Contemporary Research Articles

Simulation Approach of Photovoltaic Thermal Based on Water Collector with Rectangular Model

The advancement of PVT technology in the contemporary era is experiencing an upward trend. This phenomenon can be attributed to the growing societal demand for energy, particularly renewable energy derived from solar sources. The present study investigates the rectangular configuration of a water-based heat absorber within a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system. The rectangular model PVT system was simulated using nine different mass flow rate of water variations within the rectangular model channel. The dataset has nine mass flow rate of water variants ranging from 0.001 kg/s to 0.009 kg/s, as well as six solar radiation variations: 500 W/m2, 600 W/m2, 700 W/m2, 800 W/m2, 900 W/m2, and 1000 W/m2. The maximum average outlet temperature achieved under 1000 W/m2 solar radiation is 50.53%, given a 0.001 kg/s fluid mass flow rate. The maximum average photovoltaic (PV) efficiency is 11.93% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. The maximum average photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) efficiency is 76.23% when exposed to 500 W/m2 solar radiation intensity. Therefore, utilizing rectangular collectors in water-based photovoltaic-thermal systems potentially substantially enhanced the average thermal efficiency and overall PVT efficiency. Consequently, it is advisable to consider incorporating rectangular collectors in the future improvements of PVT technology.

FORMATION OF A MODEL OF INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY OF THE XXI CENTURY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF EU COUNTRIES)

The relevance of the study of information literacy in the 21st century is paramount in the context of education and social development, particularly in light of the prevailing trend of digitalisation. Information literacy has emerged as a crucial skill set for effectively navigating the modern information society, characterised by the exponential growth and accessibility of information. The ability to engage with information critically and proficiently has become indispensable for personal and professional advancement in today's world. The subject of the article revolves around the significance of information literacy in the 21st century, particularly in the context of education and social development amidst the digitalisation trend. Methodology. Using a variety of methods and approaches, including cross-cultural, systemic, structural-functional, institutional, anthropological and axiological approaches, as well as general scientific methods, the authors aim to identify the strengths and weaknesses of people in information literacy and develop strategies to improve their competence in this area. The study employs a comprehensive approach to investigate both the theoretical and practical aspects of information literacy formation in the modern era. The overarching approach involves integrating information literacy into the educational curriculum, providing support to educators and fostering an environment conducive to the cultivation of these skills among students and the broader populace. This holistic approach recognises the importance of information literacy as a cornerstone of modern education and social progress, ensuring that individuals are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digitised world. In this study, the primary objective is to explore both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of information literacy in the contemporary era. Information literacy encompasses not only the capacity to effectively interact with information but also the ability to evaluate it critically and leverage it to accomplish specific objectives. The theoretical and practical significance of this study lies in fostering digital competence, which entails not only understanding the digital landscape but also actively utilising technology and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, the study emphasises the paramount importance of information literacy in the contemporary era characterised by rapid digitalisation. As society grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by the influx of information, the ability to navigate, evaluate, and utilise information effectively emerges as a linchpin for personal and societal advancement.

Research on the Application of Manager's Psychological Capital in Enterprise Performance

In the contemporary era, as competition among businesses intensifies, innovation and development in enterprise performance management are becoming increasingly crucial. Continuously enhancing employees' professional knowledge and skills not only improves their work capabilities but also boosts organizational performance, aiding companies in achieving sustainable development. Psychological capital, the latest theory in contemporary management science, transcends human and social capital, possessing characteristics of originality and forward-thinking. Managers, in their daily work, directly influence the attitudes and behaviors of their team members through formal or informal guidance and supervision. Creating a psychologically conducive environment, characterized by happiness, fulfillment, and belongingness, can positively and significantly impact managerial behavior, thus maximizing organizational effectiveness and managerial performance. Historically, businesses have prioritized employee performance management in human resources management processes, often neglecting the psychological needs of managers, thereby hindering the effective implementation of many incentive measures. Therefore, this study explores three dimensions of psychological capital and organizational performance, constructing a relevant structural equation model. By employing theoretical and empirical analysis methods, it validates the positive influence of psychological capital on organizational performance, providing insights into the impact of managerial psychological capital on organizational performance and actively contributing to the realization of corporate strategic objectives.

