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Volume 3 - Issue 5, May (2025)

All Articles
Original Article12 downloads
How to Save the World: The Almost Complete Story of Thomas J. Savage
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15362007
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I tell personal stories of a three-year-old’s efforts to steal a toy red fire engine, a boy’s growing up with parents who were totally absent, and his parents growing up with similar parents. Yet these stories are not so unusual, for they all illustrate the fundamental nature of the way of life of modern society. Yet all this can and must change if the human race is to survive its increasing and deadly problems without solutions. I advance a central idea: The human being, the most interactive being throughout the known universe, has the potential to continue to evolve intellectually (“head”), emotionally (“heart”), and with problem-solving actions (“hand”). I advance seven ideas for how we can learn to fulfill that potential: 1. When we come to realize that the way of life of existing societies is pointing us all toward problems without solutions. 2. When it is clearly demonstrated that a substantial number of individuals have actually succeeded in traveling on that yellow brick road. 3. When we come to realize that our own potential is no different from that of those individuals. 4. When paths open up for us to learn to move in an evolutionary direction, and to afford to do so. 5. When we begin to embark on those paths, and we find that it is rewarding for us to move in this evolutionary direction: intellectually, emotionally, and in our ability to solve problems. 6. When we continue to receive encouragement from others. 7. When we reach the point where we learn to teach others to do the same.
Original Article11 downloads
Increasing Social and Spatial Quality in Reorganization Plans for Dilapidated Neighborhood Contexts
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15361975
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The main goal of this research is to improve spatial quality, provide solutions and develop effective strategies for organizing the worn-out fabric of Haji Hamedan neighborhood. Based on the research goal, the following secondary goals are also considered. Understanding the social, economic, and physical situation of Haji Hamedan neighborhood. Organizing and improving a neighborhood to give identity to the city of Hamedan. Identifying an efficient and people-oriented urban improvement and renovation model increases the motivation to reside within the neighborhood, and promotes economic, social, and physical activities. In the theoretical foundations section, the information is presented in a descriptive-analytical form, and the information and data obtained are analyzed in the field impressions. Then, the information obtained is evaluated using the SWOT model. This model is a tool for examining internal organizational strengths and weaknesses and external organizational opportunities and threats. In a general sense, it is a tool for use in the preliminary stages of decision-making and as a precursor to strategic planning in its applied form. Strategic goals and policies: Creating an appropriate discourse among the Past, Present, and future through the application of urban design goals. Strengthening the sense of place at the texture level by enhancing the perceptual and visual values of space. Spatialization, revitalization, and strengthening of existing neighborhood centers. Improving the sense of desirability and vitality in the spaces and axes of the texture. Defining and developing valuable patterns from the perspective of the urban environment in organizing space. Anticipating appropriate visual corridors to stabilize and recognize the symbolic elements of the texture. Organizing the skeleton of elements with old values and new elements. Creating harmonious and balanced visual connections in the axes of the texture based on the citizen's perception of space. Concern about keeping the mental memories of the texture alive in the new body. Observing the principles related to symmetry, diversity, sequence and continuity, movement, stillness, scale, skyline, nodes, edges, and signs in the cultural-old axes of the texture and new constructions, especially in textures with the old value.
Original Article352 downloads
Medicine under the graft of NBIC convergence, a transhumanism towards posthumanity?
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15361985
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In the process of modernizing medicine, convergent NBIC technologies are grafting themselves onto the medical sector. By intertwining with it, they do not fail to assist the doctor in his various functions by offering facilities for the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. This is how we can see the health specialist being truly assisted, the patient for his part greatly relieved by the presence of new clinical possibilities, and general health normally better. From these elements, we can affirm that medicine is fortunate to have on its side these technologies that improve it qualitatively. This is a question of a transhumanism that bears a humanist stamp. But the danger is not far off because stopping at such a remark is reductionist. These same technologies by promoting transhumanism benefiting man indeed, risk leading us towards a surpassing of what is precious in us, namely our humanity. Posthumanism thus appears as the veiled element of transhumanism, presented as a lamb through convergent NBIC technologies. Ultimately, we must embrace and adopt an extreme prudence that pushes us to be sufficiently attentive to all NBIC technological productions to hope to avoid the cataclysm of humanity. In this sense, ethics committees must play a decisive role.
