bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid SWOC-AHP Analysis of Two-Stroke Twin Spark Engine
Authors: Akarapu Sharath , Deb Bidesh Roy, Bachu , Saha Dipankar
Published: August 2024

A two-stroke engine is a promising device that provides a high power-to-weight ratio in automobiles. In recent times, the twin-spark configuration has shown advantages over the single-spark configuration. However, the rapid combustion associated with the twin-spark configuration leads to a higher NO x emission. Therefore, it is important to determine its strength-weakness-opportunity-challenges (SWOC). It is also important to prioritize the SWOC factors and sub-factors connected with the twin spark two-stroke engine. Thus, the primary aim of the current investigation is to perform the hybrid SWOC-analytical hierarchy process (AHP) analysis for producing the quantifiable priorities for the factors of the two-stroke twin spark configuration. Additionally, the rank-stability of SWOC factors is investigated using sensitivity analysis. From the results, challenge factors emerged to be the most significant, and to counter the challenges, the deployment of opportunity factors showed an improvement in the performance of the twin spark configuration. Moreover, weaknesses attained the least position, which shows a positive perception for developing the future emissions-compliant engine designs. Finally, implementing a twin spark configuration in a two-stroke engine can play a significant role in enhancing its additional benefits.
Identifying Influential Variables on Health Expenditure of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Countries
Authors: Issever Tugce , Sennaroglu Bahar , Donmez Cem Cagri , Corum Adnan
Published: August 2024

Background: Health expenditures of countries have an increasing trend in general and identifying variables affecting health expenditure is an important step toward budget planning for financial sustainability. This study aimed to examine the health expenditure of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and identify influential variables.
Methods: The data for the years 2000-2018 of OECD countries’ current health expenditure (% of GDP) and economic, demographic, and health variables, considered to affect the health expenditure, to include in the analysis were extracted using the World Bank database (World Bank 2021). Data analys using Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) decision tree technique. Fifteen variables in economic, demographic, and health categories are selected to build the CHAID decision tree.
Results: As a result of CHAID analysis, five variables are identified as influential on current health expenditure, which are gross domestic product per capita, life expectancy at birth, death rate, out-of-pocket expenditure, and fertility rate. Thirty-seven OECD countries are classified into eleven groups by the decision rules in terms of the current health expenditure. The high value of the correlation coefficient between the predicted values and the actual values of health expenditure of countries indicates good prediction performance. Moreover, the regression models built using the identified influential variables as explanatory variables give good forecast accuracy.
Conclusion: As an effective tool, the CHAID decision tree technique provides a rule-based model in the form of a tree with nodes and branches, illustrating the splitting process graphically with identified variables and their cut-off points for classification and prediction.
Mortality Rate and Years of Life Lost Due to Breast and Gynecologic Cancers in Southern Iran 2004-2019: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Azarbakhsh Habibollah , Heiran Alireza , Askarinejad Amir , Hassanzadeh Jafar , Janfada Maryam , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza
Published: August 2024

Background: There is an increase in the incidence of breast and gynecologic cancers in Iran during the last three decades. Literature is inadequate about the Years of Life Lost (YLL) attributed to these cancers in Iran.
Methods: Mortality data due to these cancers amongst females aged >20 yr from 2004 to 2019 was acquired from “Electronic Death Registry System”, Fars Province, Iran. Using local health centers’ databases and national census reports from 1996 to 2016, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) per 100,000 people were estimated. YLLs were calculated using the WHO’s 2015 “YLL template”.
Results: During 2004–2019, 1886 and 829 deaths occurred due to breast and gynecologic cancers, respectively. The ASR due to breast and gynecologic cancers showed a significant increasing trend (P<0.001 for each). The total YLL due to breast, cervical/uterine/vaginal/vulvar, and ovary cancers’ deaths in the 16-year period were 33,077, 7,172 and 6,584 yr, respectively. The highest YLLs were observed in 50-59-year-old females, followed by 40-49- and 60-69-year-old females. The 16- year trend of YLL rate due to premature mortality in breast cancer, ovary cancer and cervix cancer was increasing: annual percent change (APC) was 7.6% (95% CI: 5.5-9.7, P<0.001), 19.0% (95% CI: 12.2-26.1, P<0.001) and 9.2% (95% CI: -9.2 to 31.3, P>0.05, respectively.
Conclusion: Mortality rate and YLLs due to breast and gynecologic cancers have been increased in southern Iran during the last twenty years. Early detection programs and allocating treatments at early stages should be prioritized.
The City of Orik in the Writings of Ancient Authors and Archaeological Records
Authors: Trushaj Aleks , Elezi Gladiola
Published: August 2024

