National Settings Research Articles

The Complex Nature of Ecotourist Experience and its Relationship with Pro-Environmental behavior in a National Park

Background and objective: Despite the increase in the number of studies related to visitor experiences and behavior in ecotourism and outdoor recreation settings, little empirical research has concentrated on how to identify the nature of ecotourists’ experiences within national park settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the complex nature of ecotourists’ experiences through personal, social, and environmental conditions, and to examine its relationship with pro-environmental behavior in natural environmental settings.Methods: For visitors, a questionnaire survey was administered to 396 adults who visited a national park in South Korea. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores were assessed to examine the reliability of ecotourist experiences. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to explore the construct validity of the factor structure in the measurement variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were analyzed to examine the relationships between independent variables. Path analysis was used to examine the contributions of ecotourist experiences to satisfaction and pro-environmental behavior.Results: One of the most important findings is that ecotourist experiences scale shows relatively acceptable measurement properties and reasonable levels of fit. The results in the path model represented that ecotourist satisfaction had large effects on pro-environmental behavior. Based on the fit statistics in the proposed model, the relationship between the measurement variables provides a relatively good fit to the data and verify the convergent validity of the measures. Personal factor of ecotourist experience had significant effects on satisfaction. Additionally, satisfaction had a significant effect on pro-environmental behavior for ecotourists.Conclusion: The findings of the study provide empirical evidence that three dimensions of ecotourist experiences were significantly related to pro-environmental behavior through visitor satisfaction in natural environmental settings. Further study may need to explore the nature of visitor experience and its relationship with behavior of man-made structures in different settings.

‘Health in all policies”: effect on health outcomes and collaboration among welfare actors

Abstract Background The ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) approach, introduced in 2006, recognises the impact of policy decisions and actions on population health. It prioritises health and well-being as a core objective of all public policymaking, ensuring that policies promote health equity and social justice. Implementing HiAP requires collaboration among diverse welfare actors beyond healthcare. Thus, reviewing evidence of the effects of HiAP on collaboration among welfare actors and health outcomes is crucial for informing policy and practice intersectoral collaboration to improve population health outcomes. This study addresses the question: What is the existing evidence of the effects of HiAP on better collaboration among welfare actors and improved health outcomes from 2006 to 2023? We conduct a scoping review on peer-reviewed articles following the Joanna Briggs Institute reviewer’s manual, the five-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, and adhering to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews for reporting. Preliminary results 472 research articles and 68 other documents published from 2006 to 2023 were identified, mainly from Europe and North America. 90% of the reviewed studies focused on collaboration among welfare actors, while 10% examined the effect of HiAP on improved health outcomes. Themes identified in the studies on collaboration among welfare actors include funding, intersectoral partnerships, shared vision, local and national settings, identity and responsibilities, accountability, dedicated staff, Health Impact Assessment, and indicators. Conclusions Despite being widely referred to as an effective approach in health policy, there is limited evidence of the effects of HiAP on health outcomes. However, some evidence supports that HiAP contributes to enhanced collaboration among welfare actors, potentially leading to better health outcomes. More evidence is needed that specifically investigates the effects of the HiAP approach on health outcomes. Key messages • Most evidence suggests that HiAP has a positive impact on collaboration among welfare actors; however, evidence of its effects on health outcomes is limited. • Further research that specifically explores the effects of the HiAP approach on improved health outcomes is crucial for informing policy and promoting intersectoral collaboration.

Review of national rare disease strategies: innovation driving change

Abstract Background A rare disease affects fewer than 5 in 10,000 people. More than 6,000 known rare diseases affect up to 6% of the European population. A national rare disease strategy sets out a country’s plan to reduce disease burden and improve quality of care for people with rare diseases. This review, requested by the Department of Health in Ireland to inform a new national strategy, described national rare disease strategies in 13 selected countries. Methods Strategies published from 2013 to 2023 were identified via online searches for Austria, Australia, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and Wales. National representatives were contacted to confirm the identified resources. Data were extracted for the domains of: aims, priorities, implementation, governance and funding models. Descriptive analysis and narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results Improving treatment and coordination of care was a common overall aim. Priorities noted in all strategies were: screening and diagnosis; access to healthcare and coordination of services; rare disease research; and patient representation and empowerment. Implementation details varied to reflect the national context and time of strategy development. More recently-developed strategies included more precise actions and greater emphasis on innovations in genomics than older strategies. Strategies were developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated via combinations of newly-established bodies and or existing health authorities. Six countries did not specify a funding model or dedicated budget for strategy implementation. Conclusions National rare disease strategy contents and implementation approaches varied between countries and reflected innovations over time. This review will inform the development of Ireland’s new national rare disease strategy. Key messages • This review provided insights into national rare disease strategies over a 10-year period. • The findings will inform strategy development in Ireland, and are relevant to other countries.

