Mutual Understanding Research Articles

THE PRACTICE OF PROVIDING PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE AND HUMANITARIAN CENTER FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN SLOVAKIA

Relevance. Universities of the third age (U3A) are institutions aimed at the post-labor socialization of the older generation, aimed at realizing the idea of "Education throughout life", which, unfortunately, have not become particularly widespread in Ukraine. All the more interesting is the experience of creating such an institution at the beginning of the war by Ukrainian specialists who ended up in Slovakia, and the generalization of the features of their interdisciplinary work on psychological support and social therapy of elderly Ukrainian refugees who are abroad. Methodology. As part of the implementation of the project "Social and psychological assistance for children and adults" on the initiative of the NGO "League of Mental Health" (Slovakia), a University of the Third Age for elderly refugees from Ukraine was established in the city of Gabchykovo. Its activity is based on interdisciplinary, person-oriented and integrative approaches and principles of trust, mutual assistance, tolerant attitude towards the elderly. Sample: 15 people aged 62 - 80 years. Methods. The Spielberger-Khanin (1976) method, conversations, individual, couple, group consultations, occupational therapy, art therapy, social and educational therapy for the elderly; intergenerational programming program for children and the elderly. The results. During the 5 months of work of the team of specialists at U3A, a favorable psychological climate was created; adaptation of the elderly to existence in a local foreign-language environment was carried out; their family conflicts were resolved; integrative classes for the elderly with children were implemented in the center for refugees, which contributed to the development of tolerance and mutual understanding between the two generations. These measures ensured a reduction in the manifestations of stress and anxiety of the study participants, and the steady development of the cognitive and creative spheres of the elderly participants of the U3A.

Penerapan Keluarga Sakinah oleh Pasangan Suami Istri sebagai Keluarga Binaan di KUA Wonokromo Surabaya

The aim of this research is to determine the content of marriage guidance received from the Wonokromo Religious Affairs Office (KUA), to understand the reasons why prospective couples participate in marriage guidance at KUA Wonokromo, and to ascertain the practice of the values of a Sakinah family by married couples under the mentorship of KUA Wonokromo. The research method used is qualitative. The type of research utilized is a case study, which involves an in-depth, detailed, and detailed investigation into a specific event or ongoing case. The data sources obtained in this study utilize primary data sources derived from interviews. The data collection method employed by the researcher is through direct interviews with informants. The findings of the research on the content of marriage guidance received from KUA Wonokromo include: (a) Patience to better control emotions, (b) Keeping silent to avoid conflicts, (c) Discussing together for clarity and finding appropriate solutions, and (d) Calming oneself to think clearly in making decisions. Second, the reasons why prospective couples participate in marriage guidance at KUA Wonokromo include: (a) Teaching mutual understanding towards spouses, (b) Building mental readiness for the next stage, and (c) Collaborating for mutual progress. Third, the practice of the values of a Sakinah family by married couples under the mentorship of KUA Wonokromo includes: (a) Building a harmonious family, (b) Being prepared to enter the marriage stage, and (c) Having physical and mental knowledge for the future.

The Creation of Loneliness in Contemporary Chinese Ink Painting - Revelation from Harald Sohlberg's Paintings

This research employs methods of iconography analysis to dissect the visual representation of loneliness in the paintings of Harald Sohlberg, aiming to inspire in the creation of loneliness within Contemporary Chinese ink painting. The article unfolds by delving into Sohlberg's painting style, cultural origins, and the profound meanings embedded within his works, subsequently exploring the revelations of Sohlberg's paintings for contemporary Chinese ink painting, and thereby elucidating the author's creation. By providing novel perspectives and methodologies, this paper contributes to the realm of cross-cultural research in the arts, demonstrating the existence of commonalities diverse backgrounds, cultures, and artistic genres, with the aspiration of fostering mutual understanding and exchange across different cultures and nations. Furthermore, this article serves to inspire painters in their creations and aids in enhancing the audience's appreciation and aesthetic sensibilities towards painting.

