bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal Antibodies and their Applications in Cancer
Authors: Srirapu Shristuti
Published: June 2023

Monoclonal Antibodies, also known as mAbs or mOAbs, are artificial antibodies produced in laboratories. These proteins assist the immune system in recognizing, tagging, and destroying cells in a number of different ways. By tagging antigens as foreign when the body is unable to recognize these cells, they activate the immune system to destroy cells. Monoclonal antibodies are largely preferred over polyclonal antibodies due to their specificity and targeted treatment. This makes them incredibly useful as they can be used to treat any cell-based or pathogen-related disease, including cancer. Monoclonal antibodies can be made to help the body recognize, tag or block receptors of cancerous cells without the side effects of other immunotherapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are currently many mAb drugs on the market for cancer, that are either murine, chimeric, humanized or human. We can explore current methods of monoclonal antibodies and their applications, as well as possible treatments centered around immunotherapy. IT may be possible for us to continue expanding the market for monoclonal antibodies by changing the conditions under which they work, change their applications, and reduce their production time to make them more accessible to the public.
How Artificial Intelligence can Aid Screening and Detecting Lung Cancer in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ramesh Ronak
Published: June 2023

In modern society, lung cancer stands as one of the most dangerous and commonly diagnosed cancers in North America. In recent years, lung cancer has caused more people to die than any other cancer. Most diseases like cancer get worse as time goes on, so the best way to combat it is to identify the disease in its early stages. However, lung cancer shares symptoms with many other diseases like COVID-19, asthma, and pneumonia which leads to doctors incorrectly diagnosing their lung cancer patients. If left unchecked, this catastrophic crisis will only lead to more deaths. Previous research studies have investigated if using Artificial Intelligence in Lung Cancer screening and treatment diagnosis would be successful but have yet to make a conclusive verdict. This paper has put together knowledge about lung cancer detection and artificial intelligence algorithms to determine whether AI can be accurately implemented to detect lung cancer.
A First Step Toward Ontic Pluralism in Mathematical Explanation
Authors: Zhao Wenshi , Batoon Arnel
Published: June 2023

Although discussions about the nature of mathematical explanation are scarce in the philosophy literature, mathematical explanation plays an integral role in the philosophy of mathematical practice and has important consequences in other branches of philosophy. Various proposals are given to describe the criteria that make certain mathematical proofs more explanatory than others; however, none has been free from objections. These proposals also differ in important ways, which leads to the divergence of the two approaches to mathematical explanation: the ontic approach and the epistemic approach. This paper analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the popular proposals, defends the ontic approach, and proposes the ontic pluralism account. This new account addresses a significant problem of previous ontic proposals.
Why We Speak Up: The Effect of Preconceived Cause of Sexual Orientation on Heterosexual Engagement in the Homosexual Movement for Social Equality
Authors: Goraya Simran
Published: June 2023

Despite the increasing societal acceptance of homosexual individuals, the perception of homosexuality by heterosexual individuals is polluted by personal bias. My study observed the interaction between 422 heterosexuals and the homosexual community. First, my subjects self reported their beliefs on the determinant of sexual orientation (genetic or lifestyle). Next, they took the Activism Orientation (AO) and Sexual Prejudice (SP) Scales as a baseline measure of their relationship with members homosexual community. Subjects were randomly assigned to listen to an interview of two fictional homosexual individuals that spoke of life experience which either supported or contradicted the subjects’ self reported beliefs. Additionally, subjects were assigned to a high or low empathy condition toward the interviewee. After listening to the interview, subjects were given the choice to allocate $0 - $8,000 in support of a pro - LGBT charity. Subjects then retook the AO and SP scales to measure for significant changes in perception of homsexuals after the fictional scenario. Results indicated a significant decrease in the AO of subjects that viewed interviews that contradicted their beliefs. Additionally, subjects assigned to the low empathy condition donated significantly larger amounts. The present study has two main implications: Heterosexual individuals’ generalize their advocacy toward the LGBT community based on the actions of a singular homosexual. Furthermore, many activists naturally approach issues regarding social justice from a place of empathy, it is more sustainable to approach social justice movements from a logical perspective to allow for more meaningful and long term participation in a social justice movement.
Clinical Pathology of Breast Cancer: Staging and Biomarkers
Authors: Jonnagadla Adithi
Published: June 2023