Geometric Morphometric and Pattern Discrimination of Handwritten Numeral Characters Based on Local Ethnicities and Native Linguistic Disparities in Malaysia for Forensic Applications

Handwriting can be influenced by factors like culture and native language disparities; however, the specific research to discriminate handwritten numeral characters for forensic questioned document investigation involving the diverse ethnicities (Malay, Chinese and Indian) in Malaysian population remains unreported. Despite its application in forensic anthropology, utilization of the landmark based analysis using the Geometric Morphometric (GMM) technique for examining handwritten numeral character specimens appears sparse. Therefore, this present research that attempted to discriminate ethnicities background of 390 consenting adult participants in Malaysia based on the handwritten numeral characters (0-9) using GMM technique, merits forensic and scientific considerations. Results revealed that while there were universal ones, ethnic-specific handwritten numeral characters that may possibly be influenced by culture and native language (Malay, Chinese and Tamil languages) also prevailed. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) in ethnic-specific characters for the Malay, Chinese and Indian participants who attended the different national primary school settings in Malaysia were also observed. In conclusion, the discrimination of handwritten numeral characters for forensic examination of questioned documents among Malay, Chinese and Indian authors for the development of forensic intelligence is empirically supported.

Sustainable Development in Regional Socio-Economic Strategies in the Central Chernozem Macro-Region

The concept of sustainable development in modern territorial management is gaining momentum more intensively and dynamically. Socio-economic and environmental aspects are embedded in strategic national and regional documents of a long-term nature. The degree of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by the UN Agenda is assessed and monitored in various reports of international and industry organizations, which affects the reputational characteristics of countries. The publication presents the results of a review of the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals N 9 (SDG-9): “Industrialization, innovation and infrastructure” (Creation of sustainable infrastructure, promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation) in 5 subjects of the Russian Federation of the Central Chernozem macro-region for the period 2015–2022. Indicators for monitoring the achievement of SDG-9 in the regional context were proposed by the authors when comparing the national set of SDG indicators and statistical indicators characterizing the development of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The main research methods are systematization, content analysis and the method of structural and dynamic assessment. In the course of the study, a unified regional list of SDG-9 indicators was formed; an empirical assessment of this list of indicators was carried out on the materials of 5 subjects of the Central Chernozem macro-region and an overview of the degree of achievement of this goal in the studied regions. The authors conducted a comparative review of the strategies of social and economic development of the subjects of the Central Chernozem macro-region for the existence of principles of sustainable development.

On Translated Literature’s Intended Reader(s): The Case of Yoram Kaniuk’s The Last Berliner

Abstract This article examines the position of the implied reader within a narrative communication model of translated texts, through the unique case study of Yoram Kaniuk’s The Last Berliner (2002/2004). While offering a comparative analysis of the book’s commercial presentation and critical reception in source and translation, the discussion analyzes ways in which national motivations and tones are translated (or re-located) into a different national and cultural setting. These in turn shape and reflect the text’s notion of its implied reader, which is further complicated by the fact that The Last Berliner was translated and published in German two years prior to its publication in Hebrew. It seems, then, that the book constructs two antithetical implied readers, which correspond to its different motivations in German and in Hebrew. Thus, the article takes the movement between the two cultures and languages as its point of departure, and sets to explore the tensions between the two cultural-political spheres through the notion of the intended reader and its realizations in the text’s critical reception.

