Covert Means Research Articles

Internalized Misogyny: A Transnational Exploration of Select Literary Narratives

Patriarchy is a pervasive global phenomenon, that creates social, cultural and political disparities and perpetuates gender inequality, discrimination and bias. It is deeply embedded in various discourses of human civilization, operating through both identifiable and unidentifiable mechanisms. Internalized misogyny, many a time is a subtle apparatus that manifests and maintains patriarchy and gender inequality. Identifying internalized misogyny is a complex task owing to the fact that its practices are often legitimized and internalized by women, thus making it unrecognized. Periodically, when overt structures of patriarchal hegemonies are criticized, the covert means of hegemonic functioning, particularly internalized misogyny remains underrepresented and uncritiqued. Thus, addressing the problem of internalized misogyny is the need of the hour. This study adopts two literary narratives namely, The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan and Idris: Keeper of the Light by Anita Nair for the ongoing discussion on internalized misogyny. The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan inquire into multigenerational reverberations of internalized misogyny, through the traction of mothers and daughters impelling Chinese traditions and gender roles upon themselves and other women around them. Idris: Keeper of the Light by Anita Nair clasps the reader’s attention towards 17th Century India and how the female characters grapples with societal norms that incarcerate them into subservient roles. Hence, this proposed paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the select works to identify and examine the discourse of internalized misogyny, that perpetuates gender inequality. By scrutinizing both works, this paper divulges into the omnipresent nature of internalized misogyny irrespective of contrasting historical and cultural contexts.

Green Discourses in Textbooks: A Critical Eco-Linguistic Analysis of Children’s Literature at Primary Level in Pakistan

When it comes to communicating the underlying ideology to the intended audience, textbooks are regarded as an important means of communication. The ideologies that are transmitted through these books are made to be long-lasting through the utilization of a variety of linguistic and semiotic techniques. It is possible for ideologies that are spread through such covert means to leave an indelible mark on the minds of young students for a considerable amount of time. The current research will make use of primary English and Urdu textbooks published by the Punjab Textbook Board (PTB) to conduct an in-depth analysis of green discourses that have been selected for analysis. In the years 2022 and 2023, these books were released to the public. In order to conduct the analysis, linguistic and visual contents that are associated with environmentally friendly discourses will be chosen. When conducting the analysis of the data, the study will make use of a modified research model. For the purpose of conducting an analysis of the chosen data, the Eco-linguistic Discourse Analysis model developed by Stibbe (2015) and the Semiological Discourse Analysis (SDA) model developed by Barthes (1968) will be utilized. An attempt has been made by curriculum designers to raise awareness among young learners about eco-discourses by including environmentally friendly discourses in selected textbooks of PTB at the primary level. This will be revealed by the analysis of the data, which will reveal that this attempt has been made. Furthermore, it will emphasize that primary textbooks are the most effective medium for ideological investment and for molding the mindset of the target audience, which consists of young students who are considered to be the future of a nation, regarding the concept of going green through the incorporation of linguistic and semiotic discourses that are friendly to the environment.

Legal basis for the use of covert means

Aim: The use of covert means is any information gathering intelligence operation (secret police activity) in which the authorised authorities of the State seek to obtain new knowledge in the course of administrative and criminal proceedings without the knowledge of the holder of the information, by limiting the right of self-determination. In dictatorships, this form of exercise of state power is also dominated by arbitrariness. Constitutional states place the use of secret means on a public law basis. This study aims to demonstrate that it is possible to regulate acts of public authority that are at the heart of secrecy by means of legal instruments whose core is publicity. Methodology: The objective outlined above can only be achieved if the dogmatic and moral characteristics of the legislation are harmonised with the specific characteristics of the secret police. The task is not easy. Legislation is always about the future and is always based on abstract prognosis; covert intelligence aims to discover the past, the present and the future, and the knowledge to be acquired is always unique and concrete. Finidings: The abstract nature of the regulation and the uniqueness of the intelligence operation resolve the contradiction between publicity and secrecy. What is public is the rule, what is secret is the application of the rule to a specific situation. However, legislation can become fully formalised when it no longer imposes limits on the operation of state power, but merely authorises it, opening the way to free discretion. In such a case, the guise of legality conceals an untrammelled power. Value: Law that serves humanity is an effective means of preserving social order. Secret data-collection requires a limitation of rights, yet it is indispensable to combat violations (principle of necessity), provided that it does not cause more serious harm than the threat against which it is used (principle of proportionality).

