Comparative Research Research Articles

Integrating Spiritual and Pedagogical Strategies in Tahfidz Al-Qur'an Education: A Comparative Study of Two Pesantren in Metro City, Lampung

This study examines integrating spiritual and pedagogical strategies in Qur’anic memorization (tahf?dz) at two Pesantren in Metro City, Indonesia, addressing gaps in comparative research on spiritually oriented versus target-driven approaches. Employing a qualitative multi-case design, data from observations, interviews with participants, and document analysis were thematically analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s model. Results revealed distinct strategies: the spiritually oriented pesantren emphasized sincerity, tahajjud prayers, and non-coercive enrollment, relying on intensive repetition and daily assessments, while the target-driven institution prioritized structured scheduling, multi-method techniques (e.g., talaqqi, wahdah), and measurable goals. Both shared strengths in consistent murâja’ah (repetition), moral reinforcement, and structured routines, highlighting the efficacy of combining spiritual intentionality (tarbiyah ruhiyah) with systematic pedagogy. The study concludes that harmonizing spiritual devotion with pedagogical structure enhances Qur’anic memorization, offering a replicable framework for Islamic education. Practical recommendations include adopting hybrid models balancing intrinsic motivation with methodological diversity, and integrating digital tools for retention. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts and diverse institutional contexts to refine educational approaches

A simplified and efficient method for isolating small extracellular vesicles for comparative and comprehensive translational research

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can provide information about the pathophysiology of the cells; therefore, sEVs have attracted considerable interest as possible diagnostic biomarkers. A key challenge lies in the necessity for simple and cost-effective sEV isolation methods to achieve high purity and yield suitable for research and clinical applications. We are introducing a comprehensive study on isolating sEVs using a novel cocktail strategy that integrates chemical precipitation and ultrafiltration with a two-step filtering process to ensure a highly pure and homogeneous population and further compared with PEG-based precipitation, ultra-centrifugation, and size-exclusion-chromatography columns. The isolated sEVs from each protocol are quantified for size and yield using nanoparticle tracking analysis, morphologically characterized through transmission electron microscopy, and validated by quantifying the expression profiles of sEV surface biomarkers. Furthermore, the study explores the applicability of our method for downstream multi-omics analyses. The results highlight the efficacy of the proposed protocol, demonstrating the ease and efficiency of isolating sEVs from different biofluids with minimal laboratory requirements and confirming the compatibility with multi-omics analyses. These findings position our method as particularly valuable for translational research, offering a promising avenue for advancing the study and application of sEVs in diagnostic and therapeutic research.

Peran Bank Wakaf Mikro dalam Peningkatan Pendapatan Masyarakat Pesantren

Poor people play an important role in economic growth, facing challenges and obstacles, one of which is capital. the presence of micro waqf banks to expand public financial access, by providing financial capital to individuals who have ties to financial institutions in the hope of improving people's living standards and reducing poverty in society. This research aims to find out the role of BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah in increasing the economic income of the Islamic boarding school community and what the direct impact of the BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah programs is on the development of Islamic boarding school community income and what are the similarities and differences in BWM Alpen Barokah with BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah The research uses a qualitative comparative research approach. The methods used are interviews, observation and documentation. The subjects of this research were taken from the Managers and Customers of BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah. The results of this research are 1. The role of BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah itself is considered very beneficial for the community because of the mentoring program to increase income Islamic boarding school community 2. The direct impact of the BWM program, the Islamic boarding school community experienced changes in income after becoming a customer and taking part in assistance at BWM and thirdly. The similarity between BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah is that the program helps poor productive communities around the Islamic boarding school environment. and the difference between BWM Alpen Barokah and BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah is in the amount of cumulative financing where the amount of financing for BWM Alpen Barokah is 2.1 billion while the cumulative amount of financing for BWM Kariman Birajuda Al-Karimiyyah is 1.1 billion.

A Comparative Research of Paternalistic and Narcissistic Leadership on Intrinsic Motivation: Job Autonomy and Development Culture as Mediating Variables

To inspire others, leaders must be visionary, communicate effectively, and possess the ability to motivate, as their actions influence employees' intrinsic motivation. Individuals driven by intrinsic factors find motivation in enjoyment or challenges rather than external rewards, pressure, or products. In contrast, narcissistic leaders perceive themselves as flawless and attribute their success solely to their own efforts, exhibiting traits such as arrogance, extreme self-love, unshakeable confidence, and hostility. n =218 employees were included in this study, in which the mediating role of Job Autonomy (JA) and Development Culture (DC) variables in the Paternalistic Leadership (PL) vs. Narcissistic Leadership (NL) and Intrinsic Motivation (IM) was investigated. The data obtained from volunteer participants from non-profit organisations in Istanbul were analysed by structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that PL positively and significantly affects IM through mediating variables, while NL significantly and negatively affects IM through these factors.

