bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Metaverse as a Digital Missionary Site
Authors: Nam Sung Hyuk
Published: June 2023

The metaverse attracts considerable attention in politics, economy, society and culture. Unfortunately, seminaries and churches are still in their early stages of missiological research and understanding the metaverse. If we understand the metaverse as a digital mission field, research on the missiological approach is required. We should pay attention to the infinitely expanding and integrating metaverse. Overseas, there is already a history of experimental challenges and settlements from decades ago on the potential for churches in virtual spaces. While online churches are famous in Korea, there is insufficient understanding of ways to meet the younger generation of non-believers in the metaverse. Since online churches are analogue enterprises, there is a massive gap between them and the digital younger generation. Paul Hiebert’s critical contextualization is still valid in approaching the metaverse as a digital mission field. Heidi Campbell’s study of the relationship between media and religions, “religious-social shaping approach to technology” reminds Korean churches of the value of the metaverse as a new media. Both theories show Korean churches need dialogue and patience when approaching the metaverse to contact non-believers. Missiological discussions on the metaverse should promote a holistic understanding in which the two worlds closely relate rather than a dualistic understanding. The digital living spaceof the MZ generation that emerged with the development of new technology does not conflict with the nature of the Christian Church. Therefore, Korean churches need to understand the metaverse as a space of mission and coexistence.
Small Missional Church as an alternative in the period of Church Decline in Korea
Authors: Tan An-wei
Published: June 2023

This article examines the causes and circumstances of the decline of Korean churches since the 2000s. After briefly sketching the history and critical events of the growth of the Korean church, it pays attention to one of the leading reasons people leave thechurch and a reason that the Korean church has lost its reliability in the view of much of Korean society. After that, the author introduces two phenomena in the process of the slow growth and decline of the Korean church: the phenomenon of “believing without belonging” and the increase in numbers of bi-vocational ministers. This is a time when the missional church has begun to emerge as a new type of church, different from the traditional church, and at the same time non-institutional churches have emerged as a missional approach to believing without belonging. Furthermore, the author argues that the small missional church is a helpful alternative and required paradigm in the context of the decline of the Korean church by using several case studies, including shared worship space, bi-vocational ministry, and local missional church.
Balancing visible and invisible belonging for Korean Migrant Missional Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Kim Hyeong-kyoon
Published: June 2023

This paper explores how Korean migrant churches in Aotearoa New Zealand can find a balance between missions (understood as extending the Church) and Mission (construed as participation in the missio Dei), in relation to their sense of belonging. For this purpose, the research uses a qualitative methodology interview method guided by interpretivism. The paper begins by identifying key contextual factors related to Koreans in New Zealand as migrants, Christians and missional beings. The responses of 31 research participants regarding what constitutes a “sense of belonging” are analysed in terms of visible and invisible belonging. Visible belonging is associated with churches that have strong boundaries, and invisible belonging is found in one’s relationship with God; the two can be correlated with missions and Mission, respectively. The analysis suggests that a missional understanding can be a trigger for enabling interaction between visible belonging as missions and invisible belonging as Mission, through three missional concepts: purpose, progress and experience. Finally, the paper suggests practical ways that Korean churches in New Zealand can balance missions and Mission by following three missional guidelines.
Missional Discipleship in Post-Pandemic Korea:
Authors: Lee Bright Myeong-Seok
Published: June 2023

The decline in social trust in the Korean Protestant church is a significant social issue that requires attention and action. Despite being more involved in community service than other religions, trust in the church has fallen, and it is essential to understand why. This paper will examine the previous dominant method of discipleship training, which may have contributed to this decline. By using a case study of a Korean church, the study will analyze the effectiveness of the discipleship training and its impact on social trust. Then I will reflect on how the Korean church should respond to today’s situation characterized by VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) and the pandemic. This paper will suggest a new approach called missional discipleship, which seeks to create a more engaging and inclusive environment that inspires the church to lead and participate in community service.
Czech qualified investor definition: considering minimal requirements
Authors: Weiss Lukáš
Published: June 2023

In recent years, qualified investor funds have become increasingly popular in the Czech Republic. Those who manage these funds know that only investors who meet the legal criteria to be a qualified investor can become one. In other words, failure to meet the criteria excludes a potential investor from participation. This paper focuses on the criteria to become a qualified investor and their proper fulfilment. Moreover, this paper provides brief thoughts on whether the minimum initial investment sum, as one of the criteria, should be reviewed in the context of recent regulatory developments.
On the dual nature of suffrage
Authors: Kurunczi Gábor
Published: June 2023

One measure of a democratic rule of law is how the state defines the framework for the exercise of representative democracy, and who it grants the right to participate in representative democracy (i.e. who it considers to belong to the people). However, this dual nature of the right to vote raises a number of questions. For example, before the 2018 Hungarian parliamentary elections and during the campaign period, critical voices were heard criticising the system used in Hungarian parliamentary elections (including the institution of winner compensation). By contrast, the fundamental nature of the right to vote, i.e. the subjective aspect, is less often the focus of attention. In this respect, the question rightly arises as to whether the importance of the right to vote as a fundamental right has not been lost. Has the role of different electoral techniques and electoral systems not become a more important issue than the definition and possible extension of the scope of the electorate? Starting from the dual nature of electoral law, the study examines the requirements that can be imposed on electoral systems and the characteristics and challenges of electoral law as a fundamental right.
In vitro multiplication of Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.)
Authors: Dalal V. , Dhillon R. , Jattan M.
Published: June 2023

