Active Involvement Research Articles

How do early childhood education leaders shape professional learning communities?

ABSTRACT This study examined how early childhood leaders working simultaneously as kindergarten teachers perceive the professional learning communities they lead – explicitly identifying the factors that promote or hinder the communities’ development from the leader’s point of view. A qualitative-phenomenological approach was applied using semi-structured interviews of ten early childhood leaders. Factors that contributed to a community’s successful functioning were discussions on practices and real-life dilemmas, active involvement of teachers in community meetings, and creating an atmosphere based on trust and closeness. On the other hand, hindering factors were essentially allocated time to transferring agendas and information from superintendents and limited collaborative culture among teachers beyond community meetings. The findings highlight the considerable potential of professional communities for providing significant assistance to kindergarten teachers to promote children’s education. Nevertheless, leaders need more autonomy in determining the content of meetings and additional knowledge and strategies to strengthen pedagogical collaborations between community participants.

Inclusão escolar e autismo: A importância da colaboração familiar para o suporte aos alunos autistas

The research investigates the importance of family collaboration in the school inclusion of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The objective was to understand how family support can facilitate the adaptation of these students to the school environment. Using a literature review methodology on the SciELO, Web Of Science and Google Scholar platforms, the research revealed that the active involvement of families is essential for the personalization of teaching and the creation of a more inclusive learning environment. The results showed that the families' knowledge about the needs and preferences of autistic students helps in the adaptation of pedagogical strategies and promotes greater consistency between what is taught at school and practiced at home. In addition, open communication between parents and educators is crucial for identifying challenges and developing joint solutions, positively impacting students' emotional well-being and their motivation to learn. The research concludes that family collaboration is an essential pillar for a more effective and inclusive education, benefiting both students and the school community by promoting a more understanding and respectful approach to ASD.

Understanding involvement in environmental activism: relationships to pathological narcissistic grandiosity, virtue signaling, dominance, and sensation seeking

In a pre-registered study, we sought initial evidence for the relationship between pathological narcissistic grandiosity and involvement in environmental activism. This relationship was predicted based on the dark-ego-vehicle principle (DEVP) for which research is currently still rare. Using a socio-demographically diverse US sample (N = 1,145), we not only aimed at conceptually replicating previous findings on the DEVP but also at examining differential patterns of narcissistic engagement in environmental activism. In particular, we expected higher pathological narcissistic grandiosity to be more strongly related to greater engagement in environmental leadership actions than to greater engagement in environmental participatory actions. Results support the validity of the DEVP by showing that higher pathological narcissistic grandiosity was related to greater involvement in environmental activism, even above and beyond relevant covariates (i.e., pathological narcissistic vulnerability, age, and gender). Also, we found positive relationships between involvement in environmental activism and typical correlates of pathological narcissistic grandiosity (i.e., virtue signaling, dominance, and sensation seeking). Contrary to our predictions, we did not find the relationship between pathological narcissistic grandiosity and environmental activism to be more intense for environmental leadership actions compared to environmental participatory actions. These results are discussed considering the DEVP.

Development of dental clinic cooperativity predictor instrument for children with autism spectrum disorder

Background: A survey to identify factors affecting the cooperation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Indonesia is crucial for enhancing this group’s dental care, oral health, and overall quality of life. However, limited culturally relevant instruments hinder such research. Purpose: This study aims to determine the essential domain needed to design a questionnaire instrument that can predict the cooperativity of children with ASD during dental procedures. Methods: Based on the literature and existing questionnaires, the newly developed questionnaire underwent forward–back translation, before being thoroughly reviewed by an expert committee. The response format, content, and question clarity were evaluated. A cross-sectional study with 30 parents of children with ASD was randomly conducted to test the questionnaire. The validity of each question was measured by the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, while its reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Each question within the domain showed varying degrees of validity: reading ability (r = 0.658), daily communication (r = 0.541), involvement in social activity (r = 0.360), daily self-care ability (r = 0.506), emotional status (r = 0.426), sensory responsiveness (r = 0.615), language comprehension (r = 0.362), and permission to be touched on the head at a barbershop (r = 0.458). The questions were found to be reliable (Cronbach’s alpha, r = 0.645 > 0.306). Conclusion: As prediction tools for assessing the cooperativity of children with ASD during dental procedures, the questionnaire should include the following items: communication and reading abilities, daily self-care, social activity, emotional status, sensory responsiveness and permission to be touched on the head at a barbershop.

