization: Evolution of the Concept
Authors: Borokh O. , Lomanov A.
Published: January 2024

The concept of “Chinese-style modernization” formulated in the end of the 1970s has been at the center of attention of the Chinese leadership and researchers since the beginning of this decade. The notion of primacy of national characteristics was transformed from a former reference to China’s weakness and backwardness to current focus on development success. Explanations of plans for China’s “basic socialist modernization” by 2035 formed the channel of influence of official policy on the academic discussions. The article analyzes contemporary Chinese comparisons of Chinese and Western paths of modernization along with theoretical reflections on the patterns of “Chinese-style modernization”. The determination to make China’s experience a reference point for policy decisions in developing countries is connected with studies in modernization theory. The question of the correlation between the general patterns of modernization and the specifics of the Chinese path of development has come to the fore. The emphasis on the differences between Chinese-style modernization and Western and Soviet models substantiates the theoretical possibility of a new development perspective for other countries, and encourages them to develop independent modernization strategies based on their own national specifics. Chinese researchers consider attempts by backward countries to copy the advanced institutions of developed nations as useless and even dangerous. China’s modernization is not complete, in the field of economic development there are mounting difficulties related to lagging behind in science and technology, deteriorating external environment, slowing growth, ageing population. While examining Chinese studies of Chinese-style modernization, it is appropriate to focus on the development of academic concepts, quantitative evaluation system and discursive system. Explorations in theory will be determined by practical achievements, first of all, by China’s ability to maintain sustainable balanced growth of the economy. The preliminary outcome can be assessed in the middle of the next decade, when China plans to build the foundations of modernization. The final judgement on the effectiveness of Chinese-style modernization will be made only after the results of China’s plans to become a world leader are known in the middle of this century.
The Evolution of the China’s Policy of Interaction with the Countries of Central Asia in the Fild of Security
Authors: Perminova A.
Published: January 2024

The geopolitical and geostrategic position of Central Asia and, in particular, oil and gas reserves, the potential of transit and communication routes have led to a new round of interest of the leading world powers in the countries of the region. At the same time, for the People’s Republic of China, which is usually considered as the main “creditor” of the Central Asian countries, interaction with the states of the region in the field of security becomes a priority. This article identifies changes in the PRC’s approaches to ensuring security in the states of Central Asia by studying the rhetoric of officials representing the relevant Chinese departments, as well as taking into account the chronology of the signing of relevant agreements between the Chinese side and the countries of the region, establishing and changing interaction formats. In addition, the content and scope of China’s military and military-technical cooperation with the countries of Central Asia are analyzed from 2001 to 2023. Concerning the data presented, a conclusion is made about the main regional factors that influenced the evolution of the PRC’s policy in the region in the field of security. Based on the proposed logic of the work, the author identifies several stages of the PRC’s policy towards building interaction with the countries of Central Asia. At the initial stage of interaction, China’s policy in Central Asia was determined by the need to protect its own borders and limit the spread of the “three forces of evil” from Central Asia to Chinese territory. In 2009–2010 the PRC is becoming an important economic partner of the countries of Central Asia, and the basis for the goal setting of its security policy is the protection of its transport, energy, infrastructure (or generally economic) projects. In the future, most of these projects will be complemented and expanded as part of the implementation of the Belt and Road initiative in the region. Since 2019 the PRC has added to the format of interaction with the countries the component of bilateral anti-terrorist exercises, which it conducts under the auspices of its own campaign “Cooperation‑2019”. At the present stage, the interaction of the PRC with the Central Asian countries in the field of security is formed under the influence of the “China + Central Asia” format, where there are no external players like Russia or India and Pakistan.
Leadership in the Arab World: from Revolution to Redefinion
Authors: Zvyagelskaya I.
Published: January 2024