The Effect of Financial Distress, Audit Delay, and Audit Quality on Auditor Switching in Energy Sector Companies in Indonesia

This research is motivated by the Endron scandal that has occurred, which is an energy company based in Houston, Texas, United States. The Endron scandal modified and displayed incorrect financial data which resulted in KAP having to participate in accounting for the company's financial statements. This problem has an impact on Indonesia so that there is a regulation on the replacement of auditors or KAP in auditing the company's financial statements. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of financial distress, audit delay, and audit quality on auditor switching. This study uses a quantitative method with an associative approach and the characteristics of the problem including comparative causal research. The research population of energy sector companies listed on the IDX for the 2018-2022 period is 75 companies. The sample used was 8 companies, so that the audited financial statement data was used as many as 40 data. However, there are outliers to produce better data, so the sample is processed as many as 38 data. The results stated that financial distress had no effect on switching auditors, audit delay variables had an effect on switching auditors and audit quality had no effect on switching auditors. Meanwhile, tests conducted simultaneously showed that all variables of financial distress, audit delay, and audit quality had a significant effect on auditor switching. Finally, the author suggests that all interested parties can see information through the official website provided, so it is important to publish

Impacts of Internationalization Strategies on Brand Positioning in Chinese Private Higher Educational Institutions: Assessing the Stakeholders’ Perspective

The study is aimed at assessing the perception of stakeholders regarding the impact of internationalization on the brand positioning of private higher educational institutions in China. Since the last decade, internationalization has emerged as an effective strategy for brands to make a strong identity in the international market. The constant increase in the number of Chinese students in Western universities also indicates the need for internationalization in the Chinese educational system, so that internal and external stakeholders of institutions, such as teachers, alumni, and students, their parents are satisfied with the quality of education provided. In order to achieve its aim, the study follows a systematic literature review method as a part of the secondary qualitative research method. 12 past studies related to the current research area are reviewed. After eliminating articles published before 2021, having ethical issues, and comprising irrelevant information, these 12 articles are finalized. The findings derived from them suggest that the perception of stakeholders depends on the way the institution executes the internationalization process and understands their importance in that. Certain challenges of internationalization like the lack of proper planning and sociocultural barriers are also mentioned by past researchers. Despite achieving its aim successfully, certain limitations are evident in this study, which include reaching a conclusion based on the findings of studies that focused on different fields. Due to this, future researchers are recommended the use of a comparative analysis research method and if possible, base their studies on different contexts.

Research progress and prospect of Emeishan mantle plume metallogenic system

The Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP) in southwestern China, formed by the Emeishan mantle plume, hosts diverse mineralization systems. This study classifies deposits into two types: those directly and indirectly related to the plume. Directly related deposits (∼260 Ma) include magmatic Fe-Ti-V oxide and Cu-Ni-PGE sulfide deposits, and hydrothermal Nb-Ta-Zr-REE deposits, concentrated in the ELIP’s inner zone. Indirectly related deposits, such as weathering crust-type REE-Sc-Ti ores and Carlin-type gold deposits, formed post-ELIP through weathering, sedimentation, and hydrothermal processes, and are distributed in the middle-outer zones. Spatiotemporal analysis reveals that directly related deposits formed synchronously with ELIP magmatism, while indirectly related deposits exhibit dispersed ages from the Late Permian to Quaternary. The former originated from plume-driven magmatism, whereas the latter were influenced by thermal effects, ancient faults, and later geological processes. The study highlighted the plume’s role in global mineralization, proposing a resource effect law where mantle plumes enhance mineral and hydrocarbon formation. Comparative research with other Large Igneous Provinces is essential to address critical mineral shortages and ensure sustainable resource development.

Weather, climate and the administration of the visitor business at heritage properties

ABSTRACT Little is known about how weather and climate feature in the business administration of heritage properties as visitor attractions. Adopting a qualitative research design to address this gap, this paper examines how weather and climate change appeared in the thinking and practice of general managers (GMs) at multiple properties operated by a large internationally-known heritage organisation. From detailed Thematic Analysis of 13 in-depth interviews conducted in 2022, three main themes emerged: weather was the principal focus; operational responses were paramount in managing for weather and climate; and climate change was mainly cast as presenting challenges. As a first contribution of its type, this paper argues for this vital group of actors to be afforded more regular attention in research on climate change and heritage tourism management. GMs are pivotal to integrated organisational responses through delivery at the local level. The paper also argues in favour of considering the impacts of weather and climate on the visitor business at heritage properties, not just on natural and cultural heritage assets. Finally, in view of considerable activity by the organisation since the data was collected, the paper points to temporal comparative research with GMs as a means of examining progress to adaptation.

