bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The concept of reading literary storybooks improves theory of mind in elementary school-aged children
Authors: Rusli Devi , Kurniawan Halivia Chair , Kumaat Theophany Deasinatalia , Hayati Nikmah , Ningsih Yuninda Tria , Nio Suci Rahma , Susanti Roza Eva , Arben Ali
Published: February 2025

Violence frequently committed by children against their peers reflects their inability to understand others' feelings and emotions. Children's understanding of others’ mental states, which is also known as theory of mind (ToM), is the basic capital in developing empathy in society. Narrative media, such as literary fiction books, is one way to develop children's ability to understand mental states. Through reading literary fiction, children mentally engage with various complex characters, interpersonal conflicts, and diverse emotions, which can strengthen their ability to understand different perspectives. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the effect of reading literary storybooks on the development of ToM in elementary school children. It also used an experimental design with a control group and a posttest-only method. ToM was assessed using tasks created by Wimmer and Perner, namely, adopting the theory of mind second order beliefs (SOB) concept. The selected participants were 60 public elementary school children, consisting of 30 boys and 30 girls aged 9 to 11 years. The results showed that the average ToM value of the experimental group was greater (0.70) than the control group (0.43), with Mann‒Whitney U test value of 0.039. These results indicate a significant difference in ToM scores between the experimental and control groups, thus supporting the research hypothesis. This suggested that children who read literary storybooks experienced an increase in their understanding of others’ mental states. Reading literary books serves as a form of social simulation that can train children's cognition in understanding the thoughts and feelings of others.In conclusion, the results could be used as recommendations for teachers and parents in encouraging children to enjoy reading literary storybooks in order to build their socialization competence and prosocial behavior.
Influence of job demand and resources on job satisfaction of employees in university admission
Authors: Kishore Ranit , Sethi Surinder , Mohturea Ashish , Thoke Nutan , Junne Rajiv , Ghangale Seema , Tare Harshal
Published: February 2025

Every job has specific demands and resources, leading to satisfied or dissatisfied employees. Drawing from JD-R theory, this study examines how job demands and resources influence job satisfaction among employees in private universities' admission and telecalling process.We studied the correlation between job happiness, social assistance and guidance, emotional demands, and work pressure. Using a sample of 50 respondents, a conclusion was drawn for our study. The analysis revealed that employees experience support from their immediate supervisors, and work pressure was reported as the biggest obstacle to their job. Employees reported moderate satisfaction with their jobs and the available resources.
Forecasting Measles Incidence in the Philippines: A Comparative Analysis of SARIMA, Holt-Winters, ESN, and NNAR Models
Authors: Parreño Samuel John Estenor
Published: February 2025

This study examines the incidence of measles in the Philippines from January 1, 2017, to October 28, 2023, employing four distinct forecasting models: Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA), Holt-Winters Exponential Smoothing, Echo State Network (ESN), and Neural Network Autoregressive (NNAR). The primary objective is to determine the most effective method for predicting short-term measles incidence trends. Using officially released data on notifiable diseases, the study addresses challenges such as missing data through Predictive Mean Matching (PMM) and evaluates the performances of the models based on root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results indicate that the NNAR model outperforms the others, demonstrating its superior ability to handle complex, non-linear data patterns, crucial for epidemiological forecasting. The study highlights the impact of factors like vaccine hesitancy and healthcare accessibility on measles incidence and underscores the importance of leveraging advanced forecasting models in public health decision-making. The findings emphasize the need for targeted vaccination campaigns, resource allocation, and public health communication strategies based on predictive modeling insights. This research contributes to the field of epidemiological forecasting, offering policy recommendations for improving public health response and preparedness in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.
Evaluating the current state and recommending solutions for the development of open pedagogy: A case study in Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Le Khanh , Khanh Nguyen Minh , Thuy Nguyen Thanh , Phuong Nguyen Ngoc
Published: February 2025

