bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pension Management Challenges and Retirement Life Experiences: A Policy Implication
Authors: Adewumi Samson
Published: March 2024

Remarking on the discourse of pension management in Nigeria, scarce research attention can be traced to the understanding of pension management challenges and life after retirement experience through the prism of policy implication. To address this gap, the study assesses the pattern of pensioners’ life after retirement, the arrays of pension management challenges, and appropriate policy implications for effective pension management. A mixed-method research approach was employed. 345 retirees were randomly recruited and administered a questionnaire, and 18 purposively semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria. Quantitative data were analyzed with the frequency distribution and the Q-Q plot to determine the normal probability plot, while the NVivo (12) qualitative software was used for the identification of themes and sub-themes from the transcribed data. Findings revealed prolonged health challenges, poverty, and abrupt pension payment as life after retirement experiences. Verification bottleneck, poor monitoring and evaluation efforts, and administrative incompetency were issues around pension management challenges. The implication includes addressing political interference in pension management and administration, safeguarding retirees’ savings through legal commitment, and a call for employers’ contributions. The study recommends that the National Pension Commission become more responsive in its role of providing quality pension service, especially in terms of quality leadership, monitoring, and evaluation of Pension Fund Administrators.
Industry 4.0 in Finance, Digital Financial Services and Digital Financial Inclusion in Developing Countries: Opportunities, Challenges, and Possible Policy Responses
Authors: Mpofu Favourate Y.
Published: March 2024

Fintech and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (industry 4.0) technologies have expanded the provision and uptake of digital financial services (DFSs) globally. Digital transformation in the financial industry intended to modify financial service provisioning by reducing the costs of accessing and challenges such as inaccessibility due to remoteness, not having a bank account, not having a credit history, or having erratic incomes. Digital financial inclusion (DFI) aims to ensure that financial services, such as deposits, payments, transfers, withdrawals, investments, accessing insurance and credit, checking account balances, receiving money, and making international remittances, are conducted conveniently, easily, safely, reliably, and affordably.  DFI focuses on ensuring access to financial services through digital channels and platforms for individuals, businesses, and households, to promote financial inclusion for all stakeholders, especially previously financially excluded groups. Through a critical review of the literature, this study explores the opportunities and challenges of DFI or the adoption and use of DFS. The review unpacks the possible benefits of using DFSs, which include the broadening financial inclusion, increasing diversity and innovation in the financial services sector, attainment of the SDGs, reduction of poverty, increased economic growth, and minimization of the gender financial inclusion gap, as well as reduction in inequalities. The constraints include the inadequacy of digital infrastructure, taxes on DFS, literacy challenges, digital exclusion, poverty and the gender divide, risks, and lack of trust in the financial services sector. The study recommends appropriate regulation and oversight, literacy enhancement initiatives, investment in digital infrastructure, and increased consumer protection as measures to improve DFI in developing countries.
The Effect of Earnings Smoothing and Earnings Informativeness on Firm Value with Managerial Ability as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Sinuraya Candra , Mayangsari Sekar
Published: March 2024

This study's goal is to find out how earnings informability and income smoothing affect firm value, with managerial ability as a moderating variable. A quantitative method was used, and financial statements that were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange served as the source of the data. The sample population comprised 255 companies within the Consumer Non-Cyclicals and Consumer Cyclicals sectors, with a 4-year study period from 2017 to 2020. In addition, a total of 154 companies were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and 616 observations were carried out. This study used data from an emerging market country, namely Indonesia, which was known as the most promising investment destination. The results showed that earnings smoothing did not affect firm value, while earnings informativeness had a significant effect. The relationship between income smoothing and firm value was unaffected by managerial skill, even though it increased the correlation between earning informativeness and firm value. In line with these findings, company leaders must choose managers with high skills in financial management. These skills can greatly influence the impact of earnings informativeness on firm value.
The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility, Ownership Structure, and Gender Diversity in Firm Performance
Authors: Alawi Suha
Published: March 2024

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is now at the heart of corporate sustainability, and as such should have a significant impact on firm performance. However, the ownership structure (OS) is one element in the inner functioning of corporate governance (CG). Further, diversity by gender is one of the variables affecting FP. This paper examines the impact of CSR, ownership structure and gender diversity on FP. That is, we use panel data from non-financial firms in South Asian economies. Data for the years 2010-2022 are drawn from players 'DataStream. We use fixed effect, GMM (generalized method of moments) analysis and propensity score matching to study the data. However, we discover CSR and ownership concentration as well as institutional ownership and gender diversity have positive impacts on FP. study provides the policy implications for both investors and firms. As FP increases with more CSR activities, investors prefer to invest in firms that are more socially connected. Firms should provide more chances to the women on the board to improve performance. Further, ownership structure helps to overcome agency costs, therefore, investors are more attracted to provide funds to the firms that have a higher share of concentrated and institutional ownership.
Quantitative Evaluation Of Weld Defects Based On Overall Shape Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Erqing , Wang Shaofeng , Zhou Shengrong , Li Yannan , Huang Shunzhou , Ma Tao
Published: March 2024

