Practical Level Research Articles

Pengembangan Kamus Mini untuk Membantu Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Kelas VIII di SMP Datok Sulaiman Palopo

This research aims to determine the development process, level of validity and level of practicality of small Arabic dictionary media which can be used to support the Arabic language learning process, especially in vocabulary learning. The development of this small Arabic dictionary media is adapted to the learning curriculum and teaching materials for class VIII Junior High Schools. This type of research is research and development (R&D) by adapting the 4D development model which consists of four stages, namely definition, design, development and dissemination. The subjects used in this research were 18 class VIII students at Datok Sulaiman Junior High School. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, validation sheets, practicality test sheets and student response questionnaires. The result of this development research is a small Arabic dictionary for class VIII students. The product validation test results show that: 1) the material expert validation assessment obtained a score of 96.36%; 2) media expert validation assessment obtained a score of 86.66%; 3) and the practicality test carried out by learning experts obtained a score of 80%. Based on the results of product trials by three experts, it shows that the small Arabic dictionary learning media is very valid and practical to be applied in Arabic language learning.

Knowledge and practices of vegetable consumption in Accra and greater Lomé: nutritional, health and environmental sustainability

In Accra and Greater Lomé, research into the harmful effects of food transitions focuses scarcely on the levels of knowledge and good practices (LKGP) of vegetable consumers. However, these foods play a key role in the nutritional, health, socio-economic and ecological sustainability of cities. This research aims to assess the health, nutritional, ecological and socio-economic sustainability of LKGP linked to vegetable consumption in these conurbations. A quantified multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted. The respondents (394), selected via judgmental sampling, were equally distributed between the two cities. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire administered by Kobocollect. The overall average rate of good vegetable consumption knowledge and practices in Accra and Greater Lomé is low (37.43%). This result stems from the low LKGP for daily vegetable consumption (24.62%), their inclusion in the main daily meals (33.50%) and consideration of their nutritional composition (30.86%). The target population is unaware of the health, nutritional and ecological drawbacks of poorly preserved vegetables (66.93%) and adopts inappropriate waste management practices when handling them (65.91%). The average proportions of access to vegetable procurement technology (47.08%) and sustainable food education (11.29%) were also low. The research results, unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs in Accra and Greater Lomé, call for an inclusive, integrated and continuous sustainable food education program.

Knowledge and self-care practice among patients with hypertension in tertiary public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study

IntroductionGlobally, hypertension is the leading cause of death due to its related complications. Patients’ knowledge and self-care practice in hypertension is crucial for achieving optimal blood pressure control and prevention of related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and self-care practice among hypertensive patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 hypertensive patients using simple random sampling methods. A face-to-face interview was administered using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Frequency percentage, and mean were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the association between predictors and outcome variables. ResultsOut of 413 respondents, 46.0 % (95 % CI: 40–50 %) and 40.9 % (95 % CI: 36–46 %) had poor knowledge and self-care practice respectively. Being married (AOR = 1.92, 95 % CI:1.19–3.06, P = 0.007), higher education [AOR = 7.38 (95 % CI: 2.29–23.78), P < 0.001); family history (AOR = 3.68, 95 % CI: 2.28–5.94, P < 0.001); getting information from healthcare providers (AOR = 3.17, 95 % CI: 1.46–6.87, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with knowledge of hypertension. Being female (AOR: 0.62,95 % CI: 0.39–0.97, P = 0.033), owing sphygmomanometer (AOR: 4.41,95 % CI: 2.40–8.13, P < 0.001) were associated with self-care practice towards hypertension. ConclusionThe overall knowledge and self-care practice of respondents was low. Gender, marital status, educational level, family history, source of information, and owing sphygmomanometer were determinant factors. Improving patients’ awareness and self-care practice is essential for prevention and control of hypertension.

Artificial intelligence as a core of the new industrial revolution: prospects and limitations

