bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Fruit Wastes; A Sustainable Panacea for Plastic Crisis!
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Jayalath S. , Kothalawala P. , De Alwis A. , Keerthisinghe T. , Costa S. ,   Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Wijerathna L. ,   Modern Pack Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Talagala,Gonapola, Talagala
Published: February 2023

“White pollution” which is defined as the solid waste generated through the consumption of different types of plastic products, has been identified as a significant global environmental issue threatening the natural environment, human health, and economies with regard to pollution. Plastics are chemically inert, preventing unnecessary gas and moisture exchange with the surroundings. Food packaging is an application where plastics are extensively used, as it significantly reduces the possibility of microbial contamination while retaining food quality. Moreover, it is lighter, possesses high specific strength, and is tear resistant. Plastics can be produced colorless or transparent if necessary, allowing the consumer to view food products through the packaging. It can also be easily moulded to fit the shape of the food item it is holding without affecting its performance requirements. Its stiffness and increased strength ratio make it desirable to be used as food containers and cutlery in rigid food ware applications.
Adapting concept of human-human multimodal interaction in human-robot applications
Authors:   Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Priyanayana S. , Jayasekara B. , Gopura R. ,   2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: February 2023

Human communication is multimodal in nature. In a normal environment, people use to interact with other humans and with the environment using more than one modality or medium of communication. They speak, use gestures and look at things to interact with nature and other humans. By listening to the different voice tones, looking at face gazes, and arm movements people understand communication cues. A discussion with two people will be in vocal communication, hand gestures, head gestures, and facial cues, etc. [1]. If textbook definition is considered synergistic use of these interaction methods is known as multimodal interaction [2]. For example, , a wheelchair user might instruct the smart wheelchair or the assistant to go forward, as shown in Fig. 1(a). However, with a hand gesture shown in the figure, he or she might want to go slowly. In the same way as of Fig. 1(b), a person might give someone a direction with a vocal command ‘that way’ and gesture the direction with his or her hand. In most Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) developments, there is an assumption that human interactions are unimodal. This forces the researchers to ignore the information other modalities carry with them. Therefore, it would provide an additional dimension for interpretation of human robot interactions. This article provides a concise description of how to adapt the concept of multimodal interaction in human-robot applications.
The Bolgoda Ecosystem: A laboratory in the neighbourhood
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa., Jayawardena C. , Seneviratne T. ,   Library, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: February 2023

The Bolgoda wetland complex [Figure: 1] is located on the southwest boundary of the Colombo District and is considered the largest freshwater resource in the Western Province. In detail, Bolgoda (north) Lake and Bolgoda South Lake, which the Bolgoda river connects, are two vast freshwater bodies that cover an area of approximately 400 square kilometers. In addition to Bolgoda Lakes, the Bolgoda Basin consists of five other lakes: Boralesgamuwa, Gamanpila, Kes-bewa, Uyanwatta, and Walgama and the Lunawa Lagoon. This wetland complex has been listed in the “1001 Natural wonders of the world: you must see before you die”, published in 2017 by Michael Bright (Ed.), due to its ecological, social, and economic significance. Bolgoda wetland usually receives considerable rainfall throughout the year, with peaks during the monsoons. Weras river, which travels through a major garbage dumpsite and an industrial zone, delivers the primary water source to the Bolgoda Lakes and the rain and runoffs from two small streams named Panape Ela and Rambana Ela fed by Maha Oya [1]. Further connections of the Bolgoda hydrological system exist through Bolgoda Canal & Kirulapone Canal to Kelani Riv¬er, through Keppu Ela to Kalu Ganga, and through Thalpitiya Ela to the ocean south of Panadura Estuary.
Feasibility of Establishing Desalination Plants at the Dry Zones of Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka., Yatawatta J. , Sridarran P. , Thirumal S. ,   Department of Building Economics, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Published: February 2023

Water scarcity has already been recognised as a major 21st century global environmental problem [1]. Water scarcity arises when the demand for fresh water in a given domain exceeds the supply. Several nations are quickly depleting their freshwater supplies, and many large river basins in both developing and developed nations are experiencing severe water scarcity. According to Sri Lanka, the country is divided into two principal divisions based on annual precipitation of 1,875 mm: Dry Zones (DZ), which account for around 70% of the country, and wet zones, which account for the remaining 30% [2]. Sri Lanka’s DZ districts such as Ampara, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Kurunega¬la, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Mullaitivu, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Mannar and Vavuniya are experiencing extreme seasonal or year-round water scarcity [3]. Water shortage is a common concern for residents of DZs during the dry season as a result of inadequate tank storage capabilities, maintenance and operation issues, and DZ population growth [4].
Digitally Enhanced Information and Coordination System for Disaster Preparedness in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka., Siriwardena D.
Published: February 2023

