bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Call for FAIR and Open-Access Training Materials to advance Bioimage Analysis
Authors: Haase Robert , Tischer Christian , Bankhead Peter , Miura Kota , Cimini Beth
Published: March 2024

Interdisciplinary communities, such as the life-sciences, have a strong need for efficient knowledge-transfer. In our community, computer scientists, bioimage analysts and biologists frequently come together to train each other in quantitative microscopy bioimage data analysis. For these trainings, re-usable high-quality training materials can be key. We advocate for publishing training materials according to the FAIR principles: Materials must be findable, openly accessible, stored in interoperable file formats, and most importantly made reusable by attaching open-access licenses. We are convinced that the path towards FAIR training materials leads us to more advanced and higher quality training, facilitating the advance of BioImage Analysis as a whole.
Salience, Sensemaking, and Setting in Psilocybin Microdosing: Methodological Lessons and Preliminary Findings of a Mixed Method Qualitative Study
Authors: Oblak Aleš , Hudnik Liam Korošec , Levačić Anja , Elersič Kristian , Pregelj Peter , Bon Jurij
Published: March 2024

There are profound methodological challenges facing microdosing research. One way we can address some of these methodological issues is by understanding how psilocybin microdosing fits in the broader existential context of people’s lives. We recruited participants who underwent psilocybin microdosing on their own and consented to being monitored for harm mitigation purposes. We combined momentary ecological assessment and detailed retrospective interviews. Participants reported loosening of mental structures (i.e., less intense strength of thoughts, tangential stream of consciousness), increased salience of external stimuli (varyingly associated with greater interest in otherwise mundane activities, as well as sensory overload), an increase in flexible cognition, a decrease in stable cognition, and various ego-dystonic contents Highly structured environments were conducive to positive appraisal of experience and vice versa). Momentary ecological assessment and retrospective interviews yielded diametrically opposite accounts of microdosing experience. We relate our findings to stable and cognitive cognition, as well as the notion of salience. We point out the necessity for systematic mixed methods studies to better characterize the lived experience of psilocybin microdosing.
Measuring the Interpretability and Explainability of Model Decisions of Five Large Language Models
Authors: Fujiwara Kaito , Sasaki Miyu , Nakamura Akira , Watanabe Natsumi
Published: March 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the interpretability and explainability of five leading Large Language Models (LLMs): TripoSR by Stability AI, Gemma-7b by Google, Mistral 7B by Mistral AI, Llama-2-7b by Meta, and GemMoE-Beta-1 by CrystalCare AI. Through a methodical evaluation encompassing both qualitative and quantitative benchmarks, we assess these models' capacity to make their decision-making processes understandable to humans. Our findings reveal significant variability in the models' ability to provide transparent reasoning and accurate, contextually relevant explanations across different contexts. Notably, TripoSR and GemMoE-Beta-1 demonstrated superior transparency, while Gemma-7b and Llama-2-7b excelled in the accuracy of their explanations. However, challenges in maintaining consistent interpretability and explainability across varying inputs and the need for enhanced adaptability to feedback highlight areas for future improvement. This research underscores the importance of interpretability and explainability in fostering trust and reliability in LLM applications, advocating for continued advancement in these areas to achieve more transparent, accountable, and user-centric AI systems. Directions for future research include the development of standardized evaluation methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance model transparency and user understanding.
New functions in silicon photonic chips enabled by graphene oxide thin films
Authors: Moss David
Published: March 2024

On-chip integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique structures and distinctive properties endow integrated devices with new functionalities and improved performance. With a high flexibility in modifying its properties and a strong compatibility with various integrated platforms, graphene oxide (GO) becomes an attractive 2D material for implementing functional hybrid integrated devices. Here, we demonstrate novel functionalities that go beyond the capabilities of conventional photonic integrated circuits, by harnessing the photo-thermal effects in 2D GO films integrated onto them. These include all-optical control and switching, optical power limiting, and non-reciprocal light transmission. The 2D layered GO films are on-chip integrated with precise control of their thicknesses and sizes. Benefitting from the broadband response of 2D GO films, all the three functionalities feature a very wide operational bandwidth. By fitting the experimental results with theory, we also extract the changes in material properties induced by the photo-thermal effects, which reveal interesting insights about 2D GO films. These results highlight the versatility of 2D GO films in implementing functional integrated photonic devices for a range of applications.
Regulating Generative AI: Ethical Considerations and Explainability Benchmarks
Authors: Luk Chiu-Ying , Chung Hoi-Lam , Yim Wai-Kuen , Leung Ching-Wah
Published: March 2024

This study looks into the critical discussion surrounding the ethical regulation and explainability of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Amidst the rapid advancement of generative AI technologies, this paper identifies and explores the multifaceted ethical concerns that arise, highlighting the paramount importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Through an examination of existing regulatory frameworks and the introduction of novel benchmarks for explainability, the study advocates for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while ensuring ethical oversight. Case studies illustrate the dual potential of generative AI to benefit society and pose significant ethical challenges, underscoring the complexity of its integration into various domains. The findings emphasize the necessity for dynamic regulatory mechanisms, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing research to navigate the ethical landscape of generative AI, aiming to harness its capabilities responsibly for the betterment of humanity.
Optimizing the performance of microwave photonic transversal filters using optical microcombs
Authors: Moss David
Published: March 2024

