Historical Challenges Research Articles

Exploring Disability within Igbo Cultural Identity: A Philosophical Inquiry

This article delves into the intricate relationship between disability and cultural identity within the Igbo society of Nigeria. Drawing upon philosophical inquiry, it examines the attitudinal barriers, cultural perceptions, and ethical dimensions surrounding disability. While negative beliefs rooted in cultural mythology perpetuate stigma and marginalization, the Igbo community also demonstrates instances of reverence and acceptance towards disabled individuals. Through an analysis of ethical theories and human rights frameworks, the article advocates for greater inclusivity and recognition of disability rights within Igbo culture. Despite historical challenges, signs of progress towards a more inclusive society are evident, fueled by educational advancements and awareness campaigns. By engaging in ongoing dialogue and critical reflection, the Igbo community can steer towards a future that embraces the diversity of its members and fosters a more just and compassionate society.

HISTORY OF JAPAN'S USE OF SOFT POWER TO ACHIEVE NATIONAL INTERESTS: LESSONS FOR UKRAINE

This article focuses on the phenomenon of soft power in the context of Japan. It examines the historical development of the country's soft power, the institutions and initiatives that ensure it, and the challenges that have been shaped in different historical periods. Given that today Japan is a country with one of the most effectively developed mechanisms of cultural diplomacy, it can serve as an example for states seeking to develop their own soft power institutions and fields. In particular, the author describes the relationship between Japanese soft power and the economy in its various sectors, and explains the phenomenon of the popularity of Japanese cultural products abroad. Various international rankings are used to analyse these phenomena. The research methods used include description, synthesis, generalisation, and comparison. The author also analyses the history and historical and foreign policy factors that influenced the development of Japan's soft power. Accordingly, the author describes how Japan has managed to overcome historical and geographical challenges in building soft power and how it protects its national interests. From this analysis, the author also derives recommendations for Ukraine in building its own soft power, having described and characterised its current state. Accordingly, it was found that the success factor for Japanese soft power was economic development, which allowed for the rapid expansion of various industries from gastronomy and sports to music and literature. But the most attractive thing about the Japanese cultural product is its modernity and compliance with trends, as well as the wide choice that attracts many people. In addition, Japan has made efforts to become a leader in unique policy areas such as the environment or know-how.

POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF STATEHOOD OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY MONARCHIES

POLITICAL ASPECTS OF THE HISTORY OF STATEHOOD OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY MONARCHIES

Traditional medicine in Tanzania: a review of historical perspective, current practices and challenges

Traditional medicine in Tanzania: a review of historical perspective, current practices and challenges

New missions for universities in the era of innovation: European and global perspectives for excellence and sustainability

Analyzing the evolving landscape of higher education, the article looks at historical, political, and contemporary challenges. It highlights the global impact of innovation doctrines over the last fifty years, and their influence on public policy and societal structures, and especially higher education. It highlights the major shift in the dominant regime of knowledge production that has taken place over the same period, leading to the dominance of the entrepreneurial university, utilitarian knowledge and “strategic research”. This transformative paradigm has led to the conceptualization of the “third mission” of economic and societal development. By examining European and national programs such as the Excellence Initiatives, the article shows how universities are adapting while contributing to national innovation systems. The analysis reveals different perspectives on knowledge production, emphasizing rationalization and productivity while highlighting the complex consequences of societal activities on their production and environment.

“Politics of memory” in Poland in the first half of the 21st Century: historical narratives, challenges and disputes. Case Study

The aim of the article is to present the specifics of Polish memory policy at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries and to trace the most important threads of the discourse around it. The aim of the author is to characterize the conditions of continuation and modifications, and above all, the challenges facing the Polish historical narrative. The research method used in analysis was the case study. The shaping of Polish politics of memory in the last three decades has been the result of many factors, including the post-communist nature of the state, the dispute over its role in narrating history, the Polish-Russian conflict over memory, the discourse on Polish-Jewish wartime relations, the internationalization of Polish historical narrative, as well as the “memory boom” and the development of public diplomacy. All the factors mentioned above influence the content of the Polish historical narrative. The Polish historical narrative, as in the case of many countries, includes a path of narrative about freedom and the presentation of the greatest scientific and cultural achievements. Regardless of the content of the Polish historical narrative, its greatest challenge is the asymmetry of knowledge about Polish past beyond its borders, not only in the context of losses suffered during World War II.

