Geographical Boundaries Research Articles

A Gamelan Palette: Examining the Integration of Indonesian Javanese Gamelan Elements in Debussys Piano Work

Debussys Pagodas fosters an attractive musical dialogue within the rich traditions of Indonesian Gamelan. This exploration surpasses geographical boundaries, as Debussy integrates Gamelans distinctive timbres and rhythmic intricacies into a Western piano repertoire. Through the juxtaposition of resonant tones and percussive elements, Pagodas becomes intriguing cross-cultural encounter. It invites listeners to navigate an intricate weave of Javanese musical influence within Debussys impressionistic language. This musical dialogue progresses organically while Debussy navigates East and West intersections. This creates a sonic tapestry that resonates with the mystique of Gamelan traditions and the haunting expression of Debussys artistic vision. Pagodas is a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural musical conversations. In this piece, Debussys mastery transcends borders to shape a harmonious synthesis of diverse musical worlds.

A Tale of Two Ṭarīqas: The Iraqi and Khurasani Shāfiʿī Communities in the Fourth/Tenth and Fifth/Eleventh Centuries

Abstract This article provides a new account of Shāfiʿī legal history in the fourth/tenth and fifth/eleventh centuries: a tale of two ṭarīqas, or interpretive communities, one in Iraq and the other in Khurasan. I show that these two Shāfiʿī communities developed as distinct social and scholarly collectives before gradually converging in Ayyubid Damascus and eventually coalescing around one authoritative school doctrine in the Mamluk period. I reconstruct the networks of Shāfiʿī jurists in the two regions and show how and why the two groups differed in their legal reasoning and their paradigm of the madhhab (legal school). Although all of these jurists shared a transregional affiliation with the Shāfiʿī madhhab that distinguished them from jurists belonging to other legal schools, I argue that these affinities were countered by geographical boundaries and diverging local developments that led to the differentiation of the Iraqi and Khurasani Shāfiʿī communities. These insights not only complicate our understanding of what constitutes the post-formative madhhab as an institution but also demonstrate how broader intellectual and institutional developments, such as the ascendancy of Ashʿarism, the emergence of new centres of scholarship, and the introduction of the madrasa, shaped the internal workings of the madhhab.

Flood Risk Perception and Adaptation in Martapura River

Indonesian river basin towns face flood disasters that damage lives, infrastructure, and socioeconomic stability. Recent flood frequency and intensity have increased in the Martapura River settlements in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan. This study examines flood risk perception and adaptation measures. The study analyzes flood risk perception, adaption strategies, and factors affecting them among residents. The 2023 mixed-method study combined quantitative surveys (n=358) and qualitative interviews (n=25) in five sub-districts over six months. The study found that previous flood experience was the best predictor of high-risk perception and adaptation strategies across geographic and socioeconomic boundaries. The adaption options ranged from structural changes to community-based efforts. Local government announcements and social media were primary sources, but environmental knowledge was low. Cultural linkages to the river and economic limits shaped adaptation. These findings highlight the necessity for personalized risk communication, improved early warning systems, and local expertise in modern flood control. The work adds to the knowledge on community resilience in flood-prone developing nations and informs policymakers and disaster managers. Future research should focus on long-term climate change adaptation techniques and novel ways to overcome economic barriers to individual and community flood resilience.

A multicountry analysis of local government financial vulnerability during the 2020 pandemic considering systemic factors

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic cut across geographical, sectorial, and policy boundaries and imposed difficult health, economic, and social challenges. Among many learnings, after the 2007–2008 global financial crisis and the austerity period that followed it, the economic and health crises forged by the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 offer an important experience to make local governments (LGs) more financially resilient and ready to deal with similar shocks.This paper builds on a recent framework to investigate the impact of the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic on LG financial vulnerability looking at both contingent and systemic aspects. It addresses the need for a multicountry perspective on the effects of the pandemic and responds to calls to test existing models. Seven countries were chosen to represent different administrative contexts and traditions to understand what factors impact the local level in a time of crisis. Results demonstrate that not only contingent aspects but also systemic factors and the initial level of financial vulnerability influenced the responses to the pandemic, confirming findings about the importance of initial conditions and “path dependency” by previous studies.

