Journal of Advanced Research in Social Sciences

Mathematical Relationships Between Legal and Genetic Data in Argentina

Gabriel Alfredo Ruiz, Carmelo José Felice — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It is known that the contempt for authority by both indigenous peoples and Spaniards during the conquest and colonisation of America is a cause of political instability in Argentina. Contempt for authority can be quantified by measuring the level of non-compliance with laws and regulations, and indigenous or Spanish origins can be determined through genetic quantification. This study investigates the underlying mathematical relationships among legal and genetic variables without taking causality into account. Using genetic, legal, and geographical data from 24 Argentine provinces, significant correlations are identified between vertical fiscal imbalance, property tax evasion, and fatal traffic accident rates with Amerindian and African genetic content, excluding CABA. Unregistered work shows a high correlation with the latitudes of capital cities, probably due to the geographical and temporal sequence of Argentina's colonisation. Multidimensional cluster analysis reveals three regions in Argentina with similar social behaviours based on genetic composition, law compliance, and geographical proximity. These findings highlight the complex interplay between genetic heritage and socio-legal dynamics, offering new insights into Argentina's political instability.

The Role of Ethnic Leaders in the Political Developments of Afghanistan During the Republic Period (2001-2021)

Resat Acikgoz, Abdullah Delawari, Shakib Zarbighalehhammami, Ahmad Zaki Frogh — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Research problem: This article examines the role of ethnic leaders in Afghanistan's political developments during the Republic period (2001-2021) and highlights their influence in various areas. Ethnic leaders, representing diverse ethnic groups in Afghanistan, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape and balancing traditional power structures with modern state institutions. Methodology: Based on data collected through semi-structured interviews, this research was coded, categorized, and analyzed using grounded theory. Key findings: Ethnic leaders' footprints can be observed in most of the country's political, economic, and social transformations and challenges in recent decades. Corruption, factionalism, ongoing insurgencies, financial dependency on foreign aid, and the illegal drug trade were among the major issues that weakened the Afghan government, problems directly linked to ethnic leaders' actions. Implications: This study concludes that sustainable economic development, good governance, democracy, and genuine political reforms are essential for political stability in Afghanistan. Its findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Afghanistan’s political complexities and offer insights into nation-building and resolving both national and international conflicts.

Remembrance, Rebellion, or Racism: Associations between Beliefs about the Confederate Flag’s Symbolism and Political Affiliations, and Racist Attitudes

Jessica L McManus, Anna White, Sarah Harmon, Cameron Herriges — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: this research examines the extent to which beliefs that the Confederate flag stands for remembrance, rebellion, or racism are associated with political affiliations and racial attitudes (Study 1) and patriotism and beliefs about social hierarchies (Study 2). Methods: A nation-wide sample of White adults in the United States were recruited and completed a series of questionnaires about their beliefs about the Confederate flag, political affiliations, and racial attitudes (Study 1, N = 180) and patriotism and beliefs about social hierarchies (Study 2, N = 192). Results: We found that those who believe the Confederate flag stands for remembrance or rebellion had more positive feelings about the flag, had more conservative beliefs, were more patriotic, had more negative attitudes toward Black Americans, and were more likely to adhere to beliefs about social hierarchies. Implications: Findings of these studies have important implications for race relations in the United States.

Learning Spaces for Wellbeing, Flourishing, Innovation and Creativity: The Maltese Students’ Perspective

Amanda Bezzina — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Learning spaces can be conducive to student wellbeing. The study presents the perspectives of students in Malta about present and possible learning spaces. Previous research focuses on the importance of including students in the design of learning spaces. It also presents schools as one of the most central spaces for positive holistic development, thus suggesting participatory designing of learning spaces. The research presented in this paper is based on three principles as outlined by Barrett et al. (2015) which are naturalness, individualisation and stimulation, which make a difference on the impact of the learning space. For the research about learning spaces in Maltese state schools, I made use of an interpretivist paradigm guiding the qualitative methodology. The research included sixteen focus groups, held during Personal, Social and Career Development (PSCD) subject, with students attending Maltese primary (aged 8-10years) and secondary schools (11-16years), chosen through purposive sampling. In total, there were six classes with primary school students and ten classes with students from middle and secondary schools. All students who participated were given an information sheet and their parents or guardians signed a consent form ensuring that they are not subject to harm, their identity would remain anonymous and that they can stop their participation. Results from this research show that students were negative about existing learning spaces. This research confirmed the importance of the dimensions presented in the study by Barrett et al. (2015) and identified another dimension – innovative learning spaces. Evidence from this research also shows that a learning space should have adequate lighting, sound, temperature, relaxing surrounding colours, link to nature and should allow ownership, flexibility, and connection. This paper is particularly inspiring for policymakers as it demonstrates the significance of learning spaces in influencing the happiness and wellbeing of students.

