Religious Factors Research Articles

Assessment of factors driving cryptocurrency investment decision in Africa: A case of Bitcoin in Nigeria

This study aims to examine the factors that influence Nigerian investors decision to participate in the Bitcoin market. The study develops a model that integrates awareness, religious beliefs, and trust alongside the theory of reasoned action’s key explanatory factor. A random sampling technique was used to collect data from 262 individual investors in Nigeria using a questionnaire. The structural equation model method was utilized to analyze the data. The findings show that attitude, awareness, and trust have significant and positive effects on Nigerian investors’ decision to invest in the Bitcoin market, while religious beliefs and awareness had significant impacts on investors’ level of trust in Bitcoin transactions. This implies that policymakers and relevant regulatory agencies should work on increasing public understanding and confidence by collaborating with key players in the financial sector and religious institutions in Nigeria. This will help to create new market opportunities, promote financial inclusion, create jobs for Nigeria's burgeoning youth population, boost economic growth, and improve public participation in the cryptocurrency market. This study adds to the cryptocurrency literature by confirming that the decision to invest in Bitcoin is not only based on economic factors but also social and religious factors.

Crafting to Serve: Craftsmen and Tomb Construction from the 11th to 14th Centuries in China’s Central Plains Region

Tomb inscriptions containing information about tomb-building craftsmen have been found inside imitation wood tombs dating from the 11th to 14th centuries in China’s Central Plains region. These inscriptions are valuable because they provide a different angle from which to analyze the designs and functions of tombs. Scholars have viewed tomb building as a domestic act. If the deceased were pleased with their burial arrangements, then their descendants would be blessed. The inscriptions suggest that this beneficial connection relied deeply on the capacity of craftsmen, whose talent was recognized by patrons. By considering how craftsmanship contributed to religious efficacy, as well as the intermediary role craftsmen played to achieve it, this paper explores how the above-mentioned inscriptions deepen our understanding of the functions of tombs and the roles played by craftsmen in burial practices in terms of historical, religious, and social factors.

Social Egg Freezing-A Trend or Modern Reality?

Egg freezing for social reasons is a process in which women who want to preserve their ability to fertilize their own oocytes at an older age freeze their eggs. With the help of in vitro fertilization, the cryopreservation of oocytes for future use is achieved. The aim of this article is to study the reasons, the risks and the effectiveness of the method from a worldwide aspect. A literature search was conducted to evaluate pertinent studies, using data from the search engines PubMed, Google and UptoDate as well as the medical literature. The reasons for delayed procreation are non-medical, with the lack of an appropriate partner for a family being first on the list. The success rate of this method differs with the age of the woman, the number of fertilized eggs and other factors. Like every medical procedure, this method carries risks that relate to the mother (being of advanced age), the embryo and the procedure of in vitro fertilization. The policies that apply in each country differ depending on respective social, economic, religious and cultural factors. Due to the high cost of the method, its selection remains a choice for only a few, reinforcing social inequality. The question of the medicalization of reproduction remains unanswered in the industry of assisted reproduction. In conclusion, egg freezing for social reasons is gradually becoming more widely known, with the United States of America and Israel being at the top the list. Unfortunately, there is no official data registry, and consequently, no statistical results are yet available for Greece, even though it is a method that more and more women are considering. Nevertheless, there is an imperative need for a universal legal framework for all countries with respect for the needs of every woman and different social conditions. More research and data from the literature are needed in relation to the effectiveness of the method from moral and social perspectives.

