Showing papers in "Asian Social Science in 2023"
TL;DR: In this article , the acceptance of the zakat e-payment system from the perception of undergraduates as they are potential payors in the future as they enter the workforce is analyzed.
Abstract: Zakat E-payment is one of the product innovations that is a widely spread method to facilitate the contribution of zakat in the present world. Online payment is an important method of transaction widely practiced across the globe. Due to its flexibility and convenience, it has been a popular payment method recently, especially in critical religious matters such as zakat, one of the pillars of Islam. The main objective of the study is to analyse the acceptance of the zakat e-payment system from the perception of undergraduates as they are potential payors in the future as they enter the workforce. Specifically, factors influencing the acceptance of zakat e-payment will be determined. The study’s conceptual framework is based on the Theory of Acceptance (TAM), where six variables or constructs, namely financial literacy (FL), perceived usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Enjoyment (ENJ), Attitude (ATT) and Behavioural Intention (BI). This cross-section study employs a data set comprising 210 undergraduate students. Data was collected using a close-ended questionnaire. The results, among others, recommend that zakat e-payment system providers modify or create highly usable applications. Therefore, marketing initiatives should focus on promoting these zakat e-payment system characteristics.
TL;DR: Based on the textual research on the hierarchical system of armor in the Qing Dynasty, combined with the background of national culture, the authors analyzes that the appearance of the image of female armor is a politicized performance of the ruling class, and its essence is still the projection of the aesthetic interest of feudal patriarchy.
Abstract: In ancient China, traditional costumes have an important function of marking the identity of the noble and commoner status hierarchy. Before modern times, the shape, fabric, and color of folk women's clothing were not clearly defined, but they were subject to folklore and had many taboos. The wives of ministers or members of royalty were expected to comport themselves according to their husbands' official status and were forbidden from breaking any restrictions. But in the visual archives of the last feudal dynasty of ancient China, we have astonishing discoveries about the new image of Chinese women in the Qing Dynasty — Artworks of Qing Dynasty women in armor, their historical background, and artistic qualities bring us a lot of unprecedented inspiration and reflection. Based on the textual research on the hierarchical system of armor in the Qing Dynasty, combined with the background of national culture, this paper analyzes that the appearance of the image of female armor in the Qing Dynasty is a politicized performance of the ruling class, and its essence is still the projection of the aesthetic interest of feudal patriarchy.
TL;DR: In this paper , the problems faced by the development of ecological culture in Xishuangbanna Dai region of Yunnan from the perspective of the "Marxist view of nature" and explores its innovative and sustainable development paths.
Abstract: With the continuous development of human society, the ecological environment has been seriously damaged. It is therefore of vital significance to examine the ecological environmental protection and ecological culture, especially in some indigenous and border regions with rich natural resources. This paper analyses the problems faced by the development of ecological culture in Xishuangbanna Dai region of Yunnan from the perspective of the “Marxist view of nature” and explores its innovative and sustainable development paths. The article begins with an overview of the “Marxist view of nature”, followed by an explanation of the necessity of ecological culture construction in Xishuangbanna Dai region. It then provides an in-depth analysis of the ecological problems and concludes with responding suggestions and solutions. This study not only helps to understand the ecological culture and civilisation of ethnic minority groups and their ecological environment status quo, but also provides implications and theoretical value to the construction of global ecological culture and ecological civilisation.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors make an attempt to understand emotional intelligence (EI), and to determine its aspects and skills based on Qurʾānic wisdoms, using a qualitative data using both deductive and inductive approaches.
