bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial effect of a diet pill supplement on the human intestinal bacteria
Authors: Haddam Majd , Othman Mohammad , Dandachi Iman , Daoud Ziad , M. Abdel-Massih Roula
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Many people worldwide attempt to lose weight or adopt strategies to control it. Some have resorted to the consumption of commercialized diet pills to achieve this goal. Multiple brands exist without clearly indicating their mechanism of action or adverse effects on human health. This study aims to determine the antibacterial effect of commercial diet pills on members of the intestinal microbiota.
Methodology: Commercialized diet pills were bought from a pharmacy in the North of Lebanon. Broth microdilution test was performed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of the aqueous suspension against forty-two isolates distributed into four Enterobacterales species. MIC of the digested form was determined against six different strains. GC-MS analysis was performed to elucidate the components of the diet pill compared to the manufacturer's list.
Results: Broth microdilution results revealed that MICs of the diet pill aqueous suspension ranged from 3.9x103-9.76x102 µg/mL for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., and Proteus spp. For Klebsiella species, MIC of carbapenem-resistant isolates reached 1.95x103 µg/mL. The digested form had a significantly lower antibacterial effect compared to the aqueous suspension. GC-MS analysis results corresponded with the list of ingredients provided by the manufacturer.
Conclusions: The results showed significant antibacterial activity of a commercial diet pill on different members of the human intestinal microbiota regardless of their resistance profile. Further work is needed to elucidate the antibacterial effect of the digested components to accurately understand their effect on the intestinal microflora and thus on human health.
Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Plantago major leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from burn infections
Authors: Turki Monawer Alaa' , Mohammed Abdulkahar Mammani Ismaeil
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The use of herbal extracts is increasing because of the increase in bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics. Plantago major is frequently used in traditional medicine because of its medicinal properties. The aim of the current study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of an ethanolic extract of P. major leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn infections.
Methodology: One hundred and twenty burn samples were collected from hospitalized patients at the Burn Hospital in Duhok city. The bacterium was identified using Gram stain, colony morphology, biochemical tests and selective differential media. Antibacterial activity of P. major leaves was assessed by using an ethanolic extract in serial dilutions of 100, 75, 50, 25, and 10 % and disc diffusion assay. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was also performed by disk diffusion using Muller-Hinton agar medium.
Results: Different concentrations of the ethanolic extract of P. major leaves exhibited different zones of inhibition against P. aeruginosa from 9.93 mm to 22.18 mm in diameter. The inhibition zone increased as the concentration of the extract increased. The 100% ethanolic extract had the greatest inhibitory effect, inhibiting bacteria in the zone of 22.18 mm diameter. This bacterium showed a high level of resistance to the antibiotics used.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated that herbal extracts could be used as a combination therapy with antibiotics and chemical drugs in the elimination of bacterial growth. Further investigations and future experiments, need to be carried out before recommending use of herbal extracts.
Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals and the general population: Second important step in the fight against COVID-19
Authors: Metin Salih , Eraybar Suna , Aygun Huseyin , Ekinci Ferhat
Published: March 2023

Introduction: This study aims at finding valuable information for predicting vaccination intentions against COVID-19 to guide future interventions to address hesitation.
Methodology: This observational study consists of 1010 volunteer health workers from the state hospitals in Bursa, and 1111 volunteers from the non-healthcare group, unvaccinated against COVID-19. In the study, the participants were asked about their sociodemographic information and reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine by face-to-face interview.
Results: We classified the unvaccinated healthcare worker group as group 1, and the unvaccinated non-health workers group as group 2. Between groups 1 and 2, vaccination refusal, education level, income level, and pregnancy status were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The groups differed in the reasons for vaccine refusal and recommending vaccination to the relatives of those who refused vaccination (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Healthcare workers have priority among high-risk groups considered candidates for early vaccination. Therefore, it is important to consider health professionals' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination to better address barriers to widespread vaccination. The role of healthcare professionals is also important, as it encourages the entire community to be vaccinated with role-modeling behavior and advises patients and communities.
History of colonisation and updated distribution of the Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus, 1758) and its hostplants in mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira
Authors: Palma Luís , Vasconcelos Sasha , Palmeirim Ana Filipa , Cancela Juan Pablo
Published: March 2023

The first observations of the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in Iberia date from 1886, although breeding records emerged almost a century later: 1960 in Spain, 1980s–1990s in Madeira and Azores, and 2003 in mainland Portugal. We reviewed the history of the colonisation of mainland and insular Portugal by the Monarch butterfly and its hostplants (Gomphocarpus fruticosus, G. physocarpus and Asclepias curassavica). We also compiled available historical and recent occurrence records as a basis for countrywide surveys of the butterfly and hostplants, to update their current distributions in Portugal. Locations for only a few of the older records represented newly rediscovered populations in the field, although recent occurrences were often confirmed. Hostplants were scarce and monarchs absent in northern and central mainland Portugal, but both were quite common in the southwest. In Madeira, hostplants were found in two locations, while monarchs were common and widespread. In the Azores, small hostplant patches were observed on four of seven surveyed islands, whereas monarchs were rare and restricted to two islands. Abandoned/semi-abandoned orange orchards represent the butterfly’s stronghold in Portugal, with the species being increasingly scarce along rivers and road verges where hostplants are declining. Hostplant persistence is unstable, with many patches removed, while others have expanded or colonised new areas. Overall, hostplants appear to be declining, with implications for the persistence of monarch butterflies in the country.
Engagement radical et lien social
Authors: Touhami Fatima , Lenjalley Adrien , Moro Marie Rose
Published: March 2023