Debunking Myths and Misinformation in Cervical Cancer: A Narrative Review on Navigating Complex Treatment Choices in Locally Advanced Cases and Exploring Beyond Standard Protocols.

Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge globally, with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) representing a particularly complex subset due to its diverse definitions and varied treatment approaches. The absence of randomized controlled trials comparing the upfront radical surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or chemotherapy alone for clearly defined risk factors for LACC hinders the development of standardized treatment protocols, leading to disparities in patient outcomes across different healthcare settings. This paper seeks to underline the necessity of a consensus on the definition of LACC and aims to comprehensively and critically review the existing literature trying to harmonize treatment strategies and improve prognostic outcomes. Our analysis suggests a multimodal approach for treating FIGO IB3, IIA2, and selected IIB cases at facilities capable of delivering highly curative nerve-sparing surgical interventions, with the goal of bridging the gap in current treatment methodologies. Preliminary findings suggest that adopting a standardized definition could facilitate more consistent treatment outcomes and enhance comparative research.

Comparative Analysis of CNN-Based Smart Pre-Trained Models for Object Detection on DOTA

In this paper, we proposed comparative research on the classification of various objects in satellite images using some pre-trained models of CNN (VGG-16, Inception-V3, ResNet-50, EfficientNet-B7) and R-CNN. In this research work, we have used the DOTA dataset, which combines data from 14 classes. We have implemented above mentioned pre-trained models of CNN, and R-CNN to achieve optimal results for accuracy as well as productivity. To detect objects like ships, tennis courts, swimming pools, vehicles, and harbors from remotely accessed images. In this study, we have used a convolutional neural network (CNN) as the base model. The transfer learning mechanism is employed to speed up the results and for complex computations. We have discovered with the help of experimental analysis that R-CNN and Inception-V3 are performing best out of the five pre-trained models.

Are Working Mothers Adequately Protected? A Comparative Analysis of Legal Frameworks in Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The statistics of working mothers in Malaysia are rising every year. Based on previous researches, the data of women who stopped working due to issue in child care are high. Nonetheless, the working mothers are not sufficiently protected under the domestic law. There has been lack of recognition of their legal rights, for example, rights relating to breastfeeding support and prohibiting gender discrimination. The situation is the same in public sector as well as in private sector. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the policies and laws governing working mothers in Malaysia and to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the policies and laws by benchmarking with other jurisdictions specifically the United Kingdom and Australia. This paper adopts the doctrinal research method through the governing statutes, reported cases and scholarly articles as well as comparative research method through benchmarking with the other jurisdictions. This paper finds that Malaysia has policies in promoting women involvement in employment and the laws governing working mothers in Malaysia are improving throughout the years.

Nursing Research Capacity-Building Programmes in AcuteCare Hospitals: A Scoping Review.

Research and evidence-based practice in nursing have a direct impact on the quality of care to patients. Its enactment in daily practice remains challenging, with nurses' insufficient research capacity and capability being one challenge, and the limited current state of knowledge another. To map the knowledge landscape around capacity-building programmes aiming to increase evidence-based nursing practice and research activity in acutecare hospitals. Scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Articles from 2013 to 2023 were searched on PubMed, CINAHL, Medline/OVID, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Two researchers screened their eligibility independently. To be eligible, studies needed to focus on nursing/midwifery in acute care settings, address research capacity-building practices and be either an empirical, review or theoretical publication. Data were extracted in a structured format and synthesised narratively. Twenty-four articles were included, consisting of 12 empirical, 6 reviews and 6 non-data-based articles. Our analysis identified two dimensions of research capacity: (1) individual research capability and (2) organisational research capacity, each influenced by various determinants. Findings suggest that four key elements are required to build a research capacity programme: (1) context assessment, (2) multilevel leadership and management engagement, (3) programme tailored to context and (4) clear outcome indicators. We found nursing research capacity programmes lacked clear definitions and a consensus on a conceptual framework. This review systematically synthesised the knowledge landscape on nursing research capacity building programmes in acute care hospitals, bringing clarity regarding concepts, dimensions, determinants and structural key elements. The conceptual model developed through this review encourages comprehensive and comparable research capacity-building programmes, which can accelerate enhancement of research skills, literacy, activities and evidence-based practice among nurses, thereby improving quality of care and patient outcomes. No patient or public contribution.

