bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back Cover Volume 5 No 2 2024
Authors: Saifuddin Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Back Cover Volume 5 No 2 2024
Percepción del uso del inglés de negocios en el aprendizaje de un curso de planeamiento estratégico
Authors: Duarte Franklin
Published: October 2024

La enseñanza de un curso de planeamiento estratégico involucra componentes de información en idioma inglés, relacionados con el inglés para propósito general y el inglés para propósitos específicos. En este contexto, los materiales de enseñanza, las revistas académicas, las bases de datos, los sitios web empresariales y las evaluaciones, requieren del inglés de negocios. El objetivo central de la investigación es, conocer la percepción de una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de una facultad, a nivel de pregrado en Perú, sobre el uso del inglés de negocios en el aprendizaje del curso planeamiento estratégico. La metodología utiliza un enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, la muestra comprende a ex estudiantes del curso, de cinco semestres académicos consecutivos. Para el trabajo de campo, se diseñó y validó un instrumento de medición basado en la taxonomía revisada de Bloom y, también, se midió la fiabilidad de dicho instrumento. Los resultados revelan que los estudiantes perciben positivamente el uso del inglés de negocios en su aprendizaje.
Revisión sistemática de extractos de plantas y sus metabolitos secundarios de interés garrapaticida para Rhipicephalus microplus en bovinos
Authors: Aponte-Forero Jessica Alejandra , Rodríguez-Rincón Julieth Viviana , Velasquez-Peña María Alejandra , Jaramillo-Hernández Dumar Alexander
Published: October 2024

La problemática existente en la producción ganadera, relacionados con la falta de un control eficaz de las plagas, especialmente las garrapatas, han provocado un desgaste importante de recursos y producción. Esta situación pone de relieve la necesidad de explorar alternativas naturales y sostenibles para el manejo de plagas en el sector ganadero. Se realizó una revisión sistemática estructurada por medio del protocolo PRISMA, sobre extractos de plantas e identificación de metabolitos secundarios de las mismas con fines acaricidas, específicamente sobre garrapatas Rhipicephalus microplus. La búsqueda de información se basó en cinco plataformas científicas: Elsevier, PubMed, Scielo, Springer y ResearchGate. Esta revisión documentó diferentes análisis sobre los estudios con fines garrapaticidas empleando extractos de diferentes plantas. Dentro de la información recopilada de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años, se identificaron 104 artículos, donde citan 178 plantas investigadas pertenecientes a 60 familias. La familia Asteraceae es mayormente estudiada con fines acaricidas, además se identificó que el extracto de planta Lobelia leschenaultiana presenta la concentración acaricida más baja (0,004%, mortalidad de 93,33%); y la planta Acmella oleracea ha sido la más efectiva como larvicida (0,31%, mortalidad larval de 100%). Estos resultados ofrecen un conocimiento detallado sobre la eficacia de diversos extractos vegetales y sus grupos de metabolitos secundarios respecto a su potencial garrapaticida, de importancia en el control de R. microplus en ganaderías bovinas. La mayoría de estudios acaricidas con extractos vegetales llegan a estudios in vitro, es necesario llevar estos estudios a condiciones in situ, de esta forma pensar en alternativas terapéuticas con base en plantas para ser vinculadas con éxito en el control integral de R. microplus en las ganaderías bovinas.
Flavors of Sarawak: Exploring Authentic Home-Cooked Recipes Through A Mobile Application
Authors: Mior Dahalan Nurazian , Khairuddin Mohamad Hafiz , Muhamad Azharri Nurul Iffah Illyahanis , Abdullah Zamlina , Dahlan Azlin
Published: October 2024

This project delves into the exploration of authentic home-cooked recipes from Sarawak, presented through a mobile application with augmented reality features. The motivation is to showcase the rich and diverse Flavours of Sarawak's culinary traditions, with a primary focus on ensuring a user-friendly and engaging experience for the audience. Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology was utilized, which consists of four (4) main phases: Requirements Planning, User Design, Construction, and Cutover. The outcome of the study: it was found that the Flavours of Sarawak mobile application received a commendable average SUS score of 80.4, indicating a strong level of usability and user satisfaction. This score surpasses the threshold for an above-average user experience, reinforcing the application’s success in effectively promoting awareness of Sarawak's diverse flavors. The high SUS score also suggests the application’s potential to engage users and convey essential information about Sarawak's culinary heritage in an accessible manner. In terms of future work(s), the inclusion of more food models, particularly those showcasing iconic Sarawak dishes like "Kek Lapis Sarawak," aims to attract more users and foster an increased interest in exploring various facets of Sarawak's culinary traditions.
A Conceptual Model of the Relationship between Quality of Work Life and Employee Engagement among Telecommunication Call Center Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Suhaimi Muhammad Hafiz , Hassan Narehan , Mohd Zahari Ahmad Suffian , Zamri Muhamad Nasrullah , Rasak Nor Tasnim Syahera
Published: October 2024