Accepter de prendre la parole dans le cadre d’une recherche sur les représentations de la radicalisation n’est pas une chose facile pour un adolescent. Djibril, avec courage, nous a livré les sillages de son intériorité, les va-et-vient entre son monde intérieur, ses langues, son regard sur la société et sa perception du regard posé sur lui par la société. Par son récit que nous analysons ici, Djibril nous entraîne dans les abysses du métissage, entre filiation et affiliation, paradoxes et transgressions, pour se frayer son chemin, laisser entendre sa propre voix et mieux comprendre pourquoi la radicalisation peut être une voie qui interroge tout particulièrement les adolescents.
Le fou, parrèsiaste malgré lui
Authors: Dureuil Simon , Ouvry Olivier
Published: March 2023

Dans cet article, il va s’agir de montrer en quoi la figure du fou est à préserver dans le contemporain malgré sa disparition des discours psychiatriques et sa réduction en un malade des gènes ou du comportement. Plus encore, il va s’agir de prouver que cette figure est toujours subversive et apparaît comme une revendication absolue du sujet à pouvoir procéder à l’élaboration perpétuelle de ses modes de subjectivation, à partir d’une vérité propre, hors de tout discours établi : la parrêsia.
Le travail des données massives dans les médias : pouvoir et stratégies des acteurs des technologies de l’information
Authors: Burnier Cassandre , Wiart Louis
Published: March 2023

Dans cet article, nous prêtons attention aux modalités selon lesquelles l’activité des systèmes d’information, et plus particulièrement le travail sur les données, est organisé au sein d’une entreprise médiatique. Notre étude s’appuie sur une enquête ethnographique, menée en immersion au sein du groupe belge Rossel. Les résultats que nous avons obtenus mettent en évidence la dynamique relationnelle et les enjeux de pouvoir que provoque le développement des nouveaux métiers de la donnée dans un groupe de médias.
La gouvernance de l’information dans les organisations : proposition d’un cadre unifié d’évaluation
Authors: Kouakou Kouassi Sylvestre
Published: March 2023

La gouvernance de l’information prend une place de plus en plus importante dans les organisations. Cependant, son évaluation est très peu abordée dans la recherche. Cet article examine ce sujet sous un angle plus global en y intégrant une vue archivistique et documentaire. Il propose une approche d’évaluation holistique et inclusive avec des critères issus de la théorie des systèmes et des principes généraux de gestion des documents. Cet article avance que l’évaluation de la politique de gouvernance de l’information est le résultat de l’évaluation des objectifs stratégiques qu’elle poursuit, des structures qu’elle met en œuvre, des activités qu’elle réalise, de l’interaction avec son environnement, de sa capacité à prendre en charge la gestion informationnelle, et enfin de son adaptabilité aux évolutions éventuelles auxquelles elle peut faire face.
Des incivilités numériques dénoncées par les cadres
Authors: Dupré Delphine , Laborde Aurélie
Published: March 2023

Les incivilités numériques font référence à des usages des technologies numériques qui transgressent les codes et les normes implicites de la vie en communauté et de la coopération au travail. Ce sont souvent des « micro-agressions », largement tolérées et diversement perçues par les salariés. Au-delà d’une simple question de courtoisie, elles rendent compte de transformations en cours des formes de communication en contexte de travail. Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à la définition et la perception des incivilités numériques par une population de cadres intermédiaires. Nous montrons que ce que dénoncent les cadres, au-delà des incivilités numériques, sont des relations et une organisation du travail qu’ils réprouvent : communication « instrumentale », relation « client-fournisseur » en interne, dilution des frontières entre sphère professionnelle et privée, entre cœur de métier et pratiques périphériques, bureaucratisation des activités et perte de sens du travail. Les pratiques qui sont alors désignées comme inciviles sont révélatrices de dysfonctionnements organisationnels perçus par les cadres et rendent compte d’une distance critique vis-à-vis de l’« idéologie managériale ».
Le poids économique direct de la culture en 2020
Authors: Pietrzyk Nicolas
Published: March 2023

