Poor Environment Research Articles

<b>Standard Time Measurement and Optimization of the Number of Labor at Ruang Klambi Convection with the Approach of Work Sampling and Work Load Analysis (WLA) </b>

Several companies indirectly give excessive workloads that are considered to increase productivity. Besides workload, the work environment is important in encouraging employees to work optimally. Ruang Klambi Convection does not have a good work system due to the absence of an effective work schedule and poor work environment conditions. This can allow for overload or excessive workload on each worker. The primary motivation for this study is to improve work efficiency at Ruang Klambi Convection, which faces problems of excessive workload and a non-optimal work environment. Through the Work Sampling and Work Load Analysis approach, this study aims to measure standard production time and determine the optimal number of workers, thus reflecting a significant paradigm in measuring standard time. This study was conducted by calculating the standard time required to produce a midi dress with an average order of 30 pieces, measuring and analyzing the workload level from each workstation, and determining the optimal number of workers. Based on the calculations, the results show that the standard time to fulfill an order of 30 pieces is 106.2 hours (equivalent to 5 days). In addition, based on the analysis of the workload of each workstation, two workstations are classified as overloaded, namely workstations I (Pattern Making and Cutting) and II (Sewing), so it is necessary to add a worker to both workstations to achieve a fit workload.

Revitalizing old low-rise residential environments by focusing on communities: case studies in Seoul, Korea

PurposeApartments have become a representative urban housing type for mass housing construction; therefore, interest in low-rise residential areas has decreased. Low-rise residential areas have proved to be a poor residential environment for all aspects of life because of the density of the old buildings. Using the Moa Towns project as a case study, this research explores the steps for revitalizing low-rise residential environments, emphasizing communities.Design/methodology/approachThe study first investigated the historical changes in urban housing types in Korea. Through a review of the related literature, a systematic analysis framework was developed. The residential environments of the case study and the questionnaire survey were analyzed through the framework, with a focus on the quality of housing.FindingsTo improve the quality of housing for residents, a housing plan is needed to ensure safety and comfort. To establish an accessible residential environment infrastructure, improve the quality of housing, and encourage social relationships between neighbors, community facilities within a 15-min walk should be installed. To increase interaction between neighbors, a circular pedestrian system can be created by establishing a community street.Originality/valueThis study is significant in that it focuses on people in revitalizing the community; identifies factors for physical improvement, exchange activities, and facility support; and presents a conceptual framework for building a residential environment in low-rise residential areas. The results are critical to the quality of housing and community facilities for low-rise residential development.

Nanopore-Functionalized Hybrid Lipid-Block Copolymer Membranes Allow Efficient Single-Molecule Sampling and Stable Sensing of Human Serum.

Biological nanopores are powerful tools for single-molecule detection, with promising potential as next-generation biosensors. A major bottleneck in nanopore analysis is the fragility of the supporting lipid membranes, that easily rupture after exposure to biological samples. Membranes comprising PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA (poly(2-methyloxazoline-b-dimethylsiloxane-b-2-methyloxazoline)) or PBD-PEO (poly(1,2-butadiene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)) polymers may form robust alternatives, but their suitability for the reconstitution of a broad range of nanopores has not yet been investigated. Here, PBD-PEO membranes are found to be highly robust toward applied voltages and human serum, while providing a poor environment for nanopore reconstitution. However, hybrid membranes containing a similar molar ratio of PBD11PEO8 polymers and diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) lipids show the best of both worlds: highly robust membranes suitable for the reconstitution of a wide variety of nanopores. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that lipids form ≈12nm domains interspersed by a polymer matrix. Nanopores partition into these lipid nanodomains and sequester lipids, possibly offering the same binding strength as in a native bilayer. Nanopores reconstituted in hybrid membranes yield efficient sampling of biomolecules and enable sensing of high concentrations of human serum. This work thus shows that hybrid membranes functionalized with nanopores allow single-molecule sensing, while forming robust interfaces, resolving an important bottleneck for novel nanopore-based biosensors.

Maternal exercise programs placental miR-495-5p-mediated Snx7 expression and kynurenic acid metabolic pathway induced by prenatal high-fat diet: Based on miRNA-seq, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.

Maternal exercise programs placental miR-495-5p-mediated Snx7 expression and kynurenic acid metabolic pathway induced by prenatal high-fat diet: Based on miRNA-seq, transcriptomics, and metabolomics.