CIV-MIL integration in the transformation of the EU healthcare network: a dual-gain strategy

PurposeThis article aims to address the need for a more structured partnership between civilian and military healthcare, particularly in the context of cross-border threats in the EU. While both systems are driven by the same goal of providing high-quality healthcare services and achieving optimal patient outcomes, they operate under different national approaches and resources.Design/methodology/approachTwo recent crises are presented as examples that highlight the necessity of cooperation between civilian and military medical systems. The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Ukrainian Conflict are described based on the experience gathered by the author as a member of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine and form the base to shape a broader perspective on the future of civil-military interaction in healthcare at the European Union level.FindingsThe ability to deliver coordinated responses during crises depend on the level of interoperability, preparation and mutual understanding. To improve synergies, a structured partnership should be established, prioritizing common standards of care and shared best practices. Integrating military and civilian healthcare pathways can be especially beneficial in situations where patients are moved from the point of injury or sickness across different military and civilian structures to receive the most appropriate treatment and rehabilitation for their conditions.Originality/valueThe relationship between military and civilian healthcare systems is often discussed at multinational level, but a clear focus is lacking concerning their shared mission, distinct functions and potential for cross-border collaboration.

The coexistence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities: visiting Kupang cases, Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to revisit the practice of multiculturalism within the co-existence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through observations, interviews and documentation using a case study approach. Findings The important findings in the existing study indicate that social practice related to the acceptance and expression of non-Muslim communities towards halal products and certificates is integrated into the daily life of the people. It has contrasted with other regions in Indonesia where debates between cultural and structural aspects of halal product studies and certification prevail, often dominated by ego-sectoral interests and Islamic theology. Although Kupang’s predominantly non-Muslim population, the practice and model of halal products emerge with uniqueness within communal traditions and socio-cultural practices take precedence over structural factors. Research limitations/implications The most significant contribution of this research lies in mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue and religiosity that have fused into social life, specially building social coexistence in halal products. Practical implications These findings contribute to policymakers to reformulate halal certification and products, which are not solely driven by the interests of the Muslim community. Originality/value This study presents a new synthetic theory about halal products, confirming a case study in Kupang where non-Muslim communities accepted halal products as a reflection of cultural and local customs. This acceptance has led to the development of a new identity without contradictions among business interests, ideologies, sectoral aspects, hygiene, health and structural state movements.

Political Skill of Employees Working in Halal Concept Hotels and A Research

The ability to manage relationships between individuals on a sensible basis depends on mutual understanding and management of this process. One of the basic concepts that explains this relationship is political skill. The fact that both guests and employees represent a certain profile in halal concept hotels will increase the need for political skills. In this context, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the political skill levels of the employees in halal concept hotels and reveal whether employees’ political skill levels differ in the context of different demographic characteristics. Using a questionnaire, the research data were collected from 278 employees working in halal concept hotels operating in Istanbul. The findings revealed that the general political skill levels of the employees are high, and the highest political skill dimension is apparent sincerity. In addition, it was determined that there are differences in terms of age, marital status, educational status and professional experience dimensions according to the demographic characteristics of employees. The findings are discussed in the last part of the study, and suggestions for future research are presented.