Based on recent statistics, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life. Breast cancer is classified into a staging system that ranges from zero to four, which is determined by several factors. In the staging system, the clinical pathology taken and tested by the healthcare professional plays a key role in determining the gravity of the patient's case. Biomarkers provide insight into the carcinogenic cells in the person's body, such as the Estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor (HER2), and the progesterone receptor which are discussed in this paper. Each of these biomarkers communicates a specific attribute about the tumor cells and signifies the severity and the extent of the breast cancer. Based on this research, it was proven that there is not a direct correlation, but a slight correlation between the biomarkers found in the cells with the relative stage the patient has. Studies have shown a link between cells testing HER2 positive with high-grade tumors, unfavorable prognosis, lymph node collusion, high mortality rates, and higher rates of recurrence in patients which signify a stage three or four cancer. Studies also suggested that patients who test ER positive, PR negative, and HER2 negative are more likely to have early-stage invasive breast cancer, which alludes to stage one or two clinically. A definite conclusion was not able to be obtained as more research must be conducted, however, general trends were discovered between stages and biomarkers.
Biomarker development for PCOS diagnosis
Authors: Senthil Joshitha
Published: June 2023

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, most commonly known as PCOS, is a condition that affects at least 6 million women of reproductive age in the United States alone. Approximately 10% of women worldwide are affected by PCOS as it is the number one cause of female infertility. Diagnosis of PCOS is not a process that has been fully coagulated as many of the symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Biomarker development to diagnose PCOS during the earlier stages is critical to making advancements in the field as earlier detection means more time to treat the symptoms and possibly find a treatment.
Research on the Security System of Social Assistance in Rural China
Authors: FENG YUYANG , GU WENTAO
Published: June 2023

China's rural social assistance security system is a national system that meets the basic survival needs of the rural poor, safeguards their rights to survival, and helps them get out of the survival crisis. It is the last layer of safety net to maintain social stability, promote rural economic development, and guarantee the basic living for peasants. China's rural social assistance security system has gone through decades of the development from emergency relief to guaranteed assistance, and many experts and scholars have conducted in-depth research and discussions on it. On the basis of fully searching for domestic and foreign literature, systematic reading of literature content, careful analysis and screening of experts' views, this paper classifies and summarizes the views and discussion of experts and scholars, trying to reflect the development of China's rural social assistance security system and running status. It can make readers further study China's rural social security system, at the same time, providing a reference for other developing countries in the world to improve the progress of social security.
AI and the Neurobiology of Consciousness
Authors: Kumar Chandni , McClelland Tom
Published: June 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a method used to teach machines to process and experience data/information the way humans do. The claustrum, the cellular unit of the nervous system that communicates with the body through electrical patterns, is an excellent model for AI when trying to derive consciousness. It has been used as a model for neural networks to teach machines to process, experience, and process information the way people do. This paper discusses the need to understand what makes a human conscious in order to determine if an inorganic addition affects this consciousness in the face of innovations such as neural implants and other brain-computer interface technologies that aim to merge the human brain and computers. It is important to examine the impact AI has on the conscious mind and the possibility of extended consciousness.
The Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Placenta Size and Fetal Development
Authors: Nambakam Anjali
Published: June 2023

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that targets the human body’s immune system and weakens it so that it struggles to defend against other pathogens designed to harm the body. In order to enhance immune health and decrease the transmission of HIV, patients who have HIV are treated with antiretroviral therapy, or ART, a treatment that seeks to reduce the replication of HIV by disrupting a specific portion of the HIV replication cycle. However, while it does reduce the vertical transmission of HIV between mother and fetus, the use of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy can have adverse impacts on the size of the placenta and the development of the fetus. Through the study of various research papers, a distinct connection between the use of antiretroviral therapy and the placenta size and fetal development was made. Analyzing the placenta and birth characteristics of fetuses from both women with and without HIV, overall the placentas of mothers with HIV taking ART drugs had smaller diameters, weights, and areas, along with an irregular shape, than mothers without HIV; the fetuses of mothers with HIV taking ART drugs had smaller weights at birth, weeks gestation at birth, and birth weight centile than fetuses of mothers without HIV. Exploring the impacts of antiretroviral therapy on placenta size and fetal development, this comprehensive research aims to assist researchers in creating safer and improved antiretroviral drugs to treat mothers with HIV that promote both the health of the mother and the development of the child.
Impact of Social/Traditional Media on Political Polarization
Authors: Goyal Shubh , Goyal Mukul
Published: June 2023