The leaders' shadow: Excessive information spillover in the Chinese stock market

AbstractThis study investigates information spillover from industry leaders to peer firms during the leaders' earnings announcements (EAs) in the Chinese stock market. We find a positive information spillover, which is subsequently corrected when peers announce their own earnings, indicating excessive information spillover (overreaction). We further identify several reasons for the overreaction: (1) investors' overweighing of leaders' earnings in evaluating peers' earnings; (2) investors' abnormal searching and trading behaviours, particularly among retail investors; and (3) peer firms' poor information environment and limits to arbitrage. These findings suggest that overreaction could be more prominent in less mature, retail investor‐dominated markets like China.

Exploring "China's Partial Overcapacity" and Domestic Demand Insufficiency from an Accounting Perspective

This paper analyzes the reasons for weak consumer demand and insufficient investment demand, pointing out that slow growth of income level, lack of consumer confidence, and poor investment environment are the main factors leading to insufficient domestic demand, and discusses the identification and treatment of overcapacity from the perspective of accounting information, emphasizing the role of accounting standards in the recognition of losses, impairment of assets, and profit allocation. At the same time, this paper analyzes the impact of accounting policies on domestic demand, including tax policies, changes in accounting standards and transparency of financial reporting, etc., and in response to these issues, it proposes strategies such as adjusting relevant macro policies, taking countermeasures at the enterprise level, improving the relevant accounting system arrangements, and strengthening the supervision and risk prevention mechanism, etc., and concludes that industrial structural adjustment and policy support are the key to solving the problems of overcapacity and insufficient domestic demand. It is also believed that industrial structure adjustment and policy support are the key to solve the problems of overcapacity and domestic demand shortage.

Creditor Rights, Conflict of Interest Among Creditors, and Borrowers’ Accounting Conservatism: Evidence From Anti-Recharacterization Laws

Using the staggered adoption of anti-recharacterization laws (ARLs) as an exogenous shock to creditor rights, we study the effects of creditor rights on borrowers’ accounting conservatism. By forbidding securitized assets from being recharacterized as collateral for secured debt, ARLs protect securitization creditors at the expense of non-securitization creditors. Given the conflict of interest between these creditors, we argue that non-securitization creditors may demand more conservative accounting in response to their decreasing rights. Consistent with this argument, we find an increase in borrowers’ accounting conservatism after ARL adoption. To further support our demand-side argument, we present evidence that the effect of ARLs on accounting conservatism is stronger for borrowers with a higher likelihood of securitizing assets, those with unsecured creditors, and those with loan contracts that include more financial covenants. We also find a stronger effect for borrowers that are more likely to default, as captured by their credit risk, and for borrowers that are more difficult to monitor, as indicated by their poor information environment. Overall, our study establishes a link between creditor rights and borrowers’ accounting conservatism. We also add to the literature by offering novel evidence that creditors’ demand for accounting conservatism shapes borrowers’ financial reporting practices.

Coproducing a culturally sensitive storytelling video intervention to improve psychosocial well-being: a multimethods participatory study with Nepalese migrant workers

ObjectiveThis study aimed to coproduce a culturally adaptive storytelling video intervention to support the psychosocial well-being of Nepalese migrant workers.DesignA multimethods participatory study was conducted involving three different but interconnected...

EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL HEADS IN DECLINING RETENTION RATE OF STUDENTS IN (DEPED) DEPARTMENT EDUCATION: REASONS IN FOCUS

This qualitative-phenomenological study explores the factors contributing to the declining retention rates of students in public elementary and secondary schools in Pantukan, Davao De Oro, as perceived by school heads. Through in-depth interviews and virtual focus group discussions with 14 school principals, the study identifies five primary reasons for the decline: lack of resources, mental health struggles, family issues, academic challenges, and poor school learning environments. The study also highlights four key themes from school heads' experiences: strengthening stakeholder support, cultivating community engagement, developing retention initiatives, and addressing teacher stress. Coping mechanisms, such as fostering leadership, applying collaborative strategies, and implementing targeted programs, were also identified. The findings reveal that improving retention rates requires a comprehensive approach that includes better resource allocation, mental health support, and family involvement. School heads also emphasized the importance of teacher support, emotional resilience, and community collaboration in tackling retention challenges. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for educational leaders, teachers, parents, and policymakers in addressing the underlying causes of declining student retention. KEYWORDS: Student retention, school leadership, mental health, community engagement, educational resources.

