Diverse Viewpoints Research Articles

Myths about Stalin in Georgian Politics and Georgian History School Textbooks

Abstract The theoretical framework of the paper is established through the concept of political myths. The research delves into the diverse viewpoints presented in the scientific literature concerning this matter, and depending on the chosen topic, great attention is paid to the phenomenon of historical myths. The paper employs the method of content analysis to examine history textbooks. The research discusses two textbooks from the Soviet period and 14 textbooks covering Georgian and world history that were published after the Soviet era. Considering that history is currently taught in schools using textbooks published in 2012 and onward, the paper includes a table that specifically shows the facts related to Stalin in these textbooks.

How do ML practitioners perceive explainability? an interview study of practices and challenges

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is a field of study that focuses on the development process of AI-based systems while making their decision-making processes understandable and transparent for users. Research already identified explainability as an emerging requirement for AI-based systems that use machine learning (ML) techniques. However, there is a notable absence of studies investigating how ML practitioners perceive the concept of explainability, the challenges they encounter, and the potential trade-offs with other quality attributes. In this study, we want to discover how practitioners define explainability for AI-based systems and what challenges they encounter in making them explainable. Furthermore, we explore how explainability interacts with other quality attributes. To this end, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 ML practitioners from 11 companies. Our study reveals diverse viewpoints on explainability and applied practices. Results suggest that the importance of explainability lies in enhancing transparency, refining models, and mitigating bias. Methods like SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanation (LIME) are frequently used by ML practitioners to understand how models work, while tailored approaches are typically adopted to meet the specific requirements of stakeholders. Moreover, we have discerned emerging challenges in eight categories. Issues such as effective communication with non-technical stakeholders and the absence of standardized approaches are frequently stated as recurring hurdles. We contextualize these findings in terms of requirements engineering and conclude that industry currently lacks a standardized framework to address arising explainability needs.

Exploring Inpatient Unit Nurses’ Experience with Emergency Department Crowding, Access and Flow, and Associated Patient Outcomes

Background: Emergency department crowding and hospital access and flow are complex and long standing issues that negatively impact healthcare delivery. This study aims to address these issues through the perspectives of inpatient unit nurses. Strategies to alleviate ED crowding are supported by research exploring ED staff perspectives; however, a paucity of research exists addressing the perceptions of inpatient unit nurses and other key stakeholders. Methods: The research aims were addressed using qualitative method. Semi-structured virtual interviews were completed with eleven inpatient unit registered nurses from two hospital sites. A 17-question interview tool facilitated the collection of data. Results: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis. Inpatient unit nurses identified ED crowding, hospital access and flow, and site congestion as key areas of concern. In addition, the influence of understaffing was viewed as a contributor to ED crowding, resulting in negative outcomes for patient care. Conclusion: This study is the initial step to understanding different experiences, perceptions and knowledge on emergency department crowding and access and flow processes. Further research exploring diverse viewpoints on this topic is necessary given the interconnected organizational structure of healthcare today and how key stakeholders, outside of the emergency department, strongly influence access block and ED outflow.

Letter From the Co-Editor: Yes, “Shit’s Got to Change.” But How? A Call for a Deep Scholarship Social Movement

This letter from the editor is in response to Benjamin et al.'s (2024) call to action surrounding the structures and systems of the tourism academy. It recommends a social movements approach as a possible framework for taking next steps. This Deep Scholarship Movement suggests (1) identifying and assembling key leadership change agents with diverse viewpoints, (2) enhancing self-efficacy, increasing consciousness-raising, and maximizing resource mobilization, the three primary components of successful social movements, and using them to work toward (3) community consensus building. These are challenging and daunting recommendations. This letter argues, however, that this or some other systemic, organized approach is necessary for those of us in varying aspects of leadership to clear the way and establish deeper, richer, more inclusive and less oppressive environments for our early-and mid-career colleagues.