En 2020, le poids économique direct de la culture, c’est-à-dire la valeur ajoutée de l’ensemble des branches culturelles, s’établit à 46,1 milliards d’euros, soit 2,2 % du produit intérieur brut (PIB) de l’ensemble de l’économie. Durant l’année 2020, la culture est particulièrement touchée par la crise sanitaire. Le PIB culturel recule de 7,1 % en valeur, soit une baisse plus marquée que celle de l’économie française dans son ensemble (– 5,3 %). Mais ce recul en valeur est amorti par l’importance du secteur non marchand et des conventions d’estimation de la valeur ajoutée produite par ce secteur. Mesurée en volume, l’activité des branches culturelles s’est fortement contractée, la valeur ajoutée culturelle diminuant de 15 % en volume, soit une baisse supérieure de 7 points à celle de l’ensemble de l’économie française (– 8 %). La totalité des branches culturelles est impactée, et plus particulièrement le spectacle vivant (– 37 %), le patrimoine (– 24 %) et les arts visuels (– 21 %), tout comme le livre et la presse (– 9 %), l’architecture (– 9 %) et l’audiovisuel (– 8 %). Les branches de l’audiovisuel connaissent des situations hétérogènes, les jeux vidéo bénéficiant d’une croissance importante (+ 21 %), contrairement au cinéma qui enregistre de fortes pertes (– 66 % pour le secteur de la projection cinématographique). En 2020, l’audiovisuel reste en tête en termes de poids économique, suivi par le spectacle vivant et par le livre et la presse. Au cours des vingt dernières années, le recul structurel de la branche du livre et de la presse et la progression de l’audiovisuel constituent les évolutions les plus notables. En 2019, 720 700 personnes travaillent dans les secteurs culturels (2,7 % de la population active). Le secteur audiovisuel est le principal employeur (16 %), suivi de près par le spectacle vivant (15 %) et les arts visuels (15 %). En dix ans, les effectifs des secteurs culturels ont progressé de 14 %, contre 3 % pour l’ensemble de l’économie. Parmi les professionnels de la culture, 31 % sont des non-salariés, contre 12 % des actifs en emploi dans l’ensemble de l’économie.
Pérou : l’hiver et le massacre
Authors: Castro Camilo Dante León
Published: March 2023

Les manifestations au Pérou, suite à la tentative du président Pedro Castillo de dissoudre le Congrès, sont férocement réprimées, en particulier dans les zones rurales. Pour sortir de la crise, il importe d’organiser de nouvelles élections, de défendre les droits de l’homme, et de lutter contre les inégalités et la corruption.
Une nouvelle grande illusion ?
Authors: Audoin-Rouzeau Stéphane , Bujon Anne-Lorraine
Published: March 2023

Le retour de la guerre sur le sol européen interroge notre rapport au fait guerrier, qui avait disparu de l’horizon de nombreuses sociétés démocratiques. Spécialiste de la Grande Guerre, l’historien évoque la persistance de notre déni après un an de conflit à nos portes, alors même que cette guerre bouleverse déjà notre rapport au temps.
La justice au cœur de la guerre en Ukraine
Authors: Foucher Michel , Garapon Antoine
Published: March 2023

De l’invasion armée d’un pays dans un monde globalisé aux attaques contre les hôpitaux et les écoles, en passant le pillage des musées et la déportation des enfants, la Russie conduit une guerre par les crimes. Une réponse judiciaire s’impose.
La personne e(s)t sa trace
Authors: d’Alessandris Francesca
Published: March 2023

Chez Ricœur, il faut distinguer l’identité de la personne, qui réside dans le maintien éthique de la parole donnée, et l’identification du personnage, qui se construit dans le récit. C’est la trace qui permet la suture entre les deux registres.
Perspective poétique sur un théâtre minéral : les « Flat Rocks »
Authors: Barthélémy Eric
Published: March 2023

Certains lieux vous fascinent. Allez savoir pourquoi ? Dans le sud-est de l’Irlande où je passe de nombreux séjours, les « Flat Rocks » en font partie. J’y suis souvent allé m’y promener avec ma boite d’aquarelle d’un côté et mes jumelles de l’autre. Observer cette côte rocheuse fut pour moi l’occasion de mélanger mon âme de peintre, de poète et d’ornithologue. Rien ne fut facile. Associer la stabilité de la roche, la volatilité de l’eau, l’impermanence de la lumière… avec un pinceau, quelques teintes de couleur et de l’eau fut un défi. Un plaisir aussi. Et pour finir, même si je conserve quelques images du temps passé au « Flat Rocks », je les associe toujours à la brise du large, au soleil plus ou moins généreux et aux cris des Goélands marins et argentés.
Accuracy of Nine Formulas to Calculate the Powers of an Extended Depth-of-Focus IOL Using Two SS-OCT Biometers
Authors: Jeon Sohee , Taroni Leonardo , Lupardi Enrico , Hoffer Kenneth J. , Fontana Luigi , Schiano-Lomoriello Domenico , Kwon Hyunggoo , Savini Giacomo
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the accuracy of nine formulas to calculate the power of a new extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens (EDOF IOL), the AcrySof IQ Vivity (Alcon Laboratories, Inc), using measurements from two optical biometers, the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) and Anterion (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH).

