Aspects Of Life Research Articles

ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL CORRUPTION IN LIBYA: CAUSES AND COUNTERMEASURES

This paper seeks to shed light on the causes of administrative and financial corruption in Libya and to study the political, economic and social dimensions behind it. This paper starts with its approach to these factors that cause the spread of the phenomenon of corruption and its penetration into most state institutions and the exacerbation of its outcomes that have affected all aspects of life and led to huge material losses and the deterioration of services in general. Based on the pioneering role of scientific research in providing studies, recommendations and advice, this study presents the best ways to combat administrative and financial corruption in Libya and how to reduce it and then eliminate it. The study concludes that administrative and financial corruption is the main factor in the aggravation of political, economic, and social conditions and in feeding manifestations of instability, poverty, backwardness, injustice, and feelings of discontent towards the authorities. The study also concluded that corruption could be reduced by developing control tools, such as strengthening control laws, tightening penalties, cooperation between government authorities, advanced solutions, accountability and transparency, encouraging the reporting of corruption, and supporting research institutions to study this phenomenon, in addition to the role of religious institutions in condemning and prohibiting corruption.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0729/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Logic of Impairment in Islamic Law: Philosophical Perspective as a Foundation for Ethics Education

The logic of harm in Islamic Law plays a central role in balancing benefit (benefit) and harm (loss). The principle of lā ḍarara wa lā ḍirāra is an important basis for establishing legal policies that aim to avoid all forms of harm to individuals and society. In the context of Islamic legal philosophy, the logic of harm reflects ethical principles aimed at maintaining human welfare and preventing loss. This article examines the logic of harm as a philosophical framework in determining Islamic law and its application in various aspects of modern life. The research method used is a qualitative research approach with analytical descriptive methods. The approach used by researchers in solving existing problems is normative and theoretical. This research explores the importance of the logic of harm in Islamic Law, especially in maintaining a balance between benefits and harms in various aspects of life. With the principle "lā ḍarar wa lā ḍirār", Islamic Law not only functions as a system of rigid rules, but also a dynamic tool that continues to be relevant amidst current developments. In modern applications, the logic of harm has proven effective in addressing contemporary challenges in health, economics, and the environment.

From Triumph to Uncertainty: The Journey of Software Engineering in the AI Era

Over the last ten years, the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has experienced an explosion of revolutionary breakthroughs, transforming what seemed like a far-off dream into a reality that is now deeply embedded in our everyday lives. AI’s widespread impact is revolutionizing virtually all aspects of human life, and software engineering (SE) is no exception. As we explore this changing landscape, we are faced with questions about what the future holds for SE and how AI will reshape the roles, duties, and methodologies within the field. The introduction of these groundbreaking technologies highlights the inevitable shift towards a new paradigm, suggesting a future where AI’s capabilities may redefine the boundaries of SE, potentially even more than human input. In this paper, we aim at outlining the key elements that, based on our expertise, are vital for the smooth integration of AI into SE, all while preserving the intrinsic human creativity that has been the driving force behind the field. First, we provide a brief description of SE and AI evolution. Afterward, we delve into the intricate interplay between AI-driven automation and human innovation, exploring how these two components can work together to advance SE practices to new methods and standards.

How Does Digital Integration Influence the Mental Health of Low-Income Populations?

Background: In recent years, the growing prevalence of digital technology has transformed every aspect of life, including mental health care and support. Digital integration—referring to both access to digital technology and the utilization of digital tools in daily life—has the potential to alleviate existing health inequalities, a phenomenon that has been labeled the ‘digital divide’. It is, therefore, imperative to gain an understanding of the mental health dynamics of vulnerable groups in the context of the digital age if we are to develop effective policies and interventions. Objectives: The present study aimed to expand the existing knowledge base on the impact of digital integration on the mental health of low-income populations, with a specific focus on its association with social participation and the contextual variations observed between urban and rural settings. Methods: A total of 930 Chinese urban and rural low-income residents (≥18 years old) were included in the study using data from the Comprehensive Social Survey of Urban and Rural Low-Income Populations in Hubei Province, China, 2022. Multiple linear regression, generalized propensity score matching, causal step regression, and bootstrap methods were adopted to assess the direct impact of digital integration on the mental health of low-income populations, as well as to test the mediating role of social participation. Results: Digital integration was positively associated with the mental health of low-income populations, particularly reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among low-income individuals, which remains robust even after accounting for potential selective bias. Social participation played a significant mediating role in the relationship between digital integration and the mental health of low-income populations. Heterogeneity analyses indicated that while digital integration has been demonstrated to markedly enhance mental health outcomes among urban low-income groups, this effect has not been observed in rural low-income populations. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the growing understanding of digital integration as a pathway to reducing mental health inequalities. It is imperative that targeted interventions be implemented to enhance digital integration and, in turn, improve mental health outcomes in low-income communities, particularly in rural areas, where the impact is less discernible.

