Local Content Research Articles

Home remedies: flexibilities to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing under WTO rules

Abstract In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, governments globally have intensified efforts to localize the production of pharmaceuticals, leveraging local content requirements and incentives to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. This shift has revealed tensions with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, notably highlighted in Turkey—Pharmaceutical Products (EU). This article explores policy-based flexibilities within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement that may justify measures inconsistent with WTO norms under specific conditions. Analysing public health exceptions, national security imperatives, and government procurement policies, the paper elucidates how these flexibilities can be mobilized to support onshoring initiatives while adhering to international trade obligations. The findings suggest a nuanced approach to reconciling public health goals and economic strategies with global trade rules, providing a critical framework for policymakers navigating the complex interplay between national interests and international legal commitments.

CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing in Auxotrophic and Non-auxotrophic Fission Yeast Strains.

The CRISPR/Cas system is a very powerful genome-editing tool that has been developed over the past decade to optimize genome editing for many organisms. Here, we describe a rapid genome-editing method for fission yeast using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. It allows rapid generation of desired auxotrophic and non-auxotrophic strains without perturbing the local genome content by avoiding the insertion of selection markers at target loci.

Reimagining the accidentally local in English RE

ABSTRACT This paper will critically analyse the assertion that ‘The local argument for the Locally Agreed Syllabus has been lost’ (57). It will begin by briefly sketching the historical background to the unique way that Religious Education is structured in England, with each local area having its own syllabus. It will then outline some of the main points of the local/national debate, which has been an issue for over 50 years. It will then critically analyse what is meant by local, drawing on debates in History education, before turning to consider what content means in Religious Education syllabi, drawing on the work of the Religious Education Council’s Religion and Worldviews Project. It will conclude by suggesting that the initial assertion is accurate and that the concept of local content should be reimagined as a hermeneutic encounter between the pupil and the subject matter, recognising that each encounter will be unique because of the perspectives of the individuals involved in that encounter. Practically, schools should be free to determine their own curricula for RE in line with national benchmarks, as with any other subject.

Utilising brewer’s spent grain as a cost-effective feed formula for sustainable house cricket (Acheta domesticus) rearing

Abstract This study investigates the potential of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) as a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal in the diets of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) to enhance sustainable cricket rearing. BSG, a by-product of the brewing industry, was chosen due to its local availability and high protein content (38%). Here, the impacts of varying levels of BSG substitution (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, chemical composition, and volatile compound profiles of crickets over a 45-day period was assessed. Crickets were reared under controlled conditions and divided into five groups, each receiving one of the experimental diets. Growth performance parameters, including body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio, were measured. Chemical analysis of the crickets and their diets was conducted, focusing on protein efficiency ratio, apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD), and nitrogen retention. Volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Crickets fed BSG diets exhibited higher protein deposition and lower fat content compared to those on a commercial diet, suggesting BSG’s potential to improve protein quality while reducing fat accumulation. ADMD was also higher in BSG-fed crickets, likely due to the prebiotic effects of components such as β-glucans and arabinoxylans. Additionally, the inclusion of BSG up to 30% in cricket diets reduced production costs by up to 29% compared to a commercial diet. Volatile compound analysis revealed that crickets fed BSG diets produced different odour profiles, with 2-heptanone, a compound with a fruity aroma, detected only in BSG-fed crickets. These findings suggest that BSG is a viable and sustainable ingredient for cricket feed, offering both economic and nutritional benefits while also influencing the sensory characteristics of crickets. Further research is recommended to optimise BSG inclusion levels and explore its broader applications in insect and animal farming.

Towards sustainable resource management: Graph modelling insights from Ghana's oil and gas local content ecosystem

A critical aspect of the management of oil and gas resources in Ghana is the effective promotion and development of local content to maximise the participation of local businesses and workforce in the oil and gas industry. This study examined local content drive in Ghana's oil and gas sector, analyzing its functional relations with institutional characteristics, participation, technology transfer, and economic growth via graph modelling framework. A total of 250 key stakeholders were involved in this cross-sectional study. A network analysis revealed the centrality of institutional characteristics in driving local content development, while economic growth was the least integrated domain. Diverse strengths and directionality of connections between domains were observed, which highlight the complexity of areas of influence and potential challenges. Process modelling analysis showed a significant positive direct effect of institutional characteristics on local content drive, emphasizing the critical role of robust and supportive institutions in driving local content initiatives. Conversely, economic growth exhibited a smaller yet significant negative direct effect, indicating a trade-off between economic expansion and local content focus. The broader implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of local content drive in Ghana's oil and gas sector.

