bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baciloscopias para el diagnóstico de Tuberculosis Pulmonar en pacientes atendidos en el Laboratorio Clínico de Loreto, 2022
Authors: Ruperti-Macias Gabriela Elina , Cañarte-Vélez José Clímaco
Published: April 2024

La baciloscopia es una técnica utilizada para el diagnóstico de la Tuberculosis Pulmonar, permitiendo la detección de la presencia de bacilos en muestras de esputo, lo que facilita la identificación temprana de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar baciloscopias para el diagnóstico de Tuberculosis Pulmonar en pacientes atendidos en el Laboratorio Clínico del Centro de Salud Loreto. 2022. La metodología empleada fue de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptiva y transversal. Los resultados revelaron que las muestras de aspecto mucopurulentas presentaron una mayor frecuencia de tuberculosis pulmonar, con un 5.56%, en comparación con las muestras de saliva, que tuvieron una frecuencia del 0.97%. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la apariencia macroscópica de las muestras puede ser un indicador útil para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Además, se encontró que, de los 554 casos de pacientes sintomáticos respiratorios analizados, solo 8 resultaron positivos para tuberculosis pulmonar mediante baciloscopia. Esto indica que la prevalencia de tuberculosis pulmonar durante el periodo 2022 en el Laboratorio Clínico del Centro de Salud Loreto fue del 1.4 %. En conclusión, la baciloscopia se mostró como una herramienta efectiva para el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis pulmonar en este estudio. Sin embargo, es importante considerar otros factores clínicos; estos hallazgos pueden contribuir a mejorar la detección temprana y el manejo de la tuberculosis pulmonar en el Centro de Salud Loreto.
How Essential Oils Affect Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZVS)
Authors: Carvalho Driany Tamami Yamashita de , Souza Heide Mendonça Moreira de , Assis Priscila Helena de , Alciati Carla Alves de Siqueira , Ortolani Cristina Lúcia Feijó
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Within the field of dentistry, essential oils are well-known and extensively researched; eugenol is one of the most used, which until recently characterized the predominant smell of dental offices. Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZVS) have various impairments, and in the dental area, the vast majority exhibit underdevelopment of the stomatognathic system compared to established normality standards. Many use various medications, such as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, neuroleptics, among others, to control symptoms. These drug interactions can trigger involuntary muscle movements, including bruxism. There are several treatment proposals for teeth grinding and clenching, including appliance therapy, emotional therapies, medication, and also aromatherapy. Material and method: Syndromic and bruxist children were selected through validated questionnaires and clinical examination. A convenience sample of 19 syndromic children from Maceió was divided into two random groups: group 1 received a blend of essential oils, and group 2 received a control oil. They were instructed to apply it topically to the masseter, temples, and cervical area twice a day for two months. Sleep analysis was carried out through a questionnaire with 15 questions plus filling out a sleep chart for three days and collecting saliva in Salivette tubes for cortisol evaluation, with both data sets collected pre and post-use of essential oils. Discussion: Previous studies report that individuals with cognitive difficulties are more prone to bruxism due to spasticity, however, they are not definitive according to other studies. There are other factors such as stress, depression, external environmental stimuli that can influence this condition, in addition to the drug interaction they use to alleviate symptoms such as seizures, drooling, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, insomnia. The etiology of bruxism is still considered multifactorial, requiring a multidisciplinary clinical team for more effective treatment. The use of essential oils as a stress and insomnia reliever is reported in studies with satisfactory results, being observed in this research. Result: In the finalization phase. Conclusion: Given the above, the proposal was to evaluate the efficacy of using essential oils in syndromic and bruxist children. Although we cannot confirm results yet, there are reports from mothers who evaluated the initiative positively, corroborating in some way the alleviation of symptoms and drug interactions, providing more emotional and physical comfort for those involved. However, more clinical trials are still necessary regarding the safety and efficacy aspects of essential oils.
INNOVATIVE PARTICIPATORY DESIGN METHOD USING SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE PLATFORMS
Authors:   Design Studies, Graduate School, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Türkiye, Keskin Gökhan , Hasirci Deniz ,   Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Türkiye
Published: April 2024