SOFTWARE FOR SOLVING THE TWO-STAGE LOCATION-ALLOCATION PROBLEMS

This article explores the construction of the mathematical model, method, and algorithm for solving the two-stage optimal location-allocation problem, along with the software implementation for algorithm execution. The developed algorithm enables the resolution of resource management and transportation problems from supply centers to consumer spaces. Considering that in the contemporary world where all resources and goods are transported over considerable distances in substantial volumes, the task of optimizing delivery routes and minimizing delivery costs remains relevant. The created algorithm can be integrated into a logistics system comprising two layers of resource delivery: initially to an intermediate supply center and subsequently to the ultimate consumer.

Analysis of Political Party Accountability and Financial Assistance in the Context of Indonesian Democracy

In the contemporary era characterized by globalization and swift democratic progress, Indonesia encounters distinctive challenges of rising political expenses. This article utilizes qualitative research methodologies to examine the consequences of increasing political costs on the dynamics of Indonesian democracy, specifically concerning accountability and financial support for political parties. The main findings suggest that the financial assistance to political parties in Indonesia has not adequately tackled the forthcoming challenges that Indonesian democracy may encounter. In contrast, political parties persist in facing challenges in accountability mechanisms for the funds they acquire. The provision of financial aid may be perceived as a feasible approach to mitigate the financial burdens associated with political campaigns. However, in the absence of adequate mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability, there is a possibility of corruption and concerns regarding the scope of funding. This article further emphasizes the significance of political education as a fundamental obligation of political parties to uphold democratic efficacy. This study places particular emphasis on the ramifications of providing financial assistance to political parties for the future trajectory of Indonesian democracy. To ensure the continued progress of democracy in Indonesia and realize the “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision, stakeholders must possess a comprehensive comprehension of the matter and effectively tackle the obstacles that arise from the significant political expenses involved.

Reviving the Essence of Jihad in the Contemporary Era: Advocating Struggle and Solidarity for Palestine Through Boycott of Pro-Israel Products

The humanitarian plight of the Palestinian people is stirring global sympathy, resulting in various forms of support. Among these actions is the pro-Israel boycott movement, endorsed by Muslim scholars and intellectuals through the issuance of fatwas. Therefore, this research analyzes the conceptualization of boycotting pro-Israel products within the framework of Islamic Jihad. The literature discussing the concept of boycotts in Islam and the product movement for humanity is explored using library research methodology. The results show that contemporary Jihad includes military, political, economic, and boycott efforts. In addition, the movement is developed as a manifestation of Jihad against injustice and human rights violations according to individual capacities and circumstances. This research positions boycotts as a novel facet of Jihad in the modern era, contributing to the multifaceted nature beyond traditional warfare paradigms.

Bank Interest in the Contemporary Era: Problem of Ad'afan Muda'afah Interpretation in Determining Law of Usury

Usury in Islam is a prohibited system in the Qur'an and hadith. The system is not recognized in the modern banking system, leading to different opinions among Muslims in determining the legality of bank interest. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the contemporary law of bank interest, focusing on the different opinions among the mufasir on the definition of Ad'afan Muda'afah as a basis for determining the legality of usury. A normative method was adopted, and a literature review of several scholars was conducted on usury law and the interpretation of Ad'afan Muda'afah. The data was analyzed considering the modern banking system within the framework of Islamic law, particularly Maqashid Shari'ah. The results showed that the difference in the illat used for bank interest law varied in legal conclusions. Despite efforts to forbid bank interest, Muslims did not attain a definite solution to avoid this issue. Consequently, bank interest was temporarily sanctioned under certain conditions such as not being compounded, having low interest, and not comprising any form of persecution. To address this problem, Muslims should support the existence of Islamic bank producing muamalah products according to Islamic Sharia.

Playing Cricket: India’s Soft Power, Nation Branding and Future Prospects

The growing interdependence among the nations, the advancement of science and technology and the impact of globalisation have made it less useful for nations to rely predominantly on hard power to pursue their foreign policies’ goals. In the contemporary era, nations have shifted their attention to soft power as an alternative policy to maximise gains from other countries. Although the exercise of hard power is still relevant in international relations, soft power has become a less destructive option. For instance, sports has proved its power as a tool of diplomacy at different times. In India, cricket has moved from its status as a mere sport to a powerful instrument of diplomacy. In this article, the authors analyse the value of sports in general and cricket in particular as an instrument of public diplomacy, its capacity for nation branding, and the future prospects of cricket in pursuing India’s foreign policy goals.

