Proceeding of the International Conference on Social Sciences in the Modern Era
The Proceedings of The International Conference on Social Sciences in the Modern Era (SSMECONF) include peer-reviewed papers from the International Conference on Social Sciences in the Modern Era. Conference Proceedings is intended to share knowledge in the field of Social Sciences. Learn more about the Social Sciences Conference
Human Rights in The Context of the State of Emergency: The Balance Between National Security and Fundamental Freedoms
The proclamation of a state of emergency, whether triggered by armed conflict, terrorist threats, natural disasters, or global pandemics, constitutes a critical test for the resilience of democratic institutions and the protection of fundamental human rights. This paper explores the complex interplay between national security imperatives and the safeguarding of civil liberties during states of exception. Building on a multidisciplinary framework that integrates international human rights law, constitutional theory, and security studies, the analysis examines both normative constraints and empirical practices associated with the temporary suspension or limitation of rights. The study focuses on the legal mechanisms and justifications invoked by states to derogate from certain obligations under international treaties, such as the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also addresses the principle of proportionality, the requirement of legality, and the obligation of non-discrimination in the implementation of emergency measures. Special attention is paid to the role of constitutional courts and supranational bodies in reviewing the legitimacy and necessity of such restrictions. Through a comparative analysis of recent case studies—including the COVID-19 pandemic response—this research highlights the risk of normalization of emergency powers and the erosion of democratic oversight. The paper argues for a strengthened normative framework that ensures a fair balance between protecting national security and preserving individual freedoms, emphasizing the importance of legal predictability, transparency, and accountability in emergency governance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceeding of the International Conference on Social Sciences in the Modern Era
Moral Emotions and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Roles of Moral Emotions in Cyclical Self-Harming Behavior
This study examines the relationship between moral emotions—specifically guilt, shame, and perceived failure—and self-harming behavior, with a particular focus on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The research sample consisted of 165 university students of psychology (both full-time and part-time) and law, who completed the Self-Harm Inventory questionnaire. This allowed for an analysis of the frequency and types of self-harm, emotional triggers (i.e., emotional causes of self-harm), and subsequent emotional states. Findings revealed a high prevalence of self-harming behavior, particularly more severe forms occurring with at least moderate frequency. The most commonly reported behaviors included self-critical thoughts, scratching, hitting, cutting, and fasting. The primary emotional triggers were feelings of failure, anger, sadness, and guilt, while the predominant post-harm emotional states were relief, guilt, and sadness. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between various variables, including emotional triggers and specific forms of self-harm, as well as between types of self-harm and the emotional responses following the behavior. A strong association between guilt and self-harm – comparable to that of shame – challenges the conventional view of guilt as a corrective or adaptive emotion. Instead, both guilt and shame appear to reinforce a cyclical pattern of self-harm driven by the discrepancy between one’s actual and ideal self-image. The findings highlight the need for interventions targeting maladaptive self-evaluation, perfectionism, and emotional regulation.
The psychosocial perception of fundamental rights compliance in crisis contexts: between trust in authorities and the sense of personal security
The compliance with fundamental rights during crisis situations—such as pandemics, natural disasters, or states of emergency—raises essential questions regarding how individuals perceive the legitimacy and proportionality of governmental actions. This study investigates the psychosocial perception of citizens concerning the respect for fundamental rights in exceptional contexts, with a focus on the balance between public trust in authorities and the subjective feeling of personal security. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from social psychology, human rights law, and crisis communication, the research explores how factors such as institutional trust, exposure to mass media, and previous experiences with state intervention shape perceptions of rights compliance. The study uses a mixed-method approach, combining survey-based quantitative data with qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups. The central aim is to assess whether restrictive measures are perceived as protective or repressive, and how this perception varies across social categories. The findings are expected to provide valuable data for improving public policies that ensure both security and civil liberties during future crises. The research is guided by the following questions: How do individuals perceive the respect for fundamental rights during a declared state of emergency? What is the relationship between trust in public authorities and the perception of rights compliance? How does the sense of personal security influence the acceptance of restrictive governmental measures? This paper contributes to the broader understanding of how democratic values are maintained or challenged in times of crisis, with implications for both governance and civic resilience.
Clarifying School Alienation within Taiwan’s Educational Context: Relationships with Parental Attachment and Implications for School Counseling
Seeman's theory of alienation, rooted in social psychology, addresses individuals' feelings of estrangement in social contexts. Despite its relevance, research specifically addressing school alienation within Taiwan's educational system remains limited. This study aims to define and clarify the concept of school alienation to enhance school psychological well-being and formulate effective counseling and guidance strategies tailored to Taiwanese students. Employing a multifaceted methodological approach, this research encompasses an extensive literature review, the development and validation of a school alienation scale, and correlational analyses with relevant psychological constructs. Structural Equation Modeling confirmed that school alienation comprises four subconstructs—powerlessness, normlessness, social isolation, and meaninglessness—which align with Seeman's original framework yet also incorporate distinct indigenous nuances pertinent to Taiwan's educational context. Importantly, this study identifies school alienation as a mediator in the relationship between parental attachment and students' sense of well-being at school, contributing novel theoretical insights to the field of school-based psychological counseling. By integrating counseling supervision models proposed by Luke and Bernard (2006) and Wood and Rayle (2006), this research offers a culturally sensitive conceptualization of school alienation. The paper concludes with specific recommendations for counseling and guidance practices aimed at addressing and mitigating school alienation, thus advancing both theoretical understanding and practical interventions within Taiwanese schools.
