Subject Matter Research Articles

Exploring association model across banks and fintechs in India

Purpose Bank–fintech associations are significant globally, establishing purposeful eco-systems towards extending and complementing capabilities, reach and customer experiences. This paper aims to explore 39 leading fintechs in India catering across payments, lending, wealth management, regulation, neo-banks and other banking functions. Alongside fintechs, the research studies 19 leading banks (public and private) to understand the nature of bank–fintech associations in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach The research focuses on narratives from leading banks and top fintechs in India, captured from public disclosures and leadership interviews. The study leverages qualitative research techniques, including grounded theory approaches of inductive analysis, to codify interview and narrative observations to discover relevant objectives, scenarios, challenges and outcomes in India-centric bank–fintech associations. Findings Bank–fintech associations in India are increasingly focusing on financial services portfolio diversification and improvement in customer experience. Simultaneously, both banks and fintechs, differentiate with innovations and extend offerings to target underserved customer segments. The associations are beneficial for both banks and fintechs in transforming offerings and improving efficiency, scale across channels. Through codification of observations, review of existing literature and evaluation of best practices, alongside subject matter expertise, the study evolves a generalized “Association Model”. The model can steer meaningful bank–fintech associations in India and globally. The association model relates to observables like objectives, enablers of bank–fintech associations, challenges and association-driven value outcomes. Built from study of practices, the proposed model is relevant for strategic orientation in bank–fintech associations. Originality/value The findings reveal practices in bank–fintech associations in India with significant learning opportunity for organizational leaders globally. Understanding the nature of association is relevant for strategic interventions, particularly in scenarios of inter-organization collaborations. Central banks, policymakers, governments, investors, banks and fintechs can use the derived association model to establish, govern and steer purposeful value-driven associations.

Complex issues in vocational rehabilitation with functional capacity evaluation results

BACKGROUND: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) conducted a two-year process of literature review, writing, discussion, and debate within a panel of four subject matter experts in design, administration, and interpretation of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE). This process resulted in a Best Practice Guidelines document which was then adopted by the APTA. OBJECTIVE: This article provides additional clarification regarding best practices and standard methodology for functional capacity evaluations including standard terminology for use by physical therapists and vocational rehabilitation professionals in determining the types of work a patient has the capacity of performing. METHODS: The clarification of the role of the FCE, who is qualified to conduct an FCE, complexities such as ‘good effort’ and pain in the evaluation process, clarification of terms from different government agencies, and the implications for disability determination are discussed. RESULTS: Specific guidelines for best practice with FCE are suggested and demonstrated through case studies. CONCLUSION: The best practice guidelines are detailed here to set forth qualification standards for FCE examiners and to promote clinical excellence, accountability, and consistency in the design, administration, and interpretation of FCEs.

Dalit Literature and Political Consciousness in Sharad Poudel’s Likhe

The article attempts to explore the class and caste consciousness in Nepali Dalit literature; and, to identify contemporary Dalit literature and its presentation of subject matters, social messages and themes. The article sketches how Dalit literature reflects the contemporary socio-political and economic issues where Dalit community is routinely discriminated, exploited, boycotted, and excluded in various social spheres. Basically, every social structure has binary oppositions such as masters-slave, landlord-worker, bourgeois-proletariat and 'haves' and 'haves not'. Dalit literature is a medium to fight against the system for rights, equality and social dignity. The article employs the concept of Marxist concept of class consciousness and aesthetic on Poudel’s novel Likhe. The paper adopts the analytical and exploratory method and qualitative approach as a research tool.

The Christian Trinity in the Writings of Quranic Exegetes: A Comparison with Islamic Polemicists

Objectives: This paper compares the perspectives of sixteen Quranic exegetes with those of Islamic polemicists specialised in Christian studies, particularly in their treatment of the Christian concept of the Trinity. Methodology: The paper employs an inductive approach to uncover the views of various Quranic interpreters and Islamic polemicists regarding the Trinity. Besides, it utilises a comparative method to discuss and contrast their opinions on the subject matter. Findings: Comparing the polemicists’ views with those of the exegetes reveals the precision and consistency of the former in conveying the Christian understanding of the Trinity. In contrast, the exegetes' interpretations vary, with some describing it as three hypostases, others as three gods, and occasionally an exegete may mention both interpretations. There is also a distinction in addressing the third entity of the Trinity. While the polemicists identify it as the Holy Spirit, some exegetes alternatively mention Mary, and others refer to both views. Originality: The paper underscores the importance of cautiously conveying Christian beliefs about the Trinity based on certain exegetes, highlighting the specialisation of polemicists in religious studies.