A protocol for micro propagation for known sexuality of Jojoba was developed and standardized. Nodal explants from actively growing young shoots were used to proliferate in MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins and auxins. Pre-treatment with bavistin (0.2% for 3 min.) followed by HgCl2 (0.1% for 5 min.) was found to be the best for disinfecting the explants. Maximum proliferation in nodal explants was recorded on MS medium containing 2.0 mg l-1 BAP. The medium having MS + 0.5 mg 1-1 BAP + 0.1 mg 1-1 IAA produced maximum number of shoots (5.7) per explant. Elongation of in vitro multiplied shoots was found maximum in MS + 2.0 mg 1-1 BAP. The highest rooting (63.7 percent) was observed in full strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg 1-1 IBA. The in vitro raised plants were hardened for survival after pricking out in different potting media kept in a mist chamber with gradually decreasing humidity regime. Sand, soil and vermicompost mixture in ratio of 3:1:1 was found suitable and recorded 83 percent survival of in vitro raised clonal plants.
A perspective on low-temperature electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Shaohua
Published: June 2023

As an ideal candidate for the next generation of energy storage devices, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received tremendous attention in recent years. However, the more extensive and harsh application environment puts forward higher requirements for the low-temperature SIBs, which is mainly limited by electrolyte-related sluggish ion transport at low temperature. This perspective focuses on the low-temperature electrolytes of SIBs, and provides the in-depth understanding of the failure reasons of organic and aqueous electrolytes in SIBs at low temperature. Then, the research progress in the low-temperature organic/aqueous electrolytes are comprehensively summarized and systematically analyzed. This review is conducted to enable the rational design of low-temperature electrolytes and further promote the development of all-climate SIB technology.
Preparation and anti-corrosion properties of 8-HQ@SiO2@AK/EP composite materials
Authors: Li Songjie
Published: June 2023

Epoxy coatings are popular due to their strong adhesion, low cost, and superior thermal and electrical insulation. Unfortunately, surface defects in epoxy resin lead to surface cracks, limiting the long-term use of epoxy resin coatings in humid marine environments. In this study, modified kaolin (Kaolin) was added to an epoxy resin (EP) to enhance its corrosion resistance, and a silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) were chosen as modifiers. This resulted in the composite 8-hydroxyquinoline/silica/amino kaolin (8-HQ@SiO2@AK), and the structural makeup, loading, hydrophobic characteristics, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance of 8-HQ@SiO2@AK and 8-hydroxyquinoline/silica/amino kaolin/epoxy resin composite coating (8-HQ@SiO2@AK/EP) was investigated. Based on these findings, the maximum contact angle of the hydrophobic composite coating was 88°, its roughness Ra was 3.09 nm, and the hardness and adhesion were unaltered compared to silica-modified kaolin/epoxy composite coatings (SiO2@AK/EP). The impedance modulus |Z|0.01 Hz of the composite was 3.662×109 Ω • cm2 after 30 days of immersion, which indicated significantly enhanced corrosion resistance.
Training on Simple Financial Reports for BUMDes in Bojonegara sub-District Serang Regency
Authors: Soleha Nurhayati , Sholikhan Yulianto Agus , Abu Hanifah Imam , Prasadhita Chandra , Wahyudi Tri
Published: June 2023

BUMDes financial reports are crucial because the reports involve in the use of economic resources that come from the community and/or the government. For this reason, training for BUMDes is needed regarding preparing financial reports according to accounting standards so that BUMDes accountability and transparency can be achieved. Through community service activity, BUMDes management understands the importance of preparing financial reports based on accounting standards (SAK), however, in practice, BUMDes have not been able to implement financial reports according to accounting standards yet.
Inszeniertes Lesen und Schreiben
Authors: Bäni Rigler Petra
Published: June 2023

