Showing papers in "Asian Social Science in 2020"

Future of US-China Relations: Conflict, Competition or Cooperation?

Abstract: In contemporary times, the geo-political agenda and geo-economic strategy of the world is being dominated by the ongoing US-China hegemonic competition. Where the United States is trying to prolong the ‘unipolar moment’ and deter the rise of China; China is trying to establish itself as the hegemon in the Eastern hemisphere, an alternate to the US. The entirely opposite interests of the two Great Powers have initiated a hostile confrontational competition for domination. This paper seeks to determine the future nature of the US-China relations; will history repeat itself and a bloody war be fought to determine the leader of the pack? or another prolonged Cold War will be fought, which will end when one side significantly weakens and collapses? Both dominant paradigms of International Relations, Realism and Liberalism, are used to analyze the future nature of the US-China relations.

From the Belief of the Immortality of the Soul, the Blessing or the Harassing of the Soul Towards People to the Worship of the Souls of Vietnamese People

Abstract: Does the soul exist? If there exists where it is, what it is doing and if the soul does not exist why is it still appear in the daily lives of so many people, so many generations and many places in the world. Why is it so important for so many countries in the world to believe in the immortality of the soul and death? Faith in the dead and the next generation depends largely on a person’s religion and culture, on a community of people. For many Vietnamese, this belief goes from the belief that the soul only reaches its ultimate goal after many reincarnations, to the idea that life will now determine its final destiny. Consequently, one person can feel confident that he will eventually merge with the ultimate reality after death, others will surely reach Nirvana, and others will believe that he will be rewarded in heaven. So what is the truth? Because our beliefs affect our attitude, actions, and decisions, are we not interested in finding answers to that question? The dead are not finished but their souls still exist. Depending on the behavior of those who live with those who have died, they (those who are still alive) may be blessed by the soul or punished by the soul, encountering unfortunate things in life. This study provides a discussion of whether or not the existence of the immortal soul and the blessing or harassing of the soul for human life. How can humans limit the harassing and many blessings from the soul? Why does belief in the blessing and harassing of the soul become such a popular custom of worship among Vietnamese people?

The Characteristics of Literacy Management in School Literacy Movement (SLM) at Junior High School in Malang - Indonesia

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the school literacy movement (SLM) program in junior high schools in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. The evaluation includes three stages of SLM: the stage of habituation, development, and learning. This study was an evaluative study using the CIPP model (context, input, process, and product) and used a qualitative descriptive approach. The sample unit consisted of 12 schools, with a category of nine public schools and three private schools. The schools were selected using a purposive random sampling technique. The research sample consisted of teachers, principals, and education personnel. Methods of data collection through observation, interviews, and examination of program implementation documents. Data analysis uses the Miles and Huberman model which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while the formulation of strategic steps uses the calculation of internal strategic factors (IFAS) and external strategic factors (EFAS). The results showed that the implementation of new literacy at the habituation and development stage had not yet reached the learning stage. However, IFAS and EFAS values are 3.34 and 3.39, respectively. These results indicate that the development of the literacy program still has many weaknesses (<5.00) and needs intensive efforts in order to increase student literacy.

Industrial Policy, Industrialization and Economic Development of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract: Kyrgyzstan pursued the market-based reform in the process of transition. Based on the literature review and statistical data covering 1990s-2010s, this paper explains economic development and industrialization of Kyrgyzstan in its transition process. The government of Kyrgyzstan promoted several priority sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, garment and agro-processing industry by industrial policy measures. There is little evidence that Kyrgyzstan has a comparative advantage in agriculture. Gold mining is expected to be depleted by 2020s. Kyrgyzstan appears to be competitive in hydroelectricity generation and agro-processing industry. Although the garment industry has led the manufacturing sector, it has been losing the foreign investors’ attention. Therefore, it is necessary for Kyrgyzstan to think of the next stage of economic development with the new industrial-led economic development strategy. The government of Kyrgyzstan may benefit from promoting value-added industries. For such value-added industries to develop, strengthening infrastructure particularly in human capital would be critical.

