Interdisciplinary Approach Research Articles

PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI PELAKU UMKM DALAM STRATEGI BRANDING BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI

This community service program aims to provide training and guidance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technology-based branding strategies. The activity is a collaboration between Gunadarma University and the Indonesian Young Lecturers Association (ADMI), conducted throughout the PTA 2024-2025 academic year. The program employs a hybrid implementation method (online and offline), tailored to the needs of MSMEs. The primary focus of this program is to enhance MSMEs’ understanding and skills in utilizing technology for digital branding, covering creative content creation, social media utilization, and market target analysis using digital tools. This initiative involves six fields of study—Accounting, Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Systems, and English Literature—to provide a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach. The expected outcomes include improving MSMEs' competencies in building a strong brand identity, managing digital branding campaigns, and expanding market reach through technology. Program outputs include journal publications, activity documentation in the form of videos, and increased lecturer participation. All program results will be reported to Gunadarma University’s Community Service Institution (LPM-UG) as part of program evaluation.

Nanoplastics in focus: Exploring interdisciplinary approaches and future directions.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are gaining increasing attention due to their widespread distribution and potential environmental and biological impacts. Spanning a variety of ecosystems - from soils and rivers to oceans and polar ice - NPs interact with complex biological and geochemical processes, posing risks to organisms across multiple trophic levels. Despite their growing presence, understanding the behavior, transport, and toxicity of nanoplastics remains challenging due to their diverse physical and chemical properties as well as the heterogeneity of environmental matrices. Currently, nanoplastics are often studied alongside microplastics as a single, homogeneous group, which obscures the nuanced behavior of NPs, particularly in terms of their colloidal properties and interactions within ecosystems. This perspective aims to highlight the critical gaps in nanoplastics research, stressing the importance for field studies and advanced detection/quantification methods to better capture their behavior across environmental interfaces. We advocate for a more integrated approach that account for the dynamic interactions between nanoplastics and surrounding biological, chemical, and physical environments, especially across key ecological gradients. Furthermore, long-term and transgenerational studies are essential to assess the chronic impacts of low-concentration nanoplastics exposure. Innovative and appropriate methodologies are needed to explore NP fate, transport, and toxicity in realistic environmental conditions. By combining advanced experimental tools, field studies, and ecological modeling frameworks, this paper outlines provides a roadmap for advancing our understanding of nanoplastics and their broader ecological impacts, ultimately shaping more effective environmental monitoring and mitigation strategies.

Exploring hope and expectations amidst the shadows: Navigating through the hearts of cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit.

The objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the psychological well-being, hope, and expectations of cancer patients receiving care in a palliative care unit, utilizing a qualitative research approach. We employed the methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Our data collection involved conducting 1-hour semi-structured interviews with the patients. In the subsequent data analysis, we applied investigator triangulation to ensure rigor and reliability. Understanding patients' hope and expectations from palliative care is crucial as it can serve as an indicator of the quality of care and motivate care providers to fulfill these expectations as much as possible. Throughout the IPA, 3 superordinate themes emerged from the qualitative data: cancer diagnosis and the spectrum of emotions, hope and cancer patient, and oncology patient expectations of palliative care. From the patient's perspective, making sense of their cancer experience involves managing symptoms, redefining their understanding of illness, adapting to functional changes, and fostering open communication among themselves, their families, physicians, and the palliative care team. This underscores the crucial necessity for an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizes the importance of reinforcing positive support systems. In essence, our study delves into the multifaceted psychological aspects of cancer patients in the context of palliative care, shedding light on their hope and expectations as they navigate the challenging terrain of cancer treatment and palliative support.

Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants

The involuntary migration of Afghans has emerged as a pressing global concern, presenting a complex interplay of social, legal, and economic challenges. This mass exodus, fueled by the pursuit of safety and refuge, has strained social and economic infrastructures, necessitating a comprehensive sociological analysis. This study investigates the lived experiences of Afghan immigrants and explores their coping strategies for overwhelming situations in the host community (Peshawar, Pakistan). Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes insights from migration sociology, cultural studies, and immigrant’s studies to comprehensively understand this complex intersection. By adopting a mixed research design using both survey and semi-structured interviews, and integrating legal, economic, and social perspectives, our investigation unveils the sociological dimensions shaping livelihood challenges and social impacts. The finding revealed the challenging legal and administrative hurdles faced by Afghan immigrants, the economic disparities, the complex dynamics of social integration, and accommodation issues within the host community. Amidst these challenges, this study found coping strategies of Afghan immigrants, which they had on individual, family, and community level. This study transcends academic inquiry, inviting us to embrace a holistic understanding that guides us toward more equitable and inclusive societies. This study contributes to migration sociology, and offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in the complexities of involuntary migration and community development. It indorses sociologically grounded implications that call for inclusive policy interventions, cultural bridge-building initiatives, and community-driven efforts for long-term resilience. Charting future territories, we advocate for longitudinal and comparative analyses, recognizing the uncharted realm of gendered experiences in involuntary migration.