The ancient Illyrian port city of Orik, located in what is now Albania, was an important maritime and Cultural Centre in the Adriatic region. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of all available ancient textual evidence of Orik, tracing its evolution from the 5th century BCE to late antiquity. The examination of these written sources is crucial for reconstructing the history and topography of Orik, which cannot be fully identified only by archaeological data. The main purpose of the study is to systematically identify, collect, and analyse every mention of Orik in ancient studies, including the studies of Herodotus, Pseudo-Skilax, Strabo, Titus Livius. To obtain precise and objective conclusions, a rigorous methodology was applied, which includes source criticism, comparative analysis, and correlation with archaeological data. The study provides valuable information about the evolution of Orik’s functions and status over time, its fortifications, economic activities, religious objects, and more. It allows for tracing how the knowledge of ancient geographers about this border town developed and how Greco-Roman authors portrayed it in their narratives. The most innovative contribution of the study is the first comprehensive investigation of the entire body of textual evidence about Orik. This holistic synthesis enables a deeper reconstruction of this influential Adriatic settlement. The results enhance understanding of ancient Illyria and the complex dynamics of its Hellenization. They are beneficial for related research and education. Overall, by systematically collecting and critically analysing all available ancient sources, this study offers a multi-layered portrait of Orik as a strategic Greek colony, Illyrian stronghold, maritime trade hub, and crossroads of cultural fusion in the Adriatic.
Plant Use by the Funnel Beaker Farmers in Poland. New Archaeobotanical Data From Pottery Sherds and Daub Imprints
Authors: Kofel Dominika , Adamczak Kamil
Published: August 2024

The article presents the results of archaeobotanical studies on plant macroremains preserved both in charred form and as imprints in pottery and daub. The materials were collected from Funnel Beaker culture sites in Kałdus, Sławęcinek, Kietrz, and Małe Czyste. In total, 218 daub fragments and 33 pottery sherds were analysed. Most of the assemblages contained at least one of the searched items, such as imprints and/ or charred macroremains. Hulled wheat (Triticum monococcum/dicoccon/spelta) chaff, including glumes, glume bases, spikelet forks, and culms and blades of indeterminate cereals and/or wild grasses (Cerealia/Poaceae indet.), were among the most commonly found imprints. Interestingly, some assemblages contained crushed bones and microscopic charred wood fragments, illustrating a husbandry strategy that utilised all accessible resources.
Analyzing Genetic Variation and Graphical Representation (Wr-Vr) in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) using the Hayman Approach in the Northwestern Region of India
Authors: Anvesh S. , Delvadiya I.R. , Thota Harshita , Yasaswini M.
Published: August 2024

Background: Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a resilient and widely cultivated vegetable crop in the Solanaceae family. It plays a crucial role in diets due to its rich supply of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, helping address the deficit in vegetable consumption recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises a daily intake of at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables. Estimating genetic parameters is essential for understanding the genetic architecture of yield and its determining factors. Hayman’s diallel cross analysis method is extensively utilized in plant breeding due to its capacity to provide comprehensive insights into diverse genetic parameters, including gene action, degree of dominance and heritability. Methods: Nine parents with thirty six F1 hybrids of brinjal derived using a half diallel mating design with nine brinjal genotypes, namely JBL-1, JBR-1, JBR-2, JBR-3, JBL-2, JBL-3, JBR-4, JBR-5 and JBR-6 were evaluated for yield and other yield attributing traits during kharif season 2023) using randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: The dominance effect (H1) was significant and displayed a greater magnitude, indicating dominance gene action for yield per plant. The regression coefficient slope showed a significant deviation from zero, but not from unity, indicating the absence of non-allelic interaction. Furthermore, the regression line intersected the Wr axis below the origin, suggesting the presence of over-dominance for days to 50% flowering, fruit length (cm), number of primary branches per plant, plant height (cm), total fruit yield per plant (kg) and fruit borer infestation (%). The mean degree of dominance exceeding one indicated the prevalence of over-dominance for all traits except days to first picking, average fruit weight (gm), fruit girth (cm) and number of fruits per plant. These findings emphasize the importance of dominance variation in eggplant improvement, enabling successful heterosis breeding for advancing these populations and development of hybrids.
Risk factors and salient features of Acute Kidney Injury in Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Goswami Soumik
Published: August 2024