Jurisdiction of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Terms of Giving Advisory Opinions and Prospects of the Delivery thereof on Combating Climate Change

On 25 September 2023, the landmark request for an advisory opinion addressing issues of State responsibility for the ongoing climate crisis took a new turn — oral hearings were concluded in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The article explores on what exactly rests the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, allowing it to issue the sought advisory opinion. The article outlines the main arguments, presented by the States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which question the conclusiveness of ITLOS’s jurisdiction to some extent. The article reveals that despite a very debatable nature of the aforementioned advisory jurisdiction of the full Tribunal, it is highly probable that ITLOS will eventually formulate the sought opinion given that the subject matter of the case is quite resonant. The authors also argue on the potential influence the climaterelated advisory opinions of international judicial organs may have on the development of international law.

Development of prospective elementary teachers’ knowledge to teach early algebra through case discussions

AbstractThis study investigated the development of prospective elementary teachers (PETs)’ subject matter and pedagogical content knowledge for teaching early algebra through participation in case discussions. PETs attended five weeks of intervention as part of a method course, which included case discussions. During the intervention, the participants were presented with big ideas of equivalence and equations, generalized arithmetic, and functional thinking as the content of early algebra through text-based classroom cases. Data were collected through one-hour individual interviews before and after the early algebra lessons. The analysis of the pre-interviews indicated that prospective elementary teachers may not be ready to foster algebraic thinking in elementary grades in terms of the required knowledge for teaching. We found that PETs needed more development of required subject matter knowledge to guide algebraic thinking in elementary grades, such as the relational meaning of the equal sign, generalizing, representing, or justifying arithmetic or functional relationships, and reasoning with them. Likewise, PETs were found to lack in pedagogical content knowledge related to students’ conceptions and misconceptions and effective teaching strategies to promote early algebraic thinking. However, we found that specifically designed method courses could help develop PETs’ knowledge of teaching early algebra. Following early algebra lessons centered around case discussions, PETs showed progress in multiple aspects of knowledge across all big ideas, though their improvement in generalized arithmetic was somewhat less pronounced. This progress was observed in their subject matter and pedagogical content knowledge.

Research on commercial milk formulas for young children: A scoping review.

A scoping review of publications about commercial milk formulas intended for or consumed by children 12-36 months (CMF 12-36) was conducted. This review aimed to comprehensively map the existing literature, identify key concepts in the field and understand its evolution through time. A total of 3329 articles were screened and 220 were included, published between 1986 and 2024. Most works were published after 2016 (70.0%) and in high-income countries (71.8%). Original studies were the vast majority (81.8%) of publications. Most publications dealt with feeding practices or analysed the composition and/or contamination of specific products (44.1% and 35.9%), but since the late 2000s, publications about marketing, policy, legislation, and consumer perception started to appear. Most published works (65.5%) did not focus exclusively on CMF 12-36 and included formulas for other demographics or other foods. About half of the works (55.5%) did not consider CMF 12-36 to be a breast milk substitute. We found 81 distinct product denominations used to refer to CMF 12-36, Growing Up Milk was the most common (25.9%). CMF industry was involved in 41.8% of all analysed works, and industry participation and funding were not always clearly informed (22.5% lacked a conflict of interest statement, and25.5% did not present any information about funding). In the last decade, publications about CMF 12-36 have increased in volume and diversified in scope and subject matter. CMF-industry participation has always been and still is present in the field, so possible vested interests should be taken into account when appreciating the literature.

Christian-Māoriesque – A Transcultural Pictorial Artform

This exploration develops the field of intercultural aesthetics by exploring the use of Māori motifs used by non-Māori artists, and looking at the use of those motifs in the context of Christian art.[i] It surveys a selection of paintings that blend Māori and Christian motifs, and critically evaluates their interculturality. It then looks at how intercultural artworks of religious subject matter can create an instance of pictorial transculturality. An identity for an artistic cross-fertilization between Christianity, Māoritanga, and Pākehā culture is linked with the defining principle of transculturality, and a new term is suggested to categorise this identity, the Christian-Māoriesque. [i] By “non-Māori artists” I mean all artists who do not identify as Māori, that is, who do not have whakapapa.