Original Article2886 downloads
From Compliance Costs to Competitive Advantage: Quantifying the Effects of EU Non-Tariff Measures under EVFTA on Vietnam’s Textile and Apparel Exports
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15361995
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The rapid liberalization of tariff barriers has elevated non-tariff measures (NTMs) to a central role in shaping global textile and apparel trade, yet rigorous, Vietnam-specific analyses of how European Union (EU) NTMs under the EVFTA affect Vietnamese exporters remain scarce. This study fills that gap by combining novel indices—Degree of Application, Frequency of Application, and Effectiveness—built on UNCTAD’s taxonomy with detailed HS 61–63 trade-flow data (2012–2024) and semi-structured interviews of exporters and certifying bodies. We quantify the incidence and intensity of key EU NTMs (REACH, EU Ecolabel, “yarn-forward” rules) and estimate their differentiated impacts on export prices, volumes, and product composition across firm sizes. Our findings reveal that large enterprises securing sustainability certifications achieve 15–25 percent price premiums and sustained volume growth in premium segments, whereas SMEs face 8–12 percent MFN duties and market exclusion when origin rules are unmet. We also document a structural shift toward higher-value, eco-friendly products—organic-cotton and recycled-fiber lines—driven by evolving EU sustainability mandates. By integrating quantitative NTM metrics with firm-level insights, this research contributes to the literature on trade protectionism by providing the first comprehensive assessment of EVFTA-era NTMs on Vietnam’s apparel sector and offers concrete policy recommendations to transform compliance burdens into competitive advantages.
Original Article103 downloads
How to Save the World: How Learning to Use the Bureaucratic Paradigm and Its Three Conditions Can Solve, A Personal Problem and Lead to the Solution of Intractable Social Problems
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15361961
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The existence of paradigms, defined as society’s and its individuals’ most fundamental assumptions concerning the structure of both the physical and social world, lie behind people’s personal issues, as well as society’s most troubling problems. Such problems range from nuclear terror to racism. Invisibly lurking behind these problems, supporting them and making them difficult to solve, are our paradigms. One paradigm in particular, the bureaucratic paradigm with its rigid hierarchy, division of labor and knowledge, and strict conformity of its managers and workers, is the origin of the aggression that causes all of our intractable social problems. This essay shows that attacking these problems by attempting to change the structure of bureaucracies cannot succeed, since nearly everyone who lives in a bureaucratic modern society has been taught to think bureaucratically; therefore, we are unable to envision less bureaucratic institutions that can foster the creativity required to solve social problems. Alternatively, however, by learning to see how the bureaucratic paradigm and three of its concomitant conditions can be used to solve our individual problems, we can become more capable of solving worldwide social problems. Once we begin to change our individual bureaucratic paradigm, we will then be able to make our organizations less dependent on the bureaucratic paradigm so that we can make progress in solving our most threatening social problems.
Original Article99 downloads
Evaluation of Islamic Culture History Learning (Analysis of SKI Learning at MTs Al Az Harul Ulum 2 Brongkal Malang)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15362018
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Understanding becomes the main basis in applying SKI in Madrasah Tsanawiyah, this study aims to understand and know the conception of Islamic cultural history, the purpose of learning Islamic cultural history, where the learning objectives of SKI SKI content standards (in Madrasah Tsanawiyah, SKI learning with learning evaluation analysis. Research using quantitative descriptive research with data analysis. The final results of the study indicate that the need to develop Islamic culture learning properly and correctly, involves more than just knowledge and memorized texts. the family of SKI material needs to be presented more broadly to clarify a deep understanding. the theory and practice of SKI learning at MTs Tsanawiyah Al Az Harul Ulum 2 Brongkal is less touched for students to learn in depth, so it is necessary with a more comprehensive approach through stratigic innovation power points practical data. In the performance which is the main focus of evaluation. With the findings that it has not appeared maximally and improved the quality of SKI learning. Therefore, strategic learning as evidence of enovatf development of interesting materials, and also improve evaluation methods in order to ensure that SKI learning achieves the desired goals.