Abstract: One of the most important fields of research is the effort to develop human abilities in various areas and to use them for the advancement of life and the improvement of one's livelihood. The Qurʾān, which Muslims believe that was the last book revealed by Almighty Allāh (God), gives many examples of how emotions help people and make them happier. The Qurʾān is a book that deals with emotions by using its guidance and helps refine people's emotions which were stated its various Sūrahs (chapters). This research makes an attempt to understand emotional Intelligence (EI), and to determine its aspects and skills based on Qurʾānic wisdoms. To investigate this issue, this study uses a qualitative data using both deductive and inductive approaches. The findings presented in this article are the outcomes of a thematic analysis of Qur'ānic verses (texts) related to the EI. This research identifies five aspects of EI: Religious, Psychological, Social, Environmental, and Divine Laws. It also identifies forty basic skills derived from Qurʾānic verses. Finally, it suggests further studies to come up with more EI skills that encompass all human aspects and achieve its goals and meet its needs.
TL;DR: This article argued that children, who create economic value for families and business firms through media performances, have become the digital workers and they should be valued and protected in the new media economy.
Abstract: With the development of the new media economy, platform performances have gradually become one of the forms of paid labor. In this context, children, as short video actors, are increasingly appearing in the public, gathering fans, Amassing fame and becoming a money-making Internet celebrity, they are excluded from the ranks of workers because of their status as minors and indirect media use. Reflecting on this evolution, this article argues that children, who create economic value for families and business firms through media performances, have become the digital workers，and they should be valued and protected.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors systematically analyzed and summarized the technological changes of jacquard in French silk weaving in the 19th century, including the modification of crochet shape, direction and thickness of placement, change of the shape and material of pattern card, the size and arrangement of its holes, and the addition of harness cord and shaft monture, so as to promote the continuous, rapid and steady progress of the whole silk weaving industry.
Abstract: The emergence of the jacquard loom in the early 19th century was one of the most important mechanical inventions among the technological innovations of the French silk weaving industry. Since then, France continuously optimized and improve jacquard loom, resulting in many technological changes. Based on the technical principle of different types of jacquard looms in France in the 19th century, and by referring to literature and conducting field visits to France and other places, our study systematically analyzed and summarized the technological changes of jacquard in French silk weaving in the 19th century. These changes mainly included the modification of crochet shape, direction and thickness of placement, the change of the shape and material of pattern card, the size and arrangement of its holes, and the addition of harness cord and shaft monture, so as to promote the continuous, rapid and steady progress of the whole silk weaving industry.
Abstract: The dragon-tailed lion motif is a hybrid creature motif usually composed of a lion’s body with a dragon’s head serving in place of the tail. As a decorative motif, the dragon-tailed lion mixes imagination and reality in Eurasian textile imagery, and is an excellent entry point for understanding medieval social culture. This article seeks to examine the symbolic meaning and development of this hybrid creature in different cultural contexts via Eurasian textile imagery and ancient documents. Broadly, the resulting shows that the combination, shape and symbolic meaning of the dragon-tailed lion are variable, whose symbolic functions are directly related to the cultural context of the lion and the dragon. The dragon-tailed lion motif as a long-standing imagery tradition and aesthetic, reflecting the common concept of creation and the extensive and diverse cultural connections in the Eurasian continent in the Middle Ages.
TL;DR: In this paper , acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 3 , No.3 2023, is given for Asian social science, with the following acknowledgements:
Abstract: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 3 2023.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors identify the drivers of land use change and assess the socioeconomic impact on the local community in Murum, Belaga, Sarawak, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Abstract: The state of Sarawak in Malaysia has witnessed a surge in demand for its valuable land resources, primarily driven by major commodity investors establishing plantations. These land concessions have further exacerbated land scarcity and the depletion of crucial forest areas, which are essential for the livelihoods of indigenous communities. The indigenous community in Sarawak, heavily dependent on forests, faces significant challenges due to land use changes. This study aims to identify the drivers of land use change and assess the socioeconomic impact on the local community in Murum, Belaga, Sarawak. The research was conducted in December 2020, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and site observations were employed to collect data, involving 511 household heads and ten key informants. Statistical analysis using SPSS software was performed on the collected data. The findings highlight that the primary cause of land use change in the study area was the hydroelectric dam project, followed by the establishment of oil palm plantations, logging activities, forest plantation development, government policies, and agricultural activities. Regarding infrastructure satisfaction levels, respondents ranked sport/recreational facilities as the most important, followed by electricity supply, house/accommodation facilities, education facilities, clean water sources, communication accessibility, health facilities, and road accessibility. Overall, the data indicates an improvement in the economic and social conditions of families due to land use changes in the area. However, the study concludes that there is still a need for further improvements in essential services, including providing multiple clean water sources to each household, enhancing access to healthcare services, and improving road conditions. Improved road access will foster increased business and social activity, facilitating job opportunities and contributing to poverty alleviation within the local community.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors classified the interest lost by the right holder as a loss under the scope of liability for breach of contract and defined liquidated damages as a form of compensating for the losses of the observant party.
