Beyond Basics: The Dichotomy of Actual and Perceived Consumer Needs

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Consumer behavior, particularly in distinguishing between actual and perceived needs, reveals complex dynamics that shape spending patterns. This study, titled “Beyond Basics: The Dichotomy of Actual and Perceived Consumer Needs,” examines how modern consumerism often blurs the lines between essential and discretionary expenditures. While actual needs—such as food, shelter, and clothing—are vital for survival, they often receive less financial attention compared to perceived needs, which are closely tied to social status, identity, and recognition. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as a theoretical framework, this research explores the psychological and social factors influencing this discrepancy. The study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data from a diverse sample of consumers across different socio-economic backgrounds. Through hypothesis testing, including t-tests and regression analysis, the research investigates the significant differences in spending on actual versus perceived needs and the impact of social status on these spending priorities. The findings indicate that consumers, on average, allocate significantly more financial resources to perceived needs, with social status serving as a stronger predictor of this behavior than income level. This trend is particularly evident among higher-income individuals, but it is pervasive across all income groups, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of societal norms and marketing strategies on consumer choices.

The study concludes by discussing the implications for marketers, policymakers, and consumer education. It suggests that promoting financial literacy, developing sustainable marketing strategies, and encouraging a shift towards prioritizing actual needs could lead to more balanced and sustainable consumer habits. By addressing the psychological and social drivers of consumption, it may be possible to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive spending on perceived needs and foster healthier, more sustainable consumption patterns.

A Comprehensive Review of Engineering Strategies for Environmental Sustainability in Sustainable Waste Management

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Waste management and environmental sustainability are intricately linked aspects crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. This study synthesizes research findings and scholarly insights to underscore the significance of effective waste management practices in achieving environmental sustainability goals.  It examines waste treatment approaches, including recycling, waste-to-energy systems, and waste reduction strategies, highlighting their role in mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the study explores the environmental consequences of inadequate waste management, emphasizing the urgent need for holistic solutions to address water, soil, and air pollution. Engineering solutions for sustainable waste management, such as the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), thermal treatment methods, and landfill management, are discussed as essential components of a comprehensive strategy. By integrating these approaches, policymakers, industries, and communities can minimize waste generation, conserve resources, and safeguard the environment for current and future generations. Challenges like regulatory barriers, lack of awareness, and inadequate infrastructure pose obstacles to sustainable waste management practices. Thus, a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, and civil society is crucial to implementing effective waste management policies and initiatives. Through concerted action, we can transition to a circular economy model that promotes resource efficiency, environmental protection, and human well-being on a global scale.

Design and Development of Overcurrent Protection Relay Inverse Definite Minimum Time Type Based on Arduino Uno

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An overcurrent protection relay is an essential component in electrical system to protect devices from damage due to excessive current. The Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) type has a trip time that depends on the magnitude of the overcurrent, with faster trip times for higher overcurrent levels. Arduino Uno can be used as a microcontroller platform to build an IDMT with relatively low cost and ease of implementation. This research aims to design and construct an Arduino Uno-based IDMT. The system consists of a current sensor, Arduino Uno, and a relay. The current sensor is used to detect the current flowing through the load. The Arduino Uno processes the data from the current sensor and determines if the current exceeds a predefined limit. If the current exceeds the limit, the Arduino Uno will activate the relay to cut off the current flow to the load. The IDMT trip time is implemented using an algorithm that considers the magnitude of the overcurrent and the minimum trip time. The system is tested using a simulator and actual load. Test results show that the Arduino Uno-based IDMT system works well and can protect the load from damage due to overcurrent.

An Analysis Management by Mike 21 Modelling at Rolak 70 Retention Pool in Jombang Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia

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Some areas in Indonesia have high level of sedimentation problems that able to cause flooding, and one apparent solution is to build a retention pool. Sedimentation is deposition of material into the reservoir or dam due to environmental damage or erosion occurs in the river basin area. Sedimentation becomes the main factor in constructing the Rolak 70 Retention Pool, as an important component in controlling floods on the Konto River when the water discharge exceeds the maximum limit. From geography perspective, the modelling location is in waters located between 112° 11′ 22.85″ South Latitude and 7° 38′ 42.23″ East Longitude. The model area has northern boundary at the tip of Rolak 70 pool, while western boundary at the outlet of Rolak 70 pool. The lowest water depth value is located in upstream area of Konto River at coordinates of 112°11’27.81″ South Latitude and 7°38’49.27″ East longitude.