Exploring the transcriptomic landscape of moyamoya disease and systemic lupus erythematosus: insights into crosstalk genes and immune relationships.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is acknowledged for its significant influence on systemic health. This study sought to explore potential crosstalk genes, pathways, and immune cells in the relationship between SLE and moyamoya disease (MMD). We obtained data on SLE and MMD from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were conducted to identify common genes. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on these shared genes. Hub genes were further selected through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated based on the results of this selection. Finally, single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) was utilized to assess the infiltration levels of 28 immune cells in the expression profile and their association with the identified hub genes. By intersecting the important module genes from WGCNA with the DEGs, the study highlighted CAMP, CFD, MYO1F, CTSS, DEFA3, NLRP12, MAN2B1, NMI, QPCT, KCNJ2, JAML, MPZL3, NDC80, FRAT2, THEMIS2, CCL4, FCER1A, EVI2B, CD74, HLA-DRB5, TOR4A, GAPT, CXCR1, LAG3, CD68, NCKAP1L, TMEM33, and S100P as key crosstalk genes linking SLE and MMD. GO analysis indicated that these shared genes were predominantly enriched in immune system process and immune response. LASSO analysis identified MPZL3 as the optimal shared diagnostic biomarkers for both SLE and MMD. Additionally, the analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed the significant involvement of activation of T and monocytes cells in the pathogenesis of SLE and MMD. This study is pioneering in its use of bioinformatics tools to explore the close genetic relationship between MMD and SLE. The genes CAMP, CFD, MYO1F, CTSS, DEFA3, NLRP12, MAN2B1, NMI, QPCT, KCNJ2, JAML, MPZL3, NDC80, FRAT2, THEMIS2, CCL4, FCER1A, EVI2B, CD74, HLA-DRB5, TOR4A, GAPT, CXCR1, LAG3, CD68, NCKAP1L, TMEM33, and S100P have been identified as key crosstalk genes that connect MMD and SLE. Activation of T and monocytes cells-mediated immune responses are proposed to play a significant role in the association between MMD and SLE.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH COLLABORATION AND BUSINESS INNOVATION IN IMBI VILLAGE, JAYAPURA

This study aims to empower the economy of the community in Kelurahan Imbi, Jayapura, through collaboration and business innovation using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. The PAR approach involves active community participation in every stage of the research, from problem identification to solution implementation and evaluation. Problem identification was carried out through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, revealing various challenges such as limited access to capital, low levels of education and skills, poor infrastructure, and a lack of collaboration among stakeholders. Based on these findings, an action plan was formulated, including business financing programs, skills training and business mentoring, infrastructure improvements, and strengthening collaboration. The program implementation was conducted with active community involvement. The research results showed an increase in business actors' access to capital through low-interest loan schemes and savings and loan cooperatives. Training and business mentoring successfully enhanced community knowledge and skills, and encouraged product innovation and digital marketing. Infrastructure improvements increased mobility and market access, while the collaborative forum among stakeholders strengthened synergy and the effectiveness of economic empowerment programs. In conclusion, the PAR approach is effective in empowering the economy of the Kelurahan Imbi community, creating targeted and sustainable solutions, and building community capacity to develop local economic potential. This success underscores the importance of community participation and stakeholder collaboration in creating sustainable socio-economic change.

