bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right-Wing Extremism and Terrorism with Roots In (Neo)Colonization
Authors: Steinmetz Carl H. D.
Published: October 2024

Many Western countries and their citizens react to right-wing extremism as if it were a coup against the democratic rule of law. This article explores the reasons for this. It does so as follows. First, by outlining what is meant by right-wing extremism. But also by addressing the theories that right-wing extremists use to support their ideology of destruction and subversion. Second, this article examines the numbers of right-wing extremists in Europe and in the European Parliament. In this European Parliament, right-wing extremists have become a party that cannot be ignored. In fact, even Hungary's far-right prime minister, Viktor Orbán, is now taking over the EU presidency for six months. Third, this article addresses the threat of right-wing extremist terrorism. This is done on the basis of a number of states that oppress citizens in their own and neighboring countries, invoking the adage: "one's own country and one's own people come first. Russia and Israel are the two countries most often mentioned. Attention is also paid to individual Western far-right terrorists who target Muslims, sub-Saharan Africans, and the "leftist" elite. Their far-right ideology is strongly discussed in this article. Fourth, we test the hypothesis that the ancestors of right-wing extremists had their first experiences with dismissing the other as inferior and inferior in the former Western colonies. In doing so, we do not close our eyes to neocolonial behavior. The elaboration of this hypothesis is that they treat immigrants, refugees and expatriates in the same way as their ancestors did in the former colonies on the African, Asian and American continents. Isolation, exploitation, enslavement, plundering, looting and torture, as well as genocidal wars, were the order of the day. Epigenetics shows that the distinction between genotype and phenotype is based on genotypic changes due to phenotypic conditions. In short, poor living conditions due to institutional racism, stress, pollution, overcrowding and deprivation lead to negative genetic changes. The victims of epigenetic transformation are mainly immigrants, refugees and expatriates in Western countries and the original populations in the former Western colonies. Finally, this article shows that it is a significant number of immigrants, refugees, and expatriates who are told by right-wing extremists that they are not welcome in their continent, country, province, neighborhood, and street. With God's evidence, this article shows that human beings were not created to fight each other with fire and sword.
Factors Influencing Information Security Policy Compliance Behavior in High Education Institutions: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ahmed Aisha Aissa Ali , Abas Hafiza
Published: October 2024

Information security policies and behaviors play a crucial role in organizations, particularly in higher education institutions. These policies outline guidelines and best practices to protect sensitive data, safeguard privacy, and prevent unauthorized access or misuse of information. In higher education institutions, they help secure research findings, intellectual property, and student records. By fostering a culture of security awareness and encouraging responsible behavior, organizations can safeguard their reputation, instill trust, and meet legal and regulatory requirements. This literature review has revealed challenges and highlighted the current trends of information security policy compliance, as well as the theories used for information security compliance from 2013 to 2023. Out of 50 research papers published on the topic of information security policy compliance, three influencing factors were identified through filtration: behavioral intention, awareness and culture, and human with organizational management. The findings show that there is a lack of information security policies in the higher education sector. This review contributes to the information security literature by providing a fully organized systematic review of conducted research in the last decade.
Flexible Work Arrangements, Job Satisfaction and Family Satisfaction: The Spillover Effect of Work-Family Conflict
Authors: Johari Farah Shazlin , Ahmad Siti Nurul Akma , Bashirun Siti Norashikin , Zolkapli Nurhafizah Mohd , Samudin Nor Maslia Rasli
Published: October 2024

Since its beginning, the pandemic has forced many organizations to adopt new norms, offering more flexible work arrangements. Yet, there is limited knowledge on how these arrangements, particularly flextime, could affect the work-family conflict (WFC) and its consequences on both job and family satisfaction. Despite this, there has been limited research on the spillover effect of WFC, concentrating on cross-domain effects on both job and family satisfaction in Eastern culture. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the spillover effect of WFC on job and family satisfaction among academicians from selected Malaysian public universities. The web-based survey questionnaire was employed, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Flextime was found to have a significant negative association with both WIF and FIW. Furthermore, the findings revealed that WIF has a stronger spillover effect on cross-domains, notably family satisfaction. FIW has a greater impact on its own domain specificity, namely family satisfaction. Thus, the study contributes to our understanding of the spillover effect of WFC on cross-domains, particularly in Eastern contextual cultures, and helps to provide additional insight into family-friend policies intended to reduce the occurrence of WFC, leading to a better balance of work and personal responsibilities.
Reasons Behind Morals: Moral Teaching in Chinese Context
Authors: Ma Wen , Zhu Yaqin , Chunli Li , Zhang Bo , Tian Xin
Published: October 2024