Methods:

After constant optimization, the accuracy of these formulas was analyzed in 101 eyes: Barrett Universal II, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Kane, Olsen, RBF 3.0, and SRK/T. Both standard and total keratometry from the IOLMaster 700 and standard keratometry from the Anterion were used for each formula.

Results:

Constant optimization provided slightly different values for the A-constant, which ranged between 118.99 and 119.16, depending on the formula and the optical biometer. According to the heteroscedastic test, within each keratometry modality the standard deviation of the SRK/T was significantly higher compared to that of the Holladay 1, Kane, Olsen, and RBF 3.0 formulas. The SRK/T formula provided less accurate results also when the absolute prediction errors were compared by Friedman test. According to McNemar's test with Holm corrections, statistically significant differences were found within each keratometry modality between the percentage of eyes with a prediction error within ±0.25 diopters obtained with the Olsen formula compared to the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulas.

Conclusions:

Constant optimization remains a mandatory step to achieve the best outcomes with the new EDOF IOL: the same constant should not be used for all formulas and for both optical biometers. Different statistical tests revealed that older IOL formulas have lower accuracy compared to newer formulas.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(3):158–164.]
Determinants of the Internet of Things adoption by millennial farmers
Authors: Harisudin Mohamad , Kusnandar  , Riptanti Erlyna W. , Setyowati Nuning , Khomah Isti
Published: March 2023

Indonesia is experiencing difficulties in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural system as the younger generation experiences reluctance to enter the business of agriculture. Smart farming is believed to be a solution to the difficulty of millennials entering the business of agriculture. One of the main elements of smart farming is the Internet of Things (IoT). This study aims to determine the factors that encourage millennial farmers in Central Java to adopt IoT-based innovations using a behavioral reasoning theory (BRT) perspective. Data were collected from 120 millennial farmers in Central Java; we applied BRT, an analytical technique, to examine IoT adoption by millennial farmers. Primary survey data analysis was carried out by applying structural equation modeling techniques. The results showed that millennial farmers accepting the adoption of IoT technology is a factor of relative advantage and social influence. Meanwhile, the reason for rejecting the adoption of IoT technology is technology anxiety. This research provides information on the reasons for accepting and reasons for rejecting the adoption of IoT in agriculture by millennial farmers in Central Java province, which will be helpful for the government in the design of a program to attract millennials to go into business in agriculture.
Pricing of vulnerable options based on an uncertain CIR interest rate model
Authors: Lv Guiwen , Xu Ping , Zhang Yanxue
Published: March 2023

The traditional Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) interest rate model follows a stochastic differential equation that cannot obtain the closed solution while the uncertain CIR interest rate model is an uncertain differential equation. First, this paper gives the solution in terms of the distribution of the uncertain CIR interest rate model based on uncertainty theory. Second, the pricing formulas of vulnerable European call option and vulnerable European put option are obtained by using the uncertain CIR interest rate model. Finally, according to the proposed pricing formula, the corresponding numerical algorithms are designed and several numerical examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. Our results not only enrich the option pricing theory, but they also have a certain guiding significance for the derivatives market.
Fractionalizing, coupling and methods for the coupled system of two-dimensional heat diffusion models
Authors: Nuruddeen Rahmatullah Ibrahim , Gómez-Aguilar J. F. , Razo-Hernández José R.
Published: March 2023

The present manuscript gives an overview of how two-dimensional heat diffusion models underwent a fractional transformation, system coupling as well as solution treatment. The governing diffusion models, which are endowed with Caputo's fractional-order derivatives in time $ t $, are suitably coupled using the (1) convection phenomenon, (2) interfacial coupling by considering the mechanism of a double-layered bar, and the (3) nonlinear coupling due to temperature-dependent thermal diffusivities. Semi-analytical and analytical methods are considered for the solution treatment. Moreover, we seek a computational environment to graphically illustrate the systems' response to different fractional orders in each case through the determined diffusional fields. Besides, we supply certain concluding notes at the end.
Numerical simulation for thermal enhancement of $ H_2O $ + Ethyl Glycol base hybrid nanofluid comprising $ GO + (Ag, AA7072, MoS_2) $ nano entities due to a stretched sheet
Authors: Khan Yasir , Abdal Sohaib , Hussain Sajjad , Siddique Imran
Published: March 2023

The evaluation of compact heat density gadgets requires effective measures for heat transportation. Enhancement in thermal transportation of hybrid nanofluids comprising of water plus ethyl glycol with the dispersion of three different nano-entities is considered. The fluids are transported through a porous medium over a permeable elongating sheet. Water and ethyl glycol are $ (50 \% -50 \%) $. The three cases for hybrid species consist of (a) Graphene oxide (Go) + AA7072, (b) Go + Molybdenum sulfide, (c) Go + silver. The volume fraction of nano-entities is greater than 0.3%. It is presumed that the fluid flow is non-Newtonian. Two on-Newtonian fluids models namely Maxwell fluid and Casson fluid are taken into consideration to present comparative behavior in the existence of the nano-particle mixture. The leading equations are altered into ordinary differential form. A robust numerical procedure embraced with Runge-Kutta methodology and shooting strategy is employed to attain results for the dependent physical quantities. It is noticed that the velocity is diminished against the magnetic field parameter and porosity parameter. The temperature for case (a) Go + AA7072 is the highest and it is lowest for case (c) Go + silver. The temperature and velocity functions of both the fluids (Casson and Maxwell fluids) are incremented with larger inputs of hybrid nano-species. The results can find applications for the better performance of electronic equipment, and heat exchangers.
The effect of "fear" on two species competition
Authors: Srivastava Vaibhava , Takyi Eric M. , Parshad Rana D.
Published: March 2023