‘Happy Loong Year”: translating festive language into English in Shantou’s coffee shops

ABSTRACT Temporal markers provide unique opportunities for a community to revisit traditions, construct identity, and negotiate solidarity. The linguistic landscape (LL) encapsulating the celebration of the Chinese New Year, a momentous festival for both the Chinese community and people worldwide, presents a distinctive avenue for exploring the contestation and negotiation of diverse values and viewpoints in envisioning the future in the public sphere. The paper investigates the use of multilingual and multimodal resources to commemorate the Chinese New Year in Shantou’s coffee shops, revealing a diverse textual and visual narrative of celebration. In this process, socially constructed linguistic borders dissolve, facilitating the meshing and fusion of languages and enabling the reimagination, reinterpretation, and rewriting of the New Year. The juxtaposition of elements in differing linguistic and semiotic repertoires opens a dialogue, wherein values and traditions associated with the New Year are negotiated and reconstructed within the context of the evolving social attitudes and beliefs in post-pandemic Shantou.

Communicative Democracy and Voter Choice: Evidence From a Conjoint Analysis in Taiwan

While prior scholarship has dedicated substantial attention to theoretically discussing communicative democracy, there has been a notable dearth of empirical research examining its political implications. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by exploring the impact of prioritizing communicative democracy in policy-making on electoral support. Through a conjoint experiment conducted in Taiwan, this study finds that candidates who emphasize communicative democracy, characterized by transparent communication, active engagement, and meaningful dialogue, are more likely to be chosen by voters over those who focus on majority rule. This preference highlights a broader desire for inclusivity and policies reflecting diverse viewpoints. As the first empirical investigation, the findings contribute to our understanding of voter values around communication and inclusivity in democracy, indicating a shift toward valuing collaborative policy development.

Navigating Information Equity, Access, and Literacy in the Context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In today's interconnected world, the ability to access and critically analyze information is essential for fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. This proposal seeks to explore challenges and strategies related to information literacy amidst political and policy confrontations to continuously achieve fundamental principles. Objectives:•Highlight the importance of information literacy in promoting diverse perspectives and combating bias.•Discuss strategies for equitable access to accurate information, particularly for marginalized communities.•Explore the role of media and education in shaping inclusive narratives and fostering informed dialogue.•Address the impact of misinformation and polarization on efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Panel Topics:Understanding Information Literacy: Define information literacy and its significance in empowering individuals to navigate complex information landscapes. Promoting Diverse Perspectives: Examine how access to diverse sources and viewpoints contributes to a more inclusive understanding of societal issues. Equitable Information Access: Discuss barriers to access reliable information, particularly in underserved communities, and propose solutions for greater equity. Expected Outcomes:•Increased awareness of the importance of information literacy in promoting diversity and inclusion.•Identification of actionable strategies for improving information access and combating bias in media.•Inspiration for collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive dialogues and empowering marginalized communities. Audience:Our target audience includes educators, media professionals, community organizers, policymakers, and individuals passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through enhanced information literacy.

Islamic views on local tourism engagement in conservative societies: an insight from Oman

ABSTRACT Understanding the diverse viewpoints within host communities is vital for achieving sustainable tourism development. While literature often addresses pro-tourism perspectives, scant attention is given to anti-tourism factions (unsupportive cohort of society) and those not directly benefiting. The current study addresses this gap, employing social exchange and social distance theories to explore opposition to Western-style tourism. Interviews with 22 respondents across five traditional villages in Oman reveal concerns about religious and cultural preservation, privacy, and lifestyle. The results showed that perceptions of social distance significantly shape community attitudes and behaviours towards tourists, particularly those perceived as cultural outsiders. Despite challenges, respondents adopt a nuanced approach, balancing cultural preservation with respect for tourists. Findings further illustrate that communities use symbolic markers to maintain cultural identity and cohesion amid external pressures and perceived risks. The study offers insights into culturally sensitive tourism strategies in religiously conservative societies.