The Importance of Using BIM in Documenting Historical Buildings in Syria after The Earthquake – Case study (Department of Immigration -Old City of Aleppo)

Syrian cities and historic sites have suffered severe destruction due to armed conflicts in the past decade, causing significant effects on ancient civilizations. Historic buildings are exposed to dynamic changes like environmental shifts facing challenges especially after the earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023.Many historical buildings were partially or entirely destroyed; therefore, it needs proper restoration, maintenance, and management. Many practitioners in historical building management encounter challenges during the restoration process, including inefficient project management, and project delays. These issues stem from the absence of digital documentation and the updating of information management systems. Historical buildings management still relies on traditional techniques, managing information through various coordination systems by different professionals, leading to a lack of cooperation, and interoperability. This research aims to present BIM as a supportive tool to address these issues. It explores current technologies and their roles in digitization within BIM providing a detailed Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and develops a new integrated HBIM framework for the management of historical buildings in an integrated and interoperable environment that supports 3D digital documentation to maintain a heritage asset and facility management activities. The results indicate that the proposed framework is feasible and effective in achieving information integration and communication among stakeholders.

ИДЕЙНЫЙ ПОТЕНЦИАЛ АНАРХО-КОММУНИЗМА П.А. КРОПОТКИНА ДЛЯ ТЕОРИИ ОБЩЕСТВЕННОГО ДОГОВОРА И ЕГО ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ДЛЯ СОВРЕМЕННОСТИ

The ideas of anarcho-communism by P.A. Kropotkin represent a rich heritage of Russian intellectual thought, relevant and significant for a new understanding of the theory of the social contract. A potential of the anarcho-communism ideas is revealed by the author’s approach: she applies a combination of analysis of a number of Kropotkin’s theoretical positions, the recognition of the uniqueness and exclusivity of the “moral and intellectual qualities” of his personality, the relationship of individual life history and the history of society in the conditions of revolutionary changes. With regard to the significance of the anarcho-communism ideas for the theory of the social contract, answers are given to the tasks of the study – how Kropotkin correlates society and the state, defines the internal determinants for consent in society, which signs (traits) for the characteristics of the social contract are important for the social diagnosis of its effectiveness. Kropotkin’s ideological legacy is an example of an intellectual response to the concrete historical challenges of a crumbling world, which was expressed in the creation of an ideology of anarcho-communism, combining both utopianism and a powerful predictive model of society’s way of life. His ideas of anti-statism, federalism, and the rule of law are in tune with the established modern era of the expansion of human rights, and are important due to the widespread social practices of civil society. Some ideas of Russian thinkers should be taken into account when developing parameters and indicators for the social contract as a necessary and reproducible construct.

Building a Greener Future: Can Malaysia’s Property Development Sector Achieve Sustainable Development Goals?

The primary focus of this current research centers specifically on the property development sector within the larger construction industry domain. It is within this sector that the impact on the environment, resulting from development and construction activities, is particularly pronounced, especially in urban areas undergoing rapid urbanization. These urban areas, or cities, are known to be major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for an estimated 75 percent of global energy consumption and up to 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although studies on environmental sustainability are extensive, the discussion on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda from the perspective of industry players remains scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this exploratory research is to discover property developers’ commitments and the challenges faced in attaining the sustainability agenda. The research adopts a qualitative research approach where data was collected from seven companies based on purposive sampling techniques. The interview sessions were recorded, transcribed, and data were analyzed using the grounded theory analysis technique. The findings highlighted the positive direction of sustainability practices among property developers in Malaysia with the instrumental role of the government. Overall, the property development sector in Malaysia has witnessed a noticeable shift towards embracing the sustainability agenda in recent years. Increased awareness and efforts are evident as the industry addresses its historical challenges of inefficiency and environmental impact. The study contributes to a greater understanding of the phenomenon that addresses the empirical gap of the study.