Non-consumptive effects such as fear of depredation, can strongly influence predator-prey dynamics. There are several ecological and social motivations for these effects in competitive systems as well. In this work we consider the classic two species ODE and PDE Lotka-Volterra competition models, where one of the competitors is "fearful" of the other. We find that the presence of fear can have several interesting dynamical effects on the classical competitive scenarios. Notably, for fear levels in certain regimes, we show novel bi-stability dynamics. Furthermore, in the spatially explicit setting, the effects of several spatially heterogeneous fear functions are investigated. In particular, we show that under certain integral restrictions on the fear function, a weak competition type situation can change to competitive exclusion. Applications of these results to ecological as well as sociopolitical settings are discussed, that connect to the "landscape of fear" (LOF) concept in ecology.
Polyconvex functionals and maximum principle
Authors: Carozza Menita , Esposito Luca , Giova Raffaella , Leonetti Francesco
Published: March 2023

Let us consider continuous minimizers $ u : \bar \Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^n \to \mathbb{R}^n $ of

   \begin{document}$ \mathcal{F}(v) = \int_{\Omega} [|Dv|^p \, + \, |{\rm det}\,Dv|^r] dx, $\end{document}

with $ p > 1 $ and $ r > 0 $; then it is known that every component $ u^\alpha $ of $ u = (u^1, ..., u^n) $ enjoys maximum principle: the set of interior points $ x $, for which the value $ u^\alpha(x) $ is greater than the supremum on the boundary, has null measure, that is, $ \mathcal{L}^n(\{ x \in \Omega: u^\alpha (x) > \sup_{\partial \Omega} u^\alpha \}) = 0 $. If we change the structure of the functional, it might happen that the maximum principle fails, as in the case

   \begin{document}$ \mathcal{F}(v) = \int_{\Omega}[\max\{(|Dv|^p - 1); 0 \} \, + \, |{\rm det}\,Dv|^r] dx, $\end{document}

with $ p > 1 $ and $ r > 0 $. Indeed, for a suitable boundary value, the set of the interior points $ x $, for which the value $ u^\alpha(x) $ is greater than the supremum on the boundary, has a positive measure, that is $ \mathcal{L}^n(\{ x \in \Omega: u^\alpha (x) > \sup_{\partial \Omega} u^\alpha \}) > 0 $. In this paper we show that the measure of the image of these bad points is zero, that is $ \mathcal{L}^n(u(\{ x \in \Omega: u^\alpha (x) > \sup_{\partial \Omega} u^\alpha \})) = 0 $, provided $ p > n $. This is a particular case of a more general theorem.
What Factors Need to Be Considered for Adopting M-Banking Services in a Developing Economy?
Authors: Moudud-Ul-Huq Syed , Perhiar Shumaila Meer
Published: March 2023

The study attempts to explore the effects of key factors influencing the customer acceptance of mobile banking adoption, particularly those that affect the consumer's attitudes towards and intention to use. This study builds a comprehensive theoretical model explaining M-banking adoption in Bangladesh. To assist in identifying these factors, an empirical study was conducted among general citizens of Bangladesh to identify the acceptance of M-banking. The study revealed that the critical factors which contribute to the adoption of M-banking in Bangladesh. A consumer survey on 250 mobile bank users of different mobile network operators in Bangladesh was undertaken where respondents completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of mobile banking's usefulness, perceived ease of usefulness, perceived risk, perceived cost, and perceived trust. This study offers an insight into mobile banking in Bangladesh, focusing on influencing factors and perceived trust was found to be the most significant factor affecting the adoption of M-banking in Bangladesh.
Volatility Transmission Between ASEAN-5 Stock Exchanges
Authors: Dias Rui Manuel , Teixeira Nuno , Pardal Pedro , Godinho Teresa
Published: March 2023