The Diversity of Voices in Universities: A Critical Reflection on Representation Based on Two University Projects in Iceland and Germany

ABSTRACTBackgroundUniversities are deeply rooted in a tradition of exclusivity. However, for the past several years, they have been called upon to develop in an inclusive and socially responsible manner that does justice to the plurality of society. This has led to the emergence of diverse practices and projects around the world that are intended to open up universities to previously excluded and marginalised groups of people. At the same time, findings from postcolonial studies, such as Spivak's discussions on the topic of representation, show that such processes of change must always be accompanied by critical reflection. This article offers a reflexive analysis of two university projects—one in Iceland and one in Germany—where people with learning difficulties are employed as academic staff, engaged in both teaching and research.MethodsThis article is a result of a collaboration between three nondisabled lecturers and three lecturers with learning disabilities, co‐written across three languages—German, Icelandic and English. The authors worked together to explore theories of representation, ensuring that their discussions and writing were accessible to all members, regardless of language or disability. The article discusses two projects from Iceland and Germany.FindingsThe article shows that inclusive higher education developments are necessary. The projects presented in the article have created work opportunities for people with learning disabilities in the previously exclusive setting of the university. The article provides descriptions of the exemplary life paths of the three lecturers with learning disabilities who co‐authored this article. They have had to navigate the precarious balance between being reduced to mere representatives of their disability and contributing valuable academic knowledge. The findings suggest that an inclusive university can foster equitable academic environments, contributing to the transformation of higher education by reflecting diverse viewpoints and experiences.ConclusionsInitiatives in Iceland and Germany highlight significant progress towards more inclusive universities by integrating individuals with learning disabilities into academic roles, challenging traditional power dynamics. Spivak's (2008) concept of representation emphasises the need to include marginalised voices in academic discourse, ensuring they are genuinely reflected. While these efforts are crucial, continuous critical reflection is necessary to avoid reinforcing inequalities. Moving forward, universities must embed inclusion into all aspects of their structures, creating meaningful opportunities for marginalised groups to influence decision‐making. This approach will ensure that representation is transformative and drives genuine social change.

Ethical empowerment: Examining the impact of business education in Indian universities through the lens of international standards and CIPP model

This study assessed the effectiveness of Indian postgraduate business education in addressing ethical challenges, integrating International Education Standards (IES) and the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model. Using a positivist approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted, focusing on 233 postgraduate business students through various sampling methods. Data analysis employed descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential (multiple linear regression) statistics. Findings revealed a significant 75% alignment with IES 4 in surveyed universities' business programs. Participative teaching methods were found to be used often in ethics instruction, particularly in accounting courses. Students perceived the program as highly effective in meeting ethical requirements, influenced by age, religiosity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Future research should explore components affecting ethical preparedness, considering content, teaching methods, case studies, long-term impacts, and cultural variations. The study, which was constrained by self-reported data and student perspectives, highlights the need for diverse viewpoints and methods in future cross-cultural research.

Leadher: role of women leadership in shaping corporate innovation

The nexus between women leadership and corporate innovation in the context of developing world is key objective of this. To evaluate such narrative, firm-level data is acquired using World Bank data, and a sample of approximately 20,000 observations from 29 developing nations was collected over a four-year period (2015–2018). The findings support the hypothesis and verify significantly positive relationship between women in leadership roles and corporate innovation. These findings verify the Upper Echelons (UE) and Critical Mass (CM) theories which state that gender-based diversity among business leaders/top management impacts strategic decision-making, such as corporate innovation. Moreover, female representation in top management can bring diverse viewpoints, capabilities, knowledge, and customs which improve the functions and outcomes of the organization.