To identify the current state of implementation accurately and find solutions for building and developing Open Pedagogy, this study conducted a survey at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Vietnam. The survey included 421 participants (21 school administrators, 55 lecturers, and 345 students). The survey data were processed via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A 5-point Likert scale was used. The average values were categorized as low (1.00 - 1.80), average (1.81 - 2.60), good (2.61 - 3.40), very good (3.41 - 4.20), and excellent (4.21 - 5.00). The survey results indicate that the practice of Open Pedagogy in Vietnam is still in its early stages. Awareness and understanding of Open Pedagogy among relevant stakeholders, including administrators, teachers, and learners, are not yet profound. Lecturers and students either never practiced open pedagogy activities or encountered many difficulties when initially practising them. Barriers include inconsistent awareness, a lack of understanding, insufficient implementation skills, incomplete legal regulations, and inadequate infrastructure for opening pedagogy. On the basis of the evaluation results, this paper proposes five solutions for the development of Open Pedagogy. These solutions aim to eliminate barriers and encourage organizations and individuals in society to participate in developing Open Pedagogy. The proposed solutions received high consensus from administrators, lecturers, and students regarding their fundamental and urgent nature. The government, the Ministry of Education and Training, and educational institutions should promptly implement these solutions.
Addressing Social Media Impact on Youth Mental Health in a Comprehensive Focus-Group Based Research Approach
Authors: Oprescu Claudia M.
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the psychological health effects of excessive social media use among teens, addressing the increasingly concerning issue of internet addiction as a global health threat. Specifically, the focus group research study explores the psychosocial effects, revealing that adolescents frequently immerse themselves in social media and use it as an escape mechanism. The findings highlight the pressing need for tailored interventions to mitigate the potential emotional negative effects and to provide integrated service solutions to support safer and healthier online habits among youth.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROTON CONDUCTORS BASED ON BARIUM CERATE AND LANTHANUM SCANDATE
Authors: Хромушин Игорь
Published: February 2025

Abstract. The direct conversion of hydrogen chemical energy into electrical energy is carried out in fuel cells (FC), which consist of an ion-conducting electrolyte and electrodes. Solid oxide proton conductors with a perovskite structure are the perspective materials for use as electrolytes in fuel cells. However, the efficiency of fuel cells based on them is not high enough, leading to the high cost of generated electricity. Therefore, the task of choosing the most effective electrolyte material is urgent. Comparative studies of the properties of proton conductors based on barium cerate and lanthanum scandate have been carried out. The research was carried out using modern methods of analysis and mathematical processing. A necessary condition for the appearance of proton conductivity in perovskites is the presence of oxygen vacancies in the anion sublattice. Particular attention is paid to studying the ability of an electrolyte to intercalate protons during the dissociative dissolution of water. It has been shown that the concentration of protons depends on the composition of the material, the type of dopant cation, as well as the method of oxygen vacancies formation in the lattice. It was found that the samples of barium cerate and lanthanum scandate, with equal doping levels, are capable of intercalating the same number of protons. In the case of oxygen vacancies formation in lanthanum scandate by creating a deficiency in one of the cations, the concentration of intercalated protons sharply decreases, despite the fact that with this method 1.5 times more oxygen vacancies should be formed than with acceptor doping. Analysis of the obtained results indicates the significant role of negative defects of the V'''La type, which interact with positively charged oxygen vacancies and, probably, block their participation in the process of H2O dissolution.
Asymptotically Periodic and Bifurcation Points in Fractional Difference Maps
Authors: Edelman Mark
Published: February 2025

The first step in investigating fractional difference maps, which do not have periodic points except fixed points, is to find asymptotically periodic points and bifurcation points and draw asymptotic bifurcation diagrams. Recently derived equations that allow calculations of asymptotically periodic and bifurcation points contain coefficients defined as slowly converging infinite sums. In this paper we derive analytic expressions for coefficients of the equations that allow calculations of asymptotically periodic and bifurcation points in fractional difference maps.
Skills Development for Waqf Professionals in India: A Capacity Building Framework Leveraging WAMSI (Waqf Asset Management System of India) Software
Authors:   Aligarh Muslim University, Rakhsan Anam
Published: February 2025

India's Waqf sector, managing over 500,000 endowments, faces significant challenges in embracing digital technologies due to limited digital literacy among professionals, impacting governance and social impact. This study proposes a comprehensive framework to enhance digital competencies, leveraging the Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI). The framework includes foundational digital literacy, WAMSI-specific skills for digital asset management and donor engagement, advanced competencies like data analytics and cybersecurity, and leadership training to drive digital transformation.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines surveys, interviews, and focus groups to assess digital skills gaps, identify best practices in capacity building, and evaluate the readiness of Waqf institutions for digital transformation. The study outlines a phased implementation and evaluation strategy, aiming to optimize WAMSI adoption, improve operational efficiency, and amplify social impact through effective digital engagement. This research contributes to the development of India's Waqf sector by providing a tailored roadmap for digital transformation, fostering sustainability, and enhancing the sector’s governance and social contributions
The Management Model of Waqf Land Empowerment in Improving Community Welfare in Lamsiteh Village, Aceh Besar District
Authors:   Universitas Syiah Kuala, Ramaha Cut Fadhila , Riyaldi Muhammad Haris ,   Universitas Syiah Kuala
Published: February 2025

