Contemporary Society Research Articles

African Religion in our Contemporary Society

African Religion in our Contemporary Society

Classification of ECG Signals Using Machine Learning Techniques

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in contemporary society. With the growth in the accumulation of medical data, new opportunities have arisen to enhance diagnostic accuracy using machine learning techniques. Heart diseases present symptoms that can be similar to other disorders or be mistaken for signs of aging. Furthermore, diagnosing based on electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can be challenging due to the variability in signal length and characteristics. This article has developed a methodology for classifying ECG signals using the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm and statistical techniques. 9000 ECG signal samples from the PhysioNet database were processed. The signals were normalized to a length of 9000 samples, and relevant features for classification, such as median, standard deviation, skewness, among others, were extracted. Multiple kNN models with different parameters were trained and evaluated on a test set. The models exhibited high performance in classifying normal signals but faced difficulties in correctly classifying signals with arrhythmias. The weighted kNN algorithm demonstrated the best accuracy, although all models showed a tendency to misclassify abnormal signals due to data imbalance. While significant accuracy was achieved in ECG signal classification, there is still room for improvement. Future strategies could involve extracting more relevant features, addressing data imbalance, and fine-tuning model hyperparameters. Integrating domain knowledge from the medical field and advanced signal processing techniques could further enhance classification accuracy.     Received: 3 January 2024 / Accepted: 7 April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Challenges and Opportunities of ESG Integration in Financial Operations

In contemporary society, with the burgeoning concern for sustainable development among the populace, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have emerged as a pivotal discourse within the global financial sector. Responsible investment is increasingly paramount, directing capital flows towards enterprises and ventures of greater sustainability. Against this backdrop, the integration of ESG criteria into financial operations poses both a significant challenge and opportunity for financial institutions. Architects and providers of financial products and services are gradually incorporating ESG factors into their decision-making processes to align with escalating regulatory demands and meet investors' expectations of social responsibility. Nevertheless, this transition is not devoid of challenges. Issues such as data acquisition and quality, regulatory uncertainty, and inadequate comprehension of ESG values among market participants constitute substantial obstacles that the financial realm must surmount in the pursuit of ESG integration. Nonetheless, through a series of strategies and recommendations, such as enhancing data transparency and quality, bolstering relevant education and training for market participants, and advocating for regulatory authorities to formulate clearer and more unified directives, financial institutions can harness technological advancements to optimize the analysis and integration of ESG data, thereby paving the way for new opportunities.

Asbab Al-Wurud as an Approach to Understanding the Purpose of Hadith (Maqasid Al-Sunnah) in a Wasatiyyah and Balanced Way that is Practiced in Contemporary Society

Objective: The understanding and implementation of the Hadith, as the second main source in Islam, should align with the intended purpose and message delivered by the Hadith to its audience. To preserve the peace of humanity, one of these qualities involves being balanced, moderate, and not extreme. Currently, there are still a significant number of Muslims who excessively adhere to the Hadith of the Prophet, exhibit harsh behavior from a liberal perspective, or solely rely on logical reasoning.   Theoretical framework: This article seeks to elucidate the application of maqasid al-Sunnah in the interpretation of the Hadith of the Prophet SAW, employing the methodologies established by renowned scholars as well as the method of asbab al-wurud in a balanced and moderate manner.   Method: This article uses content analysis to examine discussions on the method of asbab al-wurud as an approach to maqasid al-sunnah. This method is used to interpret hadith in a comprehensive and balanced way.   Results and Discussion: Attaining equilibrium and unity in life is one of the primary objectives of the observance of the Hadith of the Prophet. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to comprehend the Nabawi Hadith in a straightforward and equitable manner, aligning with its intended purpose and objective. The understanding and interpretation of a hadith, as well as its transmission to the listener, can be obtained by consulting the scholarly opinions of the Salf al-Salih and considering the asbab al-Wurud.   Conclusion: The concept of maqasid al-sunnah, when understood through the lens of the ultimate hadith and the application of the method of asbab al-wurud, allows for a more comprehensive and balanced comprehension of a hadith. This approach ensures that the hadith is interpreted in a manner that is in line with the conditions of the current times and places, and is accepted by all Muslims. This strategy enables the effective management and regulation of extreme, excessively literal, and radical comprehension, resulting in the attainment of peace and well-being for all of humanity.