ZOONOTIC DISEASES AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: A DUAL THREAT AT THE HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERFACE

With over 200 zoonotic diseases and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) microbes, a substantial threat looms over public health. If we are unable to cope with AMR, it suggests a potential of 10 million global fatalities by 2050. The evolving landscape of AMR transcends geographic boundaries and species, necessitating collaborative and multidisciplinary efforts. The interplay between humans, animals, and the environment highlights the profound significance of One Health in addressing these interconnected challenges. The imperative of multidisciplinary efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of our shared world, comprised of humans, animals, and the environment, can pave the way toward success. The role of surveillance, education, and public awareness in combating AMR and fostering responsible antimicrobial use is inevitable in addressing this global concern. Key Words: Antimicrobial resistance, Zoonoses, One health

The Transformative Power of Virtual Hospitals for Revolutionising Healthcare Delivery.

Objectives: The objective of this narrative review is to explore the advantages and limitations of VHs in delivering healthcare, including access to specialized professionals, streamlined communication, efficient scheduling, integration of electronic health records, ongoing monitoring, and support, transcending geographical boundaries, and resource optimization. Methods: Review of literature. Results: The national healthcare systems are facing an alarming rise in pressure due to global shifts. Virtual hospitals (VH) offer a practical solution to numerous systemic challenges, including rising costs and increased workloads for healthcare providers. VH also facilitate the delivery of personalized services and enable the monitoring of patients beyond the conventional confines of healthcare settings, reducing the reliance on waiting medicine carried out in doctors' offices or hospitals. Conclusion: VH can mirror the conventional healthcare referral system.

Diverse Mentoring Connections Across Institutional Boundaries in the Biomedical Sciences: Innovative Graph Database Analysis.

With an overarching goal of increasing diversity and inclusion in biomedical sciences, the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) developed a web-based national mentoring platform (MyNRMN) that seeks to connect mentors and mentees to support the persistence of underrepresented minorities in the biomedical sciences. As of May 15, 2024, the MyNRMN platform, which provides mentoring, networking, and professional development tools, has facilitated more than 12,100 unique mentoring connections between faculty, students, and researchers in the biomedical domain. This study aimed to examine the large-scale mentoring connections facilitated by our web-based platform between students (mentees) and faculty (mentors) across institutional and geographic boundaries. Using an innovative graph database, we analyzed diverse mentoring connections between mentors and mentees across demographic characteristics in the biomedical sciences. Through the MyNRMN platform, we observed profile data and analyzed mentoring connections made between students and faculty across institutional boundaries by race, ethnicity, gender, institution type, and educational attainment between July 1, 2016, and May 31, 2021. In total, there were 15,024 connections with 2222 mentees and 1652 mentors across 1625 institutions contributing data. Female mentees participated in the highest number of connections (3996/6108, 65%), whereas female mentors participated in 58% (5206/8916) of the connections. Black mentees made up 38% (2297/6108) of the connections, whereas White mentors participated in 56% (5036/8916) of the connections. Mentees were predominately from institutions classified as Research 1 (R1; doctoral universities-very high research activity) and historically Black colleges and universities (556/2222, 25% and 307/2222, 14%, respectively), whereas 31% (504/1652) of mentors were from R1 institutions. To date, the utility of mentoring connections across institutions throughout the United States and how mentors and mentees are connected is unknown. This study examined these connections and the diversity of these connections using an extensive web-based mentoring network.

"COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EPICS"

This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of epics across different cultures, delving into their intricate narratives, thematic underpinnings, and socio-cultural significance. Epics, as timeless literary masterpieces, serve as repositories of cultural heritage and collective memory, embodying the ethos and values of diverse civilizations. Through a comparative lens, this study aims to elucidate the commonalities and divergences among epics, shedding light on the universal themes that resonate across human experiences while also highlighting the nuances shaped by specific cultural contexts. Drawing upon a diverse array of epic traditions such as the Indian Mahabharata, the Greek Odyssey, the Norse Edda, and the African Sundiata, among others, this analysis navigates through the rich tapestry of myth, legend, and heroic exploits. It examines the archetypal motifs of heroism, fate, and the struggle between good and evil, which permeate these narratives, transcending geographical boundaries and temporal epochs. Furthermore, this comparative study explores the socio-cultural functions of epics, elucidating their roles in shaping collective identity, moral codes, and societal norms. By juxtaposing epics from different cultures, this research seeks to unravel the intricate interplay between myth and history, oral tradition and written text, and the dynamic process of cultural transmission and adaptation. Through this interdisciplinary approach, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the human condition, elucidating how epics serve as mirrors reflecting the aspirations, fears, and aspirations of humanity across epochs and geographies. Ultimately, this comparative analysis endeavours to foster cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation, recognizing the enduring relevance and timeless allure of epic literature in the global mosaic of human civilization.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Quercus oxyphylla in China under Climate Change Scenarios

Global climate changes are expected to profoundly shape species distribution. Quercus oxyphylla, a valuable evergreen broad-leaved tree species, is rigorously conserved and managed in China owing to its substantial scientific, economic, and ecological value. However, the impact of projected climate change on its future distribution and potential climatic drivers remains unclear. Here, a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) was used to explore the distribution of Q. oxyphylla in China under current conditions and three future scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) for the 2050s and 2070s. We optimized the model using the ‘ENMeval’ package to obtain the best parameter combination (RM = 1, FC = LQHPT), and multiple evaluation metrics (AUC ≥ 0.9; TSS ≥ 0.6; Kappa ≥ 0.75) verified the high accuracy of the model and the reliability of the prediction results. We found the following: (1) The potential distribution of Q. oxyphylla spans across 28 provinces in China under current climatic conditions, predominantly in southern regions, with Sichuan exhibiting the largest suitable area for survival. The total suitable habitat covers 244.98 × 104 km2, comprising highly, moderately, and poorly suitable habitats of 51.66 × 104 km2, 65.98 × 104 km2, and 127.34 × 104 km2, respectively. (2) Under future climate conditions, the overall geographical boundaries of Q. oxyphylla are predicted to remain similar to the present one, with an increase of 10.29% in the 2050s and 11.31% in the 2070s. In the 2050s, the total suitable habitats for Q. oxyphylla under the three scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) might increase by 8.83%, 9.62%, and 12.42%, while in the 2070s they might increase by 10.39%, 17.21%, and 6.33%, respectively. (3) Moreover, the centroid of the suitable area is expected to migrate southwestward under the three scenarios in the future. (4) Annual precipitation, isothermality, and temperature annual range emerged as the main factors influencing the distribution of Q. oxyphylla, with contributions of 55.9%, 25.7%, and 13.5%, respectively. Our findings refined the spatial arrangement of Q. oxyphylla growth and revealed its climate resilience. This suggested that under climate change, Sichuan and Shaanxi are the optimal regions for cultivation and management, while appropriate conservation strategies should be formulated in Tibet and Hubei.

Transforming Citizenship Education in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities for the Indonesian Millennial Generation

Citizenship education is an important pillar in the formation of national identity and active participation in democratic life. However, rapid changes in technology and the emergence of the digital era including Artificial Intelligence (AI) have significantly changed the landscape of education, including civic education. This article explores the impact of the transformation of civic education in the digital era on Indonesia's millennial generation. It analyzes the challenges and opportunities faced in integrating digital technologies including AI into civic learning. The main challenge faced is the adjustment of curriculum and teaching methods. Millennials grow up in an environment flooded by digital information, which requires educators to find ways to link civic values with complex digital realities. Digital transformation also brings new opportunities in civic education. Artificial Intelligence technologies allow educators to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences, enable discussions across geographical boundaries, and facilitate active participation in social and political issues. In the context of Indonesia's millennial generation, this article outlines strategies that can be used to overcome the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities of AI transformation in Civic Education in the digital era. This research uses a mixed methods research design to explore the impact of the transformation of civic education in the digital era on Indonesian millennials and analyze the challenges and opportunities that arise. Data were obtained through literature studies, interviews, and surveys.