Leadership as a phenomenon of timeless significance has always been a subject of research interest. It is a special form of social process inherent in all social groups. In this sense, it is characterized primarily by mutual influence of the members of these groups, with one or several of them exerting a disproportionally larger influence on the choices and actions of the other parts of group. At the same time, personal qualities including leadership style and political motivation remain the central concept of political leadership theory. The emergence of new challenges and new requirements for leaders makes it necessary to consider the tools of influence they possess and employ as well as their ability to adapt to the changing internal and external environment. This article focuses on the leaders of the Arab states who came to power in different periods and represented different types of leadership. In the times of national liberation movements, these were revolutionaries, who overthrew outmoded regimes, promised their people a bright future and built it in their own way. At present, the “redefining” leaders (mostly represented by Gulf monarchs) attract the most attention. They have proved to be highly sensitive to the demands of the time, offering their own ways of responding to them. Both monarchs and republican leaders sometimes share similar cultural and historical identities that influence their methods of governance. For example, the Bedouin theme, which emphasizes the ruler’s closeness to his people and his task to take care of his tribesmen, has been accentuated by the Gulf monarchs and by some revolutionary leaders. The author believes that leaders capable of “redefining” are not necessarily a product of democratic systems. In authoritarian regimes, a new generation of rulers has also contributed to the revision of a number of well-established dogmas concerning the goals of social and national development. However, methods, as well as certain management practices used in the Arab monarchies, have been shaped by a mix of elements associated both with modernity and traditionalism.
Private military security companies in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Al Shehhi Maryam
Published: January 2024

The current increase in the use of private military and security companies (PMSCs) that have spread significantly both globally and within the MENA region is often viewed through a black and white lens. PMSCs have mainly been looked at through their role in combat operations, while the wide and diverse range of their services such as logistics, intelligence, and security consultation is often ignored or does not get sufficient attention. The array of actors (PMSCs and players who interact with them) and services provided creates a complex picture, making it sometimes hard to grasp the effectiveness of these companies. This article attempts to provide a clearer vision of the effects that the PMSCs have on the overall stability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). By outlining different actors and the main tasks carried out by the PMSCs the article explores whether their presence in the MENA has a negative or positive effect on the security and stability in the region.
Altered Plasma microRNA Signature in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Requiring Oxygen Support
Authors: Franco Sandra , Mateu Lourdes , Pluvinet Raquel , Herrero Jose Francisco Sanchez , Toledo Ruth , Sumoy Lauro , Massanella Marta , Martinez Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

To discover potential micro(mi)RNAs biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression, large-scale deep sequencing analysis of small RNA expression was performed on plasma samples from 40 patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection (median 13.50 [IQR 9–24] days since symptoms initiation) and 21 healthy noninfected individuals. A totally of 1218 different miRNAs were identified. When compared with healthy noninfected donors, SARS-CoV-2 infected patients showed significantly (fold change [FC] >1.2 and adjusted p [padj] <0.05) altered expression of 190 miRNAs. The top 10 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were miR-122-5p, let-7b-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-342-3p, miR-146b-5p, miR-629-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-12136, let-7a-5p, and miR-191-5p, which displayed FC and padj values ranging from 153 to 5 and 2.51 × 10-32 to 2.21 × 10-21, respectively, which unequivocally diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. No differences in blood cell counts and biochemical plasma parameters, including interleukin 6, ferritin and D-dimer, were observed between COVID-19 patients on high-flow oxygen therapy, low-flow oxygen therapy, or not requiring oxygen therapy. Notably, 31 significantly deregulated miRNAs were found when patients on high- and low-flow oxygen therapy were compared. SARS-CoV-2 infection generates a specific miRNA signature in hospitalized patients. Specific miRNA profiles are associated with COVID-19 prognosis in patients requiring oxygen flow.
Improving Measurement Efficiency of an Early Education Quality Monitoring Tool for Majority World Countries
Authors: Dormal Marta , Raikes Abbie , McCoy Dana C.
Published: January 2024

New measures are being developed for quality monitoring of early care and education (ECE) programs in Majority World countries. However, limited psychometric work has identified items most indicative of quality or optimized the content of these tools. Therefore, the goal of this study was to showcase the empirical steps needed to streamline ECE quality monitoring measures and create more efficient, yet psychometrically-robust, versions of these tools for Majority World countries. We used data on the Measuring Early Learning Environments (MELE) instrument that was administered to 250 ECE programs in one anonymous Sub-Saharan country. Findings from Item Response Theory techniques pointed to several items that should be retained for shorter versions of the MELE. Together with findings from correlational analyses with teacher/classroom characteristics and child outcomes, these results also showed that shorter versions of the MELE retained similar amounts of information on ECE quality and precision relative to the original instrument. Collectively, these results showed that it is possible to improve the MELE’s measurement efficiency by retaining a subset of highly informative items that maintain the original instrument’s psychometric adequacy. We recommend researchers and practitioners interested in optimizing similar tools for monitoring in their context to follow these empirical steps.
Osteonal Damage Pattern from Ballistic and Blunt Force Trauma in Human Long Bones
Authors: Sexton Keira , Schwab Nathalie , Galtés Ignasi , Casas Anna , Armentano Nuria , Brillas Pedro , Garrido Xavier , Jordana Xavier
Published: January 2024