Integrative Empowerment Of Health Cadres In Efforts To Monitor Stunting Risk Through The Use Of Smartphone-Based Electronic Child Card Applications In Ngiliran Village, Panekan District, Magetan Regency

ABSTRACT The Community Engagement activity, conducted from May to August 2024, aimed to empower various stakeholders, such as early childhood integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers of young children, in their endeavors to monitor early stunting effectively. It addressed the pressing issue of stunting prevalence in Ngiliran Village, which had reached an alarming 18.6%, surpassing the national target set for 2024, which is 14%. Partners, including integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers, faced challenges like limited knowledge in measuring children's nutritional status, inconsistent monitoring, and inadequate stunting prevention education. To address these issues, the activity utilized the Electronic Child Card (KARANEL) smartphone application. KARANEL accurately measured children's height and weight, stored data electronically, presented nutritional status visually, and offered guidance. It empowered partners to identify, prevent, and manage stunting effectively. The results demonstrated that KARANEL enhanced the knowledge, skills, and motivation of integrated health service cadres and partners. Conclusion: the smartphone-based KARANEL application proved highly beneficial for early stunting monitoring in Ngiliran Village, providing a practical solution to combat stunting

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnancy, A Nested Case-Control Study in Births From April 2021 to March 2022, England.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine safety in pregnancy using population-based data. Matched case-control study nested in a retrospective cohort. April 2021-March 2022, England. All pregnant individuals aged between 18 and 50 years with valid health records. Individuals identified from the national Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) had their records linked to hospital admission, national COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 testing databases. Matching included participant's age and estimated week of conception. We compared outcomes across multiple COVID-19 vaccine exposures using conditional multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and health characteristics. Adverse pregnancy, maternal and neonatal outcomes. 514 013 individuals were included. We found lower odds of giving birth to a baby who was low birthweight (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.93), preterm (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.92) or who had an Apgar score < 7 at 5 min of age (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98) for individuals who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. The odds of admission to intensive care unit during pregnancy were lower in those vaccinated (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95). There was no association between vaccination in pregnancy and stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal death and maternal venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy. Our findings generated important information to communicate to pregnant individuals and health professionals to support COVID-19 maternal vaccination programmes.

Rethinking contexts and institutions for research on human resource management in multinational enterprises in an age of polycrisis: reflections and suggestions

International human resource management (IHRM) has covered two very distinct areas: comparative HRM (comparing HRM between national settings) and HRM in multinational enterprises (MNEs). Existing research has pointed to the multifaceted nature of contextual effects, and how they may differ qualitatively according to locale. This perspective article argues that a distinct and shared theme across this literature is much more than a recognition that many different sets of institutions and/or cultural features can make for viable alternative HRM models. We also consider whether or not MNEs seek to accommodate local realities or work to change them. Developing and broadening inquiry around these concerns may represent a solid way for researching IHRM in an age of polycrisis. Such understandings may be of great value in exploring the relationship between the present global polycrisis and HRM practice. We highlight potential concerns and opportunities for theorizing around the same.

Valuation of the EQ-5D-3L in Jordan.

In Jordan, no national value set is available for any preference-accompanied health utility measure. This study aims to develop a value set for EQ-5D-3L based on the preferences of the Jordanian general population. A representative sample of the Jordanian general population was obtained through quota sampling involving age, gender, and region. Participants aged above 18 years were interviewed via videoconferencing using the EuroQol Valuation Technology 2.1 protocol. Participants completed ten composite time trade-offs (cTTO) and ten discrete choice experiments (DCE) tasks. cTTO and DCE data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models, respectively, and hybrid models were applied to the combined DCE and cTTO data. A total of 301 participants with complete data were included in the analysis. The sample was representative of the general population regarding region, age, and gender. All model types applied, that is, random intercept model, random intercept Tobit, linear model with correction for heteroskedasticity, Tobit with correction for heteroskedasticity, and all hybrid models, were statistically significant. They showed logical consistency in terms of higher utility decrements with more severe levels. The hybrid model corrected for heteroskedasticity was selected to construct the Jordanian EQ-5D-3L value set as it showed the best fit and lowest mean absolute error. The predicted value for the most severe health state (33333) was -0.563. Utility decrements due to mobility had the largest weight, followed by anxiety/depression, while usual activities had the smallest weight. This study provides the first EQ-5D-3L value set in the Middle East. The Jordanian EQ-5D-3L value set can now be used in health technology assessments for health policy planning by the Jordanian health sector's decision-makers.