Mourning and Female Resilience: A Posthumanist Reading of Lucy in Disgrace
This paper examines Lucy Lurie's response to sexual assault in J.M. Coetzee’s Disgrace, focusing on her decision to remain on her farm and her interactions with the natural environment. Employing Rosi Braidotti’s posthuman feminist theory, the study explores how Lucy's engagement with non-human entities—such as caring for animals and cultivating the land—serves as a means of processing trauma. These actions reflect a departure from traditional, anthropocentric approaches to trauma recovery, suggesting an alternative pathway that emphasizes interconnectedness with the more-than-human world. The paper argues that Lucy's silence and non-verbal practices represent a form of resistance and resilience, challenging patriarchal and colonial narratives. Through this lens, the novel grants Lucy a distinct voice—not through conventional dialogue, but through her embodied actions and choices. This narrative approach proposes an alternative framework for women to navigate trauma and sexual violence, emphasizing non-verbal, embodied forms of expression and healing. Through this lens, Disgrace offers insights into how posthumanist perspectives can inform understandings of female subjectivity and trauma in literature.
Prevention and Control of Diseases in Thailand’s Juvenile Facilities: The Pahurat’s BathTub Approach (PBA) to Balancing Justice and Health Equity
This study proposes a comprehensive framework for disease surveillance, screening, prevention, and control in Thailand’s juvenile detention facilities, emphasizing the impact of social determinants on vulnerable youth’s health. Rooted in social justice and health equity, the approach aligns with the Royal Development Projects' "Good Health, Good Heart" and employs the Pahurat’s BathTub Approach. It recognizes that factors such as overcrowding, limited healthcare access, and social support significantly influence health risks in detention settings. The model includes systematic health assessments at intake, during detention, and pre-release, categorizing youth into three health statuses: Cold Water (no health threats), Warm Water (under treatment), and Hot Water (unaware of infection). Maintaining youth in the Cold-Water status highlights the importance of addressing social determinants to ensure health protection. Those in Warm Water require ongoing care, while Hot Water cases need targeted screening and treatment to prevent disease transmission and support reintegration. The framework also considers disease spread via staff (“Towel”) and visitors (“Rainwater”), exacerbated by systemic inequalities. Respiratory diseases like influenza, measles, and chickenpox can transmit silently during incubation periods of 1–21 days, necessitating regular diagnostics and prompt interventions, especially for diseases like tuberculosis. A quarantine period of 5–7 days, coupled with vaccination efforts, is recommended to reduce health disparities. This approach is based on principles of accessible services, welfare support, inter-agency collaboration, continuous improvement, and equity, aiming to address social determinants, improve health outcomes, and promote justice within detention environments at local, community, and global levels.
Promoting African Interests: An Analysis of South Africa's Foreign Policy Implementation on the African Continent
This paper is a comprehensive analysis of South Africa's foreign policy implementation on the African continent. By examining the country's strategic foreign policy pillars, including national interests, the African agenda, South-South cooperation, and multilateralism, this study investigates how South Africa's foreign policy priorities are translated into concrete actions and outcomes in Africa. The paper employs a qualitative research approach, combining document analysis and expert interviews to provide a nuanced understanding of South Africa's foreign policy implementation on the continent. The findings highlight the complexities and challenges of promoting African interests through foreign policy and shed light on the opportunities and constraints that shape South Africa's role as a regional leader. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of South Africa's foreign policy and its implications for African regionalism and global governance. This analysis examines South Africa's national interest framework by arguing that foreign policy decision-making has become more centralized but has not led to a unified understanding of the national interest. Instead, various perspectives are included, highlighting the complexities involved in defining what the national interest entails. The study's findings have significant implications for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to promote African interests and enhance regional cooperation on the continent. By examining the intricacies of South Africa's foreign policy implementation, this research provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of promoting African interests in the 21st century. This paper will be guided by theories such as realism and critical review theory. These theories will assist the researcher to unpack the analysis of South Africa’s foreign policy before and after the apartheid regime in South Africa.