Agriculture in the Polar Regions: New Approaches to Historical Challenges

The implementation of the Northern Sea Route Development Programme aims to increase the permanent population of the Arctic zone of Russia. This problem cannot be solved without a corresponding enhancement of the food supply of the Arctic. The importance of the study is conditioned by the need to modernize the system of food supply of the Arctic territories in the context of external threats. The article examines approaches to developing agriculture and solving the problem of food security in the Arctic regions of Russia. The authors consider the possibilities of the permanent population of the Arctic to produce enough food for their own consumption and the influence of preferential regimes on the development of agriculture and the solution of food security. The authors have analyzed the current regulatory acts and the results of their implementation in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation, based on which an assessment of the state policy’s performance in modern conditions is given, together with the authors’ recommendations for addressing the abovementioned task.

The role of large language models in medical image processing: a narrative review.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era in natural language processing (NLP), with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT leading the way. This paper explores the profound impact of AI, particularly LLMs, in the field of medical image processing. The objective is to provide insights into the transformative potential of AI in improving healthcare by addressing historical challenges associated with manual image interpretation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the Web of Science and PubMed databases from 2013 to 2023, focusing on the transformations of LLMs in Medical Imaging Processing. Recent publications on the arXiv database were also reviewed. Our search criteria included all types of articles, including abstracts, review articles, letters, and editorials. The language of publications was restricted to English to facilitate further content analysis. The review reveals that AI, driven by LLMs, has revolutionized medical image processing by streamlining the interpretation process, traditionally characterized by time-intensive manual efforts. AI's impact on medical care quality and patient well-being is substantial. With their robust interactivity and multimodal learning capabilities, LLMs offer immense potential for enhancing various aspects of medical image processing. Additionally, the Transformer architecture, foundational to LLMs, is gaining prominence in this domain. In conclusion, this review underscores the pivotal role of AI, especially LLMs, in advancing medical image processing. These technologies have the capacity to enhance transfer learning efficiency, integrate multimodal data, facilitate clinical interactivity, and optimize cost-efficiency in healthcare. The potential applications of LLMs in clinical settings are promising, with far-reaching implications for future research, clinical practice, and healthcare policy. The transformative impact of AI in medical image processing is undeniable, and its continued development and implementation are poised to reshape the healthcare landscape for the better.

Comparative sentiment analysis of grand renaissance dam controversy in Egyptian and Ethiopian newspapers

Through a 3-year period of content analysis, this study compares predominant sentiments, stakeholder portrayal, framing techniques, and prevailing tone in Egyptian ‘Ahram Online’ and ‘The Reporter’ Ethiopian newspaper coverage of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) controversy. Despite the relatively extended, ongoing nature of GERD negotiations, throughout the last 3 years, 2020 – 2023, representing the time frame of the current study, the news coverage of both the Ethiopian and Egyptian media has portrayed the sentimental pillars of controversy in a contemporary manner.The results revealed that Ahram Online, the Egyptian newspaper, predominantly conveys a positive sentiment, echoing Egypt's focus on diplomacy and negotiation to resolve the Grand Renaissance Dam dispute, fostering an optimistic and cooperative tone. Conversely, 'The Reporter,' an Ethiopian newspaper, exhibits varying sentiments over time, with positive portrayals of Ethiopia's perspective on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and negative sentiments concerning external actors and evolving Egypt-Ethiopia tensions.Ahram Online portrays Egypt as advocating for its water rights and comprehensive agreements, emphasizing diplomacy and casting Egypt positively. 'The Reporter' presents Ethiopia as dedicated to its development, emphasizing the GERD's importance while critically covering external stakeholders.Both newspapers employ framing techniques. Ahram Online emphasizes cooperation, regional stability, and responsible water use, framing the GERD issue positively. 'The Reporter' highlights Ethiopia's historical challenges and the urgency of the GERD project while critically framing external actors.Al-Ahram's tone remains optimistic and cooperative, emphasizing diplomatic solutions. 'The Reporter' exhibits varying tones, including optimism, urgency, skepticism, and negativity, reflecting Ethiopia's perspective and concerns about external actors and evolving tensions.