The evaluation of the size of weld defects is crucial in assessing the quality of weld structures. In this study, a novel quantitative evaluation method for weld defects was proposed based on 3D reconstruction using slices. The method includes two significant contributions. First, the supervised defect segmentation method was introduced, which uses the results of the previous slice to supervise the segmentation of the current slice based on slight changes in adjacent defect slices. This ensures accurate segmentation of all defects. Second, the subpixel edge extraction method combining the Canny operator and cubic spline interpolation was proposed to improve the accuracy of edge detection. The proposed method was evaluated using 15 defects. The experimental results showed that the average errors of inclusion defects, incomplete-penetration defects, and incomplete-fusion defects were 13.6%, 8.18%, and 13.9%, respectively. Compared with the other methods, the proposed method not only had higher accuracy but also provided the volume value of defects.
Visualizing Defects of Irregular Weld Seams Based on MultiMode TFM Detection
Authors: Wang Shaofeng , Zhang Yaowen , Zhou Shenrong , Liu Wenjing , Du Fei , Wang Jian , Hui Fei , Yang Mingyuan
Published: March 2024

An image reconstruction method based on the multimode total focusing method (MTFM) is proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional total focusing method (TFM) imaging in detecting tiny discontinuities at complex locations. We conducted MTFM detection and TFM image reconstruction experiments for irregular welds containing multiple discontinuities. In an experiment using four 1 mm diameter manufactured defects fabricated on two aluminum alloy welded test blocks, we achieved two significant contributions. First, we accurately detected small discontinuities by combining CIVA simulation with robotic arm assistance. Second, we proposed fusion factor coefficients for TFM image processing, which considered different modal weights for image fusion and de-noising, thereby preserving the integrity of the fused images. Our experimental results demonstrate that the reconstructed TFM images effectively represented all defect information. Compared with other modal TFM images with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the amplitude-corrected optimized TFM image exhibits an improved SNR of 51.95% without losing defect information.
Analisis Hukum Putusan Perbuatan Melawan Hukum Dalam Lelang Eksekusi Hak Tanggungan (Studi Putusan Nomor 823 PK/Pdt/2019)
Authors: Azura Pulungan Lulu
Published: March 2024

Pada perjanjian kredit risiko yang mungkin terjadi ialah debitor tidak membayar utang atau cidera janji (wanprestasi). Sehingga bank mensyaratkan kepada debitor berupa jaminan yang harus diberikan, berfungsi sebagai pelunasan utang apabila debitor wanprestasi. Namun pada prakteknya banyak kreditor melaksanakan lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan tidak mengupayakan jaminan tersebut dijual dengan harga yang maksimum dan tidak menetapkan nilai limit secara hati-hati serta bertanggung jawab sehingga merugikan debitor. Maka debitor dapat menggugatnya sebagai Perbuatan Melawan Hukum (PMH). Rumusan masalah dalam skripsi ini yaitu bagaimana pengaturan mengenai lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan menurut hukum di Indonesia, bagaimana perbuatan melawan hukum dalam lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan dan bagaimana analisa hukum terhadap pertimbangan hakim dalam Putusan Peninjauan Kembali Nomor 823 PK/Pdt/2019. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis normatif yaitu metode yang mengacu pada norma-norma hukum yang dilakukan dengan studi kepustakaan (library research). Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitis. Hasil dari penelitian ini bahwa Penggugat menggugat kembali Para Tergugat dalam tingkat Peninjauan Kembali. Penggugat menganggap tindakan Tergugat I yang melaksanakan lelang eksekusi hak tanggungan melalui Tergugat II yang dimenangkan oleh Turut Tergugat dengan harga jual jauh di bawah harga pasar merupakan Perbuatan Melawan Hukum. Adapun yang menjadi analisis pertimbangan hukum hakim dalam putusan Peninjauan Kembali Nomor 823 PK/Pdt/2019 ini adalah tepat dan adil karena lelang yang dilakukan oleh Tergugat I terhadap objek milik penggugat melalui perantara Tergugat II yang dimenangkan oleh Turut Tergugat merugikan Penggugat karena harga lelang jauh dibawah dari NJOP. Sehingga memenuhi unsur perbuatan melawan hukum.
Eficácia de um kit regional indígena amazônico na triagem auditiva neonatal em Belém do Pará
Authors: Almeida Roberta Ferraz , Fecury Amanda Alves , Dendasck Carla Viana , Dias Claudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos
Published: March 2024

A perda auditiva pode acontecer em diferentes níveis fisiológicos e graus, afetando primariamente as crianças. A Lei nº 12.303/2010, conhecida como Teste da Orelhinha, obriga a realização de uma triagem auditiva em recém-nascidos. Diferentes instrumentos sonoros não calibrados podem ser usados para realizar uma triagem auditiva comportamental: gaita plástica, bater de colher em uma xícara, brinquedos de borracha, tambores, maracá de palha e maracá de cabaça, sendo os três últimos de origem indígena. O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a eficácia de um kit regional indígena amazônico na triagem auditiva comportamental neonatal em Belém do Pará, para tanto foi realizado um estudo quantitativo descritivo. O kit auditivo avaliado com instrumentos regionais se mostrou eficaz, avaliando os principais reflexos do RN. Demonstrou, também, a simplicidade de um modo de detecção e a viabilidade de sua inclusão nos métodos de triagem rotineira no serviço neonatal, possibilitando o diagnóstico e acompanhamento precoce da surdez em recém-nascidos, o que pode se apresentar como uma alternativa, principalmente em locais que não dispõe dos equipamentos tradicionais.
АВТОМАТИЗАЦІЯ АУДИТУ ФІНАНСОВОЇ ЗВІТНОСТІ У ВОЄННИЙ ПЕРІОД
Authors: Бурак Маркіян , Яремко Ігор
Published: March 2024