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The morbidity, mortality and long-term renal outcomes in DKA are influenced by the occurence of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, AKI in DKA remains undiagnosed and the incidence and severity of AKI in DKA is still unknown. This review article focusses on the risk factors and salient features of acute kidney injury in diabetic ketoacidosis. Peer reviewed articles from 1995 to 2021 were accessed from PubMed and reviewed.
Improved of Multiobjective Fuzzy Probabilistic Solid Transportation Models in Transportation Systems
Authors: Susanti Eka , Dwipurwani Oki , Dewi Novi Rustiana , Prahesti Wanodya Eka , Safira Indri Yune
Published: August 2024

Transportation activities are stages in the product distribution system. The purpose of the transport system is to minimize the total cost. If there is more than one objective function and consider more than one type of vehicle, it is called a multiobjective solid transportation problem. In some cases, the parameter transportation model is under uncertainty. A probabilistic and fuzzy approach can be used. This research introduces a probabilistic fuzzy multiobjective solid transportation model where the source, destination and vehicle parameters follow the Pareto distribution. A triangular fuzzy number expresses the coefficient of the objective function. The obtained model is applied to the problem of the metal crate transportation system. There are two objective functions; the first is the objective function to minimize the total cost. The second is the objective function to minimize the total transportation time. Three types of vehicles are considered: HDL, Engkel and Wingbox. The result is that the total cost is Rp. 3836595, and the total time is 757.245 minutes or 13 hours.
Utilization of Tofu Liquid Waste with Ceramic-Based Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Technology
Authors: Wafi Moh. Abduh , Ahmad Mutiara Garnet , Misto Misto , Cahyono Bowo Eko , Mulyono Tri , Mutmainnah Mutmainnah
Published: August 2024

The application of ceramic-based Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) for the treatment of tofu liquid waste presents a promising and environmentally sustainable approach. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding variations in substrate concentration and to determine the effect of variations in the surface area of the electrode (anode and cathode), resulting in a maximum power density value for a period of 13 days of measurement. The initial step is measuring the voltage and current with the substrate concentration without a dilution process, then the concentration variations are carried out by dilution 10 times, 8 times, 5 times, 4 times, and 2 times on ceramics with a diameter of 8 cm. The second step is measuring the voltage and current by varying the surface area of the electrodes (cathode and anode). The results of the measurements obtained that the maximum power density value obtained was 188.23 mW/m2 without a dilution process, namely with a concentration of 3640 ppm for the third day. Meanwhile, the results of the measurement of the variation of the electrode surface area obtained a maximum power density value of 205.88 mW/m2 on the electrode surface area of 3.57 m2 for the third day. The more surface area of the electrode given at the time of measurement, the more bacteria contact the electrode, causing the resulting power density value to be even greater.
Growth of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn.) Feeded by Fermented Coconut Pulp with Aspergillus niger
Authors: Sinaga Lia Resa , Yanti Ari Hepi , Setyawati Tri Rima
Published: August 2024

Coconut pulp fermented with Aspergillus niger can be used as an alternative ingredient in the manufacture of tilapia (O. niloticus) feed. This study aims to determine the nutritional content of fermented coconut dregs and the growth of tilapia after being fed a feed made from fermented coconut dregs with A. niger. Tilapia (O. niloticus) feed is made by mixing fermented coconut pulp and artificial feed. The combination of feed used in this study was A (control, 100% artificial feed), B (10% coconut pulp: 90% artificial feed), C (20% coconut pulp: 80% artificial feed), D (30% coconut pulp : artificial feed 70%), E (coconut pulp 40%: artificial feed 60%) and F (coconut pulp 50%: artificial feed 50%). Based on the proximate analysis that has been carried out, it shows that treatment B has the most optimal nutritional content for tilapia (O. niloticus). The nutritional content of feed B was 7.26% water content, 7.19% ash, 23,21% crude protein, 8,93% crude fat and 16,23% crude fiber. The results showed that treatment B gave the most significant growth rate and relative growth rate of 0.77 g/day and 3.04%.
Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries in young Korean soldiers: a recent 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Jung Chul , Yun Jae-hyun , Kim Eun Jin , Park Jaechan , Yeom Jiwoon , Kim Kyoung-Eun
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (PNI), which occurs in up to 3% of trauma patients, is adevastating condition that often leads to permanent disability. However, knowledge of traumaticPNI is limited. We describe epidemiology and clinical characteristics of traumatic PNI in Korea andidentify the predictors of traumatic complete PNI.Methods: A list of enlisted soldier patients who were discharged from military service due to PNIover a 10-year period (2012–2021) was obtained, and their medical records were reviewed. Patientswere classified according to the causative events (traumatic vs. nontraumatic) and injury severity(complete vs. incomplete). Of traumatic PNIs, we compared the clinical variables between the incompleteand complete PNI groups and identified predictors of complete PNI.Results: Of the 119 young male patients who were discharged from military service due to PNI, 85(71.4%) were injured by a traumatic event; among them, 22 (25.9%) were assessed as having a completeinjury. The most common PNI mechanism (n=49, 57.6%), was adjacent fractures or dislocations.Several injury-related characteristics were significantly associated with complete PNI: lacerationor gunshot wound, PNI involving the median nerve, PNI involving multiple individual nerves(multiple PNI), and concomitant muscular or vascular injuries. After adjusting for other possiblepredictors, multiple PNI was identified as a significant predictor of a complete PNI (odds ratio,3.583; P=0.017).Conclusions: In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of enlisted Korean soldiers dischargeddue to traumatic PNI and found that the most common injury mechanism was adjacent fracture ordislocation (57.6%). Patients with multiple PNI had a significantly increased risk of complete injury.The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of traumatic PNI, which directly leadsto a decline in functioning in patients with trauma.
Predicting 30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma in Korea using machine learning algorithms: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Jonghee , Yoon Su Young , Seok Junepill , Lee Jin Young , Lee Jin Suk , Ye Jin Bong , Sul Younghoon , Kim Se Heon , Kim Hong Rye
Published: August 2024