Conflict Management and Organizational Behavior: Principal Strategies

This study aims to explore conflict management strategies and organizational behaviour within educational institutions, specifically focusing on the role of school principals in addressing conflicts between teachers and staff. The research addresses the pressing need for effective conflict resolution in school environments to uphold organizational goals and foster a conducive learning atmosphere. Employing a qualitative approach with a descriptive design, the study utilizes observation, interviews, and documentation as primary data collection methods. Through direct observation and interviews with key stakeholders, the research delves into the intricacies of conflict resolution strategies employed by school principals. The study identifies conflicts between teachers and educational staff stemming from disputes over values, interests, and perceptions. Principals adopt collaborative strategies, including coaching and mediation, to resolve conflicts and promote mutual understanding among conflicting parties. However, resistance from individuals driven by personal agendas hinders conflict resolution efforts. Limitations are acknowledged, particularly in areas with restricted technologies, such as some educational institutions in developing countries. These limitations may affect the implementation of conflict resolution strategies and organizational behavior management. This study contributes to the literature by providing insights into effective conflict management strategies within educational settings. By highlighting the pivotal role of school principals and exploring innovative approaches to conflict resolution, the research offers practical implications for enhancing organizational dynamics in schools. Future research could further explore the impact of cultural and contextual factors on conflict management strategies and investigate novel approaches to mitigate conflict in diverse educational contexts.

PEDAGOGICAL POTENTIAL OF CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATIONS OF INTERESTS

The article reveals the pedagogical potential of children’s associations of interests. The priority approaches to the organization of activities in children’s associations of interests were described: personality-oriented, environmental and systemic; principles underlying the activities of the association: socialization, individualization, humanization, harmonization, collectivism, choice of activities, amateurism, initiative, independence, creativity, variability, and involvement in public activities. An algorithm for creating children’s associations of interest was proposed. An algorithm for creating children’s associations of interests and requirements for organizing educational activities in them was developed. The pedagogical potential of children’s associations of interest was determined, namely in: saturation of the life of children’s associations of interest with events that allow children to participate in personally significant activities of various kinds; collective and creative nature of the activity; intensifying informal communication between children and their peers, older and younger children, and adults; reflection; creating an atmosphere of mutual understanding, mutual assistance, trust, and empathy in the children’s association.

Designing, implementation and evaluation of story reading: a solution to increase general empathy in medical students

BackgroundCommunication and mutual understanding among healthcare providers is a significant concern within the healthcare system, and enhancing empathy is one way to foster effective communication and mutual understanding. The aim of this research is to evaluate and compare the impact of story reading on the level of empathy in medical students at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.MethodsThe study employed an intervention educational design (a quasi-experimental), with a convenience sample of 51 medical students selected as the statistical population. The process of story reading was conducted over six two-hour virtual sessions in the students' classroom, spanning six weeks. Selected stories were discussed in an online virtual class under the supervision of an instructor, focusing on story elements. To assess students' empathy in this educational program, the Davis General Empathy Questionnaire was administered before each of the six sessions, after, and one week later at the end of the course. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc test through SPSS version 28 software, with a significance level set at 0.05.ResultsThe findings revealed that 27 participants (58.7%) were female students, with the remaining being male students, having an average age of 19.5 ± 0.86 years. The level of general empathy among the students significantly increased after the intervention compared to before the intervention (P<0.001). Furthermore, the analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated a significant effect of the story reading program on enhancing empathy in terms of emotional and cognitive transfer among students in the intervention group (P<0.001).ConclusionsThe research findings suggest that the story reading program effectively enhances the overall sense of empathy among medical students at the University of Medical Sciences. Therefore, implementing this method in universities, higher education centers, libraries, and psychology centers for teaching empathy can be valuable in fostering empathy skills and improving healthcare.

Ancient Seafarer and Maritime Early Civilization in Southeast Asia: Theoretical Debate &amp; New Approach

Traditionally, seas and oceans have become sources of inspiration in seeking the truth from facts to dispel the worldview of those who tended to associate it with myths and superstitions. Seas and oceans are equally realms with their advantages in bridging nations, inculcating a sense of unity, mutual understanding, and cooperation as well as in generating wealth. They are considered priceless treasures, which can neither be exchanged nor modified. In the South East Asia or Nusantara historiography, the relationship between men known as seafarers is indisputable. It is not far-fetched to suggest that the change and development in present-day Southeast Asia, from traditional kingdoms to modern nation-states are intimately rooted in and shaped by the contributions of our seafaring ancestors. By taking into consideration past maritime historiography, namely the roles and contributions of these seafaring communities, and the presence of the surrounding seas and oceans, it can be deduced that they have contributed immensely to the development of various civilizations in this region.