On the geography of deserts

ABSTRACT What is a desert? What is a desert to a geomorphologist, a geoclimatologist, a biogeographer, a geoanthropologist, a cartographer or a geopolitologist? Geography, as a discipline that is as much concerned with terrestrial morphology and climates as it is with ecosystems and human societies, shed light on the various meanings of the term ‘desert’ in different fields of language and knowledge, providing insights into the significance of deserts for our contemporary societies. The ambition of this reflection is to unravel the complexities of deserts and help to grasp what deserts are and what they ‘do’ by encouraging geographers to merge bioclimatic analyses and geo-historical understandings, establishing the geographical discipline as the quintessential science of deserts.

Global warming potential and societal-governmental impacts of the hydrogen ecosystem in the transportation sector

The environmental and societal challenges of our contemporary society are leading us to reconsider our approaches to vehicle design. The aim of this article is to provide the reader with the essential knowledge needed to responsibly design a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system.Two pivotal aspects of hydrogen-electric powertrain eco-design are examined. First, the global warming potential is assessed for both PEMFC systems and Type IV hydrogen tanks, accounting for material extraction, production, and end-of-life considerations. The usage phase was omitted from the study in order to facilitate data adaptation for each type of use. PEMFC exhibits a global warming potential of about 29.2 kgCO2eq/kW, while the tank records 12.4 kgCO2eq/kWh, with transportation factors considered. Secondly, the societal and governmental impacts are scrutinized, with the carbon-intensive hydrogen tank emerging as having the most significant societal and governmental risks. In fact, on a scale of 1–5, with 5 representing the highest level of risk, the PEMFC system has a societal impact and governance risk of 2.98. The Type IV tank has a societal impact and governance risk of 3.31.Although uncertainties persist regarding the results presented in this study, the values obtained provide an overview of the societal and governmental impacts of the hydrogen ecosystem in the transportation sector. The next step will be to compare, for the same usage, which solution between hydrogen-electric and 100% battery is more respectful of humans and the environment.

Sexual violence against children and adolescents in Paraná State: geospatial analysis and main socioeconomic indicators

ObjectiveChild sexual violence is a multidimensional problem of many contemporary societies, affecting people of all sexes, social stratum and age groups. Offenses involving children and adolescents are more serious, given their total or partial dependence on parents and caregivers. Information on child sexual violence in Brazil is found in raw form and without detail. The objective was to compare the information with social and economic data in the state of Paraná. MethodsThe authors conducted a retrospective study of secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) on cases of sexual violence involving victims aged 0 to 19 years. Results are presented according to notification characteristics. The authors applied exploratory spatial data analysis to assess spatial autocorrelations and investigated relationships by the ordinary least squares regression model. ResultsBetween 2017 and 2021, there were 13,403 reports of child sexual violence in Paraná State, Brazil. Most victims (82.8%) were female and aged between 10 and 14 years. The majority of sexual violence cases (67.8%) occurred in the home environment. The highest rates on a population basis were observed in the North Central and Greater Curitiba regions, mainly in cities with higher population density and with higher rates of other types of violence. ConclusionThe results provide data that can promote a broader understanding of the distribution of sexual violence and the state and associated variations. It is expected to improve the provision of care for victims of child sexual violence and assist in strategic planning to prevent future offenses.

The Eating Model in Contemporary Taiwan: Destructuration or A New Insight into Compressed Food Modernity in Asia.

In contemporary societies with diverse but often conflicting values attached to eating, it is important to scrutinise what eating well means to a given population. While such attempts have been pioneered, mostly in Western countries, Asia has been rarely explored. Moreover, food scholars in Western countries have called for in-depth analysis of the impacts of food modernisation on our everyday eating models, but empirical data about Asia and its implications for the plurality of food modernisation have been limited. To narrow this knowledge gap, we replicated Ueda's previous survey in Japan by utilising the same web-based questionnaire in a study of the Taiwanese population (n = 920, aged 20-69) to elucidate their eating model across all dimensions; that is, not only meal content but also the temporal, spatial, social, qualitative and affective facets. It was found that, similarly to other parts of the world, the Taiwanese have experienced the so-called 'destructuration' of their eating model, including two out of five habitually skipping meals; one out of four eating out 14 times or more in a week; and three out of five eating alone for breakfast. The destructuration also extended to their dietary norms, which marked a sharp contrast with other countries, such as Japan and France, where many eaters experience dilemmas due to high ideals and reality. We argue that this interesting phenomenon is due to the 'compressed' food modernity that Taiwan experienced. This study is the first attempt to provide comprehensive data about the eating model in Taiwan. Further empirical studies, particularly in other Asian regions, are expected to advance our thinking about a complex relationship between food modernity and well-being.

