bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of High-Intensity and Low-Level Laser Therapy Combined With Exercise Therapy on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Khalilizad Majid , Hosseinzade Danial , Marzban Abbas Abadi Mobin
Published: August 2024

Introduction: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with exercise therapy (ET) have emerged as effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain. However, there have remained uncertainties regarding the magnitude of their effects in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Hence, we performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of available evidence in the literature to answer this query. Methods: A literature search was carried out in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases without any language restrictions from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2023. We examined randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies that investigated the efficiency of HILT or LLLT plus knee osteoarthritis ET in pain and functional improvement of the knee. We performed a network meta-analysis and provided the standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) by pooling the continuous data on the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function score using a random-effects model. Results: In total, 11 eligible RCTs were included. Our analysis revealed significant improvements in the VAS pain and WOMAC function scores on weeks 4 and 8 after interventions in groups treated with LLLT+ET and HILT+ET compared with placebo+ET. Moreover, HILT+ET showed a greater reduction in the VAS pain score (SMD=-1.41; 95% CI: -2.05 to -0.76) and improvement in the WOMAC function score (SMD=-2.20; 95% CI: -3.21 to -1.19) than LLLT+ET in week 8. Conclusion: Based on our findings, both HILT+ET and LLLT+ET treatments effectively reduced pain and improved function, but HILT+ET showed a more significant improvement in both outcomes compared to LLLT+ET.
Comparison of the Enterococcus faecalis Colony Reduction Effect of Two Wavelengths of Diode Lasers With Three Methods of Root Canal Irrigation: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Shirani Lapari Shiva , Zare Jahromi Maryam , Tahmourespour Arezoo , Shirani Amir Mansour
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The basis of successful root canal therapy is the reduction of microorganisms. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the antibacterial effect of three different irrigation methods with two laser wavelengths on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. Methods: Ninety-five single-canal teeth were prepared, sterilized, and divided randomly into a negative control, a positive control, and five test groups. They were inoculated with the standard strain of E. faecalis. The test groups were conventional irrigation (group 1), Passive ultrasonic irrigation (group 2), Gentle file finisher brush (group 3), 810 nm diode laser (group 4), and 980 nm diode laser (group 5). Microbial sampling, cultivation, and colony counting were done. Data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and a negative binomial regression model. Results: There was a significant difference in the colony count between the groups (P<0.001). the 810 nm diode had the highest and the conventional irrigation group had the lowest reduction in the microbial load. Passive ultrasonic, 980 nm diode laser, and Gentle file finisher brush groups were also ranked respectively from the highest to the lowest in terms of decreasing effect on the number of colonies. Conclusion: The 810 nm diode laser and conventional irrigation were respectively the most and the least effective methods for reducing the number of E. faecalis colonies.
Position Paper on Applications Of Smart Contracts and Blockchain Technology
Authors: Wells Penny , Probert Georgia , Marke Daniel , Konopka Claudia
Published: August 2024

Blockchain technology makes it possible to handle a transaction decentralized. We intend to outline the history of blockchain technology in this position paper, go over one of its key components, the smart contract, and discuss some of its recent uses in the cryptocurrency, financial services, risk management, and Internet of Things industries.
Smart Contracts on the Blockchain: Design, Use Cases, and Prospects
Authors: Zacky Mohamed Imran , Helmi Syahri , Della Cella Isadora
Published: August 2024

Since the invention of Bitcoin, blockchain technology has expanded to include more than just digital money. Because it was quickly developed and widely adopted, the blockchain allows users to perform secure transactions in an unreliable environment. One of the most critical components of real-world blockchain applications is the smart contract. In addition to being integrated into well-known blockchain-based development platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger, smart contracts have in the digital economy and in the intelligent industries, there are a variety of potential application situations, including, among others, management, healthcare, the Internet of Things, and financial services. This paper's main objective is to present a comprehensive analysis of the research on smart contracts, including information on their inner workings, basic architecture, use cases, challenges, most recent developments, and possible future paths. Though they are still in their infancy, smart contracts have significant technical difficulties like security and privacy concerns that require more investigation. Before proposing a study of a framework based on a for smart contracts revolutionary architecture with six layers, the technique first described the workings and popular platforms of blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Second, a list of the current state of the research is provided, together with the technical and legal difficulties. In the third place, we provided several typical application examples. We talked about the several directions that smart contracts could take at the end. The purpose of this document is to serve as a useful guide and source for future research projects.
THE INFLUENCE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE YIELD OF GRAIN CROPS IN THE STEPPE ZONE OF BURYATIA
Authors: Соболев Виктор Александрович , Батудаев Антон Прокопьевич , Цыбиков Бэликто Батоевич , Коршунов Василий Михайлович , Гребенщикова Тамара Васильевна
Published: August 2024