Purpose: The number of elderly patients with trauma is increasing; therefore, precise models arenecessary to estimate the mortality risk of elderly patients with trauma for informed clinical decision-making. This study aimed to develop machine learning based predictive models that predict30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma and to compare the predictive performanceof various machine learning models.Methods: This study targeted patients aged ≥65 years with an Injury Severity Score of ≥15 who visitedthe regional trauma center at Chungbuk National University Hospital between 2016 and 2022.Four machine learning models—logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme GradientBoosting (XGBoost)—were developed to predict 30-day mortality. The models’ performancewas compared using metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC),accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1 score, as well as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) valuesand learning curves.Results: The performance evaluation of the machine learning models for predicting mortality in severelyinjured elderly patients with trauma showed AUC values for logistic regression, decision tree,random forest, and XGBoost of 0.938, 0.863, 0.919, and 0.934, respectively. Among the four models,XGBoost demonstrated superior accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score of 0.91, 0.72,0.86, 0.92, and 0.78, respectively. Analysis of important features of XGBoost using SHAP revealedassociations such as a high Glasgow Coma Scale negatively impacting mortality probability, whilehigher counts of transfused red blood cells were positively correlated with mortality probability. Thelearning curves indicated increased generalization and robustness as training examples increased.Conclusions: We showed that machine learning models, especially XGBoost, can be used to predict30-day mortality in severely injured elderly patients with trauma.Prognostic tools utilizing these models are helpful for physicians to evaluate the risk of mortality inelderly patients with severe trauma.
Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Sludge of Mask Waste and Used Cooking Oil Using Lipase as Biocatalyst
Authors: Januardi Muhammad Rizal , Nurul Furqan Baiq Repika
Published: August 2024

Mask waste and used cooking oil contain hydrocarbons and free fatty acids. the combination of these ingredients with pretreatment heating in the microwave and the help of lipase enzymes makes the resulting sludge has the potential to be converted into biodiesel with a maximum yield when compared to making biodiesel from other materials and methods. The results of this study indicate that pre-treated sludge from mask waste and used cooking oil can be converted into biodiesel through a methanol transesterification reaction with the help of thermostable lipase enzymes from Pseudomonas. As for the optimum conditions, the highest biodiesel yield was produced at a temperature of 60℃, the best reaction time was 25 minutes, the volume of sludge was 10 mL and the optimum pH was at pH 8. The flame test on the biodiesel produced had been carried out, most of which had bright blue, red flames and orange. There are also some results that the flame is dim and even the test results are not lit.
Implementation Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes of X IPA 2 SMAN 2 Labuapi
Authors: Anggriani Shintya Putri , Handayani Baiq Sri , Hadratullaili Hadratullaili
Published: August 2024