‘Alone in a Crowd’: Teacher-Level and Pupil-Level Hidden Curricula and the Theoretical Limits of Teacher–Pupil Relationships

This essay aims to explore the theoretical limitations that hidden curricula—hidden normative values, beliefs, and knowledge that are often considered problematic—place on our understanding of teacher–pupil relationships. It applies Habermas’ theory of communicative action—synonymous with mutual understanding and predicated on his concept of the lifeworld—to analyse hidden curricula. It finds that hidden curricula limit teachers’ comprehension of teacher–pupil relationships dependent on pupils’ responses to teacher-level hidden curricula. Where they respond with compliance, pupils limit expressions of their subjectivity; conversely, where they reject teacher-level hidden curricula, pupils’ subjective lifeworlds are already disrupted by them. Both responses impede teachers’ understanding of teacher–pupil relationships. In addition, pupil-level hidden curricula, which are often asymmetrical and oriented in response to teacher-level hidden curricula, present another barrier to teachers unveiling hidden curricula and the subjectivities of teacher–pupil relationships. In effect, pupil-level hidden curricula render teachers ‘alone in a crowd’. Finally, I argue that systematically examining hidden curricula represents strategic action—communicative action’s counterpoint—and colonisation of pupils’ lifeworlds. While hidden curricula present significant theoretical limitations to understanding teacher–pupil relationships, teachers might use this as a ‘pedagogical hinge’, freeing them from the unknowable and uncontrollable to a more practical view of teacher–pupil relationships.

Sentiments Analysis on Twitter Towards Hoax Information on Social Media News

Hoaxes are a perilous byproduct of huge technology advancements, particularly the rise of social media. Using Twitter as an example, it is one of the most popular social media platforms for information sharing, communication, and entertainment. As a consequence, Twitter users may readily propagate fake or hoax information. The aim of this study is to find public opinion about hoaxes derived from Twitter user conversations around COVID-19. This study makes use of Twitter data obtained from Drone Emprit Academic. This study examined all processed tweets and surveyed public opinion on "Hoaks" (including mentions, retweets, and replies). The DEA engine analyzes the word frequency and mood of Twitter users to determine if a predominant emotion is good, negative, or neutral. According to the study results, netizens remarked on the COVID-19, alleging that the appearance of the Delta type variation was caused by the vaccination, not the virus. They do not regularly check facts owing to boredom, laziness, and reliance on just one source of information verification. Furthermore, only information that corresponds to their interests and needs will be approved. Thus, via discourse about Hoax, social media allows the formation of a platform for mutual understanding, sharing, and dynamically debating the meaning of demonstrations. This research provides a contribution to the disclosure of information about public opinion towards a discourse discussed on Twitter with the help of a DEA engine.

Covid-19: Good vs. Evil Dichotomy in News Media

Dichotomy may be expressed through the languages used on social media. When it comes to Covid-19, a pandemic that began in 2020, the global population is still unfamiliar with the problem and is in the process of adapting through various ideologies and strategies represented on social media. The objective of this research is to identify the dichotomy that surfaced during COVID-19 based on five reports from three YouTube channels. Qualitative discourse analysis was used by the researchers. This research focuses on the opinions of netizens on five reports that were posted on three YouTube channels about COVID-19 between January and May 2020, when Indonesia was enacting a "stay at home" policy. The findings show that comments from netizens fall into two categories. They are comments that support remaining at home to reduce the spread of Covid-19, as well as those that oppose staying at home for economic reasons. Furthermore, the remarks from one categorization overshadow the comments from the other classification. The remarks for each categorization see them as good and the other as wicked. Nonetheless, discourse analysis serves to reinvigorate social activity. As a result, mutual understanding is critical in dealing with this problem.