This article aims to analyse risk transmission among the financial markets of China and ASEAN-5 in the context of the 2015 Chinese stock market crash. For this purpose, the authors test if (1) the volatility resulting from the 2015 stock market crash has positively influenced risk transmission among ASEAN-5 and China markets and (2) increased risk perception has led to a negative reaction from investors, both in ASEAN-5 as in China markets. The results imply an enhancement of the asymmetric effect, suggesting that during the crash, market volatility responded more significantly to bad news than to good news. In the post-crash, volatility dropped expressively. During the crisis, risk transmission was significant to the point of jeopardising portfolio diversification in the ASEAN-5 markets. In the post-crash, markets tended to balance, mitigating the risk very significantly. The authors believe that there are opportunities for international investors to readjust their portfolios in these regional markets.
Modeling and Simulating Student Protests Through Agent-Based Framework
Authors: Raphiri Tshepo Solomon , Jansen van Vuuren Joey J. , Buitendag Albertus A. K.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents an agent-based model to study the effect of grievance, net risk, social, sympathy, and political influence on the likelihood of student protests emerging in South Africa universities. Studies of student protests in several fields have been conducted, but no ABM has been used to explore factors contributing to student protests. Student protests have proved to be disorderly, frequently leading to property damage, academic program cancellations, and injuries. Simulation experiments demonstrated that inequality level, number of activists, activist's influential size, number of friendship ties, suspend delay, and sympathy are elements that determine the model of social conflicts, since there are statistically significant in the logistic regression. For university administration to effectively handle disruptive student protest actions, risk management policies should focus on understanding network structures that integrate students' interactions to monitor the spread of opinions that initiate protest mobilization.
A Comparison Research on Dynamic Characteristics of Chinese and American Energy Prices
Authors: He Qizhi , Zhang Xu , Xia Pingfan , Zhao Chenyu , Li Shuangbo
Published: March 2023

This study compares the dynamic characteristic of Chinese and American energy prices from the perspectives of learning expectation, volatility, persistence, and so on. First, the most suitable learning speeds for energy prices are determined and the energy price expectations are calculated by the learning models. Second, volatility characteristics and Granger-spillover effects among different energy prices and expectations are examined using the stochastic models based on the coefficient significance and DIC criteria. Third, the dynamic correlation coefficients are obtained by the selected stochastic models that have the lower DIC values. Fourth, expectation, volatility, and foreign energy price are introduced into the persistence model, and the persistence characteristics and reasons behind Chinese and American energy prices are empirically tested and compared. Finally, conclusions and suggestions are given based on the theoretical analysis and empirical results.
Knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial prescribing behaviour among young companion animal veterinary practitioners in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sandaruwan M. , DIssanayake D. R. A.
Published: March 2023

The emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) organisms has become a serious public health threat as it reduces the effectiveness of treatment and increases healthcare costs and mortality. The development of new antimicrobial drugs is extremely slow. The genetic capacity of bacteria to develop resistance is difficult to manipulate. Thus, antimicrobial stewardship among health professionals is encouraged to reduce the rate of developing AMR. This study assesses the awareness and prescription behaviour of companion animal veterinary practitioners in Sri Lanka using a web-based questionnaire. Two outcome variables, awareness of AMR and prescription behaviour were assessed using a scoring system and ranked as appropriate or inappropriate behaviour or high or moderate/low knowledge. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to explore the relationship between two selected outcome variables with the categorical variables (years of experience, gender, geographical area). A total of 102 veterinarians participated in the survey. The respondents included 49 % male and 51% female and were mainly in the age range of 25-35 years (92.4%). Of the listed 18 antimicrobials, doxycycline (93%), metronidazole (92 %), cefuroxime (89%), amoxicillin (87%) and cephalexin (84%) were prescribed often by companion animal practitioners and carbapenems (3%) and aminoglycosides (6%) were rarely prescribed and were complied with the guidelines. Good antimicrobial prescription behaviours such as performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing were often practised only by 1.95% of respondents. Around 23 % of respondents prescribed antimicrobial drugs without confirming an infection as further diagnostics are expensive, and 22 % prescribed antimicrobial drugs as a prophylactic measure and a similar percentage when prescribing immunosuppressive drugs. When the prescription behaviour was evaluated, 41% of the respondents had appropriate prescription behaviour and 59% had inappropriate behaviour. Even though statistically non-significant, the appropriate behaviour was higher among veterinarians with more than two years of experience. When awareness of AMR was assessed, 40% had high awareness and 60% had moderate/low awareness. Conducting awareness programs and developing or adopting appropriate prescription guidelines are essential to improve the prescription behaviour of companion animal veterinary practitioners in Sri Lanka.
A call to give a voice to people with intellectual disabilities in Africa through inclusive research
Authors: Kahonde Callista K.
Published: March 2023

Research looking into the day-to-day lives of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is on the increase in Africa. However, not enough is being done to include people with ID as active contributors to this research through inclusive approaches. Inclusive research empowers people with ID as they have the agency and autonomy to speak for themselves and they are given an active voice in the research process and outcomes. This leads to services that cater for what matters to people with ID themselves as opposed to having their needs defined by other people. The common myths and misconceptions attached to ID in Africa, which increase stigma towards people affected by this type of disability can be abated by their visibility in research and evidence of their ability to express themselves. This article makes a call to researchers on the African continent to include people with ID in research as active contributors to the research and not simply as research subjects or respondents. A background is given of global developments that have occurred in inclusive research based on the literature and the author’s personal experience, which African researchers can learn from while taking cognizance of the specific needs of their own contexts. This is followed by highlighting the gaps in Africa. The article ends with a discussion of possible reasons for a lack of inclusive research in Africa and suggestions and recommendations to address this gap.
Culture and religion creolisation impact on digital advertisement of Muslim users of Instagram
Authors: Mirvaisi Majid , Kaffashpoor Azar
Published: March 2023