Community Building in Crisis: Interventions With Displaced Communities in Temporary Housing Shelters.

Emergency displacement is a widespread phenomenon impacting all facets of life and increasing rates of psychological trauma. This article analyzes the effects of shared residency among evacuated and fragmented communities, focusing on social and communal disparities in temporary shelters. By adopting theoretical perspectives of community building and social capital, it describes interventions aimed at promoting resilience within newly formed shelter communities. A qualitative study was conducted in temporary housing shelters in Israel during wartime. The study included four focus groups with 31 professionals and an analysis of recent emergency protocols. Professional interventions following displacement into temporary evacuation centers create a new reference community, "the shelter community." These mobilizing interventions include establishing volunteer emergency teams, strengthening community cohesion, and fostering community participation in renewed daily routines. Community building interventions in temporary housing shelters can foster personal and community empowerment following disasters worldwide.

Quotidian Language Practices as Silent Enforcers of Caste Discrimination in India

In Indian society, the caste system profoundly influences cultural norms and social interactions, manifesting through various facets of life including language. This article explores the intersection of caste and language, focusing on how linguistic practices both reflect and perpetuate caste identities and inequalities. Caste, though a social construct rather than an inherent attribute, continues to shape social dynamics through established norms and behaviours. As visual markers of caste such as skin colour and attire have become less prominent, language has emerged as a crucial tool for identifying and sustaining caste distinctions. By analysing the structure, content and usage of language in different contexts, this study reveals how linguistic discourse reinforces caste hierarchies. It examines how certain languages or dialects are valorized or stigmatized based on caste and how language reproduces social hierarchies through caste-related vocabulary, expressions and other elements. The research draws on various theories to demonstrate how language not only reflects but actively sustains power dynamics intrinsic to the caste system. The findings emphasize the need for linguistic reforms as part of broader anti-caste initiatives, advocating for a lexicon free from discriminatory connotations to combat entrenched biases. This study contributes to the understanding of how language intersects with caste stratification and calls for integrating linguistic justice into efforts aimed at achieving social equity.

Medically assisted integrated rehabilitation program for people with opioid dependence: a quasi-experimental evaluation using multi-criteria decision analysis

Abstract Background Opioid use disorders constitute a vast disease burden, need for comprehensive treatment, and substantial costs to individuals, families, and society. The multifaceted needs of people with opioid dependence call for integrated care. The study aims to assess the added value of an integrated medically assisted rehabilitation (MAR) program providing opioid agonist therapy for patients with opioid dependence as compared to the standard of care (SoC) in Norway. Methods The intervention includes a comprehensive tertiary care integrated MAR program in Bergen. SoC is a much less intense primary care program in Oslo. 682 and 609 patients from Bergen, and 864 and 771 patients from Oslo were included in 2017 and 2019, respectively. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was used where the relative preferences of the importance of the outcomes were obtained from a discrete choice experiment among five different stakeholder-groups. Seven outcomes related to health, well-being, experience of the care process, and cost were measured. The performance scores were measured in a study with a quasi-experimental design. Scores were analyzed using linear mixed methods. Performance scores for the outcomes were standardized and multiplied by their relative preferences to obtain the overall value scores in the MCDA. Results We found similar value scores for both care delivery models regarding physical functioning, psychological well-being, social relationships & participation, enjoyment of life, and total costs. The Bergen-model scored higher on continuity of care (0.733 versus 0.680), while the SoC-model scored higher on person-centeredness (0.772 versus 0.635). Overall value scores were marginally in favor of the MAR-Bergen (0.708 versus 0.705 for patients). Conclusion Acknowledging the significance of different life aspects emphasizes the need for integrated care at a specific level for people with opioid dependence. We conclude that the two highly effective treatment approaches produce promising outcomes in a challenging population and are quite similar. However, further research with more robust longitudinal data is needed.