Abstract: There are certain differences in practice regarding whether the contractor of a construction project construction contract can claim both the contractual or statutory interest and liquidated damages from the employer. From the origin and essence of interest, it can be known that it is a part of the "proceeds" obtained by the lender according to the contract. As long as the delayed payment behavior exists, interest becomes the property that the right holder will inevitably lose. The consequences of the aforementioned "loss" have a direct causal relationship with the debtor's breach of contract and there is no difference due to the construction project or contract. As far as liquidated damages are concerned, they are also a form of liability for breach of contract, with the main purpose of compensating for the losses of the observant party. It is not inappropriate to classify the interest lost by the right holder as a loss under the scope of liability for breach of contract. The basic legal relationship between the employer and the contractor arising from the construction of the project is a contract of contract, not a loan contract. As for the outstanding project funds of the employer, it undoubtedly belongs to the category of overdue payments that are payable but not paid.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors apply the ARDL model and nonlinear model to long-term inflation-targeting policy mechanisms in the United States and China to assess the impact of oil price dynamics and asymmetries on inflation expectations, as well as the difference of this impact before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract: Economists and policymakers believe that households’ and firms’ expectations of future inflation are key determinants of actual inflation. This paper applies the ARDL model and nonlinear ARDL model to long-term inflation-targeting policy mechanisms in the United States and China to assess the impact of oil price dynamics and asymmetries on inflation expectations, as well as the difference of this impact before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to show the significant role of the COVID-19 outbreak, this paper includes the data from 2010 to 2021 and takes the pandemic period as a structural break. Taking oil price changes as a variable of interest, and introducing some other significant variables, we find that during the pandemic, the positive impact of oil price shock on U.S. inflation expectations has enhanced, whereas the positive impact on Chinese inflation expectations has weakened. There is also sufficient evidence of the existence of the asymmetric effects of oil price changes on inflation expectations in both countries, but the positive oil price change in the United States has always played a larger role than the negative oil price shock. In China, the impact of positive oil price shock was greater than that of negative oil prices before the epidemic and the effect of negative oil price shocks has increased significantly in the COVID-19 regime.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors highlight the key features of the conflict in Syria and the reasons for the involvement of a number of regional and global players, whose behavior is driven by strife to protect their interests the best way possible, thus making it indicative of the prospects for resuming the peace process.
Abstract: The paper highlights the key features of the conflict in Syria and the reasons for the involvement of a number of regional and global players, whose behavior is driven by strife to protect their interests the best way possible, thus making it indicative of the prospects for resuming the peace process. The paper explores the current attitudes and approaches of the major stakeholders and ventures to analyze the rationale behind their actions in the event of an unfolding comprehensive peace process. Furthermore, the paper makes an assessment of the trends and prospects for a general reduction of hostilities and reopening the peace process vis-à-vis the attempts by Turkey and other important players to restore ties, improve relations and establish a dialogue with the Syrian regime. The paper goes on to reveal the nation-wide and local obstacles that need to be overcome should a genuine attempt be made towards rapprochement, ceasefire and reconciliation as a prelude to pacification and comprehensive discussions about future governance and a new Constitution. Finally, the paper concludes by suggesting a number of indicators worth following in order to anticipate a growing likelihood for reopening the peace process.