We present a detailed analysis for the performance of microcomb-based microwave photonic transversal filters to optimize the performance of these filters. We analyze the distortions in the filter spectral response resulting from theoretical limitations and experimental error sources.
Sink of eddy energy by submesoscale sea surface temperature variability in a coupled regional model
Authors: Uchoa Igor , Wenegrat Jacob , Renault Lionel
Published: March 2024

Air-sea interaction impacts ocean energetics via modifications to the exchange of momentum and buoyancy. Prior work at the submesoscale has largely focused on mechanisms related to the eddy kinetic energy (EKE), such as the current feedback on stress, which generates negative wind work, or variations in sea surface temperature (SST) that modify surface winds. However, less is known about the influence of submesoscale SST variability on ocean energetics through its direct effect on the surface flux of eddy potential energy (EPE). Here the role of EPE flux on submesoscale ocean energetics is investigated using a fully-coupled model of the California Current region, including a numerical experiment that suppresses the thermal response in the computation of air-sea fluxes at the submesoscale. Correlations between surface buoyancy anomalies and surface buoyancy fluxes lead to an approximately 10--25$\%$ loss of submesoscale EPE, which results in similar magnitude reductions of the vertical buoyancy production, EKE, and eddy wind work. The changes induced by this mechanism in the energy reservoirs and dissipation/conversion pathways are on the same order of magnitude as the negative wind work induced by the current feedback. An approximate form of the EPE flux shows that it is a function of the density ratio and proportional to the surface EPE reservoir of the system. These findings indicate the importance of the submesoscale SST variability, and small-scale variability in surface heat fluxes, in modifying energy reservoirs and conversion pathways of the ocean via the direct flux of EPE at the air-sea interface.
Collagen-Laponite Nanoclay Hydrogels for Tumor Spheroid Growth
Authors: Alamán-Díez Pilar , Borau-Zamora Carlos , Guerrero Pedro Enrique , Amaveda Hippolyte , Mora Mario , Fraile José María , Garcia-Gareta Elena , García-Aznar José Manuel , Pérez María Ángeles
Published: March 2024

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of tumoral tissue. Its functions and properties are crucial in determining tumor cell behavior such as invasion, migration, and malignancy development. Our study explores the role of collagen type I in cancer development and spread using engineered tumor models like multicellular spheroids grown in collagen-based hydrogels to simulate early tumor formation. We employ microfluidic techniques to test the hypothesis that (i) adding Laponite nanoclay to collagen hydrogels modifies mechanical and rheological properties and (ii) changing the stiffness of the collagen microenvironment affects tumor spheroid growth. Our findings support our theories and suggest the use of ECM components and engineered tumor models in cancer research, offering a biocompatible and biomimetic method to tailor the mechanical properties of conventional collagen hydrogels.
Leveling up fun: Learning progress, expectations, and success influence enjoyment in video games
Authors: Brändle Franziska , Wu Charley M , Schulz Eric
Published: March 2024

What factors influence how much fun people have when engaging in inherently enjoyable tasks? The theory of learning progress predicts that people will have the most fun in environments of intermediate difficulty because these environments offer the most progress in learning about the world. Past studies have frequently focused on simple experimental paradigms in which learning was still instrumental for later tasks. Here, we put the theory of fun as learning progress to a test in three large and realistic video game data sets: a puzzle game (with 7,994 levels and 376,341 votes), a racing game (138,662 levels and 614,770 votes), and a platformer game (115,032 levels and 795,313 votes). As predicted, people preferred levels of intermediate difficulty in all games. Yet, additional factors influencing people's enjoyment also emerged: players preferred levels that matched closely with their prior expectations of difficulty and were also motivated by success. We further confirmed these factors in two precisely controlled experiments. Taken together, these results advance our understanding of the dynamics of fun in realistic environments and emphasize the importance of using both realistic, game-like environments and highly controlled experiments to refine theories of human learning and decision-making.
Financial Profitability of Production and Marketing of Buffalo Milk in Lalitpur District, Nepal
Authors: K.C. C. , Panta H.K.
Published: March 2024