The microgeo: an R package rapidly displays the biogeographic traits of soil microbial communities on maps.

Many R packages provide statistical approaches for elucidating the diversity of soil microbes, yet they still struggle to visualize microbial traits on a geographical map. This creates challenges in interpreting microbial biogeography on a regional scale, especially when the spatial scale is large or the distribution of sampling sites is uneven. Here, we developed a lightweight, flexible, and user-friendly R package called microgeo. This package integrates many functions involved in reading, manipulating, and visualizing geographical boundary data; downloading spatial datasets; and calculating microbial traits and rendering them onto a geographical map using grid-based visualization, spatial interpolation, or machine learning. Using this R package, users can visualize any trait calculated by microgeo or other tools on a map and can analyze microbiome data in conjunction with metadata derived from a geographical map. In contrast to other R packages that statistically analyze microbiome data, microgeo provides more-intuitive approaches in illustrating the biogeography of soil microbes on a large geographical scale, serving as an important supplement to statistically driven comparisons and facilitating the biogeographic analysis of publicly accessible microbiome data at a large spatial scale in a more convenient and efficient manner. The microgeo R package can be installed from the Gitee (https://gitee.com/bioape/microgeo) and GitHub (https://github.com/ChaonanLi/microgeo) repositories. Detailed tutorials for the microgeo R package are available at https://chaonanli.github.io/microgeo.

TALENT MANAGEMENT IN DIGITAL AGE

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age, talent management has emerged as a critical focal point for organizations seeking to thrive amidst technological disruption and intense market competition. This abstract provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities presented by talent management in the digital era. The digital age has ushered in unprecedented changes in how businesses operate, demanding a workforce equipped with advanced digital skills and adaptability to navigate complex technological environments. As such, talent management strategies must evolve to attract, develop, and retain individuals capable of driving innovation and sustaining competitive advantage. Key challenges in talent management in the digital age include identifying and assessing digital skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning and upskilling, and leveraging technology to optimize recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement processes. Moreover, organizations must contend with the rise of remote work and the gig economy, which require new approaches to talent acquisition and retention. Despite these challenges, the digital age also presents unique opportunities for talent management. Advances in data analytics enable organizations to gain insights into workforce trends and performance metrics, facilitating informed decision-making and personalized employee development strategies. Furthermore, digital platforms and collaboration tools empower employees to connect and collaborate across geographical boundaries, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing. To capitalize on these opportunities, organizations must adopt a holistic approach to talent management that integrates digital technologies with human-centric practices. This involves aligning talent strategies with business objectives, cultivating a supportive learning culture, and nurturing a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the evolving needs of the digital economy. In conclusion, talent management in the digital age requires a proactive and adaptive approach that embraces innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by digitalization, organizations can build a dynamic and resilient workforce capable of driving sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global market.

Unveiling the Terrain of Fraud: Exploring the Association Between Physical Topography and Consumer Fraud Victimization

ABSTRACT The widespread accessibility of the internet has facilitated social connections across geographical boundaries, but it has also led to an increase in consumer fraud victimization. This study aims to elucidate the geographical variations in fraud victimization by examining the influence of physical topography. Employing a two-stage conceptual framework of consumer fraud victimization, we used a nationwide survey in mainland China (n = 36,066) to explore the impact of mountainousness indicators on fraud exposure and fraud victimization. Our findings indicate a negative correlation between mean elevation and standard deviation in elevation with fraud exposure, while displaying a positive correlation with fraud victimization. Utilizing machine learning analyses, we discovered that mountainousness indicators outperformed factors such as income, physical condition, sex, education, and employment in predicting fraud victimization. Notably, physical topography played a more prominent role in the recognition model of fraud victimization compared to fraud exposure. These findings shed light on the fact that individuals residing in mountainous areas are less prone to fraud exposure but are at a heightened risk of becoming victims once exposed. This study offers valuable insights for the development of effective anti-fraud strategies.