TL;DR: In this article , acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 2, No .2 2023, is given for Asian social science, with the following acknowledgements:
Abstract: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 2 2023.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors proposed a new measurement method to decompose the micro mechanism and macro effect of income inequality affecting residents' health, based on the provincial data onto 1990, 2000 and 2010, an empirical analysis using the multi-period mixed cross-sectional data (Pool Data) model shows that income inequality has a significant negative impact on health.
Abstract: This paper reviews the mechanism of income inequality affecting residents' health, and proposes a new measurement method to decompose the micro mechanism and macro effect of income inequality affecting residents' health. Based on the provincial data onto 1990, 2000 and 2010, an empirical analysis using the multi-period mixed cross-sectional data (Pool Data) model shows that income inequality has a significant negative impact on health in China. The method constructed in this paper is used to decompose the contribution rate of macro effect and individual effect. The results show that the negative impact of macro effect accounts for 27.7%, while the impact of micro effect accounts for 72.3%. With the continuous improvement on GDP per capital in China, the impact of macro effect of income gaps between life expectancy is getting smaller and smaller. The macro effect contribution rate decreases year by year. Therefore, on the one hand, it is necessary to reduce income inequality, but also to take targeted measures to reduce the negative impact of income inequality on individual health.
TL;DR: In this article , a mixed approach with multiple linear regression and thematic analysis was adopted from results of 102 quantitative respondents and 12 qualitative interviewees, helping unveil the insights of membership customer behaviors via their involvement into fitness services and corresponding recognition from service providers.
Abstract: The situation of fitness services in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in general and in Vietnam in particular implied many complicated dilemmas, highlighted by forceful changes in human behaviors and operational difficulties. A mixed approach with multiple linear regression and thematic analysis was adopted from results of 102 quantitative respondents and 12 qualitative interviewees, helping unveil the insights of membership customer behaviors via their involvement into fitness services and corresponding recognition from service providers. Some extracted highlights are the significant positive relationships between physical preparation, perceived level of program effectiveness, price, and level of customer involvement into new operational fitness services, the surprising non-relationship between customers’ health awareness and their involvement. Those findings are the foundations for fitness businesses in Vietnam to recover and develop in a new-normal post-Covid era.
TL;DR: In this paper , a study of the different PPPP arrangements that can be applied in housing delivery, critical success factors and challenges associated with the arrangements, and lessons that Papua New Guinea (PNG) can draw from other countries that have applied PPP extensively in Housing delivery.
Abstract: Providing adequate, quality and affordable housing for its population have been a long-standing issue for governments of some countries. To address the issue, some of the governments have adopted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the hope of improving housing delivery. However, identifying the most suitable PPP arrangement for providing houses is often problematic. This paper reports on a study of the different PPP arrangements that can be applied in housing delivery, critical success factors and challenges associated with the arrangements. It also reports lessons that Papua New Guinea (PNG) can draw from other countries that have applied PPP extensively in housing delivery. The study is based on a historical narrative literature review that was analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed that there are several PPP arrangements that can be used in providing houses such as the direct relationship ownership housing which is similar to the build-lease-operate-transfer. Another type of arrangement is the direct relationship rental housing which is similar to the build-own-operate. Critical success factors for a PPP project include the need for transparency at all stages of the PPP, risks must be allocated properly between the public sector and the private sector, the PPP should have adequate political and community support. The performance of a PPP arrangement can be restricted by high transaction costs, poor contracting and procurement procedures, the dominance of the public sector in the arrangement, poor communication between the partners and inadequate legal frameworks. The lessons that PNG can draw from other countries include the identification of PPP arrangements that are most suitable for the country and how to implement the arrangements in an effective manner. The findings provide more understanding on the application of PPP arrangements in housing delivery by considering the challenges and success factors associated with the arrangements.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors took the Tibetan silk robe in the Qing Dynasty as an example, elaborating the structure restoration drawing technology step by step, in order to provide technical solutions for the comprehensive protection and inheritance of the Chinese traditional costume culture from the perspective of costume science.