Стаття присвячена актуальним питанням оптимізації робочих процесів при здійсненні аудиторських перевірок фінансової звітності. Підвищення ефективності роботи аудитора, зокрема в умовах воєнного стану. Зменшення впливу воєнних дій на аудиторську діяльність в Україні. Таким чином, від сучасного аудитора, вимагається значно більше знань про інформаційні системи та їх використання в аудиті, порівняно з довоєнним періодом. Використання автоматизованих програмних продуктів є надважливим і задає темп розвитку бізнесу, він передбачає застосування комп'ютерної техніки та комп'ютерних програм при проведенні контролю та аудиту. Для захисту персоналу фірми це надає можливість на сьогодні мінімізувати ризики, котрі викликані воєнними діями. Застосування комп'ютерних програм не змінює мети проведення аудиторських процедур, проте суттєво впливає на способи і порядок проведення цих процедур, а тому впливає на методологію аудиту.
ДУАЛЬНА ОСВІТА ЯК ІНСТРУМЕНТ ІНТЕГРАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ ГОТЕЛЬНИХ МЕРЕЖ
Authors: Шикіна Ольга , Кузнєцова Оксана
Published: March 2024

Стаття досліджує сутність дуальної освіти як інструменту інтеграційного розвитку готельних мереж. Дослідження аналізує ефективність цієї форми здобуття вищої освіти, визначає виклики та переваги для навчальних закладів та готельних підприємств. Особливий акцент робиться на проблемі нестачі кваліфікованого персоналу у готельній галузі та шляхах вирішення цього питання через впровадження дуальної освіти. Розглядається наявний досвід організації навчання персоналу на базі готельних мереж Marriott, Accor, Hilton, Premier International та Optima Hotels & Resorts. Аналітичний огляд і приклади успішних реалізацій дуальної освіти ТДАТУ, ДТЕУ, НУХТ, ЗНУ, ЧДТУ, ЛТЕУ, ВНУ ім. Лесі Українки та ЛНТУ допомагають визначити перспективи цієї освітньої стратегії в контексті українського готельного бізнесу.
ІДЕОЛОГІЧНА СКЛАДОВА У ВИЗНАЧЕННІ ІГРОВОГО ПРОСТОРУ ДИТИНИ
Authors: ГАВРИШ Наталія , ПІРОЖЕНКО Тамара
Published: March 2024

Освітянська галузь як державна інституція завжди відображала ідеологічні засади державної політики, а форма державного устрою та правління визначала пріоритети освітнього процесу держави. Ключовою ідеєю у ситуації утвердження незалежності української держави була визначена національна ідеологія, зінтегрована з загально-цивілізаційними духовними орієнтирами, фундаментальними інностями, як одна з найголовніших засад формування національної свідомості громадянина держави складання та укріплення у свідомості народу своєї національно-державної ідентичності. Домінуючою думкою в дослідженнях освітянської ідеології є спрямування її на поєднання національного і європейського в освіті України, що вимагає глибокого освоєння національного освітянського досвіду та узагальненого бачення європейських освітніх традицій та особливостей. Переважна більшість науковців освітньо–ідеологічного дискурсу пов’язує означену проблему з національно–патріотичним вихованням. Іграшка виступає призмою, через яку громадяни намагаються зазирнути у майбутнє через проекцію активності дитини. Через ігрові дії та ігрові ролі дитина утверджує в своєї діяльності та поведінці проекцію своєї майбутньої соціальної активності. Саме тому іграшка в часи підвищеного ідеологічного життя суспільства була предметом цілеспрямованої уваги. Яскраво простежуєтеся увага до дитячої іграшки в часи радянської ідеології. Державні органи виступали замовниками і регуляторами формування і стимулювання ідеологічно коректних норм виробництва асортименту і споживання дитячої іграшки. Тож, історія створення іграшок, а точніше доволі жорсткий ідеологічний тиск на їх виробництво в радянський період має надати нам важливих уроків і спонукати замислитися о надзвичайно гострих проблемах сучасного виховання, що потребують осмисленої відповідальності. Процес деідеологізації «радянського» контенту в ігровій індустрії» та в освіті загалом свідчить про те, що ідеологічний вимір для створення нової української іграшки залишається актуальним. В пошуках шляхів формування національної, громадянської, культурної ідентичності дітей дошкільного віку неперевершену роль відіграє національна та водночас сучасна іграшка. Вибір її характеристик та критеріїв оцінки знов таки ідеологічно вмотивований цінностями суспільства та зокрема освіти. У статті наводяться результати інтерв’ювання учасників науково–методичного семінару «Іграшка як засіб ідеологічного впливу» стосовно іграшки як засобу патріотичного виховання та ставлення до військової іграшки. Проаналізовані позиції авторів аргументують пошук та обговорення сучасних орієнтирів та загальних питань присутності ідеології в освіті, зокрема присутності ідеології в площині ігрового простору, в якому зростає дитина. Національна освітня ідея потребує ясних та доступних тверджень, в яких простежуються мрії, надії, очікування громадян суспільства на достойне, вільне, щасливе життя. Оформлення такої освітньої ідеї на наш погляд не може бути нав’язливим та багатослівним.
ФОРМУВАННЯ МІЖКУЛЬТУРНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ: ПРОБЛЕМИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ МЕТОДІВ НАВЧАННЯ
Authors: ТОМАШЕВСЬКА Ірина
Published: March 2024