Employee engagement has been one of the deepest issues for organizations.  Organizations are currently struggling to survive due to the tough current economic environment, whereas the only tool for the organization to achieve a competitive advantage is by engaging employees to foster a competitive edge in the marketplace.  Previous studies discovered that employee engagement in Malaysia is still steadily improving but falling behind its neighboring countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with the result rising only by four points to 63%.  In addition, it was revealed that our country still ranks among the lowest in the region.  This study focuses on employee engagement among call centers at selected telcos in Malaysia.  There are many theoretical approaches to examining the quality of work life and employee engagement.  Hence, this study adopted the Spillover Theory and Self-Determination Theory to explain the relationship between independent variables and employee engagement.
The Influence of Technostress on Employee Well-Being Among Generation Z Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Nazri Nazlin Munira , Mohamed Suhaila , Kamarul Zaman Maliza Delima , Mustapa Zuhaina , Adha Hafit Nor Intan
Published: October 2024

Today’s digital-centric world has spawned a new phenomenon called ‘technostress’, a stress condition due to constant changes, advancements and reliance on technology. Technostress is a rising issue in terms of its influence on employee well-being as technostress has been causing the deterioration of employee well-being. There is an urgency to understand and study the influence of technostress on employee well-being so that measures can be taken to rectify the matter and improve employee well-being. This study aims to examine which technostress creators have the most influence on employee well-being among Generation Z employees in Malaysia. Past literature to understand employee well-being, technostress and the relationship between the two were studied. Technostress creators were identified as techno-overload, techno-complexity, techno-uncertainty, and techno-insecurity. The study found that techno-uncertainty is the technostress creator that has the most influence on Generation Z employees’ well-being in Malaysia. Data collection was conducted by using a virtual questionnaire. 135 respondents among Generation Z employees in Malaysia participated in this study.
Reflections of Economic Shocks and Price of Crude Oil on Gold Price Volatility within Asian Nations
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Zetty Zahureen , Azman Nurul Aida , Masarudin Nur Milia Atirah , Selamat Nurli Qawiemah , Yusof Nur Syahanie , Rizal Yusri Nurul Aqilah Husna , Suryani Ani Wilunjeng
Published: October 2024

The focus of this study is to examine the effects of economic shocks along with the crude oil price on gold prices in Asian countries. This study utilizes a regression analysis to measure the relationship between the macroeconomic indicators, crude oil price, and gold price in six selected nations from 1990 until 2022. The validity of the data was diagnostically checked by performing a VIF procedure, autocorrelation test, and normality test on residual, and data were analyzed via EViews software. The analysis showed mixed findings, however, a major variable that positively affects the fluctuation of the gold price is “the crude oil price” and it reflects global economic stability in the six countries. A sudden rise in crude oil prices might trigger conflicts in oil-exporting countries and limit access to material sources. This situation may force investors to move their funds into a safe-haven commodity like gold. The fluctuations in crude oil prices are not only a response to current market conditions but also alarming a lot more fundamental problems in an economy, which include approaching economic recessions, currency devaluation and a major financial crisis. For practical implications, this study suggests that policymakers pay extra attention to this commodity besides other economic indicators like inflation, interest and currency rates, and a GDP rate to ensure a sustainable economic condition. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that examines the economic shocks along with crude oil prices pre-and-post COVID-19 pandemic focusing on a few Asian countries.
Exploring Gender Differences in Shaping Total Tourism Experience Quality among Eco-Tourists
Authors: Saidon Janiffa , Ahmad Atory Nurul Ainun , Hashim Hairulnizam , Musa Rosidah , Mohd Abas Mohd Khalid , Ali Husin Liatul Izian , Mohd Yusof Ahmad Nizam , Murad Farez Adry
Published: October 2024

This research explored the role of gender as a moderating effect on the relationship between factors affecting ecotourism experiential value. Previous studies have investigated tourist satisfaction; however, the role of gender towards the experiential value remains unclear. More importantly, the tourist’s actual behavior at a destination is a critical determinant factor of tourist loyalty compared to the perception.  Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of gender in the relationship between factors influencing the Ecotourist Experiential Value on Actual Tourist Behaviour. More specifically, this study delved into the consequences of destination experience (i.e. attachment and advocate) and investigated the influence of Ecotourist Experiential Value on Actual Behaviour between genders. A survey was conducted among the Taman Negara patrons in Malaysia. The research model was tested and confirmed with 243 tourists. The data was analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares which is the variance-based structural equation modelling. The results evoked from the survey indicate that aesthetics is very much important as the influential factors towards positive total experience quality among male compared to female. In contrast, Customer Return on Investment becomes the main concern of female tourists towards Total Experience Quality as compared to male tourists. In light of the major finding, this study accentuates the importance of understanding gender behavior to provide valuable insights for destination marketers to establish positioning plans for the tourism industry.
The Dominance of TikTok in Shaping Online Purchasing Intention
Authors: Sohid Faizah Md , Mashahadi Faizah , Saidon Janiffa , Mohd Yusof Nuryusmawati , Syed Omar Syed Ashrene , Ishak Mohd Fikri
Published: October 2024