Abstract: For a long time, most of the research on ancient Chinese traditional costume in the academic circle has remained at the "metaphysical" level, and the historical research based on the "structural mechanism" of costume is very limited. However, the costume structure likes the architectural structure, contains the creation ideas and functional considerations of the ancients, and the digital restoration of the structure is an indispensable part of the in-depth study, protection and inheritance of ancient Chinese traditional costume culture. This paper takes the Tibetan silk robe in the Qing Dynasty as an example, elaborating the structure restoration drawing technology step by step. In order to provide technical solutions for the comprehensive protection and inheritance of the Chinese traditional costume culture from the perspective of costume science.
TL;DR: In this article , a study was conducted to determine whether playing extracurricular educational games increases third-grade primary children's academic achievement levels in Jordan, and the results revealed no statistically significant gender-related variations in the experimental group's level of success.
Abstract: The goal of this study is to determine whether playing extracurricular educational games increases third-grade primary children's academic achievement levels in Jordan. The study sample includes 56 male and female students (28 male and 28 female) from Madaba Governorate's Al-Khansaa Secondary Comprehensive School for Girls. A two-group quasi-experimental design is used, with an experimental group and a control group. An achievement test, three educational games, and resources relating to three topics of supplication, travel etiquette, and playing etiquette, are produced and used by the researcher. The experimental group is taught these concepts through educational games in the schoolyard, while the control group receives traditional classroom instruction. SPSS software is used to conduct a statistical analysis. The achievement test results for the control and experimental groups do not indicate any statistically significant (α≤0.05) differences. The results reveal no statistically significant (α≤0.05) gender-related variations in the experimental group's level of success. The researchers suggest that Islamic education sessions might be designed to avoid the characteristic inertia, using extracurricular educational games.
TL;DR: In this paper , acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 1, No .1 2023, is given for Asian social science, with the following acknowledgements:
Abstract: Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 19, No. 1 2023.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated two speeches that Mubarak of Egypt delivered during the notion of Arab Spring in terms of simplicity and readability, and concluded that these speeches were not hard to read by the expected audience.
Abstract: This main aim of tis study is to investigate two speeches that Mubarak of Egypt delivered during the notion of Arab Spring in terms of simplicity and readability. The two speeches are the ones aired live on the national TV of Egypt on the 28th of January 2011 and the second one, which was given just one day before Mubarak left the presidency, was aired on the 10th February 2011. This study is one of the first studies that applied readability and simplicity formulas on Arabic texts. In accordance to three different readability and simplicity formulas the two chosen speeches of Mubarak were judged to be simple and not hard to read by the expected audience of Mubarak. It is suggested that Mubarak did not succeed in reaching his goal and his audience regardless of his attempts. The protesters besieged Mubarak’s palace and did not leave until the resignation of Mubarak was aired on TV.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper classified the physical display and virtual display of museum costumes, expounded the visual style of costume display from the perspective of the physical field, and then used the Shanghai Textile and Clothing Museum as the experimental base to extract the factors that affect the audience's interactive experience through interviews, and construct an evaluation of the interactive experience Indicators, using T test to obtain experimental results, and comparing and analyzing the difference between physical display, virtual display, and clothing under interactive experience from a psychological field.
Abstract: The museum is gradually deepening the "people-oriented" design concept, and the interaction between the audience and the exhibits has attracted wide attention. This article classifies the physical display and virtual display of museum costumes, expounds the visual style of costume display from the perspective of the physical field, and then uses the Shanghai Textile and Clothing Museum as the experimental base to extract the factors that affect the audience's interactive experience through interviews, and construct an evaluation of the interactive experience Indicators, using T test to obtain experimental results, and comparing and analyzing the difference between physical display and virtual display of clothing under interactive experience from the perspective of psychological field, and then discussing the design principles of museum clothing display.