There is a common perception that political polarization is increasing in American society and the blame is often assigned to highly partisan traditional media (e.g., TV news channels) and the emergence of social media echo chambers as the major influencers of political opinion. In this paper, we examine the impact of traditional and social media on political polarization in society via simulations. These simulations examine what happens when a population with normally distributed unipolar political views is exposed to social/traditional media espousing very different types of political views. Our simulations reveal that the political polarization in a population is deeply affected by the political views espoused in the media. If the media is primarily unipolar in terms of political views, the population ultimately become politically unipolar as well. On the other hand, if the media is politically bipolar, the population ultimately becomes politically bipolar. Interestingly, the simulations reveal that social media echo chambers can undo the polarizing impact of partisan traditional media if the echo chambers strictly show content matching the current political views of the users. However, if social media echo chambers expose the users to extreme political views, a population that is initially unipolar in political views will ultimately look like two different populations with very different political centers.
Quorum Quenching Potential of Novel Phytochemicals on Chromobacterium violaceum Quorum Sensing
Authors: Mehta Akansha , Joykutty Leya , Carvalho De Arruda Caulkins Juliana
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of phytochemicals rutin, syringic acid, and Ziziphus mucronata extract on Chromobacterium violaceum quorum sensing. Z. mucronata extracts were imported from South Africa, then extracted in the lab; a SEM imaging series was conducted to evaluate for contamination and further develop a portfolio on it. The null hypothesis was if plant compounds are tested individually, then they will have similar efficiency as current antibiotics; the alternative hypothesis was if plant compounds are tested individually, then they will have greater efficiency than current antibiotics. While the alternative hypothesis was supported by comparing averages, not all of the results had a significant difference to the positive control. The three assays used in the experiment were swarming motility, violacein inhibition, and biofilm inhibition. Throughout the assays, Z. mucronata leaf, and bark extract had the strongest antimicrobial results: both performed statistically stronger than the positive control in at least one assay. In the violacein inhibition assay, Z. mucronata leaf extract had a statistically significant difference to the gentamicin. Additionally, Z. mucronata bark extract had a statistically stronger antibacterial effect to the gentamicin in regards to biofilm inhibition. The results of this project suggest that all of the plant compounds tested had possessed antimicrobial potential as they performed better than the negative control in most assays, but they did not consistently perform stronger than the positive control. The results of this project support the case to further expand on these phytochemicals from an antimicrobial standpoint.
The Influence of Leptin Resistance on the Development of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Cho Stanley , Batchelder Hunter
Published: June 2023

The rising global prevalence of obesity presents a diminished quality of life and life expectancy. Though a myriad of factors contributes to obesity, one of the leading factors is excessive adipose tissue accumulation increases the body’s production of the leptin satiety hormone resulting in leptin resistance. Leptin resistance results in increased vulnerability to obesity through improper regulation of insulin, a decline in metabolic functions, and decreased sex hormone levels. Leptin resistance is treated with natural treatments, leptin replacement therapy, testosterone replacement therapy, and insulin-sensitizing drugs, although all are met with limited results. Since leptin vastly affects sex hormone levels, leptin resistance has an adverse effect on obese children and adolescents. In this review, we examine the causes of leptin resistance, treatments for leptin resistance, and the effect of leptin resistance on childhood development.
Modernizing Myth: Madeline Miller and the Continuation of the Monomyth
Authors: Lim Lauren
Published: June 2023

Greek mythology is generally looked upon as stagnated stories of made up characters and monsters; however, through the words of one contemporary author, Madeline Miller, mythology is revealed to be a modern phenomenon, not solely a classical one. This essay explores the works of Miller’s Young Adult novels, Song of Achilles, Circe, and Galatea that reveal unrepresented and misunderstood segments of mythology, interpreting them to empower and reveal aspects of not only Antiquity but also modern society. Her interpretation inevitably encourages young readers to challenge classical history that people have normally accepted as absolute truths, which allows myths to be more accessible to the modern reader while utilizing an evolving perspective. The stories she creates are different compared to mainstream interpretations, but they are still authentic. In a way, Miller is the modern Homer, adding to the ancient tapestry of mythology while weaving in her own threads to add to history and myth that transcend both time and space.
The Effects of Musical Genres on Emotion
Authors: Li Michael
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this research was to establish a connection between a specific genre of music and the emotions they elicit in listeners. The study included seven genres, musical theater, African tribal, pop, jazz, Chinese folk, sitar, and classical. After listening to each piece participants were asked a series of questions including their emotions when listening to it, if they enjoyed it, and if they recognized it in hopes of answering the question “How do different genres of music affect people’s mood after listening?” The participants’ responses showed that in general, listening to music would elicit positive emotions no matter the genre. Additionally, pieces that elicited more powerful reactions from the listener correlated with how enjoyable the piece was. Overall, the results of this study highlight how individuals can potentially alter their mood by enjoying music from different genres and by being aware of the factors in music that go beyond just the genre.
Convolutional Neural Network Approach to Classifying the CIFAR-10 Dataset
Authors: Jiang Chaoyi , Goldsztein Guillermo
Published: June 2023