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a dominant force in the realm of social media, captivating millions worldwide with its short-form video content. This paper explores the significant influence of TikTok on consumers' online purchase intentions. Through an examination of relevant literature and empirical studies, the paper elucidates the mechanisms through which TikTok impacts consumer behavior and decision-making processes. It delves into the role of user-generated content, influencer marketing, and algorithmic recommendations in shaping consumer preferences and driving purchase intentions on the platform. Additionally, the paper discusses the unique features of TikTok, such as its immersive and engaging format, personalized content delivery, and seamless integration of e-commerce functionalities, which contribute to its efficacy as a persuasive tool for brands and marketers. Furthermore, the paper highlights the implications of TikTok's dominance for businesses seeking to leverage the platform for marketing purposes and outlines strategies for effectively harnessing its potential to enhance online sales and brand engagement. Overall, this paper sheds light on the transformative influence of TikTok in the digital landscape and underscores its pivotal role in shaping contemporary consumer behavior and purchase intentions.
From Local Markets to Global Success: A Case Study on Scaling and Innovating in the Food Manufacturing Company
Authors: Abd Hamid Nor Harlina , Hj Ruslan Rafiatul Adlin , Ibrahim Muhammad Azman , Abdullah Mohamad Bazli
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to analyze the development process of a famous food manufacturing company that started only in local farmer markets aiming at snacks and agricultural products. Looking back at the different fiscal years, the company has acquired numerous accomplishments, hence attributing it to a strong focus on quality and innovation. There are several serious issues that a company faces while the strategies revealed above are to establish and consolidate a position in the rapidly growing food manufacturing industry. Some of these are the challenges of globalization, diversification of product portfolio, sustaining innovation, and building a strong and easily identifiable brand. In this paper analyzing the specifics of the company’s development, its strategic directions, and defining the major issues and problem-solving approaches in responding to these complex challenges a certain group of questions will be highlighted. The paper discusses the factors that have facilitated the effectiveness of its strategic management concerning the achievement of the firm’s goals and sustained growth amidst challenges. From the examination of the company’s strategic choices, operating changes, and patterns of analyzing the market environment, this study has gone a long way in establishing the key dynamics underlying operation scaling within the food manufacturing industry. The lessons from this case suggest that to sustain a commitment and build a highly competitive mass-market business over time there is a need for flexibility, creativity, and vision.
Factors Influencing the Career Advancement of Malaysian Women Homepreneurs on the TikTok Platform
Authors: Md Nor Nor Faradhila , Ismail Siti Rahayu , Rashid Norasekin Abd
Published: October 2024

Entrepreneurship significantly contributes to economic growth, with recent studies highlighting the rise of female entrepreneurs who challenge traditional business roles by becoming "homepreneurs." The current research focuses on Malaysian women homepreneurs using TikTok, a platform that has transformed from entertainment to a vital business tool, facilitating unique career advancement opportunities. This study aims to explore the impact of digital marketing skills, product quality, customer engagement, and understanding of TikTok's algorithm on the career advancement of Malaysian women homepreneurs. In the quantitative study focusing on the career advancement of Malaysian women homepreneurs using TikTok, the methodology incorporated structured questionnaires to assess the relationships between key variables. The data was collected from 400 participants via Google Forms, leveraging a purposive sampling technique to ensure a representative sample of women homepreneurs active on TikTok. The statistical analysis revealed that while digital marketing skills and customer engagement did not significantly impact career advancement on TikTok, a thorough understanding of the platform's algorithm was strongly associated with career progression. Conversely, the results indicate that product quality was negatively significant in driving career advancement for Malaysian women homepreneurs on TikTok. This study highlights the need for targeted strategies focusing on product excellence and deep comprehension of platform algorithms to effectively leverage TikTok for career development.
Foreign Workers and Remittance Outflow in Malaysia
Authors: Mat Rawi Fauziana Bt Fauzi
Published: October 2024

This conceptual paper reviews foreign workers and remittance outflows in Malaysia. Foreign workers in Malaysia, who remit a portion of their earnings back home, play a crucial role in the country's economic development. With approximately 1.5 million foreign workers engaged in various sectors such as manufacturing, plantation, construction, and agriculture, Malaysia relies heavily on foreign labor. Predominantly, these workers come from Indonesia, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Factors such as Malaysia's economic performance, government recruitment policies addressing labor shortages, and cultural and geographical proximity influence why these workers choose Malaysia. Despite concerns that foreign workers might negatively impact short-term labor market outcomes by taking jobs from locals and suppressing wages, the evidence suggests their presence does not significantly harm these outcomes. However, the growing number of foreign workers has led to a notable increase in remittance outflows. Remittance outflows represent a transfer of capital from host countries to the workers' countries of origin. Among the ASEAN-5 countries, Malaysia has recorded the highest remittance outflows, surpassing inflows. While research on remittance flows has expanded, the focus has traditionally been on inflows, with outflows receiving less attention due to their relatively small impact on the macroeconomic indicators of sending countries. Existing literature indicates that remittance outflows can influence the economic growth and inflation of sending countries, including Malaysia, despite varied findings.
Adoption of Cashless Payment Among Undergraduate Students: A Case Study
Authors: Ishak Mohd Fikri , Mahmood Ainun Nadzirah , Mohamad Zaini Nurshafiqa Izzati , Nik Rizal Nik Raihah Binti , Anuar Razif Nur Imanina Binti , Norazam Nafiza Binti , Binti Hashim Nurin Zafirah
Published: October 2024

