bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS' VOCABULARY MASTERY AND THEIR ENGLISH LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT AT SMP NEGERI 2 KOTA TERNATE
Authors: Arif Isma , Sutaryo Sutaryo , Lestari Sri Ayu Budi
Published: September 2023

The objective of this research to know the correlation between students’ vocabulary mastery and their English learning achievement at SMP Negeri 2 Kota Ternate. Data ware collected by through tests. A sample of 30 students of class VIII6 were selected purposively. The results of this research indicate that the average score of the students' vocabulary mastery test was moderate (56.86) and the score of the students' English achievement was also moderate (57). The test value of the correlation between the variables X and Y (correlated) was found a very high and r count result (0.9233) exceeded the t-table value (0.361) at a significant level of 5%. Thus the alternative hypothesis (Hi) is accepted and the hypothesis (Ho) is rejected. It can be concluded that the students’ vocabulary mastery was highly and significant correlated with the students’ English learning achievement.
A Study on the Domestic Research Trends Experiences of Parents Experiencing Child Bereavement(Between 2003 and 2022)
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Seo Mikyung , Du Kyunghee
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the research trends in Korea related to the Parents experiencing child bereavement. Analysis data were selected 15 theses and 13 journal articles from 2003 to 2022. As a result, the number of studies has increased since 2016, and most of the research methods have been conducted as qualitative studies. Most of the studies were conducted on parents, and the cause of death of the deceased was due to a disaster. In addition, the most studied in the field of counseling. Major experiences of child bereavement include, Social stigma, psychological maladjustment due to traumatic bereavement, changes in life after bereavement, wound healing through relationships, and loss and restoration-oriented coping were found. Based on the analysis results, proposed the direction for future research.
The Concept of Well-being and Daily Emotional Experience: The Paradox of Avoidance of Negative Experience and the Positivity of Self-development
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Doh Eunyeong , Lee Guk-Hee
Published: September 2023

In this study, we conducted research to confirm that the emotional experience in daily life depends on the concept of well-being that individuals emphasize. Well-being can be composed of four concepts: the experience of pleasure(EP), the avoidance of negative experience(ANE), self-development, and the contribution to others(CO). A total of 609 participants responded to the belief about the well-being concept scale and the PANAS Expanded Form questions. As a result of correlation analysis, it was found that people who emphasized the ANE experienced more varied and stronger negative emotions, paradoxically. On the other hand, those who emphasized self-development experienced fewer negative emotions and experienced broader and stronger positive emotions. The results of this study suggest that it may be more appropriate to pursue eudaimonic well-being than hedonic well-being for a healthy life.
A Study on the Impact of Public Institutions' YouTube Operations on Visit Intention: Focused on ChungTV
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Son Hyoeun , Kim Sunyoung
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out how the motivation to watch YouTube in a public institution, correlates with the user's intention to visit. To this end, a survey was conducted on 200 users aged 15 or older who had experience watching Chungju's official YouTube channel Chung TV, and statistical analysis was conducted. As a result of the analysis, first, the motivation to watch YouTube in public institutions differed significantly by age group. In the case of those in their 20s and younger, there was a strong tendency to watch for information acquisition and fun compared to other age groups. In the case of those in their 50s and older, it was analyzed that the motivation for self-expression and communication was higher than that of those in their 30s and 40s. Second, the higher the motivation to acquire information and pursue fun among the motivations to watch Chung TV, the higher the intention to visit. On the other hand, it was found that self-expression, communication, and spending time were less related to the intention to visit.
Phenomenological Study of Learner-Centered Learning Using Metaverse: Based Facilitation
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lim Juyoung
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze learner-centered Media English learning using Metaverse-based facilitation through a phenomenological method, which is a type of qualitative research. An English class at a private university in Chungcheongbuk-do was implemented in GatherTown, one of the Metaverse platforms, and made learner-centered through appropriate facilitation by the professor. The students' experiences in this new classroom environment, the professor's role, and the students' internal and external changes were analyzed in depth using Mustakas' phenomenological research method. First, students felt fun and interesting in new learning; Second, the professor played the role of a facilitator who promoted student participation and cooperation; Third, the class made students internally motivated to learn actively; and fourth, students externally experienced learner-centered learning through interaction among students. Finally, we discussed the need for proper facilitation by the instructor for a metaverse-based English class
The Impact of Problem-Based Learning on Collaborative Problem-Solving and Communication Skill Development
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Shin MyeongHee
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of problem-based learning on students' collaborative problem-solving and communication skills. Conducted from September 2022 to December 2022, the research involved university-level students enrolled in a general English course. Participants were divided into an experimental group, receiving problem-based learning instruction, and a control group, receiving traditional instructional methods. The study measured collaborative problem-solving and communication skills and compared the differences between the two groups. Results indicated significant differences in collaborative problem-solving ability (M = 19.67) and communication skills (M = 86.88) for the experimental group. These findings emphasize the value of implementing problem-based learning in educational settings to enhance students' collaborative problem-solving and communication skills, potentially leading to improved academic achievement and social competence.
Development Research of Empathy-Learning Program for College Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Jin Ah , Kim Hyunji
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to identify empathy as a key factor for positive learning experiences and academic achievement among college students, and to infer implications from developing and operating empathy-learning programs. For this purpose, the design principles of the empathy -learning program were derived according to the design and development research procedure, and the empathy-learning program was developed accordingly. The developed program was subjected to internal and external validation by education experts and university students participating in the program. The program developed in this study is organized by cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and attitudinal empathy according to the components of empathy-learning. After running the program, we found that the empathic learning process was a positive experience for the learners, as they understood and discovered their own values while empathizing with their learning process and emotions. The significance of this study is that it systematically developed a program to support learners' learning by comprehensively understanding various factors that affect learning.
A Study on the Effect of SNS Content Quality Attributes on Audience‘s Positive word-of-mouth Intentions and re-veiwing intentions: Focusing on Beauty Influencer's Contents
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Hyunjeong , Jung Jaehyung
Published: September 2023