Umbilical Cord pH Levels and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality

Umbilical cord pH (UC-pH) level is an important objective indicator of intrapartum fetal hypoxia and is used to predict neonatal morbidity and mortality. A UC-pH value of less than 7.00 is often defined as a threshold for severe acidosis, but existing evidence is divergent and largely based on UC-pH measurements from selected populations; consequently, the results are challenging to interpret. To investigate the association between UC-pH levels and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in a national setting with universal UC-pH measurement. This national, population-based cohort study included all liveborn, singleton, full-term infants without malformations born in Denmark from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. Umbilical cord pH level categorized as less than 7.00, 7.00 to 7.09, 7.10 to 7.19 and 7.20 to 7.50 (reference group). The primary outcome was a composite of severe adverse neonatal outcomes: neonatal death, therapeutic hypothermia, mechanical ventilation, treatment with inhaled nitric oxide, or seizures. Secondary outcomes were individual components of the primary outcome, Apgar score, respiratory outcomes, and hypoglycemia. Data are presented as adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) with 95% CIs. Among the 340 431 infants included, mean (SD) gestational age was 39.9 (1.6) weeks; mean (SD) birth weight was 3561 (480) g; and 51.3% were male. Umbilical cord pH of less than 7.20 was observed more often among infants with a gestational age of 40 or 41 weeks (31.6%-33.6% compared with 18.2%-20.2% at a gestational age of 39 weeks) and among male infants (53.9%-55.4% vs 44.6%-46.1% among female infants). Compared with the pH reference group (576 of 253 540 [0.2%]), the risk for the primary outcome was increased for the groups with UC-pH levels of less than 7.00 (171 of 1743 [9.8%]), 7.00 to 7.09 (101 of 11 904 [0.8%]), and 7.10 to 7.19 (259 of 73 244 [0.4%]). Comparable patterns were observed for the individual outcomes, except for neonatal death, which was only increased in the group with UC-pH levels of less than 7.10. The risk of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure was increased when UC-pH levels were less than 7.20, and the risk of hypoglycemia was 21.5% if UC-pH levels were less than 7.10. In this cohort study of 340 431 newborn infants, results support and extend previous studies indicating a higher risk of adverse outcomes even at UC-pH levels above 7.00. The threshold for more intensive observation and treatment may be reconsidered.

Transgender lives at the population level: Evidence from Danish administrative data

This paper provides the first rigorous account of the diverse characteristics of transgender individuals at the population level, using data from Danish population registers. We observe three transgender subpopulations within the same national setting: all who changed thier legal sex (T-Legal, n = 1,995), all who have been assigned trans-related diagnostic codes (T-ICD, n = 1,594), and those who self-identified as transgender in a representative survey (T-Survey, n = 197, weighted n = 44,958). Results show significant differences in the subpopulations’ backgrounds, family, education and labour market characteristics, and healthcare use. These differences extend beyond comparisons with the general population to great variations between each of the transgender subpopulations. Individuals with legal sex changes, and particularly those with trans-related diagnostic codes, face substantial disadvantages across various outcomes. Compared to the general population and the T-Survey subpopulation, the T-Legal subpopulation and the T-ICD subpopulation have significantly higher numbers of psychiatric hospital visits, lower educational attainment, lower annual earnings, and reduced employment rates, also when controlling for background characteristics. Earnings and employment rates remained significantly lower also when controlling for educational attainment. Our results show that the strategy chosen to identify trans individuals in population data has a great impact on the characteristics observed, and that trans individuals captured by surveys do not necessarily represent all transgender individuals, including those who seek to medically or legally transition. Furthermore, our results indicate that high numbers of trans individuals observed in surveys do not necessarily correspond to high demands for gender-affirming treatments or legal sex change. Finally, we show that transgender individuals who seek gender-affirming healthcare constitute a distinct and significantly disadvantaged group, also compared to other trans subpopulations.

Words not deeds: the weak culture of evidence in the Canadian policy style

Abstract The Canadian policy style has been described as one of overpromising and underdelivering, where heightened expectations are often met by underwhelming outcomes. Here, we examine the evidentiary style of Canadian policy-making which undergirds and reflects this policy style, particularly the nature of the policy advisory system that contributes to this pattern of policy-making. We do so by assessing how the different components of the advice system, which include academics, consultants, and policy professionals within the public service, are structured and relate to each other within the overall dynamics of information management and policy formulation in the governments of Canada. Using examples from recent efforts to revitalize Canadian government, the paper argues that the federal government in particular shows a pattern of the predominance of non-innovative academic “super-users,” distributed policy shops, and process-oriented analysts and consultants who combine with attributes of federalism and partisan budgetary politics to drive a distinctively fragmented and procedurally-oriented federal policy-making process. In these processes, evidence is often secondary to political posturing and short-term electioneering in program creation and execution, contributing greatly to the national policy style set out above.