The increasing acceptance of cashless payment systems has led to a significant transformation in the global financial transaction landscape in recent years. As technology evolves and consumer preferences shift, digital payment methods are gradually taking the place of traditional cash transactions. This change not only facilitates financial transactions for individuals and businesses but also has significant implications for convenience, security, and financial inclusion. This paper investigates the key factors driving the transition to cashless transactions during this period, along with the benefits and drawbacks associated with society's growing embrace of this innovative approach to managing finances. The primary focus of research in this area revolves around the adoption and use of digital or cashless payment methods. A quantitative methodology was employed, and a questionnaire was administered to 113 participants. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 27. The findings indicated that Performance Expectancy (PE) and Perceived Technology Security (PT) played significant roles in the adoption of cashless payments among undergraduate students while Facilitating Condition (FC) and Social Influence (SI) did not significantly affect their adoption of such payment methods. This study provides valuable insights into assessing individuals' willingness, intentions, or actual behaviors regarding various electronic transaction forms, including mobile wallets, credit/debit cards, online payments, and contactless methods. Additionally, researchers can utilize these variables to explore the factors that influence users' acceptance or rejection of cashless payment systems.
Gig Economy: Is It a Trap or Stepping Stone for the Informal Sector?
Authors: Abdul Malek Nazurah
Published: October 2024

The informal sector and technology have complex interactions, shaping economic activity, job trends, and social outcomes, especially with the rise of the “gig economy”, in which individuals work on an as-needed basis through online platforms. This article explores several theoretical frameworks, such as modernization theory, dependence theory, structuralist approaches, and post-structuralist viewpoints, and investigates how different frameworks explain the effects of technology on informal economic activity. This article also reviews for comprehending the correlation between the informal sector and technology. Besides that, this article explores the dual nature of the gig economy, examining whether it serves as a trap that perpetuates the vulnerabilities of the informal sector or as a stepping stone toward more excellent economic stability and mobility. Although the gig economy provides opportunities for income generation, skill development, and flexible working conditions, it also presents substantial challenges, such as job insecurity, a lack of benefits, and potential exploitation. This paper also addresses the implications for policy and future research directions by the sustainable development goal (SDG) of fostering sustainable, inclusive, and long-term economic growth, as well as full and productive employment and decent work for all.
The Impact of Government Expenditure on Economic Growth in Malaysia
Authors: Binti Zawawi Siti Nur Ayunie , Huay Chong Siew , Li Tun Yin
Published: October 2024

This study experimentally investigates the relationship between economic growth and government spending in Malaysia from 1990 to 2022 using time series data. The study analyzes the impact of total government spending on economic growth, covering housing, healthcare, social services, military, and education while identifying which sector has the most effect on economic growth. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method is employed to evaluate the effects of these expenditures. The findings demonstrate that, in the short run, all variables significantly affect economic growth, hence refuting the null hypothesis. However, only trade openness and labor spending positively impact long-term economic growth. Research indicates that housing and education expenditures are the primary long-term drivers of economic growth in Malaysia. The data suggest that the Malaysian economy contradicts the Keynesian theory, as less government spending appears to improve the real GDP growth rate. The inverse relationship between government spending and economic growth indicates that government expenditure may not be the primary catalyst for economic growth, hence supporting Wagner’s law. These findings provide policymakers with essential insights for optimizing government spending to improve economic development results.
Understanding Gen Z’s Online Purchase Behavior through their Hedonic and Utilitarian Motivation
Authors: S.M. Ang Yvonne
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in lockdowns, limiting consumer movement to their homes and preventing consumers from shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. Consequently, consumers were reliant on e-commerce to manage their daily purchases of goods and services. This exacerbated the use of e-commerce and fast-tracked the growth of the digital economy. In this study, Gen Z’s consumer motivation is investigated using hedonic and utilitarian motivation and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Consumer motivation remains a crucial part of consumer behavior studies given its prominence in influencing consumer action, consumer decision-making and preferences. In particular, the effects of hedonic and utilitarian motivation on online purchase behavior were investigated. This study utilized a quantitative approach through the deployment of a survey questionnaire online. The data from 156 respondents was analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 utilizing Partial-Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Approximately 44% of the respondents started shopping online for the first time during the pandemic (i.e., 2020 and 2022). The results indicated that the Gen Z respondents were motivated by utilitarian and hedonic motivation when shopping online, in particular by Idea Shopping motivation and Efficiency motivation. Additionally, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions were significant factors in influencing Behavioural Intention, and Behavioural Intention influenced Purchase Behaviour. The evidence suggests that the respondents were not novice online shoppers but rather experienced online shoppers.
From Gaming Elements to Purchase Intentions: The Influence of Perceived Enjoyment and Promotion Focus in Online Travel Bookings
Authors: Saidon Janiffa , Hisham Nur Aliah , Ahmad Atory Nurul Ainun , Hashim Hairulnizam , Johari Mohd Hisham , Ahmad Nur Syakirah , Sohid Faizah Md , Ishak Mohd Fikri
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of gamification on purchase intentions in Malaysia's online travel booking industry. As traditional platforms like Expedia face declining bookings due to economic challenges and the rise of competitors such as Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com, understanding the role of gamification in user engagement becomes crucial. The research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic gaming elements, perceived enjoyment, and promotional focus on purchase intention.  A total of 141 respondents participated in the survey and the key findings reveal that extrinsic gaming elements, including points and rewards, have a significantly stronger impact on perceived enjoyment than intrinsic elements like membership levels. This heightened enjoyment, in turn, positively influences purchase intention. Additionally, the study finds that promotional focus moderates the relationship between perceived enjoyment and purchase intention, further enhancing the effect. The Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) indicates that while intrinsic gaming elements perform below average, they are less critical than other factors. Managers should prioritize improving aspects of high importance, but currently have, low performance to boost purchase intentions effectively. Overall, the research provides actionable insights for enhancing competitiveness in Malaysia's digital travel marketplace, emphasizing the need for targeted gamification strategies to align with evolving consumer preferences. The findings offer a foundation for developing strategies that can help travel platforms maintain relevance and drive engagement in a competitive landscape.
Hypothesis Test of Human Capital Investment Determinants on Institution’s Performance Using PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Mat Nawi Farahiyah Akmal , Baistaman Julaina , Ramli Nur Haslina , Ab Rani Nor Zuriati Amani , Shafie Dalili Izni , M.Pd Surti Milarisa,
Published: October 2024