Medical tourism among Indonesians: a scoping review

BackgroundInternational medical travel or medical tourism is not a new phenomenon in many countries, including among Indonesians. Indonesia is reported as a major source of patients from the lower, middle, to upper classes for its neighbouring countries. This scoping review aims to synthesise evidence on supporting factors for Indonesians taking medical tourism and what needs to be improved in Indonesia’s health system.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review guided by a framework provided by Arksey and O’Malley. We systematically searched existing literature from 5 databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Wiley. Data were extracted based on study details, study design, characteristics of participants and results. Analysis followed the three-stage procedure outlined by Thomas and Harden: (1) coding the text line by line, interpreting the data and identifying concepts or themes; (2) developing descriptive themes by grouping similar concepts in theme and subtheme and (3) generating analytical themes by reviewing preliminary themes and discussing the addition or revision of themes.ResultsA total of 25 articles were included in this review. The review highlights a broad range of facilitators for medical tourism among Indonesians: (i) availability of health services, medical specialities, and person-centred care, (ii) region adjacency, transport, and health agency, (iii) affordability of medical treatment, (iv) religious and socio-cultural factors, and (v) reasons patients reported distrust in Indonesian doctors.ConclusionThe findings indicate improvements in the Indonesian health system are necessary if the increasing rates of international medical tourism by Indonesian people are to change. Addressing the factors identified in this scoping review through avenues including policy may increase people’s satisfaction and trust towards health care and treatment in Indonesia, thereby reducing the number of Indonesian people taking medical tourism.

The explanatory role of religious identity, practices and beliefs in perceived discrimination among Muslim American racial/ethnic groups

PurposeThe study examines the effects of religious identity, practices and beliefs on Muslim Americans' perceptions of discrimination and the extent to which religion might shape the perception of discrimination differently within Muslim race/ethnic groups.Design/methodology/approachStudy data were obtained from the 2011 Pew Survey (N = 1,033), a nationally representative sample of Muslim adults 18 years old and older living in the United States. The sample weights with the exclusion of non-response cases were used for bivariate analyses. For multivariate analyses, multiple imputation procedures were employed to impute missing values on all variables.FindingsMuslim Americans with high levels of religious practices are more likely and Muslim Americans with strong belief in religious tenets are less likely to report experiencing different forms of discrimination. Black, Asian and other/mixed race Muslims with high levels of religious practices report higher rates of discrimination than their white coreligionists. Within group comparison shows that the pure extrinsic group reports higher rates of perceived discrimination than the pro-religious, pure intrinsic and non-religious groups.Originality/valueThe study emphasizes varying effects of religious factors on different Muslim American groups in perceived discrimination and suggests researchers challenge a common perception of viewing religion as a “master status” for the Muslim identity.

ИНДИЯ В ВОЕННОЙ ПРОПАГАНДЕ ПАКИСТАНА: ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ОБРАЗА ВРАГА

The relations between Pakistan and India have always been hostile. The disagreements between them had a significant impact on the formation of the images of these countries. Pakistani leaders’ perception of India is an example of the enemy image concept. The constant attribution to India of hostile intentions towards Pakistan is the evidence of it. In addition, the religious factor that was basic for the creation of Pakistan, contributed to the division of Muslims and Hindus into “friends” and “foes” and, as a result, added to the opposition between Pakistanis and Indians in the main. The generals who had ruled Pakistan directly for almost 30 years contributed to the creation of the enemy image of India. General Muhammad Ayub Khan was the first to start using the idea of an “aggressive neighbor” in order to unite the Pakistanis. The journals of the Pakistan army, as well as the political autobiographies of the military leaders, indicate that the development of the enemy image of the neighboring state was gradual: the generations of Pakistani officers perceived India differently. However, the tendency to demonize India can be seen as growing within every generation. The image of the neighboring country has a direct impact on the policy of Pakistan towards that country.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Herpes Zoster Vaccination Among the General Population in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, arises from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), particularly prevalent among the elderly and immunosuppressed. Despite the global trend of increasing HZ incidence, its prevalence in Saudi Arabia is not well established. Vaccination remains a key public health strategy, yet vaccine uptake varies widely, influenced by sociodemographic, cultural, and religious factors. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HZ vaccination among individuals aged 50 and over in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, addressing a significant gap in current research.