The contents of moral may differ; they require each one to practice. When we know the contents, we do not perform them, then we cannot tell others that we are familiar with them. When we know that we will practice them, yet we lack the knowledge and self-restraint to practice them, we are prevented from fulfilling them. Those who hold wicked thoughts will not perform righteousness; those who have selfish minds will not serve the public. Those who deceive themselves cannot gain trust from others. Those who humiliate themselves cannot earn others’ respect. Thus, in this paper, we discuss three topics of culture and luxury, truth and myth, and following reasons and fearing authority, so that the contents of moral education will be clarified. What is good and bad will be shown. Once we understand reasons, we begin the journey of self-cultivation.
Retuning Ears & Rewiring Brains for Effective Communication: Foreign-Accent Perception & Sensitivity Training (FAPST)™
Authors: Shah Amee P.
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Communication and psychosocial challenges are associated with processing regional or foreign accents. These challenges result in discrimination, marginalization, and reduced opportunities for culturally, linguistically, or racially diverse people. As a departure from the controversial approaches of training speakers to speak more effectively, this paper presents an innovative and effective methodology to train listeners instead and make the communication environment more “accent friendly”. Built upon two decades of testing and evidence, the Foreign Accent Perception & Sensitivity Training (FAPST)TM is used to develop skills in listening to accents, reducing implicit biases, and increasing appreciation and enjoyment for interacting with accents and cultures. Methodology: 320 undergraduate students from eight sections of a Diversity Issues course were provided the FAPST training online that included 15-20 minutes of gamified experience, over four weeks, in listening and identifying 54 varieties of accent in a structured, multimedia procedure. Assessments included weekly Accent Identification Scores as well as a pre- and post-survey using the CCQ tool to assess listeners’ baseline knowledge, attitudes, stereotypes, preferences, and skills related to processing accents. They also received formative assessments, feedback, and engaged in self-reflections. Results: Paired t-tests showed significant improvement in Accent Identification Scores which increased from 52% in week 1 and reached 75% by week 4, significant at p <0.05 level. The post-training CCQ survey results showed that Factual Knowledge scores improved significantly from 42% to 78%, Stereotypes scores reduced significantly from 89% to 22%, and Competence scores improved significantly from 23% to 76%. Participants reported increased confidence in listening accuracy and improvement in noticing details in accent patterns. Participants reported increased interest and willingness to interact with diversity. Participants also reported increased awareness of discrimination, and willingness to show allyship and advocacy for diverse individuals. Conclusion: This project confirmed that students have preconceived attitudes and biases as well as lower skills and confidence in interacting with diversity and accents which factor in their decisions and preferences to communicate with people with certain accents. It becomes imperative to set students up for success and engagement in a globalized world by training them with skills to navigate diversity. Results show that such a training improves listening accuracy as well as develops increased confidence and interest in engaging with diversity, while reducing implicit biases and stereotypes, along with increased factual knowledge of, and competence with accents.
Rationalizing the Mathematics Requirements for a Master of Biostatistics Program: A Case Study and Commentary
Authors: Troy Jesse , Grambow Steven , Neely Megan , Pomann Gian-Maria , Davenport Clemontina , Ashner Marissa , Samsa Greg
Published: October 2024

Within a 2-year Master of Biostatistics program, we reconsidered the mathematics requirements for admission, and also the premise that the most distinguishing feature of a top candidate is deep exposure to mathematics.  Our assessment took place within a broad curriculum review intended to enhance alignment: aligning programmatic goals with job skills, aligning the use of mathematics within our curriculum with programmatic goals, aligning our admission criteria with our curriculum, and aligning our application materials with these admission criteria.  We developed a specific list of mathematical skills required by the curriculum, and are revising the application materials to include self-report on applicant's exposure to and functional mastery of those skills.  We illustrate how functional mastery is operationally defined.  Our criteria for identifying top candidates was broadened to include those with especial skills in analytics, biology and/or communication (i.e., the three conceptual pillars of our program).  Deep mathematical training is one of many ways to become a top candidate.  Within STEM fields such as biostatistics, and despite the commonly held assumption that admission criteria should emphasize depth of mathematical training, a systematic analysis suggests that this assumption imposes a gratuitous requirement on applicants.  Reconsidering this assumption can help remove unnecessary barriers, reduce challenges, and support success for aspiring or emerging biostatisticians from diverse or multifaceted backgrounds. It is one way to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in our STEM discipline.  We believe similar programs might benefit from performing this type of analysis and reflection.
ESP: Cancellation of Academic and Occupational Purposes?
Authors: Gumovskaya Galina
Published: October 2024

