Community Economic Activities Research Articles

“…considered ‘essential workers’, so we report to work and serve the community”: experiences of community health workers during COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

BackgroundCommunity health workers (CHWs) played an essential part in providing health services to the communities they served prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they had some positive impact on community/household health service promotion and delivery. Nonetheless, restricted movement and social isolation made it challenging for community members to access CHW services, which are normally provided in person. We explore community health workers’ opinions on the impact of COVID-19 on their responsibilities, clients, and communities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.MethodsUsing a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted individual (n = 10) and focus group discussions (n = 13) with 23 community health workers. Participants were community health workers servicing three Black township communities in Buffalo Municipality District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Transcripts from audiotaped and transcribed verbatim interviews were analysed thematically using Atlas.ti.ResultsThe COVID-19 had an impact on the CHWs’ job-related activities, the clients’ health, and caused disruptions in community social and economic activities, all of these had a negative impact on population health. COVID-19 had detrimental effects on the clients’ health in various ways, including restricted movement and fear of contracting the virus, isolation and deaths created anxiety and terror, or refusal to attend clinics for routine medical check-ups and treatment. Furthermore, CHWs claimed that COVID-19 affected community livelihoods, exacerbating food insecurity and job insecurity. The vast majority of CHWs, who were predominantly women, had to balance their employment workload tasks with domestic responsibilities, which added extra pressure and burden. In addition, many individuals experienced personal loss and bereavement. However, the clients and the community exhibited remarkable resilience and perseverance despite the multifaceted obstacles faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionFinancial hardships, unemployment, and work disruptions or changes created by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered stress, sadness, worry, and terror among the CHWs. The client’s health conditions were adversely affected, as some clients refrained from visiting clinics for their medications and treatment because of restricted movements, concerns about contracting the virus, and isolation, all of which contributed to their anxiety and fear. The social isolation and quarantine, as well as food and job insecurity, all had an impact on the community’s social and economic life. Despite the COVID-19 risks and stressors, CHWs demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic burden and emphasising their importance as “essential workers” in community health care which further underscores the need to provide CHWs with adequate resources and training in preparation for future pandemics.

Development of augmented reality media based on Assemblr Edu to enhance the learning outcomes

This study focuses on the development and evaluation of augmented reality (AR) learning media based on the Assemblr Edu application, aimed at enhancing the learning experience of fifth-grade students at SDN Tambaharjo 01. The AR media covers the subject of Community Economic Conditions and Natural Resources and Supporting Factors for Community Economic Activities. The research process included designing the AR content, validating it with experts, and conducting small and large group trials. This study investigates the development and effectiveness of AR learning media based on the Assemblr Edu application to improve learning outcomes in Natural Science and Social Studies for fifth-grade students at SD Negeri Tambaharjo 01. The research employs a quantitative approach with a Research and Development (R&D) method, utilizing the ADDIE development model to create and assess the learning media. The study addresses low student performance in Natural Science and Social Studies by integrating interactive AR technology to make learning more engaging and effective.The developed AR media, which includes 3D and 2D interactive content, was validated by material and media experts, yielding a high validity score of 90.31%. Small and large group trials were conducted, showing significant improvements in student learning outcomes. Pretest and posttest results demonstrated an average score increase from 50 to 85, with a student response rate of 88.46% indicating the media's feasibility. Teachers also rated the AR media highly, with a response score of 91.34%, confirming its practical application in educational settings. The study concludes that the Assemblr Edu-based AR learning media is highly feasible and effective in enhancing student learning outcomes in Natural Science and Social Studies.

Local Wisdom and Economic-Conservation Strategy in Communities Affected by Natural Disasters

Community interaction with the natural environment is reflected through the local wisdom implemented by the community. This is not free from the parties' interests in natural resources. Exploitative behavior or otherwise maintaining ecological and socio-economic balance in the natural environment arises from the various interests of the parties. Such conditions raise the question: How can society's socio-economic strategies be strengthened so that harmonious relations between humans and nature are maintained through a balance of ecological-conservation and socio-economic interests? This research uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through interviews and observation. The research results show that people living in areas prone to natural disasters in the form of earthquakes and landslides have a pattern of relationship with their natural environment in socio-economic activities. Efforts to escape the impact of natural disasters are experiencing obstacles because the community's socio-economic strategies and activities rely on agriculture and plantations which are directly related to the condition of natural resources. In this situation, it is necessary to improve and strengthen community economic activities in the fields of agriculture, plantations and collaboration at the community level.

