Eastern Perspective Research Articles

Development of a college-level assessment framework in line with international accreditation standards: A Middle Eastern perspective

IntroductionAccreditation of international pharmacy programs by North American and European accrediting bodies is becoming increasingly popular. Practices regarding assessment and evaluation are especially highlighted in accreditation standards and many programs around the world do not currently have coordinated approaches to meet assessment expectations. This article describes the process of developing a comprehensive assessment framework at our institution and provides discussion regarding facilitators and barriers for those attempting to do the same. MethodsA coordinator of Assessment and Accreditation was appointed by the Dean. This person subsequently formed an Assessment Committee consisting of faculty, student, and administrative support membership. This committee developed the assessment framework through a review of published and online literature, in addition to extraction of key assessment points from accreditation standards. These data were then categorized according to major domains informed by the literature review and subcategorized based on components to be assessed using consensus techniques. ResultsA comprehensive assessment framework was developed consisting of three domains (programmatic assessment, academics, and engagement/satisfaction). The components relating to programmatic assessment included vision/mission and accreditation standards; academics consisted of program learning outcomes, final cumulative assessment, and course and curriculum assessments; and engagement/satisfaction consisted of students, faculty/staff, and other stakeholders. ConclusionAn assessment framework guided by accreditation standards can coordinate assessment plans and support program quality.

Psychological Aspects of Pollyanna Attitude

Self is a central concept in Psychology used since times when schools of thought such as psychoanalysis and behaviourism existed (focussing on dark side of personality and reducing humans functioning based on animals respectively). It was with the advent of a newly christened approach i.e. third force of Psychology by Maslow that personality or self was considered ‘positive’ and ‘good’. The present paper underlines not only the Western view that focuses on positivity, but also, the Eastern perspective which call attention to the teachings of karma theory described in the Bhagavad Gita as it endow with similar characteristics with pollyanna attitude. Though the concept is decades old, yet holds utmost relevance in prevailing ethos as adolescents cannot accept unpleasant or dreadful situation or event happened to them and so it becomes vital to harness Pollyanna and the efforts for the same can be done by educators, counsellors, teachers and most importantly parents. Thus, adopting this attitude perhaps can contribute to one’s well-being, mental health and more fulfilling life.

Educational Philosophy as Explored Through the Eastern Perspective The Tradition of Indian Scholars Rabindranath Tagore and M. K. Gandhi

In this written work, exploration shall commence in the journey of studying educational philosophy in the predominantly Eastern traditions in order to identify the virtues and tenets which would eventually be propounded in the Best Practices Model In Educational Philosophy.

RELASI GENDER SACHIKO MURATA (ANALISIS FILSAFAT TAO DAN SPIRITUALITAS ISLAM)

Thought -oriented feminism Indonesia with a Western perspective characteristic rational, materialistic and quantitative had been implicated in the occurrence of friction with the values in the eastern -oriented society that upholds harmonitas the characteristics, the spirituality, and the quality. Murata thought was based on Eastern perspective needed to be studied and received great attention, not only as an answer to the problems faced by the dominance of western orientation, but also as a counterweight to the tendency that the biassed too. Murata thought used the mystic Taoism and Islam, seeing the gender relations as relations dualist - complementary, relations two seemingly contradictory qualities, but it was one unit. The relationships found in all reality, include: people, nature and the God. Opposition of masculinity and femininity was not in the sense of separateness, but rather in the sense of unity, equality and reciprocity.

Process Ontology in an Eastern Perspective, with Special Reference to Zhuangzi

Process Ontology in an Eastern Perspective, with Special Reference to Zhuangzi

Educational Philosophy as Explored Through the Eastern Perspective The Chinese Approach The Confucian School of Educational Philosophy

Educational Philosophy as Explored Through the Eastern Perspective The Chinese Approach The Confucian School of Educational Philosophy

The emergence of the Acheulian in Europe – A look from the east

After nearly 150 years of research, many aspects of the emergence of the Acheulian techno-complex in Europe are still under debate. They include: the chronology of the appearance of the Acheulian, its geographical origin, the technology and typology of its assemblages, the actual stages (if any) of its development and the tempo and intensity of its spread into Europe. In this paper, we offer an eastern perspective for exploring these issues. We examine the European evidence in light of the current knowledge of the Lower Paleolithic sequence in the Levant. The primary contribution of this viewpoint is the identification of a ‘Large Flake’ stage within the European Acheulian which, we suggest, should be seen as the earliest stage of the Acheulian presence in this part of the world. While well-defined elsewhere, the Large Flake Acheulian sites of Europe are found primarily in the Iberian Peninsula. We suggest that all other, later, Acheulian sites in the continent can be attributed to the stage defined in the Levant as ‘Late Acheulian’. The resulting chronological and cultural implications are discussed below.