Changes in education and the needs of the educational space lead to changes in the norms and methods of educational processes, and as a result it turns out that new methods cancel out the old ones. Thus, the concept and methodology of teaching languages for special (professional) purposes since 1978, has been recognized worldwide as innovative and relevant for specialized vocational training of schoolchildren and youth [23]. Today, the idea of LSP has become irrelevant, according to the initiators themselves Tom Hutchinson and Alan Waters [24], and should be displaced from school disciplines into the service industry to meet the needs of specialists of other profiles. But the case should be presented in its historical perspective. To get better understanding of the unpleasant aftertaste of the initiators’ decision, we should refer to most prominent linguists of the world who contributed greatly to the development of the LSP idea in the world. An overview of the rise and fall of the idea and methods of languages for specific purposes is outlined in the book “LSP: English of Professional Communication” by Galina Gumovskaya [19].
Closing the Gender Gap: Women and Men Creating Social Change through Dialogue
Authors: Dunson Konyka
Published: October 2024

Gender-based conflict, violence, and inequality are intractable social problems that remain a global challenge. This study proposes a novel approach to creating social change—engaging women and men together in transformative dialogue. The study posits that gender-based inequality is deeply rooted in social norms and that dialogue between women and men can expose, challenge, and transform these norms and spark personal and social change.  The study conducted interviews with two women and two men who participated in a gender reconciliation dialogue called “Gender Equity and Reconciliation International,” a facilitated process of truth-telling, witnessing, and healing that examines the lived experience of gender. With the goal of identifying new pathways toward gender equity, the study found that gender reconciliation created a rare, transformative experience where women and men gained awareness of their unconscious gender assumptions and biases. Participants valued the compassionate, empathic listening in the dialogue as they witnessed the harmful impact of gender norms on themselves and each other. Gender reconciliation left a lasting impact: the women and men forged a commitment to gender equity, developed enhanced communication skills, and  initiated conversations embracing gender equity in their communities. Rather than redefining gender norms, participants emphasized that gender equity begins with recognizing the impact of social norms, respect for the experiences of men and women, and compassionate communication. For the global work to eradicate gender inequality, gender reconciliation dialogue offers a strategy to disrupt harmful social norms and engage women and men to create new pathways for social progress.
The Effect of School Adhocracy Culture on Teacher Effectiveness in Government Aided Secondary Schools in Luwero District, Uganda
Authors: Moses Ddumba , Fredrick Mugweri
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between the school adhocracy culture and teacher effectiveness in government-aided secondary schools in Luwero district of Uganda. The study utilized a mixed survey method with a cross-sectional research design to gather data from a sample population and establish patterns and relationships between school adhocracy culture and teacher effectiveness. This study focused on 645 teachers and 25 Headteachers from government-aided secondary school in Luwero District. Using lists from the schools under study for sampling purposes, teachers were chosen using Krejcie and Morgan's table approach, with Headteachers of schools chosen as key informants using the purposive sampling technique. The convenience sampling method was employed to select teachers in each school for data collection, ensuring generalization and accessibility to the target population. For data collection, questionnaires, interviewing and observation methods were employed. For descriptive analysis, the teacher skills against the background characteristics were done with the aid of cross-tabulation. Adhocracy culture statements that were scored 100% between the now and the preferred were analyzed with the aid of the ordinary least squares multiple linear regression which was stratified between the coefficients for now and preferred. The analysis of adhocracy factors were found to be associated with lower preferred teacher effectiveness. Overall the study findings revealed that there was no significant relationship between school adhocracy culture and teacher effectiveness. The researcher advises educational institutions to adopt tailored approaches, considering teachers’ demographics and teacher professional development, balance innovation and risk-taking with teacher satisfaction, promote individuality and uniqueness in leadership, optimize resource allocation, and consider fostering a culture of success through initiatives and narratives that support teacher professional growth and student achievement.
Integrating Somali Higher Education with the EAC Educational System
Authors: Issa-Salwe Abdisalam M. , Baadiyow Abdirahman Abdullahi , Warsame Ali Hagi , Osman Abdullahi Salah
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the feasibility and necessary steps for integrating Somalia's higher education system with the East African Community's (EAC) educational framework following Somalia's full membership in the EAC on March 04, 2024. The East African Community (EAC) strives to maintain consistent higher education standards among its member states, offering a uniform level of education to students across the region. This is achieved by establishing the East African Community Higher Education Area (EACHEA) as a collaborative educational platform for the partner states. The foundation for this integration was laid by the Arusha Convention treaty, passed on December 05, 1981. Subsequent revisions occurred in June 2002 in Cape Town, South Africa, and in June 2003 in Dakar, Senegal. UNESCO, a paramount international organization, has supported these regional agreements to enhance international student and professional mobility. Under the Arusha Convention, quality assurance protocols and certification systems have been implemented, driven by both regional agreements and national policies. Given Somalia's historical and contemporary context, this study addresses critical questions: What steps must Somalia take to align its higher education system with the EAC's? What prerequisites must be met to ensure this alignment? This study also examines three significant global educational advancements that influence common key considerations for integration. These issues must be appropriately aligned so that Somalia can successfully integrate its higher education system with the EAC.
Investigating the Causes of Work-Related Injuries and their Impact on the Employee Health and Safety in Organizations in GCC Region
Authors: Solanki Kalpana
Published: October 2024