Die beiden grossen schwedischen Kinderbuchkünstlerinnen des 20. Jahrhunderts, Astrid Lindgren und Elsa Beskow, setzten sich eingehend mit den Themen Bildung und Ästhetik auseinander, jede auf ihre Weise. Lässt sich an Beskows Werk die Auseinandersetzung mit den Kulturtechniken insbesondere an der Gestaltung und Materialität ihrer Bilder- und insbesondere Lesebücher ausmachen, finden sich bei Lindgren geradezu Reaktionen auf diese von der Pädagogik, der Kunst und Kultur um 1900 geprägten Kontexte. Entsprechend können die weltberühmten Kinderbuchfiguren Lindgrens, darunter Pippi Langstrumpf, als Folgegeneration von Elsa Beskows Bestrebungen und deren eigenen Kinderbuchfiguren gesehen werden, so die These. In diesem Artikel werden Lese- und Schreibszenen von Beskow und Lindgren verglichen und in den Kontext der schwedischen Reformpädagogik gestellt, welche stark von Ellen Keys’ Idealen einer Bildung im Namen der Ästhetik geprägt ist. Die Vergleiche zeigen, wie sehr sich Lindgren an ihrer Vorgängerin orientiert. Wird das kindliche Schreiben bei Beskow zum ersten Mal in Schweden auch auf ästhetischer Ebene in den Blick genommen und entsprechend inszeniert, so nutzt Lindgren diese Inszenierungen nicht zuletzt, um sowohl mediale Praxen, die Kulturtechnik als auch die Bedeutung des Lesens und Schreibens für eine Kinderwelt zu hinterfragen, die aus der Perspektive des Kindes, explizit aus jener von Pippi Langstrumpf, absolut gesetzt wird. Diese radikale Sichtweise erschliesst einen neuen Zugang zu den Kulturtechniken und spricht dem Kind Fähigkeiten zu, welche es als Künstler:in unserer Zeit erscheinen lassen.Die Autorin dankt der Ridderstad Stiftelse für die Unterstützung im aktuellen Projekt.
NGHIÊN CỨU THỬ NGHIỆM KHẢ NĂNG LÀM VIỆC CỦA TẤM SÀN BÊ TÔNG NHẸ CƯỜNG ĐỘ CAO SỬ DỤNG HẠT VI CẦU RỖNG TỪ TRO BAY
Authors: Quỳnh Phan Văn , Journal of Materials & Construction  , Qui Dương Thanh Qui , Tuấn Nguyễn Văn Tuấn
Published: June 2023

Các tấm sàn BTCT thử nghiệm được chế tạo từ loại bê tông nhẹ cường độ cao (FAC – HSLWC) với mác KLTT là D1400 và D1500 và bê tông thông thường có cùng cấp cường độ nén 28 ngày là 45 MPa. Đánh giá ứng xử làm việc của các tấm sàn BTCT thử nghiệm thông qua các thông số: khả năng chịu tải, sự hình thành và phát triển vết nứt, biến dạng của bê tông (vùng nén, vùng kéo), độ võng. Kết quả cho thấy tải trọng tại độ võng cho phép, tải trọng tại độ mở vết nứt 0,3 mm và tải trọng cực hạn của tấm sàn FAC-HSLWC là tương đương với tấm sàn bê tông thông thường. Sự ứng xử khác biệt của tấm sàn FAC-HSLWC so với tấm sàn bê tông thông thường đó là sự xuất hiện vết nứt đầu tiên sớm hơn khá nhiều và xuất hiện nhiều vết nứt xung quanh vùng giữa nhịp nhưng độ mở vết nứt và phát triển vết nứt (theo chiều dài và chiều rộng) lại nhỏ hơn khá nhiều so với tấm sàn bê tông thường. Tấm sàn FAC-HSLWC có cơ chế phá hủy là bong tách và trượt giữa lớp bê tông nhẹ phía dưới và lớp bê tông nặng (đổ bù) phía trên trong khi tấm sàn bê tông thường phá hoại do phá hủy bê tông vùng nén.
(Anti-)racismo y republicanismo negro en Cuba
Authors: Almeida Junco Yulexis , Figueroa Pérez José Antonio , Kemner Jochen , Hevia Lanier Oilda , Barcia María del Carmen , Fernández Robaina Tomás , Hall Lujardo Alexander , Burchardt Hans-Jürgen , Sosa Pompa Aime , Rodríguez Malagón Aracely , Zabala Argüelles María del Carmen , Avila Vargas Niuva , País Fernández Beatriz , Torres Carnegie Lisandra , Castro Silva Leidys Raisa
Published: June 2023

Este libro aborda desde diferentes perspectivas la complejidad y la relevancia que ha tenido para la sociedad cubana el tema racial, desde la etapa colonial hasta la actualidad. Sus capítulos muestran la vigencia de un pensamiento afrodescendiente crítico, radical y humanista que se consolida en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX en relación con el republicanismo popular a partir de un reclamo profundo del principio de igualdad. También exploran la vigencia de ese pensamiento en el contexto de una Cuba posrevolucionaria donde la igualdad constituye uno de los ejes más importantes del pacto político y social que se crea bajo los principios socialistas, pero al mismo tiempo sostiene el prejuicio y la discriminación racial como un problema estructural. La exploración del humanismo y del principio de igualdad busca contribuir a identificar los importantes aportes de los afrodescendientes al republicanismo popular en Cuba y a los debates sobre republicanismo y populismo en toda América Latina.
PROCESSUAL BENEFITS OF PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE IN THE MIDMARKET
Authors:   Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia, Pfeffer Jonas
Published: June 2023

Background: Industrialization has given rise to numerous new topics for companies. In the age of Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance represents an opportunity to reduce machines' downtime and enable companies to gain competitive advantages. For this purpose, sensors are installed in machines, and the data of individual parts is constantly monitored and evaluated. By detecting possible failure risks of individual parts at an early stage, they can be replaced before the downtime occurs, thus preventing a long downtime. A shorter downtime can bring further positive aspects in multiple terms. A lot is written in the literature about the general advantages of predictive maintenance, but there is no particular focus on the German midmarket sector. Aims: The aim of this paper is to find out how midsize companies perceive the processual benefits of predictive maintenance. Methods: A standardized questionnaire with four questions is developed. Sample: Answers from 104 respondents are evaluated. Results: The results show that a large proportion of the respondents expect added value. Conclusion and Implications: The research in this paper shows that the added value generated by predictive maintenance is not limited to multinational corporations but can also be realized in medium-sized companies.
RISK BASED APPROACH TO DOCUMENTING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   Matej Bel University, Faculty of Economics Poprad, Slovak republic, Veselovská Lenka , Hudáková Lucia ,   Matej Bel University, Faculty of Economics Poprad, Slovak republic, Bartková Lucia ,   Matej Bel University, Faculty of Economics Poprad, Slovak republic
Published: June 2023