Problematizing Managerial Militarization: Claims to Military Logistical Expertise in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

The Brazilian Armed Forces have had a prominent role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We take this participation as an entry point to confront traditional assumptions of studies on civil-military relations and militarization, investigating a particular claim used to justify the mobilization of the Brazilian military in health-related activities: their credentials in a managerial expertise in logistics. In doing so, we argue that there is an ongoing re-articulation in the discursive regime used to justify their expansion of roles—not one anchored on the efficiency in the use of violence associated with a “war ethos” specific to the military professional, but another, grounded on a managerial expertise to efficiently procure, manage and distribute resources across the national territory, especially in contexts of “crisis.” We claim that the historical transformation of such discourse is a particular expression of global processes that have historically vested “managerial expertise” with political authority to solve social problems in critical situations. We also contend that this managerial dimension has been largely neglected in the critique of militarization articulated in traditional and contemporary civil–military relations studies. In light of these processes, this article seeks to contribute to critical work regarding the conditions for and effects of the expansion of military roles under the regime of justification here analyzed, thereby stimulating us to rethink the assumptions upon which militarization can be problematized in the contemporary period.

The Phenomenon of Debt-loving Behavior Through the Islamic Worldview Perspective and Literacy in the Digital Era

The existing cultural problem of debt-loving behavior is slowly growing as a societal norm driven by an insatiable need to satisfy an individual’s worldly desires. In Islam, it is considered more favorable to incur debt in situations of emergency. Consequently, researchers want to examine the factors contributing to the prevalence of debt-loving behavior in the contemporary digital era, alongside exploring the Islamic perspective on addressing this situation. This research employed a descriptive qualitative methodology. The findings indicate that multiple reasons contribute to an individual’s affinity for debt. These aspects include 1) excessive consumptive behavior; 2) impulsive buying tendencies; 3) perceiving debt as a societal trend; 4) lack of financial literacy; and 5) being influenced by one’s worldview. The prevalence of social media platforms has profoundly impacted modern lifestyles, promoting a lifestyle centered around seeking pleasure and gratification. Hedonism constitutes an integral component of capitalist rationality. The Islamic worldview diverges from the Western worldview in considering worldly life and the afterlife. The notion of Islamic rationality encompasses using mathematical logic, metaphysical, and spiritual elements to address worldly challenges. The worldview can be seen and utilized to comprehend and evaluate every human activity and behavior.
 Keywords: debt, Islam, worldview

“To the elements be free”: Carnivalising the legacy of Shakespeare in Margaret Atwood’s <i>Hag-Seed</i>

In her addition to the tradition of rewritings of The Tempest, Margaret Atwood makes Shakespeare travel through time, well beyond the confines of his desert island: Hag-Seed takes place inside a penitentiary in landlocked Ontario, Canada, thus prompting us to ponder how the Shakespearean text can yield new meanings for the contemporary postcolonial world. This essay shows how, in this intertextual novel, Atwood articulates a powerful reflection on freedom and imprisonment thanks to subversive Bakhtinian devices such as carnivalisation and dialogism. Indeed, the inmates of Fletcher Correctional, through their performance of a parodic version of The Tempest, subvert the authority of the Shakespearean text through a carnivalesque reversal of established rules of behaviour. The novel thus posits the importance of theatre as an educational and therapeutic tool. Further, Atwood enlists the help of popular culture as the prisoners reinterpret the Shakespearean model through a series of provocative rap numbers. Moreover, thanks to the imaginary scenarios Hag-Seed’s inmates write about the afterlives of the Shakespearean characters, the monologic authority of The Tempest is dialogised into a cacophony of unruly voices. Playful carnivalisation paradoxically enables a deeper emotional aspect of the novel: the ability of Atwood’s Prospero figure to come to terms with the trauma of the death of his daughter. In that sense, HagSeed can be seen as a long process of atonement and mourning. From an aesthetic point of view, the carnivalised performance of The Tempest illustrates Atwood’s use of metatheatricality and magical realism, the latter being rooted in a carnivalisation of the parameters of conventional realism. All in all, Hag-Seed can be construed as a novel at the crossroads between modernism and postmodernism: if it relies on a postmodern parodic gesture, it nevertheless foregrounds the epiphanic modernist agenda of achieving social justice and spiritual regeneration.

