Individual Efforts Research Articles

Keteguhan Iman Dalam Era Tantangan Dari Perspektif Teologis Kristen

Firmness in faith is a human way of facing difficulties or challenges. Firmness of faith in difficult times is a concept from the perspective of Christian theology which focuses on the perseverance of individuals or Christian communities to maintain faith in the teachings of Christ amidst changing times. In this context, remaining strong in the faith requires a deep knowledge of Biblical truth, a commitment to following Christ's teachings, and a willingness to face trials and challenges that may arise. Through prayer, Bible reading, fellowship with fellow believers, and active participation in church, every Christian can strengthen their faith. The importance of unshakable faith in the perspective of Christian theology lies in its role as a solid spiritual foundation amidst current changes and temptations. By maintaining a strong faith, Christians can strengthen their relationship with God, find peace and strength in their faith, and become influential witnesses in society. Witnessing the strength of faith also inspires and strengthens the faith of fellow Christians and builds a strong community in faith and love for Christ. Therefore, from the perspective of Christian theology, strengthening faith in difficult times is not just an individual's effort to maintain faith, but also being a witness to Christ in the midst of an ever-changing world.

A growing need for advocacy skills and knowledge in promoting population health and well-being

Public health advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities. It involves the efforts of individuals, organizations, communities, and coalitions to influence public health policies, practices, and systems to address health disparities, improve health outcomes, and create healthier environments. Advocacy strategies used in public health include raising awareness about health issues, mobilizing communities, engaging policy- and decision-makers and media, and influencing legislation. Public health advocates utilize various communication channels, such as traditional and social media, and community forums, to disseminate information and build support for their cause. They also collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, to amplify their impact. Public health advocacy has been successful in achieving significant improvements in health outcomes. Examples include the adoption and implementation of smoke-free policies, the adoption of evidence-based alcohol strategy and policy, such as the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022-2030), and many more. However, challenges exist, such as lack of advocacy knowledge and skills among public health workforce, resistance from powerful interest groups (e.g., unhealthy industries), limited resources, and the need for sustained efforts to address complex health issues. In conclusion, public health advocacy is a vital component of efforts to improve population health. It involves advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health and promote health equity. Public health advocates can create positive change and contribute to healthier communities. Continued support and investment in public health advocacy are therefore essential.

“GAMING THE SYSTEM”: HOW COMMUNITIES STRATEGIZE AROUND CURRENCIES, CONVERTIBILITY AND CASH TRANSFERS IN KENYA

We draw from ongoing empirical research on the evolution of community currencies in Kenya, to analyse ways through which beneficiaries of cash transfers mediated by a community cryptocurrency – Sarafu – appropriate power and assert agency to obtain optimum financial benefits of the development intervention. We found that beneficiaries of the intervention have developed a deep knowledge of converting Sarafu to donor-funded cash transfers in the national currency. Consequently, the beneficiaries innovatively game conversion rules, both as individual efforts and collective action, to increase the economic benefits they draw from the cash transfers. We argue that development beneficiaries, instead of merely being subjects of development intervention, are active makers of their own economic lives and have a profound understanding of development projects, which they creatively exploit for their own benefit. By doing so, we further argue, beneficiaries contribute to the continuous structuring of interventions by putting development agencies on their toes and forcing them to revise their approaches and strengthen weak points. We conclude that assigning agency to development beneficiaries has the theoretical benefit of unravelling and appreciating the multidirectional flows of power in development assistance. Findings call for the need to involve beneficiaries in development interventions from its very conception.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0177/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Peran Mediasi Faktor Demografi pada Pengaruh Financial Attitude, Locus of Control dan Financial Knowledge Terhadap Personal Financial Management Behavior: Study Kasus pada Pegawai Tetap Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara

Research aims to testing the influence of financial attitudes, Locus of Control, financial knowledge on the behavior of personal financial management through the role of mediation factors of demographics focusing on age and working period of respondents studied. The population of this research is the remaining employee of the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra, which amounted to about 300. SPRESSING SCHAMED ABDER 75 respondents with Slovin formula to know the number of respondents is the employee remains University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra. Methods of data collection wears a questionnaire. Data analysis using SmartPLS 4.1.0.0. The results of research, financial knowledge has a positive effect on demographic factors, financial knowledge has a positive effect on personal financial management behavior, and Locus of Control has a positive effect on behavior of personal financial management. Private personnel behavior is very important in life. Each individual has a certain level of financial knowledge to help apply the behavior of personal financial management. In addition, each individual is endowed with intelligence and level of personal financial knowledge that enables them to perform activities in financial management. Financial knowledge greatly has an effect on personal financial management behavior. The better financial knowledge, the better also financial management. A person's decision in financial management is also inseparable from the role of demographic factors of age and work. Age also affects the decision in the behavior of personal financial management. The higher the age and effort of individuals will be better as well as in the management of personal finances and can be more focus in the short-term and long-term personal management of the applicable appearance in the form of behavior

