bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of profile and short-term outcome of acute kidney injury between steroid sensitive and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Uma Maheshwari M.  , Alpana Ohri  , Amish Udani  , Chintan Shah
Published: May 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI), a severe complication of nephrotic syndrome (NS) is being more prevalent in recent times. Objectives were: 1) Determine incidence, etiology, short term outcome of AKI in children hospitalised with NS. 2) Compare above variables in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) versus steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).
Methods: Prospective observational study over 18 months including all consecutive nephrotics hospitalized with AKI. AKI defined according to KDIGO criteria with baseline creatinine taken as lowest value in last 6 months/ nadir during stay. Secondary NS were excluded. Demographics, clinical features, labs, hospital course, treatment and follow up at 3 months were recorded. SSNS and SRNS were compared.
Results: The incidence of AKI in hospitalised nephrotics (30/304) was 9.8%, 30 patients (16 boys) with mean age 4.08 years (± 4.04 SD). Common etiologies of AKI were infection (60%), nephrotoxic drugs, hypovolemia, and thrombosis in decreasing order. Nephrotics developing AKI had a longer hospital stay versus those without AKI (p<0.001). The 2/30 patients died (6%), 10/30 (33.3%) required PICU, 7/30 (26%) needed RRT. Among discharged patients 4/28(14.28%) had persistent deranged renal functions at 3 months follow up, all of whom belonged to SRNS category. Comparison of 14 patients in SSNS with 16 in SRNS showed UTI (31.3%), drugs (25%), systemic infection (31.3%), thrombosis (12.5%) as etiologies in SRNS. Systemic infection (42.9%), drugs (21.4%), UTI (14.3%) and hypovolemia (21.4%) were causes in SSNS. Mortality rate, need for PICU (p=1.0), RRT (p=1.0) was similar (6%,37.5%, 25%) Vs (7%,28.5%, 21.4%).
Conclusions: AKI is seen in up to a tenth of children with NS equally in SSNS and SRNS. While etiology and severity of AKI in the 2 groups is similar, short-term outcome in SRNS is more ominous.
The importance of history in pediatric soft tissue swellings: a case of rhabdomyosarcoma with initial diagnosis of hemangioma
Authors: Chin Ming Lee , Yong Poh Lin
Published: May 2023

Clinicians often encounter soft tissue swellings in children, which can be benign or malignant in nature. Significant emphasis placed on radiological findings may skew clinical judgement. This cascade often leads to overlooking other differential diagnoses and the natural history of these soft tissue masses. We discuss the case of a 2-year-old child with a swelling over her left upper back. Swelling was first noticed at 6 months old, and grew progressively larger after age of one. Two ultrasounds performed reported the mass as an infantile hemangioma. It reached a point where the child could no longer lie supine due to the huge size of the mass. MRI of the back was ordered, and findings were suggestive of a posterior chest wall soft tissue sarcoma with lung metastases. Histopathological examination of tissue obtained from trucut biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma stage 4. In this scenario, the natural history of soft tissue swelling was atypical of hemangioma. However, there was lapse in clinical judgement, as radiological findings were consistent with diagnosis, not once but twice. This conglomeration of factors led to unfortunate delay in diagnosis. When faced with soft tissue swellings in children, a thorough correlation between history, clinical examination, and imaging studies required to form holistic picture, for betterment of patient outcome.
Camino hacia la inclusión educativa.Paso 3: intervenciones oportunas para proteger las trayectorias educativas
Authors: Almeyda Gonzalo , Arias Ortiz Elena , Giambruno Cecilia , Oubiña Victoria , Pérez Alfaro Marcelo , Schwartz Liora , Vinacur Tamara , Zoido Pablo
Published: May 2023

El presente documento es el tercero de cuatro pasos de la serie “Camino hacia la inclusión educativa: 4 pasos para la construcción de sistemas de protección de trayectorias”. El objetivo de esta serie es constituirse en un insumo para ministerios y secretarías de Educación de la región interesadas en el diseño y la implementación de sistemas de protección de trayectorias educativas. La serie consolida el conocimiento existente sobre la protección de las trayectorias educativas, en un contexto en el que el desafío de la exclusión educativa en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) es cada vez más extenso. En este paso #3 el enfoque está puesto en las intervenciones oportunas para la protección de trayectorias educativas. Se sistematiza evidencia sobre intervenciones focalizadas y a tiempo para disminuir el riesgo de exclusión de niñas, niños y adolescentes, fortalecer sus trayectorias y mejorar sus aprendizajes. El documento comienza con una breve revisión de las principales causas de la exclusión educativa en ALC, continúa con un análisis de los diferentes esquemas que pueden seguir las intervenciones, y luego se detallan las intervenciones más efectivas organizadas en cuatro módulos: i) programas de acompañamiento y aceleración de aprendizajes, ii) programas educativos flexibles, iii) incentivos monetarios y iv) incentivos no monetarios.
Study of the Relationship between ABO Blood Group Types and Breast Cancer and Cervix Cancer in Khuzestan Province, Iran
Authors: Joudaki Nazanin , Khodadadi Ali , Talaiezadeh Abdolhassan , Jodat Hosein , Jodat Javad , Asadirad Ali
Published: May 2023