Accelerating the quality of education institutions remains a priority for Malaysian Government as it forms the foundation for building a high caliber talent in the labor market. Focusing on improving the quality of universities one of the main concerns is to develop the human quality through increasing the quality and resilience of human capital as the enabler towards competitive global market. In general, this paper recognizes the findings on the role of human capital investment (HCI) determinants and their significant contribution to institution’s performance. It also emphasizes the roles of HCI in institution's success and survival in a highly competitive business environment as highlighted in The Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) and Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025. Human capital strategically contributes to the quality of academics in turn affects issues such as inefficient labor markers in achieving the greater quality of Malaysia's education system specifically. Hence, to analyze the contribution of determinants a theoretical model was constructed underlined by Human Capital Theory, Resource Based View (RBV) and Malcom Baldrige criteria. Then to obtain the feedback a survey consisting of sixty (66) items with a seven (7) Likert scale was used as the measurement instrument to gather the data from 309 lecturers in UiTM. Data then were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling approach on the SmartPLS3 platform. The result explained coefficient of determination (R2) value of 66.9% suggested that the variance of institution performance could moderately be explained by HCI determinants where knowledge, skill and training positively influenced the performance of the institution.
The Role of Government Health Expenditure in Driving Economic Growth: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Husna Abas Nur Kamilah , Borhan Nur Amirah , Muda Ruhaini , Zakaria Yuslina
Published: October 2024

This study examines the influence of government health expenditure and life expectancy on economic growth. The study makes use of panel data analysis and utilizes data from the OECD nations between 2000 and 2021. The study applies panel data analysis using POLS, FEM and REM models and dynamic GMM models. The study also gauges the moderating role of life expectancy on the relationship between government health expenditure and economic growth. The results indicate that government expenditure on health hurts economic growth. A detrimental relationship between life expectancy and economic growth indicates that higher life expectancy could result in elevated healthcare and financial expenses. Nevertheless, the interactive regression model suggests that there is no significant moderation of the association between government expenditure on health and economic growth by life expectancy, implying that the influence of government health expenditure on economic growth is generally unaffected by demographic changes. These findings emphasize the significance of differentiating between the short-term and long-term economic consequences of healthcare expenditure. This study offers insights into the optimization of public spending in OECD nations to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance public health outcomes.
Decentralized Finance: A Future Research Agenda
Authors:   Department of Economics, Ibn-Tofail University, AIT HMADOUCH Younes
Published: October 2024

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has emerged as a transformative force in the financial landscape, challenging traditional systems and offering innovative solutions. As DeFi continues to evolve, it is essential to explore its implications for the future of finance, regulation, technology, and society. This research article outlines a comprehensive future research agenda that encompasses key dimensions of DeFi, including technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, economic impacts, and societal consequences. By identifying critical areas for inquiry, this paper aims to guide scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in navigating the complexities and opportunities presented by DeFi. The findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to foster responsible innovation, enhance financial inclusion, and address the challenges that lie ahead.
Tailoring Learning Conditions for Students with Different Procedural Learning Abilities to Improve Their Acquisition of ‘Consecutive Interpreting Knowledge’ with a Cognitive Model for Information Processing
Authors:   , Wang Yinghua
Published: October 2024