Exploring Challenges of Teaching Isizulu Writing and Reading in The Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase
The instruction of isiZulu literacy in the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) and Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) presents challenges to literacy advancement. This study examines linguistic, pedagogical, social, and structural barriers, emphasizing significant problems and proposing solutions to enhance isiZulu literacy education. A qualitative study design was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. A purposeful sample of isiZulu language educators from urban and rural South African schools was selected. The data were analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns in literacy instruction. This research is founded on Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, which emphasizes the significance of language, social interaction, and cultural context in the learning process. It additionally employs the Reading Acquisition Framework, which fosters phonological awareness, orthographic comprehension, and print exposure. Identified challenges encompass linguistic barriers, such as the conjunctive writing system complicating word segmentation; pedagogical issues, including insufficient phonics-based instruction and a dearth of age-appropriate reading materials; socio-economic factors, notably limited parental support and inadequate home literacy resources; systemic issues, particularly the transition to English in Grade 4 affecting literacy development; and overcrowded classrooms restricting individualized attention for learners. The study recommends developing graded isiZulu reading materials, enhancing teacher training in phonics and bilingual literacy strategies, engaging parents in literacy initiatives, revising language transition policies, and employing classroom support strategies such as reduced class sizes and digital tools. Improving isiZulu literacy instruction will enhance linguistic and cognitive abilities, leading to greater academic achievement in both isiZulu and English.
Sexual Violence and Teenage Pregnancy in South Africa’s Secondary Schools
Research shows that up to one-third of adolescent girls report forced sexual initiation, with pregnancy often occurring as a consequence of their first sexual experience. In Africa, the rates of sexual violence and teenage pregnancy are rising alarmingly, posing a significant barrier to girls' educational attainment. Most incidents of sexual violence, however, remain unreported, perpetuating a culture of silence. This paper is centred on research that utilised a qualitative methodology to investigate the link between sexual violence and teenage pregnancy among girls in secondary schools. Data was gathered through focus groups and semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The study is anchored in nego-feminism and liberal feminist theory. Nego-feminism, emphasising an African-centered feminist approach, calls for dialogue around issues affecting girls, such as culturally embedded practices that contribute to teenage pregnancy, while encouraging male participation in these discussions. Liberal feminist theory advocates for equal power distribution between genders, thus supporting girls' rights to autonomy and education. The paper’s findings highlight a strong correlation between sexual violence and teenage pregnancy, with forced sexual initiation contributing significantly to pregnancy rates. Poverty is identified as a catalyst for teenage pregnancy within rural communities, exacerbating school dropout rates and jeopardising the academic futures of affected girls. The paper thus recommends enforcing stringent educational laws to monitor girls' school attendance, as well as revisiting policies and raising awareness of sexual violence as a form of gender-based violence. These measures are critical to supporting the educational advancement of young girls and addressing the systemic barriers imposed by sexual violence and culturally specific practices.
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Relation to Self-Harming Behavior During Adolescence
Self-injurious behavior has demonstrated an increasing trend among adolescents and young adults over the last decades. Its high prevalence in both clinical and non-clinical populations poses a serious threat to the physical and mental health of adolescents. To understand the causes and mechanisms underlying this undesirable phenomenon, as well as to develop more effective treatment and intervention strategies, it is essential to obtain relevant data from multiple domains, including information on the overall mental health of self-injuring adolescents. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with self-injurious behavior and to assess the predictive value of these symptoms in relation to self-injury. The research was conducted on a sample of 203 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (M = 16.62 years), with a female representation of 58.6%. The presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), was found to be statistically significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with the occurrence of self-injurious behavior, as measured by a modified Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). Linear regression analysis indicated that both depressive symptoms (DS) and anxiety symptoms (AS) significantly predicted the occurrence of self-injurious behavior (p < 0.001; R²DS = 0.495; R²AS = 0.466). These findings suggest that depressive and anxiety symptoms play a crucial role in the development and manifestation of self-injurious behavior among adolescents. This has significant implications, particularly for the prevention of self-injury onset and progression. Given these results, further research into additional comorbidities commonly associated with self-injurious behavior in this population is highly recommended.
Black Consciousness Lens: Social Grants and Land Production for Sustainable Livelihoods in South Africa
In the era of inflation, where the sustainability of social grants and issues on land expropriation are debated in various platforms. The paper assesses and highlights the significance of integrating social grants and land production programmes for sustainable livelihoods in South Africa. With interpretivism as its paradigm, it argues that social grants play a crucial role in addressing poverty among the people, although insufficient to cover their basic needs. It then posits a Sustainable Social Security Model (S3M) grounded in Ubuntu that postulates material changes, including land distribution and the implementation of self-sustenance programmes steeped in community-based resources as a supplementary mechanism to social grants.