Convolutional neural network (CNN) is a powerful tool that can be used in many applications of machine learning. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of using a CNN to classify images in the CIFAR-10 dataset. The model achieved an accuracy of 0.6276 and a loss of 1.116452 on the validation set. It was observed that the accuracy of predictions varied from class to class, and this paper discusses the potential causes for this variation, such as similar classes sharing common features. Further research in this field could lead to improvement in driving assistance technology and eventually automated driving.
Correlation Between Economic Growth & Women’s Rights
Authors: Seshadri Swara , Marsh Chad
Published: June 2023

The following paper outlines the correlation between economic growth and sustainability and women’s rights in many countries throughout the world and how this can have an impact on the women around the world. It also looks at the issue of women’s rights and women empowerment from three different perspectives in order to understand why women empowerment is not encourages and isolate the root of the issue. Finally it ties the perspectives together and shows how economic sustainability could be reached through better women empowerment and why each perspective should play a role.
Analyzing the Prevalence of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Diets of Georgian Elderly Care Facilities
Authors: Hoang Faustina , Hancock Sabrina
Published: June 2023

Vitamin overdose is often not researched in comparison to its counterpart risk, malnutrition. As the general topic of vitamin overdose is already under-researched, I specifically looked at fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) in elderly care facilities in Georgia to determine if any posed the unrecognized risk of vitamin over supplementation. The examination of these risks are paramount since many elderly residents are dependent on the facility to provide food as well as their supplements. Thus, this would mean that even a facility-provided diet high in vitamins may assume a vitamin risk since supplementation on top of this diet is unnecessary and may lead to over supplementation. Other commonly researched risks are also explored by analyzing prevalence. Through a sequential mixed methods approach, I analyzed qualitative interviews on medical and dietary staff from 8 respective care facilities to determine dietary vitamin intake and content analyses on their meal plans for supplemental intake. The results of my study found that there were no conclusive vitamin deficiency risks, most vitamins were in the adequate range, and Vitamin A and potentially Vitamin D were at the highest risk for over supplementation. These factors may be due to the common emphasis of vitamins in diet (as opposed to supplements) and the frequent shift in supplement responsibility to medical professionals. Thus, future research should look at the extent of this issue in Georgia and potential prevention measures.
The Effect of Overnutrition on Mediated Collagen in Drosophila Melanogaster Physiology
Authors: Kwok Nicholas , Caulkins Julianna , Joykutty Leya
Published: June 2023

Obesity affects approximately 13% of the adult population, resulting in excessive fat cell deposition and metabolic dysfunction. Collagen, a protein that supports skin regeneration, muscle building, and pain relief, is studied in Drosophila melanogaster under different diet conditions. This experiment aims to test whether overnutrition affects physiology and collagen due to any anatomical changes in Drosophila Melanogaster, more commonly known as fruit flies. The research conducted over several weeks utilizes two diets: an obesity-inducing diet containing excessive glucose and coconut oil and a traditional diet of blue food medium, yeast, and water. The study groups include a wild-type, collagen-mutated, and obesity-mutated group, with multiple assays measuring how the obesity-inducing diet affects each population and their collagen levels. The results reveal that the obese group experienced higher food consumption levels but had lower locomotive ability than the other test groups. Hydroxyproline, the building amino acid for collagen, and collagen levels were higher in the obesity mutant than in the wild-type and collagen mutated group. The study shows that anatomical changes in organisms are influenced by both diet and movement. The obesity group, on an obesity-inducing diet, experienced decreased movement related to increased food intake and decreased neural activity. The high-fat and high-sugar diet suppressed neuronal autophagy, created inaccurate hunger and satiety perceptions, and increased collagen deposition. Anatomical changes were observed in collagen-heavy tissue areas, whereas decreased neural activity and increased feeding rates were behavioral changes. The study emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and exercise in promoting overall health.
The Potential of microalgae for cellulose degradation and utilization for biofuel application
Authors: Shin Scott , Caulkins Juliana , Joykutty Leya
Published: June 2023