Science Learning Achievement of Class IV Students at State Elementary School 2 Segeran

This study aims to improve learning achievement by enhancing the Problem-solving learning model in science lessons on plant material in class IV students at State Elementary School 2 Segeran, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency. This is a Class Action Research (CAR) conducted in 2 cycles. The research subjects were 29 Class IV students at State Elementary School 2 Segeran, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency. Research data was obtained through tests, observations, and documentation. Data analysis used a qualitative descriptive analysis technique. The study results showed an increase in the learning achievement of Class IV students at State Elementary School 2 Segeran, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency through the Problem-solving learning model. Improvement in learning achievement is indicated by an increase in the average percentage of aspects of student learning outcomes from 41% in pre-cycle to 51% in cycle I, then increased to 82% in cycle II. Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is an increase in student learning achievement in learning through the application of the Problem-solving learning model in the Natural Sciences subject matter Plants in class IV students at State Elementary School 2 Segeran, Juntinyuat District, Indramayu Regency

Explore first approach in a virtual and immersive learning environment with ChatGPT

Explore first pedagogical approach promotes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Promotes active involvement on the part of learners with the subject matter, which leads to exploring concepts through hands-on activities fostering a deeper understanding. The use of virtual and immersive learning environments (VILEs) in an educational context has raised interest among teachers and researchers. In this study, we design a short-training course supported by exploring first in a VILE. With this study, we investigate the perception of teachers who attended a short-training course about integrating VILEs in their teaching practice. Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to collect teachers’ perceptions. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis, and qualitative data to content analysis. The results excitingly reveal teachers’ openness to integrating immersive virtual learning environments in their teaching work and admit advantages. These teachers were interested in using immersive virtual learning environments as educational resources but recognized that they needed training to use them effectively. Therefore, it is thought that exploring first in an immersive virtual learning environment will contribute to distance education by online learning.

A Review of Drug-related Associations Prediction Based on Artificial Intelligence Methods

Background: Predicting drug-related associations is an important task in drug development and discovery. With the rapid advancement of high-throughput technologies and various biological and medical data, artificial intelligence (AI), especially progress in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has paved a new way for the development of drug-related associations prediction. Many studies have been conducted in the literature to predict drug-related associations. This study looks at various computational methods used for drug-related associations prediction with the hope of getting a better insight into the computational methods used. Methods: The various computational methods involved in drug-related associations prediction have been reviewed in this work. We have first summarized the drug, target, and disease-related mainstream public datasets. Then, we have discussed existing drug similarity, target similarity, and integrated similarity measurement approaches and grouped them according to their suitability. We have then comprehensively investigated drug-related associations and introduced relevant computational methods. Finally, we have briefly discussed the challenges involved in predicting drug-related associations. Result: We discovered that quite a few studies have used implemented ML and DL approaches for drug-related associations prediction. The key challenges were well noted in constructing datasets with reasonable negative samples, extracting rich features, and developing powerful prediction models or ensemble strategies. Conclusion: This review presents useful knowledge and future challenges on the subject matter with the hope of promoting further studies on predicting drug-related associations.

Spatial Ability of Students in Solving Unit Cube Problem

This study aims to expose the ability of high school students in solving field problems three. The intended third field is the cube. This article uses a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews was conducted for 4 weeks. Data collection techniques in this study consisted of observation, interviews, tests and documentation. The interview guidelines and test in the form of planes three which aim to determine visual spatial abilities have been validated by 2 experts in the fields of mathematics and mathematics education. The research subjects were 11th grade students majoring in Science at SMAN 3 Blitar who had taken subject matter in Planes three. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that in solving the cube problem in accordance with the spatial abilities of the subject there are several stages: the observation of the image, imagining, relating to the term from other concepts and solving the problem.