Статтю присвячено розгляду можливостей і перспектив застосування інноваційних методів навчання у процесі формування міжкультурної компетентності. Для досягнення мети в процесі наукового пошуку було схарактеризовано значення та місце міжкультурної компетентності в загальній системі компетентностей майбутніх фахівців та розкрито властивості міжкультурної компетентності. Головним завданням нових освітніх стандартів є формування під час навчання сукупності компетентностей, які дадуть змогу майбутньому фахівцеві ефективно здійснювати професійну діяльність в умовах глобалізації та інтеграції, розширення полікультурного середовища. У статті схарактеризовано роль і значення міжкультурної компетентності в підготовці та становленні майбутніх фахівців в контексті глобалізації сучасного суспільного простору. Необхідність нестандартної системи підготовки фахівців стала стимулом для широкого застосування ділових ігор з метою формування міжкультурної компетентності. В статті охарактеризовано особливості формування міжкультурної компетентності здобувачів освіти в умовах освітнього простору ЗВО із використанням інноваційних методів навчання. Використання ділових ігор у процесі професійної підготовки є одним із найактуальніших напрямів підвищення ефективності освітньої діяльності за будь-яким напрямом. Найпродуктивнішими в результаті апробації були визнані ділові метафоричні ігри, у процесі реалізації яких у здобувачів освіти формується новий погляд на здійснення професійної діяльності в полікультурному середовищі. Основне завдання метафоричної гри – знайти новий спосіб вирішення ситуації у процесі міжкультурної комунікації. Унікальність цього методу полягає в тому, що для вирішення в діловій ситуації береться метафора. За результатами аналізу у статті схарактеризовано особливості метафоричної гри, її можливості та переваги у формуванні міжкультурної компетентності у майбутніх фахівців в освітньому просторі ЗВО.
ПОНЯТТЯ «МОВА ВОРОЖНЕЧІ» В СУЧАСНИХ МЕДІА
Authors: СУКАЛЕНКО Тетяна , ПАЮЛ Надія
Published: March 2024

У статті уточнено зміст поняття «мова ворожнечі», проаналізовано приклади мови ворожнечі в ЗМІ. Здійснено огляд праць українських і зарубіжних науковців із питань вивчення мови ворожнечі в ЗМІ. Розглянуто поняття «мова ворожнечі», подане у мовознавчих працях. Поняття «мова ворожнечі» дослідники розглядають як «різноманітні форми висловлювань, що викликані ворожістю», «мову, яка виявляє ненависть до певної групи людей» тощо. Наголошено на тому, що різновиди мови ворожнечі можна класифікувати за тематикою, розкриттям об’єкта номінації, способом поширення мови ворожнечі в соціумі та її відповідністю складу злочину. Зосереджено увагу на особливостях мови ворожнечі в ЗМІ: асоціація з історичними фактами; створення образів через порівняльні характеристики; використання стереотипів, мовних зворотів, які викликають негативні асоціації, образи, принижують адресата; вживання нецензурної лексики для створення привабливих заголовків та пейоративів для вираження зневаги, презирства, упередженого ставлення до особи чи групи людей; використання оказіоналізмів, вживання оцінних дієслів, безцеремонної, фамільярної лексики; підштовхування до упереджень та соціальних стереотипів; використання іронії чи інших форм саркастичного гумору, закликів до дискримінації у відкритій та прихованій формах; розподіл аудиторії на «своїх» і «чужих»; створення негативної репутації: упередження щодо жінок, хасидів та ін.; повторення слів для привертання уваги. У статті проаналізовано приклади з м’яким рівнем мови ворожнечі. Зауважено, що в більшості випадків мова ворожнечі фіксується в ЗМІ стосовно національної приналежності або ж міжнаціональних конфліктів. Розроблено пропозиції щодо вирішення проблеми мови ворожнечі в ЗМІ: навчання журналістів, встановлення стандартів етики, контроль та відповідальність, залучення експертів, розвиток альтернативних форм мовлення та сприяння медіаграмотності. Ці заходи спрямовані не лише на виправлення негативних тенденцій у мовленні, а й на створення позитивного інформаційного простору, де діалог, розуміння та конструктивність стають ключовими цінностями. Перспективність подальших досліджень вбачаємо у вивченні заходів щодо регулювання мови ворожнечі в сучасному медійному просторі.
The position of the Arab press on the Islamic revolution in Iran 1979 (The position of the Syrian newspapers Al Thawra and Kuwaiti Al Raai Al Aam as a model)
Authors: Radi Ass.Lecture Ghazi Eidan
Published: March 2024