Peran Business Process Excellence dalam Keselarasan Proses Bisnis untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Perusahaan PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk

This research explains the role of Business Process Excellence (BPE) in creating alignment of business processes at PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk to improve company performance. BPE functions as the primary driver to ensure that all processes run as planned, are well-coordinated, and comply with established guidelines. Through a systematic and structured approach, BPE helps enhance efficiency, inter-departmental coordination, and standardization of business processes. With the implementation of BPE, PT Semen Indonesia successfully reduces operational errors, improves product quality, and achieves better performance. Despite facing challenges in employee and management adaptation to changes, full support from upper management and active involvement of employees help ensure the successful implementation of BPE. This research provides practical guidance for other companies interested in implementing BPE to enhance the alignment and efficiency of their business processes.

Humanitarian diplomacy and the countries of the Global South: Trends and discourses

In recent years, discussions about the essence of humanitarization and humanization of international relations have intensified due to the aggravation of economic, social, and ethical problems against the background of a sharp deterioration in the international situation, particularly in the Global South. This paper aims to identify the specifics and provide a comparative analysis of the approaches of both the developed and developing states of the North and the South to the formats, content and purpose of humanitarian diplomacy in contemporary world politics. The first section examines academic discussions on the issues of humanitarian diplomacy. The authors highlight two main approaches in foreign and Russian international political studies to addressing the humanitarian problems of the Global South — an objectal and a subjectal ones. The former is typically associated with the developed countries of the Global North and is rooted in the practices of the colonial era. The latter gained prominence in academic research in the 21st century with the emergence of the ‘new donors’, which promoted joint development programs led by the countries of the Global South and built on regional financial institutions. At the same time, the authors note that academic research tends to focus primarily on the dynamics of aid flows and conditions for development assistance, while a number of current trends in the humanitarian diplomacy remain understudied. These trends are examined in the second section of the article. The authors emphasize the growing trend towards transnationalization and privatization of humanitarian diplomacy, active involvement of non-state and hybrid actors. The third section outlines the key features of humanitarian diplomacy of the leading countries of the Global South (China, India, Turkey), as well as that of the ASEAN states and Arab monarchies. The authors identify several general principles of humanitarian diplomacy shared by the countries of the Global South: a broad, pluralistic understanding of the humanitarian agenda to include cultural, scientific, academic, and youth policy issues; commitment to the ideas of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation (instead of the donor-recipient model); normative neutrality of the humanitarian policy; adherence to the principles of state sovereignty.

The Impact of Wearable Devices on Public Health Outcomes in The Treatment of Chronic Diseases Through Continuous Physiological Monitoring

Chronic illnesses contribute to elevated levels of disability and death. The active involvement of patients in the treatment of chronic diseases is a crucial element of healthcare systems that are focused on chronic diseases. Wearable devices provide real-time health information focused on the patient, enabling them to make informed decisions about self-management. Although wearables are believed to offer advantages in enhancing the self-management of chronic illnesses, their impact on healthcare outcomes still needs to be well comprehended. This study sought to investigate the effect of wearables on healthcare results in adults with chronic conditions by conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing evidence for physiological monitoring. A narrative systematic literature review was performed by searching six databases for randomized and observational research published from January 2018 to July 2023. These studies focused on utilizing a wearable intervention in a group of individuals with chronic diseases to evaluate its effect on a predetermined end measure. The outcomes were defined as any impact on patient or practitioner experience, cost-effectiveness, or healthcare outcomes resulting from the wearable intervention. The findings from the research included in the analysis were gathered according to 6 main themes, which were used as the foundation for a qualitative summary. This research adhered to the requirements outlined in the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) declaration.