Disaster preparedness is one of the key phases of disaster management that mitigates the impact of hazards and ensures the effective response and recovery. Therefore, enhanced disaster preparedness is imperative to successfully cope with future disasters and thereby to minimise the adverse impacts. In terms of successful disaster preparedness, information and coordination systems play a major role by creating linkages among the different stakeholders and managing preparedness information. However, existing information coordination systems used in disaster preparedness of developing countries like Sri Lanka need to be enhanced by digital technologies in order to obtain successful outcomes of disaster preparedness. Therefore, under the joint collaboration of Multi-Agency Platforms for Building Resilient Communities (MOBILISE) research project and the Center for Disaster Risk Reduction at University of Moratuwa, we have researched on the nature of a digital information and coordination system that can be utilised for disaster preparedness in Sri Lanka.
Structural and Functional Roles of Non-bilayer Lipid Phase in Mitochondria
Authors: Tao Yuxuan , Gasanoff Edward S.
Published: February 2023

In this review article we critically discuss the experimental data that support existence of non-bilayer lipid phase in intact mitochondria. We also review contemporary concepts on the role of non-bilayer phospholipids in controlling mitochondrial functions and remodeling. In addition, we present the latest models that propose the tentative mechanisms on how non-bilayer lipids and cardiolipin may facilitates ATP synthesis in mitochondrial cristae.
Physiological and Neurophysiological Effects of Sports Massage on the Athletes’ Performance: A Review Study
Authors:   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shamsi Hasan , Okhovatian Farshad ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., khademi Kalantari khosro ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims: Massage therapy is widely used by athletes for various reasons such as recovery from fatigue, preventing injury, and relaxation. It is believed that massage improves the performance of the athletes by increasing their blood flow, removing lactic acid, and stimulating the nervous system. This review study aims to investigate the physiological and neurophysiological effects of sports massage on the athletes’ performance, to find out whether the clinical beliefs of sports physiotherapists about the effects of sports massage on sports injuries are supported by scientific evidence or not. Methods: In this review study, a search was conducted in Google Scholar PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases on studies published in English from 1975 to 2020 using the keywords: Sports massage, sports injuries, physiological mechanisms, neurophysiological mechanisms, and performance of athletes. Fifty articles about the effects of sports massage were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 14 clinical trial studies and one case report study were included in the review. Results: Few studies have been conducted on the effect of sports massage on the athletes’ performance. The existing studies are heterogeneous, i.e., they have examined the effect of massage on different factors and reported contradictory results. It seems that the effects of sports massage on the athletes’ performance are more due to its psychological effects rather than its clinical effects. The effects of sports massage on athletes’ performance have not yet been supported by scientific evidence. Conclusion: Many scholars consider that the effects of sports massage are due to increasing blood flow, but there is insufficient scientific evidence. In treatment of tendonitis and muscle strains, there is insufficient evidence that sports massage can reduce pain and accelerate healing. It seems the therapeutic effects of sport massage are more psychological and less physiological.
The Effect of Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) on Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Clinical Syndrome (Symptoms) in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Province Isfahan, Iran., Abbasi Nahid , Dehghani Akram ,   Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Province Isfahan, Iran., Ghamrani Amir ,   Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Province Isfahan, Iran., Abedi Mohammad Reza ,   Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Province Isfahan, Iran.,   Department of Psychology, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Province Isfahan, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterized by impulsivity, distraction, and hyperactivity and have high comorbidity with sluggish cognitive tempo. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mentalization-based treatment (MBT) on slow cognitive tempo and clinical symptoms (symptoms) of children with ADHD. Methods The study method was semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up with a control group design. The statistical population in this study were 7-9 years old students with ADHD studying in public schools in the six districts of Isfahan. To select the sample, 28 mothers of students who met the inclusion criteria were assigned and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (14 students in each group). The research instruments were the sluggish cognitive tempo questionnaire and the connors parent form questionnaire. The sessions of this treatment were 8 sessions of 60 minutes that were presented to the mothers of the experimental group and were not provided to the educational control group. After examining the assumptions of statistical tests, repeated measures analysis of variance was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 21. Results Comparing the experimental group with the control group showed that the SCT and symptoms of ADHD in the experimental group compared to the control group were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Also, the comparison of mean scores showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test and follow-up scores in both variables. Still, there was no significant difference between post-test and follow-up stage scores. There is a significant difference between the mean scores of SCT and the ADHD symptoms in the experimental and control groups and pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Conclusion Considering the effectiveness of mentalization-based therapy on sluggish cognitive tempo and ADHD symptoms, this approach can be used as an effective treatment method in Iran.
Scapulohumeral rhythm, kyphosis, and forward shoulder in Iranian Wushu athletes and non-athletes
Authors:   Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran., Babagoltabar Samakoush Hamed , Norasteh Aliasghar ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims: Daily living activities require the composition and coordination of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints. In athletes, the position of the scapula have a direct effect on their athletic performance due to its relationship with shoulder function. This study aims to investigates the scapulohumeral rhythm, kyphosis and forward shoulder in Iranian Wushu athletes and non-athletes. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. Participants were 27 wushu athletes (Age: 23.29±1.72 years, height: 1.72±0.20 m, weight: 69.50±11.50 kg, body mass index: 22.25±3.29 kg/m2) and 27 non-athletes (Age: 25.92±2.85 years, height: 1.75±0.07 m, weight: 69.36±11.73 kg, body mass index: 22.53±3.08 kg/m2) which were selected using a convenience sampling method. The kyphosis angle was assessed with a flexible ruler and the forward shoulder was assessed using the photographic method. The distance of the scapula from the spine was assessed using the lateral scapular slide test. Independent t-test was used to examine the differences between the groups, and Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the study variables. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The angles of kyphosis and forward shoulder had a significant relationship with the distance of the scapula from the spine at 0, 45 and 90 degrees of arm abduction (P≥0.05) such that with increasing kyphosis and forward shoulder angles, the distance increased. In non-athletes, there was a significant difference between the distances of dominant and non-dominant scapula from the spine in 0 degree (P=0.01) and 45 degrees (P=0.02) of arm abduction; in 90 degrees, no significant difference in non-athletes was observed. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference in kyphosis and forward shoulder angles and in the distance of the scapula from the spine at different degrees of arm abduction between the two groups (P≤0.05), which were greater in athletes than in non-athletes. Conclusion: The kyphosis and forward shoulder angles have a relationship with the position of the scapula on the spine in professional Wushu athletes. More attention should be paid to these changes and their evaluation in terms of injury and musculoskeletal disorders.
Comparison of the Time Use Between Mothers of Blind and Healthy Children in Tehran, Iran
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Student research Committee, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Mahvari Narges , Mirzakhany Navid ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran., Rezaee Mehdi ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran., Tabatabaee Seyed Mehdi ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran., Faghihi Hamidreza ,   Department of General Psychology, Tehran, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims: The presence of a blind child in the family puts a lot of pressure on the caregivers, especially the mother. Therefore, the mother’s mental and emotional condition is affected and disturbs her ability to balance time. By knowing the pattern of time use in mothers of blind children, it is possible to help improve the health and quality of life of these mothers. This study aims to evaluate the time use in mothers of children with blindness compared to the mothers of healthy children. Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Ninety mothers of blind and healthy children aged 6-14 years participated in this study. Mothers were selected from among those whose children were in exceptional schools of Shahid Mohebi, Narjes, and Khazaeili and normal schools in West of Tehran, Iran using a convenience sampling method. Mothers’ time use for different activities was evaluated by the Persian version of the Mothers’ time Use questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software versio 21 using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Mothers of children with blindness spent more time on household chores and childcare and less time on sleeping/resting compared to the mothers of healthy children (50.0≥P). Conclusion: The presence of a blind child in the family affects the ability of mothers in balancing the time and the quality of the time spent by them on daily activities. Therefore, there is a need to pay attention to balance of time as a variable of health and quality of life.
Presenting a Model for Detecting Osteoporosis In Active Older Men Using the Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors:   Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran., Fasihi Leila , Tartibian Bakhtyar ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran., Eslami Rasoul ,   Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims: Fractures due to osteoporosis impose high economic costs on patients and the health care system. Data mining has many applications in various fields, including medicine and sports, due to its ability to process large amounts of data and reduce detection time. Therefore, this study aims to provide a model for detecting osteoporosis in active older men using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. Methods: This is a development-applied study. Medical data of 652 patients were first examined. Of these, 108 active older men were selected including 58 healthy men, 33 with osteopenia, and 17 with osteoporosis. The SVM algorithm was used to differentiate them. MATLAB software version 2020 was also used for data analysis. Evaluation was performed using the confusion matrix and based on the accuracy and precision criteria. Results: Of 103 features related to sociodemographic information of participants, 8 features were selected as the inputs of the algorithm. The SVM algorithm could detect osteoporosis with 59.3% accuracy and 54.91% precision. Conclusion: By discovering hidden patterns and relationships in the data, the SVM algorithm can help improve the quality of diagnostic services for osteoporosis.
The Differentiating Effects of Job Seekers’ Spec on Actual Employment: Focusing on Screening Hypothesis and Dual Labor Market Theory
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Park Jisung , Ok Chiho
Published: February 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to examine how job seekers’ spec influence their actual employment especially focusing on the differentiating effects of applicants’ specs depending on whether general or decent job employment.
Design/methodology/approach - This study conducted analyses on 54,443 samples that incorporated data from the Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey for three years (2017-2019) collected by the Korea Employment Information Service. The linear probability model and logit model were used to examine the research questions.
Findings - The results analyzed with the hierarchical regression model showed that most job seekers’ specs were statistically significant in predicting employment status. Interestingly, there is a difference between the factors predicting employment for a general job and a decent job. This study suggests academic and practical implications for future research in the selection/ recruitment field by clarifying the critical factors to influence applicants’ employment.
Research implications or Originality The results of this study follow the screening hypothesis which explains that the applicants’ specs have significant impacts on actual employment. Also, the dual labor market theory, which explains that applicants’ specs differently affect actual employment between general and decent jobs, was reaffirmed.
Effects of Mongolian Startup's Motivation, Self-Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Performance: gender differences
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Otgon Delgermaa , Kang Shin-Hyung , Park Sangmoon
Published: February 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of entrepreneurial motivation, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of Mongolian entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach This study collected data from a survey on 236 entrepreneurs in Mongolia and investigate research hypotheses by empirical analysis.
Findings It was found that entrepreneurial motivation (independence, opportunity-driven, achievement motivation) had a positive effect on the startups’ performances, and necessity-driven motivation did not have a significant effect on the startups’ performances. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial orientation had a positive effect on performance of startups. There are differences by gender on the relationships between entrepreneurial motivations and startup performances.
Research implications or Originality This paper investigates the effects of entrepreneurial motivation, self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of startups in Mongolian.
U.S. Monetary Policy and Investor Reactions: Korean Evidence
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Park Jongho
Published: February 2023