Implicit learning conditions encourage students to develop new knowledge themselves than from explicit didactic instructions. This type of learning condition has been widely advocated by interpreter instructors. However, it may not be the panacea for improving every category of consecutive interpreting (CI) knowledge, according to empirical studies on interpreter training. The ideas from Cognitive Flexibility Theory and studies in second language acquisition suggest that different kinds of knowledge can have preferred learning conditions, especially when considering individuals’ procedural learning abilities (PLAs). Based on this suggestion, I proposed two research questions: Research question one: Do different kinds of CI knowledge have preferable learning conditions? If they do, how do the learning conditions affect student interpreters’ learning of each kind of CI knowledge, as defined in this thesis? Research question two: Do PLA differences affect the learning of each kind of CI knowledge under different learning conditions? If they do, how does PLA mediate the effectiveness of developing each kind of CI knowledge in different learning conditions? To investigate these questions, this study tracked English-Mandarin student interpreters' consecutive interpreting (CI) learning over one semester, examining their procedural learning abilities (PLAs) and CI classroom learning conditions. The measurement of student interpreters' learning outcomes for each kind of CI knowledge was based on their self-reported CI-knowledge-related reasons for interpreting errors during CI tests. To facilitate the analysis of this complex process, a cognitive model of information processing was developed, incorporating aspects of memory storage and the types of information therein. The main experiment (n = 39) results showed that student interpreters benefit more from implicit learning conditions than explicit ones for memory training (p < .05). However, statistically significant results were not found in training other kinds of CI knowledge. The correlation between PLAs and the type of learning conditions was not statistically significant under any CI knowledge categories. These results indicate that an individual category of CI knowledge can have a preferred learning condition to some extent, but this would have to be tested on a larger sample and advanced statistical testing to obtain conclusive results. My research contributes to providing a novel and effective interpreter training method of tailoring learning conditions (and potentially PLA, if a larger sample size could be used to verify its influence) to different kinds of CI knowledge. Significantly, my proposed cognitive model works effectively to clarify reasons behind student interpreters’ misinterpretation.
Analisis Molekuler Docking Senyawa Daun Sirsak (Annona muricata L.) sebagai Antidepresan Terhadap Reseptor Monoamine Oxidase A
Authors: Gumiwang Wulan Dari Neng , Sulisetijono  , Setiowati Frida Kunti
Published: October 2024

Ketidakstabilan emosi, kesulitan berkonsentrasi, kurang minat pada hal-hal yang menyenangkan, gangguan fisik, cepat menyerah, dan pikiran untuk bunuh diri adalah tanda gangguan jiwa yang dikenal sebagai depresi. Moclobemide salah satu obat antidepresan Monoamine Oksidase Inhibitor, bekerja sebagai inhibitor reseptor Monoamine Oksidase A. Cara kerjanya adalah menghambat reversibel isoenzim MAO-A, sehingga secara khusus meningkatkan kadar neurotransmiter. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memprediksi potensi senyawa kaemferol sebagai antidepresan melalui pendektan in silico dengan teknik molecular docking berdasarkan nilai binding affinity pengikantannya dengan reseptor MAO-A. Proses docking yang dilakukam melalui tahap preparasi ligan, uji potensi biooral, uji farmakokinetik, molecular docking, visualisasi hasil docking dan uji toksisitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa moclobemide dan kaemferol berikatan pada residu asam amino yang sama dengan MAO-A pada GLU A: 492 dengan ikatan hidrofobik, dan THR A : 205, ALA A :111, ASN A :125 dengan ikatan hidrogen pada moclobemide. Nilai binding affinity kaemferol -7,5 kkal/mol sedangkan moclobmide -6,3 kkal/mol, Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kaemferol lebih kecil dibandingkan dengan moclobemide, analisis uji farmakokinetik dan potensi bioral juga menunjukkan kaemferol dan moclobemide mampu diabsorbansi, didistribusi, dimetabolisme dan diekskresi. Hal tersebut  dapat disimpulkan bahwa kaemferol berpotensi sebagai antidepresan yang aman dikonsumsi secara biooral dan tidak menujukkan resiko yang membahayakan bagi kesehatan, sehingga berpotensi sebagai kandidat obat antidepresan dengan mekanisme menghambat reseptor MAO-A.
Bentuk Trikoma (Urticaceae) dan Pemanfaatan dalam Pengobatan Tradisional pada Masyarakat Tablasupa Distrik Depapre Kabupaten Jayapura
Authors: Demena Widelmina Keterina , Raunsay Edoward Krisson , Aisoi Leonardo E.
Published: October 2024

Masyarakat Kampung Tablasupa Distrik Depapre menggunakan tumbuhan daun gatal, daun jilat, dan jelatang dalam pengobatan secara tradisional untuk mengatasi keluhan kesehatan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bentuk trikoma Daun Gatal (Laportea decumana (Roxb.) Wedd.), Daun Jilat (Villebrunia rubescens Bl.), Daun Jelatang (Urtica dioica L.) dan penggunaan daun dalam pengobatan tradisional. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode observasi, eksperimen, wawancara, dokumentasi, dan studi pustaka. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Dari hasil penelitian ini diketahui bahwa bentuk trikoma Daun Gatal dan Daun Jilat berbentuk uniseluler sedangkan bentuk trikoma pada Daun Jelatang berbentuk bintang. Daun gatal dapat digunakan untuk menghilangkan rasa pegal-pegal pada badan, Daun Jilat dapat digunakan untuk mengeluarkan darah mati atau darah kotor akibat memar, Daun Jelatang dapat digunakan untuk mengobati asam urat.
Canting Expedition: Herpetofauna Diversity in the Mendolo Village, Lebakbarang, Pekalongan
Authors: Gunawan Dwi Ariya , Wijayati Qadriyah Fitri Catur , Rahmajati Raden Roro Digwikan , Fitriana Isnaini , Fatmawati Dwi , Arif Irvanda Mustofa
Published: October 2024