The Impact of Financial Literacy on Women’s Economic Empowerment in Developing Countries: A Study Among the Rural Poor Women in Sri Lanka

Abstract: The World Bank, in 2016 defined women’s empowerment as a principle for sustainable development and for the fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Economic empowerment has been identified as a main section of women’s empowerment in literature. Economic empowerment directly influences the improvement of women’s decision-making power and their financial well-being. Previous researchers have explored many antecedents of women’s economic empowerment; among them financial literacy is the most significant determinant in literature. Financial literacy defines as a combination of financial knowledge, financial skills and financial attitudes. Further many researchers argue that financial literacy has greater importance for increasing economic empowerment among women. However, the most important argument is whether financial literacy is a significant determinant of women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the present study mainly focuses on exploring the impact of financial literacy among rural poor on their economic empowerment in the context of Sri Lanka. The sample for this study was drawn from under privileged families who are living under the poverty line in 09 provinces in the country. Altogether 426 questionnaires were distributed and 386 completed questionnaires were taken for final analysis. There were 24 items employed to represents 5 main dimensions to measure the women’s economic empowerment (i.e.: 1. Decision-making power, 2. Control over the use of income and expenditure, 3. Leadership in the community, 4. Control over time allocation and 5. Financial wellbeing). And financial literacy was tested based on 25 items which was employed to determine the 04 key factors (i.e.: 1. Financial awareness, 2. Financial knowledge, 3. Financial skills, 4. Financial attitude and 5. Financial behavior). The reliability was measured by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients. Data were collected with the assistance of a researcher administrated questionnaire. The sample was selected based on the multilevel mixed sampling method and the unit of analysis was the women headed households in rural areas representing 25 Districts represented each province of the country. Furthermore, a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was employed as the principle data analysis approach, and Smart PLS 3 was employed as the main analytical software. However, descriptive analysis was done by using SPSS 22. The findings revealed that, the financial literacy has significant impact on women’s economic empowerment among the rural poor. However, when it was considered under separate dimensions, financial wellbeing and control over time allocation have significant impact on financial literacy among rural women. Further it was noted that all the hypotheses were accepted after the analysis. Therefore, researcher concluded that financial literacy can be considered as a significant determinant of women economic empowerment in Sri Lankan context as well. Finally, the researcher provides some suggestions for government policy decision makers to develop financial literacy level for enhancing women’s economic empowerment in Sri Lanka.

Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Teachers: An Exploratory Investigation in Malaysia

Abstract: Purpose: The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and gender differences in MSDs among teachers, as well as the interaction of associated predictor .In addition, another aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of these predictors, which have not been examined thoroughly particularly in Malaysia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was employed in this study. A questionnaire was used to measure physical factors, psychosocial factors, workload, work-life balance, general well-being, and MSDs levels among primary school teachers (N=460) from 10 primary schools in Kota Kinabalu. Findings: The prevalence of MSD in the past 6 months was 61.7% (95% CI: 57.4% – 65.9%). The present study findings also indicated that there were significant gender differences in MSDs between female and male teachers (t = 1.04, p< .05). Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine a range of predictors related to MSDs. Physical factors (s = .17, p<0.05). Multiple regression was used for a variety of predictors that are associated with MSD. Physical factors (s = .17, p<0.05), psychosocial factors (s = -.14, p<0.05), and general well-being (s = .43, p<0.01) are significantly associated with MSD in Malaysian primary school teachers. Overall, model statistic result was F (3, 276) = 36.730, p=0.001, R² = .45 and adjusted R² = .435. The model explained 44.7% (r= 0.67) of the variance in MSD discomfort. Conclusion: The studies concerning MSDs among teachers revealed the need for a significant effort, not only to examine the risk factors but also to develop interventions to minimize MSDs for those in the teaching profession.

The Importance of Character-Based Health Education in School to Improve Quality of Health Living in Indonesia

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to provide an understanding of the importance of character-based health education that aims to provide an understanding of teachers and parents who act as educators at school and at home about positive habits for a clean and healthy life, both for themselves and the environment. Method, this research is carried out by conducting academic analysis from various aspects of relevant reference sources so as to find new theoretical meaning in order to answer the challenges that occur in society. Result, Character-based health education can be taught through internalization methods by prioritizing modeling, habituation, rule enforcement, and motivation. Thus, character-based health education can be done intra curricular or extracurricular. Intra curricular is integrated into the subjects, while extracurricular are done outside of class hours, all of which can be done through example, instilling discipline, habituation, creating a conducive atmosphere and integration-internalization. In addition, collaborative communication between parents and teachers to children or students will bring students to the development of good and strong character of the importance of healthy living and healthy living that will support the achievement of a good future.

