Distinct Contexts Research Articles

Evaluating the K-13 Versus Merdeka Curriculum : Impacts on Primary, Junior, and Senior High School Education in Indonesia

This study aims to evaluate the impacts of the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum on primary, junior, and senior high school education in Indonesia. The 2013 Curriculum was introduced to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and character education, while the Merdeka Curriculum emphasizes greater flexibility, independence, and student-centered learning approaches. This study used a mixed-methods with a comparative analysis to assess educational outcomes, teacher and student adaptability, and overall satisfaction within these distinct curricular contexts. Data was collected via surveys, interviews, and academic performance metrics from a representative sample of schools across different regions of Indonesia. Quantitative data from surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA, to compare student engagement levels and academic performance under both curricula. Qualitative data from interviews and observations were coded and analyzed thematically to capture the nuanced experiences and perceptions of teachers and students. Research findings show that the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum have their strengths and weaknesses, the latter is generally viewed more favorably by teachers and students for its emphasis on flexibility, learner autonomy, and holistic development. The Merdeka Curriculum has shown promise in fostering student engagement, critical thinking skills, and creativity, yet challenges persist in terms of implementation, teacher training, and resource allocation. A novel finding of this research is the significant improvement in holistic assessment practices under the Merdeka Curriculum, which better captures student competencies beyond standardized testing. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of equitable resource allocation and continuous professional development for teachers in the successful implementation of curriculum reforms.

Who is responsible for migrant integration? Contextual political drivers of governance actors’ responsibility frames in small and medium European localities

ABSTRACT This article develops a comparative analysis of ‘responsibility frames’ of migrant integration – i.e. cognitive understandings about who should be responsible for migrant integration – held by actors involved in local integration governance across 36, rigorously selected, European small and medium towns and applies multilevel regression analysis to examine potential contextual and political drivers of the emergence of such frames. Our findings contribute to the existing literature on local integration frames indicating that, first, overall, frames that see integration as a responsibility of ‘migrants only’ prevail over other frames. Second, integration frames are localised, meaning that municipalities provide distinct contexts for the social construction of migrant integration. Third, political factors are crucial at both the individual and contextual level: not only elected local policymakers’ frames depend on their political party affiliation but also frames held by bureaucrats and non-public actors depend on the political affiliation of the local executive of their locality.

A Comparative Analysis of Students Learning Styles: A Case Study in Oman and Iran

Establishing a conductive learning environment constitutes a primary focus within any educational framework. Recognizing the role of students’ learning styles in educational processes, the present study endeavors to discern the favored learning styles among students in two distinct geographical contexts namely Iran and Oman.  Grasha and Reichmann’s learning style survey was employed for this purpose. In total, 206 participants (85 Iranian and 121 Omani students) responded to the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that the prevalent learning style among both Iranian and Omani students is the Dependent style, wherein students depend on instructions provided by the teacher rather than exhibiting innovation in completing assigned tasks. This observation exhibits the identically of teaching methods and approaches adopted within educational institutions in two distinct contexts. In other words, this similarity underscores how teaching methods and approaches can shape students’ learning style preferences. Additionally, a comparative examination of six learning styles among two gender groups in Iran and Oman reveals that the predominant style for both gender groups is the Dependent style. Whereas Omani boys demonstrated a greater inclination towards Cooperative and Participant styles compared to girls, Iranian males are more Independent and less Avoidant than Iranian females. Furthermore, the result of Chi-square test shows no meaningful relationship between the gender variable and students learning styles in two geolocaitons.

FOS mapping reveals two complementary circuits for spatial navigation in mouse

Here, we show that during continuous navigation in a dynamic external environment, mice are capable of developing a foraging strategy based exclusively on changing distal (allothetic) information and that this process may involve two alternative components of the spatial memory circuit: the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex. To this end, we designed a novel custom apparatus and implemented a behavioral protocol based on the figure-8-maze paradigm with two goal locations associated with distinct contexts. We assessed whether mice are able to learn to retrieve a sequence of rewards guided exclusively by the changing context. We found out that training mice in the apparatus leads to change in strategy from the internal tendency to alternate into navigation based exclusively on visual information. This effect could be achieved using two different training protocols: prolonged alternation training, or a flexible protocol with unpredictable turn succession. Based on the c-FOS mapping we also provide evidence of opposing levels of engagement of hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex after training of mice in these two different regimens. This supports the hypothesis of the existence of parallel circuits guiding spatial navigation, one based on the well-described hippocampal representation, and another, RSC-dependent.

Impact of Regulatory Reforms on Business Transformation: A Study of Indian Industries

This study explores the intricate interplay between regulatory reforms and business transformation in the context of Indian industries. Specifically, the research delves into recent changes in taxation, labor laws, and corporate governance, aiming to discern their impact on organizational strategies, structures, and operations. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, which involves qualitative analyses of regulatory shifts and quantitative assessments of business performance metrics, the study seeks to provide holistic insights. By examining sectoral variations and conducting in-depth interviews and case studies, this research contributes original knowledge to academic scholarship and imparts practical implications for businesses navigating dynamic regulatory landscapes. The anticipated findings aim to illuminate the adaptability and resilience of Indian industries, thereby advancing our understanding of the complex relationship between regulatory reforms and business transformation in this distinctive context.

From consumption to context: assessing poverty and inequality across diverse socio-ecological systems in Ghana

Local social and ecological contexts influence the experience of poverty and inequality in a number of ways that include shaping livelihood opportunities and determining the available infrastructure, services and environmental resources, as well as people’s capacity to use them. The metrics used to define poverty and inequality function to guide local and international development policy but how these interact with the local ecological contexts is not well explored. We use a social-ecological systems (SES) lens to empirically examine how context relates to various measures of human well-being at a national scale in Ghana. Using a novel dataset constructed from the 100% Ghanian Census, we examine poverty and inequality at a fine population level across and within multiple dimensions of well-being. First, we describe how well-being varies within different Ghanian SES contexts. Second, we ask whether monetary consumption acts a good indicator for well-being across these contexts. Third, we examine measures of inequality in various metrics across SES types. We find consumption distributions differ across SES types and are markedly distinct from regional distributions based on political boundaries. Rates of improved well-being are positively correlated with consumption levels in all SES types, but correlations are weaker in less-developed contexts like, rangelands and wildlands. Finally, while consumption inequality is quite consistent across SES types, inequality in other measures of living standards (housing, water, sanitation, etc) increases dramatically in SES types as population density and infrastructural development decreases. We advocate that SES types should be recognized as distinct contexts in which actions to mitigate poverty and inequality should better incorporate the challenges unique to each.

Symbolic Cohesion and Interpretive Freedom

Within contemporary Australian and Indonesian society, diverse cultural and religious expressions are celebrated to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. However, while such expressions are treated as symbolic of broader pluralist or liberal ideals, the interpretive dynamics of these traditions are rarely considered integral to shaping mainstream discourse on social cohesion. In this article, we consider two distinctive contexts of Indigenous and minority engagement with aspirations for unity in diversity, a concept that can encapsulate a range of responses to varied contexts, such as religious diversity or the need for interdependence within social organisation. Specifically, we explore Warlpiri Australian formulations of kinship through ngurru-kurlu and Indonesian Christian engagement with Pancasila. Showing the potential for these perspectives to enrich broader discourse on social cohesion, we suggest that similarities in the originating impetus of these frameworks can stimulate heuristic enquiry and critical reflexivity across diverse settings. While upholding distinctly localised traditions and experiences, intimations of gift in traditional Warlpiri ceremony and Christian experience underscore the importance of relational generosity to the embodiment of unity in diversity.

Assessing the Connection between Intellectual Capital and Financial Success in Islamic Banking: Empirical Analysis

Intellectual capital (I.C.) and other intangible assets have changed the modern economy, especially knowledge-intensive fields like banking. Utilizing the VAIC model, the study examines the correlation between financial performance and I.C. efficiency in Islamic institutions in Pakistan. This research fills a void in the literature regarding Islamic banking's role in improving financial performance by concentrating on Islamic banking's distinctive context governed via Shariah-compliant principles. The research sample includes 11 Islamic banks; more studies evaluate I.C. components and banks' financial performance through AMOS software. The findings suggest that greater I.C. efficiency, mainly through human and structural capital, positively impacts financial outcomes, offering insights into how Islamic banks optimize intangible assets to enhance financial performance. This research helps banks improve economic competitiveness and sustainability, centred on knowledge and recognition of Islamic banking I.C.'s strategic position.

Pioneering approaches: Navigating mind wandering and self-silencing in dissociated adolescent female sexual trauma survivors - An interpretative phenomenological analysis

BackgroundMinimal exploration exists on mind wandering and self-silencing in adolescent girls with sexual trauma and dissociation. ObjectiveTo investigate the lived experiences of female adolescent sexual trauma survivors with dissociation, focusing on overcoming mind-wandering and self-silencing through Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy. Participants and settingsThis study, conducted in Sikkim, India, addresses a research gap in a culturally distinct context. Three adolescent girls diagnosed with PTSD and dissociation by a psychiatrist were selected through purposive sampling. MethodThis study uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore participants' individual stories and perspectives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences and narratives of three participants. ResultsThe IPA analysis revealed three super-ordinate themes: coping mechanisms, support and relationships, and, therapeutic approaches and the healing journey. In coping mechanisms participants reported (1) mind-wandering, self-blame, and daydreaming, (2) self-silencing, and (3) sublimation through academic achievement. The support and relationships theme included (1) lack of support from family, (2) attachment issues with mothers, (3) gender-based double standards, (4) Lack of infrastructure and health care human resources, with some participants turning to (5) faith-healing for mental health issues. The therapeutic approaches and healing journey theme demonstrated the effectiveness of Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy in alleviating mind-wandering and self-silencing. ConclusionsThis study underscores the resilience of survivors of post-sexual trauma, advocating for culturally sensitive healing and evidence-based practices. Addressing mind-wandering and self-silencing through Pranayama, mindfulness meditation, music, and art therapy strengthens support systems, pioneering ways to mitigate the impact of sexual abuse.

The enhancing effect of social reward on inhibitory control in smokers: Evidence from behaviour and ERP studies.

Prior research has revealed impaired inhibitory control as a pivotal factor contributing to smokers' struggle to control smoking impulses. However, few studies focus on enhancing smokers' inhibitory control. This study investigates the potential of social rewards to bolster inhibitory control among smokers and elucidates the underlying mechanisms. In Experiment 1, a reward-based Go/Nogo paradigm assessed error rates and reaction times for 30 smokers exposed to social reward and neutral feedback in distinct contexts (smoking-related and neutral). Experiment 2 used a modified paradigm, incorporating cognitive load manipulation, to investigate error rates, reaction times, N2, and P3 ERPs among 32 smokers facing social reward and neutral feedback under different cognitive loads (high and low). Smokers exhibit lower Nogo error rates with social reward feedback; higher error rates occur with smoking cues and high cognitive load; increased N2, P3 amplitudes under social reward versus neutral feedback; low cognitive load enhances P3 amplitude under social reward. Social reward improves smokers' inhibitory control, but this effect weakens with exposure to smoking cues; higher cognitive load further diminishes the enhancement of smokers' inhibitory control by social reward under smoking cues.

From inspiration to restoration: Moral elevation as a catalyst for improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict.

Existing research examining the creation of positive and prosocial interpersonal relations has established moral elevation as an approach-oriented emotion to be associated with a range of positive and prosocial outcomes. In this article and with the goal to identify emotional mechanism for improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict, we examined the effects of moral elevation on enhancing intergroup relations. Across four experimental studies (Ns = 1,131), conducted in four understudied countries directly affected or threatened by intergroup conflict, we demonstrated that induced moral elevation elicits important cognitive and emotional shifts toward adversarial groups, resulting in improved intergroup relations. Specifically, we show that inducing moral elevation through stories of outgroup moral exemplars (individuals who have risked their life to save the life of an outgroup member) enhanced perceptions of intergroup moral similarity and positive emotions toward the outgroup, consequently fostering greater approach and prosocial intergroup behaviors. This pattern proved consistent across four distinct contexts: nonconflict (Sweden), ongoing conflict (Pakistan), protracted conflict (Serbia), and postconflict (Bosnia and Herzegovina). This article advances existing theory on positive emotions by identifying a novel emotional mechanism conducive to improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict and extends the impact of learning about exemplary moral behaviors performed by relevant others. Ultimately, this article underscores the relevance of moral elevation in mitigating intergroup conflicts using intergroup interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Unraveling Factors Influencing Local Willingness to Participate in Sustainable Komodo Conservation and Protected Area Tourism

Komodo National Park is at the forefront of balancing environmental conservation with the challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism. This research delves into the attitudes and engagement levels of the local communities within Komodo's distinctive ecological context, aiming to unravel the factors that drive or hinder their involvement in sustainable tourism and conservation activities. Through Exploratory Factor Analysis, we distilled key influences on community engagement, followed by a K-Mean Cluster Analysis to segment the community by their involvement levels. Logistic Regression was then employed to explore the likelihood of continued participation in these initiatives. The analysis identified three primary factors affecting community participation: the degree of involvement in sustainable tourism activities, the extent of community and environmental involvement, and the level of awareness regarding tourism development policies. The Cluster Analysis illuminated diverse engagement patterns across demographic lines, revealing how differences in settlement type, income levels, marital status, gender, and age contribute to varied participation rates. Interestingly, the logistic regression pointed to a paradox where higher engagement in sustainable tourism correlates with a lower probability of future participation, hinting at possible sustainability fatigue among highly active community members. These intricate dynamics of community engagement in sustainable tourism within Komodo National Park, highlight the importance of tailored, demographic-specific approaches to foster inclusive participation in conservation efforts. The insights gained underscore the complexity of promoting sustainable tourism in sensitive ecological areas and offer critical recommendations for policymakers and conservation stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainable development in Komodo and similar settings globally.

Smart Mobility in German-Speaking Cities and Sarajevo: Differences, Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons for Implementation Success

As urbanization increases, cities face challenges related to sustainability and mobility. This study, conducted through interviews in March and April 2023, investigates the implementation of smart mobility solutions in German-speaking cities (Austria, Germany, and Switzerland) and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, through a comparative analysis of stakeholder perspectives. Using semi-structured interviews with 25 experts, we explored the opportunities and challenges associated with smart mobility in these distinct socio-economic contexts. The findings reveal significant differences in technological advancement, infrastructural support, and financial resources, providing valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners. This study contributes to the existing literature by bridging the gap between developed and developing regions, offering practical recommendations for achieving sustainable urban transportation systems.

Health, safety and environmental risk assessment tool applied to site selection for geological hydrogen storage in saline aquifers

Hydrogen (H2) emerges as a pivotal player in the transition to renewable energy sources. To address the seasonal fluctuations in energy dynamics, underground storage emerges as the most efficient approach, and saline aquifers within sedimentary basins as promising repositories for substantial H2 volumes. However, this potential storage solution remains relatively unexplored. Conducting a comprehensive health, safety, and environment (HSE) risk assessment is vital for the technological advancement and public acceptance of geological H2 storage sites. This study introduces a methodology designed to select and classify potential formations based on their HSE risks, offering a safety-oriented approach to identifying suitable storage sites. The proposed methodology underwent testing in two deep saline aquifers located in distinct geological contexts within the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study is to establish a foundation for further investigations and implementation of geological H2 storage sites while ensuring safety and adhering to environmental and health standards.

Designing social media to foster user engagement in challenging misinformation: a cross-cultural comparison between the UK and Arab countries

Challenging others who post misinformation is a type of social correction that complements algorithm-based approaches. However, participation rates in such social acts remain limited. In this paper, we study design techniques that leverage principles of persuasive system design and communication theories to foster such prosocial behaviour across two distinct cultural contexts: the British and the Arab. A total of 462 participants completed an online survey (250 UK, 212 Arabs). The study compared the two cultural contexts regarding willingness to challenge misinformation and the persuasiveness of seven design techniques to increase that willingness, namely predefined question stickers, thinking face reaction, sentence openers, fact checker badge, social norm messages, tone detector, and private commenting. Moreover, it explores the impact of individuals’ characteristics on their perception of the techniques as being more or less persuasive than a standard comment box. The study found that the willingness to challenge misinformation was significantly higher in the Arab context than in the UK context. Moreover, except for the private commenting, all techniques were more impactful in the Arab context than in the UK context. Some techniques, such as predefined question stickers, were more effective in both cultures compared to the standard comment box, while others, like the fact checker badge, were more effective only in the Arab context. However, in the UK, sentence openers had a lower impact. Furthermore, personality traits, age, and perspective-taking showed the potential but also the varying impacts on the persuasiveness of the techniques on users’ correction of misinformation across both cultural contexts while pointing to the need for considering both personal and cultural factors in designing social-correction-based solutions.

The Need for Nigerian Journalists to Re-Define News Values

Recent surveys show a decline in public interest in traditional news outlets like newspapers and television, possibly due to the constant exposure to negative stories that can lead to compassion fatigue. The major challenge is constituted by the adopted western news values which neglect our norms and focuses on praise singing the ruling elites. This article argues that, in order for Nigerian Journalists to effectively serve the nation's distinct socio-political context, traditional news ideals need to be redefined to fit our societal realities. Sensationalism and elitism are frequently given precedence over people-centered reporting in the current news values, which are primarily derived from Western media. Because of this misalignment, there is a gulf between the public and the media, which upholds social inequities and under-represents voices from marginalized groups. Nigerian Journalists should prioritize topics, stories and events that are important to their communities, support developmental or solution journalism, and hold authority figures accountable by reframing news principles. Adopting contextualized news values that represent Nigeria's political, cultural, and economic realities is necessary for this redefinition. The study suggests a framework for redefining news ideals that focus on social responsibility, local relevance, and people-centered reporting. Nigerian Journalists can recover their position as advocates for social change and catalysts for national advancement by implementing this approach. This would enhance development and audience engagement. Otherwise the public often diverts and avoids news when it makes them feel negative. And most of the western news values adopted relegate and places the masses in disadvantage disposition.

Phosphoproteomic analysis of the response to DNA damage in Trypanosoma brucei

Damage to the genetic material of the cell poses a universal threat to all forms of life. The DNA damage response is a coordinated cellular response to a DNA break, key to which is the phosphorylation signaling cascade. Identifying which proteins are phosphorylated is therefore crucial to understanding the mechanisms that underlie it. We have used stable isotopic labeling of amino acids in cell culture-based quantitative phosphoproteomics to profile changes in phosphorylation site abundance following double stranded DNA breaks, at two distinct loci in the genome of the single cell eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei. Here, we report on the T.brucei phosphoproteome following a single double-strand break at either a chromosome internal or subtelomeric locus, specifically the bloodstream form expression site. We detected >6500 phosphorylation sites, of which 211 form a core set of double-strand break responsive phosphorylation sites. Along with phosphorylation of canonical DNA damage factors, we have identified two novel phosphorylation events on histone H2A and found that in response to a chromosome internal break, proteins are predominantly phosphorylated, while a greater proportion of proteins dephosphorylated following a DNA break at a subtelomeric bloodstream form expression site. Our data represent the first DNA damage phosphoproteome and provides novel insights into repair at distinct chromosomal contexts in T.brucei.

“Willing to go the extra mile”: an exploration of antecedents of assigned expatriates' work engagement

PurposeThe expatriation literature (a substantial domain of the International HRM literature) has not paid sufficient attention to the phenomenon of work engagement, which is essential for expatriate success. Equally, research on work engagement in Organizational Behavior, although extensive and mature, has neglected the context of expatriation. Our study bridges the two literature streams to examine the antecedents of expatriates’ work engagement within the distinct context of international assignments.Design/methodology/approachThrough e-interviews with 27 Nordic assigned expatriates in 16 host countries, we delineate and organize antecedents of assigned expatriates’ work engagement in a framework.FindingsWe identify two clusters of antecedents – general and specific – characteristic of expatriate settings (e.g. distance to headquarters, pride in being chosen, culture, fewer distractions, success in a foreign context, adjustment, location, and language). We decompose each cluster into contextual and job-related antecedents leading to absorption, dedication, and vigor as three components of work engagement. We depict and organize the relationships in a framework.Originality/valueOur qualitative study connects two bodies of literature that have remained largely independent of each other. In doing this, we contribute to the expatriate literature by presenting a comprehensive picture of antecedents to work engagement and the engagement literature by exploring engagement in a new occupational work setting, namely international assignments.

The Role of Green Innovation as a Mediator of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Management in Private Universities

Private Higher Education involves efforts to effectively manage, develop, and utilize knowledge in support of organizational goals for providing education. This research aims to explore the influence of organizational culture on knowledge management mediated by green innovation in private universities. Methodology: The research employed a quantitative design, utilizing questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 305 respondents at private universities. The data was then analyzed using the Smart PLS structural equation model. Findings: The research findings indicate that Hypothesis (H1) is substantiated, confirming that organizational culture has an effect on knowledge management. H2 is also validated, demonstrating that organizational culture has an effect on green innovation. Furthermore, (H3) is proven, indicating that green innovation has an effect on knowledge management. Lastly, (H4) is supported, indicating that organizational culture has an effect on knowledge management, with green innovation acting as a mediator. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of private universities. Importance of Research:The significance of this research lies in its attempt to address a knowledge gap in the literature, particularly within the context of private higher education. The unique characteristics of Private Higher Education as Quasi Public Goods present a distinctive context that requires understanding for achieving sustainability. Limitations: However, it is acknowledged that limitations exist in this research. To ensure the robustness of the results, further observations are needed, potentially incorporating additional variables and expanding the sample size.

Under the shadows of COVID-19: school principals’ leadership odyssey

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its effects on education in general, has influenced the leadership landscape of school principals, which may have necessitated adaptations and transitions in their leadership orientation. To better comprehend any variations in the leadership orientation of school principals in response to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines leadership orientation in both the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods.Design/methodology/approachIn this quantitative research, the authors collected data from 297 school principals in the Balochistan province of Pakistan using the leadership orientation survey (LOS) in a quantitative research approach.FindingsThe results indicated that principals’ leadership orientation underwent an observable transition before and after the pandemic. Principals’ preferred leadership orientation notably changed from solely political before the pandemic to a combination of highly political and symbolic after the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsUsing a survey, the study investigated the transition in school principals’ leadership orientation before and after the pandemic. However, the results do not explain what caused the transition in principals’ leadership orientation, which is the key limitation of this study. Future research within a qualitative approach can study the factors associated with changes in principles’ leadership frames.Practical implicationsThe overall findings of the study have implications for scholars, policymakers and educational leaders to reexamine and gain a deeper understanding of the leadership roles of principals in the post-pandemic age. This is because principals now operate in a distinct context characterized by new difficulties and opportunities compared to the pre-pandemic period.Originality/valueThis is an original study that examined the transition of school principals’ leadership orientation before and after the pandemic. The body of literature related to the transition between pre- and post-pandemic is limited both in Pakistan and the rest of the world. This study illuminates the literature in this regard.