К основным факторам, влияющим на величину урожая зерновых культур, относятся влаго- и теплообеспеченность вегетационного периода. В данной работе рассмотрено влияние осадков и средней температуры воздуха на урожайность зерновых культур в степной зоне Бурятии. Коэффициент прямолинейной корреляции влияния выпавших осадков в мае месяце на урожайность яровой пшеницы составил 0,13, что говорит о слабом положительном влиянии данного фактора. За июнь месяц данный коэффициент составил 0,86, что соответствует высокой степени влияния осадков в данный месяц на урожайность яровой пшеницы. Июльские осадки оказали среднее влияние на продуктивность яровой пшеницы, а августовские слабое. В сентябре увеличение осадков в высокой степени отрицательно повлияло на продуктивность яровой пшеницы, возможно, связанное с потерями при уборке урожая. В целом, увеличение выпадения осадков за вегетационный период оказывает положительное влияние на продуктивность яровой пшеницы в средней степени. Температурный режим воздуха в 2015-2020 гг. превысил средние многолетние значения от 1,6 до 2,7 С.

The main factors affecting the amount of grain yield include moisture and heat supply of the growing season. This article examines the influence of precipitation and average air temperature on the yield of grain crops in the steppe zone of Buryatia. The coefficient of direct correlation of the influence of precipitation in May on the yield of spring wheat was 0.13, which indicates a weak positive effect of this factor. For the month of June, this coefficient was 0.86, which corresponds to a high degree of influence of precipitation in this month on the yield of spring wheat. The July precipitation had an average effect on the productivity of spring wheat, and the August precipitation had a weak effect on it. In September, an increase in precipitation to a high degree negatively affected the productivity of spring wheat, possibly associated with losses during harvesting. In general, an increase in precipitation during the growing season has a positive impact on the productivity of spring wheat to an average extent. The air temperature regime from 2015-2020 exceeded the long-term average values from 1.6 to 2.7 C.
EVALUATION OF THE STRUCTURAL STATUS OF SLOPE SOILS IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE VITIM PLATEAU
Authors: Бадмаев Нимажап Баяржапович , Дармаева Нина Николаевна , Балсанова Лариса Даниловна , Манханов Арсалан Дашеевич
Published: August 2024

На основе анализа пространственно-временной оценки выявлено значительное уменьшение площади сельскохозяйственных земель в нашей стране (48 млн га), 95 % которых приходится на пахотные угодья. Общей закономерностью землепользования является сохранение и использование пахотных угодий только на плодородных почвах в оптимальных природно-климатических условиях. Одним из рассматриваемых аспектов пространственно-временной оценки является характеристика структурного состояния почв агроландшафтов, позволяющая раскрыть особенности преобразования почвенного покрова земель сельскохозяйственного назначения и прогнозировать дальнейшее изменение агроландшафтов при различном использовании. Общим признаком агрегатного состава почв, формирующихся на разных позициях склона, является отсутствие водопрочности агрегатов >1 мм. За счет дробления и диспергирования под воздействием воды агрегатов резко увеличивается «микроагрегированность» почв. Агрегатный состав почв северной экспозиции характеризуется лучшими показателями структурности.

Based on the analysis of the spatio-temporal assessment, a significant decrease in the area of agricultural lands in our country (48 million hectares) was revealed, 95% of such lands are arable ones. The general pattern of land use is the conservation and use of arable land only on fertile soils under favourable natural and climatic conditions. One of the considered aspects of spatio-temporal assessment is the characterization of the structural status of soils in agricultural landscapes, which makes it possible to reveal the peculiarities of the transformation of the soil cover of agricultural land and predict further changes in agricultural landscapes with different uses. A common feature of the aggregate composition of soils formed at different positions of the slope is the lack of water stability of the aggregates >1 mm. Due to the crushing and dispersion of aggregates under the influence of water, the “microaggregation” of soils sharply increases. The aggregate composition of soils of northern exposure is characterized by the best indicators of structure.
¿Urquiza, un líder que resuelve problemas asumiendo “un gesto viril” o con eficacia despareja? El caso La Paz en el discurso de El argentino de José Hernández
Authors: Herrero Fabián
Published: August 2024

Este artículo de exploración inicial, intenta mostrar el sentido errático del ejercicio de liderazgo político de Justo José de Urquiza hacia comienzos de los años de 1860. A partir del análisis de El Argentino de Paraná, se examina un episodio en escala local ocurrido en el departamento de La Paz. Se intenta probar por una parte que el mismo no es un hecho aislado, sino que se inserta en una agenda de conflictos más numeroso y de distintas escalas, local, provincial y nacional. Se sostiene por otra parte que el ejercicio de liderazgo de Urquiza presenta una eficacia despareja, ya que no acierta con la estrategia para resolver el problema. Por este motivo, luego de un año de conflicto casi permanente, debe cambiar abruptamente su estrategia de moderación por otra de represión para lograr un punto de calma. Los ingredientes básicos de un líder, su ejercicio de liderazgo, su visión política, su credibilidad, su popularidad, sus lealtades son puestas en duda. En este sentido, discuto la posición de Bosch quien afirma que, con “gesto viril”, consigue dar termino al conflicto.
Contiendas por el pasado de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral durante su primer medio siglo
Authors: Alonso Fabiana
Published: August 2024