Cervical cancer screening among women with comorbidities: evidence from the 2022 Tanzania demographic and health survey

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake among women living with hypertension and HIV in Tanzania.MethodsWe used the recently released 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable assessed in the study was CCS, whereas chronic morbidities constituted the main explanatory variable. Data analysis was based on observations from 6,298 women aged 30–49 years. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between hypertension and HIV status, and CCS uptake. The analyses were computed in STATA 18.ResultsOut of the 6,298 respondents, only 805 (12.8%) had undergone CCS with higher screening uptake among those living with either one of the disease (28.5%) than among those living with neither hypertension or HIV. The highest proportion was found among those who had ever been diagnosed with hypertension (24.1%) and among women with positive HIV test results (36.7%). There was a significantly higher likelihood of undergoing screening for cervical cancer among women living with at least one of the diseases [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4–2.8], compared to those without these conditions. Women diagnosed with hypertension showed increased likelihood of undergoing CCS [AOR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1–1.7]. Similarly, women with a positive HIV test result demonstrated higher odds of screening uptake [AOR = 5.2; 95%CI: 4.0-6.7].ConclusionThe study found a positive association between comorbidities and CCS uptake in Tanzanian women. Our findings emphasize the critical importance of ensuring accessibility and adherence to essential screenings for individuals with chronic morbid conditions. Future efforts should focus on strengthening existing integrated services and identifying potential barriers to accessing CCS within these healthcare settings to optimize cervical cancer prevention efforts for individuals with chronic morbidities.

Valorization of intangible cultural heritage through documentation: an Indian scenario

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to evaluate the progress of documentation efforts of the country, India in conserving and preserving its intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements. This paper also provides few suggestive measures to improve the effectiveness of documentation process.Design/methodology/approachAvailable published literature and the initiatives of galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM), government, nongovernment and individual efforts on documentation of ICH have been consulted to analyze the strength and growth.FindingsThe use of information and digital technologies can effectively document and enable the communication of ICH values at global level. Community participation plays a pivotal role in conserving the living heritage for its long-term sustainability and to transmit it to future generations. Mutual recognition and respect for cultural diversity, harmony in intercultural relations and sustainable development are essential in safeguarding ICH. More research on preserving the languages, scripts, living heritage and oral traditions has to be carried out. A knowledge modeling framework for ICH has to be developed.Research limitations/implicationsThis study evaluated various efforts of the country (India) pertained to the documentation of ICH. Further, it has analyzed only the information available in the published literature and the various information portals developed for this purpose.Practical implicationsIn this study, prime consideration is given to discuss about various efforts on the documentation of ICH, which are generally transferred orally through generations. The recommendation aspect highlighted in the results may be useful for policymakers to effectively safeguard and improve the viability of ICH. The paper will also contribute to a better understanding of the problems and challenges faced while documenting the ICH and offer few suggestions to valorize the ICH through its Documentation.Originality/valueThis study deepens the understanding of various documentation efforts of the country. The study will also help those who have been involved in the documentation of ICH to take proper measures to enhance its visibility.

Guaranteed Basic Income from the Perspective of Self‐Determination Theory

AbstractIn capitalistic societies the concepts of income and labour are inseparable, and as such, providing all citizens with an unconditional living wage is a contentious issue. Capitalist ideals that emphasize individual effort, competition, and financial prosperity have spurred tremendous economic growth but underestimate human motivation and have implications for human wellbeing. The aim of this essay is to examine the implications of guaranteed basic income based on existing data from the perspective of self‐determination theory, a humanistic theory of motivation that considers both practical performance‐related outcomes as well as human flourishing. I discuss the motivational dynamics involved in labour participation rates, how basic income may impact basic psychological needs and wellbeing, how basic income may impact workplace environments, and whether neoliberal capitalist values are a useful framework through which to discuss basic income. From this perspective, the benefits of basic income to individuals and society are promising. A shift in values from hyper‐rational competitive ideologies towards more humanistic frameworks such as self‐determination theory may be beneficial for not only for basic income and management research, but also the evaluation of public policy.