Weight of soil sample taken from the research site was ± 1000 grams at each point, and the result of sediment sample test performed at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory of Civil Engineering Department, Sultan Agung University, Semarang showed that the research area is dominated by sand, followed by mud and gravel. There were several tests conducted include grain size analysis, hydrometer analysis, and specific gravity analysis to determine the D50 of the sediment. In the study area, several sampling points were taken, started from upstream area of the river in front of Rolak 70 building to the Rolak 70 Retention Pool. For this purpose, a MIKE 21 software modelling was used to determine distribution and lines of sedimentation in the study area. As visible from changes found in bed level morphology that occurred in Rolak 70 Retention Pool by cross section extraction, it can be seen that the largest change occurred in analysis for line 1 and the smallest bed level changes occurred in the analysis for line 6. Then, the result revealed that sedimentation tends to occur at large locations in upstream area of Rolak 70 Retention Pool, while the smallest sedimentation potential will happen at the downstream area of Rolak 70 Retention Pool. These results can be caused by changes of speed from the river flow which tends to decrease towards the end of Rolak 70 Retention Pool. So, the river flow has no more energy to carry heavy amount of sediments originating from the upstream area of the Konto River. By the existence of this retention pool, the need for rice field irrigation will not be disturbed by sediment deposits. In addition, the Rolak 70 Retention Pool can be used as temporary storage for material from Mount Kelud eruption where these materials can be utilized as building material or other useful purposes.

 

Exploratory Study of Metaverse in Business in Indonesia Using Scenario Planning Approach (Metaverse Case Study in Digital Business & Technology Division PT Telkom Indonesia)

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The Metaverse, as the next step after the internet (Web1) and Social Media (Web2), gained attention after Facebook rebranded to Meta in 2021, signaling a focus on its development. While still in its early stages, with limited business applications beyond marketing, this research explores potential metaverse scenarios in Indonesia through PT Telkom’s Digital Business & Technology Division. Using the TAIDA method and a qualitative approach with primary interviews and secondary data, the study highlights Indonesia’s strong potential for metaverse growth, driven by internet adoption, VR/AR technology, cryptocurrency, and government support. Key uncertainties include low adoption, early-stage development, and unclear regulations. Four business scenarios are analyzed, focusing on promotion inefficiency, digital gaming interest, cybersecurity concerns, and potential platform discontinuation. Business scenarios encompass a booming metaverse, metaverse as a game, metaverse as a virtual world threat, and social media dominance. Scenario 1 analysis reveals PT Telkom’s focus on developing metaverse with risks related to promotional inefficiency. Scenario 2 involves developing metaverse’s digital game with the risk of low public interest. Scenario 3 emphasizes cybersecurity with risks related to societal disinterest. Scenario 4 envisions discontinuing metaverse with risks tied to customer misunderstanding. The primary objectives target awareness, cybersecurity, and customer understanding while ensuring platform reliability and regulatory guidance.

Optimizing Prompt Length and Specificity for Enhanced AI Chatbot Responses

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Language models have revolutionized natural language processing by greatly improving text generation and comprehension. Optimizing their functioning is related to how one designs prompts because the kind and quality of response produced affects the nature of response that is generated. This article explores the impact of prompt length and specificity on AI chatbots’ capabilities concerning accuracy, fluency, and relevance of generated responses. We present evidence that careful prompt engineering is severely lacking to improve conversational performance, and illustrate this using studies and experiments on the Cornell Movie Dialogs Corpus; thus, providing interesting guidelines to the developers and researchers interested in improving chatbot responses

Social and Cultural Factors Influencing Promotion of Latrine Utilization in Laisamis Sub-County, Marsabit, Kenya