The research studies the position of the Arab press on the events of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, and the two newspapers, the Syrian Revolution and the Kuwaiti public opinion, were chosen as a model for the study, which was divided into three sections. Economic, and reasons related to Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi’s management of the state. The second topic deals with the position of the Syrian newspapers, Al-Thawra and Kuwaiti Public Opinion, from the government of Shahpour Bakhtiar, and the Shah’s departure from Iran. The study relates to the position of the Syrian Al-Thawra newspapers and the Kuwaiti public opinion on the return of Mr. Ruhollah Khomeini, and the formation of the government of Mahdi Bazargan, as the Syrian newspaper Al-Thawra showed its bias towards Mr. Khomeini's leadership of the revolution, while the public opinion was satisfied with blessing the revolution's victory, considering it a popular revolution.
Diplomatic and Consular Relations: A Study in its Origin and Development
Authors: Hassan Assis. Prof.  Dr. Fadel Abdel Ali
Published: March 2024

In light of the developments that took place in the international system after the two world wars and after the establishment of the United Nations, societies realized that traditional diplomacy was not compatible with the developments in the international system and the changes that have become evident in international relations and the drawing of new features of the international system in light of the new world order. Especially the transformation that took place in the bipolar system to the unilateral system, so the modernization of diplomatic tools and mechanisms has become a fait accompli to deal and deal with issues that occur in international relations between countries, so the development included both diplomatic and consular relations.
Supporting the Journey Home: The Process of Co-designing an Education Program to Strengthen Palliative Care Capacity in First Nations Communities
Authors: Seow Hsien , Vautour Joanna , Bishop Valerie , Antone Chantel , Belleau Tessa , Corbiere Brett , Fruch Verna , McCormick Laura , Monture Lori , Civak Margaret , Jyothi Kumar Shilpa , McMillan Kayla , Bainbridge Daryl , Cano Robin
Published: March 2024

In Ontario, Canada, several training programs have been created to improve home-based palliative care in First Nations communities, though they primarily focus on meeting needs at end-of-life. Therefore, education focused on incorporating an early palliative care approach for community health-related workers is necessary. To address this gap, we tested the CAPACITI curriculum with 12 health care providers working in First Nations communities across Ontario, 11 of which were members of a First Nations community, and engaged them in a collaborative process to co-design an education program that they felt was representative of First Nations values and culture. The co-designers were trained as nurses (n=8), personal support workers (n=2), a social worker (n=1), and a physician (n=1). We met with them for 12 weekly one hour sessions. They completed a workbook of questions and recommendations to tailor the education to a First Nations community context. We incorporated these recommendations into the new education by reviewing existing material, making notes of suggested changes, and adding new content. We redesigned the education according to several themes: incorporating culture, recognizing First Nations health care workers and knowledge, and approaching education wholistically. The resulting program, Supporting the Journey Home: Growing the Community Bundle to Care for those with Serious Illness, gives First Nations health care providers practical resources to operationalize an early palliative care approach with community members. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the co-design process of an existing palliative care education program with First Nations health care providers.
Indigenous Perspectives on Strengths, Resilience, and Well-being
Authors: Walls Melissa , Crowe Nikki , Oberstar Vicki , Gone Joseph , Kitto Marcia , Bernu Colleen , Weiss Nicole
Published: March 2024

Indigenous communities consistently call for strengths-based, assets-driven approaches to promoting health equity. This includes efforts to expand well-being and resilience frameworks to reflect cultural understandings and perspectives. This study describes community-based participatory research (CBPR) involving focus groups with four diverse groups of Indigenous community members in a single reservation community in the United States. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive multi-coder processes. Our collaborative efforts led to innovations in planned methods and focal areas of study, including a reframing of “resilience” as one that brings hearts and community together. This approach also yielded a unique, intensive qualitative coding structure that represents a substantive effort to democratize and Indigenize research methods. Community members who participated in focus groups identified Indigenous cultural practices, beliefs, and community as critical components to well-being.
You Belong to Everyone
Authors: Defriend Courtney
Published: March 2024

Indigenous peoples in Canada have suffered from ongoing impacts of colonization. The topic of Indigenous health is wholistic and intricate, spanning from individual to kin, to land, economy, socialization, and all things. Such intricacies have been impacted by colonial systems wherein many have left their traditional land bases and communities to pursue other opportunities or to flee circumstance on their home territories. This paper uses Indigenous methodologies to collect qualitative data on the experiences for some First Nations peoples connected to the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, on Vancouver Island when relocating off-reserve. Elders were selected as the sample based on the traditional perspective of knowledge and wisdom. As a result, six common themes from experiences were connection, way of living, education and employment, colonialism, land, and quality of health care. Further, axial coding found four action-based themes to be applied from the research. Racism, relevance, restrictions, and resources created the ‘Four R’s’ as recommendations for larger health systems in British Columbia.
kiwētotētan: ininiw kiskinomākēwin a framework for decolonial education
Authors: Cook Becky , Cook Ron , Walker Gordon , Walker Madeline , Sutherland Floyd , Sutherland Faylene , Swanson Dave , Thomas Celine
Published: March 2024