The Study on Effectiveness of Mind Simulation Therapy on Stuttering and Adjustments Problems on a Group of Iranian Patients with Moderate to Severe Stuttering
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the mind simulation technique in reducing stuttering and improving individual and social adjustment of adults with stuttering. Method: The design of the present study was quasi-experimental with a control group, pretest-posttest, and follow-up design. The statistical population was all adults with stuttering (18-40 years old, male and female) referred to Dr. Kamerzarin Psychological Services Center in 2024. A total of 26 people were selected as the study sample using the convenience sampling method. The Stuttering Severity Inventory (SSI-4) and the Bell Adjustment Questionnaire were used to collect data. The stuttering intensity and degree of adjustment of participants were measured in the pre-test (before treatment), post-test (three months after treatment), and after a one-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures of variance using SPSS-22 software. The main hypothesis of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mind simulation technique in reducing stuttering and improving individual and social adjustment of people with stuttering. Results: The results showed that mind stimulation therapy effectively reduced stuttering severity and total adjustment, job adjustment, and emotional adjustment (P = 0.01).
Copyright (c) 2024 Proceeding of the International Conference on Social Sciences in the Modern Era
Language as a Tool of Faith: The Sociolinguistic Impact of Religious Discourse in Multicultural Communities
This study examines the sociolinguistic role of religious language in multicultural settings, focusing on how religious discourse shapes identity, fosters social cohesion, and sometimes, provokes divisions. By analyzing religious language’s impact on group dynamics within culturally diverse communities, the paper explores how it facilitates mutual understanding or exacerbates divisions, depending on its context and delivery. Drawing on sociolinguistic theories and case studies, this research investigates the influence of religious discourse on inclusion, belonging, and social identity. The findings suggest that while religious language has the potential to promote empathy and solidarity across diverse groups, it may also contribute to social tensions, particularly when differing beliefs and practices intersect. The study’s insights offer a nuanced understanding of religious language's role in multicultural societies, supporting initiatives for social cohesion and cultural inclusivity.
"Navigating Modern Challenges: The Struggles of Traditional Christian Families"
This article explores the contemporary challenges faced by traditional Christian Orthodox families in an increasingly secular and fast-paced world. As societal norms shift and modern values gain prominence, families rooted in Orthodox traditions encounter difficulties in maintaining their faith and practices. From the influence of technology and social media to the pressures of individualism and cultural diversity, the integrity of family life and religious upbringing is often tested. This study aims to highlight these challenges, examining their impact on family dynamics, spiritual development, and community engagement. By drawing on theological insights and real-life experiences, the article seeks to offer practical guidance for Orthodox families striving to navigate these complexities while remaining faithful to their beliefs and values.
Preserving Intangible Heritage: Saudi Arabia's Exemplary Efforts
Globalization and cultural homogenization pose significant threats to the preservation of intangible heritage. This research underscores the imperative of safeguarding and nurturing these invaluable cultural assets to foster diversity, facilitate intercultural dialogue, and enrich global intellectual and artistic landscapes. Saudi Arabia has a rich history of preserving intangible heritage, dating back fourteen centuries. Early scholars played a pivotal role in documenting oral traditions, poetry, and sermons, transitioning them from spoken to written forms. Building upon this legacy, contemporary Saudi governmental and non-governmental institutions are actively engaged in documenting intangible heritage. This paper critically examines Saudi Arabia's efforts in this regard, highlighting their significance and potential contributions to the broader field of cultural preservation.
Online Coping with Culture Shock: The Role of Motivational and Social Factors in Psychological Adjustment Among Chinese Students Abroad
The present study examines the underlying motivational and resource factors relevant to users of online communities. The participants were 72 Chinese students adjusting to a foreign culture. Specifically, we tested the motivations for social networking site (SNS) use and perceived social support—both online and offline—as predictors of SNS addiction and loneliness, which serve as outcome variables. Our findings revealed that SNS addiction and loneliness were significantly related to two out of five motivational factors for SNS use, indicating that not all motivations contribute equally to these undesirable outcomes. In addition, both online and offline social support were found to be negatively correlated with SNS addiction and loneliness, suggesting that greater access to social resources can mitigate these issues. These results highlight the importance of understanding the complex interplay between motivations for SNS use and the availability of social resources in fostering healthier adjustment experiences for students in foreign cultures.
Language as a Common, Public, and Collective Good
This paper explores the similarities and differences between language as the realization of a universal, inherently human ability and as a collective good shared by all people. As a universal human good, language is concretely manifested in various forms, functioning as a collective good for both smaller and larger social groups. This can be seen, for example, in a national language, which is realized with varying degrees of difference, such as family speech, local dialects, sociolects, or substandard idioms. Language as a public good refers to a linguistic system used as a common means of communication for a broader community, typically at the state level (the standard language). The paper discusses the characteristics, similarities, and differences between the roles and acquisition of language as a collective good (first language competence) and language as a public good (second language competence). Given the different communicative (private/public communication, spoken/written communication) and identity-related roles (belonging to a narrower/broader social group), as well as the distinct methods of acquisition (spontaneous/non-spontaneous, unconscious/conscious), it is important within a larger social community to foster a positive attitude toward the standard language as a public good and promote its acquisition within formal education systems. In doing so, it is necessary to anticipate and address the challenges that may arise in mastering the public (standard) language, such as neutral or negative attitudes toward the standard language, fear of using the standard language, and other related difficulties.