Economic nationalism in public procurement: Responding to globalisation through the local jobs first policy in Victoria

Purpose Local manufacturers have closed factories and retrenched workers amidst increasing global competition, leading to government procurement assistance in Victoria, Australia. This study aims to identify the drivers of significant procurement policy changes and examine how a local procurement law was established as a response to international trade and offshoring of manufacturing jobs in Victoria. Design/methodology/approach This study has adopted a single-case study approach to examine a local procurement law. Thirty-five documents were analysed with the framework of institutional work embedded in the procurement policymaking process. Findings This study develops a unique framework that provides empirical and conceptual insights on drivers and how they stimulate actors to shape local procurement policy. It shows the intersection of actors’ interests and public interest by demonstrating a unique relationship between institutional work and the procurement policymaking process. Research limitations/implications Single-case studies lack scientific generalisability. Nevertheless, this study adds knowledge that is lacking in the field of public procurement and provides a stronger foundation for comparative research. Practical implications The symbiotic relationship between key actors is vital in navigating the local procurement policymaking challenges, particularly amidst opposition from globalisation advocates. Social implications This study indicates that the Victorian Government uses local procurement to address the income inequalities associated with globalisation. Originality/value This study offers a greater understanding of preferential procurement policy development; and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first to examine the drivers of changes from open competition to mandatory preferential policy in Australia.

A dialogue on global infrastructure-led urbanization: Concepts and reorientations

The territorial and technological geographies of the planet are being rapidly and profoundly transformed and restructured in the 21st century. A massive surge of plans, visions, and investments is materializing through new connectivity infrastructure and operations of vast, extended transportation and logistical networks, with the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative serving as a prominent example. To scrutinize this context, in this article, we advocate for a shift from infrastructure-led development to infrastructure-led urbanization, emphasizing the urban as the key analytical terrain. We argue that the urban perspective reveals conceptual, geoeconomic, and geopolitical dimensions that are at the core of the transformations brought about by the implementation of global infrastructure. By mobilizing the authors’ urban research experience spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and by stressing the vital value of on-the-ground and comparative research, we illustrate the complexities and specificities inherent in these projects. In doing so, we propose a collective dialogue that explores and reorients conceptual and methodological possibilities to capture the complex interplay of geoeconomic and geopolitical forces within what we term ‘global infrastructure-led urbanization’.

Inside global governance: perspectives of international organization staff on autonomy and horizontal interactions

Abstract As International Organizations (IOs) have proliferated and expanded their mandates, they have become embedded in increasingly dense and interconnected regime complexes. These evolving governance structures pose new external challenges for IO secretariats, which must navigate relationships with both member states and other IOs within their sector. Yet, comparative evidence on how IO staff perceive these external influences remains scarce. This article addresses this gap in two steps. First, it introduces perceived autonomy as a new empirical variable, drawing on an original multi-IO survey. Second, it examines IO staff perceptions of interactions with other IOs. The results reveal that IO staff perceive moderate autonomy, with variations across four key global governance sectors—trade, finance, security, and climate change—as well as within them. Notably, IO staff do not view interactions with other IOs as particularly problematic, challenging common assumptions in the regime complexity literature about governance congestion. By reintroducing the perspective of IO staff into comparative global governance research, this article offers new insights into how governance complexity is experienced from within.

A Comparative Study of Drug-Eluting Stents and Bare-Metal Stents in Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) holds the position as a top health issue that causes sickness and death throughout the global community. PCI represents a fundamental treatment approach, but the selection between DES and BMS medication delivery systems determines patient results. Objective: The research studied the medical success rates and safety characteristics between drug-eluting and bare-metal stents when used in PCI procedures for coronary artery disease. Materials and Method: Between January 2021 and June 2021, prospective comparative research was done at Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Two hundred patients joined the research into which they received either DES or BMS treatment (DES included 100 patients, and BMS included 100 patients). The study measured baseline patient data in addition to procedural success rates together with six-month clinical results. Results: Patients with DES experienced better outcomes than BMS patients because their restenosis rate was 6% lower and target lesion revascularization rate was 11% lower. The study results showed no statistically significant differences in mortality and myocardial infarction rates between groups. Conclusion: The clinical outcomes of DES prove better than those of BMSs, and medical authorities regard them as the go-to stenting solution for most PCI procedures.