Ethnobotany in Riverine Communities in the South of the Amazon

Objective: Analyze the importance of medicinal plants and the ethnobotanical knowledge transmitted among riverside communities in southern Amazonas. Theoretical Framework: The importance of medicinal plants for riverside communities, discussing the use of plants as a therapeutic alternative due to the lack of access to conventional medical care. Method: This work used a systematic bibliographic review to analyze studies on ethnobotany in riverside communities in southern Amazonas between 2002 and 2022, addressing interactions between society and biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Renowned authors were consulted to identify patterns and gaps in knowledge. The methodology allowed a holistic and interdisciplinary view of the topic, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation. Results and Discussion: The results show that medicinal plants are essential for the health and cultural identity of communities, often replacing inaccessible conventional treatments. Ethnobotanical research not only documents these practices but also proposes conservation strategies. Research Implications: The research promotes the conservation of biodiversity, proposing strategies that respect traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, essential for environmental sustainability. It highlights the role of these plants in promoting preventive and therapeutic health, especially in areas where medical care is difficult to access. Furthermore, reinforce the importance of documenting and preserving this knowledge to strengthen the cultural resilience of riverside communities in the face of current pressures. Originality/Value: The originality of the research lies in its interdisciplinary approach, connecting health, culture and environmental conservation. The study offers a holistic view that links communities' ancestral knowledge to sustainability. In addition to documenting this knowledge, research serves as the basis for public policies that promote environmental conservation and value traditional knowledge. This strengthens the autonomy of riverside communities.

The Importance of Implementation of Social and Behavioral Sciences in Undergraduate Medical Education

Medical education has traditionally focused on healthcare's biological and clinical aspects, often overlooking the critical role of social and behavioral sciences. However, as the field of medicine evolves, there is a growing recognition that these disciplines are essential in cultivating well-rounded and socially conscious physicians. Integrating social and behavioral sciences into medical education offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance the development of future healthcare providers. Firstly, it fosters a more holistic understanding of patient care by emphasizing the influence of social determinants on health outcomes, which ultimately leads to improved medical practices tailored to diverse populations. Furthermore, students equipped with knowledge of behavioral sciences are better prepared to engage effectively with patients, employing communication techniques that build trust and facilitate adherence to treatment plans. This interdisciplinary approach also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students learn to analyze complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors affecting health. Moreover, early exposure to these principles cultivates empathy and cultural competency, essential attributes in a rapidly diversifying patient demographic. As a result, integrating social and behavioral sciences not only enriches the educational experience but also contributes to the production of more competent and compassionate physicians. Thus, this review article aims to explore the significance of integrating social and behavioral sciences into medical education.

‘Captivating voices’: evaluation of a patient-centred animated video on excessive physical exercise and eating disorders

This project aimed to evaluate the acceptance of a short, animated video addressing excessive exercise within the context of eating disorder (ED) behaviours among diverse target groups, assess its impact...

From ONE Health to ONE Paleopathology: Deep-Time Perspectives on Health in the Face of Climate and Environmental Change

This entry explores the emergence of ONE Paleopathology as a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding health through deep time. The entry discusses key areas where paleopathological research provides crucial insights: animals as sentinels of environmental health, the evolution and transmission of infectious diseases, the impacts of urbanization and pollution on human health, and the effects of climate change on disease patterns. Special attention is given to case studies involving malaria, tuberculosis, and environmental toxicity, demonstrating how past human–environment interactions inform current health strategies. The entry also emphasizes the importance of indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) systems in understanding and managing health challenges, highlighting how traditional ecological knowledge complements scientific approaches. By bridging past and present, ONE Paleopathology offers valuable perspectives for addressing modern health challenges in the context of accelerating environmental change, while promoting more equitable and sustainable approaches to global health.