Pre-contact Indigenous Nations were vibrant with their own legal, government, and education systems. Indigenous education was community-led and grounded in the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental development of the child. Teachings were tied to the land following the natural cycles, and language was passed down through ceremony and time on the land. Following the creation of the Canadian state, Indigenous education systems were eroded, leaving detrimental impacts on communities and youth that are ongoing today. In recent decades, many communities have taken the initiative to restore community-led Indigenous education systems. The work presented here, Ininiw kiskinomākēwin, was collectively built with both Ininiwak and Anishinabe Elders and educators from Northern Manitoba and can be adapted to fit other First Nations groups across Canada. Ininiw kiskinomākēwin conveys the pre-contact methods for ensuring children and youth grow and become healthy, contributing members of society, and includes teachings involving family, community, language, land, and spirit. The implementation of this work is ongoing; critical components related to building a local teacher workforce, engaging Elders, supporting parents and having access to the land will shape how we choose to educate current and future generations.
Aboriginal young people’s experiences of Cultural Safety in mental health services in two regions of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Garay Jasper
Published: March 2024

This article assesses the Cultural Safety of mainstream mental health services in two regions of New South Wales, Australia, based on the experiences and perspectives of Aboriginal young people aged 16 – 25. Yarning semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen Aboriginal young people in two regions of New South Wales. Thematic analysis was undertaken by all research members to identify themes from the data and conceptual connections between them. Identified themes from individual analysis and coding were triangulated during several analysis meetings to finalize key themes and findings. Aboriginal young people identified that Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services offered culturally safe Social and Emotional Wellbeing service supports, whereas mainstream mental health services did not. Aboriginal young people proposed that institutional reforms such as increasing engagement with cultural competency programs, employing more Aboriginal staff, and implementing culturally meaningful services, would increase Cultural Safety in mainstream mental health services. Cultural Safety within mainstream mental health services should be enhanced to ensure the subjective Social and Emotional Wellbeing support needs of Aboriginal young people are understood, addressed, and supported. Without Aboriginal young people having confidence that mainstream mental health services and systems are prioritising Cultural Safety when providing supports, mainstream mental health systems risk failing to reduce mental health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing disparities unjustly experienced by Aboriginal young people in New South Wales.
Skookum Health
Authors: Patrick Lyana , Adzich Tsatia , Dumais Krystal
Published: March 2024

This article presents findings of a collaborative, community-based project that established partnerships between researchers at Simon Fraser University and Indigenous community members and organizations in Surrey, British Columbia. In Metro Vancouver, Surrey saw the biggest increase in its Indigenous population, which grew 77 per cent between 2006 and 2016 to 13,460. This was a timely project given that community research partners were interested in focusing on health issues and that traditional health and social service models geared towards Indigenous populations tend to focus on on-reserve populations. Research objectives included: 1) to identify the health needs and priorities of Indigenous peoples in Surrey; 2) to determine what methodologies should be used when researching culture and health; and 3) to explore how existing data connected to Surrey’s Indigenous population can be accessed to better align research priorities with the health status of Indigenous peoples in Surrey. Data was gathered through two community talking circles (n=30) and one-to-one interviews with health and social service providers (n=12). Findings from the project included: the importance of culturally safe care and support in health and social service systems; the need for training and education among health and social service providers on the history and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples; and the importance of having access to Elder-led cultural teachings and land-based activities that support health and wellbeing of families and communities.
Effect of repeated disinfection with madacide disinfectant solution on detail reproduction of dental stone Ramzi
Authors: Younan Berko Ramzi
Published: March 2024

Dental care providers are exposed to a wide variety of infections agents. This study investigated the effect of repeated applications (spaying or immersion) of disinfection on dental stone surface (reproduction ability) with medacide disinfection solution. Results demonstrated a significant reduction ni the reproduction ability with both methods of disinfection. However the spraying method had less effect than the immersion method of disinfection
Evaluation of apical seal after lateral compaction with three types of spreaders
Authors: A. Mahdi Jamal , M. Al-Zaka Iman
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the apical seal after lateral compaction with three types of spreaders thirty mesial canals of mandibular molars were prepared using the step-back technique and laterally condensed with gutta-percha and ZOE sealer. The roots were classified into three groups (I, II, III) and obturated as follows: group (1) was obturated with hand spreaders (ISO#30).Group (Il) was obturated with stainless steel finger spreaders Group (III) was obturated with nickel titanium finger spreaders. After 48 hours ni na incubator, the roots were coated with wt o layers of nail polish followed by one layer of sticky wax and were then submerged in 2% methylene blue. The roots were then split longitudinally and the apical leakage measured and compared for each group. The result showed that group I (with nickel titanium finger spreaders) has statistically the lowest mean of dye penetration followed by group (with stainless steel finger spreaders).Group I(with hand spreaders) showed the highest mean of dye penetration.
The microhardness measurement and polarized light microscopic evaluation for enamel surface after debonding of brackets using different orthodontic adhesive materials (A comparative in vitro study)
Authors: A AL-Mashhadany Saad , H.Ghaib Nidhal , H. Majeed Ahlam
Published: March 2024