The study examines the effects of social media (SM), online platforms (OP) and digital instruments (DI) on participants' communication and the structure of the participatory design processes (PDPs). It addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the potential of these SM and OP to enhance stakeholders' involvement in PDPs. Through a case study of a participatory children's furniture design project involving diverse stakeholders, including children, parents, scholars, specialists, industry, university and the community, the study investigates how SM, OP and DI facilitate enriched and expedited communication in PDPs. The paper discusses these tools' challenges and opportunities within a conceptual framework. A mixed methodology approach is employed for data collection, incorporating observations, surveys, interviews and various participatory activities. By examining the findings, the study seeks to answer two key research questions: How do SM and OP influence communication patterns in PDPs? What is the impact of these DI on the structure and dynamics of the PDPs? The study proposes an innovative approach to overcome associated challenges. The positive effects of SM, OP and DI can significantly reshape the nature of participation in PDPs, such as the number of participants, the duration of the process and budget limitations.
BASEBALL TEAM CORPORATE IDENTITY DESIGN: ARTISTIC AND TRADITIONAL CULTURE ASPECTS
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Kyiv, Ukraine, Yezhova Olga
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the article is to analyze the design of baseball team logos and create an original baseball club logo based on the identified trends. The analysis of the logos of baseball teams in the United States, China and Ukraine showed that the logos mainly depict elements related to baseball; elements of national cultural heritage; the name or monogram of the team. At the same time, the logos of baseball teams in the United States and China have pronounced features of shape, icon and color scheme. Baseball team logos in the USA often use a round shape. Blue and red are popular colors. The logos of Chinese baseball clubs mainly have a combined structure of the emblem, which accommodates the mascot of the club (zoomorphic or anthropomorphic), a baseball tool and the name of the club. The logo colors of Chinese baseball teams are black, white and warm colors: red, orange and yellow. Blue is also used. Based on the results of the analysis, elements of the corporate identity of a baseball club were developed: logo, branded colors, branded font. The main components of the corporate identity project are sports equipment, printing and souvenir products.
CROSSOVER AND EXTENSION OF HAND-DRAWN MAP IN HERITAGE TOURISM: A CASE STUDY
Authors:   Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia, Zhe Wang , Alli Hassan ,   Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
Published: April 2024

In the realm of thematic map development, hand-drawn maps tailored for tourism hold considerable significance. Nonetheless, their progress is impeded by inherent limitations and challenges, thereby constraining their potential advancement. Concurrently, the emergence and progression of computer and network technology have furnished a proficient platform for fostering interdisciplinary growth in the realm of hand-drawn cartography. The aim of this study is establishing a customized, culturally relevant, metaphorical and de-identified design framework for enhancing visualization in digital interactions, drawing upon the universal design principles inherent in traditional animation. A comprehensive depiction of the design workflow, along with intricate design particulars pertaining to each stage, was demonstrated through a case study centered on the hand-drawn style drawing and map design for Dahuaishu Ancestor Memorial Garden. By adopting such a design framework, the potential outcome entails a more user-friendly and captivating means of disseminating information within digital tourist maps of the same genre. This approach preserves the inherent merits of hand-drawn maps while simultaneously broadening their scope and capabilities.
CONSTRUCTING BATANG BATIK MOTIFS USING TURTLE GRAPHICS ALGORITHMS
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, Indonesia, Ratnadewi Ratnadewi , Pandanwangi Ariesa ,   Department of Art and Design, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, Indonesia
Published: April 2024

During the COVID–19 pandemic, many activities were carried out digitally, including storing batik motifs to maintain the cloth pattern's sustainability. The samples were Batang Batik motifs of grapes, Jamblang Papat and Kawung Jenggot. The study aimed to store batik motifs in the form of computer programs with turtle graphics algorithms to ease the batik motif delivery because of the smaller memory storage. Computer programmers are needed to create batik patterns similar to Batang Batik patterns. Python programming uses turtle graphics to paint curves and generate graphics. The results of this study indicated that Batang Batik motifs can be made using turtle graphics without losing the characteristics of the batik itself. This finding can be used for more efficient storage of memory. The quality was also good when it was scaled up and down. This study has successfully created Grape, Jambang Prapat, and Kawung Jenggot motifs using turtle graphics algorithms in Python. The picture quality of the turtle graphics-scaled reconstructed image was equivalent to that of a photo image.
Successful Recovery of a Catatonic Patient with Severe Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure: Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy Following Tracheotomy
Authors: Wu Yuejing , He Qian , Zhang Li , Li Tao , Luo Fugang
Published: April 2024