TL;DR: The authors investigated the effects of implementing "the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" "CEFR" in the English courses in a teacher education program at one Iraqi public university and found that there would be an improvement in pre-service teachers' performance after the implementation of the CEFR as a teaching framework.
Abstract: The study investigated the effects of implementing "the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" "CEFR" in the English courses in a teacher education program at one Iraqi public university. An intensive 288-hour CEFR-informed program focusing on communicative language competence was designed. The data collection consists of two phases: pre-CEFR and post-CEFR implementations. A total of 150 fourth-year pre-service teachers participated in the study. The questionnaire was the only instrument used for the data collection, which consisted of two parts: the CEFR Self-Assessment Grid and Bachman and Palmer’s linguistic test. The CEFR Self-Assessment Grid was used to access participants self-assessments of their English proficiency. In addition, the linguistic test examines 13 criteria of language knowledge: language vocabulary, syntax, phonology/graphology (grammatical knowledge), knowledge of cohesion, rhetorical organization, conversational organization (textual knowledge), ideational knowledge, manipulative knowledge, instrumental knowledge, imaginative knowledge (functional knowledge), knowledge of dialects, registers, and idiomatic expressions. It was hypothesized that there would be an improvement in pre-service teachers' performance after the implementation of the CEFR as a teaching framework. All the participants took the pre-CEFR and post-CEFR tests to examine their English language competency. The questionnaire was used in pre- and post-tests. The pre-CEFR test results showed that a significant percentage of the participants did not have adequate proficiency to be an English teacher (CEFR A2 and B1). Consequently, a course was designed to enhance pre-service teachers' communicative competence level required for them to be effective teachers, which is considered the main goal of teaching and learning English in the Iraqi colleges of education. The results were estimated according to the CEFR self-assessment grid and Bachman and Plamer’s (1996) checklist. The results of the post-test proved that the pre-service teachers had made more progress in their language proficiency as a result of implementing the CEFR compared to their levels before.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors explored the comparison of teaching methods between Chinese general primary school and international school music classrooms while encouraging students to participate more actively in music classrooms, and found out teaching methods that could improve the active participation of pupils in the music class.
Abstract: This qualitative method had explored the comparison of teaching methods between Chinese general primary school and international school music classrooms while encouraging students to participate more actively in music classrooms. In this study, interview methods were used. Four music teachers had been interviewed, four teachers from two different schools, two from ordinary Chinese primary schools, and two from international primary schools in China. Before the interview, the teacher had been sent a participant consent form of the basic question. Then, four teachers had been interviewed on the screen. The interviews had been semi-structured and conducted in a one-on-one format via video. The entire interview had consisted of open-ended questions. Finally, the data had been used to analyze different teaching methods in the music classroom, find out teaching methods that could improve the active participation of pupils in the music class. The data had been analyzed by thematic analysis. These findings may have contributed to the significance of music education in Chinese elementary schools.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors studied the similarities, differences, and influencing factors of Su and Gu embroidery, and illustrated the relationship between them through the combination of quantitative statistics of online collections in domestic museums and qualitative analysis of literature records.
Abstract: As traditional handicrafts in the south of the Yangtze River, Su embroidery and Gu embroidery are closely related to each other due to their geographical proximity, mutual exchange of embroidery techniques and similar cultural backgrounds. In recent years, there has been considerable research on the historical origins and relationship between the two, but no unified conclusion has been formed. Through the combination of quantitative statistics of online collections in domestic museums and qualitative analysis of literature records, following the idea of “deconstruction - research - recombination”, this paper studies the similarities, differences, and influencing factors of Su embroidery and Gu embroidery, and illustrates the relationship between them. Su embroidery and Gu embroidery are two independent embroidery categories, which showed the characteristics of “Individuality in Commonality” with the evolution of the historical process. Under the call to revitalize traditional handicrafts, it is beneficial for the protection and inheritance of Su and Gu embroidery to trace their historical origins, analyze their respective technical characteristics, and clarify their relationship.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors assess teachers' perception towards different nutrition modalities implemented at four different primary schools in Khotang district of Nepal and find that home-based nutrition with direct parents' participation tends to reduce the need for extra financial resources while cash and catering based modality require fund transfers for carrying out the programs effectively.