The purpose of the article is to define prospects and limitations of artificial intelligence as a core of in the new industrial revolution. The definition of the concept of AI in the scientific community remains the subject of heated debate. At the same time, in the regulatory and legal plane, a trend is being formed towards unification of the concept of AI. Based on the analysis conducted and literary sources, the following prospects for AI can be identified on theoretical and practical levels. On theoretical level: (1) alienation of tacit knowledge from the individual (employee and entrepreneur); (2) optimization of the planning system; (3) revision of the socialist-calculation debate; (4) decreasing information asymmetry. On practical level: (1) formation of new products and markets; (2) increasing labor and capital productivity; (3) massive creation of new jobs; (4) optimization of business processes; (5) opportunity for rapid growth for small businesses and startups. Limitations: (1) long-term structural unemployment; (2) inflated expectations from AI and, as a consequence, the possible formation of a speculative bubble in the global stock market; (3) energy consumption of AI; (4) outdated pre-AI corporate culture and regulatory environment. Further improvement of AI (including the transition from AI to AGI) and the expansion of its use can make a significant contribution to solving problems related to economic calculation and minimizing information asymmetry, and therefore optimizing transaction costs in the economy. AI, certainly acting as a locally useful tool at the level of individual enterprises and organizations, causes the acceleration of attracting funds to the stock market, which can lead to the formation of a bubble on global level. If this bubble bursts, expectations about the economic efficiency of AI will be revised, and some AI-related companies will experience significant margin reductions (perhaps losses and bankruptcies). But this, in turn, will initiate the next stage of AI development, will accelerate its transition from the current narrow specialization to the creation of full-fledged general artificial intelligence (artificial general intelligence), which has a greater potential to change the economy at all levels. As a result, AI will become established as the core of the new industrial revolution.

An Observational Study on the Management of Medico-Legal Maxillofacial Trauma Cases by General Practitioners.

This study included 113 general practitioners from St. Spiridon Hospital in Iasi, Romania. Participants completed a self-administered structured questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practitioners regarding the handling of medico-legal cases. The scores obtained for the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices indicate a good level of knowledge on the part of the responding doctors, with the average value being 38, in a range from 0 to 49 (min. value 28-max wave. 47). The score regarding the attitudes of doctors related to the management of medico-legal cases is modest, with the average value being 37 points out of a maximum of 60 points (min. 14-max. 51). The same situation is recorded in the case of practices regarding the management of medico-legal cases, with the average value being 68 out of a maximum value of 90 (min. 38-max. 84). This study's results revealed the absence of a well-defined protocol for the recognition and handling of medico-legal cases among general practitioners from Iasi and the need to improve the level of attitudes and practices regarding the management of medico-legal cases. The limitations of this study included the relatively small sample from a single hospital and the use of a methodology based on self-administered questionnaires, which may be subjective. Accordingly, future studies should involve larger and more diverse samples to monitor changes in knowledge and practices over time and qualitative methodologies to gain deeper physician-related insights into medical case management.

Inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundInappropriate complementary feeding is widely practiced in low and middle income countries. These contribute to undernutrition, morbidity and mortality among young children. The incidence of malnutrition in the first two years of life has been directly linked with inappropriate complementary feeding practices along with high infectious disease levels.ObjectiveTo assess the level of inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6 to 23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021 among 609 children aged 6 to 23 months paired with their caregivers. Systematic random sampling was used to identify study participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25 software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Statistical significance was determined using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI).ResultsThe prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice among children aged 6–23 months was 55.3%. Being a mother under the age of 25 years [AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.31], aged 25–34 years [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.91], having an occupation [AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.05], and households where husbands’ are the sole decision makers on their income [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.77] increased the chance of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. On the other hand, mother’s whose infants were aged 9–11 months [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.45] were less likely to practice inappropriate complementary feeding.ConclusionsThe prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice in the study area was high compared to the WHO recommendation. Child’s age, maternal age, maternal occupation, and decision-making role on income were found to be associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Appropriate behavioral change communication to family and community decision-makers, and involvement of husbands in infant and young child feeding practice are recommendable.

Spillover effects from a type 2 diabetes integrated model of care in 22,706 Australians: an open cohort stepped wedge trial