Purpose - The primary objective of this article is to investigate the impact of U.S. monetary policy on institutional / individual / foreign investor reactions in the Korean stock market.
Design/methodology/approach - This study employs a high frequency event study methodology to identify U.S. monetary policy shocks and quantify the impact of identified shocks on investor reactions. The dependent variable in the regression model is net stock purchase, while the explanatory variables are U.S. monetary policy shocks. The model is estimated for the period 2000-2019, including 156 FOMC meetings.
Findings - Foreign investors immediately sell stocks in response to contractionary U.S. monetary shocks. They do not, however, react to anticipated changes in monetary policy rates, confirming the rationality of foreign investors. Individual investors demonstrate the opposite response, indicating that a non-trivial proportion of individual investors are irrational.
Research implications or Originality - This study adds to the current literature on the effect of U.S. monetary policy on the Korean stock market. This study demonstrates a heterogeneous response to U.S. monetary policy shocks, validating the rational investment behavior of foreign investors, while individual investors exhibit a certain degree of irrationality. Methodologically, this study adds to the literature by quantifying the impact of U.S. monetary policy employing a sharper identification method allowing a simple and consistent estimation.
Study of Developing Allen’s Collection Imperial Resources as Tourism
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Koo Kyung-Yeo , Ahn Tae-Hong
Published: February 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to redefine imperial cultural properties and pass on and provide the elegant value of imperial cultural properties with the Allen Collection's promotion to retrieve imperial cultural properties.
Design/methodology/approach - This study was approached to deal with the essential interpretation of cultural improvement through discussion in the cultural science approach
Findings - As a result of examining ways to revitalize tourism resources using Allen Collection, it is necessary to cultivate international manners and knowledge levels in strengthening imperial awareness through the establishment of imperial museums, enacting laws on standards for designation of imperial cultural assets, and promoting them. In addition, policy needs such as the development plan of the imperial cultural festival, re-establishment, application, reuse, re-establishment, and reproduction according to environmental changes, and technical support and monitoring systems for investigating and preserving imperial cultural assets are needed.
Research implications or Originality - The study on the device imperial cultural assets as tour resources the cultural assets mate be not only preserved and inherited to the descendant but also useful in contemporary national emotion positively. for we could obtain wide national support and co-operation in the protection work of cultural assets. What makes our cultural assets leaved indifferent before destruction like this most of all, it is form indifference of the people, we must make an effort to meet with recognizing the value of useful cultural assets by mean of utilizing cultural assets as tour resources to inhibit more damage of destruction of cultural assets.
The Optimal Tracking Error of Active Stock Fund by Smart Beta Strategy
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Lee Jae-Hyun
Published: February 2023

