bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Greater Freedom of Expression for Judges. The Rejection of a Culture of Judicial Silence and Its Benefits for Liberal Democracy*
Authors: Wojtanowski Mateusz
Published: October 2024

The current study asserts that the rejection of a culture of judicial silence is beneficial to the architecture of liberal democracy, as judicial expression outside a courtroom assists in maintaining a balance between its components. On the one hand, this can create defence mechanisms against the alienation of the law from society (which appropriately appreciates the democratic component), while on the other, it aids in the actualization of the constitutionally determined role of the judiciary within the political system (safeguarding the liberal element). The discussion, which is essentially based on an analysis of international soft law, commences by examining two areas pertaining to judicial expression outside a courtroom: public discussion on the law and generally understood social life involvement. Subsequently, the limits of judges’ expression during such activities are analysed, and three proposals for their definition are put forward. As a next step, the paper highlights the diversity of judges as relevant to the problem at hand. The work concludes by outlining its findings, which also include the potential risks associated with the proposed project.
State Aid to Electricity Producers: National and EU Law Aspects
Authors: Rodiņa Anita , Ūdre Dārta
Published: October 2024

At European Union level, there is a detailed regulatory framework allowing Member States to introduce state aid. State aid is always granted for a specific purpose and helps Member States to achieve their common objectives. The energy sector is being moved towards reaching targets for both energy efficiency and climate neutrality, with a gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels. However, it is not always easy to align these targets at Member State level and to create the appropriate national regulatory framework. Therefore, this article in the light of the two most recent judgements of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Latvia (hereinafter – Constitutional Court), analyses the importance of a fixed term of state aid for electricity production and some aspects of state aid for biogas cogeneration plants, including the development of EU law perspective. The article also examines the impact of the enforcement of the Constitutional Court’s judgments in the area of state aid in Latvia and explains the emerging concept of environmental constitutionalism.
Legal Aspects of Membership in a Trade Union: A Case Study of Lithuania
Authors: Mačernytė-Panomariovienė Ingrida , Krasauskas Rytis
Published: October 2024

The aim of this article is to address the questions of how the principle of freedom of association and the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of trade union membership are understood and to identify legal obstacles for an effective implementation of the right to join trade unions. International, EU regional and Lithuanian national legislation, as well as the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union and Lithuanian courts have been explored to carry out the current study. The results confirm that membership can be interpreted broadly; therefore, members of a trade union may be required to possess certain working and legal capacities, as well as meet other requirements related to the trade union’s objectives, which are sometimes unreasonable. Due to possible exceptions, various members may be subject to different collective rights, for example, certain officers may not be permitted to strike, and some may not even be allowed to join associations.
A Turning Point in the Understanding of the Legal Consequences of the Conclusion of a Preliminary Contract in Latvian Case Law
Authors: Kalniņš Erlens , Pavlovskis Germans
Published: October 2024

On 5 July 2023, the Supreme Court (Senate) delivered its judgement in case No. SKC-19/2023, departing from the current case law regarding the legal understanding and legal consequences of a preliminary contract, regulated in Section 1541 of the Civil Law, recognising that both the right to claim conclusion of the main contract and the right to claim compensation for losses could arise from the preliminary contract, as well as providing other important findings, inter alia, regarding the possibility for the claimant to join the claim for conclusion of the main contract in one with the claim for performance of the main contract. This article provides detailed insight into this judgement by the Senate, at the same time referring to the findings made in the current case law and legal literature, as well as pointing to possible future challenges.
Disinformation in the EU Law: Moral Theories and the Context
Authors: Baltrimas Johanas
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there have been scandalous cases of information warfare acts in the Western world committed by hostile foreign governments. The effect of such acts is dramatically amplified by the widespread use of the internet media and ongoing military conflicts. Accordingly, the EU has taken steps in the battle against disinformation. The legal definition of disinformation contains attributes that need further explanation, particularly, lying and deception. Philosophical theories contain valuable insights on the morality of lying and deception, which can be adapted for interpretation of the disinformation concept.
Butia eriospatha: DUAS DÉCADAS DE MUDANÇAS AMBIENTAIS DA REGIÃO DE OCORRÊNCIA NATURAL DA ESPÉCIE
Authors: Azambuja Maike Brum , Neves Patrícia de Oliveira , Cañedo Andrés Delgado , Pereira Antônio Batista
Published: October 2024

