Mutual Understanding Research Articles

Repair Strategies in Chinese EFL Learners’ Story-Telling Conversation

This study investigates the repair strategies employed by English as foreign language of Chinese learners in response to communication breakdowns, with a particular focus on their role in facilitating the progressivity of storytelling conversations. The examination delves into specific repair strategies, including self-initiated repair and repetition strategies, to shed light on their utilization and effectiveness. The findings of the investigation reveal that among the array of repair strategies utilized, English as foreign language of Chinese learners demonstrate a pronounced tendency to rely on self-initiated repairs. Notably, participants in the study primarily addressed issues related to pronouns and verb tense, with a specific emphasis on addressing tense inconsistencies, word order discrepancies, and grammatical errors. This phenomenon underscores the concerted efforts made by Chinese learners to enhance the clarity, coherence, and fluency of their communicative endeavors. Furthermore, the prevalence of self-initiated repairs exemplifies the learners’ dedication to surmounting linguistic challenges, fostering mutual understanding, and navigating the complexities inherent in interactive discourse. Such endeavors not only signify their commitment to linguistic improvement but also underscore their proactive engagement in fostering effective communication in intercultural contexts.

How prehospital emergency personnel manage ethical challenges: the importance of confidence, trust, and safety

BackgroundEthical challenges constitute an inseparable part of daily decision-making processes in all areas of healthcare. Ethical challenges are associated with moral distress that can lead to burnout. Clinical ethics support has proven useful to address and manage such challenges. This paper explores how prehospital emergency personnel manage ethical challenges. The study is part of a larger action research project to develop and test an approach to clinical ethics support that is sensitive to the context of emergency medicine.MethodsWe explored ethical challenges and management strategies in three focus groups, with 15 participants in total, each attended by emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and prehospital anaesthesiologists. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The approach to data analysis was systematic text condensation approach.ResultsWe stratified the management of ethical challenges into actions before, during, and after incidents. Before incidents, participants stressed the importance of mutual understandings, shared worldviews, and a supportive approach to managing emotions. During an incident, the participants employed moral perception, moral judgments, and moral actions. After an incident, the participants described sharing ethical challenges only to a limited extent as sharing was emotionally challenging, and not actively supported by workplace culture, or organisational procedures. The participants primarily managed ethical challenges informally, often using humour to cope.ConclusionOur analysis supports and clarifies that confidence, trust, and safety in relation to colleagues, management, and the wider organisation are essential for prehospital emergency personnel to share ethical challenges and preventing moral distress turning into burnout.

The Crucial Role of Interdisciplinary Conferences in Advancing Explainable AI in Healthcare

As artificial intelligence (AI) integrates within the intersecting domains of healthcare and computational biology, developing interpretable models tailored to medical contexts is met with significant challenges. Explainable AI (XAI) is vital for fostering trust and enabling effective use of AI in healthcare, particularly in image-based specialties such as pathology and radiology where adjunctive AI solutions for diagnostic image analysis are increasingly utilized. Overcoming these challenges necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration, essential for advancing XAI to enhance patient care. This commentary underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary conferences in promoting the necessary cross-disciplinary exchange for XAI innovation. A literature review was conducted to identify key challenges, best practices, and case studies related to interdisciplinary collaboration for XAI in healthcare. The distinctive contributions of specialized conferences in fostering dialogue, driving innovation, and influencing research directions were scrutinized. Best practices and recommendations for fostering collaboration, organizing conferences, and achieving targeted XAI solutions were adapted from the literature. By enabling crucial collaborative junctures that drive XAI progress, interdisciplinary conferences integrate diverse insights to produce new ideas, identify knowledge gaps, crystallize solutions, and spur long-term partnerships that generate high-impact research. Thoughtful structuring of these events, such as including sessions focused on theoretical foundations, real-world applications, and standardized evaluation, along with ample networking opportunities, is key to directing varied expertise toward overcoming core challenges. Successful collaborations depend on building mutual understanding and respect, clear communication, defined roles, and a shared commitment to the ethical development of robust, interpretable models. Specialized conferences are essential to shape the future of explainable AI and computational biology, contributing to improved patient outcomes and healthcare innovations. Recognizing the catalytic power of this collaborative model is key to accelerating the innovation and implementation of interpretable AI in medicine.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ БРИТАНСЬКИХ СИСТЕМ ВИМІРЮВАННЯ В БУДІВНИЦТВІ ТА ЇХ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ НА ДОРОЖНІХ ОБ’ЄКТАХ В УКРАЇНІ

Introduction. The article provides an overview of international measurement systems for works and services on the example of Great Britain, the peculiarities of their application, the main advantages and disadvantages. Using the example of the Standard Method of Measurement in Civil Engineering (CESMM), the article discusses how such systems can contribute to accurate measurements, time and resource savings in road construction. The experience of applying CESMM4 on road facilities in Ukraine is also considered. Problem statement. In construction in general, the use of international measurement systems is crucial for optimizing processes and improving the quality of project implementation. According to the requirements of the modern construction sector, the ability to generate bill of quantities (BoQ) according to international standards defines a new stage in the planning and implementation of construction projects. The use of international measurement systems allows not only to standardize the scope of work and services but also ensures objectivity in the preparation of tender proposals. Obtaining information on the scope of work without prices according to international standards guarantees equality and objectivity in the evaluation and selection of a contractor. This approach also helps to unify communication between all participants in the construction process, which, in turn, increases the level of mutual understanding and promotes the implementation of modern technologies and best practices. However, today there is no clarity on the detailed measurement and description of construction works, as even within one country there are a number of systems for measuring works and services.