GP continuity: The keystone of general practice

Continuity of care has long been recognised as a core feature of general practice. Relational continuity is associated with multiple, overlapping benefits for patients, doctors and society. Continuity increases trust, patient satisfaction and adherence to advice, while reducing hospital use and deaths. Repeated consultations are needed with a patient for a GP to acquire enough ‘accumulated knowledge’ to develop a sense of continuing responsibility. This fosters GP sensitivity and mutual understanding, which enable GPs to provide ‘higher-level’ quality of care. However, the level of continuity is reducing in UK general practice. This article provides the context of international research on continuity of care and describes ways to improve continuity.

A Transcultural Interpretation of Key Concepts in China-US Relations: Hegemony, Democracy, Individualism and Collectivism

Abstract China-US bilateral relations suffer from periodical setbacks and transcultural communication has a positive role to play in improving those relations. As the largest two economies in the world today, both China and the United States draw inspiration from different traditions and cultures, rendering it difficult for the two countries to see eye to eye with each other when it comes to the key concepts of hegemony, democracy, individualism, and collectivism. Etymological roots, historical traditions, and national experiences help explain political realities and theoretical frameworks concerning these key concepts. For hegemony, force is emphasized for its role in US dominance or authority while China condemns hegemonism. For democracy, the means of the normative right to vote is highlighted in the US while the ends of people’s needs and welfare are underscored in China. For individualism and collectivism, it is no longer viable to stand aloof and mind just one’s own business, as the world is shrinking into a global village with intertwined destinies. A transcultural interpretation of key concepts in China-US relations can help enhance mutual understanding and facilitate dialogue through exchange and communication, hence contributing to the improvement of bilateral ties.

Marriage and the Obligations Arising from It

Marriage, as an institution of law, is based on the moral and legal equality of spouses, on the feeling of mutual love, respect and understanding, as the basis of family unity. Healthy family and marital relationships contribute to the elimination of gender stereotypes. It all starts in the family and is transmitted throughout society. For this reason, rightly, if we want to know how much a society respects the principles of non-discrimination and gender equality, it is very effective to carry out this analysis also for the family. Both marriage and the family, as very important institutions, enjoy the special protection of the state. The general principles that pervade these institution s are: i) the principle of reciprocity of rights and obligations ii) the principle of equality in rights and obligations iii) putting the interests first: of children, of marriage, of the family iv) reciprocity: in loyalty, for moral help, for material help, for cooperation in the interests of the family and coexistence. Marriage is a legal and social coexistence between two different people whose responsibilities and rights are defined by law and social traditions. Couples marry for a variety of reasons, including love, cohabitation, and sometimes economic or social reasons. Equality between spouses is accepted as a rule social concept and as a principle of family law. The principle of equality and non-discrimination as well as that of violence in marital and family matters is one of the main points in the paper.   Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024

Participatory Risk Governance for Seoul, South Korea’s Flood Risk Management

AbstractRisk governance is a widely used framework in natural and societal risk management research. Risks from natural hazards in urban areas call for the establishment of rigorous and participatory urban risk governance. In this study, we examined participatory risk governance (PRG) of flood risk management (FRM) in Seoul, South Korea. We conducted key informant interviews and implemented a survey with citizens, to explore perceptions of flood risks and risk management, and to examine prospects for improving PRG in Seoul. We found a gap between the perceptions of key informants and citizens. Key informants believed that citizens’ low awareness of flood risks hinders PRG. Yet our research found that citizens’ risk awareness was not low, and risk awareness may not be the main barrier to participation in PRG. Instead, we found that citizens lacked knowledge of FRM actions, and they assigned government bodies a high level of responsibility for FRM, compared to the level of responsibility that citizens assigned to themselves. Moreover, the actors involved in FRM tended not to trust each other, which implies a lack of mutual understanding. To increase the effectiveness of PRG, we suggest a polycentric governance structure anchored by a leading actor group, and active promotion of the participation of actors at multiple levels of governance. Communication between government and citizen participants, designed to foster improved understanding and recognition of one another’s roles and contributions to FRM, will enhance trust and improve the implementation of PRG in Seoul.