PROGRESS: A Patient-centered Engagement Infrastructure and Multi-level Approach to Enrich Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a National Randomized Online Behavioral Pain Treatment Study

Twenty percent of individuals experience chronic pain worldwide posing significant challenges to those living with it. Pain research is crucial for developing and characterizing effective strategies to reduce the burden of chronic pain. Traditional research approaches often yield homogeneous study samples that poorly generalize and have unknown applicability across diverse patient populations. The Pain Relief with Online Groups that Empower Skills-based Symptom Reduction (PROGRESS) study aims to address disparities in pain research engagement and patient outcomes through the intentional inclusion of people with varied backgrounds and experiences of pain, and through a multilevel design informed by diverse stakeholder recommendations. The composition of three advisory boards (Patient Engagement and Diversity Board, Local Patient Advisory Board, and the National Patient Advisory Panel) prioritized diversity in patient/expert advisor background, geographic location, race, and ethnicity. Our engagement approach aligns with the Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), which emphasizes diverse representation, early and ongoing engagement, dedicated funds for advisor compensation, collaborative decision making, meaningful participation, and continuous assessment. The first 24 months of study advisor engagement has yielded multiple recruitment strategies resulting in a study population enriched with a breadth of identities within PROGRESS (e.g., inclusive patient-facing materials). Lessons learned underscore the importance of investing time in building patient and stakeholder relationships, trust, and embracing diverse viewpoints amongst the study team. PROGRESS demonstrates the potential of diverse patient-centered engagement to support evidence-based outcomes and practices that are more inclusive, equitable, and representative of the broader population. PerspectiveThe PROGRESS study demonstrates how diverse patient engagement and inclusive advisory boards enhance research outcomes. By aligning with PCORI standards and employing innovative recruitment strategies, it highlights the vital role of stakeholder relationships and diverse perspectives. Key lessons learned emphasize adaptive strategies and continuous feedback for advancing equitable pain research.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Findings from the Sleep Research Society

ObjectivesTo characterize representation and inclusion among Sleep Research Society members and examine associations between sociodemographic features and Sleep Research Society experiences. MethodsThe Sleep Research Society Taskforce for Diversity and Inclusion developed a web-based questionnaire in 2021, assessing membership data and Sleep Research Society experiences (self-initiated and society-initiated participation, feeling very welcomed, perceptions of inclusiveness, and diversity of viewpoints represented). Frequencies were calculated and adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit to estimate associations. ResultsMost participants (n = 388; 35.7% of members) were aged 18-49 (61%), non-Hispanic White (65%), and women (59%). Regarding inclusion, 41% participated in ≥2 Sleep Research Society self-initiated activities (abstract submission), 56% in Sleep Research Society-initiated activities (appointed position), 51% felt welcomed, whereas 52% perceived a lack of inclusivity and 65% a lack of diverse viewpoints. Historically minoritized groups and women felt less welcomed compared to non-Hispanic White members and men. Older, biracial, women, gender-divergent, and U.S.-born individuals, were less likely to perceive that there was a diversity of viewpoints represented in the Sleep Research Society. Members of ≥10years and those with a doctoral degree were more likely to participate in Sleep Research Society activities, while sexual and gender minoritized individuals were less likely to do so. Sexual and gender minoritized individuals were more likely to report Sleep Research Society was noninclusive. ConclusionsHistorically minoritized individuals are under-represented in Sleep Research Society and a majority of respondents report not feeling welcomed. These results serve as a baseline benchmark and example for assessing the impact of ongoing and future diversity and inclusion initiatives and provide targets for expanding opportunities for underrepresented individuals in sleep/circadian societies.

Intertwining worlds: The dynamics of linguistic religion and religious language

Linguists and scholars in Iran have overlooked the interaction between language and religion. The correlation between language and religion is substantial among individuals. This study aims to determine whether language serves religion or if there is a distinct category known as religious language. The purpose of this study is to explore further and analyze various perspectives on the relationship between language and religion. We devised a fundamental structure of conversation guidelines based on the works "Religious Language" by Peter Donovan and "Religion and the Making of Society" by Charles Davis. This study examines the argumentation topic through three primary points. The first portion of the text provides a concise overview of the essential information regarding the epistemological and ontological elements of language and religion. A comprehensive analysis of many papers and books has been conducted to extract diverse viewpoints on the interplay between language and religion. The disparities in this region were elucidated by describing both the real and fictitious aspects, as well as the meaningful and meaningless distinctions. The subsequent part explores several tactics employed in theological texts and religious languages and their influence on the dissemination of religious ideology. The primary contention in this part revolves around the capacity of religious language to incite and evoke emotions in individuals. The final section of the paper examines the objectives and intentions of religious declarations and texts by analyzing their discourses using Van Dijk's framework of ideological discourse analysis.