Unraveling complex interactions between microbiota and immune system

The intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and the immune system has garnered significant attention in recent years, revealing a complex interplay essential for maintaining health and preventing disease. This perspective article delves into the dynamic interactions between the gut microbiota and the immune system, exploring how microbial communities influence immune development, function, and homeostasis. Emerging research highlights the impact of microbial metabolites, signaling pathways, and host genetics on immune responses. We also address the implications of microbiota-immune interactions in various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, and cancer. Unraveling these complex interactions may provide a comprehensive understanding of the microbiota-immune system axis and its potential for guiding new therapeutic interventions. This article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches and advanced technologies to further elucidate the mechanisms underpinning this critical biological partnership.

Structural Regulation and Performance Enhancement of Carbon-Based Supercapacitors: Insights into Electrode Material Engineering.

The development of carbon-based supercapacitors is pivotal for advancing high energy and power density applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of structural regulation and performance enhancement strategies in carbon-based supercapacitors, focusing on electrode material engineering. Key areas explored include pore structure optimization, heteroatom doping, intrinsic defect engineering, and surface/interface modifications. These strategies significantly enhance electrochemical performance through increasing surface area, improving conductivity, facilitating charge transfer, introducing additional pseudocapacitive reactions, and optimizing the density of states at the Fermi level, among other mechanisms. After introducing these fundamental concepts, the review details various preparation methods and their effects on supercapacitor performance, highlighting the interplay between material structure and electrochemical properties. Challenges in scaling advanced fabrication techniques and ensuring the long-term stability of functionalized materials are discussed. Additionally, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the development of cost-effective, scalable methods and interdisciplinary approaches to design next-generation supercapacitors, thereby meeting the growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.

The effect of parallel and multidisciplinary approaches in teaching English on student achievement

ABSTRACT Interdisciplinary approaches in instruction and curriculum development can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of knowledge, resulting in innovative solutions and enhanced problem-solving and research processes. This is particularly important for learning terminology and linguistic structures from various disciplines, both in native and non-native speakers. This study aimed to investigate the impact of two micro models of different interdisciplinary approaches, one of which is parallel and the other is a multidisciplinary approach, in English language teaching on student achievement A quasi experimental research design was developed for two English classes, using a course plan as a micro model of interdisciplinary understanding of parallel and multidisciplinary approaches. The course was implemented for 8 weeks, with two groups of 18 and 13 individuals, and pre-tests and post-tests were conducted. Pre-test results showed no significant differences between the two experimental groups, except for writing skill review. However, post-tests showed both methods were effective in teaching different language skills. Parallel interdisciplinary instruction significantly affected reading skills and average test performance, while the multidisciplinary approach led to significant differences in vocabulary, writing skills, and test scores. Post-tests showed only significant differences in reading section scores, with the parallel multidisciplinary group showing more achievement. Language plays a dual role as a means of education and a reflection of intellectual thought and cultural values, making it crucial to improve the effectiveness of language instruction by utilizing multidisciplinary insights.

An interdisciplinary approach to improving conservation outcomes for parasites.

Parasites represent a significant proportion of Earth's biodiversity and play important roles in the ecology and biology of ecosystems and hosts, making them an important target for conservation. Despite increasing calls to prioritize protection for parasites in the academic literature, they remain undervalued and underrepresented in global biodiversity conservation efforts, not least due to the perception that the interests of parasite and host conservation are opposing and the common misconception that parasites are a threat, rather than a benefit, to conservation. We considered whether taking an interdisciplinary approach to parasite conservation research will generate novel insights and solutions concerning why and how parasite conservation should be practiced for the benefit of parasites, their hosts, ecosystems, and people. We argue that 2 of the main barriers to more widespread parasite conservation are the knowledge gap concerning the role of sociocultural factors affecting the willingness to enact parasite conservation and the lack of a consistent and cohesive philosophical basis for parasite conservation. Possible sociocultural barriers to parasite conservation include misconceptions of the risks posed by parasites, taxonomic bias, differences in conservation values, economic constraints, and technical challenges. The use of social science can generate insights into levels of awareness and support for parasite conservation and improve understanding of how human values and attitudes mediate conservation practices concerning parasites. Such knowledge will have a critical role in addressing sociocultural barriers and improving support for parasite conservation. Issues with the current philosophical basis for parasite conservation include contradictory accounts of which parasites merit conservation, insufficient explanation of how different conservation values apply to parasite biodiversity, and the existence of a false antagonism between host and parasite conservation. Greater engagement with philosophical work on environmental ethics and biological unitization will strengthen existing arguments for parasite conservation and will support conservation decision-making processes.