Over the last decade, digitalisation has been a subject of increasing attention among scholars and practitioners. The effect of culture and religion on advertisements, consumerism and marketing, is deniable. The main goal of this research is to present a comprehensive conceptual model based on cultural and religious diversity in digital marketing. This research mainly includes introduction creolisation concept and the elements (religion, music, clothes and custom) as the most important factor in digital advertisement and branding. In this regard, this study examines Instagram consumer products users from five different subcultures in Iran (Lor, Kurdish, Baluch, Arab and Azeri) and considers the impact of creolisation elements on digital advertising, brand identity and brand globalisation. Data were collected by sending 1200 questionnaire via email to subcultures and then analysed using LISREL software.Contribution: The results demonstrated that Islamic religion between participants affects their brand loyalty, therefore the Islamic worth in advertising is necessary. It was suggested that creolisation elements significantly affect digital advertisement, brand identity and brand globalisation. Consequently, all hypotheses were accepted. On the other hand, the impact of brand identity and digital advertisement on the brand globalisation was also confirmed. Discussion and managerial implications concerning creolisation were explained.
Surrogacy in Indonesia: The comparative legality and Islamic perspective
Authors: Sujadmiko Bayu , Aji Novindri , Mulyani Leni W. , Rasyid Syawalluddin Al , Meutia Intan F.
Published: March 2023

Reproductive health technology allows married couples who experience infertility to have a child through assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) process. The transfer of the extracted embryo to the woman’s womb is called surrogacy technology (gestational surrogacy). The legality of the practice of surrogacy is still questionable, both on a national and international level. This research discussed the legality of surrogacy in some religious countries, focusing on Indonesia. This research used normative juridical research methods or literature review through a comparative religion-legal approach. This study indicated that most do not have a specific legal instrument regarding surrogacy practice. International law also does not have a standard legal instrument regarding the legality of surrogacy. Legality is determined by each religious country’s national laws and customs. For example, Indonesian law prohibits this practice implicitly under Law No. 36 of 2009 concerning health. The United Kingdom legalised surrogacy through the Surrogacy Agreement Act 1985, which was amended to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act 2008, Greece through the Greek Legislation Law 3089/2002 and Law 3305/2005, and India through the 2019 Surrogacy Regulation Bill. Those countries have their limitations and characteristics that rule surrogacy. Surrogacy is indeed a technological advancement in the health sector. However, for countries that are influenced much by religion, technological advances sometimes conflict with the culture and the belief that has long been followed by most of the population. For Indonesia, the largest of Sunni Islam ruled surrogacy against the law. Next, Iran, as a Shia Islam country, ruled that surrogacy is a legal action.Contribution: The research provided information and knowledge regarding the different settings of surrogacy practice. Most religious countries bravely rejected or put strict limits on the practice of surrogacy.
Rethinking the identity and economic sustainability of the Church: Case of AOG BTG in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tagwirei Kimion , Masango Maake
Published: March 2023

With burgeoning economic challenges that have been hard-pressing Zimbabwe for more than a decade, most Zimbabwean classical Pentecostal churches who do not strategically multiply their revenue in reciprocal correspondence with God-given resources have been disabled and forced to narrow their missionary focus towards proclamation of the gospel and neglected other dimensions of mission, such as diakonia. The partial focus on the gospel in word without corresponding deeds portrayed an exclusively Salvationist and less integral image, and defaced ecclesiastic identification when Zimbabwe is anxiously in dire need of a wholesome Church that values and attends to all areas of their lives. While extensive attention has been paid to the conceptualisation of ecclesial identity in general, and manipulative economics of some charismatic churches in Zimbabwe and Africa, research about the identity and economic sustainability of the Zimbabwean classical Pentecostal Church is sparse. Thus, this study filled the gap, taking Assemblies of God, Back to God (hereinafter referred to as AOG BTG) as a case study. Applying theonomic reciprocity theory, complemented by the concept of sustainability and engaging purposively sampled in-depth interviews, this article interfaced missionary identity with economic sustainability and recommended the adoption of contextually feasible strategies to capacitate the Church to meet the rising operating and missionary costs in the volatile Zimbabwean context.Contribution: This study reviewed the ecclesial identity, interconnected Zimbabwean classical Pentecostal ecclesiology with current economics and observed circumstantially applicable strategies to restore a blurred identity.
The impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on women’s responsibility for domestic food provision: The Case of Marondera Urban in Zimbabwe
Authors: Matanga Sarah Y. , Mukurazhizha Memory R.
Published: March 2023