Dairying is considered as a prestigious occupation among the agricultural sub-sectors in Lalitpur. The production of milk is concentrated in the peri urban and rural areas with the increase in demand for fresh milk in the urban areas. This study was conducted to analyse the economics of the production and marketing of buffalo milk in Lalitpur district, Nepal. This research was conducted from July 2021 to July 2022 collecting data from 123 respondents including farmers, collectors, key informants, and cooperatives working for milk related functions in Lalitpur district. The cost of rearing a milking buffalo was estimated NPR 5,762 per month, with the highest share of feed cost (47.8%) followed by labor cost (21.5%) and animal cost (13.1%). Results of Cobb-Douglas production function showed an increasing return to scale for milk production. Gross income, net income (per buffalo per month), and BCR were NPR 13,828, NPR 8,066, and 1.4, respectively. The cost of producing milk at the farmer’s level was far low than the National Dairy Development Board reported cost of production. The estimated mean technical efficiency was 92.41% for buffalo grower in a range of 88- 98%. Average monthly marketed surplus which was 92.7% of total production was around 3.05% less than the marketable surplus. Among the four milk marketing channels for buffalo milk supply, the longest channel i.e. Farmer-Collector-Large milk processors-Consumer has the highest price spread of 50.59% and producers’ share of 49.4%. The shortest channel i.e. Farmer – Collector –Consumer has the estimated price spread of 9.89% and producers’ share of 91.03%. Improving production and productivity is important in order to improve profit. The extension workers are suggested to make efforts and motivate farmers to acquire technical and management knowledge to increase dairy producers’ profits. Infrastructure development was below the standard for milking buffalo keeping and selling. Improving these weaknesses, study further suggest turning peri-urban regions of Lalitpur district as the primary milk production location within Kathmandu valley.
Technological Barriers to Adoption of Induction Stoves in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya Yogesh , Adhikari Pujan
Published: March 2024

The relevance of providing access to clean cooking solutions is linked to several associated co[1]benefits that contribute to a wide range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most of the households in urban areas of Nepal use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking purposes along with a gradual introduction of electric induction stoves. The main objective of this research is to identify the technological barrier to the adoption of induction stoves. Primary data were collected from 300 households of Bhaktapur Municipality and Madhyapur Thimi Municipality in March 2021. The result shows that a total of 27 percent of households use induction stoves. Twenty six percent of households did not know about induction stoves and 47 percent of household were aware of induction stove despite not owning one themselves. The finding suggest that the need for special utensil and unable to cook multiple foods at a time are the major technological barrier to the adoption of induction stoves. The research also identifies that elevated initial costs and an inconsistent electricity supply pose significant barriers to the widespread adoption of induction stoves. The chi-square test further established a statistically significant relationship between ranking of barriers and the adoption of induction cooking. An awareness program should be launched to penetrate the use of induction stoves in Nepalese society. The study also suggests a reliable supply of electricity so that the consumer can rely completely on induction stoves for household cooking.
Education and Economic Growth in Nepal: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Duwal Niroj , Acharya Anjana
Published: March 2024

Education increases the quality and the quantity of human capital stock. The endogenous growth theory emphasizes the role of education in the economic growth. This study investigates the relationship between education and economic growth in Nepal using time series data from 1986 to 2022 in ARDL model. This study considers GDP growth as the dependent variable and growth in gross fixed capital formation, change in total population of ages 15 to 64, growth in government expenditure on education, school enrollment in secondary level, school enrollment in tertiary level and inflation rate as independent variables. The results show the existence of a long-run relationship between gross fixed capital formation and GDP positively and significantly. The government expenditure on education, school enrollment in secondary level, and inflation have insignificant and negative relation with GDP growth. Total population and school enrollment in tertiary level have positive and insignificant relation with GDP growth. In short run, total population have dynamic effects in Nepalese economy. This study suggests that there should be more studies considering other proxies to support the unavoidable evidence of education as the backbone of any economy.
Examining the Inter-Linkages of COVID-19, Agricultural Households and Nepal’s Political Economy
Authors: Pokhrel Pankaj , G.C. Shreezal , Sharma Sudhindra
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nepal's political economy and household economies, focusing on the agricultural sector and remittance dynamics. The primary objective is twofold: first, to analyze the pandemic's impact on Nepal's broader economic landscape using secondary literature, and second, to examine the consequences of outmigration on household economies through primary panel data from 2017 and 2020 surveys. The methodology involves employing a mix of secondary literature analysis and primary panel data from five districts, using OLS and random effects models to evaluate the effects on agricultural yield. The results indicate that the agricultural output of migrant households did not significantly increase post-pandemic, while non-migrant households experienced a notable rise in average agricultural yield. This suggests the resilience of traditional agricultural and food systems during shocks. The study underscores the importance of policies encouraging migrant households to leverage remittances for agricultural productivity and emphasizes the need for long-term strategies to enhance overall economic resilience in the face of global crises.
Examining Varying Rainfall in the different elevation of Nepal and Water Scarcity
Authors: Bista Raghu Bir , Thakuri Sudeep , Koirala Prakirti , Bhattarai Arun
Published: March 2024