Seawater desalination of arid regions: comparing the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia

Problems with clean water in coastal areas alongside an increase in population and community economic activities have diversified community activities. Coastal settlements bordering the high seas are characterized as arid areas with a lack of clean water. Here, the use of the range groundwater supply against seawater intrusion means that the water consumed by the community tastes salty and brackish. The availability of abundant seawater, processed through desalination technology, can be used to meet the daily clean water needs of coastal communities. Sustainable development goal (SDG) 6 Water and Sanitation is concerned with ensuring that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. In this regard, desalination technology is considered viable to achieve the SDGs in the environmental sector. Some countries have focused on using desalination technology to achieve target 6.4 by 2030. This goal aims to improve the efficiency of water use to reduce the number of people experiencing clean water scarcity by ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh water. The objective of this study is to examine the application of seawater desalination technology for clean water in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Indonesia, and identify the implications of desalination policies in these countries. Comparative studies were conducted using secondary data and literature studies on transforming seawater into clean water with technology. KSA applies seawater desalination technology to meet water needs. However, in Indonesia, policymaking has not holistically examined the potential of using seawater desalination technology for clean water. Until now, unlike in the KSA, Indonesia has not addressed the importance of the use of desalination technology in state policy.

Development Of Village Economic Potentials Through Village-Owned Businesses (Bumdes) To Increase Community Well-Being Community Welfare In The Village Nanjung Bandung District

Villages should receive serious attention from the central government with the birth of policies related to economic empowerment that are carried out by gathering and institutionalizing community economic activities. According to qualitative methods are research to describe and analyze phenomena, events, beliefs, attitudes, and social activities individually and in groups. Qualitative methods are a collection of methods to analyze and understand more deeply the meaning of several individuals and groups considered as humanitarian problems or social problems community participation in the implementation of business in BUMDes Nanjung is still not optimal, it can be seen that the stigma from the community towards the presence of BUMDes is still not in accordance with expectations of potential development in BUMDes itself. This is certainly one of the problems and challenges for BUMDes Nanjung. By understanding the causes of low community participationthe type of business at BUMDES Mandiri Sejahtera Nanjung has been carried out well, this can be seen that the implementation of the type of business carried out at BUMDes Nanjung utilizes the potential of Human Resources and other equipment that tends to be economical and utilization in the creative field can be a very good innovation Management of business sustainability in BUMDes, in this case management is said to be lacking because it is still limited and too early in the management of BUMDes Nanjung which leaves some shortcomings in carrying out business through BUMDes Nanjung.

Effect of Solid Waste Management on Socio-Economic Development of Urban Area: A Case of Kicukiro District

This study investigates the impact of solid waste management on the socio-economic development of urban areas, focusing on the case of Kicukiro district. The objectives include assessing solid waste management practices in the district, analyzing the level of socio- economic development, and determining the relationship between solid waste management and community socio- economic development. Employing a quantitative research design, the study utilized means, standard deviation, and multiple regression for data analysis. The sample size comprised 388 participants selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and documentary methods, and regression analysis was employed to test research hypotheses. The findings indicate a positive relationship between socio- economic development and key components of waste management, including waste generation and separation, waste collection, and treatment and disposal. The strong correlation between socio-economic development and waste generation and separation suggests that effective practices in these areas contribute significantly to socio- economic development, representing a notable 93.4% correlation (r = 0.934, p < 0.01). Similarly, organized waste collection systems show a robust positive correlation with overall socio-economic progress, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting economic activities within the community, with a substantial 92.1% correlation (r = 0.921, p < 0.01). The study also reveals a positive correlation between socio-economic development and proper waste treatment and disposal methods, highlighting their significant contribution to community well-being and economic activities, representing a strong 93.2% correlation (r = 0.932, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of a paradigm shift in waste perception and management, advocating for sustainable practices that recognize waste as a valuable resource. The recommendations include implementing comprehensive waste management strategies, community engagement through awareness campaigns, and fostering a sense of responsibility among residents for active participation in environmentally sustainable practices.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES BASED ON CREATIVE INDUSTRY CENTERS IN SIDOARJO REGENCY: A CASE STUDY