Community perception of watershed management as a strategy for food security improvement: Case study of Qersa District, Ethiopia

The importance of community-based watershed management for food security and rural development is increasingly recognized. However, the comprehensive nature of the strategy is not well understood. The study examined the perspectives of different stakeholders and their level of coordination in implementing the watershed approach. Data was collected from 63 individuals with diverse professional backgrounds at different organizational hierarchies and 337 farmers from three different micro watersheds. The findings of the study showed that professionals and farmers have different views. About 36.0% of professionals and 12.6% of farmers see it as a holistic strategy for rural development, 7.0% of professionals and 40.0% of farmers see it as a way to conserve soil and water, and the rest see it as natural resource management. The chi-square test analysis revealed significant correlations between organizational affiliation, hierarchies, work experience, and field of study among professionals at significance levels of 0.05 and 0.01, with no significant differences observed among farmers in the three micro watersheds. The diverse viewpoints of professionals and farmers highlight the inadequate understanding and lack of consensus among stakeholders regarding watershed management principles, hindering the transformation of this strategy into a comprehensive food security initiative. The study also revealed limited collaboration among various organizations and departments in supporting the management of local watersheds, which can be attributed to the lack of accountability. This highlighted the need for improved collaboration and communication among different groups involved in implementing watershed management plans. The study also identified the need for capacity-building to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals and farmers involved in watershed management. To effectively use the watershed approach as a holistic strategy to address food security, fostering greater coordination and communication among stakeholders, robust institutional arrangement, education, and awareness-creation initiatives must be strengthened at all levels.

Parental role and responsibilities in preschool distance learning environment

This study explored the lived experiences of parents in the home schooling of their preschool children during the Covid-19 pandemic. It focused on the parental roles and responsibilities as parent-teachers, and the support they received from the school. Purposive sampling was used in this qualitative study in order to choose participants who had firsthand experience with preschool distance learning during the pandemic. Twenty parents from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds made up the sample, ensuring a thorough comprehension of diverse viewpoints. Based on the findings, parents played an active role in the learning process during the distance learning approach, facilitating and guiding their children through the modular lessons. To promote children’s safe attachment, social-emotional competence, and cognitive development, they were expected to exhibit more positive emotions and greater levels of professional competence while doing remote learning. On the other hand, parents encountered variety of difficulties with distance learning, including the virtual environment, instruction delivery, unsatisfactory learning outcomes, challenges with the use and accessibility of technology, personal issues with health, stress, and their child’s learning style. To ensure parents receive the resources they need, there must be strong collaboration and open communication between the school and parents. The results imply that planning for blended learning models in the long run should assist and ready parents to work as co-teachers.

Board diversity effect on financial performance in Indonesian financial institution

Board diversity is important in the current business environment, board diversity considered be able to provide diverse points of view, it is considered to be able to build effective corporate governance. This study highlights board diversity issue in Indonesia financial sector institution, taking consideration their effect on financial performance measured using Tobin Q. This study purpose are analyses the effect of board of commissioners gender diversity, board of directors gender diversity, board of commissioners nationality diversity, and board of directors nationality diversity on financial performance. The investigation makes use of regression analysis from 67 financial institution listed in Indonesia from 2020 until 2022, with total 201 sample. Our finding highlights that board of directors gender diversity, and board of directors nationality diversity positively affects financial performance, while board of commissioners nationality diversity negatively affects financial performance, and board of commissioners gender diversity does not affect financial performance.