This study assesses the variation of rainfall in the different elevations in the water basin in Nepal. Employing time series data sets of rainfall from 1980 to 2020 collected from Department of Hydrology and Metrology, Nepal, this study has used Mann Kendal test and Sen’s test.  In the different elevations, the variation of rainfall is heterogeneous. In the steep elevated landscapes, rainfall is extreme. In the last 47 years, trend of annual rainfall’s mean (Rmean) and moving average (Rmeanma) have been declining. During that period, there were extremes of higher and lower rainfall in the decadal time frame.  Kendall’s coefficient (τ) and Sen’s coefficient (β) of Rmean are -3.65°c and -0.13°c respectively. It implies decreasing trend of Rmean from 1975 to 2020. Sen’s coefficient (β) of Rmean validate decreasing trend of Rmean. However, it is insignificant (P=0.2>0.05).  Differently, except Kendall’s coefficient (τ) and Sen’s coefficient (β) of Rmean in Tzone2 (1990-1999), Kendall’s coefficient (τ) and Sen’s coefficient (β) of the remaining three time zones, Tzone1 (1980-1989), Tzone3 (2000-2009) and Tzone4 (2010-2019) are negative. Therefore, rainfall has negative trend in the different elevations of the water basin. We conclude water scarcity & stress exist in the small cities. To minimize water vulnerability, water saving and preserving behaviour of household should be developed and the government agency should campaign tree plantation, protect water sources and initiate water management program.
Exploring place attachment: Insights from post-Gorkha earthquake resettlement planning in Nepal
Authors: Uprety Sanjaya , Shrestha Barsha
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the relationship between place attachment and resettlement planning in Nepal post the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015. Focusing on functional place dependence, it analyses place attachment within the Panipokhari Integrated Settlement, designed for the Thami community in Dolakha district. Using "residential satisfaction" as a parameter to measure the influencing factors of place dependence, data were collected through a Likert scale survey, interviews, and observations. The analysis encompassed Cronbach's Alpha for reliability (α = 0.825), mean satisfaction scores for evaluation, and Spearman’s rank correlation to explore relationships between residential satisfaction parameters and place dependence factors. The study revealed significant correlations, highlighting varied influences on place attachment. Notably, social connectivity, represented by nearness to relatives (r = 0.720, p = 0.000), exhibited a strong positive correlation. Similarly, infrastructure amenities like electricity (r = 0.532, p = 0.000) displayed a relatively strong positive correlation, while access to health facilities (r = 0.447, p = 0.002) demonstrated a moderate positive correlation. Moreover, settlement planning components—kitchen gardens (r = 0.623, p = 0.000), open spaces (r = 0.578, p = 0.000), settlement layout (r = 0.549, p = 0.000), and cattle sheds (r = 0.574, p = 0.000)—significantly correlated with increased attachment. Additionally, housing design factors like immediate exterior spaces (r = 0.730, p = 0.000), spaces for life cycle rituals (r = 0.771, p = 0.000), and social events (r = 0.663, p = 0.000) and building performance factor winter thermal comfort (r = 0.606, p = 0.000)displayed substantial positive correlations. Acknowledging study limitations, it offers insights for planners and policymakers, stressing holistic approaches for sustainable resettlement. Future research should explore diverse factors and contexts, emphasizing the dynamic nature of place dependence. Ultimately, the study underscores the intricate relationship between satisfaction parameters and place attachment, urging comprehensive resettlement strategies.
Women Participation and Role of Co-Operative in Financial Inclusion of the Women Inside Pokhara Metropolis
Authors: Lamichhane Baburam
Published: March 2024

Co-Operatives are economic entity; they deliver the opportunity for poor people to raise their revenues. Financial inclusion is fundamental for building a comprehensive money-related financial system as well as the overall inclusive economy of the Nation and it will be provided by financial institutions like banks, co-operatives, finance, etc. Among them, this study has been focused on the Satyeta Saving and Credit Co-operative, located in Pokhara 26 Kaski, with the objectives: to explore the proportion of financial inclusion of women caste-wise, to measure the services provided by the cooperative to promote investment and enterprises, to analyze the financial eminence of the women afterwards involvement in the co-operative and to analyze the societal prestige of the women after connection in the co-operative. This study mainly concentrated on women because women are being differentiated against in every aspect of society. Many reasons strapped women to the back of the development. In this co-operative, there are 628 members among them 324 are female which is the population of this study and out of them, 90 were nominated as a sample of this study, exhausting a simple random sampling method, selected by lottery method. By means of a questionnaire the data were composed and contingent applying statistical tools like mean, percentage, etc. This study catches that the cooperative has no methods to the Dalits and back-warded women so less number of Dalits women was convoluted in this cooperative. Young and married women were intricate in these co-operatives from the initial date but they were involved for the bonus rather than enterprises and business. The women have accounts in others banks and they essential facilities like ATMs and other services which will not deliver by the cooperative. The existence of this cooperative in financial inclusion seems dispossessed, although the economic and social pointers of the women are not in a decreasing situation. Finally, women were busy in other banks and financial institutions so the changes arising due to other banks or particularly from this cooperative are problematic to recognize which is the limitation of this study. Where a single financial institution runs, and service delivered by the institution is to be dignified to mark the study more critical in a remote area.
Impact of quality of work-life on work-life balance among nurses in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Pushpa
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of the quality of work-life on the work-life balance of nurses in Nepal. By examining the impact of quality of work-life on the equilibrium between professional and personal life, it aims to contribute insights for enhancing the overall well-being of nurses in the Nepalese healthcare sector.
Methods: The research design employed a causal-comparative approach to investigate the impact of quality of work life on the work-life balance of nurses. The data was collected using a well-structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire from 200 nurses. Correlation and regression analyses were utilized to draw meaningful insights.
Results: The findings of the study reveal that two key factors, namely job security and job satisfaction, significantly influence the work-life balance for nurses. This suggests that nurses who perceive higher job security and experience greater job satisfaction tend to have an improved work-life balance. However, the study did not find any significant impact of job commitment on work-life balance among nurses.
Conclusion: The study underscores the pivotal role of job security and job satisfaction in shaping the quality of work life for nurses in Nepal. Higher perceived job security and increased job satisfaction emerge as key factors contributing to an enhanced work environment. Surprisingly, job commitment did not exhibit a significant influence on the quality of work life among nurses in this context. These findings highlight the importance of addressing specific aspects of job security and satisfaction to positively impact the overall work experience of nurses in Nepal.
अनलाइन कक्षा शिक्षणको प्रभावकारीता
Authors: काफ्ले Kafle टोलनाथ Tolnath
Published: March 2024