The Impact of ICT on Education

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education has fundamentally transformed teaching and learning processes, offering new avenues for enhancing educational experiences and outcomes. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of ICT on education, focusing on its ability to provide unprecedented access to information, foster innovative teaching methodologies, increase student engagement, and promote educational equity. By leveraging digital tools and resources, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. ICT also empowers students to engage in self-directed learning and collaborate with peers across geographical boundaries. Moreover, the implementation of assistive technologies and adaptive learning platforms ensures that students with disabilities receive tailored support, promoting inclusivity. The potential of ICT to bridge educational gaps in underserved regions by providing high-quality content and flexible learning options underscores its role in advancing educational equity. Despite challenges such as the digital divide, the continued investment in ICT infrastructure and the adoption of innovative educational practices can create a more inclusive and equitable educational ecosystem. Ultimately, ICT holds the promise of reshaping the educational landscape, preparing students for success in the digital age and beyond.

The Social Media, Online and Digital Abuse and Harassment of Social Workers, Probation Officers and Social Work Students in Ireland: A National Survey

Abstract An estimated five billion people use social media globally. The digital world enables networking and community-building beyond geographical and jurisdictional boundaries, it can facilitate information-sharing and knowledge development, and facilitates speedy access and communications links. On the other hand, digital and social media platforms can also be sources and purveyors of hurt, discrimination, defamation, hatred, abuse, cyberbullying and disinformation. Their increased usage within professional practice has become a nascent area for scholarly debate and research. Our scoping literature search indicated that there are very few studies examining this issue within the profession. This article seeks to address a considerable gap in the research by reporting the findings from an exploratory study in Ireland focusing on social workers, probation officers and social work students. Three hundred seventy-nine participants completed an online survey on their experiences of using social media, with eighty-three (21.9 per cent) participants indicating that they had experienced online and digital abuse and harassment. Facebook, Twitter (now X), and email were the top three sources of abuse and harassment by platform.

Evaluation of Urban Transportation Resilience under Extreme Weather Events

The frequent occurrence of extreme weather events (EWEs) in recent years has posed major hazards to urban transportation as well as socioeconomic impacts. A quantitative evaluation of the urban transportation resilience to minimize the impact caused by EWEs becomes critical to the rapid recovery of urban transportation after disasters. However, there is, generally, a lack of reliable data sources to monitor urban transportation performance under EWEs. This empirical study proposes a performance indicator (displacement) and quantitative method for evaluating the urban transportation performance under EWEs based on bus GPS trajectory datasets. Furthermore, the transportation resilience of it is quantified, and the variation is compared across temporal and spatial dimensions. The method is applied in a case study of Fuzhou, China, under rainstorm events. The results show that the Gulou and Jinan subareas have the highest transportation resilience during the yellow and red rainstorm warnings. By formulating an emergency plan and taking mitigation measures, the transportation performance in the Jinan subarea during the red rainstorm warning was improved by 36% compared to the yellow rainstorm warning. The empirical study not only fills the knowledge gap for quantifying the transportation resilience across the geographical boundary under rainstorm events, but also estimates the operation status of the road network. The results will help policymakers prioritize the resource distribution and develop effective policies or measures to further improve transportation resilience in the city.

Global genomics of Aedes aegypti unveils widespread and novel infectious viruses capable of triggering a small RNA response.