Background: Breast cancer and cervix cancer are the prevalent and deadly types of solid tumors around the world. According to the importance of cancer, it is necessary to understand predisposing factors that affect cancer risk. In this regard, previous studies suggest that blood types particularly ABO and Rh-Hr Blood-Group System could play roles in the risk and different features of cancers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of ABO and Rh blood groups as risk factors for breast cancer and cervix cancer.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study included 109 and 14 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cervix cancer, respectively with known ABO and Rh blood types, between 2018 and 2020 in Khuzestan province, Iran. For compression of ABO blood groups distribution between the cancer patients group and the healthy population, we used data from a large-scale study that report the distribution of ABO blood groups in 29,922 blood donors in Khuzestan province.
Results: Based on obtained results the most frequent blood group is O followed by B, A, and AB in breast cancer and followed by A, B, and AB in cervix cancer. Results showed no significant association between ABO and Rh and the risk of breast and cervix cancer. Moreover, there is no relationship between blood types and clinic pathological features of breast cancer.  
Conclusion:  Based on our data, ABO and in this regard, previous studies suggest that blood types particularly ABO and Rh-Hr Blood-Group System could play roles in the risk and different features of cancers. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of ABO and Rh blood groups as risk factors for breast cancer and cervix cancer do have not any association with the risk of breast and cervix cancer and their characteristics.
FAT1 Gene Expression in Iranian Acute Lymphoid and Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Ostadali Dehagi Mohammadreza , Rostami Shahrbano , Shamshiri Ahmadreza , Safari Fatemeh , Haji  Hosseini Reza , Thorne Rick F. , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: May 2023

Background: FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1) is a member of the cadherin superfamily whose loss or gain is associated with the initiation and/or progression of different cancers. FAT1 overexpression has been reported in hematological malignancies. This research intended to investigate FAT1 gene expression in adult Iranian acute leukemia patients, compared to normal mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells.
Materials and Methods: The peripheral blast (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) cells of 22 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 14 acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) patients, and mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells of 12 healthy volunteer stem cell donors were collected. Then, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to compare FAT1 gene expression.
Results: Overall, there were no significant differences in FAT1 expression between AML and ALL patients (p>0.2). Nonetheless, the mean expression level of FAT1 was significantly higher in leukemic patients (AML and ALL) than in normal CD34+ cells (p=0.029). Additionally, the FAT1 expression levels were significantly higher in both CD34+ and CD34- leukemic patients than in normal CD34+ cells (p=0.028).
Conclusion: No significant differences were found between FAT1 expression in CD34+ and CD34- leukemic samples (p> 0.3). Thus, higher FAT1 expression was evident in ALL and AML leukemia cells but this appeared unrelated to CD34 expression. This suggests in a proportion of adult acute leukemia, FAT1 expression may prove to be a suitable target for therapeutic strategies.
The Evaluation of Hematological Parameters and Their Correlation with Disease Prognosis in COVID-19 Disease in Iran
Authors: Shahi Farhad , Safaee Reza , Fekrvand Saba , Fathi Fatemeh , Dabir Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Alireza , Hosseini Hanieh
Published: May 2023

Background: Since 2019, Coronavirus has been a highly contagious disease. The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Variable laboratory findings are reported in COVID-19 patients, among which elevated levels of D-dimer, lactate dehydrogenase, as well as lymphopenia, have been reported to be associated with increased severity of disease symptoms requiring ventilator support, intensive care unit admission, and mortality.
Materials and Methods: In the current study, inclusion criteria were: patient age above 18 years and hospitalization in the Imam Khomeini hospital with COVID-19 disease confirmed with nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction tests. Levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, LDH, and ferritin were measured and their correlation with the final patients’ outcome was evaluated.
Results: A total of 208 patients were included in the present study. Higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte, LDH, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, and D-dimer were significantly related to O2 dependency. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte and LDH were significantly related to higher rates of mortality. Higher Hb and lymphocyte count were significantly related to higher rates of survival.
Conclusion: Hematological parameters including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, (WBC count excluding lymphocyte)/lymphocyte, LDH, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, D-dimer, Hb, and lymphocyte count were significantly related to the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 disease. This could help decide which COVID-19 patients have priority for hospitalization and intensive medical care, particularly when the pandemic disease causes limitations in healthcare service.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Modified BeEAM (Bendamustine, Etoposide, Cytarabine, Melphalan) Regimen as Conditioning for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma: An Experience from Two Centers of a Developing Country
Authors: Ramzi Mani , Vafaie Elaheh , Haghighinejad Hourvash , Imran Hashim
Published: May 2023