Caregiver-specific quality measures for home- and community-based services: Environmental scan and stakeholder priorities.

Although family caregivers are increasingly recognized for their essential role in helping vulnerable adults live in the community for as long as possible, their priorities and perspectives have not been well-integrated into quality assessments of home- and community-based services (HCBS). Our overall goal was to identify measurement gaps to guide monitoring and improve HCBS. Caregiver-specific measurement priorities were identified during a multi-level stakeholder engagement process that included 34 Veterans, 24 caregivers, and 39 facility leaders, clinicians, and staff across four VA healthcare systems. We mapped items from national quality measure sets for HCBS identified during an environmental scan onto the stakeholder-identified measurement priorities. Only 5 of 11 non-VA measure sets and three of four VA measure sets explicitly included caregiver-specific items that were aligned with or relevant to stakeholders' measurement priorities. Six of 14 stakeholder-identified priorities were not reflected in any measure sets, such as those that explicitly assess caregiver-reported experience with services that directly or indirectly support their role as caregivers within HCBS. Although family caregivers fulfill a critical role in helping adults with complex medical needs live independently for as long as possible, their priorities and perspectives have not been well-integrated into quality assessments of HCBS. Measures that acknowledge caregivers' roles and incorporate their priorities can help healthcare systems to better monitor and improve HCBS quality, thereby enabling Veterans to remain in the community as long as possible.

The clinical relevance of MOG antibody testing in cerebrospinal fluid.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is diagnosed by serum MOG-immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG) in association with typical demyelination. 111/1127 patients with paired CSF/serum samples were seropositive for MOG-IgG. Only 7/1016 (0.7%) seronegative patients had CSF-restricted MOG-IgG. While 3/7 patients had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, four had a confirmed alternate diagnosis (three multiple sclerosis, one CNS vasculitis). In a national referral setting, CSF-restricted MOG-IgG had a low sensitivity (2.63%, 95%CI 0.55-7.50%) and low positive predictive value (1.97%, 95%CI 0.45-8.13%). We strongly recommend serum as the preferred diagnostic biospecimen, and urge caution in the interpretation of CSF-restricted MOG-IgG in patients without clinico-radiological features consistent with MOGAD.

Postoperative Adverse Events Following Neoadjuvant Therapy and Surgery for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer in a Phase 2 Clinical Trial (Alliance A021501).

Postoperative adverse events (AEs) in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PC) treated with neoadjuvant therapy and pancreatectomy in the national cooperative group setting have not been previously characterized. We conducted a preplanned secondary analysis of patients enrolled on the Alliance A021501 clinical trial to quantify perioperative AE rates. The A021501 phase 2 trial randomized patients with BR-PC to receive 8 doses of mFOLFIRINOX (Arm 1) or 7 doses of mFOLFIRINOX and hypofractionated radiotherapy (Arm 2), followed by pancreatectomy (December 31, 2016 to May 31, 2019). Adverse events were assessed 90 days after pancreatectomy. Of 126 enrolled patients, 51 (40%) underwent pancreatectomy (n = 32, Arm 1; n = 19, Arm 2) at 28 institutions. Five (10%) patients required reoperation within 90 days; 56% of patients (n = 27/48) experienced at least one grade 3 or higher AE (50% vs. 67%, p = 0.37). Ninety-day mortality was 2.0%. Readmission was less frequent in Arm 1 (16% vs. 42%, p = 0.05), but there were no differences between study arms in rates of reoperation (13% vs. 5%), pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess requiring drainage (9% vs. 16%), or wound infection (6% vs. 16%). Pancreatic fistula or intra-abdominal abscess requiring drainage was associated with receipt of adjuvant therapy (p = 0.012). No difference in overall survival was observed based on occurrence of postoperative AEs (hazard ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval 0.5-2.6). In this multicenter study, rates of postoperative AEs were consistent with those previously reported. Multimodality trials of preoperative therapy for BR-PC may be performed in the cooperative group setting with careful quality assurance and safety monitoring. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02839343.