K-콘텐츠를 활용한 지역관광 활성화 방안 : 춘천 사례를 중심으로

By focusing on the case of Chuncheon, this study explores the local governments' strategies to revitalize local tourism by utilizing K-contents. The study examines Chuncheon’s geographical characteristics, natural resources, cultural resources, and industrial assets within the broader context of K-contents which also includes local content. In-depth interviews with experts and focus group interviews with consumers were conducted. The analysis utilized the 'Local Content-Based Tourism Industry Competitiveness Evaluation Model' which focuses on four key elements: cultural tourism content resources, K-content-based tourism market, strategy and business implementation system, and supporting environment (i.e., infrastructure). The results revealed that while Chuncheon possesses diverse natural and cultural resources, there is a need for improvement in linking and utilizing these assets. The study highlights the necessity of developing and promoting contents that align with current tourism trends and the preferences of the MZ generation. Additionally, it calls for an enhancement of infrastructure, such as accommodation and transportation, to better connect major tourist spots within the city. To foster the cultural and tourism content industry, the study also emphasizes the urgent need to establish governance to systematically support development efforts. The research proposes a five-theme strategy to revitalize tourism in Chuncheon: regional characteristics, culture and festivals, filming location spots, leisure sports, and food. This approach provides practical implications by offering a comprehensive perspective on the current situation, challenges, and revitalization measures for Chuncheon tourism.

Effects of Bilingualism on Local Content- Based Printed Advertisement for Products Selling by MSME: A Commercial Onomastic Approach

Effects of Bilingualism on Local Content- Based Printed Advertisement for Products Selling by MSME: A Commercial Onomastic Approach

Learning Compressed Artifact for JPEG Manipulation Localization Using Wide-Receptive-Field Network

JPEG image manipulation localization aims to accurately classify and locate tampered regions in JPEG images. Existing image manipulation localization schemes usually consider diverse data streams of spatial domain, e.g. noise inconsistency and local content inconsistency. They, however, easily ignore an objective scenario: data stream features of spatial domain are hard to directly apply to compressed image format, e.g., JPEG, because tampered JPEG images may contain severe re-compression inconsistency and re-compression artifacts, when they are re-compressed to JPEG format. As a result, the traditional localization schemes relying on general data streams of spatial domain may result in a large number of false detection of tampered region in JPEG images. To address the above problem, we a new JPEG image manipulation localization scheme, in which a wide-receptive-field attention network is designed to effectively learn JPEG compressed artifacts. We firstly introduce the wide-receptive-field attention mechanism to re-construct U-Net network, which can effectively capture contextual information of JPEG images and analyze tampering traces from different image regions. Furthermore, a flexible JPEG compressed artifact learning module is designed to capture the image noise caused by JPEG compression, in which the weights can be adjusted flexibly based on image quality, without the need for decompression operations on JPEG images. Our proposed method can significantly strength the differentiation capability of detection model for tampered and non-tampered regions. A series of experiments are performed over different image sets, and the results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve an overall localization performance for multi-scale JPEG manipulation regions and outperform most of state-of-the-art schemes in terms of detection accuracy, generalization and robustness.

Investigating Marketing Strategies and Consumer Behavior of Chinese Otome Games: A Case Study of Game “Love and Deep Space”

This study investigates the marketing strategies and consumer behavior associated with Chinese otome games, using “Love and Deep Space” as a case study. Otome games, a genre predominantly targeting female players, have gained significant traction in the Chinese gaming market. This research explores how these games are marketed and how consumer behavior influences their success. Through a mixed-method approach, including market analysis, consumer surveys, the study examines promotional tactics, platform usage, and consumer preferences. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of targeted digital marketing, the role of social media influencers, and the impact of localized content on player engagement. The results provide insights into how otome games can leverage marketing strategies to enhance their appeal in the competitive Chinese market and offer recommendations for developers aiming to optimize their marketing efforts and understand consumer preferences in this niche segment.For example, the popularity of games such as Love & Producer not only shows the commercial potential of B-girl games, but also highlights the specific needs of female gamers for game content and experiences. Therefore, game developers need to have a deep understanding of these requirements and incorporate them into game design and marketing strategies in order to gain a competitive advantage in this growing market.