How Can We Account for Persisting Educational Inequalities in Rural China

Abstract: The ultimate purpose of the development of this essay is to inform Chinese policymakers on how they can better implement education-related policies to minimise spatial and gender disparities in, and multi-faceted barriers to, educational opportunities. This essay, firstly, highlights policies that address spatial and gender disparities in education and structural barriers to girls’ education with the support of the frameworks of Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD) in rural Chinese contexts. Secondly, this essay outlines the problems of rural female underdevelopment in least educationally and financially developed Chinese regions based on critical analyses on relevant statistics and studies. Thirdly, in spite of the Central Government’s and non-governmental organisations’ (NGOs) endeavours to facilitating education development, this essay investigates and analyses how gender inequalities in education persist due to the unaddressed multi-faceted barriers to girls’ education. These multi-faceted barriers include social, cultural, economic and otherwise educational impediments faced by rural poor Chinese girls. Lastly, this essay suggests state and NGOs’ policy and intervention to address such structural barriers to education and enhance rural girls’ decision-making powers and educational opportunities in the long-term.

The Future of Refugee and Displaced People: A Post Covid-19 Perspective

Abstract: The article observes the current changes of the refugee crisis after the effect of COVID 19 that can lead to a growing crisis of more than 79.5 million refugee and displaced people across the world. The study aims to examine the prevailing and forthcoming challenges of refugees and displaced people. A systematic review was followed to conduct the study and articles were selected based on their inclusion criteria. There is a growing need to understand the refugee crisis coupled with the necessity to design practical resolutions. The study found institutional and financial support are the main drivers for the refugee management in their distress voyage. These are challenged due to the adverse effect of the COVID 19 epidemic and the current downturn of the world economy. The study tries to stress the array of institutions that are working on the support for the refugees and displaced people that are challenging and can result in a crisis in the future. The paper concludes with an argument about the changing scenario of policies for migration which are restricting and changing due to the existing pandemic which demands synergistic performance within the government to manage the crisis.

The Doctrine of Ultra Vires: Commendable or Condemnable!

Abstract: This study investigates principally the doctrine of Ultra Vires in the English law. It aims at crystalizing the ramifications of applying this act to the English Commercial Law throughout several eras, taking into account the impact of abiding by the Ultra Vires act on the parties involved in the concerned transactions; i.e. the concerned shareholders and creditors. Furthermore, the study attempts to decipher the puzzling matter which concludes whether the doctrine in question must be cherished or perished in the English legal system.

Cultural Homelessness, Social Dislocation and Psychosocial Harms: An Overview of Social Mobility in Hong Kong and Mainland China

Abstract: In order to facilitate collective decision making and breed productivity, it is important to ensure societies operate in a fair and just manner. Chinese literature has a propensity of relying on sociological theories from the modern West, prompting the review essay to address theories of capital, social mobility, cultural preferences and otherwise based on leading western literature. This review essay addresses how an increase in social mobility of those from lower social origins results in cultural homelessness and social dislocation, in relations to the experiences of psychosocial harms. As per western studies, the review essay examines the extent of cultural homelessness, social dislocation and psychosocial harms faced by upwardly mobilising cohorts in Hong Kong and China. To conclude, the essay argues upwardly mobilising cohorts in Hong Kong and China are likely to experience cultural homelessness, and the corresponding cohorts in China face salient problems of social dislocation. The encounters of cultural and social dilemmas are associated with the experiences of psychosocial harms for both populations.

Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Left Behind Children in China

Abstract: With the rapid development of urbanization in China, a growing number of rural workers migrate to urban cities for employment opportunities with leaving their children at home. These children are called left behind children (LBC) in China and their population has dramatically increased during the last 20 years. So far, many studies have examined what factors were associated with this increasing LBC populations. However, they were rarely guided by a holistic perspective. The current study investigated 1,691 left behind children in 166 communities using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) in 2011. Based on the human ecology theory, this study explored family and contextual (community) characteristics associated with the left behind children (LBC) in China. The main results for this subpopulation of families with children revealed stark contrasts with the literature for the general population of migrants. That is, for the families with children, (1) contrary to the literature, father’s education was negatively associated with the probability of LBC at the individual level, even after the income was controlled; (2) community average father’s education was also negatively associated with LBC; but (3) community average household income was not associated with LBC once the average father’s education was controlled. The policy implications of these results are briefly discussed.