As society is becoming more reliant on fuels, a more sustainable form of energy must be investigated. Another presiding issue is the output of cellulose left over from other plants that are used for biofuels, such as corn. However, the microalgae, Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, a unicellular organism, is an ideal source of energy, as there is evidence that it contains the genes that are responsible for the encoding of Cellulases, which allow for the degradation of cellulose, such as endoglucanases. Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii typically lives in both soil and water environments, a photosynthetic organism that utilizes light as an energy source. The uncommon trait for microalgae to express cellulase allows for external sources of carbon to be utilized by the microorganism, which could affect the biological output of macromolecules common in biofuels such as lipids and carbohydrates. The study aims to compare not only the cellulase expression levels of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, but also see how the lipid output of the microalgae compares to other microorganisms used in the biofuel industry such as Chlorella Vulgaris, another phototrophic microalgae, which is used for direct fuel. Additionally, Trichoderma Reesei will also be compared, which is another microorganism that is used for biofuel production. However, the industry utilizes Trichoderma Reesei’s ability to produce cellulase, rather than just taking directly from the microorganism. The conclusions unfortunately did not show any cellulase expression, and biofuel output favored algae
The Truth of Luxury Advertisements
Authors: Gonzalez Alejandro , López Johnny
Published: June 2023

The luxury goods industry has many tactics to better sell and market its products to the upper class. More recently, there has been a shift in the consumer’s interest in luxury products from only the rich to now the growing middle-class. Due to recent social and economic shifts, the tendency to buy more expensive goods has increased. Corporations have adapted to this, with examples like Supreme using limited timed drops to entice consumers and give the illusion of scarcity. These concepts have been so successful that even the food industry has applied them. Also, new jobs like being an influencer/content creator have given way to new ways to publicize luxury goods. This shift has also created a way for the average teenager or young adult to be empowered by the also growing secondary market. With this new industry, anyone can start their collection without having a luxurious income and profit with products that were once unattainable for most workers.
Heading Towards Accountability: An Analysis of the Efficacy of Concussion Protocol
Authors: Rudolph Lucy
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the success of concussion protocols and accommodations, focusing on what factors were most influential. The approach will be a qualitative one, involving the use of open-ended questions and interviews to extract subjective responses. This approach was taken to encourage authentic answers and data. It concludes with an analysis of the data which reveals that while academic accommodations are beneficial, concussion protocols are not.
Pentingnya Pendidikan Narkoba di Kalangan Remaja
Authors: Putri Rizki Zuqnia , Manik Yuni Mariani
Published: June 2023

Permasalahan narkoba di Indonesia masih merupakan sesuatu yang bersifat urgent dan kompleks. Dalam kurun waktu satu dekade terakhir permasalahan ini menjadi marak. Terbukti dengan bertambahnya jumlah penyalahguna atau pecandu narkoba secara signifikan, seiring meningkatnya pengungkapan kasus tindak kejahatan narkoba yang semakin beragam polanya dan semakin masif pula jaringan sindikatnya. Jenis metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif. Proses penelitian meliputi berbagai tahap yaitu mengumpulkan data-data yang kemudian dianalisis berdasarkan landasan konseptual, sehingga pada akhirnya dapat ditarik kesimpulan penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa di Indonesia saat ini narkoba telah menyebar ke berbagai lapisan masyarakat khususnya kalangan remaja. Indonesia sudah dalam situasi darurat narkoba, dan tentunya hal ini harus menjadi perhatian seluruh pihak dan seluruh masyarakat. Kasus penyalahgunaan Narkoba pada kalangan remaja saat ini menunjukan peningkatan, hal ini disebabkan karena remaja cenderung ingin menyerap nilai-nilai baru, selalu ingin tahu dan selalu ingin mencoba hal baru, termasuk terhadap sesuatu hal yang mengandung bahaya atau resiko yakni mencoba konsumsi Narkoba.
Perceptions of In-Service Training Students in Distance Education about Online Learning during Covid-19
Authors: Adji Sandra Sukmaning , Novianti Idha
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine the readiness of distance education students (Open University) in providing online learning, and further efforts are needed to maximize teacher training students so that they are ready to teach both face-to-face and online if it is known that they are not optimal. The social implication is for the public to know that Open University students are ready to teach online to their students, and the public has no doubts about graduates from open universities. What are In-Service Training students' perception of Distance Education and their readiness to carry out online learning? This study uses a quantitative descriptive survey method that focuses on teachers' perceptions of online learning in the Covid-19 era. Data was obtained through a questionnaire sent via a Google form. The data were analyzed descriptively and tested with ANOVA and post hoc tests to see how far the respondents have owned the teacher's role. The results are 1) the respondents considered the online learning that had been done was good, and several other things needed to be noted for teachers and educational institutions, 2) Most of the respondents are ready to carry out online learning, and 3) the role of the teacher as a facilitator, guide, and organizers are good, and the role of teachers as evaluators, motivators, initiators, and transmitters still need to be improved.
Fostering Low-Income Family Resilience: Findings from Walsh Family Resilience Framework in Tapos Depok, Indonesia
Authors: Meitasari Indah , Nugroho Fentiny , Anugrahini Triyanti
Published: June 2023