Background: High-dose chemotherapy followed by Autologous SCT (stem cell transplantation) is a treatment of choice for relapsed and refractory lymphoma. Due to cost, toxicity, and shortage of Carmustine, we decided to conduct a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bendamustine instead of Carmustine in a previously used BEAM-like protocol.
Materials and Methods:102 patients (median age,37) with Hodgkin(n=54) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma(n=48) were recruited and transplanted in two centers. After stem cell harvesting, a modified BeEAM regimen was administered to all the patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) at two years were calculated as the study's primary endpoints.
Results: Neutrophil and platelet recovery were observed after a median of 12 and 13 days, and all the patients were engrafted. Fever was observed in 25(24.5%) with only two documented infections. The only grade III toxicities were mucositis (20%) and nausea (15.6%). No transplant-related mortality (TRM) was observed after 100 days. After a median follow-up of 37(range 25-48) months, 68(66.6%) patients were in complete remission while 21 patients were in partial response, and 16 patients(15.6%) developed progressive disease, among which 13 (12.7%) had died. The OS at two years was (89 of 102, 87.3%), and the DFS rate was 68 of 102=66.7%.
Conclusion: Our study showed that modified BeEAM is a safe, effective, and feasible conditioning regimen for ASCT in lymphoma instead of the BEAM regimen.
Epstein-Barr Viral Infection and the Risk for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Agolli Arjola , Ishak Angela , Viswanathan Mahima , Lorraine Edzel , Shivakumar Jeevan , Agolli Olsi
Published: May 2023

Background: The prevalence of breast cancer has increased and has currently become one of the most common cancers. Although the majority of the world’s population is infected with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) during their lives, the severity of symptoms varies and not everyone infected with EBV is diagnosed with cancer. EBV might increase the risk for breast cancer either by activating the HER2/HER3 signaling cascades or by creating a state of prolonged immune stimulation.
Materials and Methods: A systematic search of several electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, and Scopus, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. The primary outcome of this review was to assess the prevalence of people with breast cancer that had a prior EBV infection.  
Results: For this review, 24 case-control studies were accepted. Our analyses included 1.989 breast cancer cases versus 1.034 control cases. EBV was found to be present in 27.9% of breast cancer cases versus 8.02% found in the normal breast tissue of controls. All affected people were women with a mean age was 48.19 years. The most common type of breast cancer found in EBV-infected tissues was invasive breast cancer. Cases were reported sporadically in a wide geographical distribution, and the prevalence varied from 4.6% - 64.1%.
Conclusions: A previous EBV infection might be associated with a higher risk for breast malignancy. The most common type is invasive cancer. It mainly affects women and geographical variances are observed. More studies are necessary to elucidate the role of EBV in the mechanisms of breast cancer. Also, it is crucial to improve the prevention and treatment strategies.
Evaluating the Pahlavi Government's Performance against the Outbreak of Malaria in Fars Province (1347 – 1334 AH)
Authors: Eslahi Mahshid Sadat , Allahyari Hasan
Published: May 2023

Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases, the growth and prevalence of which depends on the environmental and climatic conditions of each region. The Pahlavi government took measures to prevent the spread of this disease in order to ensure public health in the society. In 1334 to 1347A.H, the seventh province of Fars, which included a large part of the coastal and post-coastal areas of the Persian Gulf, was considered one of the vulnerable areas to this disease due to its geographical location. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to investigate and analyze the actions of the Pahlavi government to control and prevent the spread of malaria in Fars province during the years 1334 to 1347A.H. The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical and data collection was done by referring to historical first-hand sources and unpublished local (Persian) documents. The findings of the research show that the Pahlavi government, within the framework of the second and third seven-year construction plans, has implemented solutions to treat and eradicate this disease, such as spraying operations, sending health teams, allocating special funds and implementing programs. He did training for this purpose. Statistical analysis shows that these measures were relatively successful and effective in preventing the spread and control of malaria in Fars. However, the implementation of this plan in Fars was not without challenges.
Facing World Religion Paradigm: Challenges Of Dayak Kaharingan During New Order Era Into Reforms
Authors: Rosyadi Muhammad Sandi
Published: May 2023

Belief, as part of human life, is part of the fundamental rights. However, the increasing number and variety of existing beliefs impact the emergence of standardized beliefs that deserve to be categorized as religion. This paper discusses how one of the original beliefs of the people of Kalimantan, namely kaharingan, cannot be considered a religion because various religious standards hamper it. This paper finds that standardization which begins with the notion of religion, according to EB Taylor, has an impact on a belief that must meet several conditions, such as belief in God, holy scriptures, carriers of religion or prophets, and others. The standardization impacts Kaharingan as a belief that can only be said as a "aliran kepercayaan," not a religion in Indonesia. The rise and fall of the relationship between local religion and the state that occurred during the New Order era and reforms were more or less influenced by this paradigm.
En una arena hostil : la politización de lo indígena en el Perú
Authors: Paredes Maritza
Published: May 2023