The variety of creative industries developed by the Sidoarjo people are based on micro, small, and medium-sized industries. It has a positive impact on the people's economy. These sectors are faced with various problems in developing their businesses, such as marketing, human resources, materials, machinery, capital and finance, products, technology, support, research and development, distribution, promotion, competitors, and policy. The aim of this research is to determine the strategy for developing micro, small, and medium-sized industry-based creative industrial centers in Sidoarjo Regency in an effort to improve the community's economy. The reasons are that Sidoarjo Regency has a lot of community economic activities on a micro, small, and medium-sized industry scale. Micro, small, and medium-sized industry-based industrial centers that are developing in Sidoarjo Regency include: Ngingas Metal Industrial Center, Jetis Written Batik Industrial Center, Tanggulangin Leather Shoe Craft Industrial Center, Seketi Balongbendo Bamboo Woven Village, Smoked Fish Village in Penatar Sewu, and Cracker Industry Center in Biting Village. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in this research to solve the research problem. The research results indicated that the successful keys of micro, small, and medium-sized industries's development strategies are as follows: (i) forming village-owned enterprises to support the development of micro, small, and medium-sized industries; (ii) the business motivation is stronger because the businesses are hereditary; (iii) improving business aspects of competitive advantage; (iv) empowering communities to improve their village economies through the development of industrial centers; and (v) the role of governments in developing industrial centers.

Increased Understanding of Legal Awareness Regarding the Preparation of Written Sales and Purchase Agreements/Contracts in Order to Support Community Economic Activities in Tajun Village, Buleleng Regency

Agreements/contracts are very important in the business world, including in the buying and selling of agricultural and plantation products. In buying and selling transactions for agricultural and plantation products, farmers in carrying out transactions have very little understanding of written sales and purchase agreements and only use verbal agreements and are limited to notes/receipts with middlemen, wholesalers or exporters. There are still many practices that are underhand or carried out without being based on legal agreement/contract documents. The Tajun Village community's understanding of making sales and purchase agreements/contracts is still limited, as a result, activities that should be accompanied by legal documents in the form of agreements/contracts are not yet available. The aim of implementing this community service program is to: (1) increase the understanding of farmer groups in Tajun Village regarding the anatomy of contract agreements and the importance of sales and purchase agreements/contracts (2) train partners' skills in drafting sales and purchase agreements/contracts. The method used in implementing this community service program activity is a pick-up and drop-off system. The results show that the program has been implemented according to plan. From the implementation of this community service program, the target community benefits in the form of increasing partners' understanding regarding legal awareness and written sales and purchase agreements/contracts and being able to draw up simple sales and purchase agreements/contracts in order to support the economic activities of the community in Tajun Village.

Strengthening Institutional Social-Economic Institutions Through Bumdes in Pagerharjo Village, Samigaluh District, Kulonprogo Regency

Potential in the area, including institutions, people, and natural resources, should be handled, one of which is BUMDES. BUMDES is an organization that was entrenched based on the needs and possibilities of the village and is run by the community and village government to boost the rural economy. The performance of BUMDES must considerably enhance the welfare of the populace. Under BUMDES's work system, all commercial and community economic activities are facilitated in a professionally managed institution or corporate organization. As a consequence, community companies are successful and fruitful, enabling the best possible management of all village economic endeavors. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the methods used by the Pagerharjo Village, Samigaluh Regency, and the Government to fortify village institutions (BUMDES). The research employs a qualitative descriptive methodology, with findings that highlight the significance of generalization. In an attempt to fully realize the village's potential, BUMDES Binangun Pagerharjo Village has developed into an organization that is capable of boosting the local economy through the establishment of social services, economic business development, and BUMDES institutional strengthening initiatives. BUMDES Pagerharjo can create jobs, boost local revenue, and bolster the local economy by empowering the people and opening up business options.

