All Articles
Original Article472 downloads
Implications of Demographics of History and Government teachers on the implementation of the Teacher Performance Appraisal Development tool and Learning Outcomes in Kwale County, Kenya.This study investigated the implications of History and Government teachers' demographics on the implementation of the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) tool and its impact on learning outcomes in Kwale County, Kenya. Teachers’ demographics, including age, gender, academic qualifications, teaching experience, and workload, these variables play a crucial role in shaping teachers attitudes and effectiveness in implementing the TPAD tool. This study explored how these demographic variables influence teachers' engagement with the appraisal process, adherence to its objectives, and the resulting impact on learning outcomes in History and Government in Secondary schools in Kwale County. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through survey involving a questionnaire and document analysis of KCSE results both at national and Kwale County levels. Quantitative and qualitative was analyzed to provide insights on the implications of teachers’ demographics in compliance with the TPAD tool requirements and implications on learning outcomes. Findings reveal that younger teachers with fewer years of experience often exhibit higher adaptability and positive attitudes toward the TPAD tool while more experienced teachers tend to resist its implementation. Gender differences were also observed, with female teachers demonstrating greater diligence in adhering to the TPAD guidelines compared to their male counterparts. Teachers with advanced academic qualifications showed greater effectiveness in aligning the TPAD tool expectations. However, high workloads and administrative responsibilities were identified as key barriers, hindering teachers' ability to fully embrace the TPAD tool implementation and enhanced learning outcomes. This study underscores the importance of tailoring professional development programs to address the specific needs and challenges faced by teachers based on their demographics. It recommends enhanced support systems, reduced workloads, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to optimize the implementation of the TPAD and improve learning outcomes in Kwale County. This study contributes to the broader discourse on teacher appraisal systems and their role in educational quality enhancement.
Original Article202 downloads
Educational Communities: the role of school leaders in cooperative managementThis paper analyzes the role of the school principal within the Italian educational community, highlighting the importance of management practices in promoting an effective and stimulating organizational environment. In a context characterized by rapid economic, social, and technological changes, schools face complex challenges that require a reorganization of roles and responsibilities. Through an integrated and collaborative approach, the school principal can facilitate cooperation among all stakeholders involved, thereby contributing to the well-being of everyone in the community. Reflection on these aspects, supported by organizational theories, provides insights to guide the strategic choices of educational institutions.
Original Article732 downloads
Savings Mobilization for Sustainable Small-Medium Enterprises: Opportunities, Challenges and Future PerspectivesSaving is considered an important economic phenomenon in the lives of individuals and communities. The absence or weakness of formal savings services creates obstacles at different levels. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the obstacles facing small and medium enterprises in mobilizing their savings and how to curb those difficulties. Descriptive and analytical methods are employed. The study reached out that the process of mobilizing and attracting small savings is more complex and difficult compared to the provision of credit services, which requires special care and attention. The study recommended that for any strategy to stimulate and attract small savings, it is necessary to create an adequate macroeconomic environment.
Original Article1977 downloads
Joinder of Claims and Joinder of Parties: Understanding and Practical Application in Civil and Administrative Cases According to the Civil Procedure Code and the Law on Administrative CourtsThis paper examines two important procedural institutes in administrative judicial disputes: the joinder of claims and the joinder of parties. These institutes play a significant role due to the complexity of legal-civil relations between public administration and individuals, where issues not resolved through administrative channels often involve multiple parties and different claims.
• Joinder of Claims involves presenting two or more claims by the plaintiff in a single lawsuit, where the same procedure is followed for all claims.
• Joinder of Parties involves cases where several people are involved as plaintiffs or defendants.
Both institutes make civil procedures and the law on administrative courts more complex, requiring greater professionalism from the court due to the need to handle multiple pieces of evidence and hear numerous witnesses and experts. The paper also explores relevant principles and terms, including the concepts of objective and subjective joinder of claims, as well as the importance of the principle of economy.
Original Article250 downloads
Historical Treatment of Expert Evidence in Criminal ProceedingsThis material analyzes the use of expert evidence in criminal proceedings, an instrument that has undergone a long evolution, becoming essential for resolving technical and scientific issues. Initially, expertise was a broad field, but with the development of science and new techniques, it has become a specialized and significant tool in criminal investigations. The use of expert evidence developed in Europe since the 18th century and had a significant impact in Albania, especially after 1991, when the Albanian legal system adapted to international practices. Expertise plays a key role in verifying facts and analyzing scientific evidence, contributing to the administration of justice and ensuring a fair and reliable criminal process.