Social Interaction and Class Struggles in Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman

This research employs a sociological approach to literature, drawing on Georg Simmel's social interaction theory and Karl Marx's class struggle concepts, to analyze the dynamics between the upper-class Crosses and the lower-class Noughts in the novel Noughts & Crosses. The study identifies five forms and six types of social interactions, encompassing superordination and subordination, exchange, conflict, prostitution, and sociability, along with character-based classifications such as the miser, the spendthrift, the stranger, the adventurer, the nobility, and the poor. The central focus lies in understanding the struggles of the Noughts in their pursuit of social equality within a deeply divided society. Despite collective and individual efforts, fueled by class consciousness and the formation of the Liberation Militia, the research concludes that achieving equality remains elusive. The powerful Crosses, driven by hidden manipulations and a desire to maintain the existing system, thwart the Noughts' endeavors, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by the lower class in a society marked by reverse racism.

Reimagining and Revolutionizing Media History Research: Problems and Possibilities

Organizations like the American Journalism Historians Association, publications like American Journalism, and many individual scholars have begun efforts to make media history more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Yet despite these group and individual efforts, methodological approaches remain tied to systems and norms that are inherently inequitable. This essay argues for a paradigm shift in how media history research is done by delineating methodological hurdles faced by one researcher, discussion of the problems media historians face, and an acknowledgment of the work being done to make the field more equitable.

Individual and collaborative infographic design and cognitive strategies in visual literacy support process: a qualitative research perspective

This study examined the individual and collaborative infographic development processes of middle school students in a qualitative research context. In the first phase, individual and collaborative infographics were developed, a simultaneous think-aloud protocol and interviews were conducted. In the second phase, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 teachers. The findings of the study revealed that students who developed infographics individually and collaboratively completed their tasks at different stages. Protocol analysis data showed that individual and collaborative efforts were reflected in cognitive processes and that collaborative groups spent less time in testing and individual students spent less time in questioning. The findings showed that collaborative learning activities can support the learning process with components such as questioning, peer scaffolding, and sharing.

Coping strategies and psychological distress among mothers during COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating role of social support.

The Indonesian government implemented a large-scale social restriction policy as part of the efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy impacted the population, including mothers, and caused considerable psychological distress. Individual efforts to cope (avoidant and approach coping strategies) and support from significant persons might help handle the distress experienced by mothers. The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate the effect of individual coping strategies on psychological distress and the moderating role of social support among Indonesian mothers. An online survey was administered from 20th to 25th April 2020 to 1534 Indonesian mothers (Mean age 37.12 years; SD 6.63). Brief COPE (28 items), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale/DASS (18 items), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support/MSPSS (12 items) were used to measure coping strategies, psychological distress, and social support, respectively. IBM SPSS 24 software was used to analyze the data. The result showed that moderate and high levels of social support moderated the relationship between approach coping strategies and psychological distress (B = .041, CI .007-.075). When the mother uses approach coping, her psychological distress will decrease further whenever she receives moderate and high level social support. Any level of social support moderated the relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress (B = -.100, CI -.138-.061). When mother used avoidant coping, her social support at any level served as buffer to her psychological distress. It can be concluded that mothers need to prioritize implementing approach coping strategies to lower their distress. Those who practiced avoidant coping strategies needed social support from their significant persons to decrease their distress.

More than Ethics: Changing Approaches to Research in Human Biology

Work in biological anthropology and human biology that engages with, extracts, manipulates, analyzes, and disseminates biological data from and associated with people requires serious ethical investment as central to method, theory, and practice. However, ethics is not enough. Moving beyond a call for better (or more) ethics, there is a core need for anthropological, historical, antiracist/anticolonialist method and theory in dealing with human data (existing, newly collected, and future collections). But there are structures in the academy, historical, financial, hierarchical, discriminatory, that impede sincere and effective actions to make such changes. Encouragingly, calls for structural change and some actions entailing it are under way. But individual efforts are not enough—systemic, profession-level processes need to be addressed.