Role of Social Media Application in Promoting Motivation and Listening Skill of Iraqi EFL Learners: A Skype-Based Study

Abstract: This study seeks to investigate the possible role of the social media applications in promoting and developing both the motivation and listening skill of Iraqi EFL learners at an academic environment. As a case study, seventy-majoring English sophomores at Mustansiriya University in Iraq were randomly divided between two groups, experimental and control groups. The pretest and posttest were conducted to the participants of the study based on a curriculum assigned to them to be taught throughout their academic year. A 25-statement designed questionnaire and an 8-statement designed test were distributed among the respondents of the study on the suitable methods of developing and improving motivation and listening skill respectively. Using the Likert Scale, SPSS and LISERAL programs, the statistical data of the two previously mentioned variables were collected. The final findings of the study revealed that male and female participants were highly motivated after receiving their instruction via Skype device. As a result, a significant difference was noted in the listening skill achievement of the testing group participants who subjected to Skype device as a means of teaching. Grounded on these findings, educators can seriously take social media applications in their account in the process of learning language and in developing more language skills.

Implications of Risk Governance in Genetically Modified Food: A Comparative Discussion on European and United States Contexts

Abstract: The rapid growth of world population has increased the demand for Genetically Modified Food (GMF) to fulfill the global nutritional needs. Simultaneously, it also needs to understand the cross-national contexts based on the risk governance of this newly emergence of food technologies. Thus, the paper tries to exhibit a comparison on GMF between United States (US) and European Union (EU) using the risk governance framework. Hence, the study uses the risk governance framework as a model that incorporates risk assessment, concern assessment, risk characterization and evaluation, risk management, and risk communication. The paper is based on secondary source of data collection and the two areas (US and EU) is purposively selected for this comparative discussion. The result shows recent controversies on usage of GMF between US and EU highlighting the apparent differences that does exist in all spheres of risk governance.

Investigating Leech’s Politeness Principle in Conversational Verses in Three Surahs from The Holy Quran

Abstract: This study has investigated three Surahs from the Holy Quran, translated into English by Arberry (1955), in terms of the Politeness Principle proposed by Leech (1983). The study aimed to investigate the kinds of politeness maxims employed by the characters in the three Surahs in question. The intentions of the speakers in observing or flouting each of Leech’s politeness maxims have been categorized, including six maxims of the Politeness Principle: tact maxim, generosity maxim, approbation maxim, modesty maxim, agreement maxim, and sympathy maxim. The research had applied a mixed-methods approach in analyzing the obtained data. The data consisted of the utterances uttered by the characters in the three Surahs. After collecting the data, the data classified into six maxims of the Politeness Principle. Then, several conclusions had been drawn based on the research findings. The results of the study showed that the characters used six maxims: tact maxim, generosity maxim, approbation maxim, modesty maxim, agreement maxim, and sympathy maxim. Finally, the findings indicated that three maxims had been flouted by the characters: tact maxim, generosity maxim, and agreement maxim.

Perceived Organizational Support Predicts Emotional Labor Among Nurses

Abstract: Background: Nursing is among the various occupations that require management of emotions according to the job demands. Emotional labor and lack of reward are the main sources of mental health outcomes among the nurses. It is very important that more researches, which contemplate the emotional labor importance and unfavorable mental health effects, be carried out. Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of perceived organizational Support on emotional labor among nurses. Method: The present study was a correlational study, consist of 200 nurses both Male nurses (N=100) and Females nurses (N=100), from different hospitals and clinics. Age ranged from 20 to 51 years (M= 30.50; S.D= 4.40). Data of the study was collected through convenient sampling technique. Participants were assessed by Shorten Version of Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (Eisenberger et al, 1986) in order to measure perceived organizational support and Dutch Questionnaire on Emotional Labor (D-QEL) (Naring, Briet, & Brouwers, 2007) in order to assess emotional labor. Results: The results revealed that perceived organizational support significantly predicts emotional labor. By improving the perception of organizational support among nurses, the experience of emotional labor can be reduced. Conclusion: The purpose of the present study was to develop a health-care model of emotional labor which could help the organizations to understand the role of perceived organizational support on the reactions to the strain of the emotional labor. The present study revealed that perceived organizational support is a significant predictor of emotional labor. Informal types of organizational support (e.g., a perception that the organization is concerned with one's personal life) are important for expatriate success, and should be incorporated into expatriate programs.