Learning by using an approach that is in accordance with student characteristics will greatly affect student learning outcomes, so an approach that suits the learning needs and abilities of students is needed. One approach that can be used by considering the ability level of students is the TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level) Approach. TaRL is a learning approach that does not refer to the class level, but refers to the ability level of students. TaRL can be the answer to the problem of the ability gap that has been happening in the classroom. Teachers must know how the level of students' abilities so that they can provide appropriate learning based on these abilities. Thus, knowledge becomes easier for students to understand so that learning outcomes will improve. This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of students in class X IPA 2 by applying the TaRL approach. This research method is a class action research with the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data analysis techniques in this study used qualitative and quantitative analysis. The research results of the application of TaRL in cycle 1 reached 70.00, from the reflection data of cycle I, additional peer tutor treatment was given in cycle II, so that the results of cycle II increased to 85.00, this shows that the application of the TaRL approach in the learning process can improve the learning outcomes of students in class X IPA 2 on ecosystem material.
Implementation of PBL Model to Improve Learning Outcomes Class X IPA 1 SMAN 2 Labuapi
Authors: Dari Sri Wulan , Handayani Baiq Sri , Hadratullaili Hadratullaili
Published: August 2024

Improving learning outcomes can be achieved by implementing models that cater to students' learning needs and are integrated with contextual issues as part of the learning process. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an effective model widely used to facilitate student-centered learning activities and promote problem-based learning. The implementation of PBL directs learning towards contextual issues and the relevant experiences of students, resulting in improved learning outcomes. This study aims to enhance student learning outcomes of class X IPA 1 through the implementation of the PBL model. It employs Classroom Action Research conducted in two cycles with stages including planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data was gathered through observation, pre-tests, and post-tests in both cycles. Data analysis techniques involved both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results revealed an initial class average score of 70.00 in the first cycle, achieved through the implementation of the PBL model. The average class score further improved to 85.00 in the second cycle, obtained through reflective practices using the PBL model and discussion methods. This demonstrates that employing the PBL model alongside discussions enhances the learning outcomes of class X IPA 1 students in the topic of ecosystems.
Implementation Culturally Responsive Teaching Approach to Improve Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Wati Siskawati Siska , Handayani Baiq Sri , Lestari Tri Ayu , Hadratullaili Hadratullaili
Published: August 2024

Learning using an approach that suits student characteristics will influence learning outcomes. Soan approach is needed that suits the students' abilities. One suitable approach is CRT (Culturally Responsive Teaching) by applying the PjBL (Project Based Learning) model which is relevant to students' lives, from characteristics to students' culture, which will greatly influence student learning outcomes, so an approach is needed that suits students' learning needs. relevant and contextual. The CRT approach is a learning approach that recognizes the importance of students' cultural references in all aspects of learning.This research aims to improve the learning outcomes of class XII IPA 1 students by applying the CRT approach. This research was carried out by conducting classroom action research which was divided into two cycles. Data was obtained from observation, pretest and posttest cycles 1 and 2. Data analysis techniques in this research used qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results of research using the application of PjBL integrated with the CRT approach in cycle 1 reached 75.00 and in cycle 2 it increased to 85.00. This shows that the application of the CRT approach in the learning process can improve the learning outcomes of class XII IPA 1 students on Biotechnology lesson
Bioremediation potential of tree-level plant vegetation UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta campus as an alternative solution to environmental problems towards a green campus.
Authors: Prasetyo Angga Dwi
Published: August 2024

Environmental problems become actual and interesting issues to discuss. Environmental problems are not only in water, soil and living things but also include air pollution. One of the environmental solutions can use bioremediation, Educational Institutions can also participate in environmental solutions by becoming a green campus. The purpose of this study is to see the potential of bioremediation of tree-level plant vegetation UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta as an alternative solution to environmental problems towards a green campus. This research was conducted from July-October 2023, plant classification was carried out thoroughly in the campus area, then a meta-analysis was carried out for its potential as bioremediation and green campus potential. Based on the results of research at the UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta campus, there are 58 types of plants with a total of 670 plants with the most types of plants red shoots (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) 12% and Ketapang kencana (Terminalia mantaly) 11%. Furthermore, the results of the meta-analysis found that the potential for vegetation bioremediation at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta as phytoremediation where plants act as bioremediation agents, while the potential of UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta as a green campus based on the UI GreenMetric Guidelines 2022 Standards has met several criteria and indicators of green campus achievements, but to become a green campus requires the participation of various parties, both leaders and the academic community and students so that UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta can get the title of green campus.
Bioactivity Diversity (Antibacterial and Antioxidant) of Macroalgae in the Ekas Beach Area, Lombok
Authors: Nurul Furqan Baiq Repika , Yamin Imam Syahputra , Umami Sri Sofiati
Published: August 2024