In this study, we tried to analyze the effect of beauty-related SNS content quality attributes on audiences' positive word-of-mouth intentions and re-viewing intentions. Through this, it was intended to present not only cultural convergence implications related to domestic SNS content but also the direction of improving the quality of domestic beauty cultural content represented by K-beauty. In this study, research analysis using SPSS 26.0 based on data collected through 247 adults in Korea. Result as follows. First, there was a difference in the level of re-viewing intention and positive word-of-mouth intention depending on the gender of the study subjects and the viewing time of SNS beauty content per week. Second, among the quality attributes of SNS content, diversity had the strongest positive effect on the study subjects' intention to re-viewing. Finally, among the quality attributes of SNS content, differentiation had the strongest positive effect on the positive word-of-mouth intention of the study subjects. Based on the above results, the development direction for beauty-related SNS content was presented.
A Study on Organizational Fairness and Organizational Commitment of Policy Support Officers in Local Councils
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Hong Sangwoo , Oh Hyungyu
Published: September 2023

In January 2022, local councils gained independent personnel rights. This amendment includes the establishment of the policy support officer system, a specialized workforce aimed at enhancing the expertise of council members and supporting legislative activities. However, various issues such as personnel turnover and excessive workload have been identified during the implementation of this system. To address these concerns, this study focuses on key variables such as organizational fairness, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction, aiming to provide implications from the perspective of human resource management. As the roles of local councils become more sophisticated, the importance of policy support officers in complementing council expertise and supporting legislative activities has also grown. Through hierarchical regression analysis, this study presents organizational and policy-related recommendations to foster organizational commitment among policy support officers.
A Study on the Effects of Education Service Performance on Educational Satisfaction, Career Preparation Behavior, and behavior Intention for the Students in the Department of Tourism at Vocational High School
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim A Ra , Lee Seung Kon
Published: September 2023

This study investigated how education service performance affected educational satisfaction, career preparation behavior, and behavior intention for students in the Department of Tourism at a vocational high school. We analyzed 238 valid samples out of 300 responses to a survey. First, the education service performance positively(+) affected educational satisfaction. Second, the education service performance positively(+) affected career preparation behavior. Third, educational satisfaction had a full mediation effect between education service performance and career behavior. Fourth, education service performance positively(+) affected behavior intention. Fifth, educational satisfaction had a partial mediation effect between education service performance and behavior intention. We suggest a learner-centered curriculum, learning environment establishment, and teachers’ ability improvement for education service performance.
A Study on the Use of Learning Portfolio for English Presentation in English Classes
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Park Junghwa , Cha Minyoung , Im Heejoo
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of college students’ learning portfolios in general English classes. To this end, an online survey was conducted on 85 students enrolled in a university in Chungcheongnam-do. Participants completed learning portfolios for twelve weeks and submitted them at the end of the semester. As a result of the study, most of the students mentioned that learning portfolio was helpful for English learning and an effective learning method. In addition, they thought it had the advantage of review and preview, increased learning time, and improved English skills, but pointed out the inconvenience of writing time and contents as disadvantages. Based on these findings, writing learning portfolios can be effective for students in English presentation where students’ speech and expressions are important. Also, it can help alleviate students’ lack of motivation, maladjustment, and low achievement.
A Study on the Analysis of College Students' Perceptions of China, Chinese, and Chinese Learning Amid the Rise of Anti-China Sentiment
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lim Yeonjung
Published: September 2023