Central Java is an area that has natural forests with quite high biodiversity potential, one of which is Mendolo Village, Lebakbarang, Pekalongan. The diversity of herpetofauna species is one of its potential biodiversity. Data collection on herpetofauna in Mendolo Village has not yet been carried out, even though this village is in direct contact with natural forests with great potential. The aim of this research is to reveal the diversity of herpetofauna types at this location. The method used is VES (Visual Encounter Survey). The data obtained was then analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. There were 23 species of reptiles and 16 species of amphibians, with a Diversity Index value of 2.942 for reptile types and 2.28 for amphibians. The conclusion that can be drawn is that the diversity of herpetofauna species in Mendolo Village is in the quite high category.
Multiplikasi Tunas pada Eksplan Rimpang Kunyit Hitam (Kaempferia parviflora) dengan Penambahan Hormon BAP
Authors: Restanto Didik Pudji , Hanifah Fairuz Luthfi , Prayoga Mohammad Candra , Zahro Fauziatuz , Khozin Mohammad Nur
Published: October 2024

Kunyit Hitam (Kaempferia parviflora) adalah tanaman rimpang berwarna ungu kehitaman yang banyak manfaat sebagai bahan obat tradisional. Perbanyakan bibit kunyit hitam secara konvensional tidak memungkinkan untuk budidaya skala besar, dikarenakan membutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama dan tidak efisien. Rendahnya pasokan bahan tanaman berkualitas dan masalah perkecambahan yang rendah menjadi dasar dalam upaya pengembangan kunyit hitam secara in vitro. Perbanyakan kunyit hitam melalui multiplikasi tunas dapat mempercepat produksi bibit yang efisien. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian berbagai konsentrasi hormon BAP terhadap multiplikasi kunyit hitam. Rancangan penelitian menggunakan RAL dengan faktor konsentrasi hormon BAP yang terdiri dari 5 taraf konsentrasi antara lain BAP 0 mg/L (P0), BAP 2 mg/L (P1), BAP 4 mg/L (P2), BAP 6 mg/L (P3), dan BAP 8 mg/L (P4). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, perlakuan BAP 2 mg/L memperlihatkan hasil terbaik dengan kedinian tunas tercepat yaitu 8,3 hari setelah tanam, jumlah tunas terbanyak yaitu 5,8 tunas, rata-rata tunas tertinggi mencapai 4,8 cm, dan jumlah daun terbanyak yaitu 8,3 helai. Perlakuan BAP 2 mg/L menghasilkan persentase tunas dan akar 100%.
Where did this come from? When (not how) to cite sources in scientific publications
Authors: Lang T. A.
Published: October 2024

In the scientific literature, the link between an idea and its source is its reference information that allows the source to be identified and located. Not so obvious is where the source is cited in the text. Although authors are given extensive details on how to format references, they are not always taught when to cite them. Further, many are not vigilant in confirming the accuracy of the quoted information against the source or in verifying the associated reference information. In fact, discrepancies between the information cited in the text and the information actually presented in the source are common and often serious. Further, inaccuracies in references that break the link between the citation and its source are even more common. These discrepancies and inaccuracies affect the integrity of science and the validity of the citation metrics (for example, the Journal Impact Factor) that are used, rightly or wrongly, to evaluate the importance of journals and authors. Here, I discuss factors affecting when and where sources should be cited. I also consider factors that can bias the selection of sources and so interfere with the validity of citation analyses, review some considerations for evaluating a source, call attention to citation and quotation error rates, and review some strategies for reducing these errors. Finally, I summarise the most common recommendations for when, what, where, and why sources should or should not be cited.
La circulation et l’utilisation des lois romaines en Gaule (Ve-VIe s. ap. J.-C.). Le cas des constitutions dites « sirmondiennes »
Authors: Huck Olivier
Published: October 2024

Partendo dall’analisi del caso specifico della Collectio Sirmondiana, il contributo propone una riflessione sulla circolazione in Gallia, dal V al VI secolo, di un particolare tipo di “letteratura” proveniente dall’Italia: le leggi romane. Chi, in Gallia, a quell’epoca, leggeva, preservava e compilava le leggi romane? Come si accedeva a questi testi? E a che scopo venivano usati?
« Gaule » et « Italie » dans les épîtres de la fin Ve-début VIe siècle : stratégies littéraires et enjeux identitaires
Authors: Urlacher-Becht Céline
Published: October 2024