Backgroud: Catatonia encompasses a group of severe psychomotor syndromes affecting patients' motor, speech, and complex behaviors. Common features include rigidity, reduced mobility, speech, sputum production, defecation, and eating. Risks associated with catatonia, such as increased muscle tension and reduced swallowing and coughing reflexes, along with risks from therapeutic approaches like prolonged bed rest and sedative drugs, can elevate the risk of aspiration pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. These complications significantly impede catatonia treatment, leading to poor prognosis and jeopardizing patient safety.
Case Description: In this report, we present a case of catatonia complicated by severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, successfully managed with modified electroconvulsive therapy alongside tracheotomy. We hope this case provides valuable insights for psychiatrists encountering similar scenarios, facilitating the development of rational therapeutic strategies for prompt improvement of patient condition.
Psychological Stress Analysis to Evaluate the Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Mood Regulation and Quality of Life in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Qiang Yueke , Yang Wenjian , Yang Bing
Published: April 2024

Objective: To explore the impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on emotion regulation and quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and to evaluate the effectiveness of the mental stress analyzer.
Methods: Patients with BD admitted to our hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively selected. For the present study, 60 patients who received drug therapy served as the control group, and the other 60 patients who received repeated transcranial stimulation on this basis served as the observation group. The heart rate variability (HRV) of the two groups of patients was detected by a mental stress analyzer/HRV analysis system. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate the mental state of the two groups of patients. The quality of life of the two groups was assessed using the Comprehensive Quality of Life Questionnaire 74 (GQOLI-74). Clinical effectiveness global rating scale-illness severity (CGI-SI) was used to evaluate the clinical symptoms of the two groups of patients, and the incidence of adverse reactions was calculated.
Results: In comparison to the control group, the high-frequency power (HF) of the patients demonstrated an elevation in the observation group, and the low-frequency power (LF) and LF/HF were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of all five-minute NN intervals (SDANN), root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), and percent RR intervals with a difference in duration higher than 50 ms (PNN50) of patients in the observation group showed a notable increase compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the HAMD, SAS, and SDS scores of the patients in the observation group demonstrated a substantial decline relative to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, there was a significant increase in the overall clinical effectiveness rate among patients in the observation group, and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly reduced (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has significant clinical effects in treating BD and can effectively improve patients' anxiety, suppress emotions, and regulate patients' emotions. At the same time, rTMS has high safety and little impact on the balance of patients' autonomic nervous function, reduces the incidence of adverse reactions, accelerates the patient's recovery process, and is suitable for clinical promotion.
Mental Health and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy
Authors: Li Xiumei , Gao Wei , Yu Jie , Mao Yanling , Gu Haihong , Li Fang , Ren Dongmei
Published: April 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may experience pessimism, and even despair, due to long-term nature of the condition, which increases the risk of depression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can relieve depression. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effects of MBSR on mental health and quality of life in CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, so as to provide guidance for clinical nursing programs.
Methods: The clinical data of 100 CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were treated in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from January 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on nursing method received, the patients were divided into the conventional group (conventional management) and the MBSR group (MBSR therapy was implemented in addition to conventional management). After matching, there were 35 cases in each group. The scores for the self-rating depression scale (SDS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Five-factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were compared between the two groups.
Results: After management, the SDS and PSQI scores of the MBSR group were lower than those of the conventional group, and the CD-RISC, FFMQ and SF-36 scores were higher than those of the conventional group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: MBSR can improve the mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life of CKD patients with mild-to-moderate depression, and improve psychological resilience and mindfulness.
Orexinergic Receptor Antagonists as a New Therapeutic Target to Overcome Limitations of Current Pharmacological Treatment of Insomnia Disorder
Authors: Álamo Cecilio , Sáiz Ruiz Jerónimo , Zaragozá Arnáez Cristina
Published: April 2024

Insomnia disorder is a common condition that is considered a risk factor for multiple physical and mental disorders, contributing to reduced quality of life and increased healthcare expenditures. Although cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically recommended as the primary intervention, its accessibility is hindered by limited resources, prompting the prevalent use of pharmacological interventions as the primary treatment in clinical settings. This study reviews the benefits and risks of current pharmacological treatments for insomnia, with special reference to the orexinergic system as a novel therapeutic target for treatment. The prescription of GABAergic mechanism enhancers (benzodiazepine (BZD) and “Z drugs”) has shown efficacy in short-term insomnia treatment (less than 4 weeks), however, concerns arise regarding their long-term effectiveness, unfavorable tolerability and safety profiles, including the potential for dependency. Drugs with antihistamine properties, including certain antidepressants and antipsychotics, exhibit short-term efficacy but have documented tolerability limitations, especially in the elderly. The use of melatonin, available in various formulations, lacks comprehensive long-term data. Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) such as daridorexant, lemborexant, and suvorexant, represent a novel approach to insomnia treatment by inhibiting wakefulness rather than enhancing sedation. As the only DORA approved for insomnia treatment by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), daridorexant has demonstrated sustained efficacy over a 12-month period, improving nocturnal sleep parameters and daytime functionality, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
Causes of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury with Gender Distribution and Most Commonly Affected Age Group
Authors: Ullah Zia , Bilal Muhammad , Khan Nayab Aziz , Shams Hina , Pathan Abida , Ullah Izaz
Published: April 2024

