Literacy Research Articles

Sustainable Development and Transformative Change in Tibet, China, from 1951 to 2021

The Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet) has undergone significant economic development, poverty alleviation, and improvements in social indicators like life expectancy and healthcare over the past seventy years since its establishment within the People’s Republic of China in 1951, particularly since the 1980s. This article tracks 16 social, economic, and ecological indicators for the past several decades, as well as levels of economic assistance provided to Tibet by other Chinese provinces and the Chinese central government. The results show that since 1951, Tibet has developed rapidly, with nearly all the socioeconomic indicators improved, and the speed of change has been much faster than other provinces in China. Environmental indicators also show a significant improvement regarding biodiversity conservation and tree coverage. However, despite progress in many aspects within Tibet, indicators such as the illiteracy rate and uneven development between urban and rural areas still lag significantly behind the national average. This report provides crucial insights into Tibet’s rapid development and existing disparities, aiming to guide targeted governmental interventions for reducing inequality and driving transformative change.

Indonesia's Digital Push to Combat Literacy Crisis

This study investigates the government's role in improving literacy rates in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, where reading interest is the lowest in ASEAN. Using a descriptive qualitative method, interviews with library officials revealed that innovative programs and digital media are key to enhancing public engagement. The research highlights the Sidoarjo government's implementation of smart city applications and digital resources to support education and public services. Results indicate that practical information and effective use of digital tools are essential for increasing literacy. This study underscores the importance of government initiatives in addressing literacy challenges and improving educational outcomes. Highlights: Government Initiatives: Smart city applications and digital tools boost literacy in Sidoarjo. Low Literacy Rates: Indonesia's lowest reading interest in ASEAN needs urgent intervention. Innovative Programs: Digital media and practical information enhance public engagement and literacy. Keywords: Literacy, Government Role, Digital Media, Education, Sidoarjo

Spatio-temporal characteristics of Tuberculosis in Ghana

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a key contributor to global mortality; ranks second as the most fatal infectious disease and seventh among the top ten causes of death in Ghana. There is insufficient literature regarding the utilization of Bayesian hierarchical models for examining the spatial and spatio-temporal dynamics of tuberculosis risk in Ghana. Aim This study addresses this gap by determining TB hotspots regions in Ghana using the Bayesian modeling framework. Methods TB data were obtained from the Ghana Health Service and National Tuberculosis Programme for the 10 administrative regions of Ghana, from 2008 to 2017. Spatial and spatio-temporal TB relative risk for each region were estimated under the Bayesian modeling frameworks. Maps for TB risks were created to visualized regions with TB hotspots. Model fitting and parameter estimation were conducted using integrated nested Laplace approximation via R version 4.3.2. Results Among the baseline predictors, TB cure rate, TB success rate, knowledge about TB, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, percentage of literacy, and high income were found to be most significant predictors of TB risk in Ghana. We noted an increased risk of TB infection in the Northern zone and the Eastern and Greater Accra regions in the Southern zone. Spatio-temporal distribution of TB infection risk was predominantly concentrated in the Southern zone. Clustering of TB risk was observed among neighboring regions. Conclusion Factors influencing tuberculosis (TB) risk in Ghana are TB cure rate, TB success rate, knowledge about TB, HIV prevalence, literacy rate, and income level. The risk distribution was mainly concentrated in the Southern zone, with clusters of TB risk observed among neighboring regions. To achieve a significant reduction in TB cases, it is essential to allocate resources to TB hotspots regions and also implement measures to control significant predictors of TB infection risk.

A A One-on-One Reading Clinic for Beginning Readers

Literacy is crucial for the height of a nation’s civilization. However, Indonesia’s literacy rate is still regarded as poor. To address the problem, Kemdikbud creates Kamjar (Kampus Mengajar), a program for college students to help relieve literacy issues in rural areas. Given that many students in remote areas are still illiterate despite having reached school age, the study created reading clinics to encourage students to learn to read by embracing personalized learning principles. Its purpose is to find out how one-on-one reading clinics can assist students who struggle with reading. Four students of an elementary school in Lembang West Jave were selected to participate in the study. Each one has a different age, personality, and different literacy skills. The instructions for those four students were created in such a way as to satisfy their needs. Employing a case study as the design of the research, the study utilized observation and interviews as data collection. The result of the study showed that one-on-one reading clinic can act as a good strategy for helping inconsistent struggling readers. However, collaboration with other peers is still needed to help the beginning readers assess their achievements, agency, and ownership over their learning.