Abstract: Background: The school environment is crucial in the formulation of healthy eating habits, promoting healthy action and nutrition education. School Health and Nutrition (SHN) Programs conducted globally have resulted in improved nutrition knowledge, attitude and behavior of students. Such programs aim to improve school attendance and nutrition outcomes mainly through food or cash transfer, depending on the situation. The Government of Nepal prioritizes SHNs for primary school students through the support of various national and international organizations. However, SHN Programs carried throughout the country are neither similar nor widespread. Nutrition education includes curriculum enhancement, parental involvement, hands-on activities, gardening and physical activities. In this regard, teachers may influence the feasibility of nutrition education and improve dietary behavior among students of poor households. Sustainable SHN Programs envision long term operation/functioning and local development by reducing external dependency with better program activities. The sustainability of such programs depends on parents’ participation, resource availability and the conduction of various activities. Sustainability of the SHN Program is crucial not only to improve student’s diet quality and academic performance, but also to enhance their physical and social functioning.
Objective: Aim of this study is to assess teachers’ perception towards different nutrition modalities implemented at four different primary schools in Khotang district of Nepal.
Methodology: The study was conducted at four schools in Eastern Nepal running different SHN Programs. Data was collected from extensive Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the school Principals, nutrition focal persons and other teachers at each school. A total of four FGDs were conducted in early months of 2022 with a total of 20 participants (teachers). The obtained data was analyzed qualitatively to gain an in-depth understanding of school nutrition modality in practice.
Results: The surveyed schools followed their own nutrition modality based on their most suitability and effectiveness for implementation. Nutrition modalities, namely i) Home-based meal, ii) Direct parents’ participation, iii) Government program and iv.) Catered-based programs were implemented in four different schools. Home based nutrition with direct parents’ participation tends to reduce the need for extra financial resources. Cash and catering based modality require fund transfers for carrying out the programs effectively. This kind of modality also incur higher administrative costs. Modality with parents’ involvement is able to overcome resource challenges, improve nutritious diet and academic performance of students.
Conclusion: Nutrition modality improves nutritional knowledge, develops healthy food perception and alters eating habits among children. School nutrition modality ranges with various activities depending on the availability of resources, and parents’ participation. The dependency on external sources in the operational process undermines the sustainability of SHN programs while parental involvement is crucial for its successful implementation. Therefore, there is a need for SHN programs to move beyond the traditional one-time feeding strategy towards continuous and well-monitored dietary programs for their sustainability.
TL;DR: In this paper , a pre-testing study involved 30 university students who were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: promotion or prevention regulatory focus message (n = 15 per group), the data were analysed with an independent samples t-test.
Abstract: Although awareness of sustainable fashion in Malaysia is present, it is growing slowly. Consumers may find it challenging to understand messages or communicating advertisements on pro-environmental actions. Accordingly, stimuli development was designed in this study using regulatory focus theory for the structural development of an advertisement message. The advertisement content was generated based on promotion and prevention regulatory focus messages. This pre-testing study involved 30 university students who were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: promotion or prevention regulatory focus message (n = 15 per group). The data were analysed with an independent samples t-test. The advertisement with the promotion-focused message was more persuasive than that with the prevention-focused message. The findings suggest guidelines for practitioners to devise effective strategies when designing advertisements that will not only help firms obtain personal benefits but also benefit society and the environment.
TL;DR: In this article , a semantic study of the Chinese word "qing" and its corresponding word "light" in English according to the framework of Lexical Typology suggested in françois (2008) is presented.
Abstract: This article is aimed to analyze a semantic study of the Chinese word “qing” and its corresponding word “light” in English according to the framework of Lexical Typology suggested in françois (2008). From this article, we can clearly see the different semantic meanings of “light” in English. It will be shown by empirical observation sand functional properties. And they will be compared with the corresponding Chinese word “qing”to show similarities and differences of these two totally different language meanings.