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has significant consequences, especially for young adults, requiring comprehensive support. Additionally, non-traumatic SCI is under-researched in Pakistan, highlighting the need for further investigation. Managing readmissions post-discharge remains a global challenge for SCI patients. This study conducted at Paraplegic Centre Peshawar aims to find the traumatic causes of spinal cord injury with gender and age distribution.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Paraplegic Center in Hayatabad and Prime Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Over two months, 1843 patients were recruited from hospital records with permission from the department head. Data collection forms were designed to include age, gender, and cause of SCI, ensuring confidentiality by excluding personal identifiers. SPSS-V19 was used for data analysis.
Results: Our study included 1843 patient records, with males comprising 80.7% and females 19.3%. Among different age groups, individuals aged 30 and older represented the highest proportion at 52.7%. The primary causes of spinal cord injury were falls from height (46.3%) and firearm injuries (25.9%). Paraplegic injuries were more prevalent, accounting for 87.9% of cases compared to quadriplegic injuries at 12.1%. These findings shed light on the demographics and patterns of spinal cord injuries, providing valuable insights for healthcare management and prevention strategies.
Conclusion: Falls are major cause of spinal cord injury (SCI). Mean age patients suffers are 26. frequency of SCI is more in males then females. Paraplegia is more common then quadriplegia. The socioeconomic impact of SCI is eminence because it is affecting the youth population. It is important to understand the epidemiological features of SCIs which could lead to plan appropriate cost-effective prevention strategy in order to reduce the SCI prevalence and incidence in our community.
Blindness And Visual Impairments Causes In Patients Presenting To Tertiary Eye Care Centers Of Peshawar
Authors: Ullah Zia , Naseer Rubab
Published: April 2024

Background: Blindness remains a significant issue, particularly in underdeveloped regions, with an estimated 38 million blind and 110 million visually impaired worldwide. Cataracts and glaucoma are primary causes. Many cases are preventable or treatable. Pakistan's Vision 2020 initiative targets blindness prevention, but its impact needs assessment. This study aims to determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment among patients at tertiary eye care centers of Lady reading Hospital  and Kuwait Teaching Hospital Peshawar. .
Methods: The study reviewed hospital records from LRH and KTH eye care centers in February 2017. Patients with visual acuity below 3/60 were classified as blind, and below 6/18 as visually impaired. Data included age, gender, and causes of decreased visual acuity.
Results: The study included 100 cases, with 55 males and 45 females. Participants averaged is 42.78 ± 20.75 years old. Blindness frequency was 10%, higher in females (13.33%) than males (7.2%). Visual impairment occurred at a rate of 39%, slightly higher in females (40%) than males (38.1%). Most cases (84.6%) were moderate visual impairment (n=33). Cataracts were the leading cause (37%), followed by uncorrected refractive errors (28%), among others.
Conclusion: Despite Vision 2020 efforts, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in tertiary eye care hospitals. Extensive studies are required to assess the burden of avoidable blindness and understand why these causes persist.
Examining determinants of book-tax difference: Insights from Malaysian multinational corporations
Authors: Nordin Nurliyana , Hamid Nadiah Abd , Rasit Zarinah Abdul , Razak Fairuz Abd , Mohamad Azlinda Binti
Published: April 2024