From Content to Connection: Storytelling Techniques in the Romanian Podcasting
In Romania, podcasting has seen a significant development in recent years, becoming a communication medium preferred by more and more listeners. The popularity of podcasts is fueled by the flexibility this format offers, allowing content to be consumed in an accessible way that fits modern lifestyles, whether at home or on the go. Initially perceived as a niche phenomenon, podcasting has rapidly expanded to cover a wide range of topics, from news and education to entertainment and cultural debate. Romanian podcast creators have begun to explore various storytelling techniques, adapting them to local cultural and social specifics, in order to create authentic and engaging content. This evolution reflects a change in the media consumption behavior of Romanians, who are increasingly attracted to relevant stories and voices that resonate with their own experiences and interests. This paper explores the storytelling techniques used in Romanian podcasting and analyzes their narrative structure, with an emphasis on the impact on the audience. The study is based on a case study methodology, evaluating representative Romanian podcasts to understand how creators use narrative and cultural elements to emotionally engage listeners. The literature review provides a theoretical framework on digital storytelling and its relevance in building an immersive experience. The analysis identifies frequent narrative structures, such as thematic consistency and progressive disclosure of information, that help maintain suspense and connect with the audience. This paper contributes to the understanding of the impact of storytelling in podcasting, providing practical implications for content creators interested in developing a loyal and engaged audience.
From Classical to Modern: The Evolutionary Path of Chinese Garden-themed Lacquer Painting
This study systematically explores the evolution of Chinese garden-themed lacquer painting through methods of literature review, comparative analysis, and case studies. By examining historical documents, academic papers, and books related to garden-themed lacquer art, this research delves into the cultural background, artistic characteristics, and developmental trajectory of this genre from ancient to modern times. The study incorporates the aesthetic characteristics and cultural meanings of the five distinct stages of classical Chinese garden development, comparing Chinese garden-themed lacquer paintings from different historical periods and regions to investigate their stylistic and technical features. Through case studies of representative works, the study reveals the intrinsic connections between Chinese lacquer art, traditional Chinese painting, and Chinese garden art. Affirms the role of Chinese garden-themed lacquer painting in fostering artistic innovation and cultural continuity. Findings indicate that, while rooted in traditional techniques, Chinese garden-themed lacquer painting has gradually integrated modern artistic styles, bringing new vitality and perspectives to lacquer art in China. Finally, the study provides an outlook on the future development of Chinese garden-themed lacquer painting.
Is The Use of Anthropomorphised AI Robots Morally Problematic?
The paper explores the ethical concerns surrounding the use of anthropomorphised robots to replace (at least, some) interpersonal relationships. The main focus is the use of AI sex robots and their potential use in cases of rape. It discusses the harm prevention thesis, which suggests that allocating a potential offender's social energy towards robots could protect human victims. However, the paper critically assesses this argument, highlighting that inevitable social interactions still pose a risk, and that interaction with sex robots may reinforce harmful beliefs, creating epistemic bubbles. Ultimately, it concludes that while sex robots may offer some harm prevention, they also risk exacerbating societal dangers by reinforcing dangerous beliefs.
The Integration of Roma and Egyptian Children and Youth into Albania's Education System: An Overview of the National Action Plan for Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma and Egyptians in The Republic of Albania 2021-2025
This paper provides an overview of the national strategies for integrating Roma and Egyptian children and youth into the Albanian education system. The information is based on the National Action Plan for Roma and Egyptians 2021-2025. The National Action Plan aims to integrate Roma and Egyptians into mainstream Albanian society. This paper describes the current state of integration of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania, with a focus on education. It discusses the challenges faced by these minorities in the education system and the state's planned progress up until 2025. The article discusses the implications for future policies regarding the educational inclusion of Roma and Egyptian children and adolescents.
