Swiss German University

Salt-tolerant genes (STGs) play a crucial role in protecting rice against salt-induced stress. Hub genes (HGs), which are connected to other genes in the gene network, have also been found to encode regulators of biological processes that remained elusive in rice salt stress tolerance. To confront the issue of salt stress tolerance, 348 differentially expressed STGs were selected responsive to salt tolerance in rice from a data search. Several CytoHubba algorithms were applied to sort out the HGs and detected 10 genes for comparative phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif detection, and gene structure determination. We detected and characterized 10 candidate HGs in the rice salt-stress network, including the ubiquitin gene, calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinases genes, high-affinity potassium transporters genes, protein kinase domain gene, ATP-binding cassette subfamily gene, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene. To understand the functional roles of these HGs, we critically analyzed the phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, domain architecture, conserved motifs, protein structure, and protein network through bioinformatics approaches. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis stated that these HGs are involved in rice response to salt stress, K+ transmembrane transporter activity, protein phosphorylation, ion transport, and signal transduction. RNA-Seq analysis suggests that these salt-induced STGs might contribute to rice salt stress responses. Tissue-specific expression analysis indicated that these HGs might have various functions under salt stress. These outcomes of this study provide potential candidates for further in-depth functional studies in rice and their usefulness in salt-tolerant rice breeding programs.

Purpose ― This study examines the determinants of tourists’ visit intention by analysing the roles of city branding, tourism events, and city image in the context of Banyuwangi, Indonesia. Drawing on perspectives from Tourism Marketing and Consumer Behavior, the research proposes a model in which city branding and tourism events influence visit intention both directly and indirectly through city image. Methods ― A quantitative approach was employed using survey data collected from [n = 220] respondents. Data were analysed using CB-SEM with Amos. Findings ― The findings reveal that city branding and tourism events significantly affect city image, which in turn plays a crucial role in shaping the decision to visit. Furthermore, city image mediates the relationship between marketing stimuli and tourists’ behavioral intentions. Implication ― The study contributes to the literature on Place Branding by providing empirical evidence from an emerging tourism destination. Managerial implications suggest that local governments should strategically integrate branding initiatives with event-based tourism to strengthen destination image and attract visitors. Originality ― This study contributes to the literature by integrating city branding, tourism events, and city image into a unified model to explain tourists’ visit decisions. It further highlights the mediating role of city image in an emerging destination context, providing empirical evidence from Banyuwangi, Indonesia

The rapid growth of digital financial services has increased the need for effective regulatory compliance mechanisms, particularly for consumer protection. This study develops and evaluates a hybrid COBIT 2019–Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework for compliance with Indonesia’s OJK Regulation No. 22/2023 in a digital multifinance context. Using a design science research methodology, COBIT 2019 design factors were applied to tailor governance objectives, while a RAG pipeline was evaluated on 100 synthetic compliance queries using RAGAS metrics and expert-validated reference answers. The governance assessment prioritized EDM03, APO12, and MEA03, each assessed at capability Level 2 against a target of Level 4, indicating gaps in risk optimization, risk management, and external compliance. The optimal RAG configuration achieved an overall score of 0.8257, with context recall of 0.9217, faithfulness of 0.8502, and semantic similarity of 0.8629. It also outperformed baseline keyword search in retrieving semantically relevant regulatory passages, although broader benchmarking remains limited. The findings show that integrating structured IT governance with AI-assisted regulatory retrieval can strengthen accountability, regulatory interpretation, and compliance decision support. The framework offers a scalable approach for regulated industries, subject to further validation using real operational data and broader institutional settings.

The development of Islamic financial institutions has increased the importance of understanding how Sharia values are translated into ethical accounting practices, particularly in Islamic rural banks that serve community-based financial needs. This study aims to examine the interpretation and implementation of Sharia accounting ethics in financial practices, including the challenges faced in aligning operational activities with normative Islamic ethical principles. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, this research collected data through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and limited observation involving Islamic rural bank practitioners, Sharia Supervisory Boards, and regulatory representatives. The findings reveal that Sharia accounting ethics in Islamic rural banks is not merely determined by regulatory compliance but is shaped by institutional interpretations, organizational constraints, and professional perspectives. The study identifies several critical issues, including differences in understanding justice between management and the Sharia Supervisory Board, the dominance of murabahah financing that creates a gap between formal compliance and substantive Sharia objectives, limited Sharia accounting literacy, and tensions between profitability and social responsibility. The study concludes that strengthening Sharia accounting ethics requires deeper ethical internalization, improved human resource capacity, active Sharia Supervisory Board supervision, and broader social accountability mechanisms to align Islamic rural banks’ sustainability with the objectives of maqasid al-shariah.

Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation with more than 17,000 islands, faces serious challenges in managing Hazardous and Toxic Waste (B3) from Diesel Power Plants (PLTD) in remote areas. This study aims to identify and evaluate the Turbo Burn RC08 Incinerator technology, manufactured by Scholer Industries Australia, as a potential solution for B3 waste treatment at remote PLTDs prior to implementation in Indonesia. The research methodology employed a literature study approach and gap analysis between waste management problems in Indonesia and the technical specifications of the technology available in Australia. The study identifies that PLTDs generate used oil (49 L/month), used filters (0.7–60 kg/month), and contaminated rags (2–3 kg/month). The Turbo Burn RC08 offers a processing capacity of 18–45 kg/hour, portable operation, EPA Australia certification, a 2-stage cyclonic method with temperatures up to 1,100°C, and over 95% waste volume reduction. Suitability analysis shows great potential to address transportation, spill, and illegal dumping problems. However, adjustments are needed to comply with Indonesian emission dispersion regulations (chimney height), island topographic conditions, and monsoon wind patterns. This study contributes to environmental technology localization literature and provides a roadmap for policymakers, technology providers, and utility companies in making informed decisions on B3 waste treatment solutions in remote areas.