Commodifying Gender: A MatFem Perspective on "I Am For Sale, Who Will Buy Me?"

This research investigates the commodification of women in Afghanistan through an in-depth analysis of the anonymous Afghani-authored short story, “I Am For Sale, Who Will Buy Me” (2010). Employing a Materialist Feminist lens and drawing upon Silvia Federici's theoretical framework in Caliban and the Witch (2004), the study examines the influence of religious doctrines on women's social and economic status, culminating in their marginalization. The analysis dissects the exploitation of gender roles, objectification of female bodies, and the commodification of Afghan women, revealing the intricate interplay between patriarchal systems, religious ideologies, and gender disparity. Additionally, the study explores historical and contemporary challenges faced by Afghan women, encompassing barriers to education, economic opportunities, and social integration. Emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive approaches, this research advocates transformative change and gender justice, stressing its urgency. Positioned within the broader discourse on women's struggles, this study aims to contribute an understanding of women’s oppression with a primary focus on fostering agency and societal transformation for Afghan women.

A Survey Study of the Pakistan Study Centers of Chinese Universities under the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative

This paper explores the development of Pakistan Study Centers (PSCs) within Chinese universities and their crucial role in strengthening the academic, cultural, and policy ties between China and Pakistan. These PSCs have emerged as essential platforms for fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan's history, culture, society, politics, and economy. This study comprehensively examines the historical context, geographical distribution, development stages, research areas, achievements, and challenges faced by these centers. It answers key questions about their establishment and significance, providing an overview of the 21 PSCs located across China, offering expertise on diverse aspects of China-Pakistan relations. This research highlights the strategic significance of Pakistan to China, emphasizing the importance of academic and cultural exchanges in promoting bilateral relations. The study reveals a growing commitment to academic and research collaboration, with each PSC focusing on specialized areas, including security, economics, culture, politics, and more. These centers also act as think tanks, policy advisors, and talent incubators, contributing to the sustainable development of Pakistan studies in China. However, challenges such as limited funding, language barriers, talent development, research depth, and the absence of unified information sharing mechanisms pose hurdles to the PSCs. To address these issues, recommendations are presented, emphasizing the allocation of financial resources, the importance of language proficiency, the nurturing of a talent pipeline, the facilitation of fieldwork opportunities, the establishment of collaboration mechanisms, and the development of a global perspective. Furthermore, fostering academic collaboration with Pakistani counterparts is proposed, strengthening international cooperation and extending the long-term vision of the PSCs.

ECONOMIC TRENDS IN THE REGION OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE AND THE SPECIFICITY OF THE CEFTA AGREEMENT

<p><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Economic collaboration among Southeast European countries and the establishment of free trade with the European Union are seen as potential drivers for regional development. However, given the region's intricate political landscape and historical challenges, achieving these objectives faces hurdles stemming from political and historical complexities. In an effort to fortify regional ties, the European Union has provided support through mechanisms such as Bilateral Free Trade Agreements, Generalized Trade Preferences, and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) of 2006. Since the inception of the CEFTA agreement in 2006, the Free Trade Agreement has emerged as a pivotal catalyst in enhancing international trade in Southeastern Europe. It has played a crucial role in fostering economic integration, streamlining trade processes, boosting regional trade volumes, and establishing a cohesive economic zone that appeals to foreign direct investors and facilitates the mobility of professional service providers. Over the past fifteen years, intra-regional trade has experienced significant growth, accompanied by a rising proportion of trade occurring within the region. The liberalization of trade within CEFTA has not only stimulated market competition but has also spurred integration across various sectors and industries in the region. Furthermore, it has acted as a catalyst for foreign direct investment, both from external sources and within the region itself.</span></p>