roman and egyptian children and adolescents
Study on Zhaohui, the General of Dingbian in Qing Dynasty
"Zhaohui, surnamed Uya, was born in the forty-seventh year of the Kangxi era (1708) and died in the twenty-ninth year of the Qianlong era (1764), and was an important minister in the early Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. In the ninth year of the Yongzheng era (1731), Zhaohui was appointed to the Office of Military Affairs as a pen-post, and later became an official of the Office of the Co-Chairman, serving for more than 30 years. During his tenure, he gave full play to his various talents and was deeply loved by the Qianlong Emperor. In the thirteenth year of the Qianlong era (1748), Zhahui was sent to Jinchuan to supervise grain transportation, and because he did his job well, he gradually gained the trust of the Qianlong Emperor; in the sixteenth year of the Qianlong era (1751), Zhaohui was temporarily appointed as the governor of Shandong, and was responsible for investigating the Juntai case, and he successfully completed this task by arresting zhuntai, and the trust of the Qianlong Emperor in him was further deepened, in the eighteenth year of the Qianlong era (1753), Zhaohui became the minister in Tibet. In the following year, Zhaohui was sent by the Qianlong emperor to Balikun, Xinjiang, to be in charge of the military transit, although it was only military logistics, this experience helped him to better understand the geographical location of Xinjiang, which laid a solid foundation for his later success in the post of border general. In 1760, Zhaohui became one of the few ministers in the Qianlong emperor's inner circle. In 1760, when Zhaohui returned in triumph, he was personally greeted by the Qianlong emperor, who also ordered him to ""figure the Purple Pavilion"", which was the best reward for a meritorious minister. Throughout his life, from an ordinary official to the late frontier officials, which is inseparable from his thorough work, loyalty and dutiful performance, no matter what position he held, Zhaohui will not be proud of his own merits, he will only be his own duties where the place is managed with dedication, due diligence in Zhaohui body has been very well reflected. However, it is undeniable that Zhaohui also has flaws, under the rule of feudal imperial power, Zhaohui is familiar with the way of loyalty to the emperor, obedient to the emperor's words, not the slightest dare to disobey the emperor's will, these are reflected in the historical limitations of Zhaohui. The study of Zhaohui not only provides a clearer understanding of the historical process of the unification of Xinjiang during the Qing dynasty, but also provides some reference for our study of the relationship between rulers and ministers during the Qianlong period."
Into Composer’s Mind: Understanding the Process of Translating Emotions into Music
Music in comparison to any other art form is more reactive and alive. It has the capacity to directly interact with the listener's mind and generate an emotional response. All the major research conducted in the area majorly relied on the listener’s perspective to draw an understanding of music and its effects. There is a very small number of studies which focused on the source from which music originates, the music composers. This study aims to Understand the process of How music composers understand and perceive emotions and how they translate them into Music, in simpler terms how music composers encode their compositions to express determining emotions. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted, with 8 individuals both male and female, who were professional to intermediatelevel music composers and Thematic analysis was conducted to derive the themes. The analysis showed that there is no single process on which music composers rely, rather there are combinations of multiple micro processes, which constitute the Understanding and translation of emotions into music. In terms of perception of emotions, the role of processes such as rumination, mood influence and escapism was discovered in the analysis. Unique themes about the understanding of their top down and bottom up perceptions were also discovered. Further analysis also revealed the role of imagination and emotional trigger explaining how music composers make sense of emotions. The translation process of emotions revealed the role of articulation and instrumentalisation, in encoding or translating emotions to a composition. Further, applications of the trial and error method, nature influences and Flow in the translation process are also discussed. In the end themes such as parallels between musical patterns and emotions, comfort zones and relatability also emerged during the analysis.
The Challenges of Teaching Mathematical Modelling: Malaysian Case Study
The instruction of mathematical modeling plays a pivotal role in enabling students to understand the construction of mathematical models to address real-world challenges, bolstering their confidence in their mathematical abilities. Therefore, the primary focus of our current case study is to explore challenges of teaching mathematical modeling, specifically within the Malaysian educational landscape. This research adopted a case study methodology, enlisting the participation of five participants in the topic of mathematical modeling. These individuals were purposefully selected, forming a group consisting of three females and two males. Data gathering primarily involved conducting interviews, and the collected data was subsequently subjected to thematic analysis for in-depth examination. The research results revealed that Malaysian educators face difficulties in instructing mathematical modeling due to deficiencies in content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, assessment methods for mathematical modeling, insufficient student interest, and time constraints. The research implies a need for comprehensive reforms in curriculum design, professional development, assessment practices, and instructional strategies to enhance the effectiveness of mathematical modeling instruction in Malaysia.