Dado que todo acontecimiento fundador reclama un significado, las instituciones pretenden darse un pasado y configurar una imagen que pueda proyectarse a la sociedad. Este trabajo aborda las configuraciones de sentido que entre mediados de los años veinte y fines de los años sesenta buscaron darle un pasado a la Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). En la segunda mitad de la década de 1920 puede identificarse el interés por instituir una genealogía que trazara una línea de continuidad entre la universidad nacional creada en 1919 y la universidad provincial (Universidad de Santa Fe, creada en 1889). Sin embargo, esta operación selectiva generó dificultades para lograr una síntesis que unificara visiones y posicionamientos en las conmemoraciones de 1940 (veinte años de la creación de la UNL) y de 1969 (cincuentenario). Asimismo, se privilegian ciertas coyunturas políticas críticas con el propósito de observar cambios de énfasis en relación con la genealogía delineada en la década del veinte. La revista Universidad, publicada desde 1935, es la principal fuente para indagar las tensiones y las divergencias entre quienes se asumieron como portavoces de la historia de la institución.
La viruela y el establecimiento de normativas sobre salubridad pública en el Estado de Boyacá (Colombia), 1857-1885
Authors: Carreño-Tarazona Clara Inés , Amado-Oliveros Giovanni Fernando
Published: August 2024

Este artículo analiza el tratamiento de la epidemia de la viruela desde el establecimiento de normativas sobre la salubridad pública en el Estado de Boyacá (Colombia) durante la segunda mitad del siglo XIX. Primero se examinan las medidas administrativas para organizar los hospitales e implementar el aislamiento, luego se describen los organismos administrativos establecidos en los distritos del Estado y representados en las Juntas de Sanidad, finalmente se estudian las oficinas y el servicio sanitario de vacunación como mecanismo para controlar el avance de la enfermedad. A partir de la revisión de fuentes documentales oficiales se encontró que el Estado estableció todo un sistema administrativo y regulatorio para afrontar la epidemia.
Peller, M. (2023). La intimidad de la revolución. Afectos y militancia en la guerrilla del PRT-ERP. Prometeo Editorial: Buenos Aires, 182 páginas.
Authors: Saporosi Lucas
Published: August 2024

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KEBIJAKAN BISNIS USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH DALAM MENCAPAI KINERJA UNGGUL
Authors: Fatkhurahman Fatkhurahman
Published: August 2024

Business policies are guidelines or rules set by an organization to direct the operations, decision-making, and behavior of all members of the organization in achieving business goals. A good business policy is very important because it can provide structure, direction, and consistency in running a business.  Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) often face various issues related to business policies, which can affect the performance and sustainability of their businesses. Using descriptive research, data was collected from MSME managers and the results showed that the condition of the business policy of the small regional souvenir food industry in Riau Province was in the good enough category. This business policy variable obtained the largest dimension is hierarchical integration, while the smallest dimension is clarity of purpose.
Keywords: Business Policy, MSME, Superior Performance
The Design Student as Storyteller: An Afro- Futuristic Perspective of Storytelling
Authors:   Louisiana State University, Streete Annicia
Published: August 2024

A futuristic perspective of “storytelling” as an educating design tool in an architecture elective course that explores Afrofuturism within Architecture. Afrofuturism offers a critical approach to thinking about future built environments of African and African Diasporic communities throughout the world. The course is rooted in a method that introduces Afrofuturism, a school of thought addressing intersections of afro-culture, the use of science and technology to project futures of liberation and in¬novation, using imagination.1 A study of Ten Principles of Black Space Design, authored by American Architect Jack Travis, FAIA, NOMAC, accompanies the introduction as a way to understand governing infrastructural, cultural, and environmental design factors existing within African and African Diasporic communi¬ties.2 This pedagogical approach offers an opportunity to expose the design student to a global citizen group that has faced en¬vironmental design inequities and to engage the student in embracing storytelling as a conduit of change through design. They become the “storytellers” or “griots” – synonymous with the passing of knowledge within African and African Diasporic communities. The term Afrofuturism was coined by author and cultural critic Mark Dery in 1993 but evident in the work and black cultural traditions of artists such as Sun Ra and George Clinton in the early 1970’s. Today, narratives of Afrofuturism are represented in film such as The Black Panther, 2018.3 Further explorations are presented by scholar Alondra Nelson, Octavia Butler – black science fiction writer and Nalo Hopkins – Jamaican fiction writer who weaves futuristic narratives with Caribbean historic and cultural practices.
The SmarTuria HUB Project: Transformative Education Experiences Outdoors
Authors:   Universitat Politècnica de València, Merino Sanjuán Lola , Puyuelo Cazorla Marina ,   Universitat Politècnica de València
Published: August 2024