Background: People´s consumer behavior was significantly influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nowadays, the impact still persists, and we can say that people changed the way how they think, shop, and what affects them while shopping. Aims: The aim of the article and our research is to identify and analyze the risks related to consumer behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: To achieve the goal, survey research was conducted between the years 2021 and 2023 and, in use of SPSS Statistics, analyzed obtained data. To identify the representativeness of the sample file, the Chi-square test was used. Consequently, several contingency tables were created to analyze the set questions. Sample: The sample file consisted of Slovak consumers. Results and Conclusions: According to research findings, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic changed human thinking about such as common things like ways of shopping, consumption, or savings irretrievably. Implications: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for both enterprises and consumers, however, many organizations managed to overcome them and adapt to continue to bring value to societies.
A MODERN PROBLEM FACED BY PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DISADVANTAGED REGIONS: TEACHER INFLUENCER
Authors: KIZILTAŞ Yusuf
Published: June 2023

Some young and inexperienced teachers working in the rural and disadvantaged region of Turkey have the habit of constantly producing digital content and sharing virtual videos in classrooms/schools. Thus, the students become the material of virtual trade. The process of becoming a teacher influencer and its effects on the students were examined in detail. The study had a phenomenology design as one of the qualitative methods. The data were collected from the teachers of various teaching areas (n= 201). According to the findings, the majority of the teachers participating in the study thought that being a teacher influencer, and teacher influencers caused damage on the students and violated children’s rights.
INSIGHTS ON MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: KAUR GAGANDEEP
Published: June 2023

As opposed to exclusively depending on explicit programming, an area of artificial intelligence called machine learning allows computers to get better at what they do by gaining experience. Due to its numerous practical uses across numerous sectors, it has experienced a major increase in popularity in recent years. This chapter seeks to introduce the principles of machine learning, delve into more complex ideas, and look at how it might solve problems in the real world. We strive to provide insightful information for everyone, whether you are a beginner trying to grasp the fundamentals or an expert data scientist trying to keep up with the most recent developments. What does machine learning mean? Computers can learn and form opinions without explicit programming thanks to machine learning, a statistically-based application of artificial intelligence. It is a branch of AI that focuses on teaching computers to behave and make decisions as people do by enabling them to learn and develop their own programs with little to no human input. Machine learning entails giving input data and related outputs to the machine during the learning phase, as opposed to traditional programming, which requires feeding a machine well-written and verified code together with input data to create output. This procedure allows the machine to learn from the data, see trends, and create its own program. The type of data being utilized and the particular task that has to be automated determine which algorithms are employed in machine learning. Enabling computers to make judgements and complete tasks without explicit programming, machine learning automates the learning process by training them on high-quality data using a variety of techniques.
Pengaruh Struktur Modal Terhadap Harga Saham dengan Kinerja Perusahaan sebagai Variabel Intervening pada Perusahaan Property dan Real Estate
Authors: Ramandei Pilipus , Saranga Ester , Sawai Jerry , Abba Inka Josephine
Published: June 2023