Butia eriospatha cresce em regiões de clima temperado do bioma Mata Atlântica (M. A.) associada à Floresta Ombrófila Mista e Campos de Altitude dos Estados Brasileiros do Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina e Paraná e está classificado como vulnerável pela IUCN. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar os locais de ocorrência da espécie e analisar as principais mudanças ambientais nestas regiões, nos anos de 1998 e 2020 e a diferença em áreas desmatadas entre 2019-2020. Os registros de ocorrência foram obtidos através do Herbário Virtual Reflora e SpeciesLink, tabulados e exportados para o software QGIS, resultando em um mapa georreferenciado. No período 2019-2020 a área desmatada na M. A. foi de 23.873 ha. Analisando os dados individuais dos estados do Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul, observou-se significativo aumento da área desmatada entre 2019 e 2020, respectivamente, 160%, 254% e 87%. Ao analisar os dados de usos específicos no bioma M. A., em 1998 e 2020, observou-se o aumento do uso da terra para agropecuária e urbanização e a diminuição da formação campestre natural. Essas alterações ambientais podem acentuar o declínio das populações naturais, influenciando a diversidade genética devido ao isolamento geográfico, podendo causar, inclusive, a extinção da espécie.
FATORES QUE DIFICULTAM A REALIZAÇÃO DO EXAME CITOPATOLÓGICO DE COLO UTERINO - REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Zanotelli Michele Shaiane , Lohmann Paula Michele , Medeiros Cássia Regina Gotler , Brietzke Aline Patrícia
Published: October 2024

Introdução: O exame Citopatológico, também conhecido como teste de Papanicolau, deve ser realizado em mulheres de 25 a 64 anos. Este exame permite a detecção precoce de lesões pré-malignas ou malignas e seu devido tratamento, aumentando as chances de cura. Objetivo:  Avaliar os fatores que dificultam a realização dos exames citopatológicos do Colo de Útero. Metodologia: Revisão Integrativa que seguiu as seguintes etapas: identificação e delimitação do assunto, definição da palavra-chave Citopatológico de colo uterino; coleta de dados, em artigos publicados no período 2014 a 2023 em periódicos indexados. Foram considerados artigos na língua portuguesa e excluídos artigos de revisão, teses e dissertações. A análise buscou verificar os fatores que dificultam a realização dos exames citopatológicos de colo uterino relacionado às mulheres, relacionado aos serviços de saúde e os impactos da pandemia do COVID-19 na cobertura do rastreamento de Câncer de Colo uterino. Resultados: Após a pesquisa nos periódicos, 17 artigos foram incluídos na amostra final, considerando os critérios de inclusão do estudo. Verificou-se que a realização de exames citopatológicos de colo uterino enfrenta obstáculos que incluem desconhecimento da sua importância, busca tardia após sintomas, sentimentos de vergonha e medo e desinformação. Além disso, a falta de conscientização dos serviços de saúde, registros inadequados, demoras nos resultados e a carência de conhecimento entre profissionais de saúde contribuem para dificuldades relacionadas aos serviços de saúde. A pandemia de COVID-19 intensificou esses desafios, com interrupções nos serviços e desigualdades socioeconômicas na realização de exames, destacando a urgência de estratégias inclusivas e a necessidade contínua de educação em saúde. Conclusão: Profissionais de enfermagem devem atuar no sentido de facilitar o acesso ao exame, compreendendo e superando tais obstáculos, ao mesmo tempo sensibilizando as mulheres para que assumam a responsabilidade por sua saúde. O conhecimento e compreensão dos fatores que dificultam ou até impedem a realização do exame preventivo são essenciais para o planejamento de intervenções mais eficientes e adequadas às necessidades da população feminina.
OS IMPACTOS DA CHIKUGUNYA NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DOS PACIENTES COM ARTRALGIA CRÔNICA: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Nunes Cardoso Joanderson , Nairton Coelho da Silva José , Alencar Sousa Lorena , Lacerda Lodonio Larissa , Lima Cândido Estelita , Gleidiston Lima da Silva Cláudio , Do Socorro Vieira Dos Santos Maria
Published: October 2024

A Chikungunya é uma doença, transmitida ao homem pela picada do mosquito fêmea do gênero Aedes, ocasionando dores nas articulações que podem se tornarem crônicas, afetando assim as atividades diárias. Esse estudo teve por objetivo reunir estudos sobre a relação da artralgia crônica, verificada nos pacientes, e seu impacto na qualidade de vida. Foram realizadas buscas de publicações científicas nas bases PUBMED, BVS e SCOPUS, utilizando os DeCS e MeSH (Chronic Pain) OR (Dor crônica) AND (Chikungunya vírus) OR (Chicungunha), no período atemporal. A pesquisa incluiu artigos originais envolvendo a temática, nos idiomas inglês e português, sendo excluídos estudos secundários, editoriais e fora da temática. A análise dos estudos apontou que a artralgia crônica pode está presente nos pacientes acometidos pela Chikungunya, apresentando uma correlação entre a doença e os prejuízos na qualidade de vida. Os tratamentos disponíveis proporcionam a diminuição das dores nas articulações e edemas locais melhorando o desenvolvimento das atividades diárias. Cuidar somente das dores físicas não é suficiente para melhora da qualidade de vida dos pacientes sequelados. O suporte psicológico é importante para ajudá-los a se adaptar às limitações da sua nova realidade.
TENTATIVA DE SUICÍDIO NA POPULAÇÃO INFANTIL: O QUE FAZER?
Authors: Cesa Amanda Aparecida , Pizzutti Ana Letícia , Dhamer Thricy
Published: October 2024