This study aims to elaborate on the implementation of a management model in empowering waqf land in Lamsiteh Village and its impact on improving community welfare. Lamsiteh Village has waqf land managed by Baitul Mal Aceh (BMA) as nazhir. Therefore, it is vital to analyze the management, outcomes, and impact of the waqf land on the community. This research was conducted qualitatively using interviews and documentation procedures, compiled through data reduction, verification, and conclusion drawing. The welfare of the village community was measured using Maqashid Syariah indicators. The results show that the management of productive waqf rice fields is carried out through a profit-sharing system (mukhabarah). The allocation of waqf results is still primarily intended for consumptive and religious purposes (hifzul ad-din), so it is not fully optimal in improving community welfare. In fact, many solutions are offered, including fostering partnerships with stakeholders to finance the management and empowerment of waqf land, engaging professional nazhirs in managing productive waqf, and improving community welfare with comprehensive Maqashid Syariah principles—issues that remain relevant for further discussion
The Management of Productive Waqf Land for Agriculture to Attain Sustainable Social Wellbeing: A Study of the Sub-Branch Administrator of an Islamic Organization in Malang City
Authors:   Brawijaya University, Ghazi Ananta , Ashar Khusnul ,   Brawijaya University, Manzilati Asfi ,   Brawijaya University
Published: February 2025

Poverty is one of main issues, and the solutions for which are still being worked into. Waqf emerges as an instrument to reduce poverty and at the same time to improve public wellbeing. The objective of this research is to answer the question whether waqf has some degree of impacts on the three dimensions of welfare, i.e., income, health, and education, as seen from the roles of the recipients. Here qualitative method was used to answer the question. The data was harvested via interviews and documentation, and its credibility was preserved through triangulation. This study finds that sustainable social wellbeing has been achieved although the attainment only covers the basic needs due to the small economic scale and the absence of the element of modern agribusiness, which is an effort to increase the value of the agricultural product. The inhibiting factor lies in the branch-level management caused by non-procedural system administration, the non-performance of documentation, incompetent human resource, and small business capital. The originality of this study is observable in the attempt of answering whether waqf can become a solution for attaining sustainable social wellbeing and of seeking a management that can further increase the impact of waqf on the said social wellbeing.
Analysis of Issues, Potential, and Future Development Direction of Retail Cash Waqf-Linked Sukuk
Authors:   University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Umam Khoirul , Muzaki Rofi ,   University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Afif Mufti ,   University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor, Nurfattah Arizqiya ,   University of Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to analyze the potential and challenges surrounding the development of Retail CWLS in order to ascertain a favorable direction for its sustained growth. This study examines the challenges encountered in the development of Retail CWLS products. These include a decline in wakif interest for money waqf in Retail CWLS which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the government has not been consistent in determining Retail CWLS yield coupons, the risk of loss in the form of loss of waqf assets, low literacy regarding Retail CWLS among The Younger Generation in Indonesia. The potential CWLS in the form of high interest among Generation X and Millennial people, the maximum collection of Retail CWLS funding, Retail CWLS is an opportunity for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, clearly the benefits, nazir certified, professional, safe, and risk-free, as well as being a forum for the community to waqf money and play an important role in sustainable economic growth to support national food security. Retail Sukuk in Indonesia has been issued for the fifth time in order to strengthen the domestic economy. However, interest in retail sukuk is decreasing, especially among The Younger Generation. For future researchers, the next research should examine Retail CWLS from the perspective of investment actors and the reasons why there is minimal interest from The Younger Generation
Az online dezinformáció megfékezésére tett európai kísérletek kritikája
Authors: Koltay András
Published: February 2025

Leegyszerűsítve azt is mondhatnánk, hogy az információ hasznos, a dezinformáció káros – ám ahogyan a széles körű tájékozódásra nem lehet senkit kényszeríteni, úgy a megtévesztő tájékoztatást is szinte lehetetlen jogi eszközökkel elfojtani, de még csak megfékezni is. A nyilvánosságot biztosító csatornák (közösségi média, videomegosztók, keresőmotorok) és a tévinformációt közlők céljai, gazdasági érdekei – még ha nem is szándékosan, de – egymást erősíthetik. Mit tehet a jogalkotó a szólásszabadság aránytalan korlátozása nélkül, a befogadó a különféle szűrőbuborékokon áttörve, a médiavállalatok pedig a felhasználói élmény és a részvényeik árfolyamának csökkenése nélkül azért, hogy a közlemények valódisága könnyen és gyorsan felismerhetővé váljon, a dezinformáció elfogadása és továbbadása lecsökkenjen, a tájékoztatás pedig a tényeknek megfelelő legyen? Olykor a kúra súlyosabb következményekkel jár, mint maga a betegség. Jelen írás néhány olyan problémát emel ki, amely alkalmas a szólásszabadságra a dezinformáció problémájának kezelési kísérletei által előálló veszélyek illusztrálására, és igyekszik néhány óvatos javaslatot is megfogalmazni a dezinformációval kapcsolatos olyan szabályozásokra, amelyek nem korlátozzák indokolatlanul vagy aránytalanul az egyéni szólásszabadságot.
Gondolatok Magyary szobránál
Authors: Veres Zoltán
Published: February 2025