The Evolution of Advertising in Nigeria: Promoting Local Content for Sustainable Development

The complex relationship between advertising and local content promotion in Nigeria is one of the huge challenges to sustainable development. Cultural oversimplification, misrepresentation, and dominance of the West do significant damage to the representation of Nigerian culture authentically in the practice of advertising. This paper, therefore, reviews this relationship by incorporating historical evolution, and technological, cultural, and regulatory dynamics. The qualitative research design followed in this study generated primary data through the use of in-depth interviews conducted on key players in the Nigerian advertising industry. The primary data collected underwent a thematic analysis, while the historical analysis was supported by multiple sources, including historical records, publications from the industry itself, and scholarly literature. This research shall, therefore, be located within the understanding of the Cultural Imperialism Theory and the Development Media Theory as a lens to critically analyse the complexity of representations of local content in advertising. The results showed that there were positive and negative perceptions toward the integration of local content in Nigerian advertisements, as most consumers appreciate culturally authentic content. It identifies challenges and also shows how to use opportunities: bridging Nigeria's multicultural identity and digital platforms for sustainable development. This research underlines the need for a balance between global advertising practices and the local cultural nuances of impactful, sensitive campaigns that shall help lead the course of sustainable development and preserve the rich cultural heritage of this great nation.

YouTube channel as a component of convergent media: role, influence and perspectives

The article aims to analyze the role of local media in shaping the public agenda during large-scale military actions in Ukraine and how to increase audience loyalty and engagement through convergent practices. In particular, the content, growth dynamics, target audience characteristics, and specific features of the YouTube channel Dnipro TV as a convergent media are considered. The city television channel has successfully transformed from a traditional broadcaster into a convergent media through its YouTube channel and other social networks. This has allowed it to expand its audience, maintain influence, and adapt to changes in the media landscape. It is noted that during two years of full-scale aggression, the number of subscribers to the Dnipro TV YouTube channel has nearly tripled. The channel hosts all the content produced by the creative team of Dnipro TV. The videos can be accessed directly from the YouTube page or via the respective section on the website. The chosen research period is characterized by, on the one hand, increased demand for local content from the city's TV channel audience due to the hostilities and security threats to the population. On the other hand, there is the involvement of the global community in events in Ukraine and the interest of displaced persons, with local content on the YouTube channel being accessible from any country. Thus, only 64.7 % of users watch videos on the YouTube channel from within Ukraine, while over 35 % view local content from other countries. The analysis also highlights changes in the audience's gender composition: before the war, women constituted the majority, while in 2023 and 2024, the male audience made up 54 %, compared to 45.9 % female. The convergent local media Dnipro TV attracts its audience with news broadcasts, a series of original programs, and talk shows, all of which can be found on YouTube and watched at a convenient time. We believe that the development of this channel as a convergent media with multiplatform content representation holds great promise.

Curriculum Management of Local Content in Fostering Religious Behavior: A Study at Madrasah Aliyah

This study investigates the management of local content curriculum in shaping religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom. Specifically, the research addresses three key questions: (1) How is the local content curriculum planned to foster religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? (2) How is the local content curriculum implemented to shape religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? (3) What are the outcomes of the local content curriculum in fostering religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom? The objectives of this study are to: (1) examine the planning of the local content curriculum, (2) explore the implementation process, and (3) analyze the outcomes in shaping religious behavior at MA Raden Paku Wringinanom. This research employs a qualitative method with descriptive analysis, utilizing an interactive model. The data analysis involves stages of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. After collecting and categorizing the data, the researcher provides an in-depth description before concluding the findings based on available sources. The results of this study are as follows: (1) The planning of the local content curriculum involves adherence to the School Work Plan (RKT) and the Madrasah Work Plan and Budget (RKAM) to define local content programs, select subjects, assign teachers, and determine learning resources and funding. (2) The implementation phase includes syllabus review, lesson plan (RPP) development, and assessment. (3) The outcomes of the local content curriculum include program-specific local content initiatives and the evaluation of student learning outcomes.