This study aims to examine the direct effect of capital structure on company performance and stock prices; direct effect of company performance on stock prices. As well as testing the indirect effect of capital structure on stock prices through company performance. Hypothesis testing is carried out using the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The sample used consisted of 40 property and real estate companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 62 companies, for 2018-2020. Sampling was done by purposive sampling method.
The results of this research show that capital structure has no effect on stock prices. Stock prices tend to be more influenced by the demand and supply of shares by capital market participants. This shows that it is likely that investors who will invest in property and real estate companies in the form of shares will consider other information about the company besides information about the company's capital structure. While the capital structure does not affect the performance of the company's performance. These results indicate that changes in the company's capital structure caused by an increase in the amount of company debt do not improve company performance. However, the company's performance has a positive effect on stock prices. Meanwhile, capital structure has no effect on stock prices through company performance. These results indicate that the company's performance is not able to mediate the relationship between capital structure and stock prices
Peran Pemerintah Terhadap Pengembangan Sektor Pariwisata di Kabupaten Biak Numfor
Authors: Lestari Endah Dwi , Boari Yoseb , Bonsapia Melyanus , Anes Silas Marcelino
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine the government's role in the development of the tourism sector in Biak Numfor Regency. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach. The results of the study show that there are four tourism sector development programs in Biak Numfor Regency. The four programs include; tourism destination development programs, tourism marketing development programs, partnership development programs and tourism facilities and infrastructure development programs. These development programs are the main development programs carried out by the tourism office for the development of tourist objects in Biak Numfor Regency.
Pengaruh Tunjangan terhadap Kinerja Pegawai dengan Motivasi Kerja sebagai Variabel Moderasi pada Badan Pengelolaan Keuangan Aset Daerah Provinsi Papua
Authors: Enembe Minus , Noch Muhamad Yamin , Rasyid Abdul , Kartim
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to ascertain, at the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency of Papua Province, the impact of benefits on employee performance using work motivation as a mediator. With 148 respondents overall, samples were gathered using the saturation sampling approach. Mediation is the analytical technique utilized. The study's findings demonstrate that the performance of employees of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency of Papua Province is positively and significantly impacted by performance bonuses. The Papua Province Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency's personnel perform better when they are motivated at work, which is a good and substantial effect. Work motivation is able to mediate the effect of performance allowances on employees of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Board of Papua Province in a positive and significant way. Performance allowances have a positive and significant impact on the performance of employees of the Regional Financial and Asset Management Board of Papua Province
The Effect of Brand Activation on Brand Awareness
Authors: Anas Aulia  , Gitasiswara  , Sudono Agus
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to determine how the effect of brand activation on brand awareness at Teras Komuji. In this study, the independent variable (X) is brand activation, consisting of several sub-dimensions: identity, employee, product and service, and communication. The dependent variable (Y) is brand awareness. The type of research used is descriptive and verification with an explanatory survey method and a cross-sectional study approach. The data in the study used primary data from a sample of 220 respondents, namely customers who had visited and had activities at Teras Komuji. The data analysis technique used was multiple regression using the assistance of a statistical calculation program. The results showed that, together and separately, the brand activation variables significantly affected brand awareness at the Teras Komuji
Impact Investing as an Object of Research. Digest of Publications for the First Half of 2023
Authors: Zakharova E.
Published: June 2023

The impact investing market is growing steadily around the world, but researchers point out that it is still in the process of structuring itself. This is due to the confusion in its definition. Impact investing is often equated with socially responsible investing or philanthropy. According to experts, building confidence in him requires establishing private-public partnership, which in turn will make it possible to create a real ecosystem and attract institutional players.
People and the Budget: What Does the Future Hold for Civil Finance?
Authors: Laktyushina I.
Published: June 2023

Can the society forgo the state participation of the state in the management of state and municipal budgets, or its own funds? What is “civil finance” and how is it related to participatory budgeting? We are about to find out in this material.
Symbiodiniaceae Density Pattern in Relation To Colony Morphology of Scleractinian Corals in Pulau Tioman and Pulau Bidong, Malaysia
Authors: Samshuri Muhammad Arif , Safuan Che Din Mohd , Maznan Nur Atiqah , Jaafar Siti Nurtahirah , Bachok Zainudin
Published: June 2023

A healthy coral reef is linked to the mutualistic relationship between scleractinian coral and the symbiotic Symbiodiniacea (SD). However, there is limited research on SD in Malaysia, despite its important role in reef-building coral. In this study, the SD density of scleractinian corals from the family Acroporidae was evaluated to (i) examine the pattern of SD density and (ii) comprehend the regulation of the SD density by the host. The mean SD density ranged between 0.46 ± 0.01 × 106 cell cm-2 and 2.98 ± 1.17 × 106 cell cm-2. It is hypothetically proven that the SD density differed significantly between genera and morphological factors such as colony surface area (CSA) and dry weight coral tissue per unit colony surface area (DWCT/CSA) were significantly correlated with the SD density. The results show that the significant variation in SD density among coral genera can be influenced by coral growth forms and tissue biomass. There was a significant relationship between SD density and CSA as well as DWCT/CSA. Coral genera with a wider CSA and lower DWCT/CSA such as Anacropora and Acropora with branching, digitate and tabulate growth forms contained lower SD density than massive, laminar, and encrusting such as Montipora and Astreopora which hold more DWCT/CSA at lower CSA, resulting in higher SD density. The findings provide valuable information on SD density in different types of corals from the southern part of the South China Sea and reveal the coral host’s SD regulation.
In Vitro Biological Activity of Three Marine Sponges From Theonella and Haliclona Genera Collected From Bidong Island, Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Jamaludin Nur Amira , Bakar Kamariah , Saidin Jasnizat
Published: June 2023