Elevating Financial Literacy Among Women Entrepreneurs: Cognitive Approach of Strong Financial Knowledge, Financial Skills and Financial Responsibility

A notable challenge for Malaysian women entrepreneurs is the lack of adequate financial literacy, which leads to a major setback in their business growth. However, it was discovered that women entrepreneurs have poor financial knowledge and a narrow-minded "just live for today" mindset when it comes to financial planning. The purpose of this study is to raise financial literacy among Malaysian women entrepreneurs to encourage accountable behavior and rational thinking to improve financial knowledge, financial skills and financial responsibility. Thus, this study is extremely referred to in the cognitive approach of strong financial knowledge, financial skills and financial responsibility of the group to be considered, giving importance to the development of the community economic activities and program. This study adopts the theory of resource-based view and uses a mixed-method design that combines the quantitative research methods of questionnaires and qualitative research method of semistructured in-depth interviews to improve the level of financial literacy that is anticipated to advance financially literate women entrepreneurs for sustainable economic wellbeing. The outcome of this study is expected to alleviate women entrepreneurs’ economic well-being since there is no specific benchmark of financial literacy for women-based entrepreneurship currently. Integrating the standpoints of women entrepreneurs is recognized as the mission of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development to increase the number of participants and raise the status of women entrepreneurs in this country as well as towards "Developing Malaysia MADANI", support the principles of Shared Prosperity Vision and the mission of SDG2030.

PEMANFAATAN SISTEM INFORMASI MULTIMEDIA GUNA MENINGKATKAN PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT

Graphic design is an activity that aims to produce usable and aesthetic work for various types of media including multimedia information systems and the delivery process not only in text form, but also using various other visual forms. The development of graphic design is increasingly significant, this can be seen from the various designs on the market. The presence of a graphic design information system can be used to start community economic activities and ultimately improve the community's economy. However, the use of graphic design among the general public is still low, so this research aims to convey knowledge and benefits of graphic design in general and to improve the community's economy in particular.

Strategy for Forming Neighborhood-Based Business Entities as A Motor for Community Economic Potential in Samarinda City, Indonesia

Government administration becomes a key success in developing the local potential sector. Mapping local potential, in this case, sub-districts is one of the important things to do to find and recognize economic potential that can be developed. Ideally, community economic activities at the sub-district level are carried out as institutions or business entities managed professionally but still rely on the area's potential. It can make community businesses more productive and effective. Thus, this study seeks to determine the potential for forming sub-district-based business entities as one of the economic drivers of the city of Samarinda. This study uses a qualitative approach to primary and secondary data. Also, the research location is 59 sub-districts in the city of Samarinda. A total of 59 village heads who were the target of this study, 55 people were willing to answer the questions. The data was analyzed using tabulating interviews through 9 blocks covering the Business Model Canvas components: Customer Segment, Value Proposition, Channel, Customer Relation, Revenue Stream, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure. Also, Business Model Canvas and SWOT analysis. The result indicates that 10 sub-district-based business models have the most potential to be developed in Samarinda City, namely trading businesses (groceries, restaurants), home industry businesses (weaving, beads, amplang, fish floss, herbal medicine), service businesses (workshops, transportation services, Savings and Loans, motorbike washing, haircuts, sewing), Use of land that is not (RTH), Service-based environmental management system (such as environmental safety and environmental cleanliness), Become a wholesaler, for goods/needs that are for public consumption. Homestead agricultural food sector business (mushroom business, etc.), freshwater fish management, waste recycling, and tourism.