Purpose - This study introduces a methodology for finding the optimal tracking error of active stock funds. Tracking error is commonly used in risk budgeting techniques as a concept of cost for alpha creation.
Design/methodology/approach - This study uses a post-optimal smart beta portfolio that maximizes alpha under the given tracking error constraint.
Findings - As a result of the analysis, the smart beta strategy that maximized alpha under the constraint of 0.15% daily tracking error shows the highest IR. This means the maximum theoretically achievable efficiency. In this regard, a fixed-effect panel regression analysis is conducted to evaluate the active efficiency of domestic stock funds. In addition to control variables based on previous studies, the effect of tracking error on alpha is analyzed. The alpha used in this model is calculated using the smart beta portfolio according to the size of the constraint of the tracking error as a benchmark. Contrary to theoretical estimates, in Korea, the alpha performance is maximized under a daily tracking error of 0.1%. This indicates that the active efficiency of domestic equity funds is lower than the theoretical maximum.
Research implications or Originality - Based on this study, it is expected that it can be used for active risk management of pension funds and performance evaluation of active strategies.
A Study on Stock Market Cycle and Investment Strategies
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Sohn Kyoung-Woo , Chung Ji-Yeong
Published: February 2023

Purpose - This study investigates the performance of investment strategies incorporating estimated stock market cycle based on a lead-lag relationship between business cycle and stock market cycle, thereby deriving empirical implications on risk management.
Design/methodology/approach - The data period ranges from June 1953 to September 2022 and de-trended short rate, term spread, credit spread, stock market volatility are considered as major input variables to estimate business cycle and stock market cycle by applying probit model. Based on the estimated stock market cycle, two types of strategies are constructed and their performance relative to the benchmark is empirically examined.
Findings Two types of strategies based on stock market cycle are considered: The first strategy is to long(short) on stocks when stock market stage is expected to be an expansion(a recession), and the second one is to long on stocks(bonds) when expecting an expansion(a recession). The empirical results show that the strategies based on stock market cycle outperforms a simple buy and hold strategy in both in-sample and out-of-sample investigation. Also the out-of-sample evidence suggests that the second strategy which is in line with asset allocation is more profitable than the first one.
Research implications or Originality The strategies considered in this study are based on the estimated stock market cycle which only depends on a few easily available financial variables, thereby making easier to establish such a strategy. It implies that investors enhance investment performance by constructing a relatively simple trading strategies if they set their position on stocks or choose which asset class to buy conditioning on stock market cycle.
A Study on Responsible Investment Strategies with ESG Rating Change
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Lee Young-Joon , Kang Yun-Sik , Yoon Bohyun
Published: February 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of ESG rating changes of companies listed in Korean Stock Exchange on stock returns.
Design/methodology/approach - This study collected prices and ESG ratings of all the companies listed on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index. Based on yearly change of ESG ratings we grouped companies as 2 portfolios(upgrade and downgrade) and calculated portfolios’ return.
Findings - First, the difference in returns between upgraded and downgraded portfolios is small and statistically insignificant. Second, however, in the COVID-19 period (2020 ~ 2021), the upgraded portfolio outperforms the downgraded portfolio by 0.7 percentage points per month. The difference in returns between upgraded and downgraded portfolios is statistically significant after controlling for the Carhart four factors. Lastly, there are much higher volatility when the ESG rating changes are made of companies with low levels of ESG ratings.
Research implications or Originality This study is the first to examine the impact of ESG rating changes on stock returns in Korea. Furthermore, the findings can serve as a reference for managers who want to control a firm's risk by ESG rating changes. Practically, asset managers can use the findings to construct portfolios that are less risky or more profitable than the market portfolio.
PENELITIAN KETERSEDIAAN AIR IRIGASI DI KOTA PAYAKUMBUH DALAM RANGKA PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI PADI
Authors: Barmawi Marfini
Published: February 2023