When pandemics hit communities, women are bound to suffer as most of the responsibilities of ensuring food security lie on them. This article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the role that church-going women play in food provision. The qualitative study used interviews and focus group discussions to examine the toll of the pandemic-induced restrictions, especially with regard to their disruption of activities that ensure the provision of food for the family. They sought to identify how an environment as restrictive as the one that was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic affects those largely responsible for food provision in urban Marondera – the women, in this case. The focus was extended to factor in how disasters and pandemics affect women and detract from their normative food procurement and provision roles in marginal societies and how these effects can be mitigated to allow women to carry on with their roles even in restrictive environments. This research was motivated by the recent COVID-19-imposed regulations that restricted the movement of people, restrictions that have only recently been relaxed and (in some cases) removed. We also sought to establish how gender roles are played out, together with whether they are exacerbated by pandemics, and in what ways these pandemics result in higher workloads on women. By utilising the Africana womanist theory, the study analysed women roles in food provision and food security in their societies within the restrictive environments of the pandemics.Contribution: This study concluded that there are gender inequalities that are exacerbated by these pandemics that result in higher workloads for women. It foregrounded how existing gender inequalities were exacerbated by the pandemic, resulting in higher workloads on women. It therefore recommended that women should form empowerment groups to help focus attention on food provision to mitigate challenges women face in this role. Finally, we averred that there ought to be consultation and participation of women on issues to do with pandemics to allow for their full and productive participation in critical roles of providing food.
Israelvisie, die Nuwe Suid-Afrika en ‘Afrikaners’
Authors: Meyfarth Leonie , Nel Marius
Published: March 2023

Israel vision, the New South Africa and ‘Afrikaners’: There is a growing number of Caucasian Afrikaans-speaking believers who are exposed to and accept the teachings of the British Israelite or Israel Vision movement. Some of these believers take their leave of or quit their former places of worship, while others remain and spread the Israel Vision teachings among fellow church members. This article, inter alia, asserts that Caucasian Afrikaans-speaking South Africans are ascribing to Israel Vision teachings in their search for a new identity in a post-apartheid South Africa. It utilises a comparative literature analysis from a Pentecostal perspective. To gain insight into the movement, the article considers the origin, growth and teaching of British Israelism. It furthermore attempts to understand the cultural shifting that some Caucasian Afrikaans-speaking South Africans have experienced since the importation of democracy in 1994 and what types of identity correction could be expected from such a group. When comparing the traditional Afrikaner cultural themes in terms of the Israel Vision teachings, it emerges that, according to the teachings of Israel Vision (and British Israelism), the Caucasian people are what is referred to as the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel – the covenantal descendants of Abraham. God has a specific plan for these tribes. Adherents of these teachings define their identity in these exclusive terms. This article attempts to define what the Bible teaches regarding the old and new covenant as well as exclusivity and inclusivity to evaluate the Israel Vision teachings. It concludes that it results in the rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Saviour along with an unacceptable exclusivism of people of colour considering Scripture by limiting salvation to the so-called Ten Lost Tribes. This article aims to inform church leaders and Christians as regards the main teachings of the movement and its theological and existential dangers to assist believers influenced by the Israel Vision teachings.Contribution: This research aims to contribute to the field of practical theology by determining that some white South Africans have attempted to restructure their culture after the forming of a democracy in South Africa (1994) by participation in ideological groups such as the Israel Vision movement and ascribing to British Israelism. The theological and ethical grounds on which these movements rest, pose a threat to the teachings of the traditional Christian denominations in South Africa due to the racist ideology that is inherent in these groups and aim to exclude the majority of South Africans from the faith community.
Prevalence of excess weight and associated socio-demographic factors among postmenopausal women: A population-based study in Ghana
Authors: Mensah Bonsu Isaac , Brandt Corlia , Ajidahun Adedayo T. , Moses Monday O. , Myezwa Hellen
Published: March 2023

Background: Excess weight (obesity and overweight) is a pervasive condition that is considered a global epidemic and a threat to public health. Furthermore, numerous changes in fat deposits occur with the advent of menopause, leading to a change in the distribution of body fat. Knowledge of sociodemographic factors and prevalence can inform the effective management of these women.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excess weight among postmenopausal women in Ghana’s Bono East (Techiman) region.Setting: This study was conducted in Bono East regional capital, Techiman, Ghana.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over 5 months at Bono East regional capital, Techiman in Ghana. Anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were obtained using physical measurements while socio-demographic data were gathered using questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25.Results: The mean age of the 378 women who participated in the study was 60.09 ± 6.24 years. Body mass index, WHtR and WHR indicated excess weight of 73.2%, 91.8% and 91.0%, respectively. Education and ethnicity were predictors of excess weight (WHR). Women of the Ga tribe with high school education have 4.7- and 8.6-times increased odds of having excess weight.Conclusions: There are higher prevalence rates of excess weight (obesity and overweight) among postmenopausal women using BMI, WHtR and WHR. Education and ethnicity are predictors of excess weight.Contribution: The study’s findings can be used to develop interventions that focus on addressing excess weight in postmenopausal women within the Ghanaian context.