Ensuring employee health and safety has been considered the top priority by OSHA. Although employee health and safety has an been considered paramount in ensuring effective company operations around the world yet limited efforts are being taken by the organizations to enhance employee health and safety. This research paper aims to explore the various industrial hazards and their impact on the employee health and safety in the GCC region. This research uses primary and secondary data, Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques to test the hypothesis. Descriptive statistics including relationship charts, frequency analysis, and ANOVA testing were included to reach the conclusion. The response was received 100 responses from different industries in GCC region to whom the survey was disseminated. The researcher has also used open publicly available data through the published information by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). The results conclude close inverse relationship between the dependent and independent variables where the (Independent variable) is Employee safety and health and the dependent variables are electric hazard, fire hazards, fall hazards, ergonomics hazards. The reduction in the hazards will lead to increase in the employee safety and health.
Exploring the Application of Digital Nostalgia System in Dementia Care from the Perspective of Narrative Gerontology
Authors: Fan Kuang-Yi , Wu Pei-Fen
Published: October 2024

In recent years, modern medical technology has advanced significantly, increasing the average lifespan of Taiwanese individuals. However, dementia, a common disease among the elderly, has also become more prevalent. The cognitive decline caused by dementia can severely impact the physical, mental, and spiritual health of patients. This study aimed to explore the impact of using digital nostalgia technology to provide cognitive stimulation for patients with dementia, specifically through the use of the "Recall" system developed by our research team. We analyzed the narrative context of patients and employed a pre-test and post-test experimental design, inviting five mild dementia patients to participate. The research methodology mainly involved qualitative research, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients using nostalgic photos, divided into four topics: personal background description, most memorable experiences, specific themes, and personal photo sharing. We used NVivo qualitative analysis software to analyze the interview transcripts by coding and classifying the nodes to explore the differences in the patient's narrative context before and after the intervention. This study found that patients participating in the digital experimental activities were more eager to share their old photos. These stimulated memories and led to good subjectivity, continuity, coherence, and correspondence with autobiographical memory. Compared with the non-digital group, patients in the digital group were more willing to share their memories and stories from the past, and they provided positive feedback on the presentation of digital photos and the use of Taiwanese voiceovers. In terms of narrative context, this study identified six main narrative contexts, including contentment, achievement, positivity, social interaction, family affection, and instability. Most patients focused on the "contentment," "family affection," and "achievement" parts. This study can serve as a useful reference for applying digital nostalgia technology to improve the quality of life and mental health of dementia patients, as it provides a deeper understanding of their narrative content and needs.
Deaf Parents Supporting Hearing Children Language and Literacy Development: A Narrative Retrospective Study
Authors: Musyoka Millicent M , Anderson Sarah
Published: October 2024

For most children, home is their first school, and their mother is the first teacher. The current research study, focusing on hearing Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), explored how Deaf parents support their hearing children's language and literacy development and how hearing children of Deaf parents experience language and literacy development within a sign language home environment. The research employed qualitative narrative research to collect data from Deaf parents and hearing children of Deaf parents. The study involved four whites (three female and one male) and two female African Americans ages 22-45. All the participants were from the Southern United States. The data was analyzed using a thematic analysis.
Management of Teaching Space and Time: Evidence from Tertiary Institutions in Ghana
Authors: Osei Samuel , Quansah Joseph Dwamena , Abudu Amadu Musah
Published: October 2024