Analyses of Past and Future Initiatives in the Kashmir Disputes

This article meticulously examines the historical, present, and future dimensions of the Kashmir disputes, encompassing key aspects such as historical initiatives, challenges faced, recent developments, and future prospects. It delves into the complexities of political obstacles, regional and global influences, and the profound impact on the Kashmiri people. After scrutinizing attempts post-independence and international involvement, the article confronts major setbacks, emphasizing the role of intransigence in impeding resolutions. The evolving dynamics and current state of the Kashmir dispute are explored, providing a nuanced understanding of the region. Drawing from historical analyses, the article extracts crucial lessons and offers insights into future initiatives, underscoring the significance of international community engagement for bilateral diplomatic efforts. Humanitarian concerns take center stage, emphasizing the necessity to address the grievances and protect the rights of the Kashmiri people. The article concludes by presenting future scenarios, ranging from best to worst-case possibilities, encouraging a holistic understanding of potential outcomes. This comprehensive analysis serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders invested in fostering a peaceful resolution to the enduring Kashmir conflict.

Analysis of Marketing and Brand Development Strategy of Sports Retail Brand - Take Lululemon as an Example

This article delves into marketing strategies aimed at boosting sales for sports brands, with a specific focus on Lululemon, a prominent international sports brand, as a case study. Through an in-depth analysis of Lululemon's historical challenges and subsequent improvements, we aim to glean valuable insights into effective marketing strategies applicable to the sports brand industry. Lululemon, like many other sports brands, has faced its fair share of obstacles. These challenges often encompass market competition, changing consumer preferences, and the need for innovative approaches to stay relevant. By examining how Lululemon addressed these issues, we can distill practical lessons in marketing. Furthermore, this case study serves as a source of inspiration for developing distinctive and innovative marketing strategies. We will explore various aspects of marketing, from branding and product development to consumer engagement and market positioning. This comprehensive analysis will help identify key areas where sports brands can fine-tune their strategies to enhance sales and brand recognition. In an era of ever-evolving consumer demands and fierce market dynamics, sports brands must remain adaptable and innovative in their marketing efforts. This article seeks to provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations that can empower sports brands, including Lululemon, to navigate the competitive landscape effectively and thrive in the industry.

Addressing Potential Conflict among University Students during Collaborative Tasks

This study addresses potential conflicts during collaborative tasks among university undergraduate students and presents strategies to mitigate such conflicts at a university in South Africa. Drawing on the unique context of South Africa, characterised by its rich cultural diversity and historical challenges, Social Identity Theory (SIT) was used to theorise the study within a transformative paradigm, qualitative approach and participatory research design. Ten undergraduate students were sampled and interviewed. Thematic analysis was employed to make sense of the data. The study found that a lack of a culture of open dialogue and clear guidelines and expectations leads to conflict, and the study also found that promoting a culture of open dialogue and establishing clear guidelines and expectations during collaborative projects can help prevent potential conflicts among university undergraduate students during collaborative engagement. The study concludes that promoting a culture of open dialogue and fostering establishing clear guidelines and expectations provide undergraduate students with the tools to manage group conflicts.

Navigating the smallpox threat in colonial Fiji: Vaccination endeavours and historical challenges

Navigating the smallpox threat in colonial Fiji: Vaccination endeavours and historical challenges

The Benefits, Challenges and Legal Regulation of Precision Farming in the European Union

Abstract Precision farming, or precision agriculture, represents a paradigm shift in modern agriculture, integrating advanced technologies and data-driven techniques to optimize crop production processes. This paper provides an overview of precision farming, discussing its historical evolution, key technologies, benefits, challenges, and potential regulatory questions. The adoption of precision farming practices holds promise for enhancing resource efficiency, increasing crop yields, and promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic, environmental, and social implications of precision farming, highlighting its potential to shape the future of agriculture.