This research investigates the factors affecting the book-tax differences of multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Malaysia. The sample for this study consists of MNCs with subsidiaries in tax haven countries listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and FTSE Bursa Malaysia Mid 70 Index. About 67 MNCs were selected after eliminating 32 companies with inadequate data and one with extreme outliers. A secondary data approach was employed, utilising multiple regression analysis. Selected corporate characteristics, including deferred tax liabilities and assets, taxable income, interest coverage ratio, return on assets, and effective tax rate, were used as independent variables. Descriptive analysis revealed evidence that corporations with a high return on assets (ROA) typically benefit from very high levels of book-tax differences (BTDs). Furthermore, the results indicate that a high interest coverage ratio may partly explain the outcomes leading to an increase in differences recorded between book income and taxable income. Thus, this supports the idea that a positive relationship exists between the interest coverage ratio and BTD. Hence, this study contributes to the tax literature and informs policymakers on factors influencing BTD, especially MNCs with subsidiaries in tax haven countries. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by offering insights into the factors influencing MNCs' strategic tax planning decisions in the Malaysian context. Policymakers should address the unfair allocation of the worldwide tax base, where a reasonable portion of the earnings made by MNCs doing business in a nation should be subject to taxation in that nation.
Development of an integrative flipped classroom model to improve students’ critical thinking skills and learning responsibility
Authors: Nugraheni Benedecta Indah , . Sukirno , Hendrowibowo Lorensius , Johari Razana Juhaida , Listianto Gabriel Anto
Published: April 2024

Higher education, including accounting learning, often employs conventional learning models that do not optimally involve active learning. This model is unable to facilitate students developing critical thinking skills (CTS) and learning responsibility (LR), so these two abilities are not yet possessed by students adequately. The learning model that is believed to be able to develop CTS and LR is the flipped classroom. This research aims to produce an integrative flipped classroom model (IFCM) that is valid, practical, and effective for improving CTS and LR students, especially in Introductory Accounting learning. IFCM was developed with research and development using four D models, which consist of four development stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. This paper presents the IFCM, development process in detail and the results at each stage of development, as well as the final product in the form of IFCM which has been proven valid, practical, and effective for improving CTS and LR students in Introductory Accounting learning.
Thai EFL Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes towards Syntactic Structures in English Writing
Authors: Wongkittiporn Abhinan
Published: April 2024

This study investigates Thai EFL students’ attitudes of difficulty towards syntactic structures in English writing and their evaluation of frequencies in using syntactic structures in their writing. The framework of attitudes in this study follows Baker (1992) and Garrett (2010). The methodology of this study uses convenience sampling method. The participants in this study were 30 sophomores, majoring in English from a private university in Thailand. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire concerning syntactic structures in English writing.  The instruments in this study were a questionnaire with a five-scale measurement. After the questionnaire was developed, it was validated by three experts. The three experts are PhD instructors in the field of English language and language assessment and evaluation from a renowned public university of Thailand. The descriptive statistical analysis via frequencies and percentages was used to calculate the data analysis. The results in this study show that the participants feel that dependent clauses are difficult for them to use, especially adverbial clauses, reduced adjective clauses and verbless adverbial clauses. Based upon their evaluation toward frequencies of syntactic structures, the participants frequently use existential there constructions and adjective clauses in their writing in English. It is highly expected that the results of this study will be useful for English language teachers to gain better understanding of Thai EFL university students toward their difficulties with syntactic structures in English writing. So, English teachers could bring the results of this study to provide improvement to their students.
Kurikulum Merdeka dalam Konsepsi Pendidikan Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani
Authors: Fradana Heru
Published: April 2024

Education is one of the ways to advance human civilization. Historical records reveal that the better education during a particular period, the better civil society developed. A dynamic development in education is needed to create a better civilization. In the era of globalization, education has a heavier task than ever before, the boundaries of space and time are no longer known in this era. The ease of access to information has both positive and negative impacts. While it is beneficial for knowledge, the incoming facts may not be filtered according to the culture and norms of a particular region or country, resulting in the loss of character and national identity. In this regard, the Ministry of Education provides a solution of the form of a learning curriculum, namely the "Merdeka Curriculum." The Merdeka Curriculum is expected to preserve the nation's character in the next generation. However, the question arises as to whether this curriculum concept aligns with Islamic values, given that Indonesia currently has a Muslim majority. This article discusses the theory of the Merdeka Curriculum from the perspective of Islamic education, as seen through the thoughts of one of the prominent scholars of the Indonesian archipelago who gained global recognition, namely Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani. This academic article employs a qualitative approach using a literature review method to analyze Syekh Nawawi's views on the concept of the Merdeka Curriculum. The conclusion drawn from this study is that Syekh Nawawi's thinking emphasizes lifelong learning for a sustainable future and character education that builds uniqueness, identity, and national character.
Keywords: Curriculum; Medeka Curriculum; Islamic Education; Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani
Pemanfaatan E-book sebagai Sumber Belajar pada Kurikulum Merdeka
Authors: Ningsih Farikha Septia , Ulya Hanum Kholidiya
Published: April 2024