The Curriculum Management Models of Laboratory Schools in Lptk

This study examines the curriculum management models in laboratory schools under the Educational Personnel Training Institutions (LPTK) at four universities: Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP), and Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha). Laboratory schools play a vital role as practical training grounds for prospective teachers and as centers for educational innovation development. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach to explore the various curriculum management models implemented in these laboratory schools.The findings indicate that the curriculum management in each laboratory school has its unique characteristics based on the vision and mission of each university. However, there is a general focus on developing curricula that align with national education needs and local content. Effective evaluation and supervision are key to successful curriculum implementation in laboratory schools. Furthermore, laboratory schools also play a strategic role as centers for innovative education and serve as models for other schools in preparing professional teacher candidates.

EEG-based patient-specific seizure prediction based on Spatial–Temporal Hypergraph Attention Transformer

Background and Objectives:Patient-specific seizure prediction based on Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a challenging and significant neuromedicine study, which could potentially safeguard drug-resistant patients from unforeseen risks in their daily lives. However, prevalent seizure prediction frameworks based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) prioritize local information while overlooking long-range global dependencies and high-order spatial correlations prevalent among brain leads. Methods:To address the limitations above, we propose a novel Spatial–Temporal Hypergraph Attention Transformer (STHAT) framework for extracting the key features in EEG signals. Aimed at the characteristics of epilepsy EEG data, our framework comprises two primary branches: (1) Long-range Temporal Feature Dependencies: This branch aims to capture temporal dependencies within EEG signals by leveraging Swin Transformer and 2D-CNN. Utilizing shifting windows and convolution operations, we encode local and global content dependencies within segmented EEG samples. (2) High-Order Spatial Information Correlations: We construct a raw graph structure using the Pearson correlation coefficient, enabling the extraction of initial node embeddings through graph convolution operations (GCO). Subsequently, a dynamic hypergraph is formed using K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and K-means clustering, allowing us to employ a Hypergraph Attention Network (HAN) to capture structural context relationships among brain regions. By integrating information from both branches, we utilize a linear layer to derive the final seizure prediction outcome. Experiment and Results:Extensive evaluations are conducted on the widely used CHB-MIT dataset. Our comprehensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in achieving superior performance in automatic seizure data prediction, outperforming state-of-the-art algorithms. The STHAT framework effectively exploits both temporal and spatial information within EEG signals, enhancing seizure prediction accuracy.

Manajemen Kurikulum Muatan Lokal dalam Pengembangkan Kemampuan Baca Tulis Al Qur’an

This research analyzes the planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of local content curriculum management in developing Al-Qur'an reading and writing skills at SMPN 2 Diwek. The method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collected through observation, interviews and documentation. The results show that the curriculum was initially designed with an administrative model, but was later changed to a grass-roots model due to input from supervisors. Planning is done by preparing a learning plan at the beginning of the semester and submitting it to the school for monitoring. Organizing is carried out by the deputy principal by arranging teaching hours and lesson schedules. Implementation according to the predetermined schedule. Learning includes reading 2 Juz of the Qur'an per semester, recitation knowledge, and short surah imlak. Evaluation involves summative examinations tailored to the Learning Objectives, as well as teaching supervision by the principal and a team of senior teachers

Contribution of Local Content Learning in Preserving Kajang Tribe Culture : Phenomenological Study

This research aims to accumulate the concept of formal education in encouraging and maintaining the existence of the Kajang tribe's cultural traditions. The research approach used is a qualitative with a phenomenological method. The informants in this study were the Kajang tribal leaders, the community, parents of students, and teachers of SDN 351 Kawasan Amma Toa. Data collection techniques used were through observation, interviews and documents. The data obtained were then analyzed through three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the research show that "Pasang Ri Kajang" or noble values implemented in local content learning from the local wisdom of the Kajang tribal community are: 1) Love for God and the universe and its contents, 2) Responsibility, discipline and independence, 3) Honest, 4) Obey applicable rules and be polite, 5) Care about the environment, 6) Work hard in nature conservation, 7) Justice, 8) Be humble, 9) Love peace and unity. The integration of local wisdom values in learning will be in accordance with the existing environment experienced by students so that students will be more motivated in learning so that it will have an impact on preserving Kajang tribal culture.