Marine sponges are primitive sessile animals that are rich sources of biologically active compounds. This paper aimed to assess the in-vitro biological activity of marine sponges from Theonella and Haliclona genera collected from Bidong Island, Terengganu, Malaysia. Biological activities such as antibacterial (discs diffusion assay), antioxidant (DPPH free-radical scavenging assay), and cytotoxicity activity (against cancerous HeLa, MCF-7, HepG-2 cell lines and the normal cell line Vero) were evaluated using MTT cytotoxicity assay. The bioassays were done on methanol extracts at different concentrations. Results indicate that T. swinhoei, and T. cf cupola showed low antibacterial capabilities ranging from 0 to 50 mg/mL and exhibited medium antioxidant activity with the IC50 value of 23.25 ± 1.57 and 18.52 ± 0.86 mg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity activities indicate that both species of T. swinhoei and T. cf cupola possesses toxic capabilities to inhibit the proliferation of all cancer cell lines used and demonstrated no significant toxicity for the normal cell line used in this study. Haliclona fascigera showed medium antibacterial activity against all Gram-positive bacteria and low activity against Gram-negative bacteria used. Haliclona fascigera exhibited antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 1.80 ± 0.08 mg/mL and outcomes of the cytotoxicity activity assay against all cancer cells showed IC50 below 30 µg/mL. Marine sponges evaluated in this study indicate promising bioactive compounds that can be an excellent candidate for drug discovery in prospecting novel antibiotics and anticancer. Despite showing low antibacterial and medium antioxidant activity, species from both Theonella can be further studied in other assays to explore other biological activities whilst marine sponge H. fascigera possesses excellent capabilities in antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity activities that can be further studied its chemical compositions for future research.
Methanolic Extract Of Swietenia macrophylla Exhibits Antibacterial And Antibiofilm Efficacy Against Gram-Positive Pathogens
Authors: Amran Siti Sarah Diyana , Jalil Mohd Taufiq Mat , Abdul Aziz Aziyah , Yahya Mohd Fakharul Zaman Raja
Published: June 2023

Gram-positive pathogens cause infections such as pneumonia, skin infections, anthrax, and sinusitis. The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical profile, antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of Swietenia macrophylla methanolic extract (SMME) against Gram-positive pathogens. The secondary metabolites of SMME were analyzed using GC-MS while the antibacterial efficacy of SMME against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33862, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Streptococcus pneumonia ATCC 19615, and Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 13124 was assessed using MIC and MBC assays. Biofilm biomass assay and time-kill assay were performed to determine the antibiofilm activity of SMME against the pathogens. Results demonstrated that six common antibacterial secondary metabolites were present in the SMME. The major compound was found to be β-amyrin (22.8%). The SMME showed the lowest MIC values against B. cereus (31.25 µg/mL) and C. sporogenes (31.25 µg/mL) and the lowest MBC value against S. aureus (1000 µg/mL). The SMME also significantly (p<0.05) inhibited all the biofilms. It started to inhibit S. pneumonia and C. sporogenes biofilms after 12 h of exposure. On the other hand, the BIC50 value showed that the SMME was most effective against B. cereus. In conclusion, the secondary metabolites in the SMME may contribute to the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens.
In Vivo Toxicity Study on The Effects of Aqueous Propolis Extract From Malaysian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) in Mice
Authors: Muhamad Suhaini Nurul Alina , Pauzi Mohd Feiz , Juhari Siti Norazlina , Mohd Khamsah Suryati , Abu Bakar Noor Azlina
Published: June 2023

Geniotrigona thoracica is a stingless bee species of Trigona genus. Propolis resinous is a natural product obtained from a honeybees hive with geographical and floral specifications or exudate as such by-products resulting from a variety of botanical processes. Despite its long use for a variety of health conditions, the toxicity profile of propolis sourced from Malaysian stingless bees has not been sufficiently evaluated. For in vivo toxicity assessment, the acute oral toxicity on the effects of aqueous propolis extracts (APE) was examined. Male mice swiss strain, were subjected to acute toxicity testing for 14 days. The APE at doses of 400, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight was supplemented daily to the mice through oral gavage. The clinical signs of toxicity and general behaviour, body weight, relative organ weight, and histopathology changes were investigated. In vivo study was focused on the acute toxicity testing group consisting of 4 groups including Normal (NS), 400 mg/kg (APE 400), 1000 mg/kg (APE 1000) dan 2000 mg/kg (APE 2000). Regarding the toxicity profile, it is proposed that APE supplementation did not induce any mortality and no visible signs of toxicity. No significant changes in the body and relative organ weight were recorded. All the internal organs of the mice were macroscopically healthy with no gross lesion. Likewise, histopathological examinations of the kidney showed mild to moderate histological lesions. Interestingly, the lesion was adverse with an increased dosage of the extract supplementation. This study proposed APE has considerable anti-inflammatory activities. It also demonstrated that the propolis extract is relatively safe to be consumed orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.
GC-MS Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic and Water Extracts of Malaysian Heterotrigona itama Propolis Against Selected Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Zohdi Rozaini Mohd , Adli Muhammad Amirul , Mohsin Hanis Fadzillah , Mokhtar Shahida  Muhamad , Muhammad Low Anis Low , Junaidi Awang Hazmi Awang , Jahrudin Dzu Hendra Ja
Published: June 2023