SECURITY DIMENSION OF THE GLOBAL ISSUES

The article deals with current global issues of our time in their security dimension. An attempt has been made to outline the various directions of influence of global problems on the security architecture in today’s conditions. It was proposed to divide the global problems of our time into natural-ecological and socio-economic ones. At the same time, in our opinion, pandemics occupy an intermediate position between natural and anthropogenic problems. It has been argued that the modern economy is less vulnerable to natural disasters than it has been before, but natural disasters take more lives due to the high population density in the modern world. Human impact on the environment has been extremely destructive. Air pollution on a catastrophic scale is observed in large cities of the developing countries. Deforestation and desertification are making more and more areas uninhabitable. Global warming and climate change are seen not only in the rise in temperature, but also in the appearance of weather anomalies, the melting of glaciers, and the rise in the level of the World Ocean. The appearance of «climate migrants» has been explained to be one of the consequences of climate change. The combination of natural and social dimensions of global issues has been illustrated with the examples of conflicts over water. Socio-economic problems are mostly determined by the imperfection of society. This article has dealt with the demographic problem in different dimensions: in the Western countries there is a demographic crisis, and in the developing countries there is a demographic explosion, which has been shown using the example of Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, etc. Poverty in these countries has an important impact on economic security. A large number of people do not have the basic necessities for life (food, safe water and sanitation, shelter, healthcare, etc.) and live in conditions of absolute poverty. In some countries, the literacy rate is still quite low. The globalisation of criminal activity also a danger. Some countries, such as Haiti, can fall under the control of criminal groups. Terrorism is a type of crime that deserves to be investigated separately for many reasons. All the listed problems are extremely urgent in the conditions of inefficient political management. Solving issues related to security and overcoming the consequences of global issues is possible only in the presence of an effectively functioning public administration system. But creating a good governance system is a difficult task under conditions of dictatorship or the absence of legitimate state power. The issue of supporting international security in all spheres is a topical problem in international politics. It has been underlined that joint efforts can help to overcome of the explored issues.

Pengaruh Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) dan Pengangguran terhadap Kemiskinan di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur

Poverty is a challenge to development in various sectors characterized by deprivation, inability, and lack. People living in poverty often experience nutritional problems, poor health, high illiteracy rates, inappropriate environments, and limited access, both in rural and urban areas, such as in small poor villages or isolated seaside communities. This research is a quantitative study, which uses a statistical approach to test hypotheses. Specifically, this study analyzes the effect of Economic Growth, Human Development Index, and unemployment rate on the poverty rate in East Nusa Tenggara. Statistical analysis was conducted using panel data regression with the help of Eviews10 software processing. The results show that: the Human Development Index (HDI) has a significant effect on poverty in East Nusa Tenggara Province, while Economic Growth and Unemployment have no significant effect on the poverty rate in East Nusa Tenggara Province.

Agglomeration Economies and Rural-to-Urban Migration in India

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><span style="font-size:16px"><span dir="ltr" lang="EN-US"><span style="color:black">Keeping in view the concept of agglomeration economies and the New Economic Geography (NEG) angle, this paper makes an attempt to examine the rural to urban population movement at the district level in India. The findings do not favour a strong positive association between levels of urbanization and migration rates.  However, there exists a cluster of districts which are able to attract migrants on a large scale in spite of being already urbanized. The work participation rate, share of services and construction work, and literacy rate all form parts of this positive nexus, indicating that opportunities exist with increased levels of urbanization which in turn prompt people to migrate. The positive spill-over effects of higher levels of urbanization are not limited to the urban spaces only as the adjoining rural areas also seem to have undergone   a significant transformation. The land use pattern and activities are changing and some of the developmental impact is evident. However, the regional variations in this respect are evident. There are sharp differences in the relationship between urbanization level and migration rates across regions. The nature of urbanization and its determinants and the outcome variables of urbanization and migration also unravel regional variations. Besides, there are many districts with higher levels of urbanization; yet, they are not able to attract migrants at a rapid pace. New investment opportunities can be created in these spaces to reduce the cost of growth and make employment generation process more effective, facilitating the rural population to take the benefits of agglomeration economies.</span></span></span></span></p>

THE ROLE OF SHARIA AND LITERACY RETURNS ON INTEREST SAVING IN SHARIA BANK (Case study of Economics Faculty Students and Wijaya Putra University Business Surabaya)

This research aims to examine the impact of sharia financial literacy and interest rates on savings in sharia banks among students at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Wijaya Putra University, Surabaya. This research uses a quantitative research approach. The population consists of 676 students who are currently registered at the Wijaya Putra Faculty of Economics and Business. So after calculating using the Slovin Formula, from the total population we obtained a sample of 87 people. Using a Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach, specifically based on Partial Least Squares (PLS), a type of SEM that focuses on components or variance. The results of the research show that Sharia Literacy has a significantly positive effect on Interest in Saving, Returns have an effect but are not significant on Interest in Saving, Sharia Literacy and Returns have an effect but are not significant on Interest in Saving