Original Article1139 downloads
Events Leading to the Liberation War of Bangladesh and Its Reflection in The New York Times (1-25 March 1971)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15409801
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The implementation of provincial autonomy was the main area of disagreement between the Awami League, which won the 1970 election, and the Pakistan People's Party, which came in second. The Pakistan People's Party declined to contend for the opposition seat in the National Assembly and to wait another five years for a new election. Unfortunately, the West Pakistani authorities were reluctant to hand over power to the Bengalis. In that connection, Mujib and Yahya started their much-anticipated conversation on March 16, 1971. After granting the Pakistani army permission to slaughter and assault all Bengalis, Yahya left Dacca on the evening of March 25, just when it appeared that the parties involved had reached a fundamental settlement. The purpose of the article is to assess the events leading up to the Liberation War in Bangladesh and how they were reflected in The New York Times from March 1–25, 1971.
Original Article62 downloads
Construction of female informal entrepreneur profiles in the towns of Bafoussam and Mbouda
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15410186
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This study explores the impact of social relationships on economic activities within the entrepreneurial landscape of Cameroon, focusing on female entrepreneurs in the cities of Bafoussam and Mbouda. The dichotomy between the formal and informal sectors highlights accessibility challenges, particularly in the informal sector, where networks of solidarity play a crucial role. Through qualitative research, including interviews with 30 female entrepreneurs, the study examines how these women navigate the obstacle posed by these networks. Grounded in Granovetter’s theory of embeddedness, the research analyses the socio-professional profiles of these entrepreneurs, highlighting the interplay between social capital, human capital and entrepreneurial success. The findings reveal that while social network facilitate access to resources and opportunities, human capital remains essential for resilience and success. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial dynamics within Cameroon’s informal sector, emphasizing the importance of social embeddedness.
Original Article68 downloads
Inclusive Strategies at the Special Needs level at MI Biligual Al Ikhlas Kepanjen Malang
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15410364
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Activities carried out at MI Biligual Al Ikhlas always prioritize the basics of Islam. Students are taught religious lessons, especially understanding of the content and then practicing in everyday life, so that they get used to good ethics primarily. Students at MI Biligual Al Ikhlas not only emphasize cognitive development but are more directed towards the formation of attitudes and morality. The subjects taught are not only religious subjects, but also all subjects taught by all teachers at MI Biligual Al Ikhlas. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of understanding of children learning while playing in class and outside. The method used is qualitative descriptive analysis by using the approach of observation, interviews, and documentation The results of the research are expected to be fun not the completion of the material with a certain time but rather the understanding of the material text.
Original Article517 downloads
Access to transfusion therapy in Cameroon: a “real obstacle course”
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15410811
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In Cameroon, as elsewhere in the world, transfusion therapy is the best and/or only therapeutic option for some people suffering from severe anemia or chronic diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, etc. However, it is observed that the blood transfusion system in Cameroon is embryonic. The lack of safe and quality blood intended for the treatment of patients is felt very acutely in health facilities. Despite this failure, populations manage to access blood therapy as best they can through their stratagems. Hence the need to make the strategies for accessing transfusion therapy in Cameroon intelligible. The methodology is based on an essentially qualitative approach. The theory of social resources and strategic analysis are mobilized to analyze the data collected using semi-structured interviews with the populations of the city of Yaoundé. Ultimately, the major result that emerges from this research is the following: Patients as agents endowed with rationality in the hospital field opt for both conventional and unconventional strategies of access to transfusion care to be treated in blood transfusion centers in Cameroon.