Children's Voices in Poetry: The Illustration and Re-Imagination of National Identity

The voices of children are an expression of their intention through speech and other ways. One of those other ways is through poetry. Moreover, children explore voicing their understanding of national identity through creating poetry. As a result, this study aimed to document the exploration of children's voices in poetry as an illustration and re-imagination of national identity. The research design used in this study was a participatory qualitative one. The subjects of this study were elementary school children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the data were collected from a children's voice project about national identity in poetry. Data were also collected through interviews, observation, and children's poetry analysis. In the end, the results of the study showed that, by allowing them to express their views, children can grow into culturally aware individuals who appreciate diversity and deeply love their country. This research implies that education of children's national identity through poetry can contribute significantly to forming a generation that is deeply patriotic and has a strong understanding of, and an active involvement in, their nation’s future. The themes that emerged from the children's voice project were the Red and White Flag, the Indonesian National Language, the Garuda Pancasila National Emblem, Indonesia's Great National Anthem, Indonesian Ethnicity, and Indonesian Culture and Customs.

In Silico Analysis of Rpp1 Locus-Derived NB-ARC-LRR Domains Reveals Insights into Rust Resistance in Soybean

Soybean rust poses significant economic challenges to soybean producers, resulting in decreased seed size, weight, oil content, and overall crop yield. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the rust resistance locus Rpp1 identified in soybean genotype EC 241780 and its associated genes within the soybean genome. Our investigation revealed distinctive features of three genes (Glyma18G281700, Glyma18G281600, and Glyma18G281500) located within the Rpp1 locus on chromosome 18. Phylogenetic and domain analyses confirmed the presence of the ULP1 domain in these genes, while motif analysis identified unique patterns exclusive to them. Notably, these genes possessed exclusive isoleucine and glutamic acid residues at positions 836 and 904, along with an unusual expansion of 11 glutamic acid residues at position 861. Expression-data showed significantly higher expression levels of Glyma18G281700 and Glyma18G281600 during leaf trifoliate stages I and II, suggesting their active involvement under adverse conditions. Protein structure analysis revealed that Glyma18G281500 exhibited distinct characteristics compared to the other two genes and displayed a more stable protein structure. This observation may indicate a distinct functional role for Glyma18G281500. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the genes within the Rpp1 locus may contribute to rust resistance, particularly against specific rust races, due to their unique characteristics associated with the ULP1 domain.

Strategic Resilience and Financial Analysis of Merck & Co., Inc.: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), a prominent player in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for its significant contributions to healthcare through the development of innovative drugs and vaccines. Merck's core focus areas include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, animal health, and healthcare services, with its flagship oncology drug Keytruda being a major revenue contributor. The company faces challenges such as regulatory changes in drug pricing and competition from biosimilars and generics. To mitigate these challenges, Merck has initiated restructuring plans, including the 2024 Restructuring Plan, to optimize operational efficiency and achieve significant cost savings. The paper also presents a comparison of Merck's financial performance with industry peers - Johnson & Johnson, AbbVie and Bristol-Myers Squibb - and evaluates liquidity, solvency and profitability metrics. Despite certain challenges, Merck's robust market positioning, strategic acquisitions, and active involvement in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics underscore its potential for sustainable growth. Overall, the study concludes that Merck's strategic investments, coupled with its strong financial position and proactive restructuring efforts, make it an attractive investment prospect, particularly in its core therapeutic areas of oncology and immunology. This paper suggests that future research could delve deeper into the long-term impact of R&D investments, the intricacies of restructuring plans, and evolving market trends to provide a more nuanced understanding of Merck's strategic planning.

The role of women in the blue swimming crab fisheries supply chain from gender perspective in Pamekasan

Abstract The blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) fishery industry bring positive impact onwomen in coastal areas by providing livelihood opportunities through active involvement in various gender roles, both in preparation and post-capture processes as well as in the production chain. This study aimed to analyze the roles of women in the crab fishing supply chain. This study was conducted in June 2023 at Pagagan Village, Pademawu District, Pamekasan Regency. The research employed interview methods, field observation, and secondary data sources, including articles and journals. Six respondents participated in the study, representing fishermen’s wives, mini-plant owners, crab pickers, and crab suppliers. Results showed that fishermen’s wives play a significant role in marketing and selling the crab catch, as well as assisting their husbands in making and repairing fishing gear. In the case of crab suppliers, women or housewife contributed in weighing and boiling the crabs. At the mini-plant level, women play the main role as pickers in sorting and stripping process, while the mini-plant owner supervises the overall process. The study highlighted the substantial contribution of women in coastal areas to the local community, demonstrating a strong reliance on marine resources, which fluctuate with the seasons. Additionally, the income earned by coastal women significantly contributes to their families finances, thereby enhancing their household’s economic condition.