East Prussia 2.0: Persistent regions, rising nations

In this study, we examine the political effects of the breakup of East Prussia into what is today Poland, Russia, and Lithuania. We expect that East Prussian legacies of nationalist and conservative political preferences persist in the respective partitions of Poland, Russia, and Lithuania. We find that there is no pattern of persistence in the Polish partition of former East Prussia, whereas East Prussian persistence appears to be robust in the Lithuanian and Russian partitions. In the context of forced migration, comparative human capital between outgoing refugees (Germans) and incoming settlers (Soviets, Poles) predicts patterns of long-run political development. Hence, higher literacy rates of incoming settlers in the Russian partition (Kaliningrad) predict higher levels of support for conservative and nationalist political parties. The opposite is observed in the Polish partition. The persistence of East Prussian legacies in Eastern Europe relates to settler literacy.

WESTERN EDUCATION IN MALDAH: A CASE STUDY ON THE SPREAD OF WESTERN EDUCATION IN MALDAH DISTRICT (1858-1905)

It is true that education is the pillar of a nation and continuously plays a significant role in the progress of any region or country. Since ancient times, different parts of the world have had their kind of education system, just as India has. But, over the time, the educational structure in India has transformed its nature and character, for example, the Gurukul system of education, then the Sangha or Mahavihara system of education, etc. In ancient times universities like Nalanda, Taxila, Odantapuri, etc., were established and became prominent learning centres. Then, in the seventeenth century when the Europeans came to India, they introduced Western education particularly the English education system in India. And this new system of education is still influencing India at present. Though Western education system was introduced by the British it gradually began to influence the nation. Hence, this research paper will be dealing with the development of Western education in the Maldah district before the partition of Bengal. It will also discuss the literacy rate of the district of that time.

Interprovincial spatial distribution patterns and socioeconomic factors on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) service utilization in China

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry in China exhibits significant regional disparities in health service utilization, the underlying reasons for which are yet to be fully explored. This study employs Geodetector models to analyze the factors affecting TCM service utilization, providing the first examination of spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors for both TCM outpatient (TCMOSU) and inpatient services (TCMISU). The findings of this study reveal spatial disparities across China's provinces, showing a prevalence of TCMOSU in the east and TCMISU decreasing from southwest to northeast. Global Moran's I autocorrelation analysis revealed a positive spatial correlation between TCMOSU and TCMISU across Chinese provinces, suggesting spatial clustering and the potential for interregional collaboration in the development of TCM services. Local Moran's I autocorrelation analysis revealed clusters of TCMOSU in wealthier eastern provinces, such as Jiangsu and Tianjin, and clusters of TCMISU in the southwest. Factor detector analysis revealed that disposable income per capita was the most significant factor linking higher incomes with increased TCMOSU. In contrast, TCMISU was primarily influenced by demographic factors, such as the illiteracy rate and population urbanization rate, emphasizing traditional practices in lower education regions. Interaction detector analysis revealed the joint effects of these factors, demonstrating how regional economic status, health status, and healthcare resource indicators interact with other factors for TCMOSU and how demographic factors significantly influence the prevalence of TCMISU. This study highlights the importance of considering health status together with regional economic, demographic, and healthcare resources when formulating TCM healthcare policies and allocating such resources in China. Promoting the balanced and coordinated regional development of TCM services across the country requires the development of strategies that account for these varied regional characteristics.

Temporal pattern, spatial distribution, and factors associated with the incidence of HIV/AIDS among young people in BrazilPatrón temporal, distribución espacial y factores asociados a la incidencia de la infección por el VIH/sida en jóvenes en Brasil