Effects of Providing Enrichment to Broilers in an Animal Welfare Environment on Productivity, Litter Moisture, Gas Concentration (CO2 and NH3), Animal Welfare Indicators, and Stress Level Concentration

As animal welfare becomes more active in livestock industry, research is being conducted on ways to improve poor housing environments, reduce stress, and meet welfare standards. Among these, environmental enrichment methods are effective in reducing stress and creating a welfare-friendly rearing environment, but there are few cases of actual application to farms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of providing pecking materials (grain blocks), known as one of the environmental enrichment methods, to commercial broiler farms. This study used two facilities that could accommodate 32,000 one-day-old broilers (Arbor acres) per building, and two groups (control and treatment groups) were designed after creating two identical areas within each building (total two treatments, two replicates, 16,000 birds per replicate). Two identical zones within the house were created by installing a partition in the center; one side was provided with grain blocks (one grain block per 1000 birds), and the other side was not. Analysis items included productivity (body weight, uniformity), environmental variables (litter and air), welfare indicators (leg, gait score, feather cleanliness score), and serum corticosterone levels. Analysis of all items was conducted twice, on the 19th and 27th, taking into account the farm’s feed change date and slaughter schedule. Other environmental conditions (density, lighting, ventilation, temperature, humidity, feed, and water) were the same. As a result, no difference in productivity was observed according to enrichment, and the quality of litter and air was similar. Also, there was no significant difference in welfare indicators. Interestingly, however, provision of the environment enrichment lowered serum corticosterone levels (p < 0.05). The implications of our study are that grain blocks as a pecking material are an effective way to reduce stress without adversely affecting broiler performance and rearing environment. However, it is still necessary to explore optimal enrichment materials that can help not only the welfare level but also the broiler performance.

National Survey of Recently Graduated Thai Medical Interns’ Characteristics and Perspectives Regarding Resignation Intention: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Objective: The Thai medical internship program is a one-year post-graduation program that requires newly graduated doctors to rotate in major specialties in a government hospital. These newly graduated doctors carry a significant workload in the hospital and Thai healthcare system. However, there is a lack of data on the characteristics and attitudes of this new generation of doctors, which limits the ability to create appropriate interventions to address the issue of resignations within this group. This study aimed to collect data in order to understand the Thai medical internship program and identify the possible reasons for resignations among the new generation of doctors. Material and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was compiled from the recently graduated medical interns' national general information survey, 2021. We used descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28.0.0.0.Results: We included 2,431 participants, of which 1,139 (46.9%) were male and 1,292 were female (53.1%). The most common expected salary range during the internship was 40,000–60,000 Thai Baht per month (46.2%). Up to 3.5%, or 84 participants, planned to resign from their internship. The reasons for the resignations from the program included a poor working environment (61.4%), too much workload (51.7%), and low income (42.9%). Those interested in the cosmetic field (5.8%) and willing to work in other fields (7.6%) were much less common.Conclusion: The main reason for the possible resignations of the newly graduated Thai doctors was the miserable work environment, due to a multitude of factors that require further research and intervention.

Poor Nurses' Work Environment Increases Quiet Quitting and Reduces Work Engagement: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece.

Background/Objectives: The nursing work environment, encompassing accessible resources and established processes, might affect nurses' professional behavior. Our aim was to examine the effect of nurses' work environments on quiet quitting and work engagement among nurses. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with nurses in Greece. We used the "Practice Environment Scale-5" to measure nurses' work environments, the "Quiet Quitting Scale" to measure quiet quitting, and the "Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-3" to measure work engagement among nurses. We developed multivariable regression models adjusted for gender, age, understaffed wards, shift work, and work experience. Results: The study population included 425 nurses. The mean age of the nurses was 41.1 years. After controlling for confounders, we found that lower nurse participation in hospital affairs, less collegial nurse-physician relationships, worse nursing foundations for quality of care, and lower levels of nurse manager ability, leadership, and support were associated with higher levels of quiet quitting among nurses. Moreover, our multivariable analysis identified a positive association between nurse manager ability, leadership, and support, collegial nurse-physician relationships, nursing foundations for quality of care, and work engagement among nurses. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the poor work environment, elevated levels of quiet quitting, and moderate work engagement among nurses. Moreover, we found that a poor nurses' work environment was associated with higher levels of quiet quitting. Moreover, our findings showed that nurses' work environments had a positive impact on work engagement. The ongoing endeavor to enhance all aspects of nurses' working conditions by healthcare organization administrations is essential for optimizing nurses' performance, facilitating organizational operations, and ensuring service quality.