This study analyzed the perceptions of students who studied beginner-level Chinese for one semester in college Chinese courses. The recent deterioration in relations between South Korea and China has led to a rise in anti-Chinese sentiment, and this could lead to a decline in Chinese language education. The purpose of this study is to find out whether they actually have a low opinion of China or the Chinese language, and whether they have negative thoughts about learning Chinese. This paper analyzed perceptions of China, Chinese language, and Chinese language learning, changes in perceptions through college Chinese class, and learners' perceptions and intentions to continue learning Chinese. The results of the analysis showed that learners themselves recognize the importance of Chinese language, and more importantly, their positive perception of Chinese language affects their willingness to continue learning Chinese in the future. It can be seen that we should focus on developing relevant teaching methods and educational contents in the future.
Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Programs Based on The Object Relations Theory: Comparison of Research Subjects
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Sang-yun , Ji Eun , Song Chan Mi
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of programs based on the object relations in Korea. A meta-analysis of 36 studies that met the selection criteria, and were published in Korea from January 1991 to March 2022, was conducted. The total effect size was 1.21, and the effect sizes of adolescents, early adulthood, and parents were 1.20, 1.57, and 1.15, all of which were confirmed to be large. Among the measurement variables of early adulthood, the effect size was large in depression, suicidal thoughts, parental roles, relationships, and parental attitudes. A moderator analysis of the subgroups in early adulthood showed that the effect size was greater when participants were special situations, for relation, for programs with more than 9 sessions, group members were less than 10. Based on the results, the limitations of the study and directions for future research were also discussed.
Differences in Effects of Honesty Measurement Methods: Situational Judgment Test Format vs. Likert-type Rating Scale
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kwon Euna
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to verify whether honesty, as measured by a situational judgment test format and a Likert-type rating scale, differs in its effect on different criteria. The criteria used in this study were moral disengagement, task performance, context performance, and counterproductive work behavior. Data from 721 employees (male=46.65%, female=53.95%) were used in the analysis. Honesty was measured in two ways: a situational judgment test format and a Likert-type rating scale. The results of the correlation coefficients showed that honesty was more highly correlated with moral disengagement, task performance, and contextual performance when measured by the situational judgment test than when measured by the Likert-type scale. When analyzing the structural equation model, it was found that the overall fit indices of the model were better when honesty was measured in a situational judgment format than when it was measured in a Likert-type scale.
Aspects of The Effect of Design Characteristics of Cultural Tourism Products on Consumer Purchase Intention: Focusing on Chinese Consumers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Meng Yang
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study can be used as primary data to present an effective marketing utilization plan for vitalizing cultural tourism products based on the results of empirical analysis and existing discussions. Tourism today occupies an important place in the national economy of many countries around the world. Due to its economic influence, it has become a subject to be considered important in the industrial and economic development policies of each country around the world and has become an essential factor in socio-economic development. The survey was conducted through WeChat or online links. This study verified the effect of design characteristics and the perceived value of cultural tourism products on purchase intention. As a result of the study, first, the design characteristics of cultural tourism products affect the perceived value. Second, the design characteristics of cultural tourism products affect purchase intention. Finally, the perceived value affects the purchase intention of cultural tourism products.
The Implications of Superdiversity in the Era of Western Transculturalism: A Case Study of the Diversity Index by the Körber Foundation in Hamburg, Germany
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Yoonjung
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to critically examine the trends of social integration policies presented by Western European countries in the 21st century, with a central focus on the challenging issue of achieving the simultaneous realization of 'respect for diversity' and 'maintenance of cohesive national identity' within the context of post-multiculturalism. The study first explores the background and characteristics of the discourse of superdiversity, which emerged as an alternative after the declaration of failure of multiculturalism in Western Europe. In this context, the study discusses the potential of the concept of superdiversity, presented as a core concept in the discourse of post-multiculturalism, to overcome the limitations of traditional diversity concepts in multiculturalism. As part of this examination, the study introduces a case study conducted by the Körber Foundation, which provides evidence of the theoretical usefulness and practical implications of the concept of superdiversity.
Trends of Korea Area Studies in Japan
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeon Jiyoung , Hyun Min
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to analyze the trends of Korea area studies in Japan, with a focus on the Korean Regional Research Association. Firstly, examining the current status of regional research-related conferences in Japan, such conferences were established in the 1980s and continued until the 2000s, but their numbers sharply declined in the 2010s. The Modern Korean Chosun Society, founded in 2000, is a relatively new society comprising members from various academic disciplines, including law, politics, international relations, economics, business administration, sociology, social welfare, journalism and communication research, pedagogy, cultural anthropology, ethnography, folklore, history, literature, and language. Korean political research tends to describe political dynamics based on different regimes, while political history often focuses on individual figures. Much of the Korean economic research has centered on analyzing the impact of the IMF economic crisis on Korean society. Additionally, Korean social research has examined various topics, such as changes in employment structures resulting from job insecurity in the labor market, the rapid aging of the population, and shifts in population and family structures due to trends like unmarried and late marriage.
The Mechanism of Psychological Change in the IT Integrative Arts Therapy’s Clinical Structure and Practice from a Neuroscientific Perspective
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Seonghyun
Published: September 2023