Youth Volunteerism, as Non-formal Education, for Professional and Social Integration of Young Labor Force in Pakistan

Abstract: Young people are an asset to Pakistan, and they can play a vital role in the country's social and economic development. Non-formal education to promote volunteering activity in Pakistan can endorse the professional and social integration of the young labor force by preparing them with the labor's contemporary skills. The current study is an attempt to explore the situation in Pakistan and identify: (a) if non-formal education plays a role in youth's engagement in volunteering activity; (b) why young people volunteer; (c) what they can learn through volunteering; (d) the significant barriers which can prevent them from volunteering even after getting the training and opportunities to volunteer. Data was collected using purposive sampling from 4 different nonprofit organizations (NPOs), with city offices in three major cities of Pakistan. NPOs, on their end, collected the data form the youth volunteers working with them randomly using an online survey. The research findings revealed that non-formal education plays a significant role in ensuring young people's engagement in volunteering activity. The findings and recommendations from the study can guide youth initiatives and policies in Pakistan to include systematic and consistent non-formal education programs to promote youth volunteerism in Pakistan.

Fear of War among Newspaper Readers: A Study of Pulwama Incident

Abstract: The aim of this research was to find out relationship between newspaper readers fear effects and Pulwama incident. The rationale behind the selection of topic was to measure the level of fear of war at the time of crisis between two countries. This study is based on quantitative methodology, whereas, survey research method was applied. For the data collection, the researcher applied questionnaire comprises 23 closed-ended questions from 50 respondents through purposive sampling method. The results revealed that both newspapers covered the issue, which spread fear of war among them due to repeatedly news stories, blaming contents, over presentation, exaggeration, LOC war like situation, biased and manipulated information. The correlation findings supported the hypotheses significantly that there is association between fear of war and newspaper reading.

Global Civil Society Is Not Utopian, But Feasible: The World After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: At the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic has swept the world, which raises the awareness of global governance and global civil society. This paper attempts to prove global civil society is feasible and analyses its main functions during the period of resistance of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The paper unfolds in four parts. The First part is a brief introduction to the question this paper tends to address after the COVID-19 Pandemic. After that, it is the definition of civil society. Civil society can be defined as a complementary arena for state and market to ensure common welfare and public good through non-violent, voluntary and bottom-up process. However, this definition encompasses different connotations with the passage of time. In the third part, it states that civil society is inevitably globalized in the challenge of globalization. Quite a number of problems go beyond borders and the reaches of states, which leaves a vacuum for a corresponding force to regulate them. Also, global social movement-the main actor of global civil society, as an important agent, ensures the economy liberalism-embedded transnational economic organizations, as the main structure of global governance, accountable. In addition, the development of convenient communication and value convergence provide the objective conditions for the emergence of global civil society. Global civil society makes transnational organizations accountable, solves problems beyond state borders and ensures the public good and welfare. In a nutshell, global civil society is an indispensable part of today’s global governance.

Export Potential of Recycled Plastic: A Study on Bangladesh

Abstract: In the age of sustainable business practice, the usage of plastic is a matter of great concern. Bangladesh, being a developing country, has a huge amount of plastic waste. However, there is a dearth of empirical research that investigates the potential of recycled plastic industry development in Bangladesh. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the external and internal factors affecting the recycled plastic industry of Bangladesh and to provide recommendations to develop the recycled plastic industry as a potential source of export. To this end, an exploratory study was conducted, and ten officials from Bangladesh based small-and-medium enterprises were interviewed. The results reveal that Bangladesh has huge potential for the recycled plastic industry operation. However, the industry lacks government and institutional support. If public and private sectors can come forward to promote the recycling sector, then this industry has the potential to be one of the most profitable industries in Bangladesh. Based on the expectations of the interviewees, some policy recommendations are suggested to develop the recycled plastic industry. Recommendations have highlighted effective and efficient waste management systems, proper planning, efficient technology usage, infrastructural development, the developed value chain for the collection of plastic wastes, among others. Most importantly, coordinated efforts of government, consumers, recycling industries, and plastic product manufacturers can contribute to the establishment of the plastic recycling sector as a major productive industry in Bangladesh.

