The Potential Presence of Microplastics in Daily Food and Beverage Consumption May Lead to Alzheimer’s disease in The Thai Population

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Environmental issues have become a global crisis. The amount of plastic used has relentlessly increased due to its advantages such as low cost production, lightweight, strength and durability. However, high usage of plastic contributes to microplastics, which are small particles that are difficult to detect and may be found in daily food and beverage consumption. Consequently, it is prone to accumulate in our body and affect our organs, including the brain. From recent studies, there are some possibilities that microplastics exposure can promote human brain damage, including Alzheimer’s. Due to microplastic concerns, this study aims to find out the relation between microplastics in daily food and beverage consumption and Alzheimer’s disease in the Thai population by collecting the responses (509 participants) through a questionnaire. The questionnaire uses Likert scales to evaluate the quantities of daily microplastics consumption, packaging, and Alzheimer assessment. As a result, the data revealed that microplastics consumption has a link to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. We show that microplastics consumption and plastic containers are positively correlated for the Thai population. Consequently, in the course of time, it can lead to other causes of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed when microplastics are accumulated in the human body. Moreover, it can raise social awareness through campaigns or policies on plastics used which have to be immediately reduced.

Beyond the Korean Wave: Understanding the Motivation of Among Indonesian Gen Z to Learn Korean in the K-Pop Trend

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This research aims to uncover the motivation that drives the Indonesian Generation Z (Gen Z) to learn Korean and absorb Korean Pop culture as a lifestyle that is now increasingly trendy. Pop-Korean Language and Culture referred to in this research is the Pop-Korean language and culture used in South Korea, a language that has recently become popular with young people not only in Indonesia but in several other countries in the world. This research was designed with the aim of; 1) to reveal the motivations that encourage Gen Z to learn Korean, and 2) to measure their level of perception of Korean pop culture. The results of this research show that Gen Z’s interest in Korean in the trend of K-Pop is caused by K-Pop being a trend among the younger generation. The implications of this research contribute to the reader’s understanding that the cultural orientation of Gen Z is different from the Old Generation who tend to keep themselves away from new things.

Enhancing Learning Performance of students in Tourism major at Ba Ria – Vung Tau University

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Ba Ria – Vung Tau University, a tourism education institution in Vietnam, has implemented a multifaceted approach to optimize the learning performance of its tourism management students. This article examines the university’s strategies, which include curriculum design and relevance, integration of technology and digital literacy, experiential learning and industry partnerships, mentorship and career guidance, fostering student engagement and well-being, and a continuous improvement and evaluation process. The university’s comprehensive initiatives aim to prepare the next generation of tourism professionals by enhancing their knowledge, practical skills, and overall competitiveness in the dynamic and rapidly evolving tourism industry.

Safeguarding Patient Confidentiality in Telemedicine: A Systematic Review of Privacy and Security Risks, and Best Practices for Data Protection

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The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, showcasing its potential in improving healthcare delivery. However, privacy and security risks pose challenges, impeding widespread acceptance. The aim is to investigate the integration of data analytics, data analysis, and data cleaning in telemedicine, focusing on patient data privacy and security, with the goal of proposing strategies to mitigate risks and uphold confidentiality. Utilizing a qualitative approach, privacy and security challenges in telemedicine were investigated. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 2018-2023. Inclusion criteria involved English-language, peer-reviewed empirical studies focusing on telemedicine privacy and security. Out of 770 unique records screened, eight studies were included. Full-text review and risk of bias assessment were conducted using CASP tool.  Privacy and security, technology hurdles for providers, patient trust, professional training, physical assessment challenges, and disparities among special populations were identified. Environmental, technological, and operational factors contribute to privacy and security risks in telehealth. Technology challenges like restricted access to telehealth tools and poor internet hinder adoption. Data analytics in telemedicine facilitates healthcare transformation, addressing privacy and security while optimizing patient outcomes through advanced analytics techniques and structured data analytics lifecycles. The integration of data analytics in telemedicine shows promise for healthcare transformation by providing insights into patient behavior and policy impacts, while ensuring data privacy and security. Addressing barriers, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires infrastructure enhancements and global research efforts for inclusive telehealth ecosystems.

Stock Valuation of PT. Bank ABC Tbk.

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PT Bank ABC Tbk aspires to be one of the top 10 global sharia banks in 2025 in terms of market capitalization. As of December 2023, PT. Bank ABC Tbk ranks 13 with 5,18 billion USD in market capitalization. This research aims to examine PT. Bank ABC Tbk stock by using Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) through Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE), and Relative Valuation method through the Price to Book Value (PBV), and to determine whether the stock is undervalued or overvalued.

According to Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE) valuation result, the intrinsic value per share of PT. Bank ABC Tbk is Rp 37.497 per share, while its share price as of 31 December 2023, is Rp 1.740, indicating that the stock of PT. Bank ABC Tbk is undervalued by the market. This means that the market has not completely recognized the PT. Bank ABC Tbk ‘s ability to generate future cash flows. PT. Bank ABC Tbk’s undervalued stock offers the possibility of returns for the potential investor as the share price rises over time to reflect the intrinsic value per share.