Persepsi Masyarakat Mengenai Bangunan Jetty sebagai Bangunan Pengaman Pantai di Pantai Purus Kota Padang

This study aims to determine the analysis of community perceptions of jetties as coastal safety buildings and the impact of the existence of jetties on community economic activities. The type of research used in this research is qualitative research, using a qualitative approach. This research was conducted in the Purus beach area which is located in West Padang District, Padang City. The sources of information in this research are people who live along the river and who carry out activities at the jetty location. Based on the results of data analysis and discussion, the following two things were obtained. First, community perception influences the level of community awareness to support government efforts in disaster mitigation, namely the construction of coastal safety buildings, namely jetties, where in this area there are two social interactions, namely settlement and community economic activity. It can be seen from the condition of the settlement in Rimbo Kaluang Village which is dirtier compared to the condition of the settlement in Purus Village which is more clean. Second, both old and new traders are of the opinion that the location of the jetty is not ready to be used as a Culinary Market with the number of traders dominating compared to visitors, as well as the decline in income. experienced by old and new traders.

Pendampingan Organisasi Ranting Nahdatul Ulama dalam Peningkatan Peran Keagamaan dan Sosial Ekonomi Masyarakat di Desa Jumerto Kecamatan Patrang Jember

This assistance is about increasing the role of the NU Branch organization, MWC NU Patrang to foster religious and socio-economic activities of the community in Jumerto Village, Patrang District, Jember, carried out for three days and three nights from Friday to Sunday, 03 to 05 December 2021 .The accompanying material is Checking participants for the basic Aswaja Opening, Break/Magrib & Isyak/Evening Meal, Educational Orientation I and II, Spiritual & Fajr Exercises, Sports, Morning Breakfast, Bathing, Preparation for Entering Class Material I (Idiology of Aswaja NKRI), Material II (Idiologizing Aswaja NKRI), Material III (Friends Analysis), Material IV (Ghozwul Fikr), Material VI (Sanad Struggle), Material VII (Organizational Independence), Briefing and Preparation for Bai'at, Bai'at Ceremony and closing. Assistance from the delivery of this material, the result is (1) the development of recitation activities in the fields of aqidah, fiqh, community morals, (2) strengthening the practice of the Nahdliyyin community (3) assistance with community economic activities (4) implementation of NU activities and coordination with branches. -NU and MWC NU branches, Patrang Jember District

Produk Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) Berkelanjutan Berbasis Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (TPB) di Kejulasi, Agam, Sumatera Barat

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as business units in the community's economic activities must survive in the global economy. The demand in the dynamics of the global economy is the presence of sustainable products following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a circular economy. It is necessary to strengthen the capacity of MSMEs to produce sustainable products to survive, especially in the global market with a circular economy that is economically and environmentally beneficial. This study and community service was conducted at one of the MSMEs in Agam, West Sumatra, named Kejulasi. Using the literature study method, field observation, and direct dialogue with the business owner, concluded that Kejulasi is still in the process of producing sustainable products. Beyond investment and technology, Kejulasi requires intervention from the government and academia despite the structural barriers arising from international agreements on trade liberalization. In conclusion, a more extensive initiative from the producer and social groups is needed, especially in forming cooperatives, digitalizing cooperatives, and cooperative-based dairy industry ecosystems that enable them to produce sustainable products and survive in the dynamics of the global economy.

Geotourism: Use of Environmentally Friendly Geological Wealth

The writing of this article examines how solutions using geology can be cultivated in the management of historical sites as community ecotourism and community economic activities. The geotourism management paradigm is how tourism management can optimize the natural potential (geology) to add value to the economic well-being of local people living in the Kayangan Api area and minimize potential natural damage in Kayangan Api environment. The method used in this study is Kayangan Api tourist observation, expert interviews (guards) and literacy surveys. Therefore, this paper proposes a tourism management model. Geotourism management is grouped under five main focuses, including the formulation of natural opportunities used in tourism activities, the description of criteria for geotourism sites (Kayangan Api), the management of geotourism (Kayangan Api), and the explanation of geotourism activities and finally the indicators of success or Kayangan Api Bojonegoro Geotourism Print.