The family has a pivotal role in social development, as it represents the fundamental unit of society that contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, policies geared towards enhancing family well-being, such as poverty reduction, health, and education, are indispensable. Inevitably, families encounter challenges and difficulties, especially for poor household with limited capacity and resources to buffer from shocks. Nevertheless, some families are able to rebound quickly and learn from their struggles, a phenomenon known as resilience. Family resilience denotes a family's strength capacity to rebound from adversity and emerge stronger and more empowered. Using a depth interview method in Tapos, Depok, West Java, Indonesia, this study examines family resilience based on Froma Walsh's Key Processes, analyzing the strengths that enable families to overcome adversity. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, comprising two underprivileged families that receive government social assistance. Despite coming from impoverished backgrounds, these families possess resilience values that enable them to effectively fulfill their social roles and realize their aspirations. The findings reveal that family spirituality, adaptability, family connectedness, and communities support facilitate family members to grow and thrive despite adversity.
Coping Mechanism for Street-Level Bureaucrats in the Implementation of Policies for Handling Coronavirus Disease 19 (Covid-19) in Gorontalo City
Authors: Mochammad Sakir
Published: June 2023

In interacting with the community, street level bureaucrats (SLB) have many different patterns of behavior in providing services to the community, both between agencies and between individuals in making policies given to the community. Lower-level executive officials (street-level bureaucrats) often face a dilemma situation, where they are required to provide services according to the rules, while on the other hand, the rules that are applied are often not always in accordance with the situation of the community members who are the target group (target group). In response to this situation, street-level bureaucrats (SLB) developed coping mechanisms, in which they simplified the nature of their work or implemented routine activities. The results showed that in the implementation of the Covid 19 policy, lower-level implementers (street -level bureaucrats) sometimes take coping measures because lower-level implementers are not matched by the provision of adequate service facilities and resources, so that in implementation many different decisions are taken by lower-level implementers (street-level bureaucrats), giving rise to separate problems for top-level implementers. down because it is not clear which standard operating procedures should be used as a guideline.
A A Literature Review on The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumer Buying Behavior towards Private Labels
Authors: Mbongwe Thabiso Banjane , Qutieshat Abubaker
Published: June 2023

During the COVID-19 crises, consumers and the retail industry have continuosly been affected by several challenges, such as increased consumer demand, disrupted supply chain, and the stockpiling of food supplies due to the fear associated with the pandemic. A better understanding of consumer buying behaviour, perceptions and preference for brand is vital for the retail industry  and policymakers to efficiently meet the dynamic and growing complexity of consumer demand. The present paper is intended to contribute to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer buying behaviour. To assess whether COVID-19 had an impact on buying behaviour toward brand type and to establish if there was a shift in the type of brands consumers were buying during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is aimed to explore and synthesize evidence from the literature about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer buying behaviour towards private labels also known as in-house brands. The literature was reviewed by seraching for past studies that were published during the years 2020 and 2022. In conducting the search for the articles, the main search terms were namely ''consumer buying behavior,'' ''impact of COVID-19,'' and ''private label,'' which showed to have other synonym terms such as ''private brand'', ''store brand,'' ''in-house brand,'' and ''own label.'' Various literature shows that consumer behaviour has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Consumer buying behaviour during the year under review has changed, wherein it shows it has been affected by various factors, among them cultural, personal, psychological, which as marketers and researchers need to be taken into context. In order to understand consumer buying behaviour, there is a need to consider context and several influencing factors, including psychological, sociological, and economic factors.
Ejo Heza Pension Scheme, an Example Worth Emulating
Authors: Manirakiza Jean Baptiste
Published: June 2023

The study at hand sought to investigate the contribution of Rwanda’s Ejo Heza Pension Scheme to the dignified retirement of Rwandans so as to see whether African countries can follow suit. The specific objectives were to examine the contribution of Ejo Heza Pension Scheme to bettering lives of Rwandan residents and those in the Rwandan diaspora; to find out whether other African countries can borrow a leaf from Ejo Heza initiative so as to render their citizens’ lives better upon retirement; and to find the challenges facing Ejo Heza Pension Scheme while striving to shape a brighter future for Rwandan residents and those in the Rwandan diaspora. Two hypotheses were formulated to achieve those objectives: Ejo Heza Pension Scheme contributes significantly to bettering members’ lives; and African countries should borrow a leaf from Ejo Heza initiative to render their citizens’ lives better. he study was qualitative with documentation used for data collection. To get more information about Ejo Heza, the researcher consulted Law No 29/2017 of 29/06/2017 establishing the long-term savings scheme and determining its organization and the ministerial order No 001/18/10/tc of 05/12/2018 determining modalities of granting long-term savings scheme benefits. Findings revealed that when a member of Ejo Heza dies, the family gets support and burial allowances worth one million two hundred fifty Rwandan francs (Frw 1,250,000). Besides, if one saves Rwf10,000 for their child per month, the child will have Rwf261 million, and a pension of Rwf1.7 million per month, when he/she turns 55. The researcher affirmed that both hypotheses were approved after verification. The study recommended Ejo Heza to avail all reports on the website to enable researchers and other individuals wishing to learn from the initiative to have clear information electronically.
A Politics of Recognition: A Reflection on the Sami Minority in Norway and Rohingya Minority in Myanmar
Authors: Timsina Ramesh , Zaman Benozir
Published: June 2023