Magyary Zoltán (1888–1945) elsősorban a közigazgatásban dolgozók és a tudomány művelői számára valódi példakép: élete a hazához, annak polgáraihoz (az „emberekhez”) és a tudományhoz való hűség mintája. Munkásságát szakmai alázat és igényesség jellemezte, amelyek megalapozták nemzetközi (el)ismertségét. Az általa alkalmazott ténymegállapító módszer több szakma együttműködését követelte meg, igazi multidiszciplináris műveket eredményezve.
Studi Determinan PDRB, IPM, UMK Atas TPT di Provinsi NTB Untuk Periode 2017-2023
Authors: Daroini Agista Cholli , Sriningsih Siti
Published: February 2025

Fokus riset ini untuk menentukan bagaimana pengaruh PDRB, IPM, dan UMK Dibandingkan dengan TPT di masing-masing kabupaten di wilayah NTB. banyaknya TPT adalah isu yang akan dijabarkan dalam studi ini. Studi ini menerapkan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Data yang dipakai merupakan data yang telah dikumpulkan dari tahun 2017 - 2023 terhadap 10 kota-kota di wilayah Nusa Tenggara Barat. Variabel independen studi ini adalah PDRB, IPM, dan Upah Minimum Kabupaten dan variabel yang terikatnya yaitu TPT. Analisis ini memakai regresi data panel berdasarkan laporan tahun 2017-2023 Fixed Effect Model (FEM) adalah model terpilih. Hasil studi menunjukkan aspek Produk Domestik Regional Bruto berdampak negatif dan tidak signifikan dalam kaitannya dengan tingkat pengangguran terbuka, variabel IPM berkontribusi secara negatif dan signifikan pada tingkat pengangguran terbuka, lalu pada variabel Upah Minimum Kabupaten berkontribusi positif tidak signifikan terhadap Tingkat Pengangguran Terbuka. Penelitian ini memberikan pengetahuan tentang bagaimana faktor-faktor ekonomi dan sosial berperan untuk mengatasi permasalahan pengangguran di NTB, dan juga menjadi dasar untuk pengambilan kebijakan yang lebih efektif di masa mendatang.
Pengaruh Green Accounting dan Kinerja Lingkungan Terhadap Profitabilitas Perusahaan Pertambangan di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2019-2023)
Authors: Okterianda Yona , Pentiana Destia , Nurmala Nurmala
Published: February 2025

This study aims to analyze the impact of green accounting practices and environmental performance on profitability, measured by the return on assets (ROA) ratio. A quantitative approach is used, relying on secondary data sources. The population consists of 45 mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2019 to 2023, and a sample of 11 companies was selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using documentation, drawing from financial statements, annual reports, and sustainability reports of the sampled companies for the 2019-2023 period. The data were then analyzed with SPSS version 25. In this study, green accounting is assessed through environmental costs, while environmental performance is evaluated using the PROPER rating. Statistical tests conducted include descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression, and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate that green accounting has a significant negative effect on company profitability, while environmental performance shows no impact on profitability individually, though both variables together do influence profitability
Analysis of Employee Work Effectiveness from Communication and Work Environment
Authors: Nirwana Ida , Sriyanti Esi , Nurdyanti Anisa
Published: February 2025

Recognizing the significance of human resource management in attaining organizational objectives, firms and leaders must enhance their focus on communication and the workplace environment for their employees. This study seeks to examine the impact of communication and work environment on employee effectiveness at the Human Resources Development and Personnel Agency (BKPSDM) of Solok City. This research is a quantitative analysis. The utilized data are primary data acquired via questionnaires disseminated to respondents. The study population consisted of 41 employees from the Human Resources Development and Personnel Agency (BKPSDM) of Solok City. The sample method employed in this investigation was complete sampling. The study sample comprised 41 individuals. The employed data analysis methods included research instrument testing, multiple linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and coefficient of determination testing. The data test results indicate that the communication variable does not influence employee work effectiveness. The work environment influences employee productivity. Subsequently, communication and the work environment collectively influence employee productivity. The coefficient of determination indicates that 81.9% of the work effectiveness of employees at the Solok City Human Resources Development and Personnel Agency (BKPSDM) is affected by communication and the work environment, while the remaining 18.1% is influenced by other variables not addressed in this study.
Analyzing Government Financial Performance as a Basis for Sustainable Development. Case Study on The Government of Klaten
Authors: Riantisari Rahmawati , Nurrokhmini Alfiati , Ghazali Buya Al
Published: February 2025