Income, aging, and the gendered patterns of wellness: Physical health and subjective well-being in China

This article investigates the impact of demographic and socioeconomic inequalities on wellness, composed of both physical health and subjective well-being. We examine how gender inequality moderates the joint effects of aging and income on wellness in China. Utilizing generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we analyze data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) spanning from 2003 to 2021. Our results reveal that income inequality disproportionately affects physical health among older, underweight, lower-class females; males are more susceptible to negative impacts on subjective well-being, particularly among lower-class, middle-aged males. These gendered patterns are situated in the contemporary Chinese society and are explained in relation to intra-household distributional inequality and the gender role expectations in the Confucian culture. We also discussed the policy implications of how to reduce the gaps in wellness across social classes, age cohorts, and genders.

Working on needs assessment of youths and subsequently developing curriculum for leadership development initiatives

In contemporary society, addressing the evolving needs of youth is paramount for fostering resilient, empowered, and capable leaders of tomorrow. The process begins with a comprehensive needs assessment, which serves as the cornerstone for developing effective curriculum tailored to their unique requirements. This review delves into the intricate process of conducting a needs assessment for youths and subsequently crafting a curriculum for leadership development initiatives. A needs assessment for youths entails a multifaceted approach that encompasses various dimensions of their lives. It involves understanding their socio-economic background, educational aspirations, career goals, interpersonal skills, and community involvement. By employing qualitative and quantitative research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation, stakeholders gain insights into the diverse needs, challenges, and aspirations of youths within their specific context. Upon completion of the needs assessment, the gathered data serve as the foundation for designing a targeted curriculum for youth leadership development. The curriculum aims to address identified gaps and empower youths with essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for leadership roles. It integrates elements such as communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and cultural competency, tailored to the developmental stage and cultural background of the target audience. The curriculum development process involves collaboration among educators, youth advocates, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to ensure its relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. It follows a systematic approach, including curriculum design, implementation strategies, resource identification, and evaluation methods. The curriculum is designed to be interactive, experiential, and engaging, fostering active participation and ownership among youths. Key components of the curriculum include leadership theories, self-awareness exercises, goal setting, conflict resolution techniques, ethical decision-making, community engagement projects, and mentorship opportunities. It embraces a holistic approach that nurtures youths' personal, academic, and professional growth while instilling values of social responsibility and civic engagement. The curriculum is adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs and dynamics of youths and their communities. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms enable continuous improvement and refinement, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness over time, the curriculum is designed to be inclusive, accommodating the diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives of all participants. Working on needs assessment for youths and subsequently developing a curriculum for leadership development initiatives is a multifaceted and dynamic process. It requires a deep understanding of youths' aspirations, challenges, and contexts, coupled with collaboration, innovation, and adaptability. By empowering youths with the necessary skills and opportunities, such initiatives contribute to building a generation of capable, empathetic, and visionary leaders poised to address the challenges of the future.

Consumer Behaviour Regarding Certified Food

The consumer decision-making process for buying food products is based on various factors. One of these is the perceived value that the consumer acquires upon seeing a certification label, such as “Protected Designation of Origin” (PDO) and “Protected Geographical Indication” (PGI), which is an indicator of product quality and the degree of sustainability of the supply chain. The aim of the study is to identify the main factors influencing the behaviour and purchasing intentions of Italian consumers through the divulgation of a survey and the application of a statistical approach. The results were elaborated upon using a conceptual model, estimated following the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling. As a result, the perception of quality influences purchasing decisions and food patterns, as labels play an increasing role in contemporary society, thus making quality standards relevant for the buying outcome. This research contributes to supporting studies on the importance of certifications of origin, as well as highlighting that food safety is a major determinant in the purchasing of certified food products.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Public Opinion Formation: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of social media on the formation of public opinion, employing a comparative analysis with traditional media platforms. In the digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous source of information and communication significantly impacting the way individuals perceive and engage with societal issues. This research seeks to examine the mechanisms through which social media shapes public opinion, including factors such as algorithmic curation, user-generated content, and network effects. By juxtaposing its influence with that of traditional media, this study aims to provide insights into the evolving dynamics of public opinion formation in contemporary society.