Overcrowding in classrooms is a common issue in tertiary institutions in Ghana. Proper management of teaching space and time is critical for maximising the use of available resources and stressful-free learning environment for students in tertiary institutions. This article aims to provide empirical evidence and practical recommendations for improving the management of teaching space and time in Ghana's tertiary institutions. The study is grounded in utilization theory, and adopted a descriptive survey design. The population for this study consists of 26 general-purpose lecture rooms available at a university in Ghana. Census Sampling was applied to select all the 26 general-purpose lecture rooms. The instruments used for data collection was an observation checklist. Quantitative results from the observation checklist were analysed using teaching space utilization formulas. The study revealed that general-purpose lecture rooms were underutilized in terms of time but were efficiently utilized in terms of space. The study also found that the lecture rooms have high utilization rates on Mondays and low utilization on Fridays. Additionally, morning sessions revealed efficient utilization, while afternoon and evening sessions were underutilized. The study recommends implementation of centralized timetabling and computerization of space allocation. Additionally, the study recommends for provision of a few more large general purpose lecture rooms to accommodate very large class sizes, which can also be partitioned effectively to accommodate small class sizes for efficient utilization of the lecture rooms.
The NATO Members and the Budget Guidelines in the Final Year: 2024
Authors: Matthijs Herman
Published: October 2024

This study examines the defence expenditures of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) member countries over the period 2014-2024 and this in relation to the NATO 2014 summit decision of Wales. The research of this article is to examine the following points: How has defence spending by the member states evolved in the period under consideration (2014 – 2024) and more specifically the evolution to the 2% GDP (Grand Domestic Product) military expenditures; Which states already meet the second target of the 2014 Wales summit, namely: the 20% investment in equipment of the national military budget. The current figures are based on the primary budgetary sources as published by the NATO, namely: the defence expenditures of NATO countries (2014-2024). (see references).
A Systematic Literature Review of Factors Influencing Satisfaction and Continuance Intention to Use E-Learning Systems in Higher Education
Authors: Alshammari Maha Farhan , Yusoff Rasimah Che Mohd , Abas Hafiza
Published: October 2024

Electronic learning (e-learning) allows students to access course materials without time or location constraints. While much research has focused on e-learning adoption or acceptance, there is a lack of studies examining students' satisfaction with Continuance Intention (CI) to continue using e-learning systems. This paper conducts a systematic review of existing research on this topic within higher education. An analysis of 34 articles identifies 42 factors influencing students’ satisfaction with CI. The review outlines the models and constructs used in the studies, revealing that many employed the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) to assess satisfaction. Key constructs consistently found to significantly impact students' satisfaction with CI include System Quality, Information Quality, Self-efficacy, Service Quality, Perceived Ease of Use, and Perceived Enjoyment.
Leadership Coaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Forbes Raymond L.
Published: October 2024

Today’s world of extraordinary change follows a long history of technology-driven industrial revolutions. Author Alvin Toffler eloquently identified, categorized, and named the first three of them: Agricultural, Industrial, and Informational. Likening these revolutions to major waves of change, Toffler also described their impact on the social, political, economic and environmental ethos of the times in which they occurred. Recently, a number of knowledgeable commentators have suggested that we are now on the cusp of a fourth industrial wave. This large-scale transformational groundswell is being propelled by a dramatic acceleration in the rate of change itself. It is characterized by major discoveries in Artificial Intelligence, biology, materials science, and neuroscience.  In order to remain effective and viable, Leadership Coaching will need to successfully adapt to this virtual thunderstorm of change.  This paper will provide background on the preceding waves of industrial change and provide some preliminary glimpses into the just dawning fourth industrial wave. This work will also delve into the potential impact of the newest wave on the leadership coaching profession, describe a few of the latest techniques being introduced, consider the wave’s possible impact on the important work of coaches, and suggest a set of options for the future.
Construction of TCM Institution Image: A Corpus-Based Comparative Critical Discourse Study of Chinese and Western Mainstream Media Reports
Authors: Pan Jiejing
Published: October 2024