A tentativa de suicídio em crianças com até 14 anos, é um assunto preocupante que reflete um complexo conjunto de fatores biopsicossociais, e sua incidência tem aumentado em várias regiões do mundo. Depressão, ansiedade, abuso sexual, violência doméstica, bullying, falta de apoio familiar, predisposições genéticas e desequilíbrios neuroquímicos podem aumentar o risco. Mudanças comportamentais, como isolamento social, mudanças drásticas no desempenho escolar, e a expressão de sentimentos de desesperança são sinais de alerta importantes. Comportamentos autolesivos e falas sobre morte ou suicídio também são preocupantes. Como abordagem nos casos de tentativa, é necessária a intervenção psicológica, como terapia cognitivo-comportamental, além de apoio familiar, programas educativos e acesso a serviços de saúde mental e linhas de apoio. A conscientização e a educação sobre saúde mental são passos essenciais para abordar e reduzir essa adversidade social de grande proporção.
VACINAÇÃO INFANTIL: CONHECIMENTO DAS GESTANTES E ORIENTAÇÕES RECEBIDAS PELA ENFERMAGEM NA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: Goettens Cinthia , Lavall Eliane
Published: October 2024

A vacinação infantil depende da cooperação dos pais, apresentando um desafio para os profissionais de saúde devido à resistência causada por falta de informação, fatores culturais, tabus religiosos e práticas de saúde anteriores. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender o conhecimento de gestantes acompanhadas na Unidade Básica de Saúde em relação à vacinação infantil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quali-quantitativa, descritiva e exploratória realizada de agosto a novembro de 2023 com gestantes usuárias de duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, com análise temática. Os resultados mostraram que as participantes têm conhecimento sobre prevenção de doenças, reconhecendo a importância da vacinação para a saúde dos filhos. A maioria demonstrou não ter dúvidas quanto ao tema, entretanto relataram não receber informações completas sobre as vacinas e explicação do calendário nacional de vacinação infantil. Também a maioria acredita ser necessário mais orientações sobre o assunto durante o acompanhamento pré-natal. Em suma, é crucial orientar os pais sobre benefícios, reações e faixas etárias das vacinas, visto que influenciam diretamente na decisão de vacinar.
Análisis de las Políticas de Bienestar Laboral y su Impacto en la Comunidad Universitaria en el Rosario, Sinaloa, México
Authors: Hernández Osuna Adolfo Arturo
Published: October 2024

Las políticas de bienestar laboral implementadas en la institución tienen un impacto positivo, aunque desigual, en diferentes grupos dentro de la comunidad, en términos generales, se observó que el personal administrativo presenta mayores niveles de satisfacción en relación con las políticas de bienestar, en comparación con los docentes y los estudiantes, sin embargo, se identificó que la comunicación y accesibilidad a ciertos programas son insuficientes, especialmente entre los estudiantes, quienes desconocen en gran medida los beneficios disponibles, así mismo la investigación utilizó una metodología mixta, que combinó enfoques cuantitativos y cualitativos para obtener una visión integral del impacto de las políticas de bienestar laboral. Como Resultado un 72% del personal administrativo y un 65% del personal docente expresaron satisfacción con las políticas de bienestar, sin embargo, solo el 40% de los estudiantes manifestaron estar al tanto de dichas políticas y cómo acceder a ellas; se observó una correlación entre la satisfacción con las políticas de bienestar y un aumento en la productividad, con un 68% de los encuestados afirmando que las iniciativas de bienestar contribuyen a mejorar su desempeño.
Financial outcomes hypothesized through serially mediated combination of eCRM, eService quality and relationship quality: A digitalisation aspect in modern retail banking
Authors: Chauhan Kavita , Singh Saurabh , Dahiya Vandana , Singh Babita
Published: October 2024