Legal basis for the use of covert means

Aim: The use of covert means is any information gathering intelligence operation (secret police activity) in which the authorised authorities of the State seek to obtain new knowledge in the course of administrative and criminal proceedings without the knowledge of the holder of the information, by limiting the right of self-determination. In dictatorships, this form of exercise of state power is also dominated by arbitrariness. Constitutional states place the use of secret means on a public law basis. This study aims to demonstrate that it is possible to regulate acts of public authority that are at the heart of secrecy by means of legal instruments whose core is publicity. Methodology: The objective outlined above can only be achieved if the dogmatic and moral characteristics of the legislation are harmonised with the specific characteristics of the secret police. The task is not easy. Legislation is always about the future and is always based on abstract prognosis; covert intelligence aims to discover the past, the present and the future, and the knowledge to be acquired is always unique and concrete. Finidings: The abstract nature of the regulation and the uniqueness of the intelligence operation resolve the contradiction between publicity and secrecy. What is public is the rule, what is secret is the application of the rule to a specific situation. However, legislation can become fully formalised when it no longer imposes limits on the operation of state power, but merely authorises it, opening the way to free discretion. In such a case, the guise of legality conceals an untrammelled power. Value: Law that serves humanity is an effective means of preserving social order. Secret data-collection requires a limitation of rights, yet it is indispensable to combat violations (principle of necessity), provided that it does not cause more serious harm than the threat against which it is used (principle of proportionality).

“Having just the right answer is almost as worthless as not having an answer’’: conceptualizing the information needs of undergraduate engineers

PurposeThis paper explores the information needs and behaviors of undergraduate engineers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on a qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 18 students.FindingsThe study identified the types of information needs undergraduate engineers encounter while working on problem solving tasks and the strategies they use to resolve these needs. The findings reveal that students often encounter difficulties due to a lack of procedural knowledge rather than conceptual gaps or misunderstandings. Students look for step-by-step solutions to address their information needs and become more efficient problem-solvers. However, most instructors do not provide answers or solutions, leaving students uncertain about their progress and unable to correct their mistakes. Consequently, students seek information from their peers, including step-by-step solutions and access to previous course materials. They use file-sharing and instant messaging platforms like Google Drive and Facebook Messenger as covert means of seeking help, sharing solutions and engaging in coursework-related discussions.Originality/valueThe findings enrich the theory of information needs by delineating between conceptual and procedural information needs. These findings also underscore the significant role that classmates and friends play as sources of information. The study offers implications for conceptual development of information needs, and for instructors to provide solutions and support sharing between peers on official platforms.

Мировоззренческие и идеологические предпосылки международного сотрудничества ирландских левых националистов и РСДРП(б) в 1916–1917 гг.

The article examines the ideological and attitudinal prerequisites of the international cooperation between Irish leftist nationalists and the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) in 1916–1917. It describes the historical aspects characterizing the essence of the ideological orientations of Ireland’s national liberation organizations at the beginning of the 20th century within the context of the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) international agenda during 1916–1917. The analysis draws upon lesser-known domestic sources from the 1910s, some of which are introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time. The author expresses the opinion that during this period, Bolshevik leaders, particularly V.I. Lenin, I.V. Stalin, and L.D. Trotsky, placed considerable hopes on the socialist awakening in Ireland. For the international communist movement, Britain remained the primary imperialist predator, and the struggle against global imperialism continually shaped the political agenda in Soviet Russia. The article notes the existing Bolshevik viewpoint on the Irish question in international affairs during those years, according to which Ireland’s movement against English imperialism represented a progressive social process and therefore needed to be supported through both overt and covert means. In conclusion, the article sheds light on the intricate dynamics of international collaboration between Irish leftist nationalists and the RSDLP (Bolsheviks) during the pivotal years of 1916–1917. Overall, it enriches scholarly discourse by offering a comprehensive analysis supported by primary sources, normative-legislative base, and representative literature.