Effectiveness of a Computerized Program in the Treatment of Dyslexia in a Sample of Fourth Grade Students

Abstract: Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder which has a neurobiological origin and is characterized by the presence of reading difficulties not accounted for by sensory, neurological, or intellectual deficits. Many researches indicated have conducted to study the effect of a computerized program to help students with dyslexia as it has proven its effectiveness in many fields. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a computerized program in the treatment of dyslexia among the fourth grade students in a sample of Jordanian schools. The study sample consisted of (90) students in the fourth grade for the academic year 2017/2018. They were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group: 35 students and 55 students. This study was conducted through the introduction of an educational program to develop reading skills to address the difficulties of learning in reading, where learning is a necessary requirement because of its importance in the lives of students, so it was necessary to focus on learning to read to students at different levels of special needs, including those with learning disabilities who They may need some methods and strategies that suit their different learning styles. Therefore, this study came within the framework of teaching reading for people with learning difficulties in the basic stage. Provide teachers with training skills by training them in the use of the computer program in teaching reading skills, providing a theoretical background on the phenomenon of learning difficulties, especially in the field of reading, its causes and educational strategies for people with learning disabilities, and this helps to provide the necessary educational care for them.

The Relative Contribution of Higher-Order Thinking in Predicting Psychological Hardiness of University Students

Abstract: Higher order thinking skills include critical, logical, reflective, metacognitive, and creative thinking. They are activated when individuals encounter unfamiliar problems, uncertainties, questions, or dilemmas. They play an important role in developing University students to encounter any stressful situations. This study aims at identifying the extent to which higher-order thinking degrees contribute to predicting the psychological hardiness of university students and at identifying the differences between males and females in higher-order thinking skills and psychological hardiness The higher order thinking scale (prepared by the researchers) and the psychological hardiness scale (by Mukhaimar, 1996) were completed by (485) male and female Minia University students. The current research adopted the descriptive research approach. According to the statistical analysis, results revealed that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between higher-order thinking and psychological hardiness among the study sample and there were no statistically significant differences between males and females in higher-order thinking. In addition, higher-order thinking skills contributed holistically in predicting the psychological hardiness among the university students. This study recommended that higher order thinking skills should be an integral part of higher education. Lastly, this study offers specific suggestions for higher education stakeholders.

Women and Stock Market Participation: Empirical Evidence from the Saudi Stock Market

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the rareness of female Saudi traders in the Saudi stock market. This research employed the use of a cross-sectional study design with the data collection methods being mixed. The study makes use of a structured survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings from the study clearly indicated that most of the respondents viewed education as an anchoring factor in breaking down social barriers as well as cultural barriers among the Saudi community. From the practical implications point of view, promoting women’s participation in the stock market will help equality in job opportunities and contribute to wealth creation. Women constitute nearly half of the total population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participation of these women in the Kingdom’s economy is significant in terms of the enhancement and contribution to improving the socio-economic prospects of the state.

Obstacles and Performance of Agribusiness Enterprises: Evidence from South-Kivu Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyze differences between business obstacles and performance by their location using 92 food and agribusiness firms operating in rural and urban areas. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and analysis of variance are used to evaluate data collected through household surveys. Chi-square test are used to identify relationships between location and enterprises characteristics and business obstacles. Results reveal a less participation of female in ownership and management. Access to finance still the main obstacle faced by all firms. Scarcity of electricity, transportation cost and lack of equipment are perceived as severe and moderate obstacles. The analysis of variance show that urban firms are able generate higher profit margin than rural firms. These results are helpful for policymakers to promote food and agribusiness sector in order to reduce poverty and enable SME growth in Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo (South Kivu region).

The Justificatory Argument for Redistribution and Welfare State

Abstract: There is a dispute between welfare liberals and libertarians about whether redistribution of wealth is a rights violation. Welfare liberals believe that a state should redistribute income and wealth. In contrast, libertarians think redistribution is an intervention and a rights violation to the people who earn money in a free market by their inheritance or gifts. In the debate between Rawls and Nozick, there are two main disagreements about the liberty of whom and to what extent natural talents should be considered a shared asset by a state. MacIntyre thinks that Rawls and Nozick’s moral debate is meaningless since there is conceptual incommensurability of the rival arguments in it. His resolution offers a virtue ethics perspective to be a reconciliation, which fails to provide a universal moral principle in a multicultural world. However, a new way to understand the concept of labor seems to give a justificatory argument for redistribution and welfare state.