The study focuses on the financial outcomes of banks rushing towards digitalisation to sustain the steep enhancement of digital applications in the financial services sector. Digitalisation (including electronic customer relationship management (eCRM), electronic service quality (eService quality), and relationship quality) relation with the financial outcomes has been explored to achieve the purpose of the current study. The survey method has been adopted in the study. The survey has been presented to Indian Banking customers (through email, WhatsApp, social media, and references) using electronic/virtual/digital banking services to ensure the collection of appropriate responses. In total, 569 responses have been received, and only 523 were found suitable for the study. Serial mediation has been used to test the model using the AMOS software. The study highlighted a significant relationship between the digitalisation and financial outcomes of the banks. The relationship between eCRM and financial outcomes is serially mediated by eService quality and relationship quality. In banks, eCRM relates to financial performance (Rad & Taleghani, 2015). However, banks need to understand that the service delivery and the relationship quality over the virtual systems need to be enhanced and sustained to achieve any significant impact on the financial outcomes.
The Role of Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index as a Non-Invasive Predictor of Variceal Etiology of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Shrestha Ashish , Sharma Pasanda , Lama Anjila , Gurung Ram Bahadur
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Non-invasive strategies to predict variceal from non-variceal bleeding will be highly beneficialfor preemptive management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB). This study aimed to assess the roleof aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) as a non-invasive predictor of varicealetiology of UGIB. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at Endoscopy Departmentof Dhulikhel Hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 in patients presenting with acute UGIB.We assessed the diagnostic utility of the APRI score relative to other objective measures by Area Under theReceiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 158 patients with historyof UGIB were included in the study. There were total 123 males (77.8%) and the mean age of the patientswas 50.3Â±16.1 years. The APRI score performed well in predicting a variceal etiology of acute UGIB, withAUROC 0.9. When APRI was used at cut-off of 1.3, it had a sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 76.8%,a positive predictive value of 70.7% and a negative predictive value of 89.9% while predicting varicealetiology of UGIB at presentation. The relative risk of varices at an APRI cut-off of 1.3 is 17.5 with a p-valueof <0.0001. Conclusion: The present study highlighted that APRI score can be used as an objective metricthat helps to predict a variceal etiology of acute UGIB.
Sex Determination from Radiological Assessment of the Sacrum in Nepalese Population: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shrestha Subina , KC Sudikshya , Acharya Sumnima
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Human skeleton shows variable degree of sexual dimorphism, but definitive inference can be obtained from only a few bones, sacrum being one of them. The morphometric differences of the bone will be helpful to obstetricians, as it shows special adaptations in females for child bearing. It is also important for physical anthropologists and forensic scientists for sex determination. The aim of this study was to find out whether sex could be determined by using sacral parameters from X-ray images of pelvis. Methods: The study included antero-posterior X-ray images of pelvis with clearly visible 680 sacra (311 of males and 369 of females) obtained by computer generated random numbers from records in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of a medical college in Nepal. X-ray images with the sacrum suspected for fractures and pathological diseases were excluded. Inbuilt software â€œCR Konica Minolta Aero DR/CR CS7â€ was used for measurements. Results: The mean sacral length and mean transverse diameter of S1 vertebra were higher in males; whereas, mean sacral breadth, mean left ala length, mean right ala length, mean ala length, mean sacral index and mean alar index were higher in females. These differences in sacral parameters between the two sexes were statistically significant (p<0.05). The percentage of bones identified by demarking points of sacral index was 15.17% and 0.32% respectively in the males and the females. Conclusion: The result of the present study supported determination of sex of an individual from radiological assessment of sacrum.
Sair ou permanecer no armário?
Authors: Bezerra Fabrício Allysson Barbosa , Mesquita Rafael Fernandes de , Meneses Rafael Martins de , Monteiro Adriana Kirley Santiago
Published: October 2024

A homossexualidade não é considerada uma escolha pessoal, no entanto, a revelação da orientação sexual de alguém é Coming out of the closet, um termo inglês que se refere ao processo pelo qual as/os homossexuais revelam sua sexualidade a outrem, tornando-se visíveis, culturalmente compreensíveis e até desafiando abertamente a hegemonia do discurso sexual. O objetivo central deste estudo é compreender o processo de se assumir homossexual (coming out) nas empresas privadas, apresentando-se como uma pesquisa qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas, em profundidade, com funcionárias/os homossexuais. Como principal resultado, ficou claro que a forma como as/os trabalhadoras/es homossexuais vivenciam a sexualidade em contextos organizacionais apresenta uma série de dificuldades que pessoas heterossexuais não vivenciam. A homossexualidade ainda é vista como algo diferente, o que expõe esses indivíduos a conflitos internos, restrições comportamentais, baixa aceitação social, violência, discriminação e preconceito.
Assessing Environmental Concerns, Knowledge and Health Consciousness in Young Adults’ Organic Food Choices
Authors: Samat Nusrah , Sethumadavan Sakti , Fikry Amily , Md Shariff Siti Fatimah , Fabeil Noor Fzlinda
Published: October 2024