Wild fruits, forager children and secret treats in pre-Columbian South Florida

The archaeology of childhood has shown that research is possible on even the most ephemeral aspects of ancient human lives if we ask the correct questions of the material record. Children are now visible members of ancient societies and their impact on the physical environment in which they lived can be identified. This paper looks at food remains possibly recovered by children as a lens into one of the secret places and spaces of childhood. Fruit is often gathered by children in forager societies, in small peer groups that incorporate play, learning and socialisation into food provisioning. Using palaeobotanical and environmental data from the hunter-fisher-gatherer Tequesta society situated at the mouth of the Miami River along Biscayne Bay in south Florida, this paper suggests the human biological predilection for sugar facilitated a uniquely powerful relationship between plants, children and fruit trees. Fruit would have satisfied a powerful biological craving for sugar in this marine-resources focused culture. The relationship between children, fruit and wild food gathering shaped the foodscape of ancestral south Florida and the children who lived there. The lens of plant studies allows us to better appreciate the active role plants had in shaping human behaviour and landscape experiences.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE DIGITAL ERA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

This research discusses the challenges and solutions of implementing management information systems in the digital era. In the digital era, the development of information technology is rapidly advancing and has brought significant changes to various aspects of life, including the business world. Companies and organizations are now required to be more responsive, faster, and more efficient in their operations. One way to achieve that goal is through the implementation of a Management Information System. (SIM ). This research uses the literature review method by examining the implementation of SIM through previous studies and articles. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of SIM does not always go smoothly; there are challenges that must be faced, such as costs, the integration of old systems into new ones, and data security. Therefore, solutions are needed to address these challenges.

MEANING TRANSFORMATION OF KAZAKH AND TURKISH IDIOMS WITH CLOTHES COMPONENTS

Idioms are linguistic expressions with figurative or metaphorical meanings that differ from the lexical meanings of individual words. They are an important part of the cultural and linguistic heritage that reflects each nation’s mentality, customs, and traditions. Idioms can be based on various aspects of life, one of which is clothing. The aim of this research is to analyze the similarities and differences in clothing-related idioms in Kazakh and Turkish languages, as inheritors of ancient Turkic culture. The scientific relevance of the study lies in identifying the cultural and linguistic commonalities of these two nations and illustrating the distinctive aspects of their development. The novelty of this work is that, for the first time, it presents a comprehensive comparative study of the historical and linguistic transformations of clothing terms and idioms in both languages. The primary directions of the study focus on examining the lexical and semantic differences in clothing concepts and idioms. This article holds practical value for Turkology, linguistics, and cultural studies. The research methodology is based on comparative-historical and semantic analysis. During the research, the influence of cultural factors on the origin and development of clothing terms and idioms was examined. The results indicate that, due to geographic, climatic, and historical-political factors, clothing idioms in the Turkish language have acquired new meanings, while in Kazakh many ancient idioms have retained their original meanings. The conclusion demonstrates that changes in clothing concepts influence the evolution of their figurative meanings.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Learning for College Students

The focus of education in the 4.0 era is not only on academic knowledge, but also on the development of important skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy. These are skills needed to adapt to the changing world of work. The use of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR) has changed the way teachers and students interact. Learning can be done online with digital platforms, allowing access to wider information and flexibility of time. Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed many aspects of life, including education. This article aims to explore the use of AI in learning for students, with a focus on effectiveness, impact, and challenges faced. Through a literature review and case studies, this research identifies how AI can improve the learning experience, personalize education, and increase student engagement.

Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Behavior in Home Gardening

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped various aspects of life, influencing consumer behaviors and economic activities worldwide. This paper delves into the shifts in consumer preferences and shopping patterns for gardening products and services during and after the pandemic era. Through nationwide online surveys conducted from 2020 to 2022, we analyze changes in time spent and expenses on gardening and identify key demographic and pandemic-related factors influencing these behaviors during the pandemic era. We employed both generalized and standard ordered logistic regression models to assess the impact of various variables on the ordinal dependent variable. The findings reveal a significant surge in both time spending on home gardening activities and money invested in gardening products and services, especially among individuals who considered gardening beneficial for well-being and as a family activity. Notably, the preference for online shopping and mail delivery for gardening supplies emerged as a prominent trend during the pandemic, accompanied by a significant increase in the purchase of fruit plants, vegetable plants, and seeds, indicating that primary motivation for gardening was self-food consumption. These insights provide valuable guidance for businesses in the green industry, informing production, marketing practices, and economic recovery efforts post-COVID-19.

Patients' perspectives of the long-term impact of orthodontic treatment: a qualitative study.