Conceptualizing Digital Economy: Unraveling Its Evolution and Impact in India

The present study is an exploration into the historical development of digital economy and its implications in Indian context. The study adopted explorative cum analytical research approach to garner insights into the subject matter. Secondary data sources including journals, books and government reports are main stay of the research to draw the precise inferences. In this context, the key inferences of the study have outlined that the advent of technology advancements has significantly altered global socio-economic interactions. The evolution of the digital economy in India showcases a transformative journey marked by technological advancements, policy initiatives, and changing consumer behavior. India is quickly becoming the world’s leading country in the digital economy. Digital technologies, industries, and services exert a substantial influence as stabilizers, lubricants, and enhancers in comparison to the physical economy. As a result, they are regarded as pivotal approaches to mitigate the crisis and drivers of economic growth. Through a number of programmes, including Made in India, Startup India, and Digital India, the Indian government has been aggressively encouraging the use of digital technologies. These programmes seek to improve the adoption of digital technology across a range of industries, including healthcare, education, and agriculture, while also fostering an atmosphere that supports the growth of start-ups. India’s economy and society have been greatly impacted by the digital economy. It has increased production, produced jobs, and given more people access to opportunities and services. E-commerce, digital payments, and online education are just a few of the new industries and business models that have emerged as a result of the expansion of the digital economy.

JUDGE-MADE LAW AS AN UNORGANISED SOURCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

The specific nature of unorganised (extraconstitutional) sources of administrative law is particularly visible against the background of constitutional (organised) sources of law. It does not fit into the rigid positivistic framework established by the Constitution. Rather, it is something separate, and the catalogue of sources of administrative law is broader than that of the constitutional sources of law. One form of law in this catalogue is judge-made law (case law). Contemporary administrative law owes a lot to it. Indeed, it has a significant impact on shaping the rights and obligations of the addressees of administrative law regulations. This, in turn, is the subject matter of the activities undertaken by public administration authorities.

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Video Animasi Berbasis PjBL (Project Based Learning) pada Materi Sistem Sirkulasi Darah Kelas XI IPA SMA/MA

The application of science and technology (IPTEK) in education has generated several learning innovations, including the use of media in learning. The purpose of this research was to develop a product in the form of project-based learning (PjBL) animated videos based on the circulatory system material for grade XI in high schools, which is valid, practical, and suitable for use. Research and development (R&D) activities included data collection on student and teacher needs. The development phase aimed to produce learning media products involving media experts, subject matter experts, and biology teachers. Subsequently, the product was tested with 12 students in a limited group and then with 38 students in a broader group to determine its media feasibility. The development of PjBL-based animated video products was evaluated using instruments covering several aspects: validation sheets for media, including text composition balance, images, sound, and video, color selection, physical criteria, practicality, and long-term usefulness. Validation sheets for content included aspects of learning promotion, curiosity enhancement, presentation support, material accuracy, and student engagement. Practitioner validation sheets covered material, language, and presentation aspects, while student response questionnaires addressed material, language, and presentation. Based on the expert media validation assessment recapitulation, the overall score indicated the product was highly valid and suitable for use in learning, with an average percentage of 84.00%. Similarly, the expert content validation recapitulation showed the product to be highly valid and suitable for use in learning, with an average percentage of 88.00%. The practitioner assessment by biology teachers indicated the product was highly practical and suitable for use in learning without revision, with an average percentage of 91.19%. Additionally, the limited and broad group product tests showed an average student response rate of 85.00%, indicating that the developed animated video is suitable for use in learning without revision.

Resilience in inter-organizational networks of red buses: dealing with their daily disruptions in critical infrastructures

This research aims to determine how the inter-organizational (supply) system that serves and oversees the critical infrastructures might lessen the negative effects of routine interruptions. Furthermore, this research aims to gain insight into the types of disruptions that Red Buses experience and their strategies to manage them. The subject matter of this discourse pertains to the domains of science, numbers, and statistics. This research employs a quantitative research methodology to examine the effects of routine disruptions on inter-organizational systems and to evaluate the corresponding hypotheses. The individuals involved in this investigation work and operate the Red Bus Service in Karachi. By random sampling, a sample of 152 workers and drivers was selected from the Red Bus Service in Karachi. Data was collected from both electronic and non-electronic sources. Data was collected using Google Forms distributed via various internet channels such as WhatsApp and email addresses. Data was analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM); we used SmartPLS 4 software for that. The finding shows that disturbance co-occurrence has a negative relationship with CI resilience to focal disruption, a positive relationship with non-routineness, and a negative relationship with economic performance.