Analysis of Human Resource Development in Improving Village-Owned Enterprises in Karangasem Regency, Bali

The Human Resource (HR) crisis is one of the problems for village development, especially the establishment and development of BUMDes. The way BUMDes works is through community economic activities in the form of institutions or business entities that are managed professionally but still rely on the original potential of the village. One of the potential village businesses owned by Karangasem Regency is in the tourism sector. This study is intended to determine the potential and capacity of Karangasem BUMDes human resources in tourism development in Kab. Karangasem Bali. The methods and approaches used in the BUMDes HR Potential Analysis activity in the development of Karangasem tourism in Bali by taking into account the suitability of the actual conditions in the field so that they can become a policy recommendation. Next, a SWOT analysis was carried out. In this analysis, an analysis of the internal environment and an analysis of the external environment is carried out to determine strategies, policies and programs to increase the capacity of BUMDes human resources in the development of Karangasem tourism in Bali. The target to be achieved in this research is the availability of a BUMDes HR database as a basis for setting policies to increase the capacity of Karangasem BUMDes human resources in tourism development in Bali.

Peningkatan Pemahaman Masyarakat dalam Membangun Konservasi Mangrove di Segara Anakan Cilacap

Communities in the Segara Anakan Lagoon area of Cilacap still do not firmly understand the services of mangrove ecosystems and the impacts that will occur due to the loss and destruction of mangrove ecosystems for people's lives, the sustainability of community economic activities, and the existence of habitat organisms in Segara Anakan. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct socialisation activities on the importance of mangrove ecosystems to maintain their ecosystem services through mangrove conservation activities. This activity was attended by fishermen, stakeholders, boat drivers, kerrang collectors, pond farmers, nipah craftsmen, nifah sugar makers, and so on. The socialisation resulted in an increased understanding of the importance of mangroves, mangrove ecosystem services, and the impacts that will occur if mangroves are damaged. For this reason, the community is also willing to conserve and rehabilitate mangrove ecosystems in Segara Anakan.

Transforming Mebeler MSME Marketing in Ngempit Village Kraton Pasuruan through Digital Marketing Strategies

The Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in Indonesia caused many problems, one of which was in the economic sector. Part of the economic sector that also feels the impact is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. Ngempit Village, Kraton District, Pasuruan Regency is one of the villages with residents whose community economic activities are partly as MSME actors. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused demand and income to decrease. This mentoring uses a service-learning approach with three main stages, namely preparation, service and evaluation. The results of the assistance through digital marketing literacy for UMKM Mebel with a service-learning approach have proven to be effective in increasing income, demand, and expanding the business reach of UMKM Mebel, thus making a positive contribution to the local economy. This mentoring initiative has also been successful in unraveling the challenges faced by UMKM Mebel entrepreneurs who struggle in finding customers.

Community Economic Activities in The Mawarung Baimbai Area As A Source of Social Studies Learning.

Aktivitas ekonomi tidak pernah terlepas dari kehidupan masyarakat, karena masyarakat selalu melaksanakan aktivitas dalam kehidupan sehari-harinya, tetapi pemanfaatan kegiatan dalam kehidupan masyarakat masih sangat jarang dalam pembelajaran baik itu berupa foto ataupun video, kegiatan tersebut dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai sumber belajar IPS yang bersifat kontekstual. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Analisis data menggunakan reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan.Aktivitas ekonomi masyarakat di Kawasan Mawarung Baimbai Kelurahan Sungai Jingah masih memanfaatkan kawasan Mawarung Baimbai yang terletak di bawah Jembatan Banua Anyar dalam menjalankan aktivitas sehari-hari, satu diantaranya yaitu dalam melakukan transaksi jual beli yang melibatkan antara penjual dan pembeli di Kawasan Mawarung Baimbai. Sedangkan aktivitas ekonomi lainnya seperti terciptanya silaturahmi serta komunikasi antar pedagang satu dengan lainnya, pedagang dan pembeli, serta antar pembeli di kawasan Mawarung Baimbai. Aktivitas ekonomi masyarakat di kawasan Mawarung Baimbai Kelurahan Sungai Jingah dapat diintegrasikan sebagai sumber belajar IPS kelas VII.