The trend towards buying organic food is declining among young adults, which raises concerns about factors influencing their purchasing behavior. This study investigates factors affecting young adults’ buying behavior of organic food products, including environmental concerns, knowledge, and health consciousness. Survey data was collected from 100 young adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The results showed that knowledge about organic food was the strongest predictor of young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior. In addition, concern for the environment had a significant positive influence on young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior, while health consciousness showed no significant influence. These findings offer practical implications for manufacturers: to provide clear product details that can enhance consumers’ knowledge and highlight environmental advantages in marketing strategies to encourage consumption. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the value of environmental awareness and knowledge of organic food and shedding light on the minor influence of health awareness-a topic that has received less attention in other studies.
Energy Consumption, Emission, Transportation Sector in Malaysia: Review on Malaysia’s Road Transport
Authors: Yaacob Fatin Farazh , Badyalina Basri , Mohd Shariff Sazlin Suhalmie , Ramli Mohamad Faizal , Alpandi Rabiatul Munirah
Published: October 2024

Transportation is a major challenge for energy conservation, with road transport in Malaysia being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Malaysia, traditional fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel dominate the transportation sector, which has become the second-largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for 20% in 2014. This increase in CO2 emissions, driven by rising vehicle ownership and economic growth, underscores the urgent need for effective emission reduction strategies. The rapid growth in road transportation in Malaysia is linked to socioeconomic factors, including rising incomes and urbanization, leading to higher energy consumption and pollution. Data indicates a significant increase in vehicle registrations from 1990 to 2018, with motorcars and motorcycles being the most common. This growth, fueled by subsidies and decentralization, has exacerbated the sector’s environmental impact. The Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia 2017–2040 aims to address these issues by setting ambitious targets to enhance renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and promote eco-friendly fuels. Key strategies include expanding public transportation, increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and introducing alternative fuels like hydrogen. Malaysia has substantial potential to reduce CO2 emissions through initiatives such as expanding EV infrastructure, promoting natural gas vehicles, and improving public transit. Effective implementation of these strategies can significantly lower the transportation sector’s carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Conceptualizing the Implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools and Personalization Marketing on Consumer Purchase Intention: Insights from the Malaysian E-Commerce Market
Authors: Abdullah Mohamad Fariz , Ibrahim Muhamad Azman , Bahtar Azlin Zanariah , Khan Noor Rita Mohamad
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling online retailers to offer highly personalized shopping experiences tailored to individual preferences and behaviors. As e-commerce continues to grow in Malaysia, understanding the influence of AI and personalization marketing on consumer purchase intentions has become increasingly important for businesses seeking to remain competitive. However, the rapid adoption of AI also raises concerns about data privacy, ethical AI usage, and compliance with emerging data protection regulations, such as Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).  This study aims to explore the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalization marketing on consumer purchase intention within the Malaysian e-commerce market. By reviewing previous literature and theoretical frameworks, the study explores how the use of AI tools including predictive analytics automation, and personalization experiences might influence consumer behavior in online shopping environments. The study adopts a quantitative approach, in which quota sampling will be used for the participant selection. A self-administered questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale will be employed to gather data from e-commerce users in Malaysia. The findings from this study have important implications for both e-commerce businesses and policymakers in Malaysia. For businesses, understanding which aspects of AI and personalization most influence consumer purchase intentions can help them strategically implement these technologies to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. For policymakers, the study highlights the need to consider ethical and legal issues, such as data privacy and policy issues, in the growing use of AI in the e-commerce market.
The Impact of Student Attitude on Information, Communication, Creation Skills and Student Engagement
Authors: Xin Ho Khai , Ping Ng Junn , Tong Liu Xiao , Yan Kua Mei , Abdul Razak Norfadzilah
Published: October 2024

The Malaysian education system is guided by the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which drives the overall quality and effectiveness of education in the country. This study provides insights and assists in forming informed guidelines for the Ministry of Education regarding the impact of skill factors. The relationship between the direct effects of these three primary skills and attitudes is supported by Self-Efficacy Theory (SET). The indirect relationship, where attitude mediates the effects of these skills on student engagement, is supported by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). A questionnaire was distributed to local university students currently in their fourth semester and analyzed using the Structural Equation Model using Partial Least Square (PLS).  The structural model results direct relationship between attitude and student engagement and between information skills and attitude. In addition, the mediation analysis shows that the relationship between information skills and student engagement, mediated by student attitude, was significant. Based on these results, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education focus on providing supportive resources, such as learning environments and training for educators, in the upcoming Malaysia Education Blueprint for 2026 to 2036. Additionally, offering Digital Literacy Programs to equip students with information skills can positively influence student attitudes and thereby increase the level of student engagement, which is crucial for improving the academic performance and achievement of Malaysia’s educational system. Future research should include a cross-cultural comparison to reconsider educational theories for Asian countries, as many theories are currently based on Western educational settings and contexts.
Understanding Factors Affecting Inclusions of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Study among Non-Disabled University Students
Authors: Saadun Saadiah Juliana , Ab Latiff Dilla Shadia , Mohamed Besir Mohamad Shahril , Alias Roslinda , Fikri Mohd Faris , Imran Nanang Jazmin Qistina binti
Published: October 2024