To explore how orthodontic treatment affects different aspects of life, such as self-esteem, well-being, and social interactions and, additionally, to identify the long-term challenges that orthodontic patients experience after treatment. This qualitative study involved in-depth semistructured face-to-face interviews. A purposive sampling strategy aimed to recruit a representative cohort of orthodontic patients who had their orthodontic treatment in adolescence and had their treatment concluded at least 5 years previously. Twenty-one patients (13 females and 8 males) were interviewed using a prepiloted topic guide. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed verbatim, using the general inductive method of data analysis. The thematic analysis revealed four key themes and related subthemes: (1) self-confidence and interpersonal communication, (2) social and professional opportunities, (3) oral health and function, and (4) challenges. In-depth analysis revealed positive treatment outcomes regarding enhanced self-confidence, social interactions, and perceived improvement in oral health and function. It also highlighted ongoing challenges with retainers and dissatisfaction with relapse. Orthodontic treatment can significantly impact patient lives. Orthodontic patients described direct long-term positive effects on their social lives and well-being. However, it is equally important to remain mindful of the long-term challenges that may arise after treatment, especially with retainer choices and relapse, enabling proactive measures to mitigate their impact.

Implementation of Ibnu Khaldun's Thoughts in Islamic Education in the Era of Society 5.0: Holistic and Contextual Approach

Humans were created by Allah SWT as servants (abd) and leaders (khalifah fil ardh), which requires humans to base every action on knowledge. The importance of knowledge has been emphasized in the Al-Qur'an (QS. At-Taubah: 122) and the hadith of the Prophet SAW, which emphasizes knowledge as a necessity in all aspects of life. In the era of Society 5.0, a human-centered society concept that integrates the virtual and physical worlds, education is a crucial means for developing technological capabilities while maintaining human morality and character. One solution is the application of Ibnu Khaldun's thinking which emphasizes education as a tool for transferring knowledge, building character and morality. This research uses a pure library research method using a descriptive analytical approach. This research aims to examine the implementation of Ibnu Khaldun's educational concept to answer the challenges of the Society 5.0 era. With a holistic and contextual approach, it is hoped that Islamic education will be created that is adaptive and relevant. Research implications include developing a holistic curriculum that integrates intellectual, moral and spiritual values; responsiveness to social and technological change through updating curriculum and learning methods; emphasis on practical skills with innovative methods such as project-based learning; as well as increasing teacher competency through pedagogical and technological training. In conclusion, Ibnu Khaldun's thoughts offer a solid foundation for Islamic education in the Society 5.0 era. Education not only forms a generation that is competent in technology but is also rooted in Islamic values, creating individuals who are characterful, wise, and ready to face global challenges.

Development of an Android-Based Financial Management App to Support Educational Infrastructure Enhancement at Pondok Pesantren Nurul Hidayah in Accordance with SDG 9

Technological advancements have transformed the way humans live, with increasing digitalization in various aspects of life. However, in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there has been a disruption to the role of humans, raising concerns about the loss of the essence of humanity. In 2019, Japan introduced the concept of Smart Society 5.0 to address the negative impacts of this disruption by reinstating humans as the main element in modern life. As a form of community service, the service team developed the program "Simple Financial Application as a Medium for Financial Management at Nurul Hidayah Islamic Boarding School," located in Sukaharja, Cijeruk, Bogor Regency. The main issue faced by the partner is that financial management is still carried out manually, leading to the risk of recording errors and discrepancies in financial data. This activity aims to digitize the financial administration system and enhance the digital literacy of the students and staff of the boarding school through seminars, training, and mentoring. The methods used include a holistic approach comprising observation, interviews, digital financial literacy seminars, training on using Android-based financial applications, and online and offline mentoring for three months. The results indicate an improvement in the partner's ability to use financial technology, the achievement of efficiency in recording financial transactions, and increased transparency in fund management. The contribution of this activity to Nurul Hidayah Islamic Boarding School is the enhancement of staff capabilities in digital-based financial management and the encouragement of community empowerment by utilizing technology to achieve sustainable and efficient financial management.

A study on digital literacy of rural women based on their educational qualification

Digital literacy is a crucial aspect of contemporary life, enabling individuals to access information, participate in socio-economic activities, and adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. However, the digital divide remains a persistent challenge, particularly among rural women, whose access and proficiency are often shaped by factors such as educational qualification. This study examines the digital literacy levels of rural women in relation to their educational backgrounds. By employing a mixed-methods approach that includes surveys and interviews, the research aims to explore how varying levels of formal education influence digital competencies, usage patterns, and barriers to digital inclusion. The findings highlight significant disparities in digital skills, access to technology, and confidence in using digital tools among women with differing educational attainments. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions, including digital skill training and access enhancement programs, to bridge the digital literacy gap and empower rural women to fully engage with digital resources. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on gender equity and rural development in the future world.