The quality of public space is the result of everything that takes place in it, and therefore, it has to be part of a dynamic process in order to respond to the needs of people and to the constantly changing situations. From this idea the study and analysis of public space has to be done through active syner¬gies, which favour its understanding by the public and their active and positive participation, enhancing the relationships between function/form/structure (Habraken, 2000). In addi¬tion, competency-based education requires methodologies that place greater emphasis on learning and the link between practical skills, knowledge, motivation, emotions and atti¬tudes (Haak 2017), which requires a disruptive approach (Dygert 2017). The SmarTuria Hub Project is being an academic experience, which started five years ago taking as scenario the public park Túria gardens in the city of Valencia (Spain), with the aim of experiencing with the students the methods and strategies of the European urban labs (ENoLL, 2013) and the open design, where the approach of integrating the users, is the key for reaching more innovative, inclusive, sustainable and adapted design solutions. The goals of the urban living labs are “inno¬vation, knowledge development for replication and increasing urbans sustainability emphasizing the need for supported, local solutions” (Steen and Bueren, 2017 p.11). To reach these goals in a real-life use context, co-creation techniques with the actors (users, private and public actors, institutes…) are the basis to understand their needs and expectations, including them in the innovation process, iterating with the feedback gathered from use and evaluation, and empowering people for decision taking. From this approach, students internalise that creating tools for expression and participation of the users is essential and it is one of the means to achieve a more active role in the design process (Kristensson 2004).
Steven Gamble, How Music Empowers: Listening to Modern Rap and Metal (Abingdon: Routledge, 2021). ISBN 9780367339555, 188 pp, £130 (hardback).
Authors: Melvin Adam
Published: August 2024

A Review of Steven Gamble, How Music Empowers: Listening to Modern Rap and Metal (Abingdon: Routledge, 2021). ISBN 9780367339555, 188 pp, £130 (hardback).
DESIGN AND TESTING OF A VARIABLE SPRAY SYSTEM BASED ON PTO PROTOCOLS
Authors: LIU Lei , KONG Fanxia , YI Lili , LAN Yubin , HAN Xin , ZHAO Jie , LIU Jie , LV Pengcheng , ZHANG Minhui
Published: August 2024

The aim of this research is to address the issues of low precision in variable spraying within the existing farmland application system, whereby nozzles cannot be controlled independently and low pesticide utilisation is observed. A variable spraying system based on PTO protocol has been designed. The system comprises an STM32 microcontroller as the control core, including the host computer, multi-channel controller, electronic switch, and electromagnetic spray nozzle. The master control unit receives the spray amount set by the user and calculates the duty cycle of the corresponding nozzle, which is then sent to the multiplex controller in real time through CAN communication. The multiplex controller adjusts the on-off frequency and duty cycle of each electromagnetic nozzle in real time according to the duty cycle of the corresponding nozzle it receives, thus enabling the nozzles to be controlled independently. This study offers theoretical and technical support for the independent control of spray nozzles and the optimisation of pesticide utilisation for variable spray systems based on PTO protocols.
Utilization of Big Data in Educational Technology Research
Authors: Setiawan Awan , Muhammad Aldi , Sandi Agung Purnama , Pebrianti Nabila Rezky
Published: August 2024

This study critically examines the implementation of big data analytics within the field of Educational Technology, with a specific focus on its application at the Faculty of Engineering, Langlangbuana University. The research is prompted by the unprecedented shift from traditional, in-person instruction to online learning environments, a transition significantly expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores how big data can be systematically utilized to develop advanced educational strategies that address the complexities of modern learning environments. Through an extensive review of relevant local and international literature, the study highlights the potential of big data to offer granular insights into student engagement, learning outcomes, and instructional effectiveness. The findings suggest that the strategic integration of big data in educational research not only facilitates personalized learning and improves pedagogical practices but also enhances institutional decision-making processes. This research underscores the critical role of big data in fostering an adaptive, evidence-based approach to contemporary educational challenges.
Rap e canção popular brasileira: diálogo ou ruptura?
Authors: Almeida Rodrigues Isadora
Published: August 2024