This study was carried out to compare the effects of different orthodontic adhesive materials on the micro-hardness of human enamel surface with different incubation period and ot evaluate the morphology of enamel surface before and after orthodontic treatment using polarized light microscope. The sample includes one hundred twenty sound maxillary arid mandibular first premolar teeth which have been extracted for orthodontic treatment purpose from (13- 19) years old patients. The samples were divided into one as a control group and three experimental groups (lIl.Ill) according to the type of the orthodontic adhesive materials Reliance orthodontic products No-Mix. Advantage No-Mix. Orthodontic bonding system No-Mix) respectively. Each group consists of 03 samples and each group subdivided into three subgroups (10 sample) according ot the time of incubation 2( weeks,4 weeks and 8 weeks) and each subgroup divided to (5 upper, 5 lower). The study showed that enamel decalcification was associated with fixed orthodontic appliance thereby and the hardness of enamel si highest with group I (orthodontic bonding system No-Mix) folowed by group 1(Reliance orthodontic products) and group I (Advantage No-Mix). The study indicate that there was non significant difference between group I (Advantage No-Mix and group I (Orthodontic bonding system No-Mix) after 2 and 4 weeks period times bonding ni reduction of micro hardness values in both upper and lower teeth-while there si high significant difference between them ni micro hardness values after 8weks period times bonding ni both upper and lower teeth. The result of polarized light microscope finding show destruction of the perikymata of enamel during 2 weeks period time and increased ni destruction during 4 weeks period time but during 8 weeks period time there is remineralization only ni group 1 fOrthodontic bonding system No-Mix)
The role of psychoneurotic, social and other factors in refusal of complete denture treatment
Authors: Alnakkash Widad , Al-Jadiry Abdul-Monaf , Salih Mehdi Iman
Published: March 2024

Treating the patient requiring prosthesis si one of the most challenging and demanding aspects ni dentistry. One of the important dental health problems in the community si edentulousness, where some of the edentulous patients refuse dental consultation for denture treatment. The aim of this study was ot investigate the role of psychoneurotic status of the edentulous patients and other social and individual variables on refusal of denture treatment. Asample consisting of 18 denture refusing patients were compared with 94 satisfied denture wearers as a control group. Crown-Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI was used to assess the psychoneurotic status of both groups. Compared with hte control group, denture refuser's scores were statistically higher ni their psychoneurotic status according ot the CCEL, phobia and obsession were amongst the most obvious personality traits ni the study group. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlighted the importance of psychological factors and their role ni the patients' refusal for complete denture treatment
Efficacy of delay in self-etching primer application time on shear bond strength of stainless steel brackets
Authors: R Al- katib Ali , M Al- sayagh Nada , Kh Al- Hamadani Afrah
Published: March 2024

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Evaluation of the effects of an Iraqi phosphate bonded investment and two commercial types on the marginal fitness of porcelain- fused- to- metal copings .
Authors: Gazi Subhy Ahmed , Rasheed Zakaria Ma'an
Published: March 2024

The effect of different phosphate- bonded investments on the marginal fitnessof porcelain- fused—to-metal copings cast by one type of noble alloy and one type ofbase metal alloy was studied. Three types of phosphate—bonded investments (Castorit -Super C, Norvest, and Iraqivest) were used for investing the thirty copings of eachgroup. The marginal fitness of each coping was determined by measuring the verticalmarginal discrepancies between the gingival margin of the coping and the margin ofthe preparation at four reference points on the labial, mesial, palatal and distal aspectsof the die by the aid of light traveling microscope .The statistical analysis of the results showed that there were significantdifferences in marginal fitness among different investments for both Pd- Ag& Ni-Cralloys. The Castorit- Super C and Norvest investments produced comparable resultswith both alloys, while the Iraqivest appeared less compatible with Pd-Ag alloy thanthe other two investments and it had comparable compatibility to Norvest investmentwhen used with Ni- Cr alloy. The Ni- Cr alloy (Heraenium NA) copings revealedsignificantly greater marginal discrepancy than the Pd-Ag alloy (QD) eopingsspecially when using Castorit- Super C and Norvest investments .
Orofacial, radiographic and salivary changes in thalassemia a major patients in Mosul
Authors: I. M. Norri Mohammed , N. Ahmed Jamal
Published: March 2024

Thalassaemia is considered one of the major health problem, which is widely,distributed throughout the worldClinical orofacial, and radiographical examinations, in addition to the physicaland biochemical analysis of the whole unstimulated saliva had been studied in Majorthalassaemia patients (MTP) and the results compared with that of the normal.subjects)The study included (254) subjects. Thalassaemia patients (study groupcomposed of (201) patients and non-thalassaermic. patients (control group) composedof (53) subjects. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to their ages.and sex distribution to study the chronological changes ofthe diseaseThe first,second, and third groups were (6-11, 12-17,2 18) years old.respectivelyThe results of the study showed that, there was a significant difference in,occlusal relation between thalassaemie and non·thalassaemic groupsThalassaemic patients had a significant degree of malocclusion and high.significant degree of teeth discoloration than non-thalassaemie patientsThere were significant difference in oral hygein indices between thalassaemieand non-thalassaemie patients and even between male and female thalassaemie.patientsThe intraoral radiographical assessment of the major thalassaemie patientsshowed that, there was thinning of the lamina dura and bone marrow hyperplasia.which were significant when compaired with the non-thalassaemie patientsFacial pigmentation and saddle no se were highly significant in major.thalassaemie than non-thalassaemie patients
Achieving Sustainability in Newly Founded Start-Up Businesses: Navigating Challenges and Gaining Insights
Authors:   School of Commerce and Economics, KIIT Deemed to be University, India, Hota Sweta Leena , Mohanty Nirupama ,   School of Social Financial and Human Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, India, Kumar Arya ,   School of Social Financial and Human Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, India, Panda Kedareswar ,   College of IT and Management Education, Biju Patnaik University of Technology, India
Published: March 2024