नेपाली शैक्षिक संस्कृति शिक्षक र विद्यार्थी एकैठाउँ भेला भएर सिक्ने सिकाउने प्रत्यक्ष शिक्षण प्रक्रियमा आधारित छ । यो परम्परा गुरूकुल शिक्षादेखि हालको औपचारिक शिक्षा प्रणालीसम्म कायम रहेको छ । वर्तमान परिवेशमा विकसित शिक्षाका नवीनतम चिन्तन र प्रविधिहरूको प्रयोगमा खासै कसैको चासो नपुगिरहेको सन्दर्भमा सन २०१९ को डिसेम्बरदेखि चीनको हुवान प्रान्तबाट शुरुवात भएको कोरोनाको महामारी र त्यसका कारण बन्दाबन्दीमा रहेको विद्यालयीय शिक्षामा शिक्षाको वैकल्पिक विधिका रूपमा अनलाइन शिक्षा प्रयोगमा आएको छ । यो लेख बन्दाबन्दीका कारण बन्द रहेका नेपालका विद्यालयहरूमा सञ्चालनमा रहेका अनलाइन कक्षाहरूमा कक्षा व्यवस्थापन, विद्यार्थीको पहुँच, प्रविधि प्रयोग, शिक्षण विधि, शैक्षिक सामग्रीको प्रयोग, कक्षाकार्य, गृहकार्य, उपलब्धिको लेखाजोखालाई कक्षा ६ मा अध्ययन गर्ने विद्यार्थीको आँखाबाट खोतल्ने प्रयास गरिएको छ । छलफललाई सान्दर्भिक र अर्थपूर्ण बनाउन विभन्न लेख तथा रचनाहरूको पुनरावलोकन, सिकाइका सिद्धान्तबाट प्राप्त अन्तर्दृष्टि एवम्म् लेखकका अनुभावात्मक चिन्तनहरूको विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । यो लेख ग्लेसरको ग्राउण्डेड सिद्धान्तमा आधारित भई गुणात्मक अनुसन्धानविधिबाट तयार गरिएको छ । अनलाइन अन्तर्वार्तालाई साधन बनाई तथ्याङ्क सङ्कलन गरी नतिजा विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । अन्तर्वार्ताका क्रममा सहभागी विद्यार्थीहरूबाट प्राप्त सूचनाअनुसार शिक्षण सिकाइका विभिन्न आयामहरूमा अनलाइन शिक्षाको प्रभावकारीता पूष्टि गराएकोले शिक्षाको वैकल्पिकविधिका रूपबाट अनलाइन शिक्षा प्रभाकारी रहेको निचोड निकालिएको छ । साथै नेपालमा औपचारिक शिक्षाको परम्पराभित्र उपयुक्त विकल्पको रूपमा अनलाइन शिक्षालाई प्रयोगमा ल्याई संस्थागत गर्न सुझावसमेत दिइएको छ l
Vincent Mosco’s Critical-Humanist Political Economy of Communication
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: March 2024

Vincent Mosco (1948-2024) grounded and advanced the approach of the Political Economy of Communication (PEC). This paper discusses some aspects of his Critical-Humanist approach to the Political Economy of Communication. It engages with the foundations of Vincent Mosco’s thought; the roles that labour and communication play in it; Karl Marx and Marxian scholarship in Media and Communication Studies; culture, ideology critique, and the digital sublime; as well as democracy, the media, and the public good. Vincent Mosco’s life and work will forever be remembered and will shape future generations of activist-scholars.
THE CONSTITUTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS: REVISITING THE CONTRIBUTION OF TAN SRI HARUN M. HASHIM
Authors: Shuaib Farid Sufian
Published: March 2024