Este artigo busca discutir as relações entre o rap e a canção popular brasileira. A partir da ideia de que o rap representaria o “fim da canção” como a conhecemos, surgida em inícios dos anos 2000 em falas de pensadores da música como José Ramos Tinhorão e Chico Buarque, problematiza-se essa concepção a partir de reflexões apresentadas por José Miguel Wisnik, Luiz Tatit, Arthur Nestrovski e Acauam Oliveira, e se apresentam algumas situações em que esses universos se misturam e se chocam, num constante movimento de aproximações e distanciamentos. Assim, para além da superada discussão sobre a ideia de “fim da canção”, realizou-se a análise de obras de rap em associação com obras do cancioneiro popular quando estas são diretamente citadas por aquelas, ou quando há proximidade temática. Por fim, discutem-se os rumos desse gênero musical 30 anos após o grande sucesso alcançado pelos Racionais MCs nos anos 1990.
PENGARUH INSENTIF, DAN PENGHARGAAN TERHADAP KINERJA SALES PERSON MELALUI SEGMENTASI USIA KERJA PADA KANTOR WILAYAH REGIONAL SULAWESI DAN IBT PT BANK MAYBANK INDONESIA TBK DI MAKASSAR
Authors: Roring Frederick , Setiawan Lukman , Abubakar Herminawati
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganaliisis pengaruh langsung insentif kerja, dan penghargaan kerja, dterhadap kinerja, menganaliisis pengaruh langsung insnetif kerja, dan penghargaan kerja terhadap segementasi usia kerja, dan menganaliisis pengaruh tidak langsung insentif kerja, dan penghargaan kerja, dterhadap kinerja. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer melalui survei sebanyak 32 karyawan sebagai sampel dari seluruh jumlah karyawan sebanyak 32 orang, survei dilakukan selama 2 (dua) bulan yaitu Desember s.d Januari 2024. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan program SmartPLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Pengaruh insentif, dan penghargaan kerja berpengaruh langsung terhadap Kinerja sales person, (2) insentif kerja, dan penghargaan kerja tidak langsung terhadap kinerja sales person melalui segementasi usia kerja.
This study aims to: (1) analyze the direct effect of work incentives, and work awards, on performance, (2) analyze the direct effect of work incentives, and work awards on work age segementation, (3) analyze the indirect effect of work incentives, and work awards, on performance. This research uses primary data through a survey of 32 employees as a sample from the total number of 32 employees. The survey was conducted for 2 (two) months, namely December to January 2024. The data was analyzed using the SmartPLS program. The research results show that: (1) The influence of incentives and work awards has a direct effect on sales person performance, (2) work incentives and work awards have an indirect effect on sales person performance through working age segmentation.
PENGARUH PELATIHAN DAN KOMPETENSI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN MELALUI DISIPLIN KERJA PADA PT. PARAMITA BAN INDO MAKASSAR
Authors: Kahar Agus , Yunus Kafrawi , Setiawan Lukman
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membahas bagaimana pengaruhpelatihan dan kompetensi terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui disiplin kerja pada PT. Paramita Ban Indo Makassar. Penelitian menguji dan menanalisis seberapa besar variabel variabel saling berpengaruh melalui varibel disiplin sebagai variabel inervening pada PT. Paramita Ban Indo Makassar. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode SEM (structural equetion modeling) dengan PLS (partial last square). Software yang digunakan untuk analisis SEM PLS adalah program smart PLS 4. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pengaruh pelatihan terhadap kinerja melalui disiplin kerja tidak berpengaruh signifikan dari hasil yang diperoleh dengan nilai t statistic sebesar 0.889 dimana t statistic lebih kecil dari t tabel 1.677. Sementara pengaruh kompetensi terhadap kinerja melalui disiplin kerja secara tidak lansung berpengaruh positif signifikan dari hasil yang diperoleh dengan nilai t statistic sebesar 1.978 dimana t statistic lebih besar dari t tabel 1.677.
This research aims to discuss how training and competence affect employee performance through work discipline at PT Paramita Ban Indo Makassar. This research tests and analyses how much the variables affect each other through the discipline variable as an inervening variable at PT Paramita Ban Indo Makassar. The research method used is the SEM (structural equation modeling) method with PLS (partial last square). The software used for SEM PLS analysis is the smart PLS 4 program. The results of this research show that the effect of training on performance through work discipline does not have a significant effect on the results obtained with a t statistic value of 0.889 where the t statistic is smaller than the t table of 1.677. Meanwhile, the influence of competence on performance through work discipline indirectly has a significant positive effect on the results obtained with a t statistic value of 1.978 where the t statistic is greater than the t table of 1.677.
PERAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI DALAM MENINGKATKAN PRESTASI KERJA STAF ORGANISASI WIJABA
Authors: Fatchurrohman Mochamad , Nafiqoh Anin
Published: August 2024