Nuestra metodología es de caso, y si bien usamos la comparación con Bolivia y Ecuador de manera frecuente, este artículo se centra en el Perú. Creemos que la mejor aproximación empírica al problema de la politización de lo indígena en el Perú es histórico-institucional. Si bien el surgimiento de características institucionales formales comunes en los países andinos, como la mayor apertura electoral o los procesos de descentralización política, han facilitado la emergencia de nuevos actores políticos indígenas, estas instituciones se han construido sobre legados institucionales2 . Lo que proponemos en este artículo es entender en perspectiva temporal cómo la acumulación de procesos y cambios institucionales ha dado forma a un tipo particular de politización de lo indígena en el Perú. Para ello, hemos recurrido tanto a entrevistas como a documentación de archivo y a literatura secundaria que nos permita rastrear el proceso e identificar los mecanismos que explican la particularidad del caso peruano3 . Este artículo está basado en las conclusiones y artículos previos de un proyecto de investigación del que formo parte en la Universidad de Oxford, y que se ha desarrollado en el Perú en asociación con la Universidad Católica.
Entre la comunicación y el arte: una mirada a los primeros afiches peruanos
Authors: Sánchez Flores Miguel
Published: May 2023

El presente artículo es una aproximación a la primera etapa del desarrollo del afichismo peruano de fines de los cincuenta y de los años sesenta del siglo pasado. Se cuestiona sobre aquellas dos dimensiones con las que estos afiches nacen: la comunicación y el arte, y también sobre el intento por hacer coincidir justamente su dimensión estética con su función informativa y comercial. Asimismo, el texto identifica a muchos de los primeros exponentes, reputados artistas gráficos, que encontraron en el diseño de afiches, portadas y logos comerciales un espacio no solo para desarrollar su práctica artística sino también una fuente de ingreso habitual. Precisamente, el artículo se cuestiona sobre aquellas dos dimensiones —que no parecen enfrentadas en un principio— y que coinciden favorablemente en el desarrollo de la gráfica publicitaria y también del arte peruano. Por último, se pregunta sobre la misma función del afiche y plantea hipótesis sobre qué es lo que hace que trascienda su función informativa y permanezca en el tiempo como un objeto de arte coleccionable, como sucedió con algunos de estos primeros afiches.
Redes y comunicación: acompañamientos reflexivos en tiempos de cambio climático
Authors: Palacio Dolly Cristina
Published: May 2023

Se profundizan aspectos de una perspectiva relacional, como es el lugar-red, que ofrece una propuesta de investigación y acción participante a la luz de la reflexividad relacional más allá de lo humano en el cual la comunicación, como fenómeno fundante de lo social, es particularmente importante en la era de las llamadas sociedades de la información y de la comunicación.El Análisis de Redes Sociales (ARS) como epistemología relacional, pero también como método, ofrece una oportunidad única para establecer procesos reflexivos relacionales en tiempos de cambio climático.
Effects of Salinity on Five Hormones in the Hemolymph of Female Eriocheir sinensis during Reproduction
Authors: Huang X.R. , He L.L. , Geng Z. , Feng G.P. , Zhao F. , Zhang T. , Zhuang P.
Published: May 2023

Background: The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is widely distributed in the coastal and coastal water of China and has important economic values. Salinity is the key environmental factor affecting the mating and spawning of E.sinensis. During the mating and spawning of E. sinensis, the hormone changes in the body are usually accompanied, but there is no report about the effects of salinity on related hormones in the process of breeding of E. sinensis. Methods: Mating salinity including 0‰, 2‰, 4‰, 6‰ and spawning salinity such as 3‰, 6‰, 9‰, 12‰, 15‰, 18‰, 21‰ were set up, three parallel groups are set for each salinity, 10 female and 5 male crabs are put in each tank. 5 samples were gathered to analyze the contents of 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3-one (DHP), Gonadotropin (GTH), Prostaglandins (PG), Estradiol-17β (E2) and Testosterone (T) in the hemolymph of female E. sinensis after mating and spawning. Result: The contents of DHP, E2, PG and T in female crabs hemolymph decreased first and then added with the increase of salinity before spawning. DHP, PG and E2 added first and then declined with the increase of salinity after spawning. When salinity was 6‰, the contents of DHP, PG, E2 and T in the hemolymph of female crabs before spawning reached the highest, the contents of DHP and PG decreased and E2 and T increased after spawning. The comprehensive study indicated that salinity had a certain effect on five hormones in the hemolymph of female E.sinensis during reproduction, five hormones didn’t change significantly in the process of mating, DHP, GTH and PG were involved during the spawning of E.sinensis.
Estudo da Variação do Tempo de Síntese e Potencial Fotocatalítico de Nanoparticulas de ZnO Obtido pelo Método Hidrotermal-Micro-Ondas
Authors: Giraldi Tania R. , Silva Khasmira  K. A. T. A. , B.  Junior José S.
Published: May 2023