Original Article521 downloads
Judicial Costs in Civil and Administrative Judicial Processes According to Albanian Legislation in Coherence with International Practices and LegislationJudicial costs are a key component of civil and administrative court procedures and include all expenses related to legal proceedings. This study examines how Albanian courts handle these costs and their practices in determining procedural expenses. In Albanian judicial practice, there is often a lack of full reasoning for expenses, with many being determined only based on invoices and payments. Common problems include courts' negligence in accurately calculating costs and challenges faced by parties in covering them, including refusals to make advance payments for various types of evidence.
This study includes a detailed analysis of pre-trial and trial expenses, as well as lawyer fees and legal aid as per Albanian laws. Law No. 55/2018 on Advocacy and Law No. 111/2017 on Free Legal Aid have been reviewed in relation to the regulation and coverage of attorney fees and legal assistance for those unable to afford the costs. Most of the analysis focuses on the regulations regarding lawyer fees and procedures for free legal aid, as well as common practices in Albanian courts for determining judicial costs.
Furthermore, the material discusses international practices in managing judicial costs and the principle of equality of arms, which must be respected in every judicial system. In conclusion, it recommends the adoption of a new law on national taxes and improvements in legal aid to ensure greater clarity and transparency in handling judicial costs.
Key Points: Judicial costs include the expenses of civil and administrative procedures, with a focus on lawyer fees and free legal aid for those who cannot afford them. Albanian judicial practice often lacks reasoning for determining costs, relying on invoices and payments without full justification. The adoption of a new law and improvements in transparency regarding these costs are recommended.
Judicial Costs in Civil and Administrative Judicial Processes
Material Contents:
• Abstract
• 1. Understanding and Types of Judicial Costs
• 2. International Practices
• 3. Conclusions
Judicial costs are an essential part of any civil, administrative, or criminal trial. The court handles these costs through interim, non-final, and final decisions. Albanian judicial practice shows that courts often fail to provide full reasoning for procedural and judicial costs, whether in civil or administrative cases. These costs are not always clearly determined at the end of the trial or during the trial for specific procedural actions. In most cases, only those accompanied by invoices and corresponding payments are detailed by court clerks.
An analysis of several judicial decisions from different courts reveals a reasoning format like the following: “judicial costs remain as they were made,” thus denying the winning party reimbursement for all trial expenses, while the losing party unjustly saves the amount it should have paid. In the cases studied, it is observed that some parties refuse to make advance payments for evidence gathering, such as expert opinions, witness testimonies, inspection of items, etc.
Original Article227 downloads
LEARNING ARABIC WRITING SKILLS WITH A CONSERVATION PERSPECTIVE IN THE MBKM PROGRAMLearning Arabic writing skills has a strategic role in improving students' cross-cultural competence, especially in the Islamic world. This study examines the effectiveness of learning Arabic writing with a conservation perspective in the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. The conservation-oriented learning approach emphasizes environmental awareness and responsibility for nature conservation through relevant themes such as waste management and biodiversity conservation. This study used mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to measure the improvement of students' writing skills and their conservation awareness. The results showed an increase in Arabic writing skills in 80% of students and an increase in environmental awareness in 85% of students. This study also highlighted challenges such as differences in students' initial abilities and limited learning materials. Solutions include intensive training, thematic module development, and collaboration with Arabic language and conservation experts. This approach not only improves academic competence but also encourages students' environmental awareness.
Original Article705 downloads
AI in the K-12 Classroom: Empowering Educators, Supporting Learners, and Tackling New ChallengesThis literature review explores the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use within K-12 education, focusing on major themes around its integration into teaching and learning environments. While AI-powered digital tools have long supported classroom instruction, the recent adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) and chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini have raised new ethical and practical concerns. On the one hand, teachers benefit from AI in managing their workload and enhancing instructional practices. On the other hand, there are great concerns around student misuse of the same technologies. This literature review and synthesis examines AI’s impact on personalized learning, student differentiation, and teacher application, highlighting the positive contributions that these tools offer. In addition, this review also emphasizes the need for policies that address ethical, privacy, and academic integrity issues. Educators must be prepared to not only implement AI in pedagogically sound ways, but also teach students about the responsible use of these ever evolving digital tools.
Original Article797 downloads
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Potential and Challenges for India and Middle-EastThis paper analyses the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and underlines different perspectives and strategic dimensions. The role of IMEC in economic, political, strategic and energy security. It leads to the integration of economies, regional security and prosperity. This pact focuses on togetherness, having the same geostrategic goals, and countering China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI). It emphasised maritime security, India as an integral part of the world, and that it also acts as a transit route for Southeast Asian countries. It enhances regional connectivity, transportation infrastructure, and logistical efficiencies, crucial milestones in shifting global order. It develops diplomatic collaboration, secures regional supply chains, and promotes sustainable development. IMEC also promotes cultural ties and people-to-people interactions, fostering mutual understanding across diverse regions. As IMEC promotes infrastructure development, it may spur innovation in logistics, digital connectivity, and innovative technologies that redefine how goods and services flow globally.