Does the SOEs deepening reform mitigate firms’ short-term debt for long-term use? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT Optimizing the capital structure is one of the important contents of the implementation of the SOEs deepening reform. The goal of strengthening, optimizing, and expanding state-owned enterprises is to some extent constrained by the capital structure. From the perspective of short-term debt for long-term use, this paper uses the ‘Slimming Work Plan of Central SOEs Deepening Reform’ in 2016 as a natural experimental event. By the data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020, the paper systematically examines the impact and economic consequences of this reform on short-term debt for long-term use of SOEs. The research results find that the reform has significantly reduced the level of short-term debt for long-term use of SOEs. Moreover, the cross-sectional inspection results indicate that this effect is more pronounced in SOEs with weak internal control, poor information environment, and high degree of diversification. This paper not only supplements the relevant research on the economic consequences of state-owned enterprise reform but also expands the literature on the influencing factors of firms’ short-term debt for long-term use.

Incentives for Skills Supply in a Socially Sustainable Shipping

While global demand for shipping continues to grow, the maritime industry is concerned by the impending shortage of skilled seafarers. The challenge is twofold: there is a need to attract and recruit new talent, and to retain, upskill, and reskill existing personnel. This study aims to investigate what motivates students to enrol in and complete a maritime education, and to stay in the profession. A register‐based follow‐up study, a survey questionnaire, and interviews were conducted with former and current students at a maritime upper secondary school in Sweden. Results show that motives include an interest in shipping or boating, or seeking a practical occupation. It has not been possible to identify any major differences between women’s and men’s motives. However, women complete their educations to a greater extent than men. Pivotal for seafarers’ decision to stay in a seafaring profession is having reasonable working and employment conditions, varied work tasks, and a sense of professional pride. Experiences of good companionship and togetherness are important driving forces. Conversely, social exclusion, harassment, and poor working environments influence the decision to leave the maritime industry. Even though women are at increased risk of being exposed to unwelcome behaviour, they choose to stay at sea to a greater extent than their male colleagues. A sustainable skills supply requires a holistic perspective. Satisfied employees who are allowed to grow in their professional role are likely to act as excellent ambassadors and thereby contribute to the continued recruitment of seafarers.

ESG rating disagreement and bank loan availability: Evidence from China

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings are receiving increasing attention in credit markets. However, ESG rating disagreement erects obstacles for companies in obtaining capital resources. This study investigates the impact of ESG rating disagreement on bank loan availability uses data of Chinese listed firms from 2014 to 2022, and employs models with multiple regression analyses and fixed effects. We find that greater ESG rating disagreement leads to a decrease in newly obtained bank loans. The mechanism analysis confirms that ESG rating disagreement amplifies information asymmetry and increases operational uncertainty, thereby raising the information and credit risks faced by banks, leading to a decrease in bank loan availability. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the negative effect of ESG rating disagreement on bank loan availability is more pronounced in firms with poor financing capabilities, poor information environments, and fierce competitive macro environments. Our findings contribute to the literature on ESG rating disagreement from credit markets, which are important for a more comprehensive and objective understanding of ESG rating disagreement.

Robotics for Neuroendovascular Therapy.

In the field of abdominal and pelvic surgery, endoscopic procedures have increasingly utilized robotic surgery, including the da Vinci system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Unlike robotic surgery in these fields, endovascular treatment involves simple movements such as pushing and pulling or twisting catheters and wires, allowing for the creation of relatively straightforward robotic systems that can replicate these endovascular procedures. Recently, there have been clinical applications of this technology in coronary arteries. However, when applying it to cerebral vessels, which have significant curvature and fragility, it is essential to develop a system that can adequately assess and reflect the physical stress on the vessel wall. Furthermore, remote surgery (telesurgery) performed by specialists is one of the most sought-after applications of robotics, but issues remain due to poor communication environments, leading to delays in operation and control difficulties. Additionally, there are ethical concerns regarding the responsibility for adverse events related to robotic surgery, highlighting the urgent need for the establishment of guidelines.

Exploring the metabolic potential of Aeromonas to utilise the carbohydrate polymer chitin.