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The issue of sanitation has long existed and drawn criticism from figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who stated that sanitation in a community is more important than independence. Latrine utilization is among ways of ensuring that communities are safe and are not interacting with disease causing pathogens. However, the presence of latrines has not completely been a guarantee for their utilization especially among the pastoral communities. The objectives of this study was to examine the social and cultural factors influencing promotion of latrine utilization Laisamis Sub-County, Marsabit County, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in two selected Wards in Laisamis Sub-County using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitive data was collected from 177 households using questionnaires and analysed in descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was gathered from selected members from a focus group discussion. The data was analysed thematically and presented in narratives.  The social factors that showed a significant influence on latrine utilization included: perceived health benefits (p=0.000<0.05), accessibility of latrines (p=0.000<0.05), respect associated with latrines ownership (p=0.05) and social norms (p=0.000<0.05). Cultural beliefs relating to defecation in enclosed places such as toilets seemed to encourage open defecation despite latrine presence. Taboos surrounding sharing of latrines for men and women and among in-laws was reported to attract latrine avoidance especially when the available toilets were not separated. It was established that cultural practices for some groups such as morans discouraged toilets utilization. The influence of cultural taboos, barriers and beliefs on latrine utilization was significant (p<0.05). The study concluded that owning a latrine in Laisamis Sub-County did not guarantee use because of the influence of social and cultural issues. The study recommended community engagement and robust education campaigns using local leaders and influencers to dispel taboos and beliefs against latrine use. Context-specific behaviour change strategies could encourage positive habits and increase utilization of latrines in the sub-county.

Self-Acceptance of Deaf Students in an inclusive environment at SLB Negeri 1 Padang

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 This study aims to explore the self-acceptance of deaf students in an inclusive environment at SLB Negeri 1 Padang. Using a qualitative approach, the study involves in-depth interviews with students, teachers, and direct observation in the classroom to understand the factors that affect the self-acceptance of deaf students. The results showed that social support from teachers and peers, inclusive teaching methods, and active participation in extracurricular activities contributed significantly to student self-acceptance. However, deaf students still face challenges in communication and social interaction, which affects their confidence and the way they see themselves. This research provides important insights for educators and stakeholders in designing better educational strategies to support the self-acceptance of deaf students in an inclusive environment. Thus, the results of this study are expected to be a reference for a more inclusive and friendly education policy for all students.

Development of Combinatorial Thinking Ability Questions for Students

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This study aims to develop a question instrument that can measure combinatorial thinking skills in students. The method used is the 4-D development model, which consists of Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. The questions developed were tested on 20 students of Mathematics Education at PGRI Argopuro University Jember. The validation results by two validators showed that the question had a validity level with an average value of 3.71, which was included in the valid category. Reliability testing using Alpha Cronbach yielded a value of 0.931, indicating high reliability. Field test data showed that 65% of students were in the medium combinatorial thinking ability category and 35% in the high category. The highest indicator of combinatorial thinking ability is identifying several problems (96%), while the lowest is considering several combinations of other issues (34.16%). The developed instrument is expected to help analyze students’ combinatorial thinking ability and can be used in similar research or teaching in the future.

What Influences A Taxpayer’s Decision Making To Choose A Tax Consultant?

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The Indonesian Minister of Finance believes that Indonesia can continue to protect society and the economy through the countercyclical and shock absorber function of the APBN (Indonesia, 2023). There are many aspects to taxation and it is very complex and dynamic. One cannot just learn it once, then apply it all the time. Often people feel confused and difficult. So this is where the role of consultant services is needed. Tax Consultants are an extension of the state to socialize, provide input, so that Taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations according to the rules. Consultants play a role in influencing taxpayers’ compliant behavior and helping taxpayers carry out their tax obligations.

This research aims to analyze taxpayers’ perceptions of the use of tax consultants in providing consulting services and what influences taxpayers’ decisions in choosing their tax consultants. The hope is that it will provide input for practitioners and the academic community to prepare themselves to meet market desires. The data analysis technique used is thematic narrative analysis technique by conducting in-depth interviews and a questionnaire containing a summary of the interview results in the form of a statement. Involving 15 informants selected based on certain criteria. The result is that the public perception in Bali regarding the use of tax consultants is positive.  Users of Tax Consultant services, or Taxpayers feel very helped in terms of consultations. Not only in terms of calculating, paying and reporting tax, personal taxes, corporate taxes, but also providing advance advice regarding tax planning, financial management planning, restitution and responses if taxpayers receive a letter from the Directorate General of Taxes. Factors that influence a Taxpayer’s decision in choosing a Tax Consultant are mastery of tax knowledge and regulations, responsibility and integrity, trustworthiness, service quality, communication skills, ethics and Tax Consultant educational background. The majority of users of Tax Consultant services make decisions based on various decisions, including recommendations and testimonials from trusted parties, as well as consideration of individual consultant assessments based on the criteria above.