Financial ratio analysis in financial statements is useful for evaluating the effectiveness of the regional autonomy system. This study is a descriptive quantitative research. The research subject is the Klaten Regency Government, while the object of research is the Realization Report and the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget for the 2019-2022 period. Based on the analysis of the financial performance of the Klaten Regency government during the 2019-2022 budget period, it can be seen that the effectiveness ratio is very high, however, there are several indicators that show imbalances in financial management. One of them is the low activity ratio, which shows that more expenditure is allocated for operations than for capital investment. In addition, the very low independence ratio is also a concern, indicating that dependence on external resources is very high. To overcome this problem, concrete steps need to be taken including revenue diversification, improving financial management, spending efficiency, infrastructure development, human resources and strengthening the supervisory system in an effort to improve financial performance and sustainable development in Klaten Regency. The implications of the research highlight the need for budget policy reformulation and the strengthening of PAD management to enhance regional financial independence.
The Influence of Income and Knowledge on Customer Interest in Investing in Gold at PT. Pegadaian Sidareja
Authors: Nisa Ma’rifatun , Setiabudhi Hatta , Pamikatsih Mutia
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analysed the influence of income and knowledge on customers interest in investing in gold at PT Pegadaian Sidareja. Gold investment is a popular choice among people as a means of protecting asset values from inflation. However, customers interest in investing is not only influenced by economic factors, but also the knowledge that customers have regarding the benefits and risks of investing in gold. The method used in this research is quantitative with a survey approach. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to 84 customers of PT Pegadaian Sidareja. Data analysis was carried out using multiple linear regression to test the influence of income and knowledge variables on investment interest. The research results show that income has a negative effect on customers interest in investing in gold. Meanwhile, knowledge about gold investment has a positive and significant effect on customer interest. Thus, both income and knowledge are important factors that influence customers decisions to invest in gold at PT Pegadaian Sidareja. It is hoped that this research will provide benefits for PT Pegadaian in improving its marketing strategy, especially by emphasizing the importance of investment education to customers to increase interest in investing in gold
Corporate Governance and Fraudulent Financial Reporting: The Role of Independence Figure
Authors: Jesslyn  , Khairani Siti
Published: February 2025

The main goal of this research is to analyze how corporate governance disclosure, focusing on the principle of independence, which includes the composition of the independent board of commissioners (BOD_IN), the effectiveness of the audit committee (ACE), the effectiveness of internal audit (IAE), and the quality of external auditors (EAQ) can affect fraudulent financial reporting (FFR). This research uses Beneish M-Score model to determine the indication of FFR, then analyze it with logistic regression analysis, performed and processed with IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software.  The data is collected from annual reports of energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2022-2023. The final number of samples used in this study are 57 companies for two years which were taken by purposive sampling. The result of this research shows that all variables did not have a significant effect on fraudulent financial reporting. In conclusion, independence fugure on corporate governance did not have any significant influence on fraudulent financial reporting.
Pengaruh Fasilitas, Promosi Media Sosial, dan Harga Terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan di Olympus Gym di Bandar Lampung
Authors: Tanuhardja Ferdinand , Tiara N Vonny
Published: February 2025

Masyarakat sadar akan pentingnya pola hidup sehat, yang tercermin dari pertumbuhan industri kebugaran, termasuk gym seperti Olympus Gym. Penelitian ini untuk meneliti  fasilitas, promosi melalui media sosial, dan harga memengaruhi kepuasan pelanggan. Penelitian ini menerapkan pendekatan kuantitatif diterapkan melalui pengumpulan data primer menggunakan kuesioner. Sampel penelitian mencakup seluruh anggota Olympus Gym dengan sampel sebanyak 50 responden. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji validitas, reliabilitas, regresi linear berganda, serta uji F dan t untuk mengukur signifikansi hubungan antar variabel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua variabel (fasilitas, promosi media sosial, dan harga) memiliki pengaruh positif yang signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan di Olympus Gym. Uji validitas dan reliabilitas menunjukkan bahwa semua pertanyaan dalam kuesioner valid dan dapat diandalkan. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi baru dalam memahami hubungan antara fasilitas, promosi media sosial, dan harga dengan kepuasan pelanggan pada konteks industri kebugaran di Bandar Lampung. Temuan ini dapat menjadi acuan bagi manajemen Olympus Gym untuk meningkatkan strategi pemasaran dan layanan mereka.
The Role and Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Extremist Fuelled Election Misinformation in Africa
Authors: Effoduh Okechukwu (Jake)
Published: February 2025