Between obligations and leisure: an examination of non-work activities among the generation 55+ in Poland and Czechia

This article seeks to evaluate the non-work activities of the generation 55+ in Poland and the Czech Republic. The theoretical framework relies on Ronald Inglehart's theory of values, which is also applied in the research methodology. Following Inglehart's theory, the activities of the generation 55+ can be categorised into two groups. The first group aligns with materialist duty-related values, encompassing responsibilities such as caring for grandchildren, tending to elderly and disabled family members, and participating in religious observances. The second group aligns with postmaterialist values, emphasising personal development, self-expression, and quality of life. These activities encompass participation in classes offered by the University of the Third Age, volunteering, engaging in sports, and tourism. The research findings indicate a greater involvement of Poles in duty-related activities, particularly among women. This suggests a prevalence of materialist values in Poland. Conversely, Czechs, especially Czech women, exhibit more active involvement in leisure activities, pointing to the predominance of postmaterialist values. The conclusions present an integrated model of non-work activities for the generation 55+ that takes into account both materialist and post-materialist values.

The Social Practice of Community-Based Development of Curup Kereta Waterfall Ecotourism

Curup Kereta Waterfall Ecotourism in Rambang Jaya Village is a community-managed tourist destination and one of the favorite attractions in Way Kanan, Lampung. This research aims to analyze the social practices in the development of community-based ecotourism at Curup Kereta Waterfall from the perspectives of structure, agency, and interaction. The study employs a qualitative research method. The findings indicate that the social practices in developing Curup Kereta Waterfall ecotourism in Rambang Jaya Village are significantly influenced by domination, significance, and legitimacy within the local community dynamics. The village head's family's dominance is evident in their control over land management and major decision-making processes. This dominance is accepted by the community due to the sekelik system in Lampung culture, which strengthens family bonds as the community members consider each other as relatives. Decisions made by the village head's family are seen as being for the common good and are accepted without social envy. The sekelik system also provides social significance, ensuring continuous community involvement in ecotourism activities. The community feels a shared responsibility to support and promote ecotourism, thereby reinforcing social solidarity essential for the sustainability of ecotourism. The legitimacy stems from strong kinship ties and a sense of togetherness, with the community trusting that the village head's family will manage the ecotourism fairly and wisely.

The level of preparedness of the local community for sustainable community tourism development in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province, Vietnam

Abstract This study aims to assess the community’s readiness for implementing sustainable community tourism development in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province. Evaluating the community’s readiness for sustainable tourism development is crucial to mitigate potential negative impacts from tourism activities. The research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research to determine the local community’s level of readiness for sustainable tourism development. The community’s readiness is found to be high in social and cultural aspects, while economic aspects reveal certain challenges. Additionally, the study analyzes various forms of community service provision. Survey results indicate that the local community’s involvement in tourism activities is rather limited, sporadic, and primarily characterized by small-scale, self-initiated endeavors. There is a lack of investment in products and services catering to tourists. These findings pose challenges for the development of sustainable community tourism in Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province.

211 From Motion by Emotion to Well-Being: How Regular Physical Activity Enhances Life Satisfaction through Self–Control and Emotion Regulation