This study conducts a corpus-assisted comparative analysis of the media images of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) institutions in Chinese and Western media contexts. Applying Fairclough’s three-dimensional critical discourse analysis (CDA) model alongside the TCM Social Image Evaluation Index System, this study explores media image construction and ideological factors shaping the perception of TCM institutions globally through an analysis of linguistic features in keywords, evaluative collocates and modal verbs. It’s found that Chinese media present TCM institutions in a positive light, depicting them as multifaceted organizations with a rich cultural legacy and robust capabilities in medical and scientific research. They showcase TCM institutions as cooperative, promising in integration with modern healthcare, efficient, rapid, flexible, innovative, and imbued with humanitarian values especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. Western media, however, adopt a more cautious stance. They tend to frame TCM institutions as providers of alternative medicine and temporary solutions, with a focus on health preservation, leisure and overall well-being. Concerns have also been raised about the potential illicit activities associated with some massage schools. These disparities in presenting TCM institutions reflect cultural, political and audience demand differences between China and the West. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the media portrayal of TCM institutions, provide insights into the challenges facing the global recognition and acceptance of TCM institutions, and suggest strategies for Chinese media, TCM practitioners, and policymakers to enhance their international image.
Stress Response Profiles and Physical Aggression in Early Childhood
Authors: Meijer Elja E. J. , Huijbregts Stephan C. J. , Goozen Stephanie H. M. Van , Swaab Hanna
Published: October 2024

This study examined the applicability of the four stress response patterns proposed by the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM; Del Giudice et al., 2011) in 12-month-old children (N = 214; 116 boys) and their associations with physical aggression at 12, 20, and 30 months of age. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and pre-ejection period (PEP) served as indices of the sympathetic nervous system, respiratory sinus arrhythmia as an index of the parasympathetic nervous system, salivary cortisol as an index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and heart rate as a measure of overall autonomic nervous system activity. A fear challenge was administered at 12 months to measure baseline, response, and recovery levels of the stress systems, while maternal reports were used to evaluate physical aggression at the various time points. Through latent profile analysis, three stress response profiles were identified: (1) ANS Responders, (2) Moderate Responders (across all stress systems), and (3) Hormonal Responders. Despite some deviations, each profile could be associated with a corresponding ACM stress response pattern, primarily due to the inclusion of both sAA and PEP as measures of sympathetic activity. At 12 months, ANS Responders showed higher levels of physical aggression, whereas Hormonal Responders exhibited higher levels of physical aggression at 20 months. The findings confirm that differences in stress response patterns can be observed as early as 12 months of age. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of using multiple indices of stress responsivity to identify such distinct patterns. Finally, stress response profiles that differ from the most common (moderate) profile, are associated (albeit not consistently) with higher levels of physical aggression at different ages during early childhood.
Minorities, Women, and Radicals in the Discipline of Economics
Authors: Scheiding Thomas
Published: October 2024

The discipline of economics is informally managed in the United States by the American Economic Association (AEA).  The AEA’s management of the economics community however was challenged starting in the 1960s by blacks, women, and radicals.  Blacks, women, and radical economists each adopted a different strategy towards achieving greater empowerment in the discipline.  Black economists created the Caucus of Black Economists and participated in the AEA’s Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession to encourage that steps be taken towards affirmative action and create a space for the publication of black economic research.  Women economists participated in the AEA’s Committee for the Status of Women in the Economics Profession in 1971 to document the number of women in the economics profession, create a network of women economists and those supporting their work, and publish a newsletter containing statistics on representation within the profession and a listing of job openings and candidate availability.  Radical economists created the Union for Radical Political Economics in 1968 to serve as a scholarly home for those holding non-mainstream beliefs and undertake the publication of a research journal, and sought some degree of solace from the AEA’s Committee on Political Discrimination.  In the documentation of the different approaches taken by these groups, it becomes clear that there is no optimal inclusion strategy and that the barriers to being a recognized economist remain 50 years later.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Fashion Design
Authors: Albishri Amal Abdullah , Almisbahi Ruba Majed
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in fashion design, focusing on its potential to foster innovative and aesthetically striking designs. The study explores the level of interest among emerging fashion designers, including students from design and arts colleges, as well as individuals keen on distinctive and avant-garde fashion. The research aims to achieve its objectives using descriptive, analytical, and quasi-experimental methodologies. Findings reveal that while there is significant interest among fashion design students and professionals in AI-based design, challenges arise from the limited availability of learning resources, hindering their ability to fully grasp and apply this technology. The study concludes that there is an urgent need to integrate AI into fashion design education, as it can significantly benefit the industry and its practitioners. Recommendations include expanding specialised research connecting AI with fashion design, enhancing university curricula with crucial AI concepts, and focusing on technological advancements and AI applications in fashion design and forecasting.
Public-Private Partnership for Local Economic Development in the Kintampo Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Kor Jacob Aaworbnang Maabobr , Adjei Justice Samuel
Published: October 2024