Analysis of the Possibility of Application of Deconstructive Strategy in Theological Studies

The article attempts to analyze the possibility of applying deconstructive strategy in theological research. For this purpose, the author firstly defines the specificity of the deconstructive strategy of thinking, which consists in the researcher’s aspiration to catch the trace left by the author in the original unwritten proto-text by means of revealing oppositions and their loosening, up to their complete splitting, contributing to the disclosure of new meanings in the text. Then, on the basis of the analysis of modern Russian studies concerning the critical comprehension of Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, a systematization of very contradictory remarks and objections is carried out, as a result of which three critically minded groups are revealed: researchers of Postmodernism and Poststructuralism, accusing deconstruction of debunking stable notions; the scholars of neo-Marxist direction, emphasizing its excessive Theology; theologians of various branches of Christian thought, revealing an atheological and even atheistic character in the deconstructive thinking strategy. The author of the paper further analyses the work of an Arabian scholar ‘Ali Zawwari Ahmad on the criticism of Arab modernists who use western deconstructive methodology in dealing with religious texts, thus revealing that in the contemporary Muslim world there are two opposing views on the use of deconstructive strategies in theological studies, which are according to the traditional Muslim community, faithfully defend the inviolability of religious traditions, including in the field of Theological Methodology.

Exploring Midline Asymmetry: A Comprehensive Study Among Adolescents in the North Bihar Population

Objectives In the contemporary era, achieving a sense of equilibrium is a paramount concern, and a visually pleasing smile is intricately linked to both professional success and social acceptance. Esthetics, with a specific focus on Oro-facial aesthetics, emerges as a primary motivation for individuals seeking dental treatment. Nevertheless, there exists an optimal and aesthetically pleasing range of dental midline deviation. The current study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dental midline shifting and the average extent of midline discrepancy among adolescents (aged 13-17) from North Bihar population. Material & Methods Two hundred subjects participated in the study, with 100 males and 100 females selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Intraoral frontal occlusion photographs were captured for each participant, and subsequent analysis was done utilizing Digimizer software. Statistical analysis was applied to the linear measurement data obtained through photographic evaluation. Results The study’s findings revealed a noteworthy proportion of subjects displaying deviations between upper and lower midlines and anterior teeth midlines, falling within the range of 0.03-3.80 mm. Conclusion The prevalence of these deviations was observed to be higher in males compared to females, and this difference was statistically significant.

Incidence and predictors of heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the contemporary era of early percutaneous coronary intervention.

The development and incidence of de-novo heart failure after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the contemporary era of rapid reperfusion are largely unknown. We aimed to establish the incidence of post-STEMI heart failure, stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to find predictors for its occurrence. Furthermore, we investigated the course of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after STEMI. A total of 1172 all-comer STEMI patients from the CardioLines Biobank were included. Patients were predominantly male (74.5%) and 64 ± 12 years of age. During a median follow-up of 3.7 years (2.0, 5.5) we found a total incidence of post-STEMI heart failure of 10.9%, of which 52.1% heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 29.4% heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction and 18.5% heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Independent predictors for the development of HFrEF were male sex (β = 0.97, p = 0.009), lung crepitations (β = 1.09, p = 0.001), potassium level (mmol/L, β = 0.43, p = 0.012), neutrophil count (109/L, β = 0.09, p = 0.001) and a reduced LVEF (β = 1.91, p < 0.001) at baseline. Independent predictors for the development of HFpEF were female sex (β = 0.99, p = 0.029), pre-existing kidney failure (β = 1.95, p = 0.003) and greater left atrial volume index (β = 0.04, p = 0.033) at baseline. Follow-up echocardiography (median follow-up 20 months) showed an improvement in LVEF (p < 0.001), whereas changes in diastolic function parameters showed both improvement and deterioration. In the current era of early STEMI reperfusion, still one in 10 patients develops heart failure, with approximately half of the patients with a reduced and half with a mildly reduced or normal LVEF. Predictors for the development of HFrEF were different from HFpEF.