Macroalgae in the southern coastal area of Lombok has not been explored much in terms of bioactivity. The aim of this research is to explore the usefulness of 9 types of macroalgae on Ekas Lombok beach by searching for their bioactivity capabilities, whether each macroalgae has no bioactivity at all, has antibacterial and antioxidant activity, only has antibacterial activity but no antioxidant activity or vice versa and whether there are macroalgae that even have anticancer activity. The method used in this research consists of several steps: Macroalgae Sampling, Morphological Analysis of Macroalgae Samples, Isolation of active compounds from macroalgae and Cytotoxic Test on Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro which consists of 3 tests: Culture and sub culture of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Test with MTT and DNA Isolation of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. The research results show that the macroalgae with the best antibacterial activity is the red macroalgae Acanthophora spicifera and the macroalgae with the best antioxidant activity is the green macroalgae Ulva reticulata.
The Characteristics of Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell/UCMSC from Macaca fascicularis and Its Secretome Under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Dumingan Alvian , Malik Amarila , Rinendyaputri Ratih , Utama Hieronimus Adiyoga Nareswara , Sunarno Sunarno , Purwaningtyas Yoggi Ramadhani , Idrus Hasta Handayani , Noverina Rachmawati , Huda Fathul , Faried Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) secretome has potential as a neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agent. It can have effects due to its paracrine factors, such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Stromal-Cell Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) which can be induced with hypoxia preconditioning. This compound may play a role in the treatment of neurological diseases. Stroke has become a neurological disease that contributes to high rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. There have been several pre-clinical trials on animal stroke models using MSC secretomes from rats and humans, but no studies have been conducted on Non-Human Primate, such as Macaca fascicularis. This species has been widely used in biomedical research and part of it can be utilized for such studies which will reduce the cost of using human MSC. The results of this study, Umbilical Cord (UC)-MSCs of Macaca fascicularis have been successfully cultured and characterized in terms of phenotypic and differentiation. Hypoxia precondition was able to induce BDNF secretion up to 264 pg/mL and SDF-1 up to 666 pg/mL in the UCMSC secretome. Hypoxic preconditioning with 3% oxygen can induce the most optimal BDNF and SDF-1 secretion, compared to 1% and 5% hypoxia.
Prospects of the development of the halal products industry towards Indonesia's economic growth
Authors: Rosana Ula Rochmatannia
Published: August 2024

By being crowned as the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia actually has no small potential for the development of the halal and sharia industry. It can also be seen where the global trade business is currently, halal products are dominating. However, the potential for the development of the Indonesian halal industry has not been matched by good achievements at the global or international level. However, this is not an obstacle for Indonesia's development to advance a country's economy. Halal products are rahmatan lil alamin for those who use, consume, and those involved in them. This can make Indonesia play an important role in the development of the halal product industry, considering the large number of Muslim communities in Indonesia. With encouragement, government support, and hard work to revive the halal product industry in Indonesia, we can grow the domestic halal product industry. So this requires the right strategy for the development of the Indonesian halal product industry.
Implementation of muslim personal financial management in the context of halal financial education
Authors: Maghfuroh Nuril Laila , Qanita Ariza , Muhammad Zaydan
Published: August 2024

Islam is a religion that is comprehensive in managing the lives of its people, including in the financial sector. Halal financial principles set out rules and guidelines that govern how Muslim individuals should manage their money in a manner that is in accordance with Islamic teachings which includes income, expenses, investments and financing. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach. The data collection method was carried out by searching for written library data sources and analyzing digital observations. This research aims to provide an overview of halal financial management so that Muslim individuals can gain skills and knowledge in managing finances according to Islamic principles. This is expected to increase halal financial literacy so that Muslims can achieve financial freedom.
Transporte de matacões e blocos por ondas no litoral brasileiro: desafio para a engenharia, realidade para a geomorfologia
Authors: Faria Antonio Paulo
Published: August 2024