Inclusive education for people with disabilities is gaining importance globally, with improving factors that support the inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education as a key objective. This study explores how societal and environmental factors shape perceptions of disability, rather than viewing it solely as an individual limitation. A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed, involving 279 university students from six different faculties. Data were analyzed through frequency distribution and SPSS to examine the attitudes of non-disabled students toward the inclusion of their disabled peers in higher education. The findings reveal that environmental barriers are strongly associated with the attitudes of non-disabled students toward their peers with disabilities (r = .693, p < .01), indicating that these barriers significantly impact how students perceive and interact with those who have impairments. The non-disabled students identified specific environmental factors that either support or hinder the inclusion of disabled students in university settings. This research highlights the need for addressing environmental obstacles to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.
Understanding the Impact of Social and Facilitating Factors on Drone Adoption in the Takaful Sector of Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Muhamat Amirul Afif , Ibrahim Muhammad Azman , Sardiana Anna , Hendrayati Heny , Ramdhan Nur‘Asyiqin , Bahrin Nurul Fathiyah Kamarul
Published: October 2024

The takaful industry, a sector that is guided by Shariah-compliant principles, is progressively investigating cutting-edge technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. This study investigates the influence of social factors and facilitating conditions on the intention to adopt drone technology within the Takaful sector in Malaysia and Indonesia. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 68 Takaful professionals. The results were analyzed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings revealed that social influence and facilitating conditions significantly impact behavior intention, while performance and effort expectancy were found to be less important. Additionally, the study integrates Maqasid Shariah principles, ensuring that the adoption of drone technology aligns with Islamic ethical considerations. The study also urges more investigation to investigate the generalisability of these results over many cultural and legal environments as well as the possible impact of developing technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain on the sector.
A Study of Long-Run Equilibrium Relationship Between Foreign Direct Investment and Its Key Determinants in Malaysia
Authors: Rosli Mohd Fairuzz , Zaghlol Dr. Azlul Kalilah , Soo Cheng Associate Professor Dr. Chuah , Mohd Shakil Dr. Nurul Syifaa , Goh Theng-Huey
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the long-run equilibrium relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and its key determinants in Malaysia. Employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model on annual data between 1971 and 2021. The key findings confirm a long-run equilibrium relationship between FDI and the selected macroeconomic variables as a group. However, the individual impact of gross domestic product, inflation, exchange rate, and trade openness on FDI is not statistically significant when analyzed separately. Specifically, the long-run results suggest that the determinants do not have significant effects on FDI. Meanwhile, the short-run relationship between FDI and its determinants in Malaysia reveals a complex interplay of factors. Inflation and exchange rates play significant roles, with inflation generally encouraging FDI and exchange rate volatility creating mixed effects. Trade openness on the other hand shows some short-run significance but it is not consistently impactful. The error correction (ECM) model also confirms the existence of a long-run relationship. It highlights that while short-term fluctuations can occur, FDI tends to move towards a long-term equilibrium influenced by a relatively moderate speed of adjustment. The key conclusion implies that FDI is influenced by the combined effect of these variables in the longer term, but the individual contribution of each variable is not strong enough to stand out statistically. This research contributes to the understanding of FDI dynamics in Malaysia by providing insights, thereby informing policymakers and investors about effective strategies to attract and leverage FDI for sustainable development.
Influence of Corporate Information Transparency on Foreign Institutional Investors' Shareholding Behavior: Evidence from Public Listed Companies in China
Authors: Yaojing Yang , Abdul Aziz Nor Farradila , Mohd Hashim Maryam Jameelah
Published: October 2024

In 2003, China implemented the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) system, which has garnered considerable interest from international institutional investors in the mainland market. As global investors, QFIIs depend significantly on precise, thorough information to bolster their investing criteria. Consequently, the transparency of corporate information becomes a crucial factor for QFIIs. However, due to the relatively late development of the Chinese market, an imbalanced structure of listed companies and information asymmetry, the information disclosure of listed companies has been subject to certain degrees of distortion. Therefore, to better facilitate the development of China's securities market and to help QFIIs fully realize their advanced value investment strategies, this paper aims to study the impact of corporate information transparency on the stockholding behavior of foreign institutional investors. This paper begins by reviewing the literature on the factors influencing institutional investor holdings, corporate transparency, and the characteristics of foreign institutional investors' stockholding. It then defines the concepts of corporate information transparency and foreign institutional investors, analyzes the current state of information transparency in Chinese listed companies, and examines the development of the QFII system in China. The theoretical framework explores the mechanisms through which corporate information transparency influences the stockholding behavior of foreign institutional investors. In the empirical analysis, the paper plans to measure the information transparency of listed companies from three perspectives: earnings quality, information ratings by the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and the number of analyst followings, to investigate how corporate information transparency influences QFII stockholding behavior.
Understanding the Decision to Purchase Health Insurance Among Academicians
Authors: Arshad Afiza Azura Mohamad , Arifin Azitadoly Mohd , Chuah Soo-Cheng
Published: October 2024