The aim of the research is to explain the role of organizational culture in improving the work performance of WIJABA organizational staff. The research design used in this research is a qualitative method. Going through several stages of observation, requesting permission for the author to research, and conducting interviews. The data source was obtained from primary data through field research, namely interviews with division managers within WIJABA a. The research results show: (1) organizational culture is a habit or behavior that develops from the beginning and is passed down from generation to generation in a community or group so that it continues until there are new members and so on. (2) work performance is the achievement achieved by each individual or team where the achievement has achieved or even exceeded the given target. (3) the role of organizational culture in improving work performance, namely: staff need to improve and develop new innovations, well-maintained communication skills influence leader trust. Therefore, it is important to have weekly meetings to find out the progress of each staff.
Keywords: Organizational Culture, Job Performance, Organization Staff, Wijaba
Organisational informal structures: social identity perspective
Authors: Kadakure Arthur , Twum-Darko Michael
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to explore how the cognitive elements of social identity within informal structures influence employees' perceptions and, in turn, impact corporate strategy. This study proposes a framework for managing such informal structures relevant to both theory and practice by employing a social identity theoretical framework. The research examines the impact of informal structures on corporate strategy within the context of a case study involving a South African mining company. The paper establishes that norms, values, and thought processes toward corporate strategy are informally shaped by social identity groups. It suggests that in future research, employing an alternative theoretical framework could serve to establish the reproducibility of the results. Furthermore, a shift towards quantitative research methods would enhance the comprehensiveness of validity testing through methodological triangulation. The proposed framework offers a comprehensive theoretical perspective that contextualizes the interaction between cognitive components of social identity and corporate strategy. It illustrates how aligning personal goals with corporate objectives, maintaining consistent communication, implementing fair employee recognition practices, and equitably sharing resources can mitigate opposition from social identity groups toward corporate strategy. The research presents a pioneering case study of a mining company that employs social identity theory to delineate the informal structure and ascertain how social identity elements influence corporate strategy.
Challenges and opportunities for pharmaceutical SMEs from South Africa in embedding into global supply chains
Authors: Takawira Blessing , Pooe David
Published: August 2024

The inclusion of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies from developing countries in global supply chains is essential for the expansion and durability of the worldwide pharmaceutical sector. South Africa, with its rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry, is leading the way in this process of integration. It provides a distinct case study of the difficulties and advantages that small and medium-sized enterprises face in the pharmaceutical sector. This study seeks to conduct a systematic analysis of the current literature about the obstacles and possibilities encountered by small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies in South Africa as they strive to become part of global supply chains. The objective is to offer a thorough summary of the existing research in this field. This study utilised the PRISMA systematic literature review approach to evaluate 26 peer-reviewed papers and academic publications from the Scopus database that are pertinent to pharmaceutical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The data were extracted using Atlas-ti, which facilitated a thematic analysis to identify and categorise the primary difficulties and opportunities faced by these firms. The assessment has found four main obstacles: regulatory impediments, budgetary limitations, operational and logistical concerns, and market rivalry. On the other hand, there were also important prospects identified, such as the possibility for expanding the market, developments in technology, initiatives to promote sustainability, and the development of collaborative networks. These findings emphasise the complex and diverse ways in which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) become part of global supply chains. They illustrate the obstacles and opportunities that SMEs encounter in their efforts to succeed. Pharmaceutical small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa encounter a range of intricate obstacles as they strive to integrate into the global supply chain. However, they also have multiple chances to utilise growth and gain a competitive edge. Effectively managing these difficulties and possibilities is crucial for their incorporation into worldwide markets. This study enhances the scholarly discussion on the integration of global supply chains by conducting a detailed investigation of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies in the context of a developing country. This study provides valuable insights into the unique problems and possibilities faced by these businesses, which can be used to guide future research and develop practical strategies to enhance global integration.
Corporate social responsibility practices: evidence from the automotive manufacturing SMEs in the Ethekwini Metropolitan area
Authors: Mvakwendlu Nonophela Buhle , Zondo Robert Walter Dumisani
Published: August 2024

Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as a vital business sector in the South African economy. They elevate employment, reduce poverty, and increase the overall economic growth of any country.  It is essential that SMEs should develop and grow.  In ensuring their survival and growth, SMEs must be flexible and agile in every growth stage.  Thus, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the strategic tools for business survival and growth.  CSR is when organisations act responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders, to maximise positive impact not just for profit. It is expected that the implementation of CSR can enhance the performance of SMEs.  Consequently, the study assesses CSR practices applied by SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The study was quantitative in nature.  It targeted 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area.  Data collected from 110 SME owners was analysed using version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).  The results established that business performance increases when SME organisations support community, particularly when there is employee involvement in such support activities.  Hence, the original value of this study is in its approach in uncovering the perceptions and involvement of SMEs operating in the automotive manufacturing sector in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) on their CSR practices.
Implementasi Program Viona (Visibility of Routine Activity) Dalam Penerapan SOP di Kimia Farma Laboratorium dan Klinik Unit Bisnis Sumatera 3
Authors: Dianaulina Dwi , Fajar Nur Alam
Published: August 2024