Payakumbuh a small town with a self government is the capital of Kabupaten Limapuluh Kota - WestSumatera. About 60 % of the land area is being used for agriculture and consequently water demand is veryhigh. With the growth of population and its social and economic condition, the reguirement for water has alsoincreased.In anticipating the problem, concern is be given to the development and management of water resources.Particulary to the two water sources passing the region, i.e. the Batang Agam and Batang Lampasi. A weircan be developed in the Batang Agam at Padang Ambacang, whereas river storage structures can bedeveloped, such as dams, long storages and water wheels, in the Batang Lampasi. In addition to developingthe water system, paddy production can be inereased by applying the System of Rice Intensification (SRI).
Методичні рекомендацій з навчальної дисципліни «Загальна теорія права та держави: інтерактивне навчання» для здобувачів вищої освіти першого освітньо-наукового рівня (галузь знань 29 «Міжнародні відносини», спеціальність 293 «Міжнародне право»)
Authors:   Національний університет «Одеська юридична академія», Федоров В. А. , Рязанов М. Ю.
Published: February 2023

Методичні рекомендації підготовлені в межах дисципліни «Загальна теорія права і держави» для успішного досягнення заявленого поєднання теоретичної і практичної складової. Можуть бути успішно використані здобувачем вищої освіти під час роботи на практичних заняттях, під час підготовки до виконання тестових завдань чі під час творчої роботи, пов’язаної з підготовкою різного роду доповідей.
Основи права : навч.-метод. посіб. для здобувачів вищої освіти 3 курсу за освітнім ступенем «бакалавр» ф-ту психології, політології та соціології за спец. 053 «Психологія»
Authors:   Національний університет «Одеська юридична академія», Рязанов М. Ю. , Чувакова Г. М.
Published: February 2023

Навчально-методичний посібник розроблено у відповідності до програми навчальної дисципліни «Основи права» для здобувачів вищої освіти 3 курсу за освітнім ступенем «бакалавр» у галузі знань 05 «Соціальні та поведінкові науки» за спеціальністю 053 «Психологія».Вивчення навчальної дисципліни «Основи права» спрямоване на формування у майбутніх фахівців у сфері психології уявлень про особливості існування правової реальності, формування системи правових понять і основних концепцій існування права і держави, закріплення ціннісних установок, правосвідомісті та правової культури.
A Scale Development Study: Game and Educational Material Use Scale (GaEMUS)
Authors: Gülle Mahmut , Bolat Yavuz
Published: February 2023

The game is an important tool that provides motivation for the individual at almost any age while entertaining it, as well as providing achievements to the individual and socially. The use of this tool as an educational tool or material can help increase the success of learning-teaching processes.  For this reason, the aim of this research was to develop a measurement tool that could be used to efficiently collect data or diagnose the preparation, planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of education and training processes. The sample size of this study, in which the validity and reliability of the scale were carried out, consists of 677 people who have different levels of learning. In this study, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, Barlett's Sphericity Test, Explanatory Factor Analysis, Cronbach's Alpha, substance total correlation, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the game and educational material use scale.  At the end of these statistical operations, GaEMUS consisted of 22 items. An Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed on this structural condition. It was determined that the scale provided a four-factor scale structure: The Cognitive Process Dimension, The Psychological Dimension, The Psychomotor Development Dimension, and The Social Dimension.
Teachers' Job Satisfaction: Multilevel Analyses of Teacher, School, and Principal Effects
Authors: ÖZKAN Umut Birkan , AKGENÇ Ertan
Published: February 2023

Teachers' job satisfaction (TJS) can be defined as the emotional reactions of teachers to their jobs or teaching roles. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the determinants of teachers, principal and school-based factors on job satisfaction of teachers. In this study, which is based on relational survey model, secondary data obtained from TALIS-2018 evaluation were analyzed with Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling. 196 principals and 3952 teachers from Turkey who participated in TALIS-2018 survey constitute the sample of the research. According to the results of the study, teachers' age, gender, career preferences and participation in professional development activities, the locations of the schools they work in and the type of school (state / private) and the gender of the school principals were found to be determinants of job satisfaction. Teachers' work experience, having foreign students in their classes, school principal's age and work experience did not affect teachers' job satisfaction.
CONTINGENCY THEORY APPROACH TO RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN ISLAMIC BANKS: A CASE STUDY ON KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kulchmanov Arman , Hassan M Kabir , Rashid Mamunur
Published: February 2023