Original Article242 downloads
Translating Video Game Texts: A Boundary Awareness Theoretical PerspectiveIn recent years, domestic games have developed rapidly overseas with remarkable achievements. Chinese-English translation on game texts plays an important role in the overseas expansion of domestic games. Among these achievements, Genshin Impact is a typical successful example of domestic games exported, and the linguistic features of this game text are that there are many dialogues, sensory verbs, and multi-verbs. Based on Boundary Awareness Theory, the study analyses the Chinese-English translation of sensory verbs and multi-verbs in Genshin Impact using the data collection method, documentary method, and case analysis method. Then it explores the translation techniques of the game texts. It is found that the explicit techniques of adaptation and transcreation are deletion and addition: deleting sensory verbs containing subjective consciousness; adding verbs containing boundaries in multi-verbs.
Original Article585 downloads
PERSPECTIVE ON PEACE IN MINDANAO AMONG MSU MARAWI CITY MUSLIM STUDENTS IN COLLEGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRSThis study was conducted to determine the perspective of peace in Mindanao among the Muslim college students of the College of Public Affairs, Mindanao State University- Marawi Campus. A descriptive method was used in analyzing the responses in the study. A self-constructed questionnaire was also utilized in order to gather necessary data from the respondents.
Based on the analysis of the data, the following findings were revealed in this study: great majority of the respondents viewed " Peace in Mindanao" as tolerance, integration, respect and harmonious relationship among the tri-people Muslims, Christians and Lumads. On the other hand, the respondents are against the idea of having more investors, yet, they stand for self- determination.
Majority of the respondents agreed and considered the uncontrolled criminality and discrimination within the tri-people of Mindanao as one of their perception on the absence of peace within its regions. On the other hand, majority of respondents also showcased that uncontrolled criminality, discriminations, within the tri-people of Mindanao, marginalization of tribes, economic downfalls and political abuse are some of their perceptions in the indication of chaos in Mindanao. Great majority of the respondents cannot decide however, that everyone lives in safety, fair and effective laws are are protecting people's rights, that everyone is able to participate in shaping political decisions and that the government is accountable to its people, everyone has fair and equal access to the basic needs for the people's well- being, and finally, everyone has an equal opportunity to work and make a living regardless of their ethnicity and gender.
Majority of the respondents further revealed that their perceived problems in the possible attainment of Peace in Mindanao includes political dynasty, presence of 'RIDO' in Muslim communities, discriminations or marginalization, poverty, unemployment, laziness to fill their lands, and 'maratabat'. Furthermore, some respondents cannot decide as one of the problems in the attainment of Peace in Mindanao.
Original Article37 downloads
A marketing proposal to understand and review Latino voting in the US: a case study of Cali Baja and Trump´s postersThe issue of immigration reform has remained central in U.S. politics, particularly for the Democratic Party, which has historically focused on garnering Latino support. However, recent events, including the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have influenced voting patterns within the Latino community. Documented Latinos frequently support Trump, while undocumented Latinos align with Kamala Harris and the Democrats. Wealthier Latinos often adopt conservative stances, opposing demographic growth in the Latino population and supporting Trump despite his controversial international associations.
Latinos with advanced education typically lean toward democratic ideals. However, the community’s cultural reliance on intuitive, experience-based knowledge, rather than explicit and analytical knowledge, makes it vulnerable to misinformation. The collectivist ethos and short-term outlook prevalent in Latino culture further facilitate the dissemination of fake news. Figures like Trump exploit this tendency, using misinformation to undermine social trust and cohesion.
This research employs a social semiotic framework, utilizing multimodal discourse analysis to study Republican campaign materials. The study also explores place branding in the Cali Baja region, examining how U.S.-Mexico border culture shapes perceptions. Using the CMKI model, it highlights the cultural factors influencing knowledge and intelligence and their interconnected dynamics.
Key findings underscore the unregulated spread of misinformation through social networks, which weakens public discourse and informed decision-making. The development of web semantics and digital tools is imperative to mitigate these effects.
Policy recommendations focus on promoting cultural practices in the Cali Baja region through strategic campaigns. Literacy programs should empower Latino communities by enhancing access to education and digital competency. Strengthening relational social capital within and beyond Latino communities can bolster unity and mutual understanding.
Cultural intelligence, gained from engaging with Latinos, could also alleviate societal pressures for military interventions, fostering social harmony and peace through better cultural integration.