To describe temporal and spatial patterns and identify the factors associated with the incidence of HIV/AIDS among young people in Brazil. Ecological study of young Brazilians aged 15-24 years with reported HIV/AIDS, from 2001 to 2021. The Joinpoint method was used for the temporal analysis. Spatial clusters were detected using Bayesian methods, spatial autocorrelation, Getis-Ord Gi*, and scan techniques. Four non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to identify factors associated with the result. All statistical analyses considered p < 0.05. In Brazil, the average incidence was 12.29 per 100 000 inhabitants, with an annual increase of 7.3% in the period 2007-2014 and a subsequent 3.4% decrease in 2014-2021. A high-high pattern and hotspots were observed, mainly in municipalities in the South, Southeast, Central-West, and North regions. The primary cluster was located in 572 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, with the highest relative risks in Manaus (Amazonas) and Rondonópolis (Mato Grosso). The illiteracy rate (β = -0.08), GINI Index (β = -3.74) and Family Health Strategy coverage (β = -0.70) were negatively associated with the result. In contrast, the Firjan Municipal Development Index (β = 2.37), Social Vulnerability Index (β = 6.30), percentage of Bolsa Família recipients (β = 0.04), and per capita income (β = 0.008) showed a positive association. There was an upward trend in the incidence of HIV/AIDS until 2014, followed by a decline until 2021. High-rate clusters were concentrated in municipalities in the North, South, Southeast and Central-West regions in particular. Indicators of socioeconomic vulnerability had positive or negative effects on the result, depending on the territory investigated.

The historical development of english as a foreign language teaching in brazilian schools: methods and legal documents

This bibliographical article delves into the historical trajectory that culminate in the contemporary challenges of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction in Brazilian schools. It elucidates the evolution of language teaching methods, from traditional approaches to modern pedagogies, such as the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach and postmethod pedagogy. Moreover, it traces the development of legal frameworks guiding EFL education in Brazilian schools, from colonial times to the present day, highlighting significant policy shifts and implementation challenges. Despite recent efforts for English as a foreign language education in Brazil, practical barriers persist, including low literacy rates, inadequate infrastructure, and limited teacher training programs. The article emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the social contexts and historical developments that shape EFL instruction in Brazil and advocates for tailored teacher development activities to address the unique needs of Brazilian EFL educators. By contextualizing the challenges and complexities of EFL teaching in Brazil, this article may offer insights for enhancing language education practices and policies in the country, with an emphasis on teacher education.

Modelling Mean Years of Schooling (MYS) Districts/Cities of West Kalimantan Province

Mean years of schooling (MYS) is one of the indicators measuring the quality of education in Indonesia, regulated through the nine-year compulsory education policy. West Kalimantan Province is one of the provinces with the lowest MYS rates in Indonesia, with only one out of its 13 districts/cities fulfilling the compulsory education policy. Therefore, research is needed to obtain the best model and understand the factors that influence the MYS districts/cities of West Kalimantan Province. This study uses the Geographically Weighted Panel Regression (GWPR) analysis method, due to the annual changes in MYS numbers indicating time effects in data and differences in MYS numbers in each district/city indicating differences in characteristics between regions. GWPR is a combination of panel data regression model and geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. The results showed that the best model obtained is the GWPR adaptive bisquare model with an AIC value of -147.241 and R2 value of 80.07%. The variables of per capita income, dependency ratio, literacy rate, and the number of schools significantly influence MYS, and four groups of regions are formed based on significant variables.

Assessment of Patient Awareness Regarding Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Santhal Parganas

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, and effective self-management is crucial for optimal outcomes. Assessing the prevailing knowledge about CKD in patients can help strategies information education communication program to better manage the disease. This study evaluated the current knowledge of self-management of CKD among patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand state in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India from June to December 2023. Patients suffering from CKD were enrolled for this study from the Outpatient Department. The Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Knowledge Tool (CKD-SMKT) was used to measure patients’ knowledge through face-to-face interviews conducted by a trained local surveyor. Results: A total of 228 patients with a mean age of 52.63±10.65 years (men 136 [59.65%], women 92 [40.35%]) participated in the survey. All the patients (100%) gained knowledge about CKD from doctors, followed by other patients (63.6%) and relatives (41.23%). On average, 53.61% did not have proper knowledge about overall kidney disease. Correct knowledge about maintaining kidney health was among 38.1% of patients with 36.59% unsure about their knowledge and 25.31% declaring their lack of knowledge. Conclusion: A low level of knowledge about kidney health was found among the patients suffering from CKD in Santhal Parganas, a region with a tribal population with a low literacy rate. The identified knowledge gap emphasizes the need for a tailored educational program for CKD patients by doctors and patients relative.

Association of dietary habits with non-communicable diseases: a qualitative review

PurposeKerala, a southern state in India, is acknowledged for its socio-economic reforms such as quality health care, gender parity, high literacy rate and more. However, recent trends show that the state has the highest incidence of various noncommunicable diseases in the country, including diabetes, hypertension and heart coronary artery disease. This research paper aims to examine the link between the Kerala population’s lifestyle, diet and genetic factors and its correlation with a heightened cardio-metabolic risk.Design/methodology/approachUsing Dixon Wood’s interpretive synthesis, this qualitative literature review is systematically used by searching, gathering articles, theme building, comparing and criticising the evidence.FindingsThe result shows that only minimal evidence is available regarding the genetic makeup of the Kerala community, food patterns and its link to the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, limited and contradicting evidence and studies restricted to a particular region in the state demand more research on this domain.Originality/valueIt is vital to review the diet habits of Keralites due to the alarmingly high prevalence of NCDs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of the diet habits of Kerala and their link to NCDs.