Analyzing the Background and Problem Statement of Ph.D. Theses Written by Arabs in Selected Malaysian Universities

The background and problem statement to the study is the first part of the research and so, gives the reader a first impression. The background should explain the meaning of the concepts/variables; pay particular attention to the dependent variable; state its importance; and then link or relate it to the independent variables with appropriate references; but proceeding from general to specifics, It is what gives the reader the impression that the researcher has a good understanding of the research topic; and of course, the subject matter. This study aims to perform a genre analysis on the apparent structural linguistics and grammatical patterns of 30 PhD theses’ introductions and problem statements written by Arabic scholars in English, focusing primarily on the language structure and macro-level move analysis of the selected theses. This study used an updated CARS framework (Swales, 1990) for the move analysis which comprises three primary moves as the theoretical frame. There are three stages to this study. Stage 1 entails the data collection which is important to gain entry to the particular settings in the articles. The 30 PhD theses were accessed from various university library databases; their copies were later compiled in computer-readable form. Stage 2 entails the corpus compilation stage where the theses were edited and saved as a raw corpus to manually tag the moves and search the structural linguistics prior to conducting the search process. The final stage entails the genre analysis which consists of the move analysis and structural analysis. The main findings revealed that the problem statements and introductions of the descriptive theses are made up of two mandatory moves (Move 1: Situating the Research and Move 2: Presenting the Research) and three elective moves. Meanwhile, the informative theses comprise three mandatory moves (Move 1: Situating the Research, Move 2: Presenting the Research, and Move 3: Describing the Problem) along with two elective moves. The findings revealed differences between the descriptive and informative theses, whereby more phrasal lexical bundles exist compared to clausal ones. This study hence suggests the development of a viable pedagogical template to be integrated into the syllabus, which would serve as a coping strategy for students in responding to the rigorous demands of academic writing.

Academic Vocabulary Learning in EMI Classrooms: Challenges and Strategies

This study investigates English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ challenges in understanding academic science vocabulary in Malaysian secondary schools’ English-medium instruction (EMI) classrooms. Based on cognitive load theory, the research explores ESL learners’ strategies to acquire scientific terminology and manage the associated cognitive difficulties. Previous research on EMI across different subjects has often overlooked the specific hurdles presented by technical terms in the scientific vocabulary, creating a knowledge gap that impedes the development of effective teaching methods for science educators in EMI settings. In response, the study adopts a two-stage qualitative design, commencing with an online survey involving 103 participants, followed by group interviews with individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The findings indicate that ESL learners in EMI science classrooms encounter significant obstacles due to unfamiliar scientific terminology, abstract concepts, and limited prior exposure to the subject matter. This results in a high cognitive load that inhibits comprehension. Nevertheless, the research identifies various vocabulary learning strategies students employ, including contextual clues and active engagement with scientific vocabulary within relevant contexts. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive learning environments supporting vocabulary development for ESL learners in EMI settings. Recommendations encompass creating instructional materials featuring clear and concise language and integrating scaffolding strategies to simplify complex scientific terms. This comprehensive approach has the potential to facilitate successful vocabulary development and enhance the overall learning experience for ESL learners in EMI science classrooms.

Fiqh Maxim of ‘al-Ghurm bi al-Ghunm’: A Critique on the Interpretation of the Maxim relating to Risk-Return Concept in Islamic Banking and Finance

Fiqh Maxim of ‘al-Ghurm bi al-Ghunm’: A Critique on the Interpretation of the Maxim relating to Risk-Return Concept in Islamic Banking and Finance

Animated designs revisited – a case study under EU design law

In view of the ongoing extensive review of EU design law and given the expected abandoning of the current seven-view limit, revisiting protection of animated designs under EU law and practice (and limits to such protection), particularly against the famous-infamous Candy Crush Graphical User Interface (GUI) dispute, allows for some fascinating conclusions with respect to a proper distinction between ‘partial designs’ and ‘parts of a design’, the correct identification of the relevant prior art, the determination of the subject matter of a design, and the finding of infringement. Overall, ‘less’ is apparently ‘more’.