Prepolymers containing isocyanates must be prevented from curing when exposed to moisture, which can be achieved by blocking the isocyanate groups with a suitable agent. The study carefully examines several blocking agents, including methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO), caprolactam, and phenol, and concludes that methyl ethyl ketoxime is the best choice. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses, as well as oven curing studies, are conducted with various blocking agents and isocyanate prepolymer to castor oil ratios, revealing MEKO to be the most effective blocking agent which gets unblocked at higher temperatures.
This research analyzes disaster risk financing within the framework of the disaster management policy in Indonesia as the implementation of the Disaster Management Law, Number 24 of 2007, by examining recent issues, challenges, and opportunities in disaster financing. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research systematically reviews various studies, reports, and existing regulations and policies to understand the current landscape comprehensively. Recent developments in disaster risk financing in Indonesia highlight the need for a nuanced exploration of the existing policy framework. Fiscal constraints, evolving risk landscapes, and the increasing frequency of disasters underscore the urgency of effective disaster risk financing strategies. Through a qualitative examination, this study identifies challenges while illuminating opportunities for innovation and improvement within the current policy framework. The contribution of this research extends to both theoretical and practical levels. Theoretically, it enriches the academic discourse on disaster risk financing by offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. On a practical level, the findings derived from the examination provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners engaged in disaster management in Indonesia. The insights aim to inform the refinement of disaster management policies and practices, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving disaster scenarios.
Scholars widely agree that modular technologies can significantly improve environmental sustainability compared to traditional building methods. There has been considerable debate about the viability of replacing traditional cast-in-place structures with modular construction projects. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of using modular technology for construction projects in island areas. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the potential problems and suitable solutions associated with modular building project implementation. This study is accomplished through the use of qualitative and quantitative methods. It systematically examines desk research based on the wide academic literature and real case studies, collating secondary data from government files, news articles, professional blogs, and interviews. This research identifies several important barriers to the use of modular construction projects. Among the issues are the complexity of stakeholder engagement, limited practical skills and construction methodologies, and a scarcity of manufacturing capacity specialised for modular components. Fortunately, these unresolved challenges can be mitigated through fiscal incentives and governmental regulations, induction training programmes, efficient management strategies, and adaptive governance approaches. As a result, the findings support the feasibility of starting and advancing modular building initiatives in island areas. Project developers will likely be more willing to embrace and commit resources to initiate modular building projects. Additional studies can be undertaken to acquire the most recent first-hand data for detailed validation.
Major principles of organizational management like unity of command and unity of direction are quite important to foster co-ordination and efficiency in organizations. Since Islamic management is an offshoot of the modern Western management theories these principles have considerable relevance to Islamic management as well. This paper aims to discover how Islamic principles can solve modern problems of organizational management in order to demonstrate an interdependent system that teaches ethics and management. This paper attempts to offer an analytical discussion regarding Islamic views on the challenges that emerge regarding the need for cohesion in managing any organization. On the basis of a conceptual review, it highlights how unity of command and unity of direction can influence inspiring better management at all levels positively. Such clarification tries to elicit the Islamic interpretation that may lead to increased workforce commitment due to their motivation emanating from religion, contribute principles that will benefit the value addition process of labor and management’s decision-making process towards wider organizational goals, and enrich literature on management from Islamic principles and thoughts. This text succinctly examines the principles of unity of command and unity of direction that promote the development of management work ethics and the implications of Islamic management. The paper reviews the principles of unity of command and unity of direction as derived from The Holy Qur’an and Hadith, and examines various empirical studies conducted in different countries. These discussions subsequently bring out that the Islamic approach is comprehensive and practically relevant in the interest of present-day organizations. The paper concludes that intention and purity of hearts, regardless of the leadership styles of management, will direct the leaders and workforce to continually strive hard and give their best in their organizational management functions.
This study aims at predicting the interrelationship between among Chat GPT with its six dimensions, tourist’s satisfaction and Chat GPT usage intention as perceived by tourist, and as well as to examine the moderating effect of traditional tour operator services on the relationships between all the variables. Data were collected from 624 tourists. The study hypotheses were tested and the direct and indirect effects between variables were examined using the PLS-SEM. The SEM results showed that Chat GPT’s six dimensions have a positive and significant direct impact on tourist’s satisfaction, and emphasis the moderating role of Traditional Tour Operator Services “TTOS” on the relationship between GPT’s six dimensions and “TS”, and on the relationship between ‘TS” and Chat GPT usage intention. These findings yield valuable insights for everyone interested in the use of IT in the tourism industry, and provide effective strategies for optimizing the use of technological applications by traditional tour operators.
This study delves into the concept of the “cultural bomb” within the framework of non-military defense empowerment strategies in Indonesia. This approach can potentially change society’s views and attitudes towards various security threats as a realization of strengthening the defense and security system of the universal people (Sishankamrata) per article 30 paragraph (2) of the 1945 constitution. By leveraging media, education, and information technology, the cultural bomb acts as a social weapon that operates powerfully in the “space of mind,” shaping behavior and actions nonviolently. The issue of cultural threats pertains to the infiltration and imposition of foreign cultural values and practices that undermine local traditions and national identity, leading to social fragmentation and weakness. This study proposes the concept of a “cultural bomb” as a policy framework to address and mitigate these cultural threats. The research employs a qualitative approach using the Delphi technique, engaging experts from cultural studies and defense strategies to reach a consensus on the strategic application of the cultural bomb. The results indicate that the cultural bomb can effectively strengthen national identity and awareness of national defense by promoting local values and cultural resilience, thus enhancing societal cohesion and mitigating the impact of foreign cultural influences. The paper outlines the components of a cultural bomb, analyzes its application in international contexts, and discusses its implications in efforts to strengthen national identity and foster a sense of national defense awareness. Focusing on the “war over space of mind” ideology, it introduces “cultural hacking” as a strategic initiative to address cultural power imbalances in the post-truth era.
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