The Palestine-Israel Conflict: A Legacy of Power, Identity, and Unyielding Struggle

The Prolonged conflict between Palestine and Israel has carved a significant chapter in global history, permeating international politics, human rights discourse, and geopolitical strategy. What began as a territorial dispute has evolved into a Complex conflict encompassing identity, religion, historical grievances, and ideological divides. This article delves into the intricate fabric of the Palestine-Israel conflict, examining its historical roots, the impact of Colonial influence, the Religious factors, and the complex interplay of power dynamics. By analyzing key events, agreements, and international responses, this research explores the enduring nature of the conflict and its global ramifications. It aims to shed light on the intractable issues at the heart of the dispute while offering critical reflections on possible paths toward peace.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Good Governance, Social Order, Social Commitment, and Citizens' Belief in Social Values: A Case Study of Garmsar Citizens

This study aims to investigate the relationship between good governance and its effects on social order, social commitment, and citizens' belief in social values in the city of Garmsar, Iran. Good governance is considered a key factor in fostering social cohesion and public trust, especially in diverse communities like Garmsar. By analyzing these relationships, the study seeks to highlight the impact of governance practices on social dynamics. The research employs a quantitative survey design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 384 citizens in Garmsar. Participants were selected using multi-stage cluster and quota sampling techniques to ensure demographic representation. The questionnaire assessed perceptions of good governance, social order, social commitment, and belief in social values using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests was conducted to explore the relationships between the variables. The findings reveal significant positive correlations between good governance and all three dimensions studied. Good governance was moderately correlated with social commitment (r = 0.366, p < 0.01) and social order (r = 0.321, p < 0.01), while the relationship with belief in social values was weaker but still significant (r = 0.181, p < 0.01). These results suggest that effective governance contributes to stronger social cohesion and commitment, though its influence on citizens' belief in social values is less pronounced. The study concludes that good governance plays a critical role in enhancing social order and commitment among citizens. While governance positively influences belief in social values, other cultural and religious factors may also play a significant role. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and public participation is essential for fostering social cohesion in ethnically diverse communities like Garmsar.

“Change It, Change It” Barriers for Parent–Adolescent Communication about Contraceptives in Bahir Dar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2023

Background. The rising prevalence of risky behavior among East African adolescents places an additional strain on them, their families, and society. Adolescents in this area are particularly vulnerable to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues such as sexually transmitted infections, unexpected pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexual abuse, and rape. This is believed to be due to the lack of communication between most parents in this region and their adolescents about SRH issues, such as contraceptives. This study explored barriers to parent–adolescent communication about contraceptives. Materials and Methods. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was used. Participants in the study were purposefully selected parents and adolescents who lived in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. An in‐depth interview guide was prepared and used to collect the data. ATLAS.ti software was used for coding, and thematic analysis was subsequently performed. Results. Thirty adolescents and 20 parents participated in the in‐depth interviews. Five main themes and 14 subthemes were identified. The main barriers to parental‐adolescent communication about contraceptives were cultural and religious factors, the knowledge gap, parents’ busyness, age, and the media as a source of information. Conclusions and Recommendations. To improve communication with very young adolescents (ages 10–13), parents should have sufficient and accurate knowledge about contraception as well as efficient communication techniques. To involve all stakeholders, including parents, in the deconstruction of sociocultural norms surrounding the SRH of adolescents, it is important to strengthen and spread campaigns that raise awareness of parental‐adolescent communication.

Religijski elementi medijskog izveštavanja o migrantima - komparacija novinarske i čitalačke perspektive

Given that media narratives about migrants are permeated with political, economic, and religious factors, the aim of this analysis is to identify and compare patterns in reporting on the migrant crisis with patterns in readers' comments. This is to determine whether there are differences between these narratives in terms of how migrants are described and referred to, with a particular focus on the presence of religious elements. The sample used to analyze media reporting patterns in relation to the migrant crisis consists of journalistic articles from the online editions of the daily newspapers Politika and Kurir. Additionally, the sample includes the readers' comments accompanying these articles about the migrant crisis and migrants, which were published during 2015 and 2017. The research has found that there is a statistically significant difference between the reporting patterns of journalists and the commenting patterns of readers concerning several reference dimensions (Stamenković, 2021). Among these, the category of Otherness, with emphasized religious elements, stands out particularly, as well as the negative characterization of migrants as an aggressive, militant, and conquering group.