Tian-ren-he-yi strategy: An Eastern perspective

Research on the business-environment dilemma has traditionally focused on strategies based on isolated, either/or mindsets, such as economically-oriented and environmentally-oriented strategies. Drawing on the cultural, philosophical, and intellectual traditions of China, we sketch the contours of a new holism-based strategic mindset, which results in a tian-ren-he-yi strategy. As an Eastern perspective, tian-ren-he-yi means “nature and mankind combined as one” or “nature-human harmony.” We leverage both qualitative and quantitative investigations to first identify the underlying mechanisms connecting tian-ren-he-yi strategy and firm performance, and then to compare the performance-enhancing potential of tian-ren-he-yi strategy with the two strategies based on the isolated mindset. Our analysis shows that when managing the business-environment dilemma, tian-ren-he-yi strategy has stronger performance-enhancing potential than either economically-oriented or environmentally-oriented strategies.

Laparoscopic liver resection in patients with clinically significant cirrhosis: an Eastern perspective.

A sick heart can be revascularized, improving the health of the entire body. The function of a diseased kidney can be substituted by a dialysis machine. Just the act of cutting the abdominal wall can lead to death in a patient with underlying liver disease. And that the ducts and vessels of the liver are hidden from plain sight, have slowed the application of laparoscopy to liver surgery. As Dr. Blake Cady elegantly said nearly two decades ago: “Biology is King; selection of cases is Queen, and the technical details of surgical procedures are the Princes and Princesses of the realm who frequently try to overthrow the powerful forces of the King or Queen, usually to no long-term avail, although with some temporary apparent victories.” As commendable as the effort in pushing technical boundaries by the HPB surgical community is, we must not forget that these pursuits must translate to improving survival and quality of life. It just may be that laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) produces a greater balance between the king and the queen.

Infusing work-based learning with Confucian principles: a comparative perspective

Purpose – The globalization of the market economy and the technology revolution present multiple demands for education to meet the needs of the knowledge society. In this global context, work-based learning (WBL) has become increasingly valuable and critical for individuals and governments to enhance employability and to produce competitive workforces. Yet, the interdependence nature of globalization urges us to learn from each other the various theoretical and methodological approaches to WBL. Applying an appreciative inquiry, the purpose of this paper is to propose the transformation of current WBL practices by integrating or “meshing” Confucian Learning Model (CLM) into Western approaches for sustainable human development in this multi-cultural economic-driven global context. Design/methodology/approach – This study is grounded in literature review and critical examination of profound pedagogical theories and practices from both Western and Eastern perspectives. Western education philosophies, learning theories, and models are critically examined and contrasted with CLM an important Eastern perspective in order to identify the major limitations of current WBL development. Appreciative inquiry and comparative view are applied as methods to highlight the significance of integrating or meshing CLM into the Western approaches to transform current WBL practices in this global context. Findings – WBL has greatly benefited current workforce development worldwide, which is well documented in the literature. However, through futuristic and holistic human development perspectives, current WBL development is seen as moving toward pragmatism and utilitarianism due to overemphasizing the use of education for economic competition and for satisfying employers’ immediate work/job needs. Through an “appreciative eye” and comparative lens, this paper helps identify an urgent need to integrate or mesh CLM, an important Eastern perspective, into Western perspectives for enhanced theoretical foundations and more holistic and systemic practical approaches to transform current WBL practices for global sustainable human development. Originality/value – This paper employs a unique method of “appreciative eye” and comparative lens through which scholars and practitioners may identify what is missing but needed in current WBL development in the global context. It is through this unique approach that this paper increases the reader’s awareness of the limitations of current WBL practices, guides them to envision how to fully prepare and release the potential of the twenty-first century workforce, and calls for integrating or “meshing” CLM into the various Western approaches for a more holistic perspective for the possible transformation of current WBL practices worldwide.