Abstract Purpose Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. Regular participation in sports-related activities contributes to psychophysiological and social well-being. Researchers are investigating the psychological factors that may be responsible for this mechanism. Current research is one of the first to explore the mediating effects of self-control and emotion regulation on the relationship between exercise and life satisfaction. The main objective of this study was to examine the possible intermediate impact of self–control and two common forms of emotion regulation: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression on the relationship between involvement in regular physical activity and satisfaction with life. Methods A total of 186 adults participated in the online survey, providing information about their regular participation in physical activity or training and completing questionnaires assessing life satisfaction, self-control, and two aspects of emotion regulation. Based on self-reported average minutes spent exercising per week over the past year, participants were classified into four levels of physical activity according to the World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results The results of the mediation analysis showed that dispositional self-control and cognitive reappraisal fully mediated the relationship between the levels of physical activity and life satisfaction. Expressive suppression, a second strategy of emotion regulation, did not mediate this relationship. This suggests that regular physical activity may increase levels of self-control and cognitive reappraisal, which in turn leads to greater life satisfaction. Conclusions Regular physical activity and time spent on training support such forms of regulating one’s own emotions and actions which consequently may lead to greater life satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of regular exercise in promoting psychological well-being through its beneficial effects on self-control and emotional regulation.

Work–Family Conflict Influences Mothers’ Perception of Father Involvement with Childcare: A Dyadic Approach

ABSTRACT Families with dual-earner parents have been increasing in recent decades, a trend that contributes to father involvement. Because both mothers and fathers face the challenge of conciliating their own and their partners’ work, as well as their parental obligations, work – family conflict (WFC) may emerge. This study aims to examine how parents’ WFC influences the perception of father involvement in childcare and explore the mediating role of coparenting among Portuguese parents using a dyadic approach. Working mothers and fathers (N = 268) of a child aged 2–6 years-old (M age = 4.82; SD = 1.51; 53.1% boys) reported on WFC, coparenting, and father involvement. Significant actor effects were found for mothers’ WFC and their perception of greater father involvement in direct care activities. A crossover effect uncovered how fathers’ WFC influences mothers’ perceptions of fathers’ involvement in their child’s direct care through cooperative coparenting. The findings underscore how WFC is transferred from work to the family, highlighting the importance of policies targeting work environments to better conciliate professional and parental roles.

Transformation of Factors and Mechanisms of Involvement of Juveniles in Criminal Activity: Kazakhstan Experience Against the Backdrop of Foreign Practice

Abstract The purpose of the work is to identify factors influencing changes in the criminological portrait of a juvenile offender, features of its changes, as well as modern trends shaping the personality of a juvenile offender. The study gives reason to say that risk factors for involvement in criminal activity as a separate type of criminogenic factors have not undergone radical changes. The work gives reason to assume that with the development of ICT and communication at a distance, influence of the peer group and the role of hierarchy in the juvenile delinquency may be weakened. In addition, there still exist a problem associated with the lack of terminology, methods for assessing the personality of a juvenile cybercriminal, as well as the very definition of the juvenile cybercriminal concept. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies and measures to prevent and combat juvenile delinquency.

Effect of Learning Management Using the Orff Approach on Violin Playing Ability of Fourth-Grade Students

Background and Aims: In the past, Chinese music education exhibited characteristics of traditional transmission and indoctrination. Students were often in passive roles during their learning process, with teachers predominantly imparting knowledge and methods, neglecting student involvement in practical activities. This experimental research aimed to 1) compare violin playing ability before and after learning through learning management using the Orff approach and 2) compare violin playing ability after learning management using the Orff approach with the criteria at 70%. Methodology: This study used a cluster sampling method with 30 students as the sample. The research instruments were as follows: 1) Six lesson plans using the Orff approach 2) violin playing ability test, with a reliability of 0.78 3) a violin playing ability assessment form, with a reliability of 0.75. Data were analyzed using the statistical software program. The statistics used for data analysis are the mean, standard deviation, t-test for dependent samples, and t-test for one sample. Result: After using the learning management using the Orff approach: (1) Students' academic achievements were significantly higher than before use, with a statistically significant difference of 0.05; (2) The student's academic achievements are above the 70% standard, and the difference is statistically significant at 0.05. Conclusion: Through learning management using the Orff approach, learning efficiency has been improved and the personalized learning needs of students have been met. To help students improve their performance ability and enhance their learning interest.