The religious factor of national self-identification in the context of digital transformation

The article is devoted to the analysis of the religious factor’s peculiarities of national self-identification in the context of digital transformation. The relevance and novelty of the study lies in the actualization of the problem of the real state and potential possibilities of preserving national and religious identity by Ukrainian migrants using the Internet in the conditions of a full-scale Russia’s invasion to Ukraine. The role of the religious factor in the formation of the Ukrainian people’s national self-identification is analyzed. It is noted that the study of identity can also include the analysis of using language, symbols, religious rites and other cultural manifestations that affect the perception of self and others by Ukrainians. Characteristic features of the Ukrainian national character are identified - peacefulness, disinclination to aggression and violence, high appreciation of one's inner freedom. The role of religious identity as a means of counteracting psychological trauma caused by war is determined. The challenges and dangers to national and religious-cultural identity that Ukrainian migrants face are analyzed. Internet communities of Ukrainian religious denominations in social networks, their fields of activity and fields of constructive activity for the preservation of national and religious-cultural identity by Ukrainian migrants are characterized.

Causes of Child Marriage and its Effects on Maternal Health of Teenage Mothers in Chereponi District, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate child marriage and its effects on maternal health of teenage mothers in the Chereponi District in the North East Region of Ghana. The study used a quantitative approach underpinned by descriptive survey design. A sample size of 150 was selected using purposive sampling technique. Child marriage questionnaire, psychological general well-being and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. Data was analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation using SPSS version 25.0. Findings revealed that child marriage is caused by poverty and economic demands, the protection of girls’ sexuality as a means of strengthening family relations, socio-cultural and religious factors, and preventing premarital sex. The study also found that child marriage has profound impact on the maternal health of teenage mothers. Again, girls should be oriented to take their studies seriously and report any early signs of child marriage to Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit and Social welfare for prompt action. The study recommended that there should stringed measures where perpetrators of child marriage will be sanctioned by law. The study further recommended that girls should be given enough psychoeducation on the effects of child marriage. Finally, it was again recommended that counsellors and psychologists should provide counselling to girls to be self-assertive and provide economic empowerment strategies to make girls less dependent and vulnerable.

Опыт применения ГИС для анализа конфликтного потенциала территории: на примере вооруженного конфликта в Южном Судане после провозглашения им независимости (2011–2022 гг.)

The purpose of the study is to highlight the key factors that explain the nature and causes of permanent interreligious and interethnic conflicts in South Sudan in 2011–2022 and using them to classify the territories of South Sudan according to conflict potential. The article describes the experience of using geographic information systems to analyze key factors (ethnic composition of the population, number of refugees, food security index and oil infrastructure) that make up the territory’s conflict potential (in connection with the armed conflict in South Sudan after its declaration of independence). A comprehensive study of historical, demographic, ethnic, religious, economic and social factors that became the causes of the conflict, allows understanding the dynamics of economic processes in Sudan, and applying the experience gained when taking into account other conflicts in the region, including new possible options in Sudan and South Sudan. The author identifies the most conflict-prone areas of South Sudan — Manyo, Maiwut, Melut and Bayley in the Upper Nile states, in which there are interethnic conflicts between the Nuer and Shilluk tribes, low levels of food security, as well as developing oil reserves and oil pipelines. The results of the study can be used in the process of rapid response and proactive actions aimed at preventing crisis situations in those regions of South Sudan where the risk of emerging more complex problems is high.