Toni HAASTRUP, Luis MAH and Niall DUGGAN (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations

The Routledge Handbook of EU-Africa Relations is a timely and pioneering volume that offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving interaction and collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Africa. The work brings together contributions from scholars with diverse viewpoints, critical analysis, and expertise on EU-Africa relations. By blending historical contexts, contemporary dynamics, and future-oriented insights, this seminal volume offers a holistic understanding of EU-Africa relations with five parts that each part delve into specific aspects of the relationship, including historical and theoretical perspectives (Part I), governance frameworks (Part II), key issues (Part III), the role of external actors (Part IV), and opportunities for cooperation in tackling global challenges (Part V). One of the most remarkable aspects of this volume is its bold interrogation of the asymmetrical relationship between the EU and Africa, as well as the prevailing Eurocentric narratives in the study of EU-Africa relations. In fact, some chapters deliberately use the term “Africa-EU relations” to emphasize a shift in literature, challenging dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and diverse scholarship. By navigating the complexities of this relationship, the handbook sheds light on underlying dynamics and offers practical modalities for consolidating and strengthening the partnership between the two continents.

Design and evaluation of Enthralled: A higher education conversation game based on Euripides’ Bacchae

This article presents the design, goals, and evaluation of Enthralled following the 2022 playtesting in three undergraduate Liberal Arts core courses. Enthralled draws on ancient Greek myths and the classical tragedy Bacchae by Euripides. As an immersive pedagogical intervention, Enthralled promotes group collaboration and rewards consideration of diverse viewpoints and cultural values. Participants vote on the motivations of dramatic characters, which allows for a deeper understanding of their preconceptions and implicit biases and offers the opportunity for self-reflection and dialogue. The game toolkit includes an original deck of cards, a role-playing script, a character sheet, ballots, a hints-and-clues deck, instructions for players and moderators, and scoring materials. The third version of Enthralled exceeded our entertainment efficacy, playability, and usability goals and contributed positively to the learning outcomes of the courses. Minor game improvements and a course-tailored implementation toolkit are the next steps for scaling this project.

Cultivating Multicultural Dispositions: Assessing the Impact of a Multicultural Education Course on Preservice Teachers at an HBCU

This research examined the impact of a multicultural education course on the cultivation of critical dispositions and cultural competence among future educators at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The purpose of this study was to understand how this course affected students' self-awareness, recognition of personal biases, and broadening of worldviews. Using a mixed-methods approach, post-only quantitative data from the Multicultural Teacher Dispositions Scale (MTDS) and qualitative reflections from 23 preservice teachers selected through convenience sampling were combined in the study. The MTDS evaluates three dispositions of multiculturalism in preservice teachers: meekness, social awareness, and advocacy. The results revealed from moderate to strong endorsement of the meekness disposition, which means openness to diverse perspectives and self-reflection. The social awareness was moderately endorsed, with students recognising systemic inequities and valuing diverse viewpoints in education. The advocacy disposition showed mixed results, highlighting areas for growth in challenging institutional biases and promoting inclusivity. The qualitative analysis identified three key themes in students' reflections: embracing discomfort, self-awareness and bias recognition, effective communication as well as cultural sensitivity. Participants reported broadened worldviews, greater appreciation for cultural diversity, and increased confidence in engaging with diverse backgrounds. The study provided empirical evidence for the effectiveness of structured multicultural education courses in enhancing critical dispositions and cultural competence among preservice teachers. It emphasises the importance of incorporating opportunities for self-reflection, exploration of diverse perspectives, and addressing personal biases and discomfort within teacher preparation programs. These findings are crucial for teacher education programs at HBCUs preparing culturally competent educators for increasingly diverse classrooms. The study also suggests a need for on-going research on strategies to cultivate multicultural dispositions and to study the long-term impact of multicultural education courses on teaching practices.