Nanopartículas de ZnO foram obtidas por síntese via micro-ondas, com tempo de 10 a 30 minutos. As nanopartículas apresentaram fase wurtzita, com resíduos de síntese na superfície. Por resultados de tamanho de cristalito, supõe-se que a nucleação foi completa em 10 minutos de síntese, e o crescimento foi mais acentuado em 30 minutos, tempo este que apresentou menor quantidade de resíduos. Ensaios fotocatalíticos com o corante Rodamina-B indicaram que os melhores resultados foram obtidos com nanopartículas sintetizadas de 10 a 25 minutos. Acredita-se que as espécies adsorvidas na superfície das nanopartículas foi um facilitador nageração de radicais livres.
A Bioeletricidade Pode Revolucionar a Medicina
Authors: Ribeiro Suzana M. , Teixeira Cláudia  C. , Silva Osmar N.
Published: May 2023

A Bioeletricidade Pode Revolucionar a Medicina
BANYUWANGI CUSTOM RITUAL ETHNOBOTANY-BASED MODULE DEVELOPMENT ON BIODIVERSITY MATERIALS TO TRAIN PLANT LITERACY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY
Authors: Fattahillah Nuris , Sriyati Siti , Amprasto Amprasto
Published: May 2023

The development of this teaching material aims to provide other alternatives in learning activities in the material chapter on biodiversity. The result of this teaching material is in the form of a biodiversity module based on the ethnobotany of Banyuwangi's traditional rituals with the aim of training plant literacy and students' problem-solving skills. The conventional rituals used in the module development are seblang Olehsari, seblang Bakungan, and petik laut Muncar. Module development uses the ADDIE method (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluate) but module development only reaches the development stage. The modules made are tested for the feasibility of teaching materials and readability tests. The feasibility test of teaching materials consists of material coverage, material accuracy, material up-to-date, insight, appearance, and writing. The results of the eligibility validation of teaching materials showed a validity value of 88.70% with a very high category and showed that the module was very suitable for use in learning, while the results of the readability test using the cloze test contained 5 discourses consisting of 43 questions showing a readability level of 73% in the high category so that students easily understand the module developed in the readability aspect.
Gut microbiota resilience and recovery after anticancer chemotherapy
Authors: Roggiani Sara , Mengoli Mariachiara , Conti Gabriele , Fabbrini Marco , Brigidi Patrizia , Barone Monica , D'Amico Federica , Turroni Silvia
Published: May 2023

Although research on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in human health has sharply increased in recent years, what a “healthy” gut microbiota is and how it responds to major stressors is still difficult to establish. In particular, anticancer chemotherapy is known to have a drastic impact on the microbiota structure, potentially hampering its recovery with serious long-term consequences for patients’ health. However, the distinguishing features of gut microbiota recovery and non-recovery processes are not yet known. In this narrative review, we first investigated how gut microbiota layouts are affected by anticancer chemotherapy and identified potential gut microbial recovery signatures. Then, we discussed microbiome-based intervention strategies aimed at promoting resilience, i.e., the rapid and complete recovery of a healthy gut microbial network associated with a better prognosis after such high-impact pharmacological treatments.
Stakeholder engagement: A service delivery-based strategy formulation process in the public sector of South Africa
Authors: Twum-Darko Michael , Ncede Nqwenelwa , Tengeh Robertson
Published: May 2023