ОСНОВНЫЕ ЭТАПЫ СТАНОВЛЕНИЯ ВОКАЛЬНОГО ИСКУССТВА В ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ КУЛЬТУРЕ: ОТ АНТИЧНОСТИ ДО НОВОГО ВРЕМЕНИ

This article is devoted to the development of vocal art from Antiquity to Modern times. The author analyses ancient sources from Greece and Rome, which for the first time in the history of European culture provide information about vocal skills. Particular attention is paid to the Middle Ages, when vocal and instrumental culture develops in parallel with sacred music. The Renaissance marks the emergence of new genres and forms of vocal music, such as opera and ballet. The author also draws attention to the formation of national vocal schools from the XVIIth century onwards, highlighting their unique technical and artistic features: Italian technical skill and expressiveness, French sophistication and clear pronunciation, German high technique and musical thinking, English appeal to madrigal traditions and development of the vocal ensemble. Thus, the article examines the evolution of musical traditions and performance schools in various countries, identifying cultural, religious and social factors that influenced the formation of local characteristics. This overview allows us to better understand the historical context and evolution of vocal art, as well as its impact on the cultural diversity of humanity.

Underage girls' pregnancy during schooling in Niger: Socio-demographic aspect, causes, effect and control. A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, the socio-demographic aspect, the consequences on the schooling of girls and the control measures of underage pregnancy in schooling in Niger. This was a prospective cohort study over a 12-month period. The study concerned pregnant and parturient girls who were minors and in the process of attending school in the city of Niamey in the Republic of Niger. The socio-demographic, obstetric and school data of 184 underage girls admitted to the Issaka Gazobi Maternity Hospital in Niamey during the study period were collected and analysed. At the same time, we conducted interviews in 30 schools and educational inspection services in the city of Niamey, in order to gather qualitative data on the phenomenon of pregnancy and childbirth among minors in schools. The frequency of childbirth among under-age students was 3.06% in our maternity. The average age was 15.7 years. Nine out of 10 minors (90.7%) had become mothers by the end of the study. School drop-out rates were high (53.8%). According to our interviews with school leaders, the factors at the root of pregnancy in Niamey schools are socio-cultural and religious (factors linked to the vulnerability of young girls, the lack of sex education within families and schools, and peer pressure, cultural and religious considerations which encourages early marriage and pregnancy, and the low contraceptive prevalence rate in Niger). Pregnancy in the school environment is common in Niger and has repercussions on the normal progress of schooling. This study recommended adequate parental implication, eradication of street hawking and inculcation of moral values through religious bodies as ways of reducing underage girls' pregnancy in schooling in Niger.

Triskaidekaphobia: The Role of the Dreaded 13th Floor in Shaping Investment Preferences in the Indian Residential Real Estate Market

This study investigates the influence of triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13, on investment preferences in the Indian residential real estate market, specifically examining attitudes towards properties on the 13th floor in high-rise buildings. Originating in Western cultures, triskaidekaphobia has transcended cultural boundaries, influencing the Indian market, which is traditionally shaped by a blend of cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors, including beliefs like Vastu Shastra. Using a quantitative research methodology, the study surveyed 500 participants from various demographic backgrounds across India. The findings reveal a significant awareness of triskaidekaphobia among the respondents, with a majority strongly believing in this superstition. This belief translates into a considerable reluctance to invest in properties on the 13th floor, with many respondents and potential developers expressing a preference to exclude or rename this floor. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression, indicate a negative relationship between belief in triskaidekaphobia and willingness to invest in the 13th floor. These findings suggest that triskaidekaphobia significantly influences real estate investment decisions in India, reflecting the deep-rooted impact of cultural beliefs on economic behaviors. The study contributes to the understanding of cultural influences in the real estate market and offers insights for real estate developers, urban planners, and policymakers. It highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in business strategies and the need to consider local beliefs and superstitions in market analyses. The research suggests that addressing the irrational basis of triskaidekaphobia through investor education could open new market opportunities and promote more rational investment choices.