The politics of identity is central to the current socio-political discourses. People, who have been left behind and oppressed historically by the majority culture, are struggling for their rights and recognition. Non-recognition or misrecognition is the denial of ‘existence’ in a sociological sense. The idea of identity emerged from the concept of authentic self; however, the collective sense of being has driven the wheel of politics of identity giving rise to multiculturalism. This article draws upon the theoretical insight of ‘politics of recognition’ developed by Charles Taylor and ‘intercultural dialogue’ propounded by Bhikhu Parekh in order to analyze how Sami and Rohingya communities engage in their endeavor for recognition and self-determination. The article argues that a collective sense of identity and intercultural dialogue are the remedies for historically oppressed group identity.
Accessibility of Institutional Support to Nonfarm Micro Manufacturing Enterprises in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Gwanyemba John King , Kilonzo Rehema
Published: June 2023

This study contributes to understanding of how the rural nonfarm micro manufacturing enterprises in Tanzania access institutional support for their growth and survival. It aimed at exploring the extent to which rural nonfarm micro manufacturing enterprises access support and approaches that the responsible public institutions are using to provide support for them. A total of 62 micro manufacturing enterprises were sampled for this study. Primary data were collected using questionnaire, semi-structured interview and observation. Secondary data were collected through review of relevant documents and policies. Qualitative data were analysed through content while quantitative data were analysed through SPSS. Results indicate low level of accessibility of institutional support to rural micro manufacturing enterprises from responsible institutions. Furthermore, the study learnt that the responsible institutions are insufficiently providing support which do not reach the rural nonfarm micro manufacturing enterprises. It appears that unintended enterprises are likely receiving support that were primarily targeting rural nonfarm micro manufacturing enterprises. This study established that the responsible support institutions do not use the appropriate that can help them reach a voluminous number of targeted rural nonfarm micro manufacturing enterprises. It is recommended that the responsible support institutions change the approach and make use of participatory that engage more closely the Local Government Authorities.
Exploring the Impact of Arrests and Prosecution on the Perpetrators of Service Delivery Protests Crimes in South Africa
Authors: Mokhomole Tumiso Desmond , Khosa Dee , Olutola Adewale
Published: June 2023

This article explores the impact of arrest and prosecution on the perpetrators of service delivery protests crimes in South Africa. To date, most  service delivery protests turned out to be violent and destructive to properties as well as posing a threat to the livelihood of ordinary citizens. This is because most of these service delivery protests are spontaneous and put the security and economy of the country at risk. Citizens are not conscientious by government, civil society, community organisations and leaders regarding the role of the police during the protests which makes it difficult for the police to manage these protests. The researchers followed a descriptive research approach to gather data. Data was gathered from media reports, parliamentary reports, articles, journals and statistics reported by the South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Data was purposively identified from primary sources to achieve the study purpose. The study found that criminal activities derived from service delivery protests and the challenges faced by both the SAPS and NPA in relation to arresting, charging and prosecuting the perpetrators of service delivery protest crimes in South Africa. The study found that the arrest and prosecution of service delivery protest criminals have no impact on reducing violent service delivery protests in South Africa. There is also inconsistency with regard to the number of completed (enrolled and prosecuted) cases by the NPA and the number of arrests effected by SAPS, despite that the NPA reported a successful conviction rate. The NPA is perceived to be enrolling and prosecuting easy-winnable cases related to protest crimes. Furthermore, most of the arrested protesters are either released with a warning or left off the hook without being charged by the police due to the failure to secure proper evidence. The study recommends that both the data presented by the SAPS relating to the number of arrests made and cases prosecuted by NPA must be thoroughly interrogated by responsible oversight bodies including civil society organisations due to its discrepancy.
The Role of Community Participation in Support of the Successful Implementation of the Integrated Development Planning in South Africa
Authors: Selepe M.M.
Published: June 2023