The Function of the Plural Marker -lAr in Turkish from the Construction Morphology Perspective

Müge Gedik — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to investigate the properties of the -lAr construction in Turkish within the framework of Construction Morphology (CxM). According to CxM, constructions are signs which are conventionalized pairings of form and meaning. As an output-oriented theory, it is argued that CxM enables us to account for the various but still relatable semantics of one construction. The plural construction -lAr in Turkish is quite productive and it can be motivated by various semantic relations in addition to its plurality denotations. It will be argued that our grammar is composed of a lexical network consisting of constructional schemas. The existing literature consists of research on its scopal features, its associative meaning, and whether its reading is inclusive or not; however, the additional functions such as its usages in greetings, making wishes are disregarded. There are also descriptive analyses which list several connotations of the morpheme but which fail to account for the systematicity of the relationships among these meanings. This paper thus accounts for both core grammar and the so-called peripheral usages of the -lAr morpheme and displays how production of different connotations is structured and enabled.

Mulheres Tech: Flipped Classroom for the Digital Inclusion of Domestic Workers in Brazilian Cities

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Mulheres Tech project longs to promote digital inclusion and socio-emotional development among domestic workers in five Brazilian cities, addressing a group often excluded from technological advancements. With a focus on reducing inequalities, the project targets approximately 200 domestic workers who lack digital literacy skills. The methodology applied is an adapted version of the flipped classroom approach, where university students from five higher education institutions deliver basic digital literacy lessons under the supervision of professors. The language used during the classes are clear and value-neutral, avoiding biased; The project not only aims to equip domestic workers with essential digital skills for greater autonomy and better access to employment opportunities, but also to foster a sense of social responsibility among the students who taught the classes to the workers. Results demonstrate that 87.4% of domestic workers were very satisfied participating with the initiative, which highlights the effectiveness of empowering a marginalized demographic and contributing to their professional and personal development. The project demonstrates how academic collaboration can play an important role in bridging digital divides and fostering social inclusion.

Decoding the Ghanaian Coat of Arms: A Semiotic Analysis of Its History, Language, Ideology, Denotation, and Connotation

Daniel Appiah Gyekye — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The impact of colonialism on the economic development, education, language, and religious systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ghana, is a critical area of study. This semiotic analysis of the Ghanaian Coat of Arms aims to decode the symbols and signs to shed light on how colonial legacy shapes modern Ghana and other African nations. The Coat of Arms, found on official government documents and currency, is often overlooked in terms of its symbolic significance in post-colonial and contemporary Ghanaian history. Guided by the research questions, the study explores how the semiotic concepts of denotation and connotation apply to the symbols and elements of the Ghanaian Coat of Arms, revealing insights into Ghanaian history and culture. Furthermore, it examines how the use of color in the Coat of Arms, as well as historical flags, functions as a semiotic tool to convey messages about Ghana’s wealth, political authority, and cultural heritage. The research findings indicate that the Coat of Arms encapsulates elements of Western imperialism and the assimilation of European culture by Ghana, evident in the adoption of foreign languages, educational policies, and religious structures. The research findings further demonstrate that Ghana’s Coat of Arms integrates historical and ideological aspects, representing both its colonial history and its journey toward independence. Additionally, the study highlights that many African nations, including Ghana, continue to experience elements of colonization in the post-colonial era, as evidenced by the persistent use of colonial symbols and signs. This study enhances the understanding of how national symbols, such as the Coat of Arms, convey broader socio-political and historical narratives. It includes a comparative analysis of the Coats of Arms of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, exploring their similarities and differences to provide a more comprehensive perspective on how these symbols reflect and negotiate the complexities of colonial and post-colonial identities across the region.