BackgroundMany Australian adults are not receiving timely or effective diabetes management to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes related complications. Integrated care, a worldwide trend in healthcare reform, aims to reduce the fragmented delivery of health services and improve outcomes. This study aimed to test whether a specialist-led integrated model of care provided to a small subset of patients in general practices leads to spillover clinical improvements in all patients of the practice with type 2 diabetes.MethodsSeventy-two general practice sites (clusters) in New South Wales, Australia received the Diabetes Alliance intervention, creating a non-randomised open cohort stepped wedge trial. The intervention comprised of case conferencing, delivered directly to a small proportion of adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 1,072) of the general practice sites; as well as practice feedback, education and training. Spillover clinical improvements were assessed on all adults with type 2 diabetes within the general practice sites (n = 22,706), using practice level data recorded in the MedicineInsight electronic database, compared before and after the intervention. Outcome measures included frequency of diabetes screening tests in line with the Annual Cycle of Care, and clinical results for weight, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipids, and kidney function.ResultsCompared to before Diabetes Alliance, the odds of all practice patients receiving screening tests at or above the recommended intervals were significantly higher for all recommended tests after Diabetes Alliance (odds ratio range 1.41–4.45, p < 0.0001). Significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed for weight (absolute mean difference: -1.38 kg), blood pressure (systolic − 1.12 mmHg, diastolic − 1.18 mmHg), HbA1c (-0.03% at the mean), total cholesterol (-0.11 mmol/L), and triglycerides (-0.02 mmol/L) (p < 0.05). There were small but significant declines in kidney function.ConclusionsIntegrated care delivered to a small subset of patients with type 2 diabetes across a large geographic region has spillover benefits that improve the process measures and clinical outcomes for all practice patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial registrationACTRN12622001438741; 10th November 2022, retrospectively registered: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001438741.aspx.

Effect of Combination of Point-of-Care C-Reactive Protein Testing and General Practitioner Education and Long-Term Effect of Education on Reducing Antibiotic Prescribing for Children Presenting with Acute Infections in General Practice in Latvia: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Study.

Antibiotics are often overprescribed in children in general practice. We investigated whether the availability of C-reactive protein point-of-care testing (CRP POCT) in daily practice and general practitioner (GP) education reduces antibiotic prescribing for children with acute infections and whether GP education has a long-term effect on antibiotic prescribing. This was a randomized controlled intervention study with randomization at the GP practice level. Eligible patients were children aged 1 month to 17 years presenting to general practice with an acute infection. In the first study period, one GP group received combined interventions (CRP POCT was provided for daily use in combination with a live educational session), while the second GP group continued usual care. During the second study period, the GP groups were switched. During this period, the long-term education effect was evaluated in the GP group, which had previously received both interventions: the CRP POCT was no longer available in their practices in accordance with the study protocol, but education could have a lasting effect. Antibiotic prescribing at index consultation. GP with combined intervention enrolled 1784 patients, GP with usual care enrolled 886 patients, and GP with long-term education effect enrolled 647 patients. Most of the patients had upper (76.8%) and lower (18.8%) respiratory infections. In total, 29.3% of the study patients received antibiotic prescriptions. Adjusted binary logistic regression analysis showed no differences for the primary outcome between GPs with usual care and GPs with combined intervention (aOR 0.89 (0.74-1.07), p = 0.20), but significantly lower antibiotic prescribing was observed for GPs with long-term education in comparison with GPs with usual care (aOR 0.75 (0.59-0.96), p = 0.02); however, after multilevel analyses, any differences in the antibiotic prescription between intervention groups became non-significant. GPs widely used CRP POCT when it was available in practice (for 69.1% of patients in the combined intervention group), but rarely measured CRP in the laboratory in the usual care group (8.8% (n = 78)) or long-term education group (14.8% (n = 98)). The majority of the tested patients had low CRP levels (below 20 mg/L); despite this, up to 35.4% of them received antibiotic prescriptions. Our results show that the availability of CRP POCT and educational training for GPs together did not reduce antibiotic prescribing, and one-time education did not have a long-term effect on antibiotic prescribing.

Temporal Trends and Determinants of Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care: Insights from Northern Ireland

ObjectiveAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become one of the most serious global public health threats. Concerns about AMR resulted in increased monitoring and evaluation of antibiotic prescribing, with primary care responsible for over 80% of these prescriptions. Through this study, we aim to analyse temporal trends and variations in antibiotic prescribing at GP practice level and investigate the association between antibiotic prescribing and demographic, clinical, geographic, and socio-economic characteristics in Northern Ireland. MethodThe descriptive analyses are complemented by performing the multilevel modelling analysis to identify practice-level determinants of prescribing. ResultsChanges in standardised antibiotic prescribing rates are evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model with a random intercept for each GP practice. We discuss the changes in antibiotic prescribing rates over time, between-GP practice variations in prescribing, differences in prescribing between urban and urban practices, and the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on antibiotic prescribing rates Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study contributes to the debate on determinants of antibiotic prescribing in primary care and provides actionable insights to policy makers responsible for antimicrobial stewardship and public health campaigns.