Digital technologies and consumer perception in the Croatian market

Today’s consumers are guided by several internal and external factors that shape their preferences when purchasing products and services. Many disruptions, such as the pandemic and legal, economic, and financial disruptions, have occurred in recent years on a global and economic level. First, the COVID-19 pandemic with numerous consequences on all aspects of human life; second, the sudden outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which shapes new international trade policies; and, finally, the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the Schengen area with the introduction of a new official currency are just some of the global events that influence consumer behavior. Under such uncertain conditions, the levels of stress, fear, panic, and anxiety are high among consumers because confidence in producers has been lost, and prices are expected to rise dramatically. The question is whether such negative perceptions could be prevented or mitigated through digital technologies that could give consumers an insight into price changes during crises and help them overcome or even mitigate the fear of reduced purchasing power. This paper explores consumer perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and a new currency have influenced consumer behavior, whether they have changed it, and to what extent. The research also examined how consumers’ negative perceptions can be mitigated by applying digital solutions. The second part of the paper presents empirical results collected through detailed research to complement the theoretical background with practical data.

Biomarkers of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative brain disease characterised by motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor disabilities, including dystonia and dyskinesia, cause speech and movement difficulties and limit many aspects of life. Factors affecting PD refer to the various internal and external conditions that contribute to the onset, severity and progression of the disease. These factors can be broadly categorised into genetic, environmental and lifestyle-related factors. The primary objective of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the association between environmental exposures and genetic predisposition and the risk of developing PD. Secondary objectives include examining the relationships between these factors and clinical outcomes in PD, such as disease severity and progression. We have utilised the data from other research studies, which primarily involve recruiting a cohort of individuals at high risk for PD based on their family history and/or environmental exposure history. These research studies also include participants who will undergo clinical evaluations, including neurological examinations and cognitive assessments, and provide biospecimens for genetic analysis. Environmental exposure histories will be obtained through questionnaires and medical records fetched by the authors of these research studies. In all these studies, participants were followed up regularly over several years to monitor the development of PD and to assess disease progression. This study provided valuable insights into the role of environmental exposures and genetic predisposition in the development and progression of PD. The results of this study may inform strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of PD in high-risk individuals, as well as guide the development of targeted interventions for those already diagnosed with the disease.

Preparation of MgAl‐LDH/halloysite composite materials for efficient CO2 adsorption

AbstractBackgroundCO2 emissions have had negative impacts on various aspects of life and the environment, making the development of materials with high CO2 adsorption performance crucial.ResultIn this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a carrier to prepare MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) via a convenient coprecipitation method, resulting in MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite material, which was then evaluated for its CO2 adsorption performance. The physicochemical properties of the composite material were characterized using various methods. Results showed that the 1:1 ratio MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite exhibited superior material structure, with a specific surface area reaching 178.24 m2 g−1. In CO2 adsorption performance tests, the 1:1 MgAl‐LDH/HNT composite showed the best adsorption performance, with a CO2 adsorption capacity of 3.91 mmol g−1. This adsorption process includes physical adsorption and chemical adsorption. Kinetic analysis results indicate that the adsorption process is mainly dominated by physical adsorption. The material also demonstrated good performance in cyclic stability tests, maintaining a regeneration efficiency of over 94% after six cycles.ConclusionThe MgAl‐LDH/HNT material has good properties and stability. This provides an effective pathway and direction for the development of new adsorbents with higher CO2 adsorption performance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

The Invertebrate Immunocyte: A Complex and Versatile Model for Immunological, Developmental, and Environmental Research.

The knowledge of comparative and developmental immunobiology has grown over the years and has been strengthened by the contributions of multi-omics research. High-performance microscopy, flow cytometry, scRNA sequencing, and the increased capacity to handle complex data introduced by machine learning have allowed the uncovering of aspects of great complexity and diversity in invertebrate immunocytes, i.e., immune-related circulating cells, which until a few years ago could only be described in terms of morphology and basic cellular functions, such as phagocytosis or enzymatic activity. Today, invertebrate immunocytes are recognized as sophisticated biological entities, involved in host defense, stress response, wound healing, organ regeneration, but also in numerous functional aspects of organismal life not directly related to host defense, such as embryonic development, metamorphosis, and tissue homeostasis. The multiple functions of immunocytes do not always fit the description of invertebrate organisms as simplified biological systems compared to those represented by vertebrates. However, precisely the increasing complexity revealed by immunocytes makes invertebrate organisms increasingly suitable models for addressing biologically significant and specific questions, while continuing to present the undeniable advantages associated with their ethical and economic sustainability.