Impact of China's community of shared destiny policy (CCSDP) on development and its bearing on trade and ethnicity in Africa

PurposeThis paper reports on the impact of China's Community of Shared Destiny Policy (CCSDP) on ethnicity, and the development and trade benefits in Africa, whilst proposing suggestions for improvements.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-research (desktop-based and online survey-based) approach was employed.FindingsTrade and foreign direct investment alone can account for 11.8% of changes in the peaceful coexistence of China and some selected African countries, and cause changes to the mutual prosperity of China and African nations, to the tune of 6.3%. Therefore, the activation of mutual prosperity among these nations is not necessarily trade and foreign direct investment. The CCSDP is effective and has increased economic development for ethnic groups (50%), although with some negative concerns.Research limitations/implicationsInadequate/small sample size for the study.Originality/valueChinese investment in Africa has had a transformative impact, driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and fostering regional integration. The share of trade between China and Africa in the continent's overall external trade has increased dramatically. Overall, the CCSDP should be kept in place, but with some modifications to improve its effectiveness and mitigate its negative effects. Finally, as China's engagement with Africa evolves, it is vital that partnerships are founded on mutual understanding, respect, and benefit, and that policies reflect the different needs and ambitions of African communities.

Cultural Parallels and Unique Features Kyrgyz and Native Americans: Comparative Analysis

This paper examines the cultural parallels and unique features of Kyrgyz people and Native Americans, shedding light on the remarkable similarities and differences that define these two distinct indigenous groups. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this study examines the historical, social, and cultural aspects of both Native Americans and Kyrgyz, seeking to unravel the complexity of their traditions, beliefs, and practices. The study reveals striking parallels between spiritual beliefs and reverence for nature that are deeply rooted in both cultures. The symbolic significance of animals, the spiritual connection to the earth, and the practice of traditional healing techniques reflect a shared appreciation of the natural world and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Moreover, oral traditions and stories from both groups serve as vital channels for preserving cultural heritage and passing ancestral wisdom from one generation to the next. On the other hand, the unique traits of each culture are revealed through the study of their artistic expressions, linguistic diversity and social structures. The nomadic heritage of the Kyrgyz has shaped their customs and folklore, while the diverse linguistic traditions and artistic skills of Native American tribes demonstrate the richness of their cultural traditions. In addition, the impact of historical and contemporary influences on both groups is examined to elucidate the resilience and adaptation of their cultural identities. The enduring legacy of colonialism and the persistence of indigenous knowledge in the face of contemporary challenges provide a critical backdrop for understanding the dynamic nature of Native American and Kyrgyz cultures. By contrasting these cultural characteristics, this comparative analysis aims to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of global indigenous communities while respecting the distinctiveness of their heritage. Ultimately, this study aims to stimulate intercultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding by highlighting the richness of human diversity and the enduring spirit of resilience of indigenous peoples.

Programming as a mediator of mathematical thinking

We report on three episodes from a case study where upper secondary students numerically explore the definite integral in a Python environment. Our research questions concern how code can mediate and support students' mathematical thinking and what kind of sociomathematical norms emerge as students work together to reach a mutual understanding of a correct solution. The main findings of our investigation are as follows. 1) Students can actively use code as a mediator of their mathematical thinking, and code can even serve as a bridge that helps students to develop their mathematical thinking collaboratively. Further, code can help students to perceive mathematical notions as objects with various properties and to communicate about these properties, even in other semiotic systems than the mathematical language. 2) For the participating students, a common norm was that an acceptable solution is a sufficient condition for the correctness of the solution method although students were aware of a problem in their code, yet also other norms emerged. This demonstrates that learning mathematics with programming can have an effect on what kind of sociomathematical norms emerge in classroom.

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.

Reconciliation of the parties: the role of mediation in the resolution of administrative conflicts

Reconciliation of the parties: the role of mediation in the resolution of administrative conflicts

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.

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.

People constrain their semantic associations when talking to both friends and strangers.

During conversations, people face a trade-off between establishing understanding and making interesting and unique contributions. How do people balance this when deciding which concepts to reference, and does it matter how well they know their conversation partner? In the present work, participants made stream-of-consciousness word associations either with a partner or alone-simplified versions of dialogue and monologue. Participants made semantically narrower and more predictable word associations with a stranger than alone (Study 1), suggesting that they constrain their associations to establish mutual understanding. Increasing closeness (Study 2) or having a prior relationship (Study 3) did not moderate this effect. Thus, even during a task that does not depend on establishing mutual understanding, people sacrifice being interesting for the sake of being understood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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

Sentiments Analysis on Twitter Towards Hoax Information on Social Media News