Improving Cardiac Insights: Harnessing Privacy-Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) to Obtain, Link, and Enhance Data for a Healthier Australia

ObjectiveGeneral Practices (GPs) collect vital information on health and disease in Australia, however much of this sensitive data is difficult to share for linkage purposes due to confidentiality and privacy concerns. PPRL techniques have presented an opportunity to work with GP’s, and better understand health conditions such as negative cardiac outcomes in Australia. ApproachWe utilised two algorithms, GHRANITE and Bloom Filters, to hash 2.5 million records from over 100 GPs. Both approaches utilised the same basic principles: data custodians pass identifying data through an irreversible hashing algorithm, and generate a unique key for each record. The hashing is done at the practice level ensuring that original identifying patient information never leaves GP's premises. Hashed data can be sent elsewhere, and if the same algorithm is used on a different set of data, linkage can be performed on both sets to identify individuals without exposing identifying information. ResultsThe PPRL process involved encoding over 150 million records from diverse datasets, encompassing hospitals, housing, and other sources. Initial results indicated 70.90% linkage utilising GHRANITE, and 84.10% linkage utilising Bloom Filters. Moving forward, the goal is to provide the linked data back to GPs, enabling them to identify high-risk patients and implement targeted interventions or additional measures. ConclusionThrough the successful implementation of PPRL, the project has made strides in overcoming data sharing barriers while safeguarding confidentiality. By harnessing innovative algorithms, the initiative has paved the way for more insights into cardiac outcomes and the potential for proactive healthcare interventions.

Analysis of strengthening disaster risk financing within the framework of disaster management policy in Indonesia

This research analyzes disaster risk financing within the framework of the disaster management policy in Indonesia as the implementation of the Disaster Management Law, Number 24 of 2007, by examining recent issues, challenges, and opportunities in disaster financing. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research systematically reviews various studies, reports, and existing regulations and policies to understand the current landscape comprehensively. Recent developments in disaster risk financing in Indonesia highlight the need for a nuanced exploration of the existing policy framework. Fiscal constraints, evolving risk landscapes, and the increasing frequency of disasters underscore the urgency of effective disaster risk financing strategies. Through a qualitative examination, this study identifies challenges while illuminating opportunities for innovation and improvement within the current policy framework. The contribution of this research extends to both theoretical and practical levels. Theoretically, it enriches the academic discourse on disaster risk financing by offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. On a practical level, the findings derived from the examination provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners engaged in disaster management in Indonesia. The insights aim to inform the refinement of disaster management policies and practices, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving disaster scenarios.

Knowledge and Self-care Practices among a Sample of Type II Diabetes in Duhok City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Diabetes is a significant chronic disease with a high prevalence worldwide. The number of diabetic patients is rising, necessitating improvements in both care and treatment. A baseline evaluation of patients' knowledge and self-care habits is required. The study's objectives were to find out diabetic patients' understanding of the condition and its complications and adherence to self-care routines related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 300 diabetic patients with type two diabetes who were 18 years and older, having the condition for at least three months, and was conducted in Azadi general teaching hospital in Duhok city from April 2022 to September 2022. Patient selection was taken by systematic random method. A questionnaire which was interviewer-administered was used for collecting data. Results: Patients’ age ranged between 31 to 70 years; the majority of them (48.67%) were between the ages of 51 and 60 years. The participants were males (44.67%) and females (55.33%). Concerning knowledge about risk factors of diabetes 224 patients (74.67 %) knew that family history is a risk, while 254 (84.67 %) were unaware of low physical activity is a risk factor. Among the self-care practices, foot care was the most neglected area. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes mellitus did not demonstrate sufficient levels of knowledge and practice. Carefully targeted interventions are required. Another issue that has to be addressed is the diabetes patients' documented low adherence to physical activity.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA COUNTING BOX PADA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA MATERI PENJUMLAHAN DAN PENGURANGAN KELAS 1 SEKOLAH DASAR

The aim of this research is to find out the process of developing media, as well as the level of validity and practicality of counting box media. This research uses research and development (RD) methods with the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation) development model. Quantitative data was obtained from material and media validation questionnaires as well as teacher and student responses. Qualitative data consists of input from material and media validators regarding the products being developed. The research was conducted in February 2024 in Class I SDN 103/II Tanjung Agung. The material expert validation results showed a percentage score of 87.5% in the very valid category, while the media expert validation results showed a percentage score of 92.5% in the very valid category. The teacher's response shows a percentage score of 95% in the very practical category, and the student response shows a percentage score of 95.60% in the very practical category. Therefore, based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the counting box for teaching addition and subtraction material in first grade elementary schools is very valid and practical. The results also show that the counting box is suitable for use