 The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of technological possibilities, transforming industries and societies worldwide. However, its impact on African democracies reveals a complex interplay between technological advancement and the persistent threats of extremism and voter disenfranchisement. In Africa, where political landscapes are often marked by instability and ethno-tribal/religious divisions, the potential for technology, particularly AI, to be exploited by extremist groups to cause political stability poses a significant risk. These actors can harness AI to deepen societal cleavages, manipulate public opinion, and ultimately undermine the democratic fabric through disenfranchisement and misinformation.   On the global stage, deepfakes and other synthetic media technology have raised concerns about the fragility of democracy and the new realities of true-to-life AI-generated content peddling fake news. Deepfakes not only pass off fake content as real but also create psychological mistrust towards genuine content, which can be problematic for political observers and electorates. They can also enable what some scholars have described as the ‘liar dividend’, in which politicians fuel cognitive dissonance by claiming that real but demeaning content has been digitally manipulated to evade political and legal accountability. Such activities, leveraging AI platforms with disabled ethical safeguards, are particularly troubling given the current absence of sophisticated deep-learning models and the exposure to exploitation by extremist groups in Africa. 
Africa’s AI Odyssey: Surfing the waves of innovation amidst digital storms
Authors: Effoduh Okechukwu (Jake)
Published: February 2025

 In September 2024, the High-level Advisory Body on AI issued its final report on Governing AI for Humanity at the UN, emphasizing the ethical and inclusive development of AI globally. The inclusive development of AI is critical for sub-Saharan Africa as most AI systems in the region are developed and hosted abroad (for instance, Nigeria is one of the most technologically advanced countries in Africa, but more than ninety percent of the technological software used in the country are imported). The UN General Assembly also adopted the Pact for the Future, including the final version of the Global Digital Compact, both of which could bridge the digital divide in Africa and support the region’s growth and resilience in the AI age. The Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology and the UNDP released the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework: A Guide to Building Safe and Inclusive DPI for Societies, vital for African nations to ensure their digital ecosystems are secure, transparent, and beneficial for all citizens.
Africa’s Energy Poverty in An Artificial Intelligence (AI) World: Struggle for Sustainable Development Goal 7
Authors: Effoduh Okechukwu (Jake)
Published: February 2025

Energy poverty remains a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where approximately 600 million people lack proper access to electricity. This paper examines the region’s current state of energy poverty, highlighting its socio-economic impacts and the barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. Despite the region’s rich renewable energy potential, inadequate infrastructure, economic constraints, and governance issues continue to impede progress. This work employs a doctrinal research methodology, focusing on the critical analysis of existing legal and policy frameworks relevant to energy poverty and the integration of AI in energy management. This paper presents an overview of energy poverty in SSA, underpinned by current statistics and trends. It then examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts this area: while AI technologies, through its data centre s, for example, significantly increase energy consumption, AI also offers innovative solutions for energy management, efficiency, and the integration of renewable energy sources. This paper critically analyzes these dynamics using Marxist and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) frameworks to understand the broader socio-economic inequalities and global power dynamics at play. Major findings indicate that current policy frameworks are inadequate in addressing the unique challenges of energy poverty and the growing role of AI in the energy sector. The paper reviews existing policy and regulatory frameworks, identifying gaps and proposing actionable recommendations for integrating AI into policies to address energy poverty. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations to achieve a just and inclusive energy transition, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable development and technological equity.
Beyond the Consumer: Shaping Africa’s Voice in Tech Accountability and Human Rights
Authors: Effoduh Okechukwu (Jake) , Friday Odeh , Idakwo Ehi
Published: February 2025

The growing integration of technology into daily life presents significant challenges for accountability, especially as governments and tech companies navigate the complex task of balancing freedom of speech with ethical practices. One of the primary challenges is how government-tech partnerships in Africa, often framed as tools for development or security, frequently operate with a lack of transparency and accountability. However, these partnerships frequently operate without adequate oversight, creating fertile ground for human rights abuses, particularly in contexts where regulatory frameworks are weak and civil society organizations (CSOs) have limited influence to demand greater transparency, equity, and justice. To address this, this policy brief examines the systemic obstacles to achieving tech accountability, focusing on the impact of government-tech company collaborations and the ways that this can contribute to Africa’s relegation to the role of a consumer market rather than an active participant in innovation. It calls for a reimagined approach to tech accountability, one rooted in human rights, inclusive governance, and ethical principles. This can be achieved by emphasizing the need for co-creation processes involving government, CSOs, tech companies, and local communities to design and develop technologies that serve the region’s needs and values, not just the market.
Options and Motivations for International AI Benefit Sharing
Authors: Dennis Claire , Manning Sam , Clare Stephen , Wu Boxi , Effoduh Okechukwu (Jake) , T. Okolo Chinasa , Heim Lennart , Klinova Katya
Published: February 2025

 