Acute kidney injury in acute on chronic liver failure.

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a distinct clinical entity; however, there is still debate in the way it is defined in the East as compared to the West, especially with respect to incorporation of kidney dysfunction or failure in the definition of ACLF. Kidney dysfunction is defined as serum creatinine between 1.5 and 1.9mg/dl and kidney failure as serum creatinine of more than 2mg/dl or requirement of renal replacement therapy according to the EASL-CLIF Consortium. Kidney dysfunction or failure is universally present in patients with ACLF according to the definition by the EASL-CLIF Consortium while on the contrary the APASL definition of ACLF does not incorporate kidney dysfunction or failure in its definition. Recently, both the diagnosis and management of renal failure in patients with cirrhosis has changed with the advent of the acute kidney injury (AKI) criteria defined as an abrupt decline in renal functions, characterized by an absolute increase in serum creatinine of 0.3mg/dl within 48h or an increase of more than 50% from baseline, which is known or presumed to have occurred in the previous 7days. Further, recent studies in patients with cirrhosis have shown the utility of biomarkers for the diagnosis of AKI. The present review covers the pathogenetic mechanisms, diagnosis, prognosis as well as management of AKI in patients with ACLF from both a Western as well as an Eastern perspective. The review identifies an unmet need to diagnose AKI and prevent this ominous complication in patients with ACLF.

Influence of audit committees on internal audit conformance with internal audit standards

Purpose – This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the association between audit committee characteristics and internal audit conformance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (ISPPIA). Design/methodology/approach – Seventy-four usable responses were received from a survey of chief internal auditors (CIAs) from Saudi companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange. Findings – The results indicate that audit committee characteristics (the presence of independent members on the committee, members’ expertise in auditing and accounting and meeting with the CIA) influence internal audit conformance with the ISPPIA. Additionally, they demonstrate that such conformance is also influenced by CIA tenure. Practical implications – The findings of this study also have significant implications for audit committees wishing to improve their overall effectiveness, by identifying the impact of the committee’s characteristics on internal audit conformance with the ISPPIA. Originality/value – The results add to the literature on internal audit standards by introducing a Middle Eastern perspective and simultaneously providing insights for companies in their attempts to adhere to the international standards, hence, supporting efforts towards good corporate governance.

The Role of Mindfulness in Leading Organizational Transformation: A Systematic Review

Heightened individual and organizational awareness and understanding of environments in which they operate are important to meet challenges of global complexity and uncertainty, especially as it pertains to change and organizational transformation (Fries, 2009). Thietart and Forgues (1995, p. 19) analyzed chaos and organizations and noted that, the existences of continuous processes of convergence and divergence, stability and instability, evolution and revolution in every organization further exacerbate conditions and circumstances that challenge organizations and therefore ability to effectively manage change. Kotter (2007, p. 96), acknowledging high failure rate of change efforts in organizations, remarked, the basic goal of a change initiative is to make changes in how business is conducted in order to cope with a new, more challenging market environment. Therefore, this raises question of potential impact of increased individual and organizational awareness and cognition to organizational change, and if can improve success rate of change.This study seeks to investigate cognition and awareness in organizations by conducting a systematic review of literature on and change. The effect of change on organizations makes it an imperative to identify a cognitive strategy that will broadly examine and scan all facets of environment to amend behaviors that may increase likelihood of successful change. Ashford and Fried (1998, p. 305) stated that of organizational behavior is argued to be performed mindlessly, on basis of scripts learned through organizational socialization, work experiences and symbolic management. Collectively, this lack of awareness is problematic, as mindless behavior by organizational members may adversely impact or impede success of positive organizational change. Furthermore, dearth of scholarly literature that explicates on as a strategic imperative for addressing change calls for study, research and investigation to reduce mindlessness and promote mindfulness.To advance discourse on and role and strategies that may have in effectuating change and organizational transformation, this research is guided by following:t How may alter behaviors in organizations?t How may mindfulness/mindlessness affect change in organizations?t What strategies can organizations employ to increase in any organizational change or transformation effort?t What steps can organizations take to reduce organizational mindlessness?This examination culminates in strategies for increasing in organizations.Mindfulness overviewThe literature on is not new and Eastern perspective of existed for at least 2500 years. The origins date back to fundamental teachings on Satipatthana as preserved in Pali canon of Theravada Buddhism; School of Elders (Dhiman, 2009, p. 58). Fries (2009, p. 5) found that mindfulness is usually associated with meditation due to its long history in Eastern contemplative traditions, especially Buddhism. However, has recently become a non-secular practice of many westerners (Emanuel et al., 2010, p. 815).The research on Western or cognitive perspective of and differences that emanated from mindful to mindless behavior originated in 1974 with wide ranging results (Langer & Moldoveanu, 2000). Much of current literature describes as a meditative intervention, or as a socio-cognitive construct addressing varied areas of psychology that include clinical psychology and scientific applications (Baer et al., 2004), social psychology (Langer, 1989), health (Valentine et al., 2010), and education, political theory and communication processes (Langer & Moldoveanu, 2000). In clinical practice, interventions based on are used as coping resources to address a multitude of disorders including chronic pain and stress, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and panic eating (Carmody et al. …