PENGEMBANGAN SKENARIO PEMBELAJARAN AKTIF BERBASIS MIKiR UNTUK SISWA KELAS V PADA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA DI SEKOLAH DASAR

Learning scenario is the important thing in teaching process. Designing of good learning scenario is one of effort to increase learning quality. The aims of this study is to see the validity and practicality of the developed MIKiR-based active learning scenario. This study was carried out at the Integrated Islamic Elementary School (SDIT) Nurul Ilmi with the number of study subjects are 40 students from two fifth grades of Mathematics. The method used to develop the MIKiR-based active learning scenario is ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). The study instruments used in this study were: validation sheets to measure product feasibility, and teacher response questionnaires to see the practicality of the product. The results obtained are as follows, for the level of validity of the MIKiR-based active learning scenario, the average score is 3.67 with a very valid category consisting of three aspects, namely content, material, form, presentation, language, and legibility. Furthermore, the level of practicality obtained a very practical category with an average value of 84.76%. This can be seen from four aspects, namely the attractiveness of the device to student interest, ease of use and content, increased student activity, and time efficiency.

PRAKTIKALITAS E-LKPD BERBASIS PROBLEM BASED LEARNING PADA MATERI PELUANG KELAS X

This research aims to determine the level of practicality of E-LKPD based on problem based learning on opportunity material for class X. This research is expected to help students learn independently and improve problem solving. This type of research is development research (Research and Development) using the ADDIE development model which consists of 5 processes, namely the analysis process (Analysis), the design process (Design), the development process (Development), the implementation process (Implementation), and the evaluation process ( Evaluation). The subjects of this research were Phase E students of SMA Negeri 1 Bungo for the 2023/2024 academic year. The instruments in this research were questionnaires, interview guides, and learning outcomes tests. The practicality results in this research were 92.2% in the very practical category.

Manhaj al-Lugah al-‘Arabiyyah fi Madāris al-Ṡānawiyyah al-Islamiyyah: Taqwīm al-Taṭbīq Binaan ‘ala Qarar Wazīr al-Syuūn al-Dīniyyah

The formulation of evaluation tools needed to apply the curriculum in the process of evaluating the application of the curriculum at the practical level in education units. The objectives of this scientific research are: 1) Describe the curriculum application evaluation model with specifications for the formulation of components, aspects, context indicators, inputs, process, product, and outputs (CIPPO). Based on the decision of the Minister of Religious Affairs No. 183, 184, 189 and the theory of linguistic performance. 2) Analyzing the evaluation results of the implementation of the Arabic language curriculum. This scientific research utilized a research and development (R&amp;D) design) with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Data collection tools using interview, questionnaire, and documents. The data collection techniques are Dhelpi techniques; consultative discussions with experts as validators in preparing the instruments, group discussion forum; discussions with Arabic language teachers to analyze the needs and formulate the components, aspects, and indicators to achieve Arabic language curriculum application. And qualitative data analysis using triangulation method; data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The results of the research indicated that; 1) Implementing the evaluation of the Arabic language education curriculum in the Islamic high school using the CIPPO evaluation model with representative formulas and criteria from KMA 2019 No. 183, 84, and 189 with Dell Hymess' language performance theory Furthermore, CIPPO becomes an evaluation model in the form of curriculum achievement evaluation tools that include components on; context, inputs, process, outcomes, and learning outcomes with all aspects and indicators. The results of the evaluation of the implementation of the Arabic language curriculum for Ma'arif Islamic Secondary Schools Jepara are as follows; 1) Context aspects are at a very good level. 2) Aspects of the input components of the curriculum at a good level. 3) Aspects of the process components of the curriculum at a very good level. 4) The product component aspects of the curriculum are at a good level. 5) The learning outcomes aspects of language performance are at a poor level.

Function and watershed‐based stream mitigation: Lessons from a program development and implementation odyssey in the Western United States

AbstractTo improve the quality and success of compensatory mitigation under Clean Water Act Section 404, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency jointly promulgated regulations in 2008. These regulations promote the use of function assessments to determine appropriate compensatory mitigation to replace functions and services lost due to permitted impacts to aquatic resources and require a watershed approach to mitigation. The Oregon Removal‐Fill law, administered by the Department of State Lands, has similar requirements. Despite higher level policy, there is a paucity of scientific focus at the practical level needed to improve the tools and practices required for regulatory program implementation to achieve better mitigation outcomes, contributing to an implementation gap. By describing key challenges and specific solutions, we share lessons from a 15‐year interagency effort to develop and implement an integrated, function, and watershed‐based stream compensatory mitigation program in Oregon. We highlight the importance of an intentional process of engagement and change management and identify outstanding science and policy needs to improve stream compensatory mitigation programs and field‐scale outcomes.