Strategi Humas Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Maluku Tenggara dalam Pengelolaan Informasi Publik

The Department of Communication and Informatics (Diskominfo) of Southeast Maluku Regency plays a crucial role in supporting local governance and development. They focus on ensuring easy access to information for the public, especially in areas with limited internet coverage or low literacy rates. Diskominfo employs various strategies, including social media, digital platforms, as well as subscription-based radio and television stations. They are also responsible for providing public information services through various online platforms and seven public service applications. The information management process involves stages of collection, clarification, documentation, and distribution with principles of accurate news writing. Despite efforts to improve information access and public services, Diskominfo still faces several challenges such as telecommunication network blank spots, limited infrastructure, and the public's lack of knowledge about government information. To address these challenges, strategic issues such as expanding networks in blank spot areas, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, implementing electronic-based public service systems, and improving human resource capacity must be considered. Diskominfo of Southeast Maluku Regency continues to strive to ensure relevant and accurate information is available to the public, with the hope of supporting the development and empowerment of all layers of society in the region. Keywords: Strategies, Information Management System, Online, Diskominfo.

Financial Inclusion Index and its Determinants among Asian Countries

The study assesses financial inclusion level and its determinants across 30 Asian countries from 2010 to 2020 using the Wroclaw taxonomy method (WTM). A comparative analysis of financial inclusion indexes was conducted, and a panel fixed-effect model was employed to explore influencing factors. Findings revealed high financial inclusion levels in China, Israel, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, contrasting with low levels in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyz, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Timor-Leste. Fourteen countries ranked in the high-middle category, with six in the low category, and only four achieved high financial inclusion in 2020. GDP and bank credit positively impact financial inclusion, while broad money, population, and density contribute positively but insignificantly. Conversely, literacy rate, inflation rate, employment, female ratio, rural ratio, and internet access showed negative effects on financial inclusion

Vestibular Schwannoma Management: Patient Perspectives and Health Literacy

Objective: To assess medical decision-making, reasons for attrition, and health literacy among vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients last seen in clinic more than 2 years ago. Study Design: Survey. Setting: Tertiary skull base center. Patients: Adults with sporadic VS last evaluated more than 2 years ago. Methods: Survey including Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS), a validated 3-question measure of health literacy, and open-ended questions on care; retrospective chart review. Main Outcome Measures: BHLS score, patient reasons for attrition. Results: Of 1011 patients contacted, 205 (20.3%) patients responded and met all criteria for analysis. At initial evaluation, mean patient age was 50.6 ± 12.8 years, roughly half (51.4%) were female, and the majority (80.2%) identified as White. At the time of the survey, 48 (23%) continued to observe their tumor. The remaining 160 (76.9%) patients previously underwent treatment (surgery and/or radiation). Of those treated, 34 (21.3%) underwent intervention elsewhere. Symptoms since the last patient visit did not differ between observed and treated patients. About 94.7% of the cohort displayed high health literacy (BHLS &gt; 9), though rates of inadequate health literacy were higher among observed patients (12.5% versus 3.1% in those treated). The most common reasons for opting not to follow-up included counseling issues, personal decisions, and social/life stressors (including the COVID-19 pandemic). Conclusions: Despite being a highly health-literate cohort, patients cited multiple reasons for attrition. Regardless of whether they were observed or treated, patients described follow-up visits as burdensome and perceived them to be of minimal benefit.

Managerial Matters for Classroom Management: A Systematic Analysis

Elementary school education plays a vital role for the enhancement of literacy rate of the country which is considered the major contribution for the socio-economic growth of the country. However, elementary school teachers face several challenges and issues during their job while performing the classroom activities. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the problem in classroom for teachers. The population was elementary teachers from Bahawalnagar and 219 (public=113, private=106) respondents were administered as sample by applying simple random sampling technique. A Self-administered questionnaire was made for data collection based on survey method. SPSS was processed to evaluate the research objectives. The results indicated the significant difference between public and secondary school teachers about the factors classroom management and lack of facilities. There was also a significant difference shown among the teaching experience of respondents about issues related to management in classroom. The findings are useful for upgrading the learning process by adopting innovative resources.