Digital happiness in tourism: towards a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT This research note scrutinises the ambivalent dimensions of digital technology within the realm of tourism, highlighting its complex interaction with physical engagement. By exploring existing literature on the evolving landscape of tourism experiences through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper recognises that the current analysis of digital technology use in tourism often remains biased and narrow. Furthermore, despite ongoing debates surrounding digital well-being, discussions have been largely restricted to the utility, emotional use, and moderation of digital resources. Drawing on philosophical insights from the Chinese classic I-Ching, which offers a holistic understanding of happiness in the contemporary digital era and the tourism domain, this research provides a comprehensive theoretical blueprint for digital happiness in tourism. This robust framework aims to elucidate the harmonious integration of digital elements into the tourism landscape.

Issues related to differential diagnosis of epilepsy and narcolepsy

A differential diagnosis of epileptic and non-epileptic paroxysms is particularly difficult to conduct during a neurologist consultation. Narcolepsy is a chronic disease that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Some narcolepsy symptoms, especially cataplexy, can be mistakenly interpreted as epileptic seizures. The clinical case demonstrates an importance for interdisciplinary approach to differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures. Clinical markers of typical and atypical cataplexy manifestations are presented.

Decision-making under flood predictions: A risk perception study of coastal real estate.

Flood models, while representing our best knowledge of a natural phenomenon, are continually evolving. Their predictions, albeit undeniably important for flood risk management, contain considerable uncertainties related to model structure, parameterization, and input data. With multiple sources of flood predictions becoming increasingly available through online flood maps, the uncertainties in these predictions present considerable risks related to property devaluation. Such risks stem from real estate decisions, measured by location preferences and willingness-to-pay to buy and rent properties, based on access to various sources of flood predictions. Here, we evaluate the influence of coastal flood predictions on real estate decision-making in the United Kingdom by adopting an interdisciplinary approach, involving flood modeling, novel experimental willingness-to-pay real estate surveys of UK residents in response to flood predictions, statistical modeling, and geospatial analysis. Our main findings show that access to multiple sources of flood predictions dominates real estate decisions relative to preferences for location aesthetics, reflecting a shift in demand toward risk averse locations. We also find that people do not consider flood prediction uncertainty in their real estate decisions, possibly due to an inability to perceive such uncertainty. These results are robust under a repeated experimental survey using an open access long-term flood risk map. We, therefore, recommend getting flood models "right" but recognize that this is a contentious issue because it implies having an error-free model, which is practically impossible. Hence, to reduce real estate risks, we advocate for a greater emphasis on effectively communicating flood model predictions and their uncertainties to non-experts.

Palliative care needs and quality of life among adults with advanced chronic illnesses in low-income communities of Bangladesh

ObjectivesPalliative care (PC) is an interdisciplinary approach aimed at improving the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of patients and families affected by life-threatening diseases. This study aimed to investigate the need for PC among critically ill patients and their quality of life (QOL) in low-income groups in Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at four healthcare facilities from March to April 2023, involving 553 registered patients with advanced chronic conditions. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 183 patients in the advanced stage of illness were included. We collected data on sociodemographic, comorbidities, disabilities, and the 10-item African Palliative Outcome Scale (APOS). The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) was used to identify individuals requiring PC. The study investigated patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 3–4, indicating significant functional impairment, and explored QOL across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors.ResultsThe mean age of the 183 patients was 53.8 (± 14.53) years, with 69.5% being female. We found that 10.3% of patients with chronic illness required PC, particularly cancer patients (87%) and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (53.3%). The APOS scores indicated that family anxiety (48.6%) was the most burdensome issue, followed by severe pain (15.5%), severe worry about illness (22.4%), and feelings of life being unworthy (9.4%). Patients with severe functional limitations (ECOG 3–4) were significantly more likely to need PC (58%) compared to those with moderate or no limitations (ECOG 0–2) (24%). Among those requiring PC, 70.1% rated their QOL as poor or very-poor, while only 23.8% of patients not needing PC reported similar ratings. Female patients had poorer QOL than males across all domains, and those facing financial hardships also experienced significantly lower QOL.ConclusionIn Bangladesh’s low-income communities, a significant proportion of patients with chronic illnesses require palliative care (PC) due to advanced conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating PC early in the treatment process for cancer and CKD patients, as it can greatly improve their QOL and provide essential support for both patients and families. The results advocate for a holistic approach to PC that addresses physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting patients’ QOL.