Human vs. Machine Marking: A Comparative Study of Chemistry Assessments

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed educational assessment with automated marking, enhancing efficiency, objectivity, immediate feedback, and identifying students’ response patterns. This paper explored the comparative analysis of human expert marking and machine marking in a chemistry class. The study used a comparative research design. The participants comprised 30 Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students and two chemistry experts from the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NDSS), Abia State, Nigeria, randomly drawn from 98 students offering chemistry. A set of three chemistry short answer questions (SAQs) adopted from NECOSSCE past examination papers was used for data collection. Responses from students were marked by two human chemistry experts and ChatGPT using the marking guide. Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) was employed to evaluate the relationship between the scores assigned by human experts and those assigned by ChatGPT. The results revealed a substantial correlation between the two human experts (r = 0.75), while the correlations between the human experts and ChatGPT were lower (r = 0.56 and 0.57, respectively). Admittedly, most differences in scores between human experts and ChatGPT were within one point, although larger discrepancies occurred less frequently. Item-by-item analyses of the scores indicated that ChatGPT’s scores were within an acceptable range of human expert scores, although ChatGPT’s marking exhibited some inconsistencies, particularly in assessing more complex SAQs. The study suggests, among others, that combining human and machine marking is highly recommended to enhance assessment practices in secondary school chemistry, leveraging the strengths of both methods.

Variations of the Motives of Retribution in the Stories of A I Kuprin of the 1890s

Aim. To explore the varieties of retribution motives in the stories of A. I. Kuprin of the 90s of the XIX century.Methodology. The article analyzes the diversity of retribution motives in the stories of A. I. Kuprin of the 90s of the XIX century. These motives perform an important substantive and semantic function. Attention is paid to those works where the problem of punishment for sins is solved indirectly: there is no direct author’s assessment of what is happening. The methodology is based on descriptive and comparative research methods.Results. In the three stories studied, there is a different artistic form of realization of the motives of retribution. In the story “On the River”, the motive of punishment for what is done is presented in the context of landscape painting: nature opposes human sinfulness, in the story “Unspoken Revision” the motive of punishment is interpreted as self-punishment, the story “Confusion” conveys the motive of retribution as a fateful blow. The article concludes that the motives of retaliation are part of the system of axiological guidelines in Kuprin’s prose.Research implications. The analysis of the stories expands the understanding of the features of the content and form of the early stories of A. I. Kuprin, emphasizes the system of value orientations of the writer.

Comparative Research of Fish’s Demeanor in Hereditary and Man-made Habitat

The study compared the feeding pattern, environmental condition, and breeding performance of six fish species namely Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Oreochromis niloticus, Channa striata, Cirrhinus mrigala, and Cyprinus carpio in two different aquatic environments, the Nagar Nigam Pond (NNP) (natural habitat) and glass aquaria (artificial habitat), were compared in the present study. The comparison was made to observe the feeding periods, water quality parameters and breeding behavior of both the species in their habitats. Results An enhanced feeding time, better water quality conditions and improved breeding performance particularly for Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Oreochromis niloticus from natural pond were obtained. In the absolute against natural environment condition, feeding time and reproductive success were significantly lower in species, but much shorter, with the above factors of feeding time in the laboratory environment, as less space, a decrease in oxygen content and different temperatures. The findings of this study indicate that these fish species have better feeding and breeding performance in the complex and dynamic situations of natural habitats. The study highlights the importance of habitat simulation in aquaculture and conservation, and indicates that future work should explore further optimization of controlled environments to more closely resemble natural conditions, ultimately improving fish health and breeding.

Failure of Split Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer in Cerebral Palsy Complex Foot Deformities: A Review of Failure Definitions and Risk Factors for Failure.

This review examines variability in failure and recurrence rates following split posterior tibial tendon transfer (SPOTT) for spastic equinovarus deformity (SED) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It evaluates patient-specific and surgical risk factors contributing to poor outcomes and assesses the inconsistent definitions of failure across the literature. Across the seven included studies, failure was more common in patients under the age of 8, non-ambulatory individuals, and those with quadriplegic CP. Surgical contributors included poor tendon tensioning, residual spasticity, over- or under-correction, and untreated bony deformities. Although modified techniques demonstrated improved outcomes, the risk of recurrence was not completely eliminated. All studies consistently lacked standardized definitions of surgical failure and recurrence, limiting cross-study comparability. Postoperative management strategies-particularly structured bracing protocols and delaying surgery until after age 8-were associated with more favorable outcomes. SPOTT remains a viable surgical option for dynamic SED in children with CP, but long-term success is highly dependent on careful patient selection, surgical expertise, and consistent postoperative care. Inconsistent definitions of recurrence and failure remain a major barrier to improving clinical outcomes and conducting meaningful comparative research. To enhance clinical decision-making and guide future studies, a standardized grading system should be urgently developed and adopted in the field.