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a prominent vector for arboviruses, but the breadth of mosquito viruses that infects this specie is not fully understood. In the broadest global survey to date of over 200 Ae. aegypti small RNA samples, we detected viral small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and Piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs) arising from mosquito viruses. We confirmed that most academic laboratory colonies of Ae. aegypti lack persisting viruses, yet two commercial strains were infected by a novel tombus-like virus. Ae. aegypti from North to South American locations were also teeming with multiple insect viruses, with Anphevirus and a bunyavirus displaying geographical boundaries from the viral small RNA patterns. Asian Ae. aegypti small RNA patterns indicate infections by similar mosquito viruses from the Americas and reveal the first wild example of dengue virus infection generating viral small RNAs. African Ae. aegypti also contained various viral small RNAs including novel viruses only found in these African substrains. Intriguingly, viral long RNA patterns can differ from small RNA patterns, indicative of viral transcripts evading the mosquitoes' RNA interference (RNAi) machinery. To determine whether the viruses we discovered via small RNA sequencing were replicating and transmissible, we infected C6/36 and Aag2 cells with Ae. aegypti homogenates. Through blind passaging, we generated cell lines stably infected by these mosquito viruses which then generated abundant viral siRNAs and piRNAs that resemble the native mosquito viral small RNA patterns. This mosquito small RNA genomics approach augments surveillance approaches for emerging infectious diseases.

The impact of Chinese volume-based procurement on pharmaceutical market concentration.

Optimizing the pharmaceutical industrial structure is the key mission of China's healthcare reform. From the industrial structure perspective, this study empirically evaluated the impact of China's national volume-based procurement (NVBP) policy on market concentration in the hospital-end drug market. This study used drug procurement data of China's public medical institutions which obtained from the national database. A quasi-natural experiment was designed involving eleven pairs of matched treatment-control region combinations, with NVBP policy as the intervention measure. The market was defined by drug name (molecular boundary) and city/province (geographical boundary). Market changes were measured from three dimensions: the number of enterprises and products, market share, and Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI). Dual comparison approach and difference-in-difference (DID) method with fixed effect model were applied to quantify policy impacts. The number of enterprises and products decreased by 18 and 83 in pilot regions after NVBP policy, far more than the decreases in control regions (6 and 21). The accumulative market share of 15 bid-winning enterprises increased by 53.67% in volume and 18.79% in value, among which the increment of enterprises with low baseline market share was more prominent (66.64% and 36.40%). Among three enterprise types, the market share of generic consistency evaluation (GCE) certificated generics significantly increased, GCE uncertificated generics significantly decreased, and originators slightly decreased. DID models indicated significantly positive impact of NVBP policy on market concentration, with HHI-volume and HHI-value increasing by 49.33% (β = 0.401, p < 0.01) and 21.05% (β = 0.191, p < 0.01). The implementation of NVBP promoted the intensive drug circulation and supply of Chinese public hospitals, intensifying the exit of GCE uncertificated generics from the hospital-end market. NVBP combined with GCE standards significantly improved market concentration, which brought a positive signal of pharmaceutical industrial structure optimization in China. In the future context of normalized and institutionalized NVBP, the balance should be further sought between low drug prices and reliable hospital drug supply, sustainable industry development.

Interaktionsprozesse in einem virtuellen Austauschprojekt – duoethnografische Reflexionen der begleitenden Lehrpersonen

In the discussion of international student mobility, virtual exchange(s) (VE) become increasingly important. Similar to on-site exchanges, VEs aim to provide students with an international experience and transcend geographical, social, and cultural boundaries. While students’ experiences with VEs have been presented repeatedly, this paper focuses on an aspect that features less prominently in the literature: the perceptions of a VE from the perspective of the facilitating team. We report on our experiences, interactions and reflections as supporting teacher educators in a VE project between German and New Zealand pre-service English teachers and New Zealand students of German. We employ the collaborative research approach of duoethnography to critically reflect on our experiences and practices with the VE as well as to portray our reflections on duoethnography as our chosen research approach. Our findings are based on continuous individual and collaborative written reflections throughout the project.

UNRAVELING CORRUPTION: A HISTORICAL EXPLORATION OF ITS EMERGENCE AND IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Corruption, a pervasive and insidious phenomenon, has plagued societies throughout history, transcending geographical, cultural, and political boundaries. This article delves deep into the roots of corruption, tracing its origins,evolution, and enduring impact on individuals, institutions, and nations. By examining historical examples from ancient civilizations to modern democracies, we aim to shed light on the complex nature of corruption, its causes, and the strategies employed to combat this formidable challenge. Through this comprehensive analysis, we seek to foster a better understanding of corruption and its far-reaching consequences on social, economic, and political structures.