Success in the learning process is the main thing that must be in an educational institution. E-book s have great potential in utilization as a learning resource in the Independent Curriculum, although they have benefits, the challenges that must be overcome cannot be ignored either. The purpose of this article is to discuss the utilization of E-book  as learning resources in the Independent Curriculum. We will review the potential and benefits of E-book , the challenges that must be faced, and the steps that need to be taken so that E-book  utilization is able to run well to improve the quality of learning in Indonesia. The research used in this article is a type of library research or literature review research with qualitative methods. Library research or literature review is a critical process for collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing literature relevant to the intended research topic. The results show that E-books could increase students' activity, motivation, creativity, and learning outcomes. However, steps need to be taken to ensure equitable access for all students so that the benefits of E-book s can be felt thoroughly. The utilization of E-book s as an independent learning resource is very influential on students, E-book s have a positive impact on increasing learning productivity and reducing the burden on educators in presenting information. However, drawbacks such as dependence on battery power and vulnerability to piracy also need attention in its implementation. Thus, the utilization of E-books as an independent learning resource for students requires a comprehensive approach to maximize its benefits.
Keywords: E-book s, Learning Resources, Independent Curriculum
Democratic Setback in Pakistan: Challenges, Implications, and Way Forward
Authors: Ahmad Aftab
Published: April 2024

This article explores the various aspects of the decline of democracy in Pakistan, which is a crucial subject with important consequences both within the country and on the global stage. Pakistan's democratic progress has been characterized by a succession of obstacles, alternating between periods of civilian governance and military administrations. This paper aims to examine the fundamental factors behind these disturbances in democratic systems, with a specific focus on the recent occurrences that have contributed to the current state of vulnerability in democratic governance. This analysis explores the complex relationship between political instability, governance challenges, the significant influence of the military, economic fluctuations, restrictions on media, and the deterioration of civil liberties. The study additionally provides a comparison analysis with other countries that have encountered comparable democratic obstacles, extracting insights and tactics that could be relevant to the Pakistani situation. The paper highlights the importance of a collaborative endeavour to develop a durable democratic culture, pushing for enduring strategies rather than temporary solutions. The primary objective of this article is to offer a thorough analysis of the democratic obstacles in Pakistan and to facilitate meaningful dialogues and effective approaches toward a more stable and democratic future.
Cybersecurity Problem Impacting Online Banking in FR Peshawar
Authors: Khan Tayyeb
Published: April 2024

This study examines cyber security vulnerabilities that affect Pakistani internet banking. This research aims to do this. The banking industry's weaknesses and risks must be examined now more than ever. This tendency is due to the rapid rise of digital technologies and Internet banking. This report examines Pakistan's online banking industry's cyber security. Prospective dangers and mitigation strategies are also considered to improve online banking platform security. The latest research shows that online banking in Pakistan is harmful. Seventy college and university students completed an online questionnaire. The survey was online. SPSS 21 was used to analyse the data. SPSS calculates ANOVA and coefficients. The study found that phishing, identity theft, and hacking affect Internet banking, but other factors also affect it.
Non-Financial Performance of Financial Firms: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Banking Sector
Authors: Ullah Aman
Published: April 2024

Technology has become commonplace nowadays. Every industry wants to deploy new technology to improve productivity and customer service. Every company prioritises customer pleasure. Therefore, the banking sector is immersed in the technology race to improve operations and provide excellent customer service. We studied Internet banking client satisfaction for this reason. This study has one dependent and four independent variables. Customer happiness is the dependent variable, while privacy, content, interface, literacy, and technology efficiency are independent variables. The population is in the district of Kohat, and the Roscue Model was used to pick the sample size. A base paper questionnaire was used. The major data was collected by questionnaire. The bank's customers received the questionnaire via email and WhatsApp. Purposive sampling was used. Data was collected from 132 male and female respondents. After organising the data, 120 replies were selected for further analysis. We used SPSS regression, correlation, Chroch Alpha, and Chi-square analysis to analyse the data. The data show that neither content nor user interface affects Internet banking satisfaction. Privacy, literacy, and technology efficiency directly and considerably improve customer satisfaction. H1 was disputed. However, h2, h3, and h4 were proven in this study. As the sample size increases, the result may improve.
Trends and Innovations in the Prospects of Distance Learning
Authors: Muhammad Ghulam
Published: April 2024