Behind the invisible walls: Understanding constraints on Muslim solo female travel

This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by solo-female travelers in Iranian societies and proposes measures to improve their experiences. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods research design was employed in three phases. First, two-phased exploratory surveys were conducted to identify seven key constraints that affect the behavioral intentions of solo-female tourists, namely sociocultural, interpersonal, intrapersonal, religious, physical safety, practical, and structural factors. Furthermore, cross-impact-balanced analysis was employed to generate four consistent scenarios for the development of solo female tourism in Iran. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and tourism industry stakeholders to enhance the experiences of solo-female travelers in Iran. The study's plausible scenario presents a number of measures that hold promise for mitigating constraints and improving the experiences of solo female travelers. These measures include online-community-building, mutual-adaptation, self-psychological empowerment, the establishment of female free zones, the overcoming of travel fears, technological-empowerment, and feminist-participatory-action.

Popis 2022 - stanovništvo Srbije prema nacionalnoj pripadnosti

Ethno-demographic and ethno-statistical studies of the population of Serbia according to nationality are based on the census as the most important official source of data, which is held every ten years and provides information on demographic trends, the number and characteristics of all ethnic communities in Serbia, but also provides a database for the adoption of necessary measures population, social, economic, minority and other state policies important for the stable, even and prosperous development of the country. The paper highlights the impact of various factors on national declaration, as well as the buoyancy of this feature, whose subjectivity has influenced large fluctuations in the number of individual ethnic communities, as well as the accuracy and possibility of comparing census results. Changed census methodology, new methodological solutions, criteria, classifications, definitions, often as a result of national ideology, political decisions and social circumstances, had a great immediate impact on the changes in the population dynamics of all, and especially some nationalities. The paper analyzes the national composition of the population of Serbia (without Kosovo and Metohija) according to the data of the last census from 2011, as well as the significant demographic changes that occurred in the period between the two censuses (2011-2022), while looking at the similarities and differences between the regions. of Serbia (Belgrade region, Vojvodina region, Šumadija and Western Serbia region and Southern and Eastern Serbia region). The focus of the research is on the most important factors that influenced the change in the ethnic structure, such as differences in the rates of natural increase and migration balance according to nationality, but also ethnic alternation under the influence of numerous non-demographic, namely political, social, economic, religious, psychological and other factors. The different population dynamics of ethnic communities, i.e. the increase in the number and share of some, while at the same time the decrease in the number of others, determined the direction and intensity of changes and affected the national composition of the population, as well as the process of ethnic homogenization or dispersiveness of individual nationalities, which created and changed everything the ethnic image of Serbia.

Світовий досвід у процесах адаптації персоналу: від теорії до практичного впровадження в Україні

The aim of the article is to determine the importance of taking into account the experience of adaptation of personnel from other countries for Ukrainian companies in order to successfully function both in the international market and in Ukraine. The study identified common features of onboarding programs in different countries of the world, such as an emphasis on corporate culture, diversity, professional development, work-life balance, teamwork and communication. The unique features of the processes of personnel adaptation, characteristic of individual countries and due to cultural, historical, religious, legal and social factors, are identified. The importance of taking into account the experience of adaptation of personnel from other countries for Ukrainian companies is substantiated in view of active integration into the international environment, attraction of foreign specialists and expansion of international cooperation. The characteristic features of the process of adaptation of personnel in Ukraine, arising from the cultural, historical and social realities of the country, are determined. Aspects of personnel adaptation based on the experience of other countries, which can be implemented in Ukraine, are proposed. An indicative roadmap for the implementation of these features of personnel adaptation in Ukraine has been developed, taking into account the national context. Thus, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes of personnel adaptation in the international context, identifies areas of improvement for Ukrainian companies and outlines the prospects for further scientific work in this area. Regarding the further scientific research, it is proposed to focus on an in-depth study of cultural, historical and social factors that affect the processes of personnel adaptation in Ukraine and other countries of the world; analyses of the efficiency of various methods and practices of personnel adaptation in specific organizations and industries; examining the impact of onboarding programs on staff retention, job satisfaction, and productivity; development of recommendations for adaptation and implementation of the world’s best practices of personnel adaptation in Ukrainian realities; studying the role of technology and innovative approaches in the process of personnel adaptation in the era of digital transformations.