This study examines the mechanism of psychological change from a neuroscientific perspective in the clinical structure and practice of IT Integrative Arts Therapy(i-Therapy). As a research method, first, the concept and process of brain integration in psychotherapy were described theoretically and phenomenologically, and then the phenomena appearing in the clinical structure and practice of IT Integrative Arts Therapy and the steps and processes of brain integration were linked and analyzed. The conclusions drawn from this study are as follows. First, the purpose of IT Integrative Arts Therapy is realized on the premise of brain plasticity. Second, the multi-layered characteristics, design, components, and techniques of IT Integrative Arts Therapy are realized on the premise of brain integration conditions. Third, the purpose of IT Integrative Arts Therapy is realized on the premise of intentional execution based on the psychological treatment approach applied step by step according to the flow of brain nerve action and the therapist's core function performance.
Exploring the Impact of K-pop on Korean Brand and Tourism: A Case Study of BTS
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Xu Wenni , Jun Jongwoo
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of BTS on Korean national brands and explore the influence of K-pop on Korean tourism industry. As for the research method, the study used the form of questionnaires to collect data. In order to understand the influence of BTS on Korean national brands from the perspective of foreigners, 473 Chinese university students and employees were selected as the subjects of this study. And the hierarchical regression analysis of the relevant data was carried out. In order to explore the impact of BTS on Korean brand, this research set Acculturation, PAD, Para-social interaction, and BTS attitudes as independent variables, while Korea attitudes and Korea visit intention were set as dependent variables. According to the independent variables and dependent variables, the research questions and hypotheses are designed. Results suggest that BTS positively affect the national image of Korea and travel intentions, demonstrating that the tourism values of K-pop are emerged. However, other cultural elements show less significant effects.
The Significance of Children's Experieces of an Afterschool Art Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Jihyun
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effects and significance of an afterschool art program for children with autism spectrum disorder in special education schools. This study included five male and female children attending special education schools in B City. It was conducted over an 8-month period from March to December 2022, with breaks during vacation periods. The art program provided 6 experiences for each of the 5 material types, including painting, pen activities, collage, paper folding, and various mixed media. The significance of these art activities for children with ASD can be summarized as follows: they demonstrated the ability to imitate art techniques and expressed affection for their own artwork, highlighting how imitation serves as a non-verbal means of sharing social and emotional experiences.
Effect of Cr addition on the Corrosion-Wear Behaviors of 18Mn(V, Mo) Steel in a Seawater Environment
Authors: Yun Duck Bin , Park Jin Sung , Lee Sang Cheol , Choi Jong Kyo , Kim Sung Jin
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to examine the wear-corrosion behavior of 18Mn(V, Mo) steel, which had a minor amount of Cr addition (< 3 wt%), in an artificial seawater environment, and compare it to conventional carbon steel. A variety of electrochemical experiments, including linear polarization resistance, impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic polarization, were conducted, along with weight loss measurements after immersion and wear-corrosion testing. These tests aimed to determine the static corrosion and wear-corrosion mechanisms of 18Mn(V, Mo) steel with respect to Cr addition. The results of this study indicated that the addition of Cr to 18Mn(V, Mo) steel refined the V4C3 particles in the microstructure, which led to an increase in surface hardness. Moreover, the 18Mn(V, Mo) steel with Cr addition exhibited the lowest corrosion and corrosion-wear losses, compared to 18Mn(V, Mo) steel without Cr and conventional carbon steel. This beneficial effect was primarily attributed to the formation of a thin Crenriched corrosion scale that adhered to the underlying steel. This corrosion scale served as a protective barrier against the penetration of corrosive species and as a lubricant for mechanical wear. The 18Mn(V, Mo) steel with Cr addition has potential application in various industrial fields, particularly in marine and offshore environments, owing to its low corrosion-induced wear loss rate in a brine environment.
A Review of Recent Research Trends of Forming of Metallic Bondlines Using Core-Shell Particles and Bonding Properties According to Particle Type
Authors: Han Byeong Jo , Kim Yeongjung , Lee Jong-Hyun
Published: September 2023