Experimental investigation on seismic performance of a super high-rise mega frame-double core tube composite structure

Increasing population density and urbanization have intensified the need for high-rise buildings in recent years. The seismic resistance of high-rise buildings should be carefully concerned in seismic regions, especially for super high-rise buildings which are most vulnerable to long-period earthquakes. This paper introduced the model design of a 499 m super high-rise mega frame-double core tube composite structure and presented the shaking table test results of the 1/50 scaled structural model. This super high-rise building possesses many conducive merits to resist seismic hazard, including steel reinforced concrete members, high-strength concrete and double core tube. In the test, there were three groups of long-period earthquakes and four incremental seismic intensity levels considered. The test phenomena indicated that the coupling beams of exterior tube were the first line of defense to resist seismic actions. The existence of inner tube improved the shear resistance of this building and there was no observed shear damage on the walls. Based on the instrumented data, the vibration characteristics, acceleration, displacement and strain responses of the structure were reported. The seismic performance of this super high-rise building meets the requirements of design specifications and its collapse resistance capacity is physically proved under severe earthquakes. However, the whiplash effect of acceleration is serious on the roof due to the reduction of mass and constraint for the mega column end. Furthermore, the inter-story drifts and strain responses of trusses in the top region are significantly larger. For the seismic measurement, great attentions should be paid to the exterior coupling beams and structural members in the top region of this super high-rise building. The presented work provides well experimental confirmation and reference for super high-rise buildings with mega frame-double core tube composite system.

Application of The Philosophy of “Gotong Royong” To Improve Tax Compliance in Indonesia

Purpose: This research aims to offer the concept of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) in Indonesia as one of the factors that must be applied in order to improve tax compliance in Indonesia Methodology/approach: This study is a qualitative study with a library-research approach. Findings: Gotong royong, which means mutual cooperation, is a philosophy that has been ingrained in the Indonesian people; therefore, it should be an important component in carrying out counseling, socialization, and tax inclusion education for the Indonesian people. So, the perspective on tax obligations and compliance shifts from what was only an obligation to becoming a common necessity in building an independent and more sovereign Indonesian state. Practical implications: Theoretically, this research provides a new perspective on the application of social interaction theory and the theory of planned behavior, although the concepts offered in this article still require further study at the practical level. Originality/value: Research related to tax compliance has mostly been carried out using a quantitative survey approach or an empirical study approach. However, this research examines tax compliance from a different perspective, namely the philosophy of tax as a tool in developing the country, which is actually an embodiment of the local philosophy of Indonesia called gotong royong. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, this has not been widely implemented.

Knowledge, attitude and practice levels regarding malaria among the Semai sub-ethnic indigenous Orang Asli communities in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia: a stepping stone towards the prevention of human malaria re-establishment

BackgroundIn Malaysia, despite a decline in cases, malaria remains a major public health concern, especially among the vulnerable indigenous people (i.e. Orang Asli) in remote areas. Effective preventive and control measures require an evidence-based understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP regarding malaria in an indigenous settlement in Peninsular Malaysia.MethodsA household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2024 in six Semai sub-ethnic indigenous villages in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. A structured questionnaire was administered to randomly selected individuals (≥ 12 years old) to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and KAP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and predictors of KAP were determined using logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 267 individuals from 160 households were interviewed. Nearly half had good knowledge (49.4%) and positive attitudes (54.3%) towards malaria, with high practice scores for prevention and control (83.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed higher odds of good knowledge in those aged 40–59 years (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 6.90, p = 0.034), with primary (aOR = 2.67, p = 0.015) or secondary education (aOR = 2.75, p = 0.019), and with previous malaria history (aOR = 5.14, p < 0.001). Higher odds of a good attitude were found in those with secondary education (aOR = 4.05, p < 0.001) and previous malaria history (aOR = 2.74, p = 0.017). Lower odds were observed for the unemployed (aOR = 0.25, p = 0.018) and those collecting forest products (aOR = 0.25, p = 0.049) for attitude and practice, respectively.DiscussionThe overall practice level on malaria prevention was high among the Semai Orang Asli in Pahang. However, to ensure sustainability, the low levels of knowledge and attitude regarding malaria must be strengthened through increased health education and continuous community engagement.