Advancing semantic and pragmatic theoretical frameworks through an analysis of Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do"

Semantics and pragmatics, as theoretical frameworks, continue to prove their appropriateness in the examination of literary texts and conversations, as well as in songs and music. This denotes that the two theoretical frameworks cannot solely be constricted within the parameters of general linguistics; instead, they are applicable to other disciplines or subject areas. In view of this fact, this article aims to uncover the covert meanings in Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" lyrical song. To do this, semantic and pragmatic theoretical frameworks are applied, while the song itself is acknowledged as a primary source of data. The objective of this article is to demonstrate the development of semantics and pragmatics, as theoretical perspectives, and the ways in which meaning can be explicated using these theoretical perspectives in the chosen song and other areas of interest. Ultimately, the overall objective is to demonstrate how words, phrases and sentences may be understood differently by language users. The results and discussions validate that Taylor Swift uses different linguistic techniques, as well as metaphorical expressions to communicate her message to her audience. Nevertheless, such abilities of this singer and songwriter may not always be clear to everyone, hence the necessity to apply semantic and pragmatic theoretical lenses. The closing remarks underline the importance of continuing to develop the two theoretical perspectives beyond the limitations of general linguistics. In addition to this, the closing remarks underscore the synergetic relationship that exists between language and music.

Safe Communication Using Steganography

This research aims to propose a method of safe communication using steganography, which involves hiding information in other information to conceal the fact that communication is taking place. Digital images are one of the most popular file formats used for steganography due to their frequency on the internet. The project focuses on hiding secret information within images using steganography techniques. Different techniques have their respective strong and weak points, and their application requirements vary. The proposed technique allows users to choose the bits for replacement instead of using the least significant bit (LSB) replacement from the images. In this technique, the sender selects a cover image with the secret text or text file, hides it in the image, and sends it to the receiver through a private or public communication network. The receiver retrieves the secret text hidden in the stego-image using the software. This method provides a secure and user-friendly interface for individuals to exchange confidential messages. It leverages the power of image steganography to address the growing need for privacy and confidentiality in digital communication. By hiding messages within images, it ensures a covert and secure means of transmitting information while maintaining the visual appearance of harmless images. Keywords: Encryption, decryption, steganography, safe communication.

Covert procedural means of investigator`s cognitive activity

The article deals with the problematic issues of regulatory framework for covert procedural means of investigator’s cognitive activity. It is emphasized that operative-search activities and covert investigative (search) actions have the same cognitive focus, but are regulated by different legislative acts. Covert investigative (search) actions are regulated in more detail than operational search activities which are carried out in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. It was determined that, despite the identity of covert means of knowledge, there is an epistemological contradiction, when the investigator cannot conduct covert investigative (search) actions, which are analogs of operational investigative measures, which can be implemented before entering the relevant information into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations, before the start of the pre-trial investigation. In addition, there are often cases when the investigator does not conduct covert investigative (search) actions on his/ her own, citing a heavy workload, which reduces the effectiveness of cognitive actions in the process of detection and investigation of criminal offenses. Other problematic aspects that exist within the provisions of the current operational and investigative legislation, as opposed to the criminal procedure law, are also noted. The greatest threat of imperfect regulatory regulation is the difficulty of further use of the materials of operational and investigative activities in the course of procedural proof. Therefore, it is considered a rational decision to provide for the possibility of covert investigative (search) actions by investigators before entering information into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations. According to the results of the study, it is noted that for the effective fulfillment of the tasks of criminal proceedings, as well as for the proper observance of human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests, the provisions of the criminal procedure law seem to be more favorable in terms of regulating the covert means of investigator’s cognitive activity.

A semantic-pragmatic deconstruction of Blinding Lights by The Weeknd and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish

While semantic and pragmatic deconstruction has conventionally been nested in general linguistics, contemporary theoretical developments have proven that it can further be applied in the examination of songs in a bid to uncover and unravel covert meanings. This then proves the central role of language in other disciplines such as musicology and songwriting in so far as semanticpragmatic deconstruction is concerned. The primary aim, therefore, of this article is to examine and deconstruct Blinding Lights by The Weeknd and Bad Guy by Billie Eilish. The objective is to underline that artists and songwriters employ exclusive semantic and pragmatic features to communicate purposive meaning to their audiences. A qualitative research methodology, alongside a semanticpragmatic theoretical framework, is utilised to advance the aim of this article. Among other discussions, it becomes evident that profound meanings are entrenched in the two songs, and such meanings can be revealed through the application of semantic and pragmatic theoretical frameworks. The closing remarks underline the necessity to scrutinise and attempt to develop semantic-pragmatic perspectives beyond the realm of general linguistics to achieve more scholarly insights.