This paper explores stakeholder engagement in the strategic management process for service delivery in government. The main objective is to determine the factors influencing insufficient stakeholder engagement of strategic management processes for service delivery by a government department. The four moments of translation concept of Actor Network Theory (ANT) was utilised as a theoretical framework to understand and explain the interplay between the initiator of the network of service delivery and other actors in the network in aligning diverse interests to achieve service delivery goals. The assumption was that the phenomenon was ontologically subjective and that it was appropriate, epistemologically, to adopt an interpretive paradigm as the leading research philosophy, using a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative elements wherein quantitative data was used to test the reliability of the qualitative data. Using the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) as a case study, a sample of 26 participants included 11 managers of WCED and 15 Khayelitsha Education Forum (KEF) members representing the community, school governing bodies and school principals and educators of 64 schools around Khayelitsha township. The study revealed that stakeholder engagement could address non-service delivery during service delivery strategy formulation and implementation. The findings suggest that a network of aligned interests should be established for continuous engagement in implementing strategic plans and service delivery in line with the mandate of Government departments and entities. The results imply intense arrangements and relationship building between government departments and citizens are needed to improve stakeholder relationships and alignment of service delivery expectations to reduce service delivery challenges.
The influence of school culture on teacher development during Covid-19
Authors: Raban Ferhana , Thasmai Dhurumraj
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused teachers and learners to be removed from their school communities, negatively impacting school culture, and limiting teacher professional development (PD). Online PD programmes emerged to meet these needs. This study investigated how schools implemented teacher PD and mechanisms for teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was necessary to understand the complex interplay between school culture and teacher PD, and Wenger's social learning theory was used to prescribe the empirical prescription. This study examined the influence of school culture on Mathematics and Science teacher development during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative approach was used to compare three independent schools in the same Educational Trust in Gauteng. The empirical findings of this study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence on the school culture, consequently giving rise to explicit professional learning communities (PLCs), which in turn influenced the teachers’ pedagogical repertoires for curriculum delivery during a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of schools transforming their practices and adapting their school cultures. Results showed that school culture is not static, and individuals had to reflect collectively to develop ideas to transform learning. Schools need to learn from the pandemic, adjust their values, and use their newfound insights and beliefs to work towards a new learning culture. Future research must evaluate unfolding PLC practices, strategies, and implementations during a crisis.
Random walk and modelling stock return
Authors: Enow Samuel Tabot
Published: May 2023

The debate on whether stock prices follow a random walk continues, becoming the foundation of modern portfolio theory. Supporters of the random walk theory still believe that modeling stock prices is a wasteful exercise. However, evidence from momentum pricing strategy and price reversals suggests otherwise. This study aimed to empirically explore the random walk theory in five international stock markets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic from June 30, 2017, to June 30, 2019, and January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. A multivariate runs test and a generalised distribution function was applied to investigate the theory. The results revealed no significant difference between the observed S-statistics runs and the expected ones, concluding that it is not common to observe random walks in financial markets consistently. Hence price changes in financial markets are significantly affected not only based on new information and investors’ expectations but also by irrationalities that exist among market participants. These irrationalities can be modeled using a generalised distribution function to produce price patterns.
Compensation as a motivating factor of job satisfaction and performance
Authors: Adanlawo Eyitayo Francis , Nkomo Nomusa Yolanda , Vezi-Magigaba Makhosazana Faith
Published: May 2023

The attitude that employees have towards their job is well believed to have an influence on their performance. This study investigated the influence of job satisfaction on employees’ performance. Herzberg’s two-factor hygiene and motivation theory was used to explain employees' motivation for best performance. A cross-sectional survey design in the form of a structured questionnaire was used to randomly sample one hundred (100) employees of the University of Zululand, South Africa. Descriptive and correlation analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The findings indicate that job satisfaction does not influence employees’ performance. The study concludes that UNIZULU employees enjoy their roles despite the unsatisfactory benefits attached. In spite of the unsatisfactory level of benefits, they perform their duties effortlessly. This research contributes to research-based knowledge that will assist universities’ management in identifying the factors that will enhance employees’ performance.
Customer satisfaction and brand loyalty amongst South African Millennials during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Msosa Steven Kayambazinthu
Published: May 2023

Over the last decade, both inflation and societal pressures have increased. The COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated these problems, resulting in a decrease in people's earning ability and contributing to an increase in the unemployment rate in developing countries. Equally tricky for businesses is satisfying price-sensitive customers in the face of unpredictability. Thus, price- and value-obsessed customers are often less committed to a company since they seek fabulous discounts. Therefore, this study examined perceptions of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty amongst millennials in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from respondents were gathered using a descriptive quantitative research methodology, and a simple random sampling procedure was employed to select 142 respondents. Additionally, the research's driving principle was positivism. A self-administered questionnaire was given to the participants to complete. This study's findings suggest a strong and positive relationship between brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. The survey results were thus crucial for learning about the factors that affected customers, such as their shopping preferences and whether or not they would remain loyal to the brand. The results also show that the COVID-19 pandemic has, in some way or other, altered millennials' shopping habits. This research might be helpful to the management of the company in developing comprehensive and in-depth data about a target market so that they can plan and execute the most successful strategies.
Determinants of interest to join Generation Z in non-profit organizations: Mediation Model
Authors: Sauqi Farid , Pardiman  , Supriyanto
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze the role of leadership in moderating the influence of organizational image and religiosity on interest in joining. The sample was GP Ansor cadres, Pasuruan Regency, totaling 156 respondents, namely the Z generation. Questionnaires were distributed via Google form as direct data collection from respondents. Then the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least squares (SEM-PLS), which was then used to answer the research hypothesis. The results of the study show that organizational and leadership image can directly increase interest in joining. However, religiosity did not succeed in increasing interest in joining. Furthermore, leadership failed to moderate the effect of organizational image and religiosity on interest in joining cadres.
The effect of organisational commitment to organisational citizenship behaviour through meaningful work as a mediator
Authors: Merdiaty Netty , Putri Athala Insyrania , Mangundjaya Wustari L.
Published: May 2023