This study explores the contingency theory to explain the risk management practices in Islamic and conventional banks in Kazakhstan, an emerging Islamic banking hub of the Central Asia. The outcome of this study helps identify the contingency variables that explain the risk management challenges faced by Islamic bankers in Kazakhstan with respect to other Islamic markets, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. In order to explore the contingency variables influencing the risk management process and performance, this study utilised multiple layers and sources of information. Firstly, using semi-structured protocols, we interviewed top, middle and operation-level risk managers from large and small Islamic and conventional banks of Kazakhstan. We extended the surveys to Indonesia and Malaysia to learn from already established risk management system. Secondly, we find that several risk related financial ratios to strengthen our findings. Risk management system is influenced by the type of risks and a number of contingency variables. Credit, operational and market risks are the three major risks for Islamic banks in Kazakhstan. Limited know-how of risk management and limited use of technology are the two most important firm specific contingency variables. Limited secondary market, limited regulatory assistance, and limited use of derivatives are the three most important industry specific contingency variables that have great influence on the risk management of Islamic banks. The influence of industry-specific factors is apparently bolder than the influence of firm-specification limitations. We also find that the size of the market influences all the stages of enterprise risk management, which has been identified as a contingent variable by previous studies on non-financial sector. The results are vitally important for Kazakhstan as the country is planning to turn the economy into a hub of Islamic finance in the Central Asia. Management of Islamic banks that are planning to invest in Kazakhstan can learn from the challenges and gaps explained in this study. The Central Bank of Kazakhstan may take an active role in establishing prudential regulations to ensure investment in human capital, technology- and customer-centric banking operation, and innovation to tackle risk management challenges. This study is one of the preliminary studies that discusses about risk management of Islamic bank in Kazakhstan, and compares the risk management practices and performance with established banks from other countries. We have redrawn the contingency framework for risk management in Islamic banks.
THE MEASUREMENT OF ISLAMIC UNIT TRUST INVESTMENT DECISION IN MALAYSIA: AN EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors: Yusuff Noraini , Mansor Fadillah , Hamed Abu Bakar
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study is to develop the constructs in Islamic Unit Trust Investment Decision (IUTID) and examine its determinants. The determinants of Islamic Unit Trust Investment Decision are Islamic Financial Literacy (IFL), Information Sources (IS), Investment Risk (IR), Religiosity (RE) and Product Knowledge (PK). The measurement developed is based on the literature review and has been validated by the constructâ€™s experts, and among Islamic Unit Trust Investors. The validity and reliability test have tested to all the constructs. The data have been analyzing using SPSS. Results of the analysis show that Islamic unit trust investment decision can be measured using ten (10) items of investment selection criteria. The others determinants such as Islamic financial literacy construct consists of seven (7) items, information sources construct consists of ten (10) items, investment risk consists of eight (8) items, religiosity consists of eight (8) items and product knowledge consists of seven (7) items. The variance of the construct shows that information sources have the highest variance followed by investment risk, Islamic financial literacy, religiosity and product knowledge. These instruments can be used by unit trust companies, the authorities of Islamic unit trust (FIMM, SC, BNM) and other bankingâ€™s product to understand the behavior of their clients and later, can implement it to the expected new customers.
BANK SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS AND PROFITABILITY OF ISLAMIC AND CONVENTIONAL BANKS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Muhamad Iskandar Suppia Nurhidayah , Che Arshad Noraziah
Published: February 2023

Islamic Banking has become competitive against conventional banking since it is one of the fastest growing institutions nowadays. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the performance of both Islamic and conventional banks has become the center of attention particularly in term of their profitability. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between bank-specific characteristics and profitability of Islamic and conventional in Malaysian banking sector to find the role of internal factors in achieving high profitability from 2008 to 2016. The data is extracted from Fitch Connect database for a nine year period which includes 16 Islamic banks and 22 conventional banks in Malaysia. The findings explained that each variable are justified in the model have statistically significant impacts on Malaysian banksâ€™ profitability. However, the effects are not uniform across profitability measures. Regression findings reveal that bank capital and deposit ratio are significant of bank profitability in Islamic banks. This result implying that high profitability may drive higher capital ratios since profits are a source of capital. The implication shows that a more profitable bank may desire a smaller capital buffer since it knows that it will be able to draw on internal funds to fund expected investment opportunities.
C ORRUPTION D IVERSIFICATION AND ASSET QUALITY OF ISL AMIC AND CONVENTIONAL B ANKS : A DYNAMIC PANEL DA TA APPROACH
Authors: Chen Naiwei
Published: February 2023