Members of the Aeromonas genus are commonly found in natural aquatic ecosystems. However, they are also frequently present in non-chlorinated drinking water distribution systems. High densities of these bacteria indicate favorable conditions for microbial regrowth, which is considered undesirable. Studies have indicated that the presence of Aeromonas is associated with loose deposits and the presence of invertebrates, specifically Asellus aquaticus. Therefore, a potential source of energy in these nutrient poor environments is chitin, the structural shell component in these invertebrates. In this study, we demonstrate the ability of two Aeromonas strains, commonly encountered in drinking water distribution systems, to effectively degrade and utilize chitin as a sole carbon and nitrogen source. We conducted a quantitative proteomics study on the cell biomass and secretome from pure strain cultures when switching the nutrient source from glucose to chitin, uncovering a diverse array of hydrolytic enzymes and metabolic pathways specifically dedicated to the utilization of chitin. Additionally, a genomic analysis of different Aeromonas species suggests the general ability of this genus to degrade and utilize a variety of carbohydrate biopolymers. This study indicates the relation between the utilization of chitin by Aeromonas and their association with invertebrates such as A. aquaticus in loose deposits in drinking water distribution systems.

Efektivitas Storytelling dalam Meningkatkan Minat Baca Anak: Studi Kasus Program Kejar Baca di Perpustakaan Cinta Baca Medan

<p><em>Based on the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey in 2022, Indonesia's score has decreased, especially in reading ability scores. Indonesia's reading score in PISA 2018 was 371 while PISA 2022 dropped to 359. From the initial field observations, the author found that there are literacy activities in the form of storytelling at Cinta Baca Library Medan. The activity is routinely carried out once a week to increase children's interest in reading. This study aims to examine and observe in depth how storytelling activities in the Kejar Baca Program can be implemented effectively in increasing children’s interest in reading at the Medan Cinta Baca Library.This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a case study type. Data collection techniques in this study used observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is the Miles and Huberman model analysis technique which consists of 3 activities, namely data reduction, data display, and verification or conclusion. Based on the results of interviews with informants and direct observation, storytelling can be said to be effective in increasing children's interest in reading. This can be seen from children who are enthusiastic about the story and active in responding to questions and discussions about the story. Indirectly, children have taken part in reading the story. Some children who participated in storytelling became active in visiting the library and borrowing reading books. Poor environment and lack of motivation are challenges in implementing storytelling activities in the library. In addition, age changes and other activities are also unavoidable challenges.</em></p>

The Influence of Work Environment and Employee Placement on Job Satisfaction and its Impact on Intention to Quit

This study examines the impact of the work environment and employee placement on job satisfaction and how these factors influence the intention to quit among employees in the West Java III Regional Tax Office. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, this research involved a sample of 243 employees directly engaged in tax collection, with data collected via an online questionnaire. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that both the work environment and employee placement have a significant positive effect on job satisfaction. A supportive work environment and proper employee placement that aligns with employee skills and qualifications lead to higher job satisfaction and lower intentions to quit. On the contrary, a poor work environment and inappropriate employee placement contribute to increased turnover intentions. Additionally, job satisfaction mediates the relationship between the work environment, employee placement, and the intention to quit. The study highlights the critical role of non-physical work environments, such as organizational culture and employee relations, in influencing job satisfaction. Furthermore, mismatches between employee placement and competencies can aggravate turnover intentions. This research offers valuable insights for the human resource management of government institutions, particularly the Directorate General of Taxes, by suggesting that improving the work environment and ensuring the proper placement of employees can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover. The findings suggest practical strategies for managing human resources, ultimately aimed at minimizing employee turnover rates and maintaining organizational effectiveness in tax revenue collection.

Educational Status of Scheduled Caste Children in Jammu and Kashmir: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: Indian culture is highly stratified due to its linguistic diversity, religious affiliations, caste system, and regional loyalties. Among the most economically deprived and marginalized groups in India are the Scheduled Castes (SCs), who continue to face significant social and educational disadvantages. Representing 16.6% of the country's total population (Census of India, 2011); the Scheduled Castes remain one of the most disadvantaged segments of Indian society. A substantial portion of this population is illiterate and unaware of the importance of education, which exacerbates their marginalization. Scheduled Caste children encounter numerous challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, a poor social environment, and a lack of public awareness. Although the Indian government has introduced various initiatives to improve their educational status, such as scholarships, educational facilities, financial aid, skill development programs, and special courts to address violence and atrocities, many SC individuals remain unaware of these opportunities. This present paper examines the educational status of Scheduled Caste children in India, with a particular focus on Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to shed light on the barriers preventing SC students from pursuing both school and higher education. Additionally, it will explore the constitutional provisions designed to uplift the status of Scheduled Caste students and analyze their enrollment rates at various educational levels in Jammu and Kashmir. Through this examination, the paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by SC students and the efforts being made to improve their educational outcomes