Original Article130 downloads
A Comprehensive Visual Analysis of the Research Trends and Hotspots on Zhu Xi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534573
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This article examines the research trends and hotspots related to Zhu Xi's thought from 2020 to 2025, aiming to offer deep insights into the academic prospects of Zhu Xi's thought study. By utilizing VOSviewer 1.6.18, this paper employs a bibliometric analysis approach to thoroughly organize and visually represent the academic landscape of research on Zhu Xi's thought. The research results indicate that China holds a central position in the field of Zhu Xi's thought research, with a total of 785 academic publications identified. In recent years, the number of academic publications on Zhu Xi's thought has not increased significantly. Le Aiguo and Shen Shunfu have made notable contributions. Shandong University and Xiamen University are the most productive institutions. History of Chinese Philosophy remains the leading core publication platform. Current research on Zhu Xi primarily focuses on aspects such as Heavenly Principle, Theory of Mind and Nature, Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, Investigation of Things and Extension of Knowledge, and The Great Learning. By analyzing the hot topics, this study offers valuable references and insights for future research, which helps advance the study of Zhu Xi's thought to a deeper level and broader scope.
Original Article165 downloads
Research Hotspots and Trends in China's Sports Industry from 2021 to 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15468861
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This study investigates the trends and hotspots in China's sports industry from 2021 to 2025, with a focus on revealing significant aspects of this field in China and providing insights into its developmental trends within the academic realm. By utilizing VOSviewer 1.6.20(0) and Excel software, the research employs bibliometric analysis to comprehensively depict the academic landscape of recent trends and hotspots in China's sports studies. The findings underscore China's prominent role in this field, supported by 1,285 publications, and also highlight the substantial contributions of scholars such as Huang Haiyan, Shen Keyin, and Wang Jiahong.
Original Article40 downloads
Gender Equity and University-to-Work Transitions: Exploring Barriers and Enablers for Female Science Students at the Catholic University of Rwanda
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15458075
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Despite Rwanda’s progress toward gender equity in education, female underrepresentation in science disciplines remains a concern. This study explores barriers and enablers influencing University-to-work transitions for female science students at the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR). Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with students, alumni, faculty, and employers, this research provides quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings reveal that 60% of CUR’s science students are female, with over 90% securing employment post-graduation, mainly in healthcare and education. Key enablers include academic support (82%), mentorship (74%), and financial sponsorships (68%). However, significant barriers persist: low self-esteem (56%), family-imposed gender norms (49%), and institutional biases (41%). Additional challenges include societal expectations (62%) and limited female role models in science careers (45%). Notably, CUR’s proactive gender equity initiatives have helped mitigate many of these constraints. The study concludes that the CUR model offers a replicable framework for improving female participation and transition into science careers. Policy recommendations include scaling holistic support systems, embedding inclusive and gender-responsive curricula, expanding mentorship networks, and conducting community sensitization to address socio-cultural obstacles and ensure sustainable gender equity in science education and employment.
Original Article173 downloads
Entrepreneurship and Job Creation Backed by the Anthropological Philosophy of Self-Reliance (Kwigira) and Resilience (Ubudaheranwa)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15457960
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This study explores how the anthropological philosophy of self-reliance (kwigira) and resilience (ubudaheranwa) supports entrepreneurship and economic mobility at Enterprise Urwibutso Sina Gerard Ltd. The research examines how individuals transition from economic dependence to self-sufficiency and how businesses can contribute to economic independence. The study follows a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and case study analysis. A sample of 42 employees was selected from the permanent workers at Enterprise Urwibutso. Survey questionnaires collected data on income changes and business creation, while interviews provided insights into personal experiences of economic transition. Results show that 78% of surveyed employees experienced a significant income increase, while 65% started their own businesses after gaining financial stability. Additionally, 82% reported improved decision-making power in their financial lives, indicating reduced dependency. Furthermore, once employees started their businesses, Enterprise Urwibutso Sina Gerard Ltd became a buyer of their goods, further helping them to upgrade economically. However, 56% of respondents cited market competition as a challenge to further economic mobility. To sustain economic upgrading, policies should promote entrepreneurial training, market access, and financial support for small businesses. By fostering self-reliance and resilience, individuals can progressively shift to higher economic categories, ensuring long-term independence and growth.