Music as a manifestation of life: exploring enactivism and the 'eastern perspective' for music education.

The enactive approach to cognition is developed in the context of music and music education. I discuss how this embodied point of view affords a relational and bio-cultural perspective on music that decentres the Western focus on language, symbol and representation as the fundamental arbiters of meaning. I then explore how this ‘life-based’ approach to cognition and meaning-making offers a welcome alternative to standard Western academic approaches to music education. More specifically, I consider how the enactive perspective may aid in developing deeper ecological understandings of the transformative, extended and interpenetrative nature of the embodied musical mind; and thus help (re)connect students and teachers to the lived experience of their own learning and teaching. Following this, I examine related concepts associated with Buddhist psychology in order to develop possibilities for a contemplative music pedagogy. To conclude, I consider how an enactive-contemplative perspective may help students and teachers awaken to the possibilities of music education as ‘ontological education.’ That is, through a deeper understanding of ‘music as a manifestation of life’ rediscover their primordial nature as autopoietic and world-making creatures and thus engage more deeply with musicality as a means of forming richer and more compassionate relationships with their peers, their communities and the ‘natural’ and cultural worlds they inhabit.

Current management of hepatocellular carcinoma: an Eastern perspective.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death, especially in Eastern areas. With advancements in diagnosis and treatment modalities for HCC, the survival and prognosis of HCC patients are improving. However, treatment patterns are not uniform between areas despite efforts to promote a common protocol. Although many hepatologists in Asian countries may adopt the principles of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system, they are also independently making an effort to expand the indications of each treatment and to combine therapies for better outcomes. Several expanded criteria for liver transplantation in HCC have been developed in Asian countries. Living donor liver transplantation is much more commonly performed in these countries than deceased donor liver transplantation, and it may be preceded by other treatments such as the down-staging of tumors. Local ablation therapies are often combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and the outcome is comparable to that of surgical resection. The indications of TACE are expanding, and there are new types of transarterial therapies. Although data on drug-eluting beads, TACE, and radioembolization in Asian countries are still relatively sparse compared with Western countries, these methods are gradually gaining popularity because of better tolerability and the possibility of improved response rates. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not included in Western guidelines, but are currently being used actively in several Asian countries. For more advanced HCCs, appropriate combinations of TACE, radiotherapy, and sorafenib can be considered, and emerging data indicate improved outcomes of combination therapies compared with single therapies. To include these paradigm shifts into newer treatment guidelines, more studies may be needed, but they are certainly in progress.

Cardiac mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction: An Eastern perspective.