Historical Time and Acceleration. A Constitutive Bond

Abstract This manuscript addresses the link between the concept of ‘historical time’ and the thesis of the acceleration of history and society in constitutive terms. ‘Historical time’ is used as concept mainly from the eighteenth century and corresponds to a way of understanding the contemporary world as a moment in which a ‘chronology’ of time and, along with it, the appearance of a temporalized history itself, take place. Different temporal schemes support this transition: a pass from synchronicity to diachrony, the transition from iteration to the ‘event’, circularity to the linearity. In what follows, I propose to observe some implications and articulations of the ‘historical time’ and ‘social acceleration’ theses, advancing the hypothesis that they are both connected and mutual dependent.

Target Users and She-Economy Analysis Behind Brand Creative Communication

In the contemporary era, as the internet continues to evolve, numerous cutting-edge brands are emerging. Among these, Hope Water has stood out like a dark horse, gaining prominence in just a few years. This success can largely be attributed to the accurate positioning of its target audience and a deep understanding of the current She-economy trend. Not long ago, Hope Water's "Macho Marketing", which promoted the concept of "Drink See Hawthorn when eating spicy", took the internet by storm, leading other brands like Luckin Coffee and Shuyi Tealicious to follow suit. This paper will analyze the rapid rise and popularity of Hope Water by examining the consumption characteristics and consumption philosophy of its target audience, Generation Z, as well as the brand strategy under the She-economy.

The impact of globalization on the revival of innovative housing models in Doha, Qatar

After the oil and economic boom of the 20th century, Doha experienced significant development in terms of the architectural scene, design, function, and sociocultural transformations. The advancements in global architecture have facilitated innovative and streamlined construction processes, while creating a paradigm shift in the overall architecture of dwellings and how people navigate around the house. In this context, this research aims to study the impact of globalization on housing typologies and the factors influencing their evolution, focusing on the city of Doha as a case study. This study is based on a qualitative research approach that centers its investigation on Doha while exploring strategies for preserving Arabic-Islamic identity. The research investigation used a content analysis methodology to analyze three additional case studies within the MENA region. The results indicate that new housing typologies have emerged in cities due to globalization and changes in physical and sociocultural dimensions. In addition, preserving older neighborhoods and housing typologies through a bottom-up approach is essential for design creativity and climatic and sociocultural sensitivity while exchanging knowledge and sharing experiences between generations. Furthermore, this article promotes heritage awareness and encourages local authorities to preserve Doha’s surviving historic neighborhoods and architectural language to restore the city’s urban identity. The findings of this research can provide helpful guidance to architects and urban planners on how Doha’s housing has developed until the contemporary period.

Manifestation of Culture in B2C Websites of Digitally Transformed Businesses in Emerging Asian Economies

ABSTRACT Emerging Asian economies are undergoing significant economic expansion and cultural adaptation aided by globalization and the pervasive spread of ICT. This study empirically examines the depiction of cultural values in digitally transformed business websites from India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia to determine if website culture is showing a shift from the national culture of the selected countries taken up in the study. We empirically examined 53 B2C websites, and the findings show that aside from the government-owned, organizations are demonstrating a marked shift from high context to low context cultural attributes. The study findings also indicate that organizations are increasingly leaning toward culture-neutral designs. Prior studies in this domain have focused on developed countries, and no comparable study exists on emerging economies. The findings of this research can shed light on the contemporary world views of the audiences from the selected country contexts, which in turn can enable firms to adopt appropriate engagement strategies.

(1392) - Comparison of Basiliximab and Anti-Thymocyte Globulin as Induction Therapy for Simultaneous Heart-Kidney Transplantation in the Contemporary Era

(1392) - Comparison of Basiliximab and Anti-Thymocyte Globulin as Induction Therapy for Simultaneous Heart-Kidney Transplantation in the Contemporary Era

(69) - Heart Transplant Outcomes in the Contemporary Era: Results from the SHORE Registry

(69) - Heart Transplant Outcomes in the Contemporary Era: Results from the SHORE Registry