54 Identifying Geographic Clusters of H. pylori Associated Metastatic Early-Onset Gastric Cancer: A case-control study in Los Angeles

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: More young adults (age <50 years) are diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) every year. We will evaluate the association between environmental risk factors (including historical racial residential segregation) clinical, pathologic, molecular features and H.pylori associated early-onset mGC (mE-GC). METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This retrospective matched case-control study of patients (1:2 by diagnosis year) with mGC (early-onset [E-GC; <50 years]; vs older-onset [O-GC; >50 years]) from 2000-2022 from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (LA-CSP) will be enriched by a chart-abstracted cohort from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer (NCCC). This annotated database captures sociodemographic, medical, and pathologic features of patients treated for mGC at NCCC. It will link to LA-CSP data exploring neighborhood features (obesity rate, poverty, insurance, access to care, ethnic enclave, historical segregation, etc.) of cases and controls to identify, characterize, and compare geographic “hotspot” neighborhoods of mE-GC. We hypothesize younger Hispanic and Asian patients are at higher risk of H.pylori associated mGC. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: From 2000-2022, 339 patients (mE-GC n = 113; mO-GC n=226) were treated at NCCC. We will have characterized clinical and pathological features of mE-GC vs mO-GC. We determined the proportion of H. pylori associated mE-GC vs mO-GC. We will have established the geographical distribution of patients with mE-GC vs mO-GC to identify high-risk neighborhoods. We will link neighborhood risk factors such as food scarcity, poverty, health care access, ethnic enclaves, to the distinct clinical and pathological features of mE-GC, including H. pylori status. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, and multivariable regression will be used to compare mE-GC to mO-GC. After controlling for underlying demographics and tumor features, we anticipate clusters of mE-GC and mO-GC in areas of historical racial segregation. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Linking neighborhood and individual risk factors for mE-GC will inform early detection and prevention efforts for vulnerable individuals in high-risk neighborhoods. Building community partnerships within these neighborhoods is essential for developing interventions targeting H. pylori treatment to reduce health disparities in mE-GC.

Contracts, Wage Differentials and Involuntary Unemployment

I study a simple model of labour markets with imperfect monitoring and efficiency wages that provide work incentives. Involuntary unemployment is an outcome, but it is just one particular instance of many inter-firm wage differentials that pervade the equilibrium. The goal of this paper is to study the relationship between firm size, work standards, wages paid, contractual utility for workers, and capital intensity in production. Under certain conditions: (a) larger firms pay higher wages and demand higher individual effort levels; (b) despite these opposing effects, larger firms offer a higher net contractual utility and (c) larger firms are more capital intensive, even when production functions are homothetic in capital and labour. JEL Classifications: D33, J31, J41

Muzeum dobra wspólnego i dziwne użytki: Solidarny Dom Kultury „Słonecznik”

The “Sunflower” Solidarity Community Center has been operating as part of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw since the outbreak of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The author treats this activist-artist initiative as a litmus test of the possibilities for activist involvement in Polish cultural institutions. Referring to examples of similar activities from recent years and theoretical studies, she analyzes it in terms of questions about activism in the “safe” environment of a public institution, the stability and possibility of long-term sustainment of such cooperation, and the tensions associated with the institutionalization of the activist impulse. The author uses collected interviews with members of the “Sunflower” SCC collective and people working at the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, as well as participant observation, to answer questions, such as whether art institutions are able to support activist initiatives without taking away their potential and preying on the efforts of activist individuals; whether they can be a place for what Sara Ahmed describes as “queer uses ,” and what shape “solidarity museology” or a “museum of the common good” can take. Key-words: “Sunflower,” Ukraine, museum of the common good, solidarity museology, queer uses

Problem based Learning: A Learning Model to Improve Student Learning Outcomes

Learning is an individual's effort to change his knowledge, attitudes and skills. Each learning process targets the results that must be achieved. This research aims to improve student learning outcomes. The type of research used is classroom action research with four steps, namely planning, action, observing and reflection. The subjects of this research were elementary school students. Data was obtained using observation and test techniques. The data obtained was then analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The research results show that the problem based learning model can help improve student learning outcomes. This can be seen from the percentage of completeness of student learning outcomes in the first cycle, which was 53.33% and increased in the second cycle to 86.66%. Based on this data, using the Problem Based Learning model can be used as a suitable reference for improving student learning outcomes.

Принцип всеединства как основа идеи бессмертия в философии Ф.М. Достоевского и Вл.С. Соловьева

The article represents a study of F.M. Dostoevsky’s and V.S. Solovyov’s immortological ideas, which are insufficiently studied today. On the material of various publications of Dostoevsky, it is shown that he considered the idea of immortality as “the main and the most supreme idea of human existence”, since it is inherent in a perfect, final being, which implies an indissoluble unity. It is assumed that the sources of the writer’s immortalological ideas were the philosophical systems of I.G. Fichte, F.W.J. Schelling, K.G. Karus and G.T. Fechner. It was revealed that Dostoevsky considered active love and the idea of “absolute self-improvement” necessary for spiritual transformation and overcoming selfishness, leading to a violation of integrity and inevitable death. Based on the material of Solovyov's early works, it is shown that his views strongly coincided with the position of the writer. As it turned out, both Russian thinkers saw the possibility of a future life only in connection with Christianity, which differed significantly from traditional teaching. An overview of the concept of “true Christianity” is given, which presupposes, first of all, faith in the immortality of man and unity. Suffering is seen as a necessary driving force towards the conscious renunciation of one's own personality and the merging of humanity with the diversity of manifestations of the metaphysical essence. It is shown that an important condition for this is joint improvement, since individual efforts to transform the world are not enough. It is concluded that due to such transformation “free all-human unity, worldwide brotherhood in the name of Christ” will be established in the world. Undoubtedly, partly utopian in their basis, the ideas of the writer and philosopher were aimed at solving the spiritual problems of man of that time and humanity in general.