Despite the growing interest in the therapeutic potential of propolis, limited attention has been paid to the chemical composition and biological activity of water extract propolis produced by Malaysian stingless bees. Thus, this study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract propolis (EEP) and water extract propolis (WEP) of the stingless bee species, Heterotrigona itama against ten pathogenic bacteria. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. The antibacterial activity was determined using the disc-diffusion, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The GC-MS analysis of EEP exhibited four volatile compounds including hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane, 2-hydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one, 2-coumaranone, and diethyl bis(trimethylsilyl) ester silicic acid. However, only two compounds were identified in WEP, consisting of 2-(acetoxymethyl)-3-(methoxycarbonyl)biphenylene, and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane. EEP showed the highest antibacterial activity against all Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans) with values of the inhibition zones ranging from 7 to 10 mm. However, both extracts showed no antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, except WEP, which displayed an inhibition zone of 9.33 ± 1.53 mm against Escherichia coli. Meanwhile, EEP showed the lowest MIC and MBC values against M. luteus at 70 and 280 μg/mL, respectively. The results revealed the presence of several volatile compounds in the EEP of H. itama which could contribute to its antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria.
INVESTIGATING THE BARRIERS TO ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES BY WOMEN OPERATING MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN ZAMBIA : A CASE OF LUSAKA AND CHOMA DISTRICTS
Authors: Foya David , Zaloumis Pamela Edvokia
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to explore and investigate the barriers to accessing financial services by women operating Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lusaka and Choma Districts of Zambia. This study therefore employed a descriptive qualitative research design while the targeted population was women aged 18 years and above, who owned Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses, whose business physical addresses were, at the time of data collection, within Lusaka and Choma Districts of Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to sample 34 women, 17 participants from each of the two districts. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection, while the study employed systematic theming process, which was basically content analysis in analysing the data that was collected. This study revealed that the majority of business women that own MSMEs use cash and mobile money services for most of their business transactions. This study concluded that not all women operating MSMEs were accessing and utilizing the financial services available. It is recommended that investment in robust financial literacy, digital banking, and the deliberate setting up of various funds and other financial services aimed at empowering women and MSMEs.
Geospatial analysis of mortality risk from road traffic crashes in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Holmes Benjamin , Zhou Yuhong , Brazauskas Ruta , Beyer Kirsten M. , Ameh Emmanuel , Olaomi Oluwole , Cassidy Laura
Published: June 2023

The objective of the study was to present a novel analytical approach using Nigerian trauma registry data to determine risks and of road traffic crash-related mortality for patients treated at National Trauma Centre, Abuja. Patient characteristics were compared between those who died at the hospital (n = 118) and those who survived (n = 2018). Multiple logistic regression and cluster analyses were used to identify risks of mortality and of high mortality and injury rates. The patient’s status as pedestrian (p < .0001), and whether the crash occurred on an expressway or transition zone between expressways and local roads (p = 0.0045) were significantly associated with mortality. Cluster analysis further isolated significant of mortality rate (Moran’s I = 0.31), pedestrian injury rate (Moran’s I = 0.34), and expressway/transition zone injury rate (Moran’s I = 0.18). For patients who survived to hospitalization at National Hospital Abuja, pedestrians involved in a crash and those whose crashes occurred on expressways/transition zones were at higher risk of mortality. High mortality and pedestrian and expressway/transition zone injury rates isolated to five contiguous administrative wards in Abuja. These analysis methods can be applied to determine risks and hotspots of crashes, injuries, and mortality in various settings.
YÖNETİŞİMİN KALKINMA ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ: AFRİKA ÜLKELERİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KORKMAZ Hatun
Published: June 2023

Bu çalışmada yönetişim ve kalkınma ilişkisi, yönetişimin iyi yönetişim ve kalkınmanın insani kalkınma boyutu ile tartışılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda çalışma, teorik çerçeve ve uygulama olmak üzere iki ana bölümden oluşmaktadır. Birinci bölümde literatür taraması yoluyla kalkınma, insani kalkınma, yönetişim ve iyi yönetişim kavramları kavramsal ve operasyonel olarak araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada hem kavramsal hem de operasyonel tanımlamalar konusunda iyi yönetişim için DB (Dünya Bankası), insani kalkınma için de Birleşmiş Milletler (BM)’in verileri esas alınmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci bölümünde iyi yönetişim ve insani kalkınma ilişkisi, 1996-2017 yılları arası 34 Afrika ülkesi örneğinde ekonometrik analiz yöntemleri kullanılarak test edilmiştir.
ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗВИТКУ БАНКІВСЬКОЇ СИСТЕМИ УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННИХ ДІЙ ТА ГЛОБАЛІЗАЦІЙНИХ УПЛИВІВ
Authors: Мещеряков Андрій , Боденчук Лілія , Ліганенко Ірина , Рибак Олена , Лобунець Тетяна
Published: June 2023