This study investigates various factors influencing the decision of academicians in Malaysia to purchase health insurance. Health insurance is a policy that gives coverage for medical expenses and hospitalization.  In Malaysia, health policy is commonly known as medical policy and the term medical card is broadly used to represent health policy and the benefits available under the policy.  Through qualitative interviews with six faculty members, the research uncovers the complexities of the decision-making process. The findings reveal that personal experiences, cultural values, social influences, and financial considerations significantly shape these decisions. However, the study's small sample size and regional specificity limit the generalizability of the results. Future research should address these limitations by incorporating a larger and more diverse sample to enhance the external validity of the findings. Such an approach would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing health insurance decisions and inform policy interventions aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.
Involvement of the TGF-β pathway in epithelialmesenchymal transition promoted by the pulmonary microenvironment in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Fan Lu , Wang Huixia , Xu Nuo , Guo Yun , Li Ling
Published: October 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), one of the smallest prokaryotic microorganisms capable of independent survival, causes respiratory tract infections and various extrapulmonary diseases. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is the most significant clinical manifestation, often leading to complications such as atelectasis and pulmonary fibrosis. We explored the role of the pulmonary microenvironment in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MPP patients with atelectasis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed significant upregulation of pathways including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-?), tumor protein 53 (P53), protein kinase Hippo, Ras-proximate-1 or Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1), and members of class O forkhead box proteins (FoxO) in cells exposed to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from MPP patients with atelectasis. Among these, the TGF-? pathway exhibited the most pronounced changes in gene expression. Further analysis confirmed that BALF from these patients induced EMT in human bronchial epithelial cells and mouse lung tissues and that TGF-? receptor kinase inhibitor (TRKI) effectively reversed this process. In conclusion, the pulmonary microenvironment in MPP patients with atelectasis promotes EMT in the lungs, with TGF-? playing a key role in this process. This may represent a crucial mechanism contributing to pulmonary fibrosis, underscoring the need to focus on the pulmonary microenvironment and TGF-?-targeted therapies for the prevention and management of pulmonary fibrosis in these patients.
Antimicrobial activity of Chitosan-silver nanoparticles made from jewelry industry silver waste
Authors: Perdana Muhammad , Kusuma Ikhwan , Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams , Yulianti Evy , Tóth Barbara , Csupor Dezső , Takó Miklós , Vágvölgyi Csaba
Published: October 2024

Local management of bacterial infections is challenging. The antimicrobial effect of silver has long been recognized, but its use is limited due to its expensive nature and reduced applicability in liquids. This study aimed to synthesize chitosan-silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) from reusable silver waste of the jewelry industry and investigate their antimicrobial properties against pathogenic microorganisms. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to confirm the crystalline structure of the recycled silver, with a strong diffraction peak observed at 2?=38.60?. Agar disk diffusion showed inhibitory effects for CS-AgNPs on the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans that depended on the concentration of AgNO3 solution used for preparation. In these tests, S. aureus was more susceptible to the treatment than E. coli and C. albicans. The CS-AgNP inhibited the growth of tested microorganisms with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values between 1.7 and 4.25 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of CS-AgNPs as effective antimicrobial agents. The use of waste materials in nanoparticle synthesis in this research offers a promising approach for sustainable and eco-friendly nanotechnology.
Reimagining Social Auditing: Crafting a New Conceptual Framework for Accountability and Transparency
Authors:   Université Hassan II de Casablanca, IKY Nassima , LOULID Adil ,   Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
Published: October 2024

Social auditing has emerged as a crucial tool for monitoring and objectively assessing a company's social management in the face of a constantly changing environment. Social auditing helps the business identify potential social issues and take the appropriate action to address them in light of the company's goals and surroundings. This paper's goal is to outline the factors that influence social auditing, as well as its methods, resources, and the kinds and degrees that businesses typically use. In order to justify our interest in focusing our future research efforts on the topic of the influence of social auditing on social performance, the primary goals of this study are to assess the trends that characterize scientific research on the subject and investigate the principal theories and methodologies. The study concludes that social auditing plays a crucial role in managing and analyzing a company's social performance in a constantly changing environment. By identifying the determinants, approaches, and tools of social auditing, organizations can better detect and address social difficulties.
Differentiated Learning Assisted by Digital STRIP Comic Media Improves Elementary School Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Safitri Insan , Nurharini Atip
Published: October 2024