This article looks at the importance of the Constitution in providing a framework of government in a country to ensure the rule of law prevails and to avoid the masses from being the mere tools of the capricious elite. The judiciary being the arbiter of dispute plays an indispensable role in bringing life to the black letters of the written Constitution. In this regard, the article tentatively looks at the contribution of a former Supreme Court Judge, Tan Sri Harun M. Hashim on his approach to interpreting fundamental liberties and the interactions between the different organs of government. The distillation of approaches of one of the prominent judges of Malaysia may better inform the development of the law. The article also looks at his contribution in raising awareness on human rights during his tenure as the Vice-Chairman of SUHAKAM. The article adopts a doctrinal method by probing the Federal Constitution, related statutes and case law. Secondary sources including journal articles are examined to provide reviews and observations regarding the related legal areas and the development of the law. The article concludes with the finding of the continuing influence of the judgment and writings of Tan Sri Harun M. Hashim in different areas of law including human rights, contempt of courts and constitutional law.
THE ADOPTION OF T.R.U.S.T PRINCIPLES BY PRUDENTIAL BSN TAKAFUL BERHAD
Authors: Saiful Anwar Abdul Rani  , Muhamad Sayuti Hassan  , Hasani Mohd Ali  , Mohd Zamre Mohd Zahir
Published: March 2024

The T.R.U.S.T principles were set out by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Department in 2018, pursuant to subsection (5) of Section 17A, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. It was crafted as a guideline for commercial organisations to safeguard the company from being charged under corporate liability. The principles have been formed using five indicators to ensure that organisations can take reasonable steps and adequate procedures from committing corrupt activities in daily businesses. This article explains the issues faced by Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad in adopting the salient features of the T.R.U.S.T principles, encompassing top-level commitment, risk assessment, undertaking control measures, systematic review, monitoring and enforcement, and training and communication. This article deploys the qualitative legal research methodology which is based on primary and secondary data to analyse the company’s practice in the context of the law and guidelines in Malaysia. The adoption of the T.R.U.S.T principles has been seen to become essential to all corporate organisations, as the company, including its senior management, can be charged under section 17A, MACC Act 2009 if found guilty unless it can be proven that adequate measures have been put in place. In conclusion, the T.R.U.S.T principles have set an outline for companies to be guided with, and to protect them from corporate liability charges under the MACC Act.
CIVIL FORFEITURE UNDER ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LEGISLATION IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Thiyagu Ganesan  , Mohd Zamre Mohd Zahir  , Muhamad Sayuti Hassan  , Hasani Mohd Ali
Published: March 2024

The Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 [AMLAFTA] empowers the Malaysian Courts to forfeit any property that is the subject of a money-laundering offence via sections 55 and 56 of the AMLAFTA. The rationale of this empowerment is to ensure that all property used in the commission of a money laundering offence is forfeited. Hence, the criminals do not gain any benefits from their crimes. However, it is observed that the provision related to civil forfeiture, specifically under section 56 of the AMLAFTA appears problematic in many instances due to the requirement attached and the civil standard of proof. As such, this article intends to detail the civil forfeiture mechanisms under the AMLAFTA. This article used the qualitative method in doctrinal legal research to collect and analyse all the information related to the topic from various primary and secondary data such as legal provisions, case laws and secondary sources, namely journals and articles on civil forfeiture, especially when applying the standard of proof. The article analyses the substantive law and procedural requirements for civil forfeitures based on Malaysia’s relevant legal provisions and cases. This article also examines the Malaysian Courts’ trends in deciding civil forfeiture cases and analyses the standard of proof for civil forfeiture. This article suggests amendments to section 56 of the AMLAFTA to introduce a provision on the rebuttable presumption to ensure that the objective of creating the civil forfeiture provision can be achieved.
The Impact of Culture on the Education System
Authors: ERTUGRULOGLU Oya , GÜLCAN Nur Yeliz , PİŞKİN ABİDOĞLU Ülkü
Published: March 2024

The whole, consisting of interconnected and interacting parts that come together for a purpose, is called a system. Every system has subsystems, vitally connected to each other and interacting. However, each of them forms a whole within itself. Generally, entities in nature are grouped into three main categories: natural systems, mechanical systems, and social systems. Institutions established by people form the social system and together with culture, they form the social structure. Educational institutions, one of the basic institutions of society, are in relationship with both the material and spiritual elements of culture, just like other institutions. In this context, education and culture appear as two separate concepts that are interdependent and mutually affecting each other. In our age where social and cultural changes are experienced, the relationship between culture and education holds an important place. One of the significant factors affecting the education systems of societies is their culture. Education is also what enables the transfer of cultures to future generations. Culture is influential at every level of education and education serves as a significant tool for the transmission of culture. Therefore, it is important to consider cultural factors for understanding and developing the Turkish Education System. The study focuses on examining and discussing the relationship between education and culture in a sociological context. The primary method of the study is literature review. The relationship between education and culture, the influence of education on societies, the education systems of societies with different cultures and histories and multiculturalism are discussed to form a whole. Today, the Turkish education system continues to be shaped by the influence of culture. Examples illustrating how culture has shaped the Turkish Education System are provided within the study, discussing the impact of culture on the education system and concluding that the Turkish Education System is influenced by the cultural activities of the past of society.
Soetomo COVID-19 Prognostic Score: A Multi-Parametric Model for Early Prediction of Disease Severity of COVID-19 in Tertiery -Resource Hospital
Authors: Kurniati Neneng Dewi , Utariani Ari , Syafa’ah Irmi , Setiawati Rosy , Widyoningroem Anita , Hayati Firly
Published: March 2024