Entrepreneurs embody multifaceted roles as leaders, risk-takers, and learners, driving toward success while transforming dreams into reality. However, amid their journey, they encounter formidable challenges. Hence, this article delves into startup entrepreneurs' hurdles in fostering sustainability. Amidst today's focus on sustainability, startups must navigate obstacles to enhance customer ratings and long-term performance. Examining risk management models, implementing eco-friendly technologies, and refining marketing strategies are crucial. Moreover, fostering virtual collaboration among geographically dispersed employees is essential to mitigate external challenges and achieve sustainability. Through these endeavors, entrepreneurs pave the path toward enduring success in the dynamic landscape of startup ventures.
Monitoring winter spawning activity of Western Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) (2021-25), Cruise No. AL606, January 22nd – January 30th 2024, Kiel (Germany) – Kiel (Germany), Winter cod 2021-25
Authors: Funk Steffen , Möllmann Christian
Published: March 2024

This cruise was the fourth out of five proposed cruises in the framework of the winter cod 2021- 25 cruises of the IMF, which aim to investigate the early winter spawning activity of Western Baltic cod. For this purpose, ichthyoplankton samples and cod samples were taken on a pre-defined station grid. Cod samples were used to investigate maturity stages and condition of adult cod. Plankton samples were analysed with a focus on the occurrence of cod eggs and larvae. The data will be used to identify whether there is a shift towards earlier spawning activities of Western Baltic cod and how spawning activity differs spatially between parts of the Belt Sea. During the cruise AL606 spawning cod were found in the Kiel Bight, the Mecklenburg Bight, and the Fehmarn Belt. First analyses of BONGO-net samples revealed no occurrence of cod larvae in the sampling area during this year’s January cruise 2024. This absence of cod larvae might be a result of the relatively harsh and cold winter of 2023/24 and an associated delay in the maturation and spawning of western Baltic cod compared to the warmer previous years 2021-2023. The observation of fewer larvae of other fish species (e.g., plaice) compared to previous years supports this hypothesis. However, especially the observation of spawning and post-spawning cod in the Mecklenburg Bight during AL606 provided further evidence for the hypothesised temporal shift in spawning phenology towards an earlier onset than described in the past. (Alkor-Berichte ; AL606)
Forecasting Employment Growth Along the GTA West Corridor: A Spatial Approach to Planning and Applied Policy Research
Authors: Lam Sridhar
Published: March 2024

The objective of this research paper is to forecast employment based on the suitability of available land (supply) along the proposed GTA West Corridor (demand), a highway which links the existing highways within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The theoretical framework and proxy sites establish the relationship between employment land uses, highway exits and interchanges (impedance). Using Spatial Analyst tools, the 2019 Land Cover data is analyzed (Step A) to identify the 'Whitebelt/Excess lands’ by each municipal jurisdiction which assesses that Caledon (9,800 ha) has the highest followed by Municipality of Halton Hills (7,000 ha), Brampton (4,900 ha), Milton (4,800 ha), Vaughan (4,700 ha), Mississauga (1,000 ha) and King (8 ha). Suitability Model (Step B) is executed converting the vector data to raster data, and considering the Euclidean distance criteria from the highway, exits and interchanges. The total identified suitable employment lands along the corridor is 5,482 ha towards employment use, out of which 2,473 ha is in primary, 1,733 ha in secondary, and 1,276 ha in tertiary distance from the proposed highway, exits and interchanges. The forecast model (Step C) estimates 87,800 jobs (Scenario #1), 58,400 jobs (Scenario #2) and 29,000 jobs (Scenario #3), in line with the regional/municipal employment density targets and achieve desired employment activity by 2031. These results help policy makers in identifying the strategic direction towards the economic benefit that can be achieved by designation of employment lands (highly recommended with special policies to limit the land use conversions) along the proposed highway corridor.
Credit Risk Prediction Using Explainable AI
Authors: Sarder Abdulla Al Shiam  , Md Mahdi Hasan  , Md Jubair Pantho  , Sarmin Akter Shochona  , Md Boktiar Nayeem  , M Tazwar Hossain Choudhury  , Tuan Ngoc Nguyen
Published: March 2024

Despite advancements in machine-learning prediction techniques, the majority of lenders continue to rely on conventional methods for predicting credit defaults, largely due to their lack of transparency and explainability. This reluctance to embrace newer approaches persists as there is a compelling need for credit default prediction models to be explainable. This study introduces credit default prediction models employing several tree-based ensemble methods, with the most effective model, XGBoost, being further utilized to enhance explainability. We implement SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) in ML-based credit scoring models using data from the US-based P2P Lending Platform, Lending Club. Detailed discussions on the results, along with explanations using SHAP values, are also provided. The model explainability generated by Shapely values enables its applicability to a broad spectrum of industry applications.