Advanced AI systems could generate substantial economic and other societal benefits, but these benefits may not be widely shared by default. For a range of reasons, a number of prominent actors and institutions have called for efforts to expand access to AI's benefits. In this report, we define the concept of international AI benefit sharing (“benefit sharing”) as efforts to support and accelerate international access to AI’s economic or broader societal benefits. Calls for benefit sharing typically invoke at least one of three motivations: 1) supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, 2) fostering technological self-determination in low- and middle-income countries, and 3) advancing geopolitical objectives, including strengthening international partnerships on AI governance. Notably, as a subset of the third motive, some powerful actors – like the US government – may support benefit sharing as a tool to further their economic and national security interests. Benefit sharing could be implemented by (1) sharing AI resources (e.g., computing power or data), (2) expanding access to AI systems, or (3) transferring a portion of the financial proceeds from AI commercialization or AI-driven economic growth. Depending on the objective that benefit sharing is intended to achieve, each of these approaches offers distinct opportunities and implementation challenges. These challenges include the potential for some benefit-sharing options to raise security concerns and increase certain global risks. Actors interested in benefit sharing may consider implementing low-risk forms of benefit sharing immediately, while launching cooperative international discussions to develop more comprehensive, mutually-beneficial initiatives.
Study on Hyewon Sin Yun-bok’s Landscape Paintings with Focus on Kansong Art Museum Collection
Authors:   Korea Association of World History and Culture, Im Mi-Hyun
Published: February 2025

Hyewon(蕙園) Sin Yun-bok(申潤福, 1758?-1817 or later) was a painter who exhibited excellent skills not only in his well-known genre paintings, but also in portraits, paintings of flowers, birds and furry animals, and landscape paintings. In particular, his landscape paintings, albeit the number of works which display his unique and innovative style, have not been comprehensively studied to date due to the popularity of his genre paintings or landscaping paintings by other artists of the same era. As such, this study was designed to closely analyze, examine, and re-evaluate his landscape paintings with a focus on the collection at Kansong Art Museum.
Among Sin Yun-Bok’s landscape paintings, the Kansong collection was deemed appropriate for this study since it is highly likely that the works are his originals and the artistic quality is higher compared to his other landscape paintings. In terms of subjects and materials, these works are based on the classical Southern-school style literati landscape paintings, while in terms of structure, screen composition, mountain-drawing technique, and coloring, he was influenced by senior painters such as Jeong Seon, Sim Sa-jeong, Lee In-mun, and Kim Hong-do. Consequently, Sin Yun-bok’s landscape paintings embrace both the Southern-School style literati landscape paintings and the true-view style, intensively representing the landscape painting world of the late Joseon Dynasty.
Under the influence of his senior painters, Sin Yun-bok established a unique and original landscape painting style that is characterized by simple brush strokes, bold omissions, and watercolor-style coloring. This became a constant inspiration to his contemporary and junior painters including Yun Je-hong, Kim Su-cheol, and Kim Chang-soo, serving as a stepping stone in the landscape painting world between the late to the end of the Joseon Dynasty and as a foundation for creating another unique painting style.
Spain’s Sociocultural Cross Section Seen Through Santa Teresa de Jesus’ Inquisitorial Process
Authors:   Korea Association of World History and Culture, Lee Eun-Hae
Published: February 2025

Santa Teresa, known today as the Saint of Avila, was active throughout Spain in the mid-16th century when the banner of the reactionary Reformation was in full swing. She pioneered a reform monastic order called the Order of the Barefoot Carmen and founded 17 monasteries throughout Castile and Andalusia. It showed the history of its establishment. However, one of the major events that brought her to the public eye was her involvement in the Inquisition case, which was constantly brought up because of her similarity to the Alumbrados who had taken the Castile region by storm. Meanwhile, the lawsuit surrounding her, unlike the typical frame of the Inquisition’s persecution of conversos, was the aftermath of intensifying doctrinal debates and social tensions in Europe before and after Luther’s Reformation, which aggravated rigidity among Spanish intellectuals and led to a movement similar to Protestantism. It would be more appropriate to see that the form of faith was first treated and condemned with suspicion, surveillance, and exclusion. In other words, rather than developing in a manner in which they were unilaterally persecuted by a large power institution called the Inquisition, it developed in a way in which workers in specific occupations reported and conversely put pressure on the central Inquisition. This can be seen as a reflection of the practice of collective faith that was solidified after the Council of Trent and the rejection of forms of faith that are different.
Mechanisms for Implementing the Potential of High-Tech Startups in the Field of Information and Communication Technologies
Authors:   Lviv University of Trade and Economics, Lupak Ruslan L. , Nakonechna Nataliya V. ,   National University «Lviv Polytechnic»
Published: February 2025