Legal behavior and human identity in the debate paradigm of the philosophy of law

This article analyzes the peculiarities of the reflection of a person’s legal behavior in the light of various philosophical and legal scientific discourses. In general, the analysis of a person’s legal behavior in the debatable paradigm of the philosophy of law in the context of studying the problem of establishing legal cooperation illuminates the deep aspects of the interaction between the individual and the legal system. Philosophical concepts help to consider this topic on a metaphysical level, revealing the fundamental principles and moral aspects of legal behavior.&#x0D; It was established that the primary springboard for considering behavior in the context of legal reality is its consideration through the ideological paradigm of human rights, since the concept recognizes the inalienability and inalienability of the rights of each person, justifying their fundamentality due to the presence of dignity inherent to each person. The main idea is that these rights are not only legal norms, but also a key element that forms personal dignity and freedom and express the personal identity of a person, and in evaluating human behavior, the role of the state and society in ensuring and protecting rights as an unconditional axiological determinants.&#x0D; It is proved that a valid paradigm of reflection is the need to analyze behavior in the prism of a social contract, since the mutual agreement of people involves the exchange of a part of individual freedom for common order and security, ensured by the adoption of rules and obligations, which forms the basis for the creation of the state and the legal order. Thus, a person’s behavior is evaluated for its compliance with established rules and the ability to interact with other members of society in peace and mutual understanding.&#x0D; It is motivated that the philosophical analysis of ethical-philosophical concepts in the context of human behavior defines two key areas - deontology and consequentology. Deontology, focusing on duties and rules, determines the morality of actions regardless of their consequences, indicating the obligation of ethical norms, and consequentology focuses on the consequences of actions as the main criterion for their moral evaluation, emphasizing the importance of positive results.

Employee Performance in Multinational Corporations: The Impact of Cross-Cultural Training in the Globalized Era

In today’s era of rapid globalization, cultural conflicts among employees can pose a significant challenge to the development of multinational corporations (MNCs). This paper examines the impact of cross-cultural training on employee performance in MNCs. The literature review emphasizes the growing significance of International Human Resource Management (IHRM) and the crucial role of employee behavior and attitudes in shaping job performance. The study hypothesizes that cross-cultural training enhances the cross-cultural adaptability of expatriate employees, thereby positively impacting their performance. The methodology section outlines the methods used in the study for sample selection, variable measurement, data collection, and statistical analysis. The discussion section discusses the strategic costs of cultural integration within organizations. It emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural training in promoting effective communication, mutual understanding, and productivity in multicultural work environments. The paper highlights the need for MNCs to adapt to different cultural environments and achieve success in global business operations by fostering cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

Understanding is a Two-Way Street: User-Initiated Repair on Agent Responses and Hearing in Conversational Interfaces

Although methods for repairing prior turns in natural conversation are critical for enabling mutual understanding, or successful communication, these methods are seldom built into conversational user interfaces systematically. Chatbots and voice assistants tend to ask users to paraphrase what they said if it was not understood, but users cannot do the same if they encounter trouble in understanding what the agent said. Understanding is a one-way street in most (intent-based) conversation-like interfaces. An exception to this is Moore and Arar (2019), who demonstrate nine types of user-initiated repair on agent responses that are common in natural conversation and who have shown that users will employ these repair features correctly in text-based interfaces if taught. In this small-scale study, we test these user-initiated repairs (in second position) in a voice-based interface. With understanding-oriented repairs, we found that participants employed them much the same way in text and voice. In addition, we examine some hearing- and speaking-oriented repairs that emerged from the use of our novel multi-modal interface. We found that participants used them to manage troubles specific to the voice modality. Analysis of user logs and transcripts suggests that user-initiated repair features are valuable components of conversational interfaces.