Проблематика розвитку фінансово-кредитної системи є ключовою для будь-якої держави, оскільки вона забезпечує доступ до капіталу для бізнесу та фізичних осіб. Українська економіка формує механізм фінансово-кредитних відносин у першу чергу через банківську систему, яка забезпечує розвиток не лише реального сектора економіки, але й усіх сфер та галузей. Україна займає активну позицію на шляху до євроінтеграції та глобалізації, у результаті чого її банківська система безумовно підпорядкована тенденціям, що виникають у глобальному вимірі. Проте, безумовно, початок та активний розвиток воєнних дій на території України створює додаткові виклики для вітчизняних банків, які  необхідно обов’язково враховувати та використовувати для забезпечення національної фінансової безпеки.Метою дослідження визначено необхідність виявлення тенденцій розвитку банківської системи України як основного суб’єкта фінансово-кредитних відносин та окреслення подальших змін в особливостях розвитку моделі фінансово-кредитних відносин під дією глобалізаційних викликів.Для досягнення мети використано метод аналізу статистичної інформації, графічний метод, кластерний аналіз, а також загальнонаукові методи, зокрема: узагальнення, систематизації, індукції, дедукції.У результаті проведення дослідження встановлено тенденції глобального розвитку фінансово-кредитної системи світу та визначено, які глобалізаційні виклики ці тенденції формують, а також визначено, якими повинні бути напрями розвитку фінансово-кредитних відносин в Україні після закінчення воєнних дій. Практичне значення отриманих результатів полягає у формуванні рекомендацій для банківських установ щодо подальшого розвитку після закінчення воєнного стану в Україні та напрямів адаптації до глобалізаційних процесів.За результатами дослідження є можливість констатувати, що протягом останніх 5 років розвиток банківської системи України був цілком стабільним, що підтверджено наведеним у роботі статистичним аналізом, також установлено, що основу банківської системи складають 5 найбільших банків, позиція на ринку яких є досить стабільною, отже, державі слід уживати заходів для підтримки цих установ та забезпечення їхньої стабільності в умовах воєнного стану.
СОЦІАЛЬНІ ІМПЕРАТИВИ ДЕРЖАВНИХ ФІНАНСІВ: ВОЄННА АДАПТАЦІЯ ТА ЗАСАДИ ПОВОЄННОГО ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ
Authors: Петруха Ніна , Петруха Сергій , Алексеєнко Наталія , Кушнерук Олександр , Мазур Анастасія
Published: June 2023

У статті досліджено кількісно-якісні характеристики державних фінансів в умовах воєнного стану та необхідності ресурсного забезпечення військового «обличчя» системи соціального захисту населення, в тому числі постраждалого від наслідків війни, виділення ймовірних соціально-ресурсних викликів і загроз у короткостроковій перспективі, а також подальших інерційно-регуляторних поступів у їхньому розвитку. Для цього використані загальноцентричні та секторально-адаптивні наукові методи пізнання, серцевину яких складає системний підхід до дослідження взаємовпливу та взаємозв’язку між тріадою: державні фінанси – воєнна економіка – соціальна політика. Установлено, що наявне соціальне «обличчя» державних фінансів забезпечує належний соціальний захист українців у складних життєвих обставинах, породжених воєнною агресією рф. Його історіографія виходить із екстенсивної моделі соціальної політики, яка бере свій початок ще з радянських часів та відбувається під гаслом «чим більше пільг, дотацій і соціальних переваг надано громадянам, тим кращим уважається прояв турботи держави про своїх громадян». Однак указана модель в умовах воєнного стану створює загрозу для переходу державних фінансів у розбалансовану та нестійку форму, забезпечуючи перетікання їхнього стану із соціальної «здоровості» до «слабкості». У статті запропоновано низку цілепокладань для підтримки соціальної «здоровості» державних фінансів у період воєнного стану й повоєнного відновлення та сформульовано нову соціальну модель у парадигмі повоєнного відновлення України – відповідність принципам і стандартам соціальної політики в країнах-членах ЄС, покращення якості людського життя, протистояння демографічним змінам, посилення рівня соціального захисту й соціальної єдності, сприянні скороченню бідності, допомозі в подоланні дискримінації в усіх формах її прояву за максимальної паритетності з фінансовими можливостям держави.
МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ТА ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ІММІГРАЦІЙНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ У СПОЛУЧЕНОМУ КОРОЛІВСТВІ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ЕНДОГЕННИХ ФАКТОРІВ (PULL FACTORS)
Authors: Затонацька Тетяна , Ігнатюк Анжела , Путицький Антон , Пашкевич Єгор , Длугопольський Олександр , Вітковський Ясек
Published: June 2023

Дослідження сфокусоване на економетричному моделюванні імміграційних процесів у Сполученому Королівстві (Великобританії) з використанням ендогенних факторів. Стаття спрямована на вивчення впливу економічних, соціальних, житлових та інших показників на приплив іммігрантів до Великобританії. У статті використана регресійна модель, яка охоплює період із 2000 по 2021 р., для оцінки взаємозв’язків між ендогенними факторами у Великій Британії та імміграційними процесами. До ендогенних факторів (pull factors), які розглянуті в дослідженні, входять такі економічні індикатори, як: ВВП на душу населення, кількість новостворених підприємств на рік, бюджетні витрати на одного студента, середня зарплата на рік; соціальні індикатори, такі як: щільність населення, рівень урбанізації, рівень злочинності; житлові фактори, зокрема кількість новобудов; трудові фактори, зокрема безробіття та рівень зайнятості. Результати дослідження показують, що такі ключові фактори, як ВВП на душу населення, рівень безробіття, нові зареєстровані підприємства та державні витрати на одного студента, мають значний вплив на приплив іммігрантів. Навпаки, рівень злочинності, середня зарплата та показники щільності населення недостатньо впливають на міграцію іноземців до Великобританії. Висновки дослідження мають важливе значення для політиків і дослідників, зацікавлених у розумінні динаміки імміграційних процесів Великобританії. Використовуючи ключові ендогенні pull factors для створення довгострокових прогнозів, політики можуть розробити більш ефективну імміграційну політику та краще розподілити ресурси для підтримки іммігрантів і їх інтеграції в британське суспільство.