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a global pandemic, with high mortality in severely ill patients. This study aimed to develop a novel scoring system to prognosticate disease severity in COVID-19 patients that is effective and widely available in tertiary medical resource settings.Material and Methods: Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this retrospective cohort, divided into severe and non-severe groups. We randomly assigned 70% of the subjects to establish a novel scoring system, while the remaining 30% was used for internal validation. The model was constructed by multivariate logistic regression using the first clinical, laboratory, and radiological finding of statistically analysis of group patients. receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and cross-tabulation were used to evaluate the performance of our score and compare it with other models.Results: A total of 599 patients were included. The Soetomo COVID-19 prognostic score predictors included age, fever, specific comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, lung tuberculosis), respiratory rate, heart rate, SF ratio, whole blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil lympocyte ratio (NLR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and a RALE score. The area under the ROC of the model indicated an excellent discriminatory ability (training datasets 0.715 [95% CI 0.664-0.767, p-value<0.001]; testing datasets 0.720 [95% CI 0.638-0.802, p-value<0.001]). Our scoring system was superior to both qSOFA and MEWS regarding predictive value. The sensitivity and specificity were 60.6% and 82.5%, respectively.Conclusion: The developed scoring system accurately predicted a significant proportion of severe disease in COVID-19 patients.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Blog Sebagai Media Informasi Interaktid Pada UKKT RW. 06 Kelurahan Tegal Parang Jakarta Selatan
Authors: Nilawati Lala , Ariyati Indah , Hikmah Noer , Brawijaya Herlambang
Published: March 2024

One of the changes in the field of communication can be seen from the speed at which people obtain information. The speed of obtaining this information is influenced by the emergence of communication technology facilities, namely computers and the internet. Internet technology can make it easier for people to communicate, as well as convey information more effectively and accurately. The delivery of interactive information within the Karang Taruna RW.06 Work Unit organization, Tegal Parang Subdistrict, South Jakarta, has not been optimally felt by the community. This community service activity takes the form of training in creating blogs as an interactive information medium, to improve communication and information within an organization. The target training participants are members and the Karang Taruna RW.06 Work Unit. The training is carried out face to face with the hope that the material presented will be easier for the training participants to understand and put into practice. Participants are given material about the definition and function of a blog, how to create one and how to manage the blog so that it becomes an interactive information medium. As a result of this training, participants have a simple blog, as a form of digital communication to send, receive and share information with the public.
Budaya Gemar Membaca Bagi Anak Usia Dini Melalui Pembuatan Pojok Ruang Baca Pada Lingkungan Sekolah
Authors: Retnoningsih Endang , Rofiah Syahbaniar , Novia Reni , Salsabila Khansa , Arravi Salsabillah , Khasanah Fata Nidaul
Published: March 2024

The problem of low reading culture is one of the important issues in understanding the low level of literacy of Indonesian people. In addition to the low interest in reading, students' interest in visiting the library is still low. This can occur due to lack of reading material, then the available reading material does not vary so that it causes students to be lazy to read. So it is necessary to get used to the culture of reading in order to increase interest starting among early childhood. The partner of this activity is the Study Group in the South Tambun area. In the implementation there are five cycles of stages ranging from observation, counseling, training, mentoring and evaluation. The results of this activity all cycles involve an active role between the team and partners in developing the reading room corner. The enthusiasm for the existing reading room corner was welcomed with pleasure from teachers, students who felt facilitated and the realization of the reading room corner and the general public in the environment around the partner location.
Penyuluhan Literasi Media Online Melalui Pelatihan Kewirausahaan Bagi UMKM Dalam Meningkatkan Penjualan Produk
Authors: Siregar Nasaruddin , Dewi Nita Komala , Nursyamsi Sari Endah , Astuti Hani , Ningrum Endah Prawesti , Mujab Saeful
Published: March 2024