Comparative Measurement of Citizens’ Perceptions of Local Policies: A 3MC (Multinational, Multicultural, Multiregional) Approach

Comparative social policy research continues to face considerable methodological challenges. Scholars particularly struggle to capture sub-national policy variation in comparatively reliable ways, including subjective perceptions of local policies. Local-level variation increases the need for conceptual and methodological attention to comparability across differing national, cultural, and linguistic settings. The article outlines a conceptually grounded approach relying on the 3MC (multinational, multicultural, multiregional) method to measure and compare individual perceptions of local policies cross-nationally. Often applied in cross-national survey research, a 3MC approach can help address methodological challenges inherent in comparative policy research and improve cross-national studies of local policy differences.

To move or not? Tourists’ perceptions and management considerations of a beached whale carcass in a South African national park and marine protected area

The handling of beached cetacean carcasses requires social, legal, financial, ecological and logistical considerations. However, limited research on the topic hinders informed decision-making. A large humpback whale carcass that washed ashore at a South African marine protected area (MPA) provided an opportunity to gain insight into tourists’ perspectives on carcass management within a national park and MPA setting. Eighty tourists were interviewed, and a thematic analysis approach was adopted to identify key themes and quantify the responses. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine (i) whether the respondents’ views on cetacean carcass management were dependent on their knowledge of the site’s MPA designation, and (ii) whether the provision of contextual information would influence the respondents’ perceptions. Tourists had mixed responses to whale carcass management, with half the respondents indicating that the carcass should be left to decompose naturally. Viewpoints were significantly influenced when context and information on the decision-making process were provided, with more respondents stating that no management intervention should be necessary. We propose a simple flow-diagram as a decision-support tool, which, in combination with spatial zonation maps to identify applicable management options, will help guide decision-making for management authorities. Inclusivity, transparency and consultation with experienced role-players from multiple agencies will provide legitimacy to the final management decisions.

ISLAMIC MORAL IDEAS AND POLITICS: ULAMA ACTIVIST HADRATUS SHEIKH HASYIM ASY'ARI AND SHEIKH NAWAWI AL BANTANI

The article aims to provide an overview of the fundamental ideas in Indonesian national political settings, as well as their significance in solidifying the four pillars of Indonesian identity. Based on a library study of the works of two great Indonesian Ulama, Sheikh Nawawi al-Bantani and Sheikh Hasyim Asy'ari, which were later analyzed using the content analysis method, the results revealed that the theological principles of the masters' actions in both the Qur'an and the hadith remained the basis of obedience, unity, brotherhood, and solidarity. Sheikh Nawawi al-Bantani generally supports components of national commitment, conservation, and natural resource management in the political Islamic framework, and he does not oppose the concept of truth. While Sheikh Hasyim Asy'ari emphasized characteristics of government management such as leadership maturity, unity, and brotherhood, which resulted in the formation of the four national pillars as a consensus among the nation's citizens.

Finite elements for Matérn-type random fields: Uncertainty in computational mechanics and design optimization

This work highlights an approach for incorporating realistic uncertainties into scientific computing workflows based on finite elements, focusing on prevalent applications in computational mechanics and design optimization. We leverage Matérn-type Gaussian random fields (GRFs) generated using the SPDE method to model aleatoric uncertainties, including environmental influences, variating material properties, and geometric ambiguities. Our focus lies on delivering practical GRF realizations that accurately capture imperfections and variations and understanding how they impact the predictions of computational models as well as the shape and topology of optimized designs. We describe a numerical algorithm based on solving a generalized SPDE to sample GRFs on arbitrary meshed domains. The algorithm leverages established techniques and integrates seamlessly with the open-source finite element library MFEM and associated scientific computing workflows, like those found in industrial and national laboratory settings. Our solver scales efficiently for large-scale problems and supports various domain types, including surfaces and embedded manifolds. We showcase its versatility through biomechanics and topology optimization applications, emphasizing the potential to influence these domains. The flexibility and efficiency of SPDE-based GRF generation empowers us to run large-scale optimization problems on 2D and 3D domains, including finding optimized designs on embedded surfaces, and to generate design features and topologies beyond the reach of conventional techniques. Moreover, these capabilities allow us to model and quantify geometric uncertainties on reconstructed submanifolds, such as the interpolated surfaces of cerebral aneurysms provided by postprocessing CT scans. In addition to offering benefits in these specific domains, the proposed techniques transcend specific applications and generalize to arbitrary forward and backward problems in uncertainty quantification involving finite elements.