With the increasing numbers of electric vehicles and the prevalence of high heat generating devices, recent studies have attempted to address the limitations of conventional solder materials, including their low durability at temperatures exceeding 200 ℃, insufficient mechanical properties in a joint, and low thermal conductivity. Transient liquid-phase (TLP) partial bonding using solders or Sn, and sinter bonding using Ag particles, are alternative bonding methods which involve a modification or change of the material. Advanced alternatives can significantly reduce bonding time or material cost. Various additional studies have investigated various core-cell particles that can be used to form an all-metallic bondline. This review summarizes reports of bonding studies using different core-cell particles. The particles were not only applied as a form of paste but also preform. In the TLP bonding using X(Cu, Ag, Ni)@Sn particles, the degree of voids generated in the formed bondline was dependent on the type of intermetallic compound formed. The preforms consisting of X@Sn particles provided relatively uniform microstructure and void distribution, compared to the pastes containing identical X@Sn particles, resulting in better long-term mechanical reliability. The addition of Zn@Sn particles contributed to the more practical control of microstructure and mechanical properties in the joint formed by pure Sn and Sn-58Bi solder alloys. Cu@Ag particles can be considered a promising low-cost material for compression-assisted sinter bonding, replacing pure Ag particles. The application of core-cell particles is expected to improve the processes used for forming metallic bondlines.
Otantik Liderlik, Kolektif Etkinlik ve Performans İlişkisi
Authors: GÜVENER Hakan , AYHAN Emine
Published: September 2023

Sağlık sektöründe ekip performansının artırılmasında otantik liderlik ve kolektif etkinlik etkili unsurlar olabilir. Bu çalışmada otantik liderlik, kolektif etkinlik ve performans arasındaki etkileşimin araştırılması ve otantik liderliğin performansa etkisinde kolektif etkinliğin aracılık rolünün olup olmadığının belirlemesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, sağlık hizmetleri sektöründe yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın sağlık sektöründe yapılmasının nedeni, emeğin ve uzmanlaşmanın üst düzeyde olduğu bu sektörde, etkin liderliğin ve üst düzey ekip performansının, insan sağlığına doğrudan etkisinin olmasıdır. Dolayısıyla araştırmada elde edilen bulgular karar vericilere, literatüre ayrıca doğrudan veya dolaylı olarak insan sağlığına fayda sağlayabilir. Bu araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak e-anket yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Rastlantısal örnekleme metotlarından biri olan, basit rastgele örnekleme yöntemi ile Gaziantep ilinde kamu ve özel sağlık kuruluşlarında görev yapan 291 sağlık çalışanından veri sağlanmıştır. Oluşturulan model, kurulan yapısal eşitlik modeliyle sınanmıştır. Çalışmada otantik liderliğin hem kolektif etkinliği hem de ekip performansını pozitif olarak etkilediği görülmüştür. Kolektif etkinlik ile ekip performansı arasında güçlü ve olumlu düzeyde bir etkileşim bulunmaktadır. Araştırmada otantik liderliğin performansa etkisinde kolektif etkinliğin aracılık rolünün olduğu görülmüştür. Ekip performansının geliştirilmesinde bu hususun dikkate alınması gerekmektedir. Yöneticilerin otantik liderlik yaklaşımlarına kolektif etkinliği de dâhil etmesinin ekip performansını daha da geliştirebileceği unutulmamalıdır. Literatürde otantik liderlik, kolektif etkinlik ve performans etkileşiminin bir bütün olarak ele alındığı çok az çalışma bulunmaktadır. Araştırmacıların farklı sektörlerde ve farklı bölgelerde bu alanda çalışma yapmalarının literatüre katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir. Ayrıca diğer liderlik tiplerinin de hem kolektif etkinliğe hem de performansa etkisinin araştırılması önerilmektedir.
Lebanese Foreign Policy and Lebanese-Syrian Relations until The Assassination of Refik Hariri in 2005
Authors: ORALLI Levent Ersin , KARAKAYA İskender
Published: September 2023