The company’s Price to Book Value (PBV) is 2.07, while the PBV of the average of the company’s peers is 2.72. This means PT Bank ABC Tbk is undervalued ie. the share is underpriced compared to the average of its peers.

Based on the result, this research recommends to buy the stock of PT. Bank ABC Tbk because it is undervalued based on FCFE and based on PBV.

Enhancing Digital Transformation: A Comprehensive Review of PT Hutama Karya’s Information Technology Management in 2023

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: This paper provides an in-depth analysis of PT Hutama Karya’s Information Technology (IT) Management Report for the year 2023. The study focuses on the company’s strategic initiatives and achievements in aligning IT functions with its business objectives, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 readiness. Key areas examined include the evolution of IT architecture, implementation of IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity enhancements, ERP integration, and the development of supporting applications. The findings highlight the significant progress made in digital transformation and the proactive steps taken to ensure the company’s IT infrastructure supports its strategic goals.

Meta-Analysis the Effectiveness of Implementing the Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) Model in Improving Students’ Critical Thinking

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In preparing the order of life in the era of revolution 4.0, it is necessary to prepare competencies in achieving national education goals. The competency needed in the 21st century is the ability to think at a high level. These skills are critical thinking, creative, collaborative and communicative. This meta-analysis study aims to analyze the effect of using the Argument Driven Inquiry (ADI) model towards increasing students’ critical thinking skills in learning. The method used in this research is a meta-analysis method by reviewing 9 journal articles and integrating 1 international journal article and 8 national journal articles. Data analysis was carried out by calculating the average Effect Size (ES) which is then categorized based on interpretation of Cohen’s criteria. Based on the study results, the average ES model in the effect of applying the ADI model on students’ critical thinking skills is 0.36 in the medium category. So, it can be concluded that the ADI model can have a positive effect on students’ critical thinking skills.

 

Enhancing Nogi Livin’s Brand Awareness: A Customer Decision Journey Perspective through Social Media

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This study investigates the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies employed by Nogi Livin, an emerging Indonesian furniture company, in enhancing brand awareness and influencing customer decision journeys. The global furniture market’s expansion is leveraged by digitalization and changing consumer preferences, presenting challenges and opportunities for companies like Nogi Livin. Using the McKinsey Consumer Decision Journey Model, this research delineates the impact of social media strategies on customer engagement and purchasing decisions. A mixed-method approach, including quantitative data from online surveys and qualitative insights, was employed. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to measure the relationship between online presence and brand awareness, and subsequently, the influence of brand awareness on customer engagement. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation between strategic online engagements and enhanced brand awareness, which strongly links to increased customer engagement and positively affects the consumer decision journey. This research contributes to theoretical and practical understandings of digital marketing’s impact in the furniture industry.

Star-Up Business Development in an Effort to Increase Competitiveness: A Development Research

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This research uses a qualitative approach in the form of descriptive research by applying the 4D development model. The main aim of this research is to increase the competitiveness of the Patas Tactical Makassar fashion business. The research was conducted from December to February, with the research location at the Makassar Fashion Patas Tactical business. The object of research is the business, while research subjects include owners, leaders, employees, consumers and regular customers. The research focus is on developing business models by applying the elements of Discovery, Dreaming, Design, and Destiny. Data collection methods used include observation, interviews and documentation. The research results show that Fashion Patas Tactical has succeeded in developing their business through a structured start-up-based approach, with four main phases: Dreaming, Design, Delivery, and Destiny. The company has set an ambitious vision and implemented targeted strategies to create a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Focusing on product quality, innovation, superior customer service and sustainability are the main pillars in their business journey. Thus, research shows that Fashion Patas Tactical has succeeded in building a strong and strategic foundation to face market challenges and achieve sustainable growth in the fashion industry.

 

Structure and Substrate Recognition of the Escherichia coli Transport Protein NupG from the Nucleoside: H+ Symporter (NHS) Family

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The nucleoside transporter NupG is one of the two principal transport proteins in the inner membrane of Escherichia coli that enable the organism to scavenge nucleosides from its external environment. NupG functions in a symport manner driven by the proton motive force and is a member of the Nucleoside:H+ Symporter (NHS) subfamily of the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) of transporters. NupG has broad substrate specificity, transporting all naturally occurring purine and pyrimidine nucleosides. In studies over many years the nupG gene has been cloned and amplified, and the NupG protein has been purified, subjected to biochemical, biophysical and computational analysis, and its X-ray structure determined in the apo state at 3.0 Å resolution. The NupG structure had a typical MFS fold with twelve transmembrane spanning α-helices and distinct N- and C-terminal domains linked by a flexible loop. Preliminary site-directed mutagenesis and molecular docking studies on NupG identified nine putative nucleoside binding pocket residues (R136, T140, F143, Q225, N228, Q261, E264, Y318, F322) and a mutant (D323A) with 20-fold enhanced uridine binding activity. Further biochemical and structural investigations are necessary to better understand the substrate recognition and molecular mechanism of E. coli NHS family proteins (NupG, XapB, YegT).