Original Article8 downloads
Bridging Formal Accounting and Community Realities: An Anthropological Study of Social Capital and Non-Monetary Assets
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15458092
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This study explores how accounting students at the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR) engage with non-monetary resources in cooperative settings, emphasizing the role of social capital and communal value in shaping accounting perceptions and practices. The objective is to assess how students recognize and evaluate intangible resources such as trust, reciprocity, and solidarity within local cooperatives. The hypothesis proposes that students trained in conventional monetary-focused accounting frameworks undervalue social capital in economic reporting. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a stratified random sample of 42 students out of a total population of 185. Research tools included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Findings show that 78.6% of respondents recognize the importance of social relationships in the functioning of cooperatives, while only 26.2% believe such non-monetary elements should be included in formal accounting reports. Furthermore, 61.9% expressed interest in alternative tools such as social audits, while 52.4% supported the integration of participatory budgeting in cooperative finance. Notably, 83.3% agreed that accounting education should include ethical and social dimensions that reflect communal realities. The results reveal a significant gap between accounting training and the socio-economic context of Rwandan cooperatives. The study concludes that integrating culturally sensitive and ethical approaches into accounting education is essential for preparing socially responsible professionals. This shift would allow financial reporting to reflect both tangible and intangible contributions, fostering inclusive development and enhancing the sustainability of cooperative models.
Original Article531 downloads
Human Dignity and Imago Dei in Rwandan Culture: Anthropological Study and Catholic Social Teaching
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15458102
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This study explores the intersection between Catholic Social Teaching (CST) on human dignity and the Imago Dei with traditional Rwandan cultural values, aiming to assess how these concepts are understood and lived by theology students at the Catholic University of Rwanda (CUR). The central objective is to evaluate students' perceptions of human dignity, moral leadership, and community values through the lens of both CST and Rwandan anthropology. The hypothesis is that there is a strong complementarity between CST principles and Rwandan cultural values, which can serve as a foundation for ethical leadership and social justice in Rwanda. The study employed a qualitative-quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 39 theology students. The questionnaire included closed and open-ended questions designed to capture students’ understanding of human dignity, their view on the role of families and elders, and their perception of the Church's contribution to justice and reconciliation. Preliminary results reveal the following: 92% of students affirmed that human dignity is rooted in the Imago Dei and is compatible with Rwandan communal identity (ubuntu). 87% recognized the family and elders as primary agents of moral formation. 90% acknowledged the Church’s critical role in promoting justice and healing societal wounds. Furthermore, 85% agreed that integrating CST and Rwandan cultural values strengthens moral leadership and peacebuilding. The findings show that students perceive a strong synergy between theological and cultural approaches to human dignity, offering a rich foundation for fostering ethical responsibility and inclusive development in Rwandan society.
Original Article310 downloads
Exploring Deaf Students’ Experiences of Inclusion and Psychosocial Wellbeing in Mainstream Secondary Schools with Sign Language Instruction in Binga Rural District, Zimbabwe
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534648
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This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and perspectives of deaf students enrolled in mainstream secondary schools with sign language instruction in the Binga Rural District of Zimbabwe. The study aimed to investigate the facilitators and barriers to the meaningful participation and psychosocial wellbeing of these deaf students, in order to inform more effective inclusive education policies and practices in the rural Zimbabwean context. The study adopted an interpretivism research philosophy and a phenomenological design. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 deaf student participants, 3 teachers and 2 parents. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. The findings revealed that deaf students in rural mainstream schools faced significant challenges, including social isolation, communication barriers and limited access to appropriate educational accommodations. However, the support and acceptance from the deaf student community emerged as a critical facilitator of their psychosocial well-being. The provision of sign language instruction was unanimously highlighted as vital for promoting the inclusion and academic success of deaf students. The study underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive inclusive education policies, increased funding and tailored teacher training programmes in rural schools in Zimbabwe. Strengthening the implementation of inclusive practices and ensuring the availability of specialized support and accommodations are crucial to ensuring the meaningful participation and holistic development of deaf students in the education system.