In its political history, Lebanon has been a country where religious and sectarian differences have come to the fore. These differences have had an impact on Lebanese political, economic and socio-cultural life as well as Lebanese foreign policy. This study argues that until the assassination of Rafik Hariri, "Lebanese foreign policy and Syrian-Lebanese relations were influenced by domestic political factors in Lebanon, while regional/global problems in the Middle East directly/indirectly affected Lebanese foreign policy and Lebanese-Syrian relations". In its relations with Syria, Lebanon is a country whose domestic factors are shaped together with foreign political processes, is known as the capital of crises and civil wars and is home to the Syrian-Israeli conflict. In other words, Lebanese domestic and foreign policy cannot be considered independent from Syria and Israel. However, Lebanon is the epitome of the Middle East and has been in the sphere of interest of both local, regional and global actors. In this study, the manifestations of external factors in Lebanon's domestic politics will be discussed by presenting the historical background necessary to understand the current debates, the importance of Lebanon for Syria, the reflection of the changing structure of the Middle East after the Iraq War on Lebanese-Syrian-Israeli relations, the assassination of Rafik Hariri and the consequences of the political division in Lebanon after the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. In the study, this historical process is analyzed from an analytical perspective, and the relations between the actors and their consequences are analyzed from the perspective of Lebanon, Syria and the Middle East.
TATA KELOLA ORGANISASI DAN DOMINASI SOSIAL
Authors: Yudithadewi Dien , Darsono Dodo , Santiko Parikesit Bonifasius
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on the governance of Kelompok Perempuan Kreatif Mandiri/Independent Creative Women Group (KPKM) which is the beneficiary of women's empowerment program from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk. The paper aims to identify and describe, how organizational structure impacts governance patterns and the outcomes. It used a persuasive case study approach, where the data collection process is carried out through in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders. Likewise, researchers conducted close observation, supported with literature review from journals, digital media and books, to enrich the study. The research findings reveal that the absence of regeneration in the organizational structure causes repetitive governance pattern since its establishment, same persons are appointed as caretakers in several bodies, depending on a central figure, and only able to innovate through the intervention of outsiders (other parties). Furthermore, there is a concern regarding potential digression, as quoted from Lord Acton's letter to the Bishop of Creighton in 1887; "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
PENGARUH UKURAN PERUSAHAAN, FINANCIAL DISTRESS, DAN LEVERAGE TERHADAP AGRESIVITAS PAJAK DENGAN POLITICAL CONNECTION SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI
Authors: Amelia Vika , Dwi Ernawati Widi , Setiawan M. Arief
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the effect of firm size, financial distress, and leverage on tax aggressiveness with political connection as a moderating variable. This research is quantitative associative. The population of this study are food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2020 with a total of 20 companies. The sampling used the purposive sampling method and obtained a sample of 13 companies. The data analysis technique used multiple linear regression and moderated regression analysis (MRA). The results of this study indicate that simultaneously and partially there is no effect between firm size, financial distress, and leverage on tax aggressiveness. A Political connection can moderate the effect of company size and financial distress on tax aggressiveness. The political connection however is not able to moderate the effect of leverage on tax aggressiveness.
Organ chip research in Europe: players, initiatives, and policies
Authors: da Silva Renan Gonçalves Leonel , Blasimme Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Background: Organ chips are microfabricated devices containing living engineered organ substructures in a controlled microenvironment. Research on organ chips has increased considerably over the past two decades.

Aim: This paper offers an overview of the emerging knowledge ecosystem of organ chip research in Europe. Method: This study is based on queries and analyses undertaken through the bibliometric software Dimensions.ai.

Results: Organ chip research has been rapidly growing in Europe in recent years, supported by robust academic science consortia, public-private initiatives, dedicated funding, and science policy instruments. Our data shows that previous investment in basic and fundamental research in centers of excellence in bioengineering science and technology are relevant to future investment in organ chips. Moreover, organ chip research in Europe is characterized by collaborative infrastructures to promote convergence of scientific, technical, and clinical capabilities.

Conclusion: According to our study, the knowledge ecosystem of organ chip research in Europe has been growing sustainably. This growth is due to relevant institutional diversity, public-private initiatives, and ongoing research collaborations supported by robust funding schemes.
CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts: a biomarker for bone metastasis in early invasive ductal breast cancer patients
Authors: Giorello María Belén , Martinez Leandro Marcelo , Borzone Francisco Raúl , Padin María del Rosario , Mora María Florencia , Sevic Ina , Alaniz Laura , Calcagno María de Luján , García-Rivello Hernán , Wernicke Alejandra , Labovsky Vivian , Chasseing Norma Alejandra
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Bone metastasis is one of the causes that mainly decrease survival in patients with advanced breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential to find prognostic markers for the occurrence of this type of metastasis during the early stage of the disease. Currently, cancer-associated fibroblasts, which represent 80% of the fibroblasts present in the tumor microenvironment, are an interesting target for studying new biomarkers and developing alternative therapies. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of the CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts in early breast cancer patients.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD105 expression in invasive ductal breast carcinomas (n = 342), analyzing its association with clinical and pathological characteristics.