Local governments are regarded as the primary stakeholders in Local Economic Development (LED) yet, they do not have adequate resources to execute their mandate (Ghana National Policy on PPP, 2011). Public-Private Partnership (PPP) presents a viable option for the delivery of local infrastructure and services for LED.  The general objective of the study was to assess the contributions and opportunities of PPPs for LED in the Kintampo Municipal Assembly.   A descriptive and exploratory study design was used for the study. According to the findings, the only documented PPP projects identified were public toilets and an enterprise development initiative with REP-BAC. There was another ‘loose’ arrangement of PPP between the KMA and the garages at the ‘magazine’.  The PPP initiatives contributed to employment creation and income for the local people and internally generated funds for the KMA. Some identified projects were worth the consideration for investment under PPP e.g. Construction of a Lorry station under B.O.T/ Concession and the Upgrading of Kintampo Waterfalls under Concession.  However, the low capacity of local partners to raise funds for investment, bad previous experiences of the KMA, poor service delivery by partners, and weak formalization processes by partners were challenging to PPPs in the Municipality. Despite the challenges, PPPs hold great potential for LED in the KMA.  As such it is recommended that the KMA should increase awareness of the local people on PPP as an alternative strategy for funding projects for LED, create the enabling environment, and engage the necessary contractual instruments that commit both partners in all PPPs while maintaining proper documentation.
The Influence of Interpersonal Communication on Relational Commitment in Young Married Couples in Indonesia
Authors: Siahaan Lydia Irene , Wulan Roro Retno
Published: October 2024

This study explores the impact of interpersonal communication on relational commitment among young married couples in Indonesia, employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships between key variables. Specifically, the research investigates how openness, empathy, support, and positive attitudes influence several critical relational outcomes, namely acquiescence, cooperation, functional conflict, and decision-making uncertainty. The study's findings reveal significant connections between the communication variables and various aspects of relational commitment. Openness and empathy emerged as particularly influential, suggesting that these dimensions of communication play crucial roles in fostering relational stability and satisfaction. Openness, characterized by transparent and honest interactions, was found to enhance acquiescence, cooperation, and reduce decision-making uncertainty and functional conflict. Similarly, empathy, involving the ability to understand and share the feelings of one’s partner, significantly impacted acquiescence and cooperation, though its effect on other relational outcomes was less pronounced. In contrast, support and positive attitudes showed varying degrees of influence across different relational aspects, highlighting their specific but nuanced roles in shaping marital dynamics. These results underscore the importance of tailored communication strategies in strengthening marital relationships. The study provides valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners focused on improving marital satisfaction among young couples. By emphasizing the role of effective communication, the research contributes to the development of interventions aimed at enhancing relational commitment and overall marital stability.
The h-Index Explained: Tools, Limitations and Strategies for Academic Success
Authors: Kawimbe Sidney
Published: October 2024

The h-index, introduced by J.E Hursh in 2005, is a prevalent metric for assessing academic research productivity and impact. It evaluates a researcher’s cumulative impact by comparing the number of their publications to the number of citations they have received. Despite its straightforward computation, the h-index can be confusing for novice researchers. Various databases like Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and Web of Science offer h-index computations, each with unique features and access requirements. For example, Google Scholar provides h-index information based on citations indexed by its service, while Web of Sciences offers a comprehensive profile including total citations and indexed articles. The h-index is widely used in academia for evaluating candidates for hiring and promotion. Studies reveal varying benchmarks for different career stages and disciplines, with higher h-indices typically associated with senior researchers. However, the h-index has limitations, such as favouring established researchers and not accounting for citation practices across different fields. Further, some fields tend to have more literature available than others and there it appears imperative that those fields with less literature will mostly likely attract less readership resulting in less citations and hence lower h-Index for researcher and academicians in such fields. It also does not reflect publication quality or contributions beyond citations. Researchers can improve their h-index by publishing in high-impact journals, making research open access, collaborating, staying active in their field, and promoting their work. Despite its utility, the h-index should be used alongside other metrics to provide a more holistic view of a researcher’s impact.
Challenges in Sustaining Donor Initiated Monitoring and Evaluation System for HIV and AIDS at the Service Delivery Level; Examples from APHIA plus project in Kakamega County
Authors: Odiga Leonard Yosi , Onyango Leah , Pido Odoch
Published: October 2024