Enhancing automotive interior automation through face analysis techniques

In contemporary society, the progress and widespread adoption of automotive automation, particularly in autonomous driving technology, have been remarkable. The rapid evolution of this technology has equipped numerous vehicles with high-stability autonomous capabilities, significantly enhancing convenience for users. However, as autonomous driving continues its developmental trajectory, it is crucial to give equal attention to the advancement of interior automation technologies within vehicles. Exploring avenues that make these automated technologies smarter, safer, and more conducive to delivering heightened convenience and support to users is imperative. This realm presents a domain ripe with potential for innovation and substantial advancements that cater to the evolving needs and expectations of modern transportation.

The naval Operation Irini of the European Union: a step backwards of the csdp in the fight against the illegal immigration and search and rescue activities in the Mediterranean

Operation Irini is a new EU naval operation, in the framework of CSDP, to address violations of the arms embargo and illicit export of petroleum products in Libya, imposed by the United Nations Security Council. As a second objective, the Operation contributes to the training of Libyan coastguards in their fight against illegal immigration, as well as combating the mafias involved in the smuggling of migrants in the Central Mediterranean. From the outset, the naval operation has had scant resources and, unsurprisingly, its results have been poor in these first three years. In short, this new Operation, in the wake of Sophia’s poor results in the last months of its activity, represents a new setback for the CSDP and for the EU’s ambition to become a relevant actor in contemporary international society. Unfortunately, moreover, allegations of significant violations of migrants’ human rights by Libyan coast guard forces cast a shadow over the EU, which is assisting and training these security forces. Received: 04  September 2023Accepted:  24 January  2024

Indian Cinema: Bollywood as a Reflection of Social Political Issues

Abstract: Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has been a mirror reflecting the intricate tapestry of social and political issues prevalent in the country. This research project aims to delve into the dynamic relationship between Bollywood films and the socio-political landscape of India. Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing film studies, sociology, and political science, this study will analyze a selection of Bollywood films spanning different eras and genres to explore how they engage with and reflect upon issues, such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, religious tensions, corruption, and socio-economic disparities. By examining the portrayal of these issues in cinematic narratives, visual aesthetics, characterizations, and thematic elements, this research seeks to elucidate the ways in which Bollywood serves as both a reflection and a commentary on the challenges and transformations shaping contemporary Indian society and politics. Additionally, the project will investigate the reception and impact of these films on audiences, considering their role in shaping public discourse, mobilizing social movements, and influencing policy debates. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cinema, society, and politics in India

Laboratory of Stories

This article develops the concept of community lore, initially devised by the social learning theorists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger (1991). In extending this promising but hitherto neglected aspect of their work, this article sheds light on how and why community lore sustains and propels teaching and learning in the contemporary esoteric society Sodalitas Rosae Crucis (SRC). Ethnographic findings illuminate how the situated, informal community lore becomes a pervasive learning device that underwrites individual and collective learning, as it emerges in small talk, gossip, and cautionary tales, told and shared among members. Furthermore, a dynamic of tradition and innovation is at play within the community lore, as it sustains tradition while also providing a breeding ground for new ideas and practices that lead to innovation. Within the constructive tension between tradition and innovation, I delineate how community lore works as an educational resource, with explanatory value for situated learning, especially within esoteric communities of practice.

Study of Aerial Image Classification

Abstract: Classifying images captured through remote sensing is necessary for various reasons, including monitoring the environment and assessing agriculture. The progress in thisfield has been greatly enhanced by the integration of advancements in machine learning, especially deep learning, and also accessibility of high-definition images obtained through remote sensing. CNNs are now necessary instruments for precise recognition and classificationof objects in aerial imaging. These models use convolution and pooling operations to capture local patterns and relationships, enhancing image classification accuracy. This review paper presents a comprehensive look at the most recent techniques for categorising remote sensing images. It emphasises the significance of accurate classification in the constantly evolving contemporary society and investigates new progress made possible by deep learning methods.The article explores problems in pinpointing unique and important areas in remote sensing images and illustrates how deep learning models tackle these problems through comprehendingrelationships among objects and other elements in the scene. The article assesses the advantagesand disadvantages of various techniques in relation to accuracy, computational efficiency, andscalability through a comparison between traditional methods and deep learning-based methods.