The article explores the evolution of distance education, its historical evolution, and emerging trends. It highlights the importance of technological advancements, blended learning models, and pedagogical innovations. The article examines the integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality in online education, as well as the effectiveness of hybrid approaches and mobile learning. It also discusses personalized learning environments, adaptive technologies, assessment innovations, and professional development for distance educators. The article also addresses challenges related to equity, access, and technological limitations. Finally, the article looks toward the future, presenting predictions for the evolution of distance learning and anticipated advancements in technology and pedagogy. This comprehensive exploration contributes to the ongoing discourse on distance learning, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers navigating the dynamic landscape of contemporary education.
India, the US, and China as a Geopolitical Triangle
Authors: Pitafi Ghulam Murtaza
Published: April 2024

This article examines the complex interactions of the geopolitical triangle comprised of India, the United States, and China, investigating the multifaceted relationships and changing power dynamics among these significant global actors. Nowadays, interaction between these countries has become more and more crucial in influencing the geopolitical situation. This paper analyses the historical backdrop of their contacts, emphasizing the geopolitical, economic, and security aspects that shape their connections. Amidst changing global power dynamics, India emerges as a significant participant, maintaining a delicate equilibrium in its relationships with both the United States and China. The article examines India's strategic decision-making and diplomatic actions, considering its longstanding stance of non-alignment, economic ambitions, and worries regarding regional security. Simultaneously, the United States and China participate in an intricate interplay of collaboration and rivalry as their interests align and diverge across multiple domains. A fragile balance defines the geopolitical triangle, as each nation seeks its own national goals while managing the difficulties presented by regional and global intricacies. The article examines the influence of this triangular relationship on the stability of the area, economic collaborations, and security structures. Furthermore, it examines how new factors such as technology, trade, and climate change contribute to the formation of geopolitical dynamics among these nations.
Map of the soil cover of the Olsky section of the Magadan Nature Reserve (Koni Peninsula)
Authors: Pavlov Boris Alekseevich
Published: April 2024

The object of the study was the unexplored soil cover of the Olsky section of the Magadan Nature Reserve. For this purpose, a route survey was conducted of 12 of the most characteristic tracts of the site available for hiking. The research methods generally accepted in Russian soil science were used. 11 soil subtypes were identified for the first time within the boundaries of the site, among which the most common are soils of the alphegumus and humus–accumulative departments, developing on granitoid derivatives overlain from above by an Aeolian cover of volcanic ash with a thickness of up to 0.25 m. A soil map has been compiled on which 9 contours of soil cover structures are outlined, among which the most widely represented combinations of ochreous podburs with sod-podburs illuvial-ferruginous ochreous, dry peat-ochreous podzols with ochreous podzols and dry peat-lithozems humus-peat, as well as ochreous gleevate podzols.  11 soil subtypes were identified for the first time within the boundaries of the site, among which the most common are soils of the alphegumus and humus–accumulative departments developing on granitoid derivatives overlain from above by an Aeolian cover of volcanic ash with a thickness of up to 0.25 m.A soil map has been compiled on which 9 contours of soil cover structures are outlined, among which the most widely represented combinations of ochreous podburs with sod-podburs illuvial-ferruginous ochreous, dry peat-ochreous podzols with ochreous podzols and dry peat-lithozems humus-peat, as well as ochreous gleevate podzols. The conclusion is made about the overwhelming influence of Kamchatka volcanism on soil formation and soil cover of the research area. The obtained results can be used for environmental purposes to replenish information about the environmental components of one of the poorly studied sites of specially protected natural territories of the North of the Far East, as well as in domestic soil science to clarify the genetic features of the influence of Kamchatka volcanism on the land cover of the vast oceanic region of the Pacific Ocean.
Features of the development of the Russian banking system in 1996-1999.
Authors: Baydakov Ivan
Published: April 2024

This work is devoted to the crisis quadrennial of 1996-1999 in the history of Russia and the relationship with the changes that have occurred in the Russian banking system. The author identifies two stages in the development of domestic banking: its formation in 1991-1995, which ended with the exit from the August crisis of 1995, which showed that the banking system has not yet adapted to the requirements of market reality. The second stage was the crisis four–year period of 1996-1999, the peak of which was the default and devaluation of the ruble, as a result of which the main activity of banks turned from participating in a speculative game to working with the real sector of the economy and the population. As part of the study of the second period, the author, among other things, considers the issue of anti-crisis measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation. The author analyzes a large layer of sources and bibliographies, actually building a chronology of the development of the banking sector in Russia in 1996-1999. The novelty of this work consists in the fact that until now there are practically no generalizing historical works about the history of the banking system of Russia in the Russian historiography. The author comes to the following key conclusions: as a result of the 1998 crisis, in which there was a collapse of government securities, which are the basis of both speculative activities of credit institutions and collateral for their resource base, the banking community began to focus mainly on working with the real sector of the economy and the needs of the population. During the period under review, a reform of the banking system was carried out, including the establishment of a set of strict banking standards and reporting that serve to increase the reliability of credit institutions and the possibilities of effective regulation of their activities, and the elimination of the technical backlog of the Central Bank in the automation of control and payment spheres was carried out.
Discussion about the Soviet collaboration: a View on the problem of domestic and foreign history researches
Authors: Alenicheva Iana Sergeevna
Published: April 2024