HIV/AIDS remains a major global public health issue, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the hardest hit and housing over 1.7 million people living with HIV. Kenya's long-term success in combating AIDS requires decentralization, allowing counties and local networks to take an active role in developing, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based initiatives. Current frameworks for Monitoring and Evaluating (M&E) HIV/AIDS programs are primarily focused on data collection to inform decisions at the county and national levels. As a result, there's a pressing need to boost M&E capacity at the service delivery level to ensure effective HIV/AIDS programs. This paper interrogates the AIDS, Population, and Health Integrated Assistance (APHIA plus) Western Project's success in enhancing local M&E capacity at the service delivery level in Kakamega County and the challenges of sustaining the gains beyond the project period. The study sampled 110 health facilities offering HIV/AIDS services in Kakamega County. and established It established that the APHIAplus Western Project made significant strides in strengthening the M&E system by establishing M&E departments, improving collection, quality and dissemination of M&E data and hiring trained staff. The study identified the main challenges to the sustainability of the M&E system which included heavy reliance on external funding and inadequate dedicated M&E staff in county health facilities where 62% of staff carrying out M&E functions/duties were hired by the project. It also identified a challenge in the likely compromise to the prerequisites for quality M&E data after the exit of the project since there was no clear transition plan from project to county. The study results indicate that that 70% of the facilities were collecting monthly data using specified tools and storing the data in an automated system. ANOVA yields a statistically significant difference in the length of years the APHIAplus Western project has supported the health facilities and the frequency of M&E data collection at the service delivery level. The study further identified a challenge in the likely discontinuation of fora/platforms organized monthly in 94% of the facilities for dissemination of M&E findings and supported by APHIAplus Western Project. The study recommends increasing the number of dedicated M&E staff in county health facilities by developing a phased transition plan for M&E staff contracted by the project with a clear handover schedule to County Government of Kakamega, and advocating for increased budget allocation for M&E activities at the service delivery level. Additionally, health facilities are encouraged to explore strategies for diversifying funding sources for M&E activities.
Effective Scientific Presentations Across Formats: A Modern Guide for Science Trainees and Researchers
Authors: Grambow Steven C. , Weinfurt Kevin P
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive tutorial on delivering effective scientific presentations in the modern era, addressing a landscape altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to virtual and hybrid formats has fundamentally changed the norms of how scientific findings are shared, creating new challenges and opportunities for presenters. Drawing from over a decade of experience teaching and refining presentation skills, we address a soft-skill gap in clinical and translational science training. The tutorial outlines four key topics: (1) identifying your scientific story, (2) using effective slide design, (3) presenting data, and (4) delivering your presentation. These lessons, developed through extensive seminars and individual coaching at various academic institutions, enable researchers to enhance communication and audience engagement across presentation formats. Our approach, informed by cognitive processing and data visualization principles, has adapted to the new reality of virtual and hybrid presentations. This work contributes practical insights for optimizing presentation skills in this changed communication landscape. By offering actionable recommendations derived from real-world experience, this tutorial provides valuable guidance for science trainees, junior faculty, and established researchers across disciplines. It aims to equip readers with the necessary tools to deliver compelling scientific presentations in any format, advancing effective academic discourse in an era where virtual and hybrid presentations have become the norm.
Youth and Service Work in Fast Food Restaurants: Some Structural and Cultural Considerations
Authors: Bhatia Anjali
Published: October 2024

The India Employment Report (2024) highlights the problem of youth unemployment and its insufficient absorption in the non-farm sectors and recommends the skilling of youth as a remedy for tardy economic growth and employability. In view of the proposed solution, I suggest that we inquire into the nature and conditions of non-farm work in alternative sectors and the experience of this work for young people. The issue is the adequacy of training and skilling as sole measures to counter insufficient absorption. My concern regarding the recommended solution is a short shrift it gives to structural and cultural factors as facilitators or barriers to absorption, and the retention of workers.  This article is an inquiry into the organization and culture of service work in fast food industry– a non-farm sector–under conditions of globalization. The experience of service workers reveals the relation between service work and attitudes towards cleaning, meaning of toilet cleaning, gendered division of labour, hierarchy of tasks, ascriptive and unequal access to jobs, and dignity of labour. The experience of service work is not the same for girls and boys; it is fraught with different sorts of tensions for them. These insights question the efficacy of training and skilling as the talismanic measures for countering the problems under consideration. They make a strong case for the consideration of cultural and structural realities of India.
Bilingualism's Influence on Cognitive Development
Authors: Mohamed Aya Mohamed Taha
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the influence of bilingualism on cognitive development, focusing on its effects on executive functions, language processing, and auditory processing. The study examines different classifications of bilingualism and their implications for cognitive performance. Findings suggest that bilingual individuals often exhibit enhanced executive functions, such as improved attention, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities. Additionally, bilingualism may contribute to delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline. However, some challenges, including language interference and processing delays, are noted. The paper concludes by highlighting the cognitive advantages and potential limitations of bilingualism, providing insights into its role in shaping cognitive processes across the lifespan.