Design of information management model based on multiobjective optimization algorithm in intelligent electric financial system

The electric power infrastructure is the cornerstone of contemporary society’s sustenance and advancement. Within the intelligent electric power financial system, substantial inefficiency and waste in information management persist, leading to an escalating depletion of resources. Addressing diverse objectives encompassing economic, environmental, and societal concerns within the power system helps the study to undertake a comprehensive, integrated optimal design and operational scheduling based on a multiobjective optimization algorithm. This article centers on optimizing the power financial system by considering fuel cost, active network loss, and voltage quality as primary objectives. A mathematical model encapsulates these objectives, integrating equations and inequality constraints and subsequently introducing enhancements to the differential evolutionary algorithm. Adaptive variation and dynamic crossover factors within crossover, variation, and selection operations are integrated to optimize algorithm parameters, specifically catering to the multiobjective optimization of the electric power system. An adaptive grid method and cyclic crowding degree ensure population diversity and control the Pareto front distribution. They experimentally validated the approach and the comparisons conducted against AG-MOPSO, INSGA-II, and NSDE algorithms across standard test functions: ZDT1, ZDT2, ZDT3, and DTLZ4. The convergence evaluation indices for this study’s scheme on ZDT1 and ZDT2 are 0.000938 and 0.0034, respectively. Additionally, distribution evaluation indices on ZDT1, ZDT2, ZDT3, and ZDT4 stand at 0.0018, 0.0026, 0.0027, and 0.0009, respectively. These indices indicate a robust convergence and distribution, facilitating the optimization of electric power financial information management and the intelligent handling of the electric power financial system’s information, thereby enhancing the allocation of material and financial resources.

The Emergence of Interdisciplinary Environmental History

With the efflorescence of palaeoscientific approaches to the past, historians have been confronted with a wealth of new evidence on both human and natural phenomena, from human disease and migration to landscape change and climate. These new data require a rewriting of our narratives of the past, questioning what constitutes an authoritative historical source and who is entitled to recount history to contemporary societies. Humanities-based historical inquiry must embrace this new evidence, but to do so historians need to engage with it critically, just as they do with textual and material sources. This article highlights the most vital methodological issues, ranging from the spatiotemporal scales and heterogeneity of the new evidence to the new roles attributed to quantitative methods and the place of scientific data in narrative construction. It considers areas of study where the palaeosciences have “intruded” into fields and subjects previously reserved for historians, especially socioeconomic, climate, and environmental history. The authors argue that active engagement with new approaches is urgently needed if historians want to contribute to our evolving understanding of the challenges of the Anthropocene.

Kiamat Dance: A Reflection of Local Wisdom in Kuripan Village, South Lampung, Indonesia

The Kiamat Dance is the closing dance of the ruwah or traditional wedding of the White Blood Queendom (Keratuan Darah Putih) for seven days and seven nights, known as nuhot. The Kiamat Dance, with its history rooted in the traditions of the White Blood Queendom, holds significant cultural and social value. As the closing dance of the ruwah, this dance symbolizes the culmination of the wedding festivities and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the newlyweds. The presence of this dance in various events beyond weddings highlights its versatility and adaptability, reflecting its enduring appeal and relevance in contemporary society. Through its rich symbolism and intricate movements, the Kiamat Dance embodies the core values and beliefs of the White Blood Queendom, serving as a testament to the community's cultural heritage and identity. This research aimed to describe the history, development, and local wisdom in the Kiamat Dance from Kuripan Village, South Lampung. This research employed a qualitative approach to produce descriptive data. The underlying theory used in this study was the behavioristic theory. Data collection techniques involved field observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the art of the Kiamat Dance is the closing dance of the ruwah, a series of events for seven days and seven nights at the wedding in the White Blood Queendom. The Kiamat Dance is present on the last night as a closing dance. This dance was originally only found in the wedding ceremony of descendants of the White Blood Queendom. Still, almost every event has this dance nowadays, both in welcoming special guests and celebrating holidays. The values in this dance include religious, social, aesthetic, and educational values.