Modern approaches to team management in the development and implementation of international projects at enterprises

Introduction. In the modern dynamic environment of socio-economic systems, the issues related to team management at enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity and the development and implementation of international projects are becoming increasingly relevant. The development of projects, regardless of their nature, often requires the collaborative, coordinated efforts of numerous individuals with diverse roles, competencies, professional skills, and cross-cultural peculiarities. The purpose of the paper is to study the peculiarities of team management at the enterprise in the conditions of the development and implementation of international projects, to identify trends, perspectives and problems of ensuring the flexibility and adaptability of team work organization at the enterprise. Results. The paper explores the peculiarities of team management in the context of developing and implementing international projects. It discusses the principles of team management in enterprises involved in international project development and implementation. The main types of team management in enterprises are analyzed, including autocratic, democratic, transactional, and situational management. The paper justifies the key stages of project management and examines the essence of the Scrum technology for agile project management. It identifies its advantages and disadvantages and proposes a process for implementing Scrum technology in team management at enterprises engaged in international project development and implementation. Conclusions. Team management in the context of international projects can also involve the study and implementation of innovative methodologies, such as Scrum. Implementing Scrum technology can help optimize the processes of project development and execution, promoting greater flexibility and speed in team management. Scrum defines clear role allocation within the team, establishes short development cycles, and focuses on continuous improvement and feedback. This methodology can be particularly useful in international projects where the ability to adapt to changes and quickly respond to market demands is crucial.

Enhancing routine immunization efforts for older adults and frail individuals: Good practices during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy

ABSTRACT Infectious diseases pose a significant burden on the general population, particularly older adults who are more susceptible to severe complications. Immunization plays a crucial role in preventing infections and securing a healthier aging, but actual vaccination rates among older adults and frail individuals (OAFs) remains far from recommended targets. This study aims to collect and share good practices implemented in several Italian local health districts during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to ease routine immunization for OAFs. A 28-items questionnaire has been developed to collect information on organization aspect of immunization services and local good practices implemented before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Twelve Public Health managers representative of 9 Italian Regions were further interviewed between January and March 2021. Despite literature suggests several effective interventions to increase vaccine demand, improve vaccine access, and enhance healthcare providers’ performance, our survey highlighted substantial heterogeneity in their implementation at local level. Seven good local practices have been identified and described: mass vaccination centers; vaccination mobile units; drive-through vaccination; co-administration; tailored pathways; cooperation among providers involved in vaccination; digitization. Our survey pointed out valuable strategies for enhancing routine immunization for OAFs. Providers should combine effective interventions adequate to their specific context and share good practices.

The Impact of Motherhood on Women's Career Progression: A Scoping Review of Evidence-Based Interventions.

(1) Background: Despite the progress made by women in the workplace, mothers still face systemic barriers that prevent them from advancing professionally. This "motherhood penalty" involves a variety of discriminatory practices and experiences that mothers can face at work, including being held to stricter standards regarding salary and recruitment. Despite ongoing research on the association between motherhood and career outcomes, few studies specifically explore how motherhood impacts career advancement and, consequently, access to leadership. This scoping review seeks to gain an understanding of how motherhood impacts women's career progression, and how interventions can address the underrepresentation of mothers in leadership. (2) Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, we analyzed 52 articles from 2010 to 2022, drawn from 10 databases. (3) Results: The results showed both negative and positive impacts of motherhood on career progression, affecting mothers' attitudes, feelings, and behaviors and yielding changes in interpersonal relationships and work conditions. Intersectionality is highlighted, urging a nuanced examination of challenges faced by mothers from a diversity of backgrounds. Recommendations for interventions include individual and institutional efforts, comprising societal support structures, organizational policy changes, and cultural shifts. (4) Conclusions: This scoping review offers an updated perspective on a classic challenge, providing practical insights for a more inclusive and structural understanding of the career trajectories of working mothers.