Results: High CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts was associated with an increased risk of metastatic occurrence (p = 0.0003), particularly bone metastasis (p = 0.0005). Furthermore, high CD105 expression was associated with shorter metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0002, 0.0006, and 0.0002, respectively). CD105 expression also constituted an independent prognostic factor for metastasis-free survival, bone metastasis-free survival, and overall survival (p = 0.0003, 0.0006, and 0.0001, respectively).

Discussion: The high CD105 expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts is an independent prognostic marker for bone metastasis in early breast cancer patients. Therefore, the evaluation of CD105(+) CAFs could be crucial to stratify BCPs based on their individual risk profile for the development of BM, enhancing treatment strategies and outcomes.
Thermally activated delayed fluorescence and high-contrast mechanochromism of anthrone-based donor–acceptor systems
Authors: Sudhakar Pagidi , Slawin Alexandra , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: September 2023

The development of materials that emit in the deep-red to near-infrared region of the spectrum has attracted significant attention due to their potential as optical sensing and imaging reagents in biology. Herein, we report the synthesis and optoelectronic characterization of four anthraquinone-based emitters, T-tBuCz-AQ, T-MeOCz-AQ, C-tBuCz-AQ, and C-MeOCz-AQ, and two pyrazoloanthrone-based emitters, tBuCz-PA and DMAC-PA. Depending on the donor, these compounds emit in the spectral range between 640 and 750 nm in the neat film, while the emission of the 10 wt% doped films in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is blue-shifted between 600 and 700 nm and has low photoluminescence quantum yields between 2.6% and 6.6%. Of these compounds, T-tBuCz-AQ, T-MeOCz-AQ, and C-tBuCz-AQ exhibited thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) in 10 wt% doped films in PMMA, while the crystals of T-tBuCz-AQ also showed TADF. Compound tBuCz-PA showed a high-contrast and reversible photoluminescence (PL) response upon mechanical grinding and hexane fuming.
Longitudinal patterns of lifestyle risk behaviours among UK adults with established cardiovascular disease: a latent transition analysis
Authors: Tegegne Teketo Kassaw , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Maddison Ralph
Published: September 2023

Background

People with cardiovascular disease (CVD) need to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, there is a gap in identifying longitudinal patterns of change in lifestyle behaviours among people with CVD. This study aimed to identify clustering of lifestyle risk behaviours and their 4 ± year changes among UK adults with CVD, and to determine the associated factors.

Methods

We used the UK Biobank data collected at two time points (2006–2010/baseline data = T0 and 2014+/third visit data = T4). Six key lifestyle risk behaviours were assessed: smoking, high alcohol intake, poor fruit and vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, poor sleep balance (<7 or >8 h/night) and prolonged sitting. A random intercept latent transition analysis was performed to identify patterns of lifestyle risk behaviours at T0 and their changes from T0 to T4.

Results

We included 5,304 participants with CVD whose data on lifestyle risk behaviours were collected at two-time points. Alcohol intake and current smoking were 75.7% and 5.4% at baseline, respectively, and 67.4% and 3.0% at follow-up. Three latent classes emerged: Latent class (LC) 1—“high alcohol intake, poor sleep balance and poor fruit and vegetable intake”, LC2—“high alcohol intake and poor fruit and vegetable intake”, and LC3—“high alcohol intake”. Most adults remained in the same LC over the 4 + years (range: 83.9%–100.0%). After 4 + years, 3.5% from LC3 and 10.4% from LC2 at baseline moved into LC1. The odds of transitioning to LC2 relative to staying in LC1 and LC3 were 2.22 and 4.13 times higher for males than for females, respectively. A single-year increase in participants' age was associated with a 1.16 times increase in the odds of moving to LC1 relative to staying in LC2.