This article aims to examine the role of community participation in ensuring the successful implementation of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) within municipalities. The main objective of the study is to investigate to what extent can community participation contribute to the successful implementation of Integrated development planning. The study adopted a qualitative method with specific reference to a conceptual approach relying heavily on secondary data. The South African democratic government introduced the Integrated Development Plan as a five-year strategic plan used to guide municipalities to eradicate service delivery backlogs, inefficiencies, and ineffectiveness. However, for the Integrated Development Planning to be more credible, successful, and effective it is very important to encourage members of the community to fully participate in the processes of the IDP to ascertain that all the objectives outlined in the IDP are successfully implemented. In a democratic setup like South Africa, community participation in matters of local government is a priority. The community is the primary stakeholder of the municipality. Municipalities are vested with the sole responsibility of providing economic and social services to communities within their jurisdictions endeavoring to eradicate the injustices and inequalities disseminated by the apartheid government. The paper also examines the role of community participation in the Integrated Development planning process. The study adopted a conceptual approach to investigate the role of community participation in ensuring the success of Integrated Development Planning.
Exploring the Effects of Performance Management on Service Delivery in Greater Tzaneen Municipality
Authors: Oupa Hlatshwayo
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how performance management affects service delivery, which has been a persistent problem in South African municipalities for decades. All municipalities have experienced protests due to underperformance, and the Greater Tzaneen Municipality is no exception. This municipality has struggled with poor service delivery due to various factors such as unethical behavior, mismanagement of public funds, and underperformance, resulting in continuous protests by community members. The study used a qualitative approach and thematic content analysis to analyze the data in line with the research objectives. The findings indicate that poor performance management has a negative impact on people's lives, and unrealistic performance goals set by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality have not been met. The issue of poor performance management is a significant concern in South African municipalities, leading to poor service delivery in the local government. To address this problem, the study recommends that all levels of employees should understand what performance management on service delivery entails. Additionally, the municipality executive managers should take responsibility for performance measurement and ensure that the performance of each employee is evaluated, monitored, and measured.
OFICINAS PEDAGÓGICAS COMO INSTRUMENTO FACILITADOR DA APRENDIZAGEM NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NA ESCOLA PROFª. MARIA EVAN DO CARMO
Authors: Costa Menezes Anne Karine , Jose Filgueiras Russo Francisco
Published: June 2023

Este artigo investiga a temática Oficinas Pedagógicas como Instrumento Facilitador da Aprendizagem na Educação Infantil. Um Estudo de Caso na Escola Profª. Maria Evan do Carmo. Neste contexto a escola, enquanto espaço de conhecimento e socialização, está em constante transformação, uma vez que recebe, elabora e, cotidianamente, tem a responsabilidade de acompanhar novas exigências e demandas ao lidar com diferentes sujeitos e suas experiências, dúvidas, comportamentos e expressões diversas, que se constituem como pontos de reflexão e ação para que o espaço educativo seja e tenha sempre a preocupação de formar, valorizar seus atores, auxiliar cada aprender, em condições socioculturais, etárias e psicológicas. Desenvolver práticas educativas infantis pelo viés das oficinas pedagógicas oportuniza e maximiza o trabalho dos docentes rumo a um alcance também maximizado no processo da construção do saber.
FATORES PSICOSSOMÁTICOS DECORRENTES DA ENDOMETRIOSE
Authors: Saulino Campos Karollyne , Silva Lima da Costa Ruth
Published: June 2023

Objetivou-se descrever os fatores psicossomáticos associados a ocorrência de endometriose. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão da literatura, cuja busca foi realizada nas seguintes bases de dados: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Web of Science e National Library of Medicine (PubMed) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Nesta revisão, foram selecionados 23 estudos que respondiam à questão norteadora da pesquisa. Os resultados dos estudos demostraram que dentre os fatores psicossomáticos que podem ocorrer em decorrência da endometriose destaca-se que a dor crônica pode levar a um aumento do estresse e da ansiedade, podendo ocasionar irritabilidade, dificuldade de concentração, insônia e alterações de humor. A doença também pode interferir nas atividades diárias e afetar a qualidade de vida das mulheres acometidas, levando a sentimento de frustração, tristeza e isolamento social. O diagnóstico da doença pode ser emocionalmente desafiador, podendo gerar tristeza, raiva e até depressão. Além disso, a dispareunia que ocorre em decorrência da doença, pode afetar a vida sexual e emocional da pessoa. Esses fatores psicossomáticos variam de uma pessoa para outra e nem todas as mulheres com a doença poderão apresentar esses sintomas. Conclui-se que é importante que essas  mulheres tenham  suporte médico e psicológico adequado, buscando um tratamento abrangente e multidisciplinar para lidar com as questões físicas e emocionais relacionadas à doença.