No Brasil foram construídos aproximadamente 300 km de enrocamentos para proteger o litoral das ondas de tempestades marinhas, conforme mensurações realizadas neste trabalho. Nas costas expostas e semiexpostas os enrocamentos de aterro, guia-correntes e quebra-mares estão passando por metamorfoses devido à ação das ondas, e alguns estão sendo destruídos. Isso foi provado porque algumas dessas estruturas de engenharia apresentam formas de cúspide produzidas pelo transporte de matacões e blocos pelas ondas.  A maioria dos enrocamentos não tem cúspides, mas o transporte dos fragmentos de rocha é intenso e os processos de arredondamento estão fragilizando essas estruturas. Alguns estão se transformando em praias de matacões. Nos enrocamentos da Marina da Glória e do aeroporto Santos Dumont, situados em compartimento semiexposto da Baía de Guanabara, ondas acima de 2 m de altura transportaram blocos de até 3650 kg por 10 m de distância, até o topo dos enrocamentos situados entre 3 e 5 m acima do nível do mar. Matacões grandes pesando aproximadamente 1000 kg foram carreados por 60 m. Nos litorais expostos a taxa de transporte é maior por receberem ondas mais altas e com maior frequência. Entre agosto de 2016 e setembro de 2023 foram geradas 96 tempestades que produziram ondas com altura máxima (Hmax) entre 4 e 8 m no Rio de Janeiro, registradas pelas boias do sistema SiMCosta. No guia-corrente de Saquarema (RJ) blocos de até 5400 kg foram depositados a 3 m de altura e a 23 m de distância da água. As mensurações foram feitas com metodologia inédita que consiste em mapear matacões e blocos com incrustações de cracas e ostras, que se encontram acima da linha máxima de maré. Foi feito também o monitoramento da movimentação dos fragmentos de rocha com fotografias temporais tiradas de um mesmo ponto e mesmo ângulo. Os resultados podem dar subsídios para os projetos de engenharia costeira e ajudam a geomorfologia e a geologia a entender melhor a dinâmica das praias de matacões e praias de blocos da costa rochosa brasileira.
Covid-19 pandemic and international commerce in Southern Africa: documentary review
Authors: Aliamutu Kansilembo , Mkhize Msizi
Published: August 2024

International commerce across southern Africa has increased significantly in recent years. This phenomenon has been replicating what has been happening on the African continent as a whole, and it does indicate that the region has significant growth in economic opportunities. Hence, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted international commerce and caused significant concern. The emphasis of this work was on the global economic interconnectivity in the Southern African region prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to determine how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced international commerce in Southern Africa. The study was qualitative in nature, as well as secondary data collection methods were used. The research used a documentary review as its analysis method. This included compiling and analysing more than 60 online resources relating to various and relevant the Covid-19 pandemic and international commerce from several past research. The study found that the world economy, particularly the economies of Southern African nations, was encountering certain difficulties before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was stated that as a consequence of the pandemic, Southern African countries implemented a slew of steps in an effort to overcome the issues posed by the Covid-19 pandemic interruptions.
Examining the moderating role of a leader's emotional intelligence on the influence of organizational climate on job satisfaction among Youth-Owned and Managed Small Businesses (YOMSB) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Economy
Authors: Fianko Samuel Koranteng , Chipunza Crispen , Dzansi  Phd Dennis
Published: August 2024

Even though the role of effective human resource management, including organizational climate, has been cited as a crucial predictor of diverse employee outcomes such as employee job satisfaction, the mechanism through which the organizational climate and job satisfaction can be enhanced or diminished is underexplored in human resource literature. This study dwells on Herzberg's two-factor perspective to push the boundaries of knowledge by showing that the organizational climate-job satisfaction link depends on varying conditions of leaders' emotional intelligence. The proposed model was tested using survey data from randomly selected 602 Youth-Owned and Managed Small Businesses employees in Ghana. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling with the aid of SMART PLS. The findings revealed that organizational climate has a significant positive direct effect on job satisfaction. Emotional intelligence also exhibited a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction. Additionally, emotional intelligence positively moderated the organizational climate-job satisfaction link, such that higher emotional intelligence enhanced this relationship. The findings indicate that though organizational climate drives job satisfaction, emotional intelligence serves as an amplification mechanism to extract even greater satisfaction in small businesses in Ghana. Our findings make a contemporary contribution to Herzberg's two-factor and important managerial guidance for owners and managers of Small Businesses in resource-constrained regions like SSA.
Navigating the 21st century marketplace: the role of digital marketing in SME development in Nigeria
Authors: Awotunde Olusegun Matthew , Oyedele Ola Olusegun , Adewale Aregbeshola Rafiu
Published: August 2024