Electronics are widely used by business people to market the products they sell and are often known as e-commerce. Apart from that, on the other hand, in assisting government programs in the creative economy sector, there are many MSMEs that have grown in several regions in Indonesia, one of which is MSMEs under Sukamekar Village, Kab. Bekasi. As many MSMEs grow, there are many obstacles experienced by MSME players, one of which is product sales strategy. The product sales strategy carried out by MSME players in Sukamekar Village, Kab. Bekasi, is still traditional, and the packaging of the goods sold does not attract buyers' interest, so the solutions provided in community service activities are: 1) providing counseling regarding online media literacy for MSMEs; 2) providing entrepreneurship training for MSMEs to increase product sales. The objectives of community service activities are: 1) increasing knowledge and understanding of social media literacy for MSMEs; 2) improving MSME sales strategies in the era of digitalization; and 3) increasing knowledge and understanding of MSME players in product packaging. The method for implementing community service activities consists of three stages, namely the preparation stage, the implementation stage (counseling and training), and the evaluation stage. Participants were representatives of MSME actors under the auspices of the Sukamekar Village office, Kab. Bekasi, as many as 20 people. The results of the activity showed that there was interest from the participants, as evidenced by the enthusiastic attitude of the participants when taking part in the activity and also proven by the results of the pre- and post-tests, which showed an increase in the participants' knowledge and skills.
IMPACT OF MACULAR DETACHMENT DURATION IN REGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT ON VISUAL ACUITY IN POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD
Authors: Voskresenska L. , Ryadnova V. , Olefir I.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Regmatogenous retinal detachment is a pathology leading to inevitable loss of visions. Although the anatomical success rate of retinal repair is high, the postoperative functional results are dissatisfying for most patients, leading to deterioration in their social life. Identifying new causes of incomplete visual recovery will help shed new light on this problem. Objective. This study aims at identifying and evaluating the effect of the duration of macular detachment in regmatogenous retinal detachment macula-off on postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. Material and Methods. The study involved 56 patients with primary regmatogenous retinal detachment. All of them underwent surgical treatment (posterior subtotal vitrectomy). Five groups of patients were formed according to the duration of regmatogenous retinal detachment. Follow-up examinations were conducted at day 1, week 1, week 2, one month, and three months. Best-corrected visual acuity was the main study parameter.

Results. Statistically significant functional outcomes were observed in 80% of patients who were operated on within 1 to 15 days of the onset of retinal detachment (groups I and II). In group III, 31.6% of patients achieved better best-corrected visual acuity compared with the functional results of groups IV and V at the end of the 3-month follow-up period. The best-corrected visual acuity in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 was only detected in 48.48% of patients who were operated on in the first two weeks after detachment compared with those who were operated on later.

Conclusions. High functional outcomes depend on the duration of the preoperative period. The best results were obtained in patients with short-term retinal detachment, namely, surgical treatment after the first two weeks of complaints (p<0.01). Functional outcomes are directly proportional to the duration of macular detachment, the longer the duration of detachment, the worse the best-corrected visual acuity (p < 0.05).
DISTRIBUTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MESENTERIC MILK SPOTS IN HEALTHY RATS AND THOSE WITH ADHESION DISEASE
Authors: Paydarkina A. P. , Kush O. G.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The adhesion process occurs in more than 80% of cases after all abdominal operations. The process of adhesion formation and, as a consequence, chronic inflammation involve the lymphoid elements (Peyer's spots, solitary follicles) present in the peritoneum and submucosa of the intestine, causing a pathological immune response. Fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), known as mammary structures, are also found in other fat reservoirs, such as the pericardium, mediastinum, and pleural cavity. The problem of visualizing milk spots in various structures of the peritoneum remains open. Relevance. Despite the fact that as early as 1921, scientists emphasized the presence of milk spots in the abdominal cavity and their great biological significance, the results of experimental studies related to milk spots are still relatively few. The novelty consists in investigating the peculiarities of the distribution of milk spots in the mesentery of the intestine with adhesion disease in rats in comparison with the health animals.

Objective of this study is to detect milk spots, to investigate their topography and structure in the mesentery of the intestine in the health and in adhesion disease.

Materials and methods: The experiment involved tissue preparation, macroscopic examination, histological analysis of hematoxylin and eosin-stained film preparations.

Results. Milk spots of the intestinal mesentery in rats from the intact group are represented by round formations, 1-2 μm in diameter, white in color, uniformly and diffusely located on the area of the mesentery of the small and large intestine. Microscopically, they are characterized as a cluster of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages belonging to FALC lymphoid tissue. The area of milk spots of the peritoneum in the experimental groups varies depending on the course of the process of adhesion formation. Individual small white and gray granulations were observed in the animals of the II experimental group on the 7th day. On the 14th day of observation in the III group, the diameter of the milk spots reached 2-2.5 mm, they appeared as white granular clusters. On the 21st day, the animals of the IV group demonstrated an abundant accumulation of elliptical whitish structures, 3-4 mm in diameter near the blood vessels that differed significantly from the indicators of the other groups.

Conclusion. The study has expanded knowledge regarding the distribution and composition of milk spots in the normal mesentery compared to those observed in adhesion disease. According to data obtained, milk spots are lymphoid tissue, represented by various types of lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells. The question of whether the lymphocytes found in the milk spots belong to different subpopulations, the dynamics of their number during the main stages of adhesion formation, remains an open question requiring further scientific research.