Continuing to explore Soviet collaboration, the author draws attention to the evolution of scientific thought about this phenomenon, analyzing in detail the work of domestic and foreign scientists. Decade after decade, the trends formed and put forward by historians as the main directions for analyzing, describing and evaluating the phenomenon of voluntary cooperation of Soviet citizens with the German occupiers are being analyzed. Of particular importance is the accumulation of scientific research on the topic, which allows us to see the key ideas, as well as their successive changes: declaring at the beginning the parallelism of views of domestic and foreign historians in the post-war period, the author identifies the first points of contact, finds coincidences and divergences of views, follows the development of the discussion about the prerequisites, motives, forms and fate of Soviet collaborationism. When writing this article, in order to organize voluminous disparate scientific information, the author used comparative and aggregate research methods, as well as the method of historical analysis. Noting the similarities and differences in the vectors of development of scientific interests of researchers on the topic of Soviet collaboration during the Great Patriotic War, the article shows how scientifically based disputes enrich each other in Russia and abroad. A special contribution of the author was the introduction of foreign literature that had not previously been published in Russian, as well as an appeal to the works of modern researchers of related history sciences (political science, international relations), which had not previously come to the attention of Russian historians. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of scientific concepts competing with each other, the author identifies areas on the topic of Soviet collaboration that need additional attention and development for both domestic and foreign specialists.
The Armed Forces and Police of Independent Rhodesia (1965-1979). Part 2: The Armed Forces
Authors: Gonta Semen Nikolaevich , Ivanov Nikolai Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the functioning of the Rhodesian Security Forces (the common name of the Rhodesian Police and Army forces) during the years of its de facto independence from 1965 to 1979. The object of the study is the Rhodesian Security Forces. The subject of the study in this (second) part of the work is the activities of the armed forces of Rhodesia after its declaration of independence. The authors studied the history of the development of the armed forces of Rhodesia from the moment of its participation in World War II to the end of the war with the rebels in 1979-1980. Also, the authors present data on the number, racial composition, technical equipment, main units and their structure, and other information about the armed forces of Rhodesia. The strategy of countering the rebels and its transformation during the conflict is presented separately. The research methodology is based on general scientific research methods (abstract-logical method, classification method), as well as on special historical research methods (historical-genetic and narrative research methods). The scientific novelty of the work consists in a detailed description of the process of functioning and development of the armed forces of independent Rhodesia during the armed confrontation with the rebels (1965-1979). After the declaration of independence, the armed forces of Rhodesia, like the police, faced significant difficulties in ensuring combat capability, however, even in such conditions they managed to maintain phenomenally high combat capability and continue to improve. Based on this article, it is possible to draw conclusions about the decisive role played by the armed forces of Rhodesia in the existence of a country engulfed in counter-terrorism throughout its existence. Separately, it should be noted that the Rhodesian army was not racist, since a significant number of black soldiers served in its ranks, especially during the years of armed conflict with the rebels (1965-1979).
A lightweight framework for cyber risk management in Western Balkan higher education institutions
Authors: Kepuska Krenar , Tomasevic Milo
Published: April 2024

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a significant presence in cyberspace. Data breaches in academic institutions are becoming prevalent. Online platforms in HEIs are a new learning mode, particularly in the post-COVID era. Recent studies on information security indicate a substantial increase in cybersecurity attacks in HEIs, because of their decentralized e-learning structure and diversity of users. In Western Balkans, there is a notable absence of incident response plans in universities, colleges, and academic institutions. Moreover, e-learning management systems have been implemented without considering security. This study proposes a cybersecurity methodology called a lightweight framework with proactive controls to address these challenges. The framework aims to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in learning management systems in Western Balkan countries and suggest proactive controls based on a penetration test approach.