TL;DR: The authors analyzed the historical background of the policies of restoring and promoting agricultural production in the early Yuan Dynasty, and reviewed the policy content relevant to the planting or breeding of fiber raw materials for textile handicraft, and discussed the role of relevant policies in promoting textile production and technological progress in the Yuan Dynasty.
Abstract: Taking the interaction between agricultural guidelines of the Mongol regime in China and textile handicraft in the 13th and 14th centuries as the main clue, this article analyzes the historical background of the policies of restoring and promoting agricultural production in the early Yuan Dynasty, reviews the policy content relevant to the planting or breeding of fiber raw materials for textile handicraft, and discusses the role of the relevant policies in promoting textile production and technological progress in the Yuan Dynasty. Studies have revealed that the guidelines adopted by the Yuan authority to promote the production and supply of textile raw materials such as ramie, silk and cotton were deeply influenced by traditional Chinese agricultural civilization，although the traditions of nomadic civilization were still reflected in these policies. Guidelines, while increasing the variety and quantity of levy in the Yuan Dynasty, served to maintain the rule of the Mongol regime and to consolidate the privileges of the nobility. Objectively, those guidelines also promoted the evolution of textile techniques at that time.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors used a combination of the theoretical frameworks of the sociology of religion/Islam and political sociology helps to discover and understand the factors that restrict the distribution of Zakat.
Abstract: Since the early of Islam, zakat - compulsory Islamic almsgiving - has received widespread interest in religious, social, institutional as well as political fields. Zakat distribution, theoretically, comes in the form of providing eight beneficiaries through projects of religious, educational, and medical foundations, provision of military weapons, and so on. However, the annual estimates of zakat indicate that zakat is exposed to factors that restrict its mechanism (collections and distributions). A combination of the theoretical frameworks of the sociology of religion/Islam and political sociology helps to discover and understand these factors. The quantitative method in this research through the interviews conducted with Muslim scholars, charitable organisations’ staff, and Qatari Muslims (citizens and residents), show that zakat distribution is affected by Muslim scholars’ interpretations of ‘for the cause of Allah’ zakat beneficiary, the behaviour of zakat payers in paying individually and conditional zakat projects, Qatar’s tribal culture (citizens), family bonding (residents), the behaviour of charitable organisations in promoting specific projects, and interests of the Qatari state. Furthermore, most participants agreed that the purpose of zakat is to support the less fortunate, rather than personal interests, conflicts, or wars. Any defect in zakat applications is considered a significant loss, especially since the world witnessed a rise in zakat beneficiaries such as the poor and refugees, whether they result from natural or war disasters.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the effectiveness of a training program in improving the competencies and skills of female specialists working with people with visual impairments and to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the improvement of the skills due to variables such as specialization, years of experience, prior knowledge of a blind person, and training courses in the field of visual impairment.
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in improving the competencies and skills of female specialists working with people with visual impairments and to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the improvement of competencies and skills due to variables such as specialization, years of experience, prior knowledge of a blind person, and training courses in the field of visual impairment. The study sample consisted of 10 female specialists from special education, visual impairment, and early childhood in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A 70-item scale was used to measure the competencies and skills of female specialists before and after the training program. The scale was divided into five domains: knowledge of visual impairments and their impact on learning, communication and interaction strategies, adaptation of teaching materials and classroom environment, assessment and evaluation strategies, and collaboration and professional development.
The study's results revealed a significant improvement in the competencies and skills of female specialists after participating in the training program, with an average percentage improvement of 41.4%. No statistically significant differences were found in the improvement of competencies and skills due to the variables of specialization, years of experience, prior knowledge of a blind person, and training courses in the field of visual impairment.
In conclusion, the training program was found to be effective in improving the competencies and skills of female specialists working with people with visual impairments. The results highlight the importance of providing specialized training to professionals in this field to support better the learning and development of children with visual impairments.