Conclusion

People with CVD did not show improvement in lifestyle risk behaviours, and interventions targeting multiple lifestyle risk behaviours are needed to improve CVD.
Ferroptosis: a new strategy for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wang Yuyuan , Wu Junduo
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently one of the prevalent causes of human death. Iron is one of the essential trace elements in the human body and a vital component of living tissues. All organ systems require iron for various metabolic processes, including myocardial and skeletal muscle metabolism, erythropoiesis, mitochondrial function, and oxygen transport. Its deficiency or excess in the human body remains one of the nutritional problems worldwide. The total amount of iron in a normal human body is about 3–5 g. Iron deficiency may cause symptoms such as general fatigue, pica, and nerve deafness, while excessive iron plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological processes of the heart through ferroptosis triggered by the Fenton reaction. It differs from other cell death modes based on its dependence on the accumulation of lipid peroxides and REDOX imbalance, opening a new pathway underlying the pathogenesis and mechanism of CVDs. In this review, we describe the latest research progress on the mechanism of ferroptosis and report its crucial role and association with miRNA in various CVDs. Finally, we summarise the potential therapeutic value of ferroptosis-related drugs or ferroptosis inhibitors in CVDs.
Fine-tuning the dose of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa to individualize treatment in ovulation induction and ovarian stimulation cycles: a real-world database analysis
Authors: Martini Anne E. , Beall Stephanie , Ball G David , Hayward Brooke , D’Hooghe Thomas , Mahony Mary C. , Collares Fabricio , Catherino Allison B.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Fine-tuning of injectable gonadotropin doses during ovulation induction (OI) or ovarian stimulation (OS) treatment cycles with the aim of using doses low enough to minimize the risk of excessive ovarian response while maintaining optimal efficacy may be facilitated by using an adjustable-dose pen injector. We examined the incidence and magnitude of individualized gonadotropin dose adjustments made during cycles of OI or OS, followed by either timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination, with or without oral medications, and assessed the relationship between patient characteristics and dosing changes using real-world evidence.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records from a large US database of fertility centers. Data from patients who had undergone a first recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa/follitropin alfa) treated OI/OS cycle followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination between 2015 and 2016 were included. Percentages of OI/OS cycles involving r-hFSH-alfa dose adjustments (in increments of ±12.5 IU or greater) with or without oral medications (clomiphene citrate or letrozole) were analyzed.

Results

Of 2,832 OI/OS cycles involving r-hFSH-alfa administration, 74.6% included combination treatment with orals; 25.4% involved r-hFSH-alfa alone. As expected, the starting dose of r-hFSH-alfa was lower for cycles that used r-hFSH-alfa with orals than r-hFSH-alfa only cycles (mean [SD]: 74.2 [39.31] vs 139.3 [115.10] IU). Dose changes occurred in 13.7% of r-hFSH-alfa with orals versus 43.9% of r-hFSH-alfa only cycles. Dose adjustment magnitudes ranged from ±12.5 IU to ±450 IU. The smallest adjustment magnitudes (±12.5 IU and ±25 IU) were used frequently and more often for dose increases than for dose decreases. For r-hFSH-alfa with orals and r-hFSH-alfa only cycles, the smallest adjustments were used in 53.5% and 64.5% of cycles with dose increases and in 35.7% and 46.8% of cycles with dose decreases, respectively.

Discussion

In OI/OS cycles followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination, r-hFSH-alfa dose adjustments were frequent. In cycles that included orals, r-hFSH-alfa starting doses were lower and dose changes were fewer than with r-hFSH-alfa alone. Smaller dose adjustments facilitate individualized treatment with the goal of reducing the risks of multiple gestation, cycle cancellation, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Genetic glucocorticoid receptor variants differ between ethnic groups but do not explain variation in age of diabetes onset, metabolic and inflammation parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ahdi Mohamed , Gerards Maaike C. , Smits Paul H.M. , Meesters Eelco W. , Brandjes Dees P. M. , Nieuwdorp Max , Gerdes Victor E. A.
Published: September 2023

Aims

The effect of excess glucocorticoid receptor (GR) stimulation through glucocorticoid medication or cortisol on glucose metabolism is well established. There are genetic GR variants that result in increased or decreased GR stimulation. We aimed to determine the prevalence of genetic GR variants in different ethnic groups in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes, and we aimed to determine their association with age of diabetes onset and metabolic and inflammation parameters.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed in a multiethnic cohort (n = 602) of patients with established type 2 diabetes. Polymorphisms in the GR gene that have previously been associated with altered glucocorticoid sensitivity (TthIIII, ER22/23EK N363S, BclI and 9β) were determined and combined into 6 haplotypes. Associations with age of diabetes onset, HbA1c, hs-CRP and lipid values were evaluated in multivariate regression models.

Results

The prevalence of the SNPs of N363S and BclI was higher in Dutch than in non-Dutch patients. We observed a lower prevalence of the SNP 9β in Dutch, South(East) Asian and Black African patients versus Turkish and Moroccan patients. We did not detect an association between SNPs and diabetes age of onset or metabolic parameters. We only found a trend for lower age of onset and higher HbA1c in patients with 1 or 2 copies of haplotype 3 (TthIIII + 9β).

Conclusions

The prevalence of genetic GR variants differs between patients of different ethnic origins. We did not find a clear association between genetic GR variants and age of diabetes onset or metabolic and inflammation parameters. This indicates that the clinical relevance of GR variants in patients with established type 2 diabetes is limited.