Reimagining Cultural Identity through Technology in English Language Education in Omani Students

This study explores the impact of technology on English language learning and cultural identity among students in Oman. With 70% of students using technology frequently for English acquisition with the help of online language learning apps, digital platforms play a central role in their educational experiences. However, 55% of students and 60% of teachers expressed concerns that these tools may introduce values that conflict with Omani traditions, prompting a debate about cultural preservation. The findings reveal that while technology enhances language learning, it also influences students' perceptions of their cultural identity. Many students and teachers advocated for more localized content in digital tools to ensure that Omani cultural values are maintained alongside global communication skills. This study highlights the duality faced by students in balancing their cultural roots with globalized learning environments and emphasizes the need for culturally responsive teaching practices.

Leveraging Social Media for Enrichment in Buddhist Tourism: A Mixed-Methods Study between Pakistan and China

This research work takes a strategic perspective on how social media can be leveraged for use between Pakistan and China, considering cultural and historical ties under the roof of Buddhist tourism. The Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) is applied in this qualitative study, complemented by the quantitative analysis of engagement through social media, to gain insights into why people visit different websites and how effective social media is in promoting tourism. The paper considered WeChat, Weibo, Instagram, and Facebook as they all have something unique to give to a tourist. The research has found that culturally relevant and visually rich content is much more effective in attracting Chinese tourists to the Buddhist heritage sites of Taxila and Takht- i-Bahi in Pakistan. Different online platforms have different preferences in presenting information and visual engagement, so WeChat is ideal for the dissemination of information and Instagram for visual engagement. Findings highlight the importance of cross-platform strategies and localized content for maximum outreach of tourism. Tables have been provided to compare the engagement metrics across the platforms, indicating which content types work well. This research provides actionable suggestions for tourism boards and marketers to develop targeted social media policies that can support higher tourist visits between countries and strengthen cultural bonds.

Malaysia’s Industrial Competitiveness: Overview of Malaysia’s Industrial Collaboration Programme

This study examine the role of Malaysia's Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) in enhancing Malaysia Industrial Competitiveness (MIC) through the technology transfer (TT) and procurement value creation (PVC). The ICP, a government initiative aimed at leveraging procurement activities, facilitates the acquisition of advanced technologies from foreign partners while prioritizing local content development. Based upon the secondary data depicted from the TDA Report to the Ministry of Finance 2023 published by Technology Depository Agency (TDA) and Policy and Guidelines on Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) in Government Procurement, Second Edition, this study investigates the roles of the technology transfer (TT) and procurements value chain (PVC) on Malaysia’s Industrial Competitiveness (MIC). The results demonstrate the ICP’s role in increasing the competitiveness of local industries, encouraging innovation processes, and technology acquisition through partnerships with international counterparts. The paper will present the benefits and drawbacks of ICP and depict how the program will benefit Malaysia’s vision of shifting into a regional high-tech nation. The findings emphasize the need for continuous evaluation of ICP projects to maximize long-term competitiveness and economic sustainability.

The Careful Project: Evaluating the acceptability of local virtual reality experiences as a leisure activity for residents in aged care.

The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) as a leisure activity for people living in residential aged care. Virtual reality experiences may offer alternatives for residents with limited mobility, or during times when older people are unable to leave residential care. The intervention used VR videos delivered via a head-mounted device. Video content was created by a local artist specifically for use with older Western Australian adults and used local content. VR sessions were videotaped for analysis. The evaluation included structured observation of video content to assess mood and engagement and post-intervention interviews with participants. Mood and engagement scores indicated overall favourable mood and considerable positive engagement with the VR experience. Interview content analysis reflected the enjoyment participants took in visiting places they had once been and the surprising ways that the experience made them feel and act as though they were actually there. Videos featuring coastal visits were the most popular and videos featuring music were the most engaging. Some participants found the head-mounted device uncomfortable. VR was considered potentially beneficial for residents with limited mobility or living with cognitive impairment. Overall VR is a feasible and acceptable leisure activity for older people in residential care. The use of local content has the potential to prompt memories and generate new conversations. Future use of VR may consider different modes of video delivery and advancements in evaluation.