Managing forced migration: Overt and covert policies to limit the influx of Ukrainian refugees

AbstractThe Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in massive refugee migration. In this article we consider how the European Union (EU) and the United States have so far managed this influx of people. For reasons explained in the article, the EU is more focused on humanitarian aid, while the United States is especially engaged through military aid. The EU and the United States have historically employed both overt and covert means of limiting refugee migration, and this has been especially the case with migrants of color. Ukrainian refugees have no problem entering EU countries and receiving help (work permits, housing, etc.), while the United States uses various ways that make entry into the United States fairly complicated and thus contain Ukrainian migration (e.g., difficulty filling out applications, finding a sponsor in the United States).

A postcolonial structuralist critique of Yolisa Madolo’s Ndinetyala kusini na? (Am I guilty?)

Yolisa Madolo’s Ndinetyala kusini na? (‘Am I guilty?’) proves the notion that isiXhosa short stories could be viewed as making sociopolitical commentary on pertinent subjects such as natural creation, language and politics, road safety and accidents as well as HIV/AIDS stigmas and mythologies. It cannot be denied that Ndinetyala kusini na? contains covert meanings for the very reason that isiXhosa literary writers commonly use metaphorical expressions and sometimes magical realism. With this in mind, this article aims to critique how Madolo interweaves these subjects in the selected isiXhosa short story. The short story itself is recognised as a primary source of data, while postcolonial structuralist theory is applied to uncover and unravel the selected subjects. The objective of this article is to find the hidden meanings that Madolo may have purposively or inadvertently embedded in this literary narrative. During the discussions, it becomes clear that this short story is multifaceted in terms of meaning, and thus, cannot be classified as possessing just one subject. The closing remarks underline the necessity to appreciate that Ndinetyala kusini na? is epistemologically multidimensional in nature, in that multiple meanings could be enacted through literary critique.

Spionase Pejabat Diplomatik Rusia Terhadap Negara Denmark Dalam Hukum Diplomatik

Introduction: Espionage is intelligence activity in a country or company seeking confidential information. Espionage activities focus on gathering non-public information through covert means. Espionage by Russian diplomatic officials against Denmark led to the expulsion of Russian diplomatic officials due to unacceptable espionage in Denmark. The purpose of this study is to examine and discuss whether Russian espionage can be categorized as espionage and how responsibility for espionage is carried out by Denmark.Purposes of the Research: To study and discuss whether Russian spying experiments can be categorized as espionage and how is the responsibility for espionage carried out by Russia against Denmark.Methods of the Research: The research method used is normative juridical, namely research on rules, norms, and legal principles based on statutory regulations. The problem approach used is the normative legal approach, namely the conceptual approach, the case approach and the statutory approach. The sources of legal materials used are primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. Legal material collection techniques through library research. Then analyzed qualitatively.Results of the Research: The results of the study conclude that spying by Russian diplomatic officials against Denmark can be categorized as espionage because it is contained in the 1961 Vienna convention. eye is considered espionage. The form of accountability for the Danish state due to actions committed by the Russian state is by expelling or persona nongrata against diplomatic officials who carry out espionage.

COGNITIVE APPRAOCH TO ANIMAL IMAGERY VIA AUTOINTERTEXTUALITY (BASED ON IRWIN SHAW’S WRITING STYLE)

The current article deals with the analysis of animal imagery in the novels by Irwin Shaw, putting forward the Conceptual Blending Theory (CBT) based on G. Fauconnier and M. Turner’s theory of cognition. Incorporation of animal imagery in the novels in question provides a clue into the author’s aforethought symbolism, revealing the writer’s worldview and individual style. The subject matter of the article is the in-depth analysis of animal imagery employed by I. Shaw based on a conceptual blending mechanism and the survey of autointertextuality as a tool aimed to establish cohesive ties within the writing of the author. The topicality is determined by the ongoing tendency of cognitive linguistics to detect conceptual blending and autointertextuality as mechanisms that are interwoven in creative processes engendering new ideas and meanings as well as reflecting the dynamics of the main concepts in the author’s world picture. Figurative usage of animal imagery challenges the reader to decode covert meanings as well as gain insight into characters’ actions, motives, and perspectives. Moreover, Irwin Shaw exploits emotional affiliation with the natural world to evoke emotional empathy in readers.

СТИЛИСТИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЗАГОЛОВКОВ РОССИЙСКОЙ ПРЕССЫ

The proposed article describes the functional and pragmatic opportunities of the structural elements of the Russian social media with an emphasis on their stylistic characteristics. The range of issues selected for highlighting consists of an analysis of the basic lexical and syntactic agents involved not only in the heading complex, but also in the general content. In the process of studying the designated question, it is proved that the main purpose of paths and figures of speech in the media is to convey the hidden self-proposition of a journalist, influence the reader and cause an emotional response to him. Headings with expression techniques reflect the author’s position better, thus affects the world view of the reader, his attitude to the describing events. It make the recipient rethink some shades of information and covert meanings. Therefore, they attract the recipient into internal discussion rather faster, they force him to analyze the situation and subsequently set the direction of actions.