The Oriental Men and Women in the Short Stories of Ya'akov Hurgin (1898-1990)
Yaakov Hurgin was born in 1898 in Neveh Shalom, a Jewish quarter in Manshieh, now part of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo, at that time part of Arabic Jaffa. His parents came from Czarist Russia in 1890, the time of the first wave of Zionism. As a boy he played with Arab friends, from whom he learned the local Arabic dialect , and saw the daily life of Arabs in Jaffa. He went to ""Ezra"" school founded by German Jewish organization, where he acquired his knowledge of German and French, and continued his education in the seminary for teachers in Jerusalem. Just as he finished his studies the WW1 began. Hurgin, who was an Ottoman citizen, was mobilized into the Ottoman army as an interpreter, since he spoke Turkish, German and local Arabic (and also Hebrew and English). In this role he served at the front in Syria and Lebanon becoming acquainted with Arabs of different social status and different Islamic sects. After Palestine was conquered by the British, Hurgin was attached, again as an interpreter, to a British military hospital in the Sinai peninsula. The unit was in charge of wounded Turkish military prisoners. The staff included doctors and male nurses, Armenians, Sudanese and Christian Arabs, among whom were drug takers and homosexuals. When he was released from the army Hurgin moved to Tiberias, at that time populated by 1920 he Sephardic and Ashkenazi religious non-Zionist Jews. His first collection of short stories, published in 1929, contains a gallery of Tiberian oriental Jewish and Arabic portraits. In 1930 Hurgin moved to Tel-Aviv where he worked as the editor of the rightist journal for children Haboker Liladim. In 1943 he published two volumes of stories, most of which are again portraits of oriental Jews and Arabs. Hurgin's rightist political orientation, his non-ideological stance toward the Zionist project and his interest in characters who were so far from the Zionist reality – these can explain the wall of misunderstanding between him and the contemporary literary establishment. In contrast to pre- and post 1948 Hebrew literature, most of it written without close acquaintance of Oriental life and people, in Hurgin's stories Arabs and Oriental Jews – men and sometimes women - are the main characters, and as such their complicated inner world and relationships is the center of story. They are described neither as a Romantic model for Zionism nor as a dangerous goy, not even as a sexual object, but – just the same as Jews who came from Europe - as l human beings (not a great compliment in this context), having weaknesses, drives, desires, dreams of love, fears, ambitions, illusions, jealousy, hypocrisy, narcissism and self deception. But the reader is invited to feel for them. The depiction of Arabic (as well as Jews) characters is comic, sometimes grotesque, but always touching. In situations of moral dilemma the consciousness of the character becomes a scene of deceptions game, where the part that desires to sin somehow succeeds in achieving a sort of ""transaction permit"" from the part in charge of morality and dignity. The Arabs in Hurgin's stories are not general images of the whole Arabic world and mentality, but differentiated citizens of the Ottoman Empire or the British Mandate. They are not all shepherds and farmers. Some of them live in a city or a town (Jaffa, Balbek); they are either Shi'i or Suni, either modernized or traditional, they can be Palestinians, Lebanese, Armenian, Turkish, Sudanese. This differentiation prevents the reader from understanding the character as a representation of the entire Arabic or Palestinian mentality. Zionism and other modern European ideas (such as Humanism and Equality) are alien and hardly comprehensible to the oriental characters. This is perhaps Hurgin's implied criticism of the over serious ideological frame of mind which the Zionist pioneers brought with them from Russia. Hurgin's descriptions of the Palestinian milieu and way of talking is more authentic than any other such description in pre 1948 Hebrew literature. He inserts in the text Arabic words and idioms and refers to concrete items which only local people are acquainted with. This makes the reader feel that the writer has a close knowledge of the external and the internal world which he depicts. And indeed, until lately Hurgin was exceptional in his literary description of Arabic men and women."
Breastfeeding Discourses Through Thai Narratives from 1932-2022
This textual analysis examines mother-related narratives published between 1932 and 2022, from education to entertainment-based, and from traditional to social media platforms, to study the discontinuity and construction of breastfeeding discourses in the media. The result shows that the discourses rupture into five eras: (1) prior to the framework: Buddhism mythologies ignite the meaning of breastmilk that signified the love of mother and mother’s blood. (2) Breastfeeding is the natural method of feeding infant: the meaning and motherhood identity are reproduced from the previous era though textbooks and songs. (3) The power of advertisements and the episteme of nutrition science turn infant formula as the dominant choice for middle-class mothers. (4) The episteme of medical science with the power of authority controls over all media platforms, bounce back breastfeeding domination, in which significate infant formula as poison and the non-breastfeeding mothers as impatient and uneducated. Oppositional discourse is rarely seen, (5) the social media takes a significant role of discursive interaction. There are some negotiated and oppositional breastfeeding discourses found, however the breastfeeding discourse still dominate. The meaning of infant formula as poison is moderated. The meaning of breastmilk diminishes objectively to human’s milk. The researchers found out that the breastfeeding discourses throughout the history in Thai culture is the interaction between Buddhism mythologies and medical science, the middle-class mothers are influenced by the upper-class in every era, while capitalism and patriarchy find a way to engrave in both infant formula and breastfeeding in a form of advertising and publicity.
Harmonizing Tradition and Progress: The Integration of Management Principles in Enriching Contemporary Buddhist Society
In today's dynamic world, the role of management is of utmost importance in achieving optimal outcomes while optimizing limited resources. This significance holds in conventional contexts and Buddhist society, encompassing monks and laypeople. As societal and economic challenges persist, management principles have evolved to address these issues. Early Buddhism laid the foundation for various concepts that the Buddha employed to realize the Dhamma and exercise effective control within the Buddhist community. Lack of awareness regarding spiritual development, rampant deforestation, challenges in establishing effective governance, and economic discrimination are salient global issues in the contemporary era. These issues, when left unaddressed, can give rise to war, environmental degradation, and poverty. This research aims to explore the practical application of these early Buddhist principles and practices in resolving the above contemporary challenges faced by Buddhist society. The study adopts qualitative data through content analysis which is written, electronic, and digital such as published and unpublished articles, journals, websites, YouTube, and some speeches. Buddhist spiritual development seeks to realize the universal human experience of suffering while simultaneously promoting global peace and harmony. In the Pali Canon, particularly in the teachings of the Buddha, guidance is provided on the protection of the environment, along with relevant ethical principles and codes to safeguard the well-being of future generations. The unequal distribution of goods and services, coupled with excessive consumption, stands as a primary underlying factor driving poverty. In conclusion, by embracing management knowledge, the Buddhist community can gain the ability to pursue their ultimate life goals effectively. The application of management principles in life instils discipline and virtue, thus facilitating the resolution of prevailing societal problems within this community. The study endeavours to bridge the gap between traditional spiritual practices and modern management approaches.