Lo studio si concentra sulle epistole di Sidonio Apollinare, Ennodio di Pavia e Avito di Vienna, che citano per nome la Gallia e l’Italia. Si analizzano le ragioni che hanno spinto i tre scrittori di epistole a evocare queste due realtà geografiche, prendendo in considerazione due aspetti di tali epistole spesso considerati antitetici: da un lato, il contesto socio-politico in cui sono inserite; dall’altro, la loro grande raffinatezza stilistica, che oscura non solo il loro significato, ma anche il loro rapporto con la realtà. Sembra quindi che la menzione di questi due Paesi assolva a diverse funzioni: le opinioni politiche di Sidonio e l’elogio implicito della ‘cultura italiana’, l’elogio di Avit della collaborazione tra i due Paesi o la drammatizzazione dell'isolamento della Gallia, mentre nelle lettere di Ennodio la storia passa in secondo piano rispetto ai rapporti più personali, spesso conflittuali, che continua a intrattenere con i membri della sua famiglia o con eminenti personaggi gallici. Queste diverse strategie retoriche, tuttavia, rivelano un comune attaccamento alla latinitas, che continuava a trascendere le divisioni territoriali e ideologiche. Il concetto collegato di romanitas copriva, nell’Alto Medioevo, due diverse forme di romanità: la brillantezza della cultura romana per Sidonio ed Ennodio, e, per Avito, una romanitas estesa all’Impero romano d’Oriente, a sua volta trascesa dalla fede nella Chiesa universale.
Presentazione, percezione e interpretazione dei rapporti tra Italia e Gallia nelle fonti letterarie tra V e VI sec. d.C.: qualche esempio dalle lettere dei papi Leone Magno e Gregorio Magno e dai Libri historiarum di Gregorio di Tours
Authors: Furbetta Luciana
Published: October 2024

Il contributo analizza la presentazione e l’interpretazione dei rapporti politici tra Italia e Gallia durante il V e il VI sec. d.C., che emergono dalle fonti letterarie. A partire dai risultati di una schedatura dei Libri historiarum di Gregorio di Tours (con attenzione a lib.hist. 2, 1; 3, 20; 9 e 10), del registrum di Gregorio Magno (in part. epist. 5, 58 e 11, 50) e delle lettere di Leone Magno (soprattutto le n. 10; 11; 41) a confronto con le fonti agiografiche (come la Vita sancti Hilarii e la Vita sancti Germani), si delinea un quadro sulle modalità con le quali viene inserito e rientra il tema del contatto politico, con attenzione alle dinamiche di conflitto e alle relazioni tra le sedi episcopali di Gallia e il papato.
Per la microstoria della lingua italiana
Authors: Tomasin Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

L’articolo riguarda i rapporti tra la storia della lingua italiana e la metodologia di ricerca storica sviluppatasi in Italia alla fine del secolo scorso e poi largamente diffusasi altrove, indicata come microstoria. Negli ultimi due decenni, vari studi di storia della lingua italiana sono stati dedicati a fonti documentarie archivistiche, ad atti giudiziari e a corrispondenza privata per la ricostruzione della storia della lingua parlata dalle classi subalterne, cioè indipendentemente dalla storia della lingua letteraria. Nondimeno, quest’attenzione e questa sensibilità alle fonti documentarie potrebbero essere ulteriormente potenziate dal rinnovamento e dal ripensamento di alcuni problemi e di alcuni metodi alla luce del dibattito storiografico sulla microstoria.
Direct characterisation of AM-to-PM phenomena in fast Si and InGaAs photodiodes
Authors: Budzyn Grzegorz , Barański Jędrzej
Published: October 2024

The direct measurement method of AM-to-PM phenomena in fast silicon and InGaAs photodiodes is described. The setup is simple, relatively inexpensive and allows fast and precise measurements not only in a laboratory environment. During sample tests, the authors have found that the influence of bias voltage on the phase shift of an optical signal conversion is significant. The reported effect together with the influence of modulation depth on phase shift (AM-to-PM conversion) has a negative impact on an optical signal reception especially in coherent applications. The authors show that, with our proposed setups, it is possible to find optimal bias voltage and optimal optical power in order to reduce electrical phase noise of the photodetector.
Impact of DSSCs structure modification sensitized with phenothiazine derivative on photovoltaic performance
Authors: Gnida Paweł , Slodek Aneta , Łapkowski Mieczysław , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the results of a study on the modification of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using various phenothiazine derivatives, N719, and a mixture of these. The influence of the solvent used to prepare the dye solution, as well as the use of a TiO2 blocking layer, the addition of a co-adsorbent, or a mixture of dyes with N719 are presented. Characterisation of photoanodes was carried out to determine the UV-Vis absorption properties, morphology, and photovoltaic parameters of the fabricated solar cells. The use of different solvents for the preparation of dye solutions resulted in DSSCs efficiencies in the range of 1.55–7.26%. The most advantageous was using an ACN:t-BuOH mixture, which provided the best efficiency. The application of further modifications in the form of the addition of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), a blocking layer, and the use of a co-sensitization process resulted in an increase in the final efficiency to a value of 8.50%.