Minimal research to date has examined whether and how corruption and diversification influence the asset quality of Islamic banks from the agency perspective. The study aims to fill this research gap using a sample of 155 banks (28 Islamic banks and 127 conventional banks) in three Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan) from 2006 to 2012. Estimation of the dynamic panel data model reveals that corruption negatively affects the asset quality of Islamic banks whereas conventional banks see no such effect. Corruption also proves to strengthen (weaken) any negative (positive) effect of diversification on the asset quality of Islamic banks, in particular. Furthermore, the modifying effect of corruption is particularly found in more corrupt countries (Indonesia and Pakistan) as opposed to a less corrupt country (Malaysia). Overall, results suggest that banks should engage in diversification moderately because diversificationâ€™s negative effect can overpower its positive effect. In addition, Islamic banks and particularly small ones should watch out for the negative effect of corruption because these banksâ€™ asset quality is more influenced by corruption than other banks. Furthermore, it is crucial for policymakers to effectively control corruption to maximize the asset quality of banks for better financial stability of the banking sector. This is especially true for Islamic banks because they are more likely to incur higher agency costs as opposed to conventional banks.
Міжнародні кібернавчання LOCKED SHIELDS – 2022. Проблемні питання в підготовці складових сил оборони та безпеки України
Authors: Живило Євген , Черноног Олександр
Published: February 2023

В сучасних умовах для України забезпечення кібербезпеки є одним із пріоритетів у системі національної безпеки. За цих умов вага кіберзагроз зростає і ця тенденція в міру розвитку інформаційних технологій та їх споріднення з технологіями штучного інтелекту в найближче десятиліття посилюватиметься. Збільшення такого впливу на функціонування структур управління як національних, так і транснаціональних вимагає до формування нового безпекового формату. Між світовими центрами сили відбувається поділ сфер впливу у кіберпросторі, посилюється їх прагнення за рахунок такого поділу забезпечити реалізацію власних геополітичних інтересів.

Рівень виклику у національному сегменті кіберпростору країн-світу в цілому з кожним роком зростає як за розміром, так і за рівнем складності. Складовим сил оборони та безпеки України вкрай необхідні досвідчені експерти з хорошими навичками в тестуванні на проникнення, передачі, обміні інформацією та ситуаційною обізнаністю. При цьому важливим є досвід представників, як цивільного сектору, так і сектору оборони держави які залучались до проведення міжнародних кібернавчань у складі команди.

В цій ситуації, в рамках міжнародного співробітництва, українським експертам з кібербезпеки задля досягнення оперативної сумісності є вкрай важливим спрямувати свої практичні навички щодо захисту національних ІТ-систем та критичної інфраструктури від атак у реальному часі.

Так, покращення навичок національних кібергруп швидкого реагування потрібно зосередити на: обміні інформацією про кібератаки та кіберінциденти, проведенні спільних кібероперацій та розслідуваннях міжнародних кіберзлочинів, регулярних спільних кібернавчаннях та тренінгах, обміні досвідом та найкращими практиками із відповідними підрозділами держав – членів НАТО.

Практична спрямованість у тісній співпраці представників експертних груп у сфері кіберзахисту на одній платформі в режимі реального часу – це унікальна можливість для національних кіберзахисників практикувати захист національних ІТ-систем та критичної інфраструктури під тиском серйозної кібератаки.
Інформаційні технології як засіб підвищення якості вивчення військово-технічних дисциплін
Authors: Чопа Дмитро , Дерев'янчук Анатолій , Дерев'янчук Владислав
Published: February 2023

Сучасні умови застосування Збройних Сил України визначають нові вимоги до організації навчання та підготовки військових фахівців. Існує нагальна  потреба в розробленні нових технологій навчання, підвищенні рівня засвоювання навчального матеріалу та удосконаленні способів контролю його засвоєння. Тому в статті наводяться деякі напрями застосування інформаційних технологій у підготовці військових фахівців (на прикладі спеціалістів РВ і А), які забезпечують підвищення якості вивчення військово-технічних дисциплін. Авторами пропонуються до розгляду створення і використання мультимедійних навчальних артилерійських комплексів, комп’ютерних  систем навчання, віртуальних сховищ навчального контенту та мультимедійних  віртуальних тренажерів, які пройшли апробацію у вищих військових навчальних закладах України та кафедрі військової підготовки Сумського державного університету. На підставі результатів педагогічного експерименту з користувачами зазначених програмних продуктів  підтверджені висновки про позитивний вплив використання зазначеного інструментарію на підвищення якості навчання та зростання рівня підготовки під час вивчення військово-технічних дисциплін, а також сформульовані деякі рекомендації стосовно методики навчання з використанням запропонованих інформаційних технологій.