Climate Change-Induced Agricultural Shocks and Their Impact on Poverty Levels: A Case Study of Polonnaruwa Walikanda, Sri Lanka
This study explores the complex link in Polonnaruwa Walikanda, Sri Lanka, between increasing poverty rates and agricultural shocks brought on by climate change. Small-scale agricultural communities in this region are confronted with more uncertainty as climate change accelerates, necessitating a thorough analysis of the socioeconomic implications. Extreme heat and erratic rains are two of the frequent and unanticipated agricultural shocks that Polonnaruwa Walikanda must deal with. These upend conventional farming, endangering lives and food security. This research seeks to clarify how these shocks exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities related to poverty. Using a mixed-methods approach, ten local farmers were surveyed and interviewed to gather primary data, which was then augmented with information from secondary sources. examined coping mechanisms, shocks brought on by the climate, and how these affected household poverty. The study's conclusions clearly highlight the serious effects that agricultural shocks brought on by the climate have on Polonnaruwa Walikanda's poverty rates. Farmers in the area attribute these climate shocks directly to lower agricultural yields, more volatile revenue, and higher food poverty. Ironically, the coping mechanisms employed by these marginalized communities which frequently include relocation and dependence on unofficial loans unintentionally make their already bad financial circumstances worse. These responsibilities disproportionately impact women and underprivileged groups, aggravating already-existing inequalities in society and between sexes. In summary, our findings clearly demonstrate the close relationship between agricultural shocks brought on by climate change and the rising rates of poverty observed in Polonnaruwa Walikanda. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by these negative impacts, which exacerbate already-existing disparities. Therefore, it is crucial that policymakers give priority to implementing gender-sensitive policies, strengthening social safety nets, and implementing climate-resilient agricultural methods. Reducing poverty caused by climate change is not only important for the environment, but also for the social and economic well-being of the Polonnaruwa Walikanda community.
Investigating The Utilisation of Blockchain Technology in Broadcasting for Transparent Content Distribution in South Africa
This study investigates the utilisation of blockchain technology in broadcasting for transparent content distribution in South Africa. The problem addressed is the lack of transparency and accountability in the current content distribution systems, leading to unfair practices and revenue discrepancies. The objective of this study is to explore how blockchain technology can be employed to ensure transparent content distribution and enhance trust among broadcasters, content creators, and consumers. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, focusing on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the broadcasting industry, including broadcasters, content creators, regulatory bodies, and technology experts. Theoretical underpinnings from literature are used to inform the interview questions and guide the analysis of the data. The significance of this study lies in its potential to shed light on the practical considerations, challenges, and opportunities of implementing blockchain technology in the broadcasting sector of South Africa. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the specific context of South Africa and the unique challenges faced by the industry in the region. The major results of this study highlighted the potential benefits of blockchain technology in content distribution, such as improved transparency, enhanced security, and reduced intermediaries. The findings also revealed the practical challenges and considerations that need to be addressed for successful implementation. This study demonstrated the viability of blockchain technology for transparent content distribution in the broadcasting sector of South Africa. By addressing the problem of transparency and accountability, blockchain has the potential to transform the industry and create a more equitable ecosystem.
A Comparative Study on the Level of Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults Before and After the COVID-19 Lockdown
This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Psychological Well-being of young adults residing in Ahmedabad, India. This study was made on a cohort of 60 young adults, who were randomly selected from the age group of 20-30 years for this before-after research design. The sample was further evenly subdivided into 30 males and 30 females. A 50-items Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), constructed by Dr. Devendra Singh Sisodia and Ms. Pooja Chaudhary was utilized as a tool in this study. The PWBS scale had five areas, which were Satisfaction, Efficiency, Sociability, Mental Health and Interpersonal Relationship. So, the primary objective of the present study was to assess the Psychological Well-being of young adults in a one-year long Longitudinal study (February 2020-February 2021). Remarkably, the study uncovered no statistically significant difference in the mean scores of psychological well-being before and after the lockdown. This intriguing finding implies that the factors such as psychological resilience, healthy coping mechanisms and the robust social support of individuals may have played a role in sustaining the well-being of individuals during the challenging period of lockdown. Furthermore, the absence of daily demands during the lockdown crisis could have contributed to the maintenance of psychological well-being among the sampled young adults. This study sheds light on the adaptability and coping mechanisms employed by young adults in the face of unprecedented challenges, offering valuable insights for future research and mental health interventions.