Analyzing and mitigating the risks of patient harm during operating room to intensive care unit patient handoffs.

Patients continue to suffer from preventable harm and uneven quality outcomes. Reliable clinical outcomes depend on the quality of robust administrative systems and reliable support processes. Critically ill patient handoffs from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) are known to be high-risk events. We describe a novel perspective on how risk factors associated with the process of patient handoff communication between the OR and the ICU can lead to flawed communication, degraded team awareness, medical errors, and increased patient harm. Data were collected from two semi-structured focus groups using a five-step risk management approach at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) with multidisciplinary healthcare providers consisting of attending physicians, anesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapists involved in patient handoffs. We analyzed the results using a similitude analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing this novel risk management approach. We identified the handoffs risks associated with patients, staff, institution, and potential financial risks. The FMEA identified 12 process failures and 36 causes that generated 12 consequences and pointed to robust needed preventive measures to mitigate handoff risks. The clinical teams reported that this approach allowed them to see the process more completely as a whole not only in their narrow silos, thus understanding the enablers and difficulties of the other team members and how this understanding can shed light on their mental models, actions, and the process reliability. Teams identified key steps in the OR to ICU handoff process that are prone to the highest hazards to patients, the hospital, and staff, and are currently targeted for process improvement. Evidence-driven recommendations intended for reducing the risks associated with patient handoffs are presented. Implementing a dynamic risk management, interdisciplinary approach was used to redesign the OR to ICU patient handoff approach around the patient's and clinician's needs. The risk management program helped healthcare providers identify handoff steps, highlighting risky handoff process failures, making it possible to identify actionable failures, consequences, and define preventative action plans for mitigating the risks to improve the quality and safety of patient handoffs.

Determination of the correlation between soilborne pathogen inactivation and radio wave exposure

Radio wave treatment is considered as an alternative for steam treatment of soil in glasshouse horticulture for pathogen suppression. In principle, radio wave treatment can be selectively focused on localized infestations, as well as accommodate renewable energy sources. It may therefore help to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption for soil treatment in greenhouse horticulture. A prototype treatment system has been developed prior to this study. Following this system’s development, the next step is to develop optimum treatment strategies for its application. To this end, this study presents the development of an experimental method to perform quantified experimentation at laboratory scale on pathogen infested soil samples. The study is an interdisciplinary approach that merges respective contributions from microwave engineering, control engineering, and phytopathology. The design requirements for the experimental system are outlined. The design of the layout of the apparatus, computer simulations to optimize its geometry, and the design of power and temperature control are discussed. The study is finalized by reporting a demonstration of the experimental method.

Navigating the complex landscape of waterborne disease research

ABSTRACT Waterborne pathogens and associated diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, requiring effective monitoring, detection, and treatment strategies. This review examines the current state of waterborne pathogen management, highlighting persistent issues and recent advancements. Here, we review cutting-edge detection methods and treatment technology, emphasizing their roles in water safety and outbreak prevention. The impact of climate change on waterborne pathogen dynamics is explored, alongside a discussion of interdisciplinary research approaches. We also aimed to investigate the crucial relationship between waterborne disease control and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on community engagement, well-being, water sanitation, public health policies, and international cooperation. The PRISMA protocol systematic process was used to filter papers for this study and carry out the review process. Machine learning and remote sensing techniques are promising features in the pathogen detection field. SDGs 3, 6, 11, 13, and 17 are the most closely interrelated with waterborne diseases. This review provides an in-depth overview of waterborne pathogen management, contributing to improved global water quality and public health strategies. This integrated approach aims to enhance health outcomes and promote resilience against waterborne diseases, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Advancing Global Perspectives: Bridging Sustainability, Innovation, and Cultural Ethics in Management

This issue explores the dynamic interplay between sustainability, innovation, and cultural ethics in management. The issue features four diverse contributions that address pressing challenges in management, including the integration of gender-sensitive leadership, the balance of cultural preservation and economic sustainability in ethnic minority settlements, the impact of green human resource management practices on environmental performance in developing countries, and the reconfiguration of business ethics from a Chinese perspective. Together, these articles exemplify the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and contextualized solutions in advancing global management research. By drawing on case studies, empirical analyses, and theoretical frameworks, this issue provides actionable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to foster sustainable and inclusive management practices.