The article substantiates the importance of creating and developing startups, the activities of which are aimed at developing and implementing the latest business ideas, searching for innovative solutions to solve complex entrepreneurial problems. The characteristics of the mechanisms (institutional-organizational, financial-investment, innovation-technological, intellectual-personnel) of implementing the potential of high-tech startups, in particular in the field of ICT, are provided, formed taking into account the importance of applying an integrated approach to the management of key processes to achieve stable growth of the startup. The article highlights importance of forming the latest model of business process management (institutional and organizational mechanism), provision of financing, efficient management of cash flows and attraction of investment capital (financial and investment mechanism), integration of advanced technologies and innovative solutions and products (innovation and technological mechanism), improvement of human resources management, focused on attracting, development and efficient use of intellectual potential and staffing (intellectual and personnel mechanism) in the process of implementing the potential of high-tech startups. An instrumentarium is formed for each of the mechanisms for implementing the potential of high-tech startups in the field of ICT, which consists of initiating the creation of IT incubators and accelerators, forming a network of innovative IT clusters, participating in global IT hubs, crowdfunding Internet platforms, setting up crowdinvesting, implementing P2P lending, using frameworks, interfaces and ICT algorithms, creating encrypted storages, using encryption and multi-factor authentication methods, introducing the practice of using outsourcing and freelancing, BI systems and HR technologies, etc.
Personalizing the Marketing with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Rozhko Viktor I. , Pletnova Yelyzaveta S. ,   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Published: February 2025

The article discusses topical issues of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing and its impact on the efficiency of modern marketing strategies. In the conditions of high competition in the market of products and services, special attention is paid to the introduction of innovative approaches that contribute to improving the quality of product promotion. In particular, AI is becoming an increasingly perspective tool for automating processes, saving time, and performing routine operations. There is an emphasis on various aspects of the use of AI, such as behavioral targeting, dynamic content, e-marketing, customer service with chat-bots, and increasing sales through personalized interactions. The study provides an overview of recent scientific papers that examine the impact of AI on marketing communications and consumer interaction. One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to personalize marketing campaigns. By analyzing large amounts of data and consumer behavioral patterns, AI can accurately predict each user’s interests and needs. In addition, AI allows you to automate many processes, which reduces the burden on marketing teams and helps reduce the risk of human error and provide a faster response to changes in consumer behavior. However, the use of AI in marketing also has a number of challenges and drawbacks. One of the biggest risks is the issue of data privacy. For personalization and targeting, it is necessary to collect a large amount of information about consumers, which can raise concerns about violating their privacy. Another major challenge is the technical limitations of AI. While AI algorithms are capable of analyzing vast amounts of data, they cannot always properly adapt to a changing market environment or predict consumer behavior in non-standard situations. Furthermore, AI algorithms can reproduce biases that exist in the data they are trained on. This can lead to discrimination against certain groups of consumers or incorrect targeting. The article analyzes the top ten AI tools that will drive the success of personalized marketing strategies in 2024. These tools include Undetectable.ai, Grammarly, ChatGPT-4, Copy.ai, SurferSEO, Trellis, Crayon, Manychat, ChatFuel, and LivePerson.
The State Regulation of Banking Institutions in Ukraine in the Context of the Formation of an Information Society
Authors:   State University «Kyiv Aviation Institute», Arefieva Olena V. , Mushnykova Svitlana A. ,   Educational and Scientific Institute «Dnipro Metallurgical Institute» of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Abernikhina Iryna H. ,   Educational and Scientific Institute «Dnipro Metallurgical Institute» of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology
Published: February 2025

The article is aimed at studying the directions of the State regulation of banking activity in the context of the formation of an information society. The article considers the key role of banks in the financial system, which is ensured by their ability to attract liquidity, promote productive allocation of resources, implement monetary policy, ensure economic stability and develop the payment system. The importance of the State regulation of banking activities, carried out by the National Bank of Ukraine through administrative and indicative management, in order to maintain the stability, efficiency and reliability of the banking system, is determined. The authors’ definition of the concept of «State regulation of banking activity» and six key directions of the State regulation of banking activity in the context of the formation of the information society are suggested. Attention is focused on the challenges and prospects of banks’ activities and development in the context of the formation of the information society. It is noted that digital technologies are changing traditional approaches to the functioning of the banking system, in particular in the areas of cybersecurity, electronic payments and remote identification of customers through the BankID system. The regulatory framework of the State regulation of banking activities in the field of data protection and cybersecurity is generalized. The positive impact of digitalization on the expansion of banking services, accessibility and convenience for users is considered. The importance of the State regulation in terms of ensuring information security, creating a regulatory framework for data protection, developing cybersecurity standards and introducing innovations is specified. The growing popularity of mobile banking, electronic payments, and digital deposits underscores the urgency of adapting the banking system to today’s digital challenges. The main directions of improving the banking system within the framework of global digitalization and integration into the international financial space are outlined. The types of interaction and prospects for the development of partnership between banks and fintech companies are studied, and the directions of harmonization of the regulatory framework with international standards to ensure integration into the global financial system are outlined.