To investigate the nature and origin of cardiac mucosa (CM). Biopsy samples from sixty-one individuals were included in this study. The specimens were taken "at", "just below", or "just above" the gastroesophageal junction, including the histologic squamocolumnar junction. Clinical data were obtained by reviewing electronic medical records for each patient. Patients with a history of stomach adenoma or carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma were excluded, and cases that were endoscopically suspicious of Barrett's esophagus or a polyp were also ruled out. Histologic and endoscopic reviews were performed blinded to the patient's clinical data. Histologic evaluation was conducted by two pathologists, and endoscopic review was performed by a endoscopist with wide experience in the field. Histologically, the columnar epithelium of squamocolumnar junction, presence and severity of acute and chronic inflammation, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and presence of carditis were evaluated. Endoscopically, reflux esophagitis was evaluated by Los Angeles (LA) classification, hiatal hernias were classified by Hill grade, and gastroesophageal flap valves were assessed. Fifty-nine of the 61 (96.7%) patients were Korean; 65.6% (40/61) of the patients underwent endoscopy according to the schedule of the National Health Insurance Program as a screening inspection. Of these, only 20.0% (8/40) of cases had reflux symptoms. CM was present in 41/61 (67.2%) individuals, and its presence was associated with older age compared to oxyntocardiac mucosa/oxyntic mucosa (60.59 ± 2.02 years vs 51.55 ± 3.35 years; P = 0.018). The presence of CM was associated with endoscopic diagnosis of esophagitis according to the LA classification (P = 0.022). CM was associated with mononuclear cell infiltration and neutrophilic infiltration, which were statistically significant (P = 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively). The inflammation of CM, "carditis", showed a statistically significant association with endoscopic diagnosis of reflux esophagitis according to the LA classification (P = 0.008). CM at the gastroesophageal junction is a common histologic finding in biopsy specimens, though not always present, and associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and carditis severity.

Perceived Organizational ERP Benefits for SMEs: Middle Eastern Perspective

This study aims to examine the impact of organizational environment (top management support, company-wide support, business process reengineering, effective project management, and organizational culture) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) vendor environment (ERP vendor support) on ERP perceived benefits. In order to achieve the study’s aim, a questionnaire was developed based on the extant literature to collect relevant data from the research informants. The population for this research consisted of all users of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains (a typical type of enterprise system), which is frequently used in Jordanian companies in Amman City. A random sample of 30% of the research population was selected. The results revealed that business process reengineering, effective project management, company-wide support, and organizational culture have a positive correlation with ERP perceived benefits, whereas top management support does not. In addition, there is a significant positive correlation between vendor support and ERP perceived benefits. Academic and practical recommendations are provided.

Lost in Translation: An Exploration of Political Writing during Anti-imperial Struggles in Burma in the Late 1930s, with a Particular Emphasis on Works of Translation

During the late 1930s an evolution of Burmese writing took place, which was marked by a conscious movement to introduce new ideas in literature that would motivate the Burmese people to rise up against the British in a bid for independence. Works from western authors were adapted to reflect the growth of national feeling in Burma. The aim of this paper will be to question how far and to what extent can a work of translation become a political tool. Further, what is translation anyway? Translations are never written in a vacuum nor are they received in one, therefore can the translator position himself within the actual text produced, so that the translation will be so close to the cultural centre of the target audience that the translation might become the original? Using a form of discourse analysis this paper will examine the work of Thein Pe in particular and the role of the Nagani Book club to question how far translations can indeed become political and to what extent they were successful as a tool of nationalism. The difference between a work of translation and an adaptation is slight. In his foreword to his 1940 novel 'oil' Thein Pe describes himslef as a translator, and his novel as a work of adaptation.I would argue that the cultural dichotomy between two opposing rationales (East and West) was at the crux of the political/literary debate during this period. This can be examined on several different levels: Eastern vs Western perspective, or capitalist vs socialist ideology, nevertheless the question remains: can a literary translation be termed political and if so to what extent.

Social Media at Work: A Middle Eastern Perspective

Social Media at Work: A Middle Eastern Perspective

Schizophrenia, Depression, and Sleep Disorders: Their Traditional Oriental Medicine Equivalents

Psychiatric disorders can be described and treated from both a Western (allopathic) and an Eastern perspective, which should be taken into account when conducting research. Patients with schizophrenia or depression are likely to be undergoing Western treatment when they are referred to an acupuncturist for (add-on) treatment, and knowledge of both types of treatments is necessary to integrate them successfully. In this study, the different Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) diagnostic patterns in patients with a Western diagnosis of schizophrenia, depression, or sleep disorders are described from a literature and a clinical perspective. The data on 30 depression and 30 schizophrenia patients from a German study are presented. Our results show that if a psychiatric group, sorted in accordance to Western diagnostic principles, is diagnosed on the basis of TOM diagnostic patterns, it can be categorized into different groups of patients with psychiatric disorders; this finding has far-reaching consequences in scientific research on acupuncture. Moreover, we found a high prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with both schizophrenia and depression, which could be explained from the perspective of a TOM diagnostic pattern. Finally, we discuss sleep quality as a treatment objective that may play a crucial role in mediating acupuncture-induced treatment effects in patients with schizophrenia and depression.