Few empirical studies have examined the connections between employees’ commitment and organizational citizenship behaviors to the company. Also, not much is known about how a specific part of meaningful work affects the organization’s citizenship behaviour of people who work as travel agents. Our study examines whether meaningful work mediates an organization’s commitment to organizational citizenship behaviour. The research is quantitative with descriptive methods, and 104 participants participated. The scales were available online, and they filled them out. Statistical analysis uses the PLS structural equation model to test the model. The main finding of the study demonstrates that (i) There is no relationship between organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour shown in the statistical result is 0.055, (ii) the Statistical result of 0.826 between organization commitment to meaningful work shows that there is a direct link between two variables (iii) and there is the link is between meaningful work and organizational citizenship behaviour with the statistical result is 0.814, (iv)  From this point on, the structural equation model shows that meaningful work is the only difference between organizational commitment and citizenship behaviour with P-Value 0.000. The study has shown that meaningful work as a full mediator can help organizational citizenship behaviour. Organizational commitment and citizenship behaviors are related and reinforced by meaningful work.
The impact of exploitative and organizational learnings on SMEs’ performance: The role of environmental dynamism
Authors: Hadi Prasetyo
Published: May 2023

Within these dynamics and disruptive eras, it is crucial for all kinds of organization to build and ensure their competencies in increasing their performance and maintaining their position, including for SMEs. This study aims to identify the role of exploitative and organizational learning in influencing SMEs' performance. It also considers the moderating role of environmental dynamism as the conditional factor that underlies the relationship. We carried out the study on 150 SMEs in Jakarta, Indonesia, which was chosen using purposive sampling. The data is collected by distributing an online questionnaire to the respondents, which is then processed and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with AMOS. The results of this study indicate that exploitative learning and organizational learning lead to higher SME performance. Furthermore, this influence is more potent when SMEs exist within a dynamic environment, as they will feel the necessity to learn more to face the challenges and seize the opportunities.
Exploring values congruence in supply chain management
Authors: Kalangwa Heggie , Qutieshat Abubaker
Published: May 2023

This study aims to review values congruence in supply chain management. Values congruence, commonly described by researchers as the sameness of object, idea, and people, are challenging to identify, measure and prove because values are inherent intangibles in people and only seen in one’s behaviour. As an exploratory study, this paper concentrated on the supply chain management process critical path identified as specifications, sourcing, evaluation, adjudication, contract management, and administration. The study also aims to investigate the extent of values congruence at every supply chain management critical path stage.  The data were coded, organized, and analyzed by applying the principles of the content analysis method. The main findings in this study revealed that Value congruence increased performance and projected profits, the environment, and society on the one hand. On the other hand, values incongruence contributed to poor organizational performance, malpractices, corruption, bankruptcy, and liquidations.
Analysis of socio-economic conditions in 34 provinces Indonesia
Authors: Abia Asha Nadira , Indri Arrafi Juliannisa
Published: May 2023

Indonesia is a country ranked fourth as the most populous country in the world, so it's no wonder there are many socio-economic problems. Development has several indicators, namely social conditions and economic conditions related to SDGs 3, 4, 8, 9 and 11 goals, where the goal to be achieved is to see which areas have optimal economic growth values. To encourage the achievement of SDGs in Indonesia, social conditions and economic conditions have a role to play in supporting economic growth. Economic growth in this study is described by the GRDP, namely the GRDP describes the total gross added value of each economic sector. By using a sustainability analysis technique, namely Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) using Tosmana software. Using the year of research in 2020 and research objects in 34 provinces. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the regions with optimal economic growth from social and economic conditions were North Sulawesi, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Bali, Kep. Riau, Central Java, East Java and West Java. The relationship between socio-economic conditions on economic growth is expected to provide an increase in economic growth and see what programs have been successfully implemented that can have a positive influence on social and economic conditions.
Indonesia’s tea competitiveness with Russia
Authors: Stephany Dian Arbella  , Purwanto Widodo
Published: May 2023