The ever-evolving digital marketing landscape has continuously adapted to technological advancement, consumer behaviour and ecosystem trends. The 21st century marketplace needs traditional marketing practices, and digital platforms to ensure the actualisation of their growth and development in the ecosystem. The study examined how different digital marketing platforms can influence SMEs' operations and performance (Online marketing, and ICT initiatives). The study employed a quantitative design with primary data collection via a questionnaire designed based on 5-Likert’s Scale to answer the research questions; if there is a significant relationship between Online Marketing and SMEs' Business Competitiveness, and if ICT initiative has a positive relationship with SMEs' Business Growth. Two (2) hypotheses were formulated and tested using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). To ascertain the hypotheses formulated, both descriptive and regression analyses were carried out, and the output clearly showed a significant influence of digital marketing on the performance of SMEs. The result shows a positive impact of online marketing on SME business competitiveness. However, this study concluded that in the technology-driven environment, 21st-century SMEs will always see the usefulness and relevance of digital marketing because of its role in improving their performance. This study recommends that SMEs incorporate intensive digital platforms and engage in time-to-time updates of their online marketing channels.
Conflict and coexistence: analysing the dynamics between traditional leadership and democratic governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Nyathi Patrick A. , Ajani O.A.
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.
Assessment of professional perceptions in business evaluation in South Africa
Authors: Aliamutu Kansilembo Freddy , Gurr Kerry-lee
Published: August 2024

This paper seeks to evaluate proficient perceptions within business assessments in South Africa, where such perceptions play a significant role in the evaluation process, encompassing the selection of standards and the establishment of evaluation frameworks. The evolving economy of South Africa is marked by fluctuating economic circumstances and potential growth, compounded by inadequate benchmarks and a scarcity of relevant market information. Forecasting growth rates are further complicated by macroeconomic uncertainties, leading to a reliance on proficient perceptions when industry-specific guidelines and easily comprehensible alternatives to the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) are lacking. A mixed-methods strategy is employed in this study, combining quantitative and qualitative data, along with surveys set benchmarks for business assessments. The outcomes reveal that modifications based on judgment are necessary for variables like organizational size due to the absence of CAPM alternatives. This study stresses the importance of translating scholarly discoveries into practical applications, emphasizing the challenges and uncertainties that call for proficient perceptions in business evaluations. It advances the comprehension of these obstacles and proposes that further exploring macroeconomic variables and industry-specific guidelines could offer valuable insights. The study suggests that biases in evaluations, influenced by client interests, present a promising area for future inquiry.
Effect of loan-loss provisioning on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Maina Moses Migwi , Kiai Richard , Muchiri Joseph
Published: August 2024

Savings and Credit Co-operatives in Kenya are required to adhere to regulations set by the SACCOs Regulation Authority. Among the regulations is the requirement that the management has to present a myriad of reports including; the Capital Adequacy Return report, Liquidity Statement report, Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Deposit Return. The Return on Investments report compares land, building, and financial assets to SACCO's total assets and its core capital. Despite the existence of prudential guidelines, their influence on the financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya remains contentious with some claiming regulatory compliance in the form of SASRA prudential guidelines has a positive influence while others argue that SASRA regulation has insignificant influence on the financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs. This study seeks to determine the effect of loan-loss provisioning on the financial performance of Deposit-taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-section descriptive research design. The study population was 10 deposit-taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County over the period 2017-2022 relying on secondary data. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. From the inferential results, the study concluded that loan-loss provisioning positively and significantly affected the financial performance of the deposit-taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County. The study recommended that the deposit-taking SACCOs in Kirinyaga County ought to strive to be capital-adequate as well as manage their loans efficiently. Being capital-adequate ensures that the SACCOs can expand their operations and hence be sustainable, competitive, and finally profitable. Managing its loans through periodic classification of the loans and having room for loan loss provision ensures the sustainability of the SACCOs.
Exploring causal interactions between macroprudential policy and financial cycles in South Africa
Authors: Magubane Khwazi
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the causal interactions between macroprudential policy, measured by the Macroprudential Policy Index (MPI), and financial cycles represented by the Aggregate Financial Cycle (AFC) and the Credit and Asset Prices Financial Cycle (CAFC) in South Africa from 1970q1 to 2023q2. Additionally, the study explored the effects of macroprudential policy during different phases of financial cycles. Using the time-varying Granger-causality model, the study found that the MPI Granger-caused financial cycles during the 2003/07 credit boom in South Africa, while the AFC and CAFC Granger-caused macroprudential policy during the Covid-19-induced collapse of financial markets. The results suggest that macroprudential policy is employed more proactively during financial booms and more reactively during financial busts in South Africa. The Markov switching dynamic regression model used to assess the MPI's effects revealed that macroprudential policy's effectiveness is stronger during financial busts and weaker during financial booms in South Africa. This is because financial institutions in South Africa tend to resist stricter regulations during boom phases due to heightened optimism about future prospects. Conversely, they are more receptive to stimulatory interventions during bust phases. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the South African Reserve Bank and the Prudential Authority use macroprudential policy more assertively during financial booms to enhance its effectiveness. This could involve setting more stringent parameters upon activating macroprudential policy tools or complementing macroprudential policy with monetary policy during financial booms.