Standart Operasional Prosedur (SOP) di laboratorium klinik bahkan menjadi salah satu syarat terbentuknya Laboratorium, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) sesuai perundang-udangan yang berlaku. Di Indonesia sendiri pelanggaran SOP terkait kepatuhan petugas dalam penggunaan APD terjadi di Laboratorium klinik RS Ibnu Suwito Baturaja. Kekurangan kesiapan terhadap penerapan SOP diwilayah pra analitik juga terjadi dalam proses rekam medis di Laboratorium Parahita tahun 2020.Dalam melakukan penerapan SOP Laboratorium dan Klinik Kimia Farma menerapkan Viona (Visibility Of Routine Activities) berupa CCTV yang terhubung langsung ke IT  dan mutu kantor pusat di Jakarta, salah satu program yang dicanangkan untuk memantau penerapan SOP di kantor cabang laboratorium dan Klinik Kimia Farma seluruh Indonesia.Laboratorium dan klinik Kimia Farma Unit Bisnis Sumatera 3, terdiri dari 3 Klinik Pratama dan 3 Laboratorium Medis yang tersebar di palembang, Lubuk Linggau dan jambi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi penerapan SOP di Laboratorium dan Klinik Kimia Farma Unit Bisnis Sumatera 3, serta menganalisis kepatuhan petugas dalam mengikuti SOP terkait, khususnya dalam aspek greeting dan grooming. Pada Penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa pelanggaran Greeting dan grooming masih menjadi temuan pelanggaran tertinggi selama tahun 2022 pengetahuan petugas terhadap SOP baik lebih dari 50% petugas Laboratorium Klinik dan 78% petugas klinik Kimia Farma Unit Bisnis Sumatera 3 namun pengetahuan tersebut tidak menggambarkan penerapan SOP di outlet terbukti dengan. Punishment yang didaptkan oleh 2 outlet Kimia Farma Unit bisnis Sumatera 3 terhadap pelangggaran Viona. Berdasarkan hasil observasi peneliti menyarankan agar lebih meningkatkan evaluasi tindak lanjut hasil temuan dan dijadikan parameter KPI dalam penetuan Bisnis Manager berprestasi.
Apakah Kebenaran Selalu Benar? Memahami Filosofi Kebenaran dalam Ajaran Plato dan Michel Foucault
Authors: Tanoyo Mellysa
Published: August 2024

Karya-karya Plato, filsuf Yunani kuno, yang telah hidup ribuan tahun yang lalu masih sangat relevan jika dikaji lebih mendalam dan dengan perspektif-perspektif segar dalam kaitannya dengan kehidupan bermasyarakat di masa kini. Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi konsep kebenaran menurut Plato melalui studi literatur terhadap karya-karyanya, antara lain The Republic dan Cratylus. Plato menyatakan bahwa kebenaran adalah sesuatu yang mutlak dan transenden, berbeda dengan persepsi manusia yang sering kali bersifat relatif dan dipengaruhi oleh konteks sosial. Penelitian ini berusaha menjawab pertanyaan apakah kebenaran selalu benar? Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif, dengan pendekatan analisis tekstual terhadap karya-karya Plato, serta studi literatur terkait teori-teori komunikasi termasuk paham yang dikembangkan Michel Foucault mengenai konsep diskursus. Melalui analisis ini, penelitian ini mengeksplorasi bagaimana konsep kebenaran dapat dipahami dalam situasi di mana pandangan minoritas berlawanan dengan pandangan mayoritas. Suatu keadaan di mana seseorang memegang kebenaran, namun berada di dalam kelompok yang menentang pandangan tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami implikasi dari pandangan Plato tentang kebenaran dalam konteks komunikasi sosial, serta untuk menelusuri bagaimana dinamika sosial dan kekuasaan mempengaruhi persepsi dan penerimaan kebenaran. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kebenaran melampaui persepsi indrawi dan konstruksi linguistik. Kebenaran memerlukan upaya intelektual dan filosofis yang mendalam, dan meskipun secara ideal bersifat universal, penerimaannya dalam praktik sosial sangat bergantung pada dinamika kekuasaan dan konsensus kelompok. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa kebenaran dapat mengalami distorsi dalam konteks sosial yang beragam. Penelitian ini menawarkan wawasan penting dalam memahami hubungan antara kebenaran filosofis dan penerimaannya dalam komunikasi sosial.
Evaluasi Pesan Kampanye Gempur Rokok Ilegal (Studi Kasus Pada Kabupaten Demak)
Authors: Fu’ad Ahmad Sahlul
Published: August 2024

Selain sebagai sumber penerimaan negara, cukai berfungsi untuk menekan konsumsi rokok dan meminimalisir dampak negatif yang ditimbulkan. Peredaran rokok ilegal menjadi ancaman serius bagi efektifitas fungsi cukai. DJBC bekerja sama dengan pemerintah daerah di seluruh wilayah Republik Indonesia telah gencar melakukan penindakan terhadap rokok ilegal serta melakukan sosialisasi kepada masyarakat melalui program kampanye Gempur Rokok Ilegal (GRI). Namun, peredaran rokok ilegal nyatanya masih cukup tinggi. Hal ini membuat peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan evaluasi terhadap pesan kampanye tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan evaluasi terhadap pesan kampanye GRI untuk memberi masukan terhadap penyusunan pesan kampanye yang lebih efektif di masa yang akan datang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, wawancara, serta studi literatur. Data yang diperoleh kemudian dielaborasi menggunakan teori Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan antara pesan kampanye yang disampaikan melalui kegiatan sosialisasi tatap muka dengan pesan kampanye melalui media cetak. Konten pesan pada media cetak hanya menampilkan pesan informatif tanpa memuat pesan persuasif. Masyarakat diberikan informasi tentang ciri-ciri rokok ilegal dan saluran pelaporannya namun tidak diberi informasi yang memadai serta alasan yang valid dan rasional yang dapat mendorong perubahan sikap dan perilaku.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN ENGLISH SUBJECTS USING KURIKULUM MERDEKA IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Rosyadi Wildan Fakhri
Published: August 2024

Learning English in elementary schools often still experiences various obstacles. For this reason, the author conducted this research to find out students' learning difficulties as well as solutions that can be taken in learning English at the elementary school level with the ikurikulum merdeka as the curriculum. The method used in this research is a literature review approach in the form of a description of theories and findings obtained from various sources which are used as study material. This student's learning difficulties are characterized by not achieving the learning objectives that have been set. The causes of these difficulties include internal and external factors. Then, from the analysis carried out, researchers obtained solutions that could be taken to overcome these problems. Considering the importance of knowledge of English as an international language in the modern technological era like today.
The Development of Curriculum in Indonesia
Authors: Novasyari Ressy
Published: August 2024

Change is an obligation to do as long as it took to change for the better and able to solve problems that arise in the past. This was the spirit of the government to create a new curriculum.  Education in Indonesia makes parameters in form of curriculum that teachers should obey it in teaching and learning in the classroom. Curriculum is a guide for teachers in teaching learning process in order achieve the objective.  The curriculum in language teaching and learning depends on how the organization of content. Curriculum and its development according to the needs of students, schools, communities and the demands of the times. The curriculum should be match to the dynamics and demands of society for curriculum design/program(learning) which aims to prepare students to be members of the community. This article discusses about the concept of curriculum and development of curriculum in Indonesia.
Significance of Concept Mapping in Reading Literacy
Authors: Novianty Melisa
Published: August 2024

the current issue of significant concern that many countries define literacy as the ability to read and/ or write simple statement in either a national or native language. In fact, the learning of English literacy has been developing in many definitions by different opinions and different countries in the world. Some researchers reported the understanding of being and becoming literate must be shows how variants of it into policy discourse. This paper highlights the significance of concept mapping in reading literacy. As addition, in this context that reading literacy will be used by using concept maps then it can be designed by pictures, circles or boxs after reading the text depend on the ways of thinking and the creativity in create it.
MOTIVATION AS THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN THE PROCESS OF SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Authors: Eliza Tiara
Published: August 2024

Gaining knowledge and experience when learning a new language will get our own satisfaction. Being based on motivation and the desire to be better is a very good start in the process of learning a new language. Starting with an understanding of motivation to the theory that makes motivation the key to success in learning L2. This lesson is expected to be a provision for success and understanding of L2 to be applied based on the objectives of each person who learns it.
The Spicy Anthology: A Collection of Writings
Authors: Buntse Mpho Hendrick
Published: August 2024

This collection is selected amongst a body of work by Mpho Buntse who deems this work as having been written or published ahead of its time. This informative supplementary seeks to take the reader through a journey of how a pen and paper helped the author echo the many struggles he advocates for, but also takes him on his own journey of reflecting on the status quo for his platforms: Human rights protection, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning (LGBTIQ) political representation and visibility, advocacy, and communication for social change.
African Identity, Personhood and Missional Innovation
Authors: Klaasen John
Published: August 2024

This chapter highlights African identity and personhood as they inform an African approach to missional development praxis. This involves a dialogical model of missional development that responds to the historically dominant Western mode of mission as entailing domination, rationalism and secularism. This approach is not unidirectional and domineering but rather embodies African dialogical and conversational values. It emphasises the use of local initiatives, resources and participation as its greatest assets. It is rooted in the spiritual aspect of personhood, which is affirmed as part of the identity of persons, and which, consequently, is invaluable for the development of persons and the community. Unlike in the West, the African worldview does not dichotomise the spiritual and material or the body and soul. Instead of imposing itself in different contexts, this model utilises the African worldview to incorporate difference in order to foster mutual enrichment and holistic development.