Agriculture commodities play an important role in international market demand, one of which is tea. Geographical conditions and highlands in Indonesia are very suitable for tea plants, so it would increase its international competitiveness when it develops. This research aims to determine the effect of production, areas, price, exchange rate, and GDP on Indonesia’s tea exports. This research used quantitative data in a time series data of 60 samples from 2006-2020. Furthermore, this research used ARIMA to forecast with econometric aids Eviews 10. The results obtained include a positive and significant effect between production and export, and there is no effect on areas, price, the exchange rate, and GDP to exports. The forecasting results reveal that Indonesia’s tea exports will fall in the next year.
Comparison of financial performance and firm value before and after mergers and acquisitions of non-financial companies in Indonesia
Authors: Jubaedah Nawir  , Kevin Christoper  , Himawan Rahardika  , Rida Anisa Permata  , Helena Olivia Yosih N
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to see whether there is a difference between mergers and acquisitions on financial performance and firm value or not. A total of 31 companies conducting mergers and acquisitions in 2016-2018 listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange were sampled in this study. The occurrence of decline in profitability, liquidity, activity ratios and firm value as well as an increase in solvency ratios after mergers and acquisitions became the impetus for conducting research. The measuring tool of profitability is Net Profit Margin (NPM). The measuring tool of liquidity is the Current Ratio (CR). The measuring tool of Solvency is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER). The measuring tool for the activity ratio is Total Asset Turnover Ratio (TATO). And the instrument for measuring the value of the company is the stock price. This study used the Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test to test the hypothesis. The results showed that there was a difference in the Current Ratio (CR) after the merger and acquisition. However, mergers and acquisitions make no difference in Net Profit Margin (NPM), Total Asset Ratio (TATO), Debt-to-Equity Ratio (DER), and Firm value.
PENGEMBANGAN E-LKPD BERBASIS MODEL PROBLEM SOLVING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATERI LARUTAN ELEKTROLIT DAN NON ELEKTROLIT DALAM KONTEKS LAHAN BASAH
Authors: Rosalinda Evi , Hamid Abdul , Kusasi Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui validitas, praktikalitas, dan efektivitas produk E-LKPD yang dikembangkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian pengembangan ini adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model pengembangan 4D yaitu: define (pendefinisian), design (perancangan), develop (pengembangan), dan disseminate (penyebaran). E-LKPD yang dikembangkan diuji cobakan pada 38 orang peserta didik kelas X MIPA 2 SMAN 7 Banjarmasin. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa E-LKPD yang dikembangkan dinyatakan sangat valid dilihat dari hasil validasi aspek kelayakan isi (99%), penyajian (96,25%), bahasa (99,3%), dan media (98,75%). E-LKPD yang dikembangkan juga telah memenuhi aspek praktikalitas yang dilihat dari hasil angket keterbacaan E-LKPD pada uji coba perorangan (81,67%) dan kelompok kecil (94%) yang termasuk kategori sangat praktis. Angket respon peserta didik memperoleh rata-rata skor 3,4 dengan persentase 85,65% yang termasuk kategori sangat praktis dan angket respon guru memperoleh rata-rata skor 3,3 dengan persentase 82,5% yang termasuk dalam kategori sangat praktis. Lembar observasi kemampuan guru menggunakan E-LKPD memperoleh persentase 87,5% dengan rata-rata skor 3,5 yang termasuk kategori sangat baik dan lembar observasi kemampuan guru mengelola kelas memperoleh persentase 96,25% dengan rata-rata skor 3,85 yang termasuk kategori sangat baik. E-LKPD juga telah memenuhi aspek efektivitas yang dilihat dari hasil rata-rata N-gain kemampuan berpikir kritis peserta didik yaitu 0,77 yang termasuk kategori tinggi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan produk yang dikembangkan yaitu E-LKPD berbasis model Problem Solving telah memenuhi aspek validitas, praktikalitas, dan efektivitas.
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL ELEKTRONIK BERBASIS PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MENGGUNAKAN ISPRING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATERI REAKSI REDOKS
Authors: Wiranti Wiranti , Iriani Rilia , Saadi Parham , Leny Leny
Published: May 2023

Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan modul elektronik berbasis problem based learning menggunakan perangkat lunak iSpring pada materi reaksi redoks yang valid, praktis, dan efektif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan ialah Research and Development dengan model pengembangan 4D (Define, Design, Develop, dan Disseminate). Uji coba modul elektronik yang dikembangkan ini dilakukan pada peserta didik kelas X MIPA 3 SMAN 7 Banjarmasin Tahun Ajaran 2021/2022. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan menggunakan lembar validasi, angket keterbacaan, angket respon, lembar observasi dan tes keterampilan berpikir kritis. Analisis data yang dilakukan ialah analisis deskriptif. Hasil analisis validitas berdasarkan aspek kelayakan isi, aspek kelayakan penyajian, aspek kelayakan bahasa, dan aspek kelayakan media yang dinilai validator memperoleh hasil dengan kriteria sangat valid. Hasil uji kepraktisan dinilai berdasarkan hasil uji coba perorangan, uji coba kelompok kecil, angket respon peserta didik, angket respon guru, dan aktivitas guru menggunakan modul elektronik masing-masing memperoleh hasil dengan kategori sangat baik. Hasil uji keefektifan berdasarkan tes keterampilan berpikir kritis diperoleh N-gain sebesar 0,90 yang termasuk dalam kategori tinggi dan artinya efektif berhasil meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik.  Dapat disimpulkan modul elektronik yang dikembangkan valid, praktis, dan efektif untuk digunakan serta berhasil meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik.