External Aspects Research Articles

Discrimination Toward Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in Vocational Training in Vietnam

With 6 million people with disabilities (PWDs) accounting for 7.8% of the total population [1, 2], Vietnam has one of the highest rates of disability in the world. Compared to men with disabilities (MWDs), women with disabilities (WWDs) have to face more challenges in approaching vocational training [3]. Using a qualitative approach, this research conducted in-depth interviews with various stakeholders to evaluate the vocational training from both internal input and external output aspects. For this purpose, first the paper outlines the definition of disability and provides a statistical overview of the WWDs and vocation training for them in Vietnam. The following part explains the theoretical framework and methodology used in this research. The fourth part presents the research results and discussion. Finally, the paper proposes some policy implications to improve vocational training for WWDs in Vietnam. The results show that i) WWDs face more discrimination in daily life and employment than men with disabilities (MWDs); ii) There are companies that support WWDs to get a job and integrate with society; and iii) Current support from the government is not as effective as expected and that they should have more policies to encourage the involvement of companies in vocational training for WWDs.

AFFECTION IN NICHOLAS SPARKS’ DEAR JOHN

The aim of this research is to analyze the affection between John and Savannah In this study, the writers employ qualitative research in which the data gathered in form of words and quotations. In analysing this novel, the writers apply objective approach because this analysis will be only focused on the literary work itself without looking at the external aspects of the literary work. It means that the writers only pay attention to the internal parts of the story in the novel. The result of this research will be able to enlarge the reader ability in appreciating literary works and also it can deeper the knowledge of the next researchers.

ETHAN FROME’S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN WHARTON’S ETHAN FROME

The aim of this research is To find out Ethan’s character development portrayed through his characteristics in the novella.In this study, the writer employed qualitative research in which the data gathered in form of words and quotations. In analysing this novel, the writer applies objective approach because this analysis will be only focused on the literary work itself without looking at the external aspects of the literary work. It means that the writer only pay attention to the internal parts of the story in the novel. The result of this research shows that Ethan character development are influenced by people around him, in this case, Zeena and Mattie. He experience a view of changes of his character; hopeful into hopeless, responsible into irresponsible, faithfulness into unfaithful, and happiness into unhappiness.

Rebranding Perpustakaan dalam Perspektif Generasi Z pada Iklan Ponds

Advertising is an effective marketing medium in influencing the target market. In the Ponds advertisement, boxing training and libraries as the content became interesting research objects because there were reactions from the audience of the advertisements which indirectly showed how the perspective of libraries among Z generation. This study used a qualitative approach with a critical paradigm to reveal social representations and realities in Ponds advertisements on television and on YouTube channels. Data collection techniques was used documentation and interviews with 10 Z generation informants who have watched the Pond’s White Beauty Facial Foam ads. Data analysis used Stuart Hall reception analysis to analyze the meanings behind the messages conveyed by the Ponds advertisement. Result and discussion showed that the library was described as unfavorite places among the millennial generation on frame of Ponds advertisement. Social reality was obtained that the millennial generation sees the library as the place to read the books and they do not need to go to the library anymore to read. Furthermore, the Ponds advertisement content gave denotative and connotative meanings at the same time. Understanding of libraries needs to be done so as not to trigger misunderstandings among stakeholders, causing negative stigma and stereotypes. The strategy was rebranding the library with an approach to internal and external aspects. Conclusion, the library rebranding effort is a solution to improve the stigma and stereotypes that develop in society. The effectiveness of the rebranding process is determined by the interaction between stakeholders.

A Study on the User Experience to Improve Immersion as a Digital Human in Lifestyle Content

With the expansion of the digital environment and the metaverse, and the intervention of artificial intelligence, interaction in the virtual world is becoming more active. Humans are discussing the social reality of the user experience in this virtual space. Technology has created an object called a human-like digital human to enhance human immersion in the metaverse. This will become a factor that improves immersion so that the experience of the virtual world becomes more intimate for humans who feel unfamiliarity, alienation, and the rejection of new technologies. However, a clear definition, expression, and approach to the digital human are still being continuously improved. This article studied the direction of improvement in factors that can improve immersion in the user experience. In the process of communication between humans and digital humans, a qualitative survey was conducted based on the five human senses, where the user experience of the digital human was central. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 men and women regarding their digital human experience, targeting Generation Z, who are familiar with the digital environment. Using NVIVO, global qualitative research software, 1000 main frequency words were derived, and the top 20 words with the highest frequency were classified into emotions and the five senses to analyze their correlation. As a result, we found that the mental models of developers and users are different in the digital human experience. Users felt more comfortable and a higher degree of intimacy when they saw the digital human as a technology, and the technology that the developer was showing was more focused on the external aspects that look similar to a human. It was found that, in order for users to immerse themselves in the digital human, various non-verbal expressions using the five senses should be further developed, rather than focusing on the human-like appearance. This study intends to serve as a cornerstone for research that can improve immersion in digital humans, with a high potential for future development.

SWOT Analysis of Galuga Final Disposal Site

In activities, the community produces waste so that the production of waste is increasing over time. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out effective and efficient waste management. This study aims to determine the strategy of waste management managed by the Environmental Agency at the Galuga Landfill, Galuga Village, Cibungbulang District, Bogor Regency, in this study used descriptive research methods using a qualitative approach. The informants in this study were the Waste Management Section, the Head of the Galuga Landfill, Garbage Transport Officers, Community Leaders, and local residents. The collection of data and information is done by means of interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is SWOT analysis by taking into account all internal and external aspects of the organization, namely strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on the results of the SWOT calculation, the Galuga solid waste subsector is in quadrant one, namely internal and external strong, with the result that the value of the difference between strengths and weaknesses on internal factors shows a positive value and the value of the difference between opportunities and threats on external factors also shows positive, so the strategy what will be developed to overcome strategic issues that arise is an aggressive strategy in implementing landfill management, such as establishing a waste zoning pattern, improving services and efforts to reduce waste through 3R.

Roles of organizational learning culture in promoting innovation

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the relationship between organizational learning (OL) culture (OLC) and innovation. This study also aims to determine the patterns by which the concepts of OLC/learning organization (LO)/OL and OL capability are interrelated and have an impact on innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study emphasized the analysis of 42 literature reviews, which contained the variables of OLC/LO/OL and innovation.FindingsA holistic perception of OLC/LO/OL and its relationship with the constructs of innovation was provided. In this case, more reports emphasized the indirect correlation of OLC with innovation, through intervening variables. This indicated that OLC enabled innovation through several internal and external aspects, as well as balancing between flexibility and control in promoting OLC. As part of the OL process, information, acquisition, distribution, interpretation and dissemination were also consistently related to innovation, which escalated the company's ability in becoming an LO. This proved that a group of employees needs to share a similar belief in promoting work unit innovation, because of the importance of continuous formal and informal learning in a well-structured internal organization system. In this case, external factors need to be highly considered, including competitors and clients.Originality/valueThis study is among the earliest to review the literature about the relationship between OLC and innovation. This study also provides recommendations for enhancing OLC in promoting innovation.

The Influence of Organizational Culture, Transformational Leadership and Well-Being in the Workplace on Work Involvement of Private University Lecturers in South Jakarta

This study aims to examine the effect of organizational culture, transformational leadership and well-being in the workplace on lecturers' work engagement, at 290 private university lecturers in South Jakarta. The research method used a survey method. The instruments used a questionnaire as material for group discussion forums (FGD). Furthermore, data analysis used Path Analysis. The results of this study indicated that the influence of organizational culture (X1), transformational leadership (X2), well-being at work (X3) on lecturer involvement (Y), with the seven hypotheses proposed showing the result that the coefficient of determination was 0.367. This states the variation of changes in quality improvement that occurs in the variables X1, X2 and X3 can explain 0.367 variations in the decrease in the Y variable. The influence of other variables that affect the work involvement of lecturers is 0.633. In addition to the three variables, other variables affect the work involvement of lecturers, with a significant effect of 0.633. In this study, the impact is obtained that the involvement of lecturers is influenced by various internal and external aspects of lecturers, so that the interaction of leadership, welfare and institutional climate is needed.

Thoughts on the Inconclusive Zone in Comparison Question Test (CQT)

Abstract The Inconclusive Zone, in one form or another, is an integral part of almost any data analysis method of CQT. It represents the existence of built-in uncertainties in the test and indicates how the test, in general, and the examiners, in particular, bear this limitation in practice. Unfortunately, it is so common that most examiners tend not to spend too much time and attention wondering about its meaning. The following are some reflections on the concept of an Inconclusive Zone, and its actual use, including some resulting recommendations. Th at includes internal aspects of the test, such as the relation between the extent of using multiple comparison points between relevant and comparison questions and the optimal Inconclusive Zone size. External aspects affecting the Inconclusive Zone’s size and shape are also stressed when looking at the CQT through a prism of aiding decision-making rather than a mere means to sort truth from lies.

The Main Address of Dostoevsky (Book Review: Tikhomirov B. N. Dostoevsky on Kuznechny Lane. Dates. Events. People. St. Petersburg, Kuznechnyy pereulok Publ., 2022. 224 p.)

The review examines the content of B. N. Tikhomirov’s research, methodology, sources, design, as well as the shortcomings of the publication. It includes a general description of the author of the book as a Dostoevsky scholar and delineates the range of his interests in this sphere. The literary and local history aspect of his scientific activity that dates back to the local historical method of N. P. Antsiferov is revealed. The book under review belongs to the branch of literary local lore that studies the addresses where Dostoevsky himself lived, rather than the St. Petersburg of his characters. Below is a detailed analysis of the book. The actualization of the biographical approach determines the achievement of the goal set by the author — “to recreate the external aspects of the great artist’s life.” This goal also shapes the structure of the book, which comprises two unequal parts about Dostoevsky’s St. Petersburg life in the house on Kuznechny Lane in 1846 and in 1878–1881. Special attention is paid to the nature of B. N. Tikhomirov’s work with sources of information about Dostoevsky’s life in these periods: memoirs, diaries, epistolary, newspaper chronicle, artifacts, notebooks. The author concludes that the author managed to create an authentic and multifaceted image of the writer, even in the absence of references to his creative work.

The Implementation of the Balanced Scorecard for Improving Quality of Education

The Balanced Score-Card is a principle of managing professional and balanced organizational institutions concerning financial and non-financial aspects. The BSC can be applied to for-profit and non-profit institutions, such as the Putra Satria educational institution. This study uses a qualitative-descriptive approach. It is collecting data by interview, observation, and documentation notes. Data analysis refers to the balanced scorecard theory, which includes financial and non-financial aspects. The result is that the BSC has been implemented well by the Putra Satria Junior High School so that the school has a financial surplus. In addition, internal and external customers aspects of customer satisfaction feel satisfied with school management services. Internal business aspects by carrying out innovations in facilities and infrastructure that have been carried out by school management, as well as innovations in teaching (teaching and learning activities), carried out by teachers. In addition, it was found that the school cares for the development of human resources for teachers and employees through courses, training, seminars, or academic activities that support improving their education.

Simulation Analysis of Signal Conditioning Circuits for Plants’ Electrical Signals

Electrical signals are generated and transmitted through plants in response to stimuli caused by external environment factors, such as touching, luminosity, and leaf burning. By analyzing a specific plant’s electrical responses, it is possible to interpret the impact of external aspects in the plasma membrane potential and, thus, determine the cause of the electrical signal. Moreover, these signals permit the whole plant structure to be informed almost instantaneously. This work presents a brief discussion of plants electrophysiology theory and low-cost signal conditioning circuits, which are necessary for the acquisition of plants’ electrical signals. Two signal conditioning circuits, which must be chosen depending on the signal to be measured, are explained in detail and electrical simulation results, performed in OrCAD Capture Software are presented. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to evaluate the impact of components variations on the accuracy and efficiency of the signal conditioning circuits. Those simulations showed that, even after possible component variations, the filters’ cut-off frequencies had at most 4% variation from the mean.

A ‘Geopolitical Commission’: Supranationalism Meets Global Power Competition

AbstractThis article examines the origins and operationalisation of the concept of a ‘geopolitical Commission’, which has been promoted by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen since 2019. This concept has been used to guide the stronger co‐ordination of the external aspects of the Commission's work. It is also symptomatic of the growing role of strategic considerations in the Commission's recent initiatives, particularly through the objective of strengthening the EU's ‘open strategic autonomy’. To explain this phenomenon, I combine three different theoretical perspectives: neorealism, neofunctionalism, and geoeconomics. I conclude that the geopolitical Commission should be understood as the result of the interactions between exogenous factors – the intensification of global power competition and the rise of geoeconomic strategies – and endogenous factors, such as the rivalry between the Commission and the European External Action Service and the functional link between the Commission's economic powers and international security issues.

Exploring the Success of R&D BIOTECH Innovators in Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of UPLB Agricultural Innovation

This study investigated why and how R&D BIOTECH innovators in higher education institutions achieve success. It used a qualitative method employing a single case study research design. The data was obtained from face-to-face, one-on-one, and open-ended interviews with eight (8) scientists-innovators in UPLB Biotechnology. Descriptive analysis was engaged using coding and content analysis which involved tagging the text to other qualitative data using a system of categories. Based on the results, external Environmental Aspects and External Relations drivers were determined to have unique characteristics related to the R&D BIOTECH agricultural sector influence innovation. Further, findings showed a unique competency pattern and specific attributes that enable successful R&D BIOTECH innovation in higher education institutions. Finally, the knowledge-sharing process significantly contributes to a successful innovation product that the end-users can utilize – farmers and the society at large – bringing social justice.

Analysis and Justification of the Effect of Digital Transformation of Enterprises and Organizations

The purpose of the study. The article is devoted to the analysis and justification of the effect of digital transformation of enterprises based on the development of effective business models that support modern digital technologies and ensure increased labour productivity. A critical analysis of the impact of digitalization on business efficiency has been carried out. It is shown that the introduction of modern digital technologies does not automatically increase the efficiency of companies, but it is necessary to carry out changes within the company as part of new business models. An urgent task is set to investigate the models of changes in organizational and economic relations at enterprises as a result of the adaptation of the principles and methods of Scientific Organization of Labour (SOL) in relation to new digital technologies.Materials and methods of research. The article provides an analytical review of a large number of publications devoted to substantiating the effect of digital transformation of enterprises and organizations. As research methods, the analysis of complex changes in the mechanisms of coordination of performers of business processes, redistribution of their functions, and modification of the organizational structure of the enterprise based on the method of Scientific Organization of Labour is proposed. The use of a combination of these methods will allow the implementation of corporate information systems in accordance with a business model adequate to the conditions of the enterprise, taking into account the principles and methods of Scientific Organization of Labour.Results. It is proposed to separate the external and internal aspects of the digital transformation of the enterprise. As an external aspect, the influence of digital technologies on changing business models is justified from the point of view of a new business strategy. As an internal aspect, it is proposed to consider the change in organizational and economic relations of employees of enterprises in production and business processes, taking into account the principles and methods of Scientific Organization of Labour.Conclusion. The novelty of the research lies in the substantiation of the effect of digital transformation of the enterprise based on the development of principles and methods of Scientific Organization of Labour (SOL); in the systematic consideration of the concept of digital transformation, in which the condition of necessity is the use of adequate digital technologies in the business processes of the enterprise, and the condition of sufficiency is a change in organizational and economic relations within the framework of the business models being implemented. As a recommendation, the need to include research on the adaptation of methods of Scientific Organization of Labour in relation to the digital transformation of domestic enterprises and organizations in national technological initiatives is justified. These studies should be based on the achievements of the Russian scientific school in the fields of system analysis, cybernetics and computer science.

Building thermal resilience framework (BTRF): A novel framework to address the challenge of extreme thermal events, arising from climate change

Over the past 2 decades, many parts of the world have experienced unprecedented record-breaking temperatures; these extremes fall on both ends of the temperature spectrum ranging from excessively hot to freezing low. Moreover, recently, the rate and the impacts of these extremes have increased, despite all the mitigation efforts, necessitating a resilience-based approach to address these challenges stemming from the accelerated global warming and the advent of climate change. Examples of such extremes include the 2003 and 2022 heatwaves in Europe, claiming approximately 4,000 and 12,000 lives, respectively as well as the 2021 heatwave in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and the deep freeze in Southeast Texas. In this paper, we reflect on previous studies, identifying both internal and external aspects that contribute to a building’s thermal performance. We then incorporate these factors into a proposed framework, covering the important phases of a building’s life cycle, to reflect its thermal resilience. During each phase, an associated Building Thermal Resilience Profile (BTRP), taken from accumulated data of previous phases, provides the needed assessment of the building, and is regularly adapted to changes in the building and its surroundings. BTRP will be a valuable tool for the resilience evaluation of different design options. Furthermore, during the operation phase, it will contribute to real-time monitoring and assessment, facilitating disaster management and response, at both the buildings and city scale, reducing the causalities of extreme events. Thus, the BTRF has the potential to expand into various fields such as healthcare, green and resilient buildings rating systems, and even to improve the municipal regulations. Nevertheless, the prime aim of this paper is to address the challenge of extreme thermal events, arising from climate change, and pave the way for the adoption of effective thermal resilience in building design and operation practices.

Water, energy, and food nexus efficiency in China: A provincial assessment using a three-stage data envelopment analysis model

Understanding the region-specific efficiency of the water, energy, and food (WEF) nexus is critical for the effective design of governance strategies. To exclude the heterogeneous influence of the external environment and unveil the real efficiency of the WEF nexus in 30 provinces in China, a three-stage data envelopment analysis was used for efficiency measurement from 2005 to 2016. The results showed that after eliminating external environmental factors and statistical noise, the number of frontier-efficiency provinces decreases, and most provinces experience rank change, except for Tianjin. The average value of the WEF real efficiency in China rose from 0.202 in 2005 to 0.599 in 2016. The provinces were then categorized into four groups based on water and energy endowment for efficiency comparison. Between 2005 and 2016, the efficiency of each group increased, with that of the “water scarcity-energy importing” group being the highest. Furthermore, external environmental factors impede the enhancement of provincial WEF nexus efficiency, mainly because the extensive growth of external environmental factors focuses on scale expansion, rather than on quality improvement, leading to a large-scale slack in WEF inputs. The results of this study provide implications for governance strategies designed from external environmental factors and WEF resource endowment aspects.

Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermoelectric Systems for Round-the-Clock Energy Harvesting.

Due to their emission-free operation and high efficiency, photovoltaic cells (PVCs) have been one of the candidates for next-generation "green" power generators. However, PVCs require prolonged exposure to sunlight to work, resulting in elevated temperatures and worsened performances. To overcome this shortcoming, photovoltaic-thermal collector (PVT) systems are used to cool down PVCs, leaving the waste heat unrecovered. Fortunately, the development of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) provides a way to directly convert temperature gradients into electricity. The PVC-TEG hybrid system not only solves the problem of overheated solar cells but also improves the overall power output. In this review, we first discuss the basic principle of PVCs and TEGs, as well as the principle and basic configuration of the hybrid system. Then, the optimization of the hybrid system, including internal and external aspects, is elaborated. Furthermore, we compare the economic evaluation and power output of PVC and hybrid systems. Finally, a further outlook on the hybrid system is offered.

Estimating parameters of photovoltaic modules based on current–voltage characteristics at operating conditions

Output characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems are greatly affected by both external and internal aspects. The external features, such as irradiance and temperature, are measured by the weather station. However, the irradiance and the temperature measured from measurement instruments are not representative of the energy and the heat that the PV modules receive. The internal factors, such as resistance, are difficult to identify since they are not physically present in the PV modules. One of the trending research directions is to utilize the output characteristics of the PV module to determine the operating conditions of the PV module. This paper presents a method to identify external features (solar irradiance and temperature) and internal resistances by employing the I–V characteristics of the PV module. The proposed method is based on the regression model, which uses the experimental I–V values from the I–V​ tracer. In addition, a method to obtain irradiance from the maximum power point current in the recent literature is employed for the comparison. The simulation results show that the estimation accuracy of the proposed method is higher than that of the referenced method.

Risk Management of the Pandemic COVID-19’s Impact on Abandoned Housing Projects in Malaysia: A Literature Review

The possibility is the uncertainty of the probability of the occurrence of an activity or event that can have a positive or negative effect is a risk. Risks to construction projects can result in losses in terms of cost and time for the construction projects involved. The impact of this risk involves the performance and loss of an organization such as housing developers, contractors or losses to certain individuals such as home buyers. The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit around the world has also had a negative impact on construction projects in Malaysia. The effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic have indirectly caused housing construction projects to be abandoned and also not to be completed within the stipulated time as in the contract. This results in the buyers not being able to occupy their homes according to the time period that has been signed in the sale and purchase agreement with the developer. This research aims to look at the risks in the management of abandoned housing projects in Malaysia and the existing risk management guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic era in Malaysia. The scope of this study is based on a literature review, current news of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a document-based review of project management guidelines and project risk management guidelines that have been issued by government departments. This study identifies two main types of risks in the management of housing construction projects, namely from the internal and external aspects. Internal risk involves five matters relating to clients, consultants, main contractors, subcontractors and distributors of building materials. Meanwhile, risks from external aspects involve the physical, economic, political, legal and site context. Risk management strategies are used for housing construction projects for risk management to prevent the occurrence of abandoned housing projects such as retain, reduce, relocate and avoid. A review of the literature found that risk management is important for determining, evaluating and prioritizing risks by monitoring, controlling, and using proper resource management in the current economic situation in order to reduce the likelihood of adverse events and maximize project achievement. In addition, this study concludes that risk management is necessary in addressing the problem of abandoned projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.