Shifts in Moral Decision-Making Among College Students: A 15-Year Successive Independent Samples Study Utilizing a Real-Life Dilemma

Kee Jeong Kim — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines shifts in moral decision-making among college students over a 15-year period. Using a real-life ethical dilemma presented annually in an introductory child and adolescent development course at a U.S. college, the research explores how students respond to a scenario in which lawyers withhold information about an innocent man’s wrongful imprisonment to protect their careers. The objectives were to assess changes in students' ethical attitudes and behaviors, as well as the underlying reasons for those changes. Methodologically, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to track trends in students' willingness to speak out against injustice. The results indicate a significant decline in students’ readiness to challenge ethical wrongdoing, mirroring broader societal shifts in moral priorities. This transformation reflects not only a change in moral decision-making but also in the rationale behind students’ choices. The findings suggest a need for further research to explore the societal influences and motivational factors driving these changes. The study’s implications call for targeted interventions aimed at fostering ethical behavior and promoting integrity within educational and professional environments.

Echoes of Liberation: Mujibur Rahman’s Enduring Legacy in Bangladesh’s Contemporary Political Tapestry

Amit Saha, Nayandeep Sardar — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975) played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape during its liberation movement. This paper examines the contested legacy of his political vision in the context of Bangladesh’s current political scenario. Mujib’s vision for modern Bangladesh is rooted in four core principles: nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy, which remain foundational values in the country’s Constitution, despite numerous challenges. The study explores how Mujib’s concept of Bengali nationalism has evolved over the last five decades amidst internal and external challenges, including communal, extremist, and ethnic tensions in the context of South Asian and global politics. In August 2024, a student-led uprising led to the fall of the Awami League government under Mujib’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina. This uprising sparked significant discontent among political activists in Bangladesh regarding Mujib’s legacy. However, this paper argues that underlying values shared by Mujib’s vision and the goals of the uprising, particularly a commitment to liberal political ideals, are evident. The objectives of the new regime seeking to “reconstitute” Bangladesh can be traced back to Mujib’s foundational vision of a modern nation. By analyzing the connection between Mujib’s legacy and contemporary political developments, the paper seeks to enhance the understanding of Bangladesh’s political trajectory. The study is based on content analysis of reliable primary and secondary texts, including statements by leaders of the July 2024 uprising. The primary aim is to explore the relevance of Mujib’s ideals in today’s political landscape and identify common aspects between his political vision and current trends in Bangladesh’s political environment.

A Folklorist Extraordinaire: Pertev Naili Boratav, a Pioneer in Turkish Folklore Studies

Onur Hayirli — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Born in 1907 in Istanbul, Boratav's journey into the realm of folklore studies began at an early age, as he was deeply fascinated by the cultural narratives, customs, and beliefs that permeated Turkish society. After completing his education in Turkey, he went on to pursue further studies in France, where he earned his doctorate in Slavic linguistics from the Sorbonne University in 1933. Pertev Naili Boratav was a renowned Turkish folklorist, anthropologist, and linguist who made significant contributions to the study of Turkish culture, traditions, and oral literature. His extensive research, publications, and efforts to preserve and analyze Turkish folklore have had a profound impact on the academic landscape of Turkey and beyond. Boratav's work spanned a wide range of topics, from the collection and analysis of folktales, proverbs, and myths to the examination of cultural practices and belief systems. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Department of Folklore at Ankara University and mentored countless students, inspiring them to continue the legacy of preserving and disseminating Turkey's rich cultural heritage. Given Boratav's significant contributions to the study of Turkish anthropology and folklore, is he recognized as a pioneering anthropologist in Turkey?

Convergence in Nutritional Interventions in India: Enablers and Inhibitors

Shelley Saha Sinha — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Malnutrition is a multifaceted problem needing a multisectoral response to draw upon synergies across policies and programs. It remains one of the most serious public health challenges. Decades of policy and programmatic efforts have been made to tackle the continuing challenge of malnutrition. However successful implementation of these programs needs inter-departmental convergence, especially at the village level. Therefore, research was undertaken using a mixed method design with the objective of exploring the existing convergence through Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSNDs) in selected tribal blocks of Maharashtra. Data was collected from frontline workers (FLWs), with service users and VHSNDs were observed. The study provides evidence-based practices of convergence among health and nutrition department and assess the applicability of the strategies formulated under the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) in tribal areas from the state of Maharashtra in India. It would inform policy makers about the enablers and inhibitors of implementing nutritional interventions to address systemic gaps.