Original Article424 downloads
New OAS Secretary and 25th May Election in Suriname: the ongoing results of Condor Military Operation in South America and The Hague Court.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534664
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The former president of Suriname, in power until 2020, Dési Bouterse, died on 24.12.2024, as announced by the current government, without confirming where, or even in which country. Regarding the international community, the announcement follows the difficulties faced by human rights organizations in Geneva, Switzerland (pro-capitalism), and the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands (pro-communism), due to the global political situation, in particular after Donald Trump's gratitude for the support received from the communist leaders of India, Russia and China, well documented by the international media (a businessman-actor with no experience in the public sector re-assumes the most important position in the world). Accused of several crimes, particularly money laundering, Chan Santokhi, the current president of Suriname, fluent in the Indian language and very knowledgeable about Latin culture, managed to convince the international community with his speech in favor of controlling deforestation in the Amazon (of great interest to the European Community), that the electoral process is taking place with total transparency and security, as in other South American countries, such as Bolivia, where the OAS found fraud in the elections of Evo Morales in November 2019, once again in power through his friend and party colleague Luis Arce, current president. Because the new OAS secretary, Albert Randim, is from Suriname, there will be no committee to verify the transparency and veracity of the votes in the election that will take place on May 25. Unfortunately, since Operation Condor, which started the Military Dictatorship, Latin America has not had access to knowledge, which is well accepted by the population, making democracy extremely tumultuous, also due to leaders of influence peddling and drug trafficking, such as Suriname's vice-president, Ronnie Brunswijk, sentenced in 1999 by the Haarlem Court to six years imprisonment for cocaine smuggling (leader of "Suri Cartel") . Europol also had an active warrant for his arrest since 16 July 1999 for the same reason, although Suriname does not extradite its own citizens. Given this very adverse scenario within the total isolation of Suriname from the rest of the world, this article, in addition to a literature review on the political situation in Suriname, seeks to understand the long impact of Operation Condor on the educational system, on the price of South American agricultural commodities, on the current strong dominance of communism in this region and then on the electoral process of Latin American countries, with a focus on Suriname.
Original Article232 downloads
PERCEPTION AND CONCEPTS RELATED TO PERCEPTION
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534686
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Perception is defined as the process of fully grasping an object, making sense of it, and forming a mental representation. Islamic philosophers viewed perception as a process and sought to explain the functioning of the elements involved in it. Reason, as the primary instrument of cognition, is regarded as the key faculty that distinguishes human beings from other creatures. The relationship established with the active intellect forms a bond that enhances perceptive ability, while the mind, encompassing the faculties of understanding, comprehension, and abstraction, functions as an integral part of the perceptive process. The soul, considered a sacred element breathed into human beings by God, is viewed as the existential source of cognition and the principle that enables the body to become active. Imagination, representing the abstract and flexible dimension of perception, allows sensory data to be reconstructed in the mind and is particularly associated with phenomena such as dreams and revelation. The faculty of wahm (estimative faculty), enabling intuitive judgment, serves as a bridge between reason and imagination. The senses constitute the initial and concrete stage of perception, making the experience of reality possible and marking the beginning of the perceptual process. The convergence of these concepts reveals that the process of cognition possesses a multidimensional and holistic structure. The notion of cognition can provide a contemporary perspective by bridging the rich intellectual heritage of Islamic philosophy with the ongoing developments in artificial intelligence. In particular, the parallels between efforts to understand human cognition and the design of artificial intelligence systems are increasingly being explored and discussed. Cognition and its related concepts play a fundamental role in grasping human nature and the ability to think, and reconciling this heritage with current technological developments is of great importance.
Original Article79 downloads
1785 Parisian Salon Project: New Methods and Practical Innovations in Digital Heritage Reconstruction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534719
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The 1785 Salon Unreal Engine Reconstruction Project represents a significant advance in digital heritage and immersive art historical research by combining generative AI-based asset creation, modular user experience (UX) design, and historically informed workflows. During the Spring 2025 phase, the project achieved major milestones, including the successful development of a replicable pipeline for transforming 2D reference images into period-accurate 3D sculpture models using generative AI and digital sculpting tools. Simultaneously, a robust and adaptable Inspection System was engineered within Unreal Engine, offering granular interaction controls, bilingual (English/French) content integration, dynamic metadata display, and enhanced accessibility. These innovations collectively enabled historically faithful reconstruction of lost or dispersed artworks, while also establishing open-source methodologies and protocols for scalable virtual exhibition environments. By documenting stepwise processes for asset generation, UI system design, and troubleshooting, the project demonstrates a new standard for collaborative, reproducible digital heritage work, facilitating the responsible digital resurrection of cultural spaces and supporting broader accessibility and engagement with the art historical record.