The Roles and Functions of Computational Propaganda in the International Struggle for Discursive Power: The Case of Russia in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The fight for discursive power is an important strategic goal in today’s international competition. In the process of discursive power struggle, computational propaganda has been widely used as an emerging covert means of discursive power struggle. This paper starts from the perspective of discursive power struggle, and selects a representative typical case of Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to study computational propaganda in the struggle for discursive power. This paper summarizes the conceptual mechanism of computational propaganda and its relationship with the struggle for discursive power in the light of the theory of discursive power, and focuses on the analysis of Russia’s computational propaganda practice in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the risks and dilemmas it faces.

Implicit offensiveness from linguistic and computational perspectives: A study of irony and sarcasm

Abstract The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the linguistic concept of implicit offensiveness. On the one hand, implicitness will be juxtaposed with indirectness as the two concepts are not conceived of here as synonymous. On the other hand, a typology of offensiveness (vs offensive language and vs offendedness) will be proposed, as well as the overarching term ‘covert meaning’ that will span figurative implicitness and non-figurative implicitness. The gradability of various forms of covert meaning and its overlap with overt meaning (subsuming explicit literal meaning and implicit literal meaning) will also be discussed. In the analysis, two sample implicit concepts will be examined (irony vs sarcasm) based on corpus data (of general English and dedicated offensiveness corpus) and using non-contextual embeddings. Theory-wise, the paper demonstrates that implicitness is a complex term which is fuzzy and gradable; methodology-wise, it shows how computational tools can be used to attest theoretical assumptions related to offensive covert terms.

Literary strategies and the legal representation in John Grisham’s The Firm (1991), A Time to Kill (1989) and The Chamber (1994)

This article analyzes various literary strategies that John Grisham has used to develop his legal issues in A Time to Kill, The Firm and The Chamber. The study aims to investigate how Grisham’s use of literary devices has helped him convey the relationship between society and the law. This is accomplished by an examination of the author’s literary choices, the tactics that highlight the relationship between the law and society, and the motivations behind the language used by the characters and, if any, the omniscient narrator. We can determine the communication levels of a text by examining both the overt and covert meanings of the language used. To effectively carry out this study, Structuralism was used as a theory for analysis. From the study, it is established that Grisham has utilized the structure of a legal thriller, a hard-boiled protagonist, legal jargon, double narration, and an omniscient narrator.

Human Activity Recognition via Score Level Fusion of Wi-Fi CSI Signals.

Wi-Fi signals are ubiquitous and provide a convenient, covert, and non-invasive means of recognizing human activity, which is particularly useful for healthcare monitoring. In this study, we investigate a score-level fusion structure for human activity recognition using the Wi-Fi channel state information (CSI) signals. The raw CSI signals undergo an important preprocessing stage before being classified using conventional classifiers at the first level. The output scores of two conventional classifiers are then fused via an analytic network that does not require iterative search for learning. Our experimental results show that the fusion provides good generalization and a shorter learning processing time compared with state-of-the-art networks.

Hizbiyyah and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia's New Member Recruitment Strategy After Disbandment

<p><span lang="EN-US">This article discusses Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia's new member recruitment strategy after the government disbanded them through Perppu on Community Organization Number 2 of 2017. The research method used is qualitative through data collection, observation, interview, and document review. This research found that Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia changed its strategy from open recruitment to using strategies through informal groups and individuals in recruiting members behind closed doors, especially after they were banned by the government in 2017, namely through the student movement, through the activities of figures in mosques, and women. According to HTI, these three strategies have a safe tendency because they can be done secretly and escape the control of the government and mass organizations that oppose them. According to HTI, the student movement is considered necessary because they are educated citizens who have the potential to become agents of change in society. Meanwhile, the mosque is the center of Muslim activity, where the recruitment of DKM administrators, preachers, and congregants can accelerate the preaching of the Khilafah. Meanwhile, the use of women as another HTI recruitment agent is done because the HTI doctrine believes in the importance of women as pillars of civilization. This article argues that although the government has banned HTI, they are still fighting back, mainly through invisible and covert means.</span></p>