Some New Epigraphy Material from the Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan

Abstract: The aim of this research is to present a new collection of ANA inscriptions (Safaitic) discovered in 2017 in the Jordanian northeastern Badia in the area of Tall Al-Hafit. The research attempts to add a new meaning to the interpretation of the verb ʿwr in the Safaitic inscriptions. This research also introduces a new inscription bearing a reference to the town of Salkhad, which is located in southern Syria. This is the fifth inscription mentioning the name of this town. In addition, the research attempts to shed light on the importance of interpreting Safaitic inscriptions in relation to their geographical locations (the places where the inscriptions were discovered). This is because it is believed that these inscriptions and the meanings their authors wanted to convey can be better understood when interpreting these inscriptions in relation to their geographical contexts.

The Impact of Exposure to the Game of Thrones on Saudi Male Identity

Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of Game of Thrones on the cultural identity of young Saudi males. The study also discovered the reasons why Saudi males watch American TV series (Game of Thrones) from a critical cultural perspective. This study has collected the data using an online survey conducted on 63 Saudi male adolescents with age ranging from 15 to 25 years who regularly watched Game of Thrones. The results show that the cultural identities of Saudi males are not negatively impacted because there are only limited viewers of this American drama series. The result reveal that 81.0% participants have watched Game of Thrones “alone” but only for having fun, learning a new culture and passing time. The relationship between age, education with respect to time spent on watching Game of Thrones and respective opinions are statistically significant. The study concluded that learning English language, acting like characters of the drama series and watching their favorite actors and actresses are the main motives of watching this TV series.

Consumers’ Attitudes Towards Locally Manufactured High Involvement Products: A Systematic Review

Abstract: The increased level of market globalization has necessitated inculcation of positive attitudes towards locally manufactured high involvement products in consumers. While several governments are concerned about this, scholars have also given attention to this development and as a result, a need to ascertain what actually instigates consumers’ attitudes towards locally manufactured high involvement products such as: automobiles, houses, and mobile services through systematic review of extant literatures. A systematic literature review that involved comprehensive search of four databases utilized eight eligible studies to conclude that the influence of collectivism and consumer ethnocentrism (CE) on attitude towards locally manufactured high involvement products is a psychological process. The review also revealed that collectivism and CE catalyze consumers’ attitudes towards locally manufactured high involvement products through emotional and rational temperaments. Implications of the findings are discussed with suggestion for further studies.

Response to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: Lessons Learned from the Taiwan Model

Abstract: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since then spurred a global pandemic (Lai et al., 2020). Taiwan and China, separated only by 130 km across the Taiwan Strait, have frequent cross-strait interactions with each other; millions of people travel to and from between the two countries (Wang & Lin, 2020). Considering these facts, Lauren Gardner, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University, even predicted that Taiwan will have the second highest number of COVID-19 cases among the world using a metapopulation model (Gardner et al., 2020). However, with a population of 23.7 million people, Taiwan leads one of the least COVID-19 cases worldwide. With the help of technology, swift reactions, advanced deployment of resources, and complete transparency, the Taiwan model has made its success. By analyzing the actions taken and how they functioned in Taiwan in preventing a nationwide epidemic, other countries may benefit in understanding how to design better models for the prevention of future epidemics and pandemics.

Transmission Mechanism of Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Domestic Price: The Case of Afghanistan

Abstract: This article investigates the mechanism of exchange rate pass-through to the prices in the context of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s economy. This study explored the magnitude and speed of the pass-through effect on the prices by analyzing quarterly data from 2003 Q1 to 2019 Q2 considering five variables (viz., world food price index, foreign reserves, money supply, import price, and nominal effective exchange rate) based on the Vector Autoregression Model (VAR) with the cointegration and innovation accounting tools such has impulse response function and variance decomposition. The findings of the study suggest that the exchange rate pass-through in Afghanistan is incomplete. The import price is highly responsive in the short-run and moderately responsive an increasingly smooth movement in the long-run. However, CPI in the short-run with swift positive respond but the long-run smooth increasing movement. Furthermore, variance decomposition evidence shows that import price is affected by FR, NEER, CPI, and MS in both short-run and long-run, but the CPI strongly lagged by its variance, WFP, NEER, import price, and MS.