Forensic anthropologists play a key role in skeletal trauma analysis and commonly use macroscopic features to distinguish between trauma types. However, this approach can be challenging, particularly in cases of highly comminuted or incompletely recovered fractures. Histological analysis of microscopic fracture characteristics in fractured bones may thus help provide additional information on trauma type and bone fracture biomechanics in general. This study analysed the extent of microcrack damage to osteons in long bones with blunt force trauma (BFT) and gunshot trauma (GST), from both traumatic death cases and post-mortem experimental fractures. We identified four types of osteonal damage (OD). In traumatic death cases, OD affecting the inside of the osteon and compromising the Haversian canal (type 1) was found to be indicative of BFT. Moreover, OD affecting the cement line (type 3) and interstitial lamellae (type 4) was more common in the GST samples. OD affecting the inside of the osteon without compromising the Haversian canal (type 2) was not found to be indicative of either trauma type. In cases of experimental fractures, our study revealed that post-mortem fractures in dry bone samples featured the highest amount of OD, particularly of type 4. This study also found that the experimentally produced GST featured similar OD pattern to GST death cases. These findings support our hypothesis that there are distinct osteonal damage patterns in human long bones with BFT and GST, which are of relevant value for trauma analysis in forensic anthropology.
Analysis of the Methodology for Experimental Measuring of the Performance Criteria of the Laser-Using Collaborative Robot’s Path Accuracy
Authors: Marcinko Peter , Semjon Ján , Jánoš Rudolf , Svetlík Jozef , Sukop Marek , Ondočko Štefan
Published: January 2024

This paper describes design of experimental methodology developed to measure the working properties of accuracy of the path traversed by a collaborative robot. The methodology proposed here uses a collaborative robot and a laser measuring system Gepard from Raytec. The main parts of the measuring chain and the ISO 9283 standard are described. The proposed experimental methodology should examine working properties of industrial robots, such as the properties of position and path. The focus of this paper lies on the path accuracy of robots. Currently, the interest in this topic is on the rise and the measuring systems capable of recording this parameter are too costly. This paper focuses on experimental measuring of the path properties, describing them in more detail. The measuring and results were processed in the software tool developed for Gepard.
Artificial Intelligence: An Overview
Authors: Triantafyllou Serafeim
Published: January 2024

The term artificial intelligence refers to the field of computer science that deals with the design and implementation of computer systems that mimic elements of human behavior that imply basic intelligence: learning, adaptability, inference, contextual understanding, and problem solving among others. Artificial intelligence is a point of intersection between multiple sciences such as computer science, psychology, philosophy, neurology, linguistics and engineering science, with the aim of synthesizing intelligent behavior, with elements of reasoning, learning and adaptation to the environment, while it is usually applied to specially made machines or computers.
Extreme Serum Titanium Concentration Induced by Catastrophic Acetabular Cup Failure: Unveiling a Unique Scenario of Titanium Alloy Debris Accumulation
Authors: Fokter Samo Karel , Ledinek Živa , Kljaić Dujić Milka , Novak Igor
Published: January 2024

The majority of contemporary total hip arthroplasty (THA) implants are constructed from Ti-alloys, which are generally believed to generate fewer adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) compared to CoCr-alloys. This study presents a case of unusual primary THA failure where a substantial release of Ti-alloy debris was observed. A 52-year-old active male underwent THA after posttraumatic aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in 2006. Seventeen years after the procedure, the patient presented with groin pain and restricted range of motion. X-rays revealed protrusion of the alumina ceramic head through the Ti6Al4V acetabular cup. Trace element analysis indicated significantly elevated levels of serum Ti, Al and V. CT and MRI confirmed Ti-alloy cup failure and severe ALTR. During revision surgery, the worn-out ceramic head was in direct contact with the acetabular cup, having protruded through the central hole it created over time. Histological analysis of tissue samples showed wear-induced synovitis with areas of multinucleated foreign-body giant cells and accumulation of numerous metal particles but no acute inflammatory response. Six months after the revision THA, the patient has experienced favourable outcomes. This case provides an instructive illustration for studying the consequences of substantial release of Ti-alloy debris from orthopaedic implants.