Original Article469 downloads
Simulating Chill: Exploring the Cognitive and Therapeutic Potential of Cold VR Environments
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534763
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This study investigates the cognitive and therapeutic potential of immersive virtual reality (VR) environments designed to simulate cold conditions. Through the engagement of participants through multisensory stimuli—including vivid visual representations of the Athabasca Glacier, auditory effects of icy winds, and corresponding haptic feedback—the research evaluates neurological and physiological responses associated with attention, emotional regulation, and stress modulation. Participants experienced virtual scenarios featuring icy winds and snow, activating specific neurological pathways involving the occipital lobe, primary visual cortex, superior colliculus, and insula, thus reinforcing sensory integration. Through predictive coding, the anterior insula and hypothalamus were engaged, prompting thermoregulatory simulations and subconscious adaptive behaviors, such as arm-crossing. Emotional processing mediated by the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, combined with neurotransmitter releases (serotonin and dopamine), facilitated enhanced relaxation and mindfulness. Utilizing pre- and post-experience surveys, the study assessed participant-reported changes in attention, stress, and emotional regulation following exposure to simulated cold stimuli. Preliminary findings suggest significant benefits for attentional focus, stress reduction, and emotional regulation, highlighting the potential efficacy in therapeutic applications and workplace productivity optimization. This research underscores the broader implications of environmental simulation through VR, inviting further exploration into its neuroscientific mechanisms and practical applications for enhanced cognitive and emotional well-being.
Original Article224 downloads
Illustrations and their role in translation: How do images in children’s literature influence translation decisions and should they be “translated” as well? Case study: Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer German vs Albanian version
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15550387
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This article examines the crucial role of illustrations in children's and young adult literature, focusing on the extent to which visual elements influence translation decisions. It explores the dynamic interplay between text and image, the cultural dimensions of illustrations, and the challenges of adapting visual content across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Using Michael Ende's Jim Knopf und Lukas der Lokomotivführer as a case study—comparing the original German edition with its Albanian translation—the article analyzes how illustrations contribute uniquely to the reading experience of young audiences. It questions whether illustrations should be considered part of the translation process and evaluates the differences observed between the two versions. The analysis sheds light on whether the illustrations were retained, modified, offering a providing an overview based on comparative examples in children's literature.
Original Article69 downloads
Promoting learner output in the L2 classroom: Insights from research and teaching strategies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15534813
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This paper examines a range of studies related to Swain’s Output Hypothesis and its significance in second language (L2) learning. It explores research focused on the three primary functions of learner output: as a trigger for noticing language gaps, as a means of hypothesis testing, and as a tool for metalinguistic reflection and the internalization of linguistic knowledge. The pedagogical implications of these functions are also discussed. The review clearly demonstrates that output plays a crucial role in providing learners with opportunities for language use, receiving feedback, and ultimately fostering language acquisition. Therefore, learner output should be promoted as a core classroom practice. Educators and language teachers should recognize it not only as a way to enhance students’ communicative abilities or generate feedback, but also as a vital process for reinforcing and internalizing both existing and new language knowledge.
Original Article46 downloads
The challenges of pedestrian mobility in the face of commercial occupation of sidewalks in Abomey Calavi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15550480
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Road planning involves providing dedicated traffic lanes for each user. However, the growth of economic activity is creating an increasingly pressing need for space for various uses. Under these conditions, sidewalks once reserved for pedestrian mobility are disappearing, despite frequent crackdowns by public authorities during operations to free up public space and repair urban planning. As a result, this category of actors is forced to use other users' traffic passages to move around. Such interference by commercial actors on the free movement of pedestrians is the cause of numerous traffic conflicts. This reflection, therefore, set out to question the practices of occupation of pedestrian space and to consider solutions for the sustainability of pedestrian mobility. The investigations revealed that development choices, infrastructure maintenance policy and the development of commercial activities in built-up areas are the main determinants of the diversion of sidewalks from their use. Therefore, the implementation of actions based on these three pillars will promote the equitable sharing of public space.