The obstacle in learning activities is that students do not need to understand the learning material, so they get low learning outcomes. Based on this, this research aims to analyze the influence of differentiation learning assisted by digital STRIP comic media on the learning outcomes of elementary school students. The type of research used in this research is quantitative research with quasi-experimental research as the research design. This research uses a quasi-experimental research design. The population in this study was 38 students. A random method was used to determine the sample for this research. The methods used to collect data are interviews, observation, documentation, questionnaires, and tests. The instruments used to collect data were questionnaire sheets and test questions. The technique used to analyze data is inferential statistical analysis. The results of the research are that there are differences in student learning outcomes in the experimental class, which uses differentiated learning assisted by comic strip media, compared to the control class, which uses conventional learning. The results of the n-gain test show that the average score of the control class is in the less effective category, and the experimental group is in the moderate effectiveness category. It was concluded that the differentiation learning model assisted by digital STRIP comic media could improve elementary school students' learning outcomes.
Instructional Materials for Etiquette Due to the Politeness Crisis in Gen-Z
Authors: Djalaluddin Mawardi , Uswatunnisa  , Nihla Afdaliah
Published: October 2024

Rapid social and technological change, which has changed the way of social interaction and communication between generations. Generation Z, who grew up in the digital era, is often more exposed to global values and different cultures through social media and the internet.  The modesty crisis is being experienced by most of generation Z. This fact arouses researchers' curiosity to solve this problem. This research is R&D research using the ADDIE design. Researchers designed and developed syllabi, lesson plans and teaching materials about character and included them in the Aqidah Akhlak course. These products are implemented on one campus. After that, researchers evaluated product use through questionnaires and tests. The subjects in this research are generation Z. The research results are valid, practical and effective in reintroducing and instilling good manners in students. The implications of this research are The findings of this research can encourage the development of a curriculum that is more integrated with etiquette values, so that schools and educational institutions can teach ethics and manners more effectively. The aim of research on Instructional Materials for Manners due to the Politeness Crisis in Gen-Z is to identify and understand the factors that cause a decline in politeness among the younger generation and develop effective learning materials to overcome this problem.
O livro perdido de Pontes de Miranda
Authors: Do Passo Cabral Antonio do Passo Cabral
Published: October 2024

The text reveals the search the author conducted to find the book "Method of social-psychological analysis", from Pontes de Miranda, a book that disappeared in 1924 in unknown circumstances, and which until today could not be found either in public or private libraries in any place in the world. The research lasted ten years, checked archives in six countries and has gone through manuscripts and mail from the author to other relevant characters of the
A empreitada de Camille Adolphe Goubaud na formação de uma rede de impressos de moda francesa no século XIX
Authors: Vieira Barbosa Everton
Published: October 2024

This article seeks to present the role of editor Camille Adolphe Goubaud in the formation of a network of French fashion publications in the 19th century. To do this, we will analyze the strategies used in the creation, management and national and international distribution of the printed material Le Moniteur de la Mode, and in the purchase or merger of other magazines to create a monopoly in the segment of publications on clothing and accessories. We consider that this network sought to universalize Parisian fashion in other countries while at the same time trying to meet the different tastes and interests of French consumers, as the magazines purchased and/or attached by Goubaud continued to circulate on French soil. Thus, we understand that this research allows a brief initial overview of the production and dissemination of a segment of printed matter that is still little studied by historiography, in addition to contributing to reflection and discussion on the transatlantic circulation of printed materials.
O violão na imprensa carioca dos oitocentos
Authors: Taborda Marcia
Published: October 2024

This article aims to reveal how newspaper archives can support musical history research by providing an important tool for developing and covering themes focused by Brazilian musicology. The presence of the classical guitar in Rio de Janeiro is highlighted beginning in the 1840s in the hands of foreign artists, who fostered the development of the city’s nineteenth-century musical life, a busy agenda of musical performances that allows us to become acquainted with the guitar’s repertoire, which was composed of original works and especially transcriptions of opera arias.
José Augusto dos Santos Alves
Authors: Lisboa João Luís
Published: October 2024

Talking about the history of the nineteenth-century press makes you question who produced it, who systematically explored titles and protagonists, themes and genres. Talking about José Augusto dos Santos Alves (1940-2021), who wrote thousands of pages on the nineteenth-century press, who dedicated around four decades of his life to the subject, in a continuous, persistent and critical way, serves two purposes. It shows the journey of a researcher, paying tribute to him. It renews the focus on the research carried out, showing its relevance for those studying the subject today. There is, therefore, a more personal dimension to these pages that goes hand in hand with the scientific interest of the work that should be re-read.