Royal Government Research Articles

National Land Use Zoning Dashboard – Harnessing Geo-informatics Technology for Seamless Land Management and Conflict Resolution

Abstract. The National Land Use Zoning (NLUZ) exercise was conducted by the National Land Commission Secretariat (NLCS) in collaboration with other agencies of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The primary objective of this exercise was to harmonize all land uses on the ground and integrate spatial data across different agencies. Previously, such data had been created and archived separately within each agency. To accomplish this goal, a dedicated team was formed, and a baseline report was published in 2023. However, simply having a report did not fully support the objectives of the NLUZ. Therefore, an interactive dashboard was conceptualized to serve as a platform for integrating and visualizing all geospatial data. This dashboard will also provide analytical tools to guide decision-makers in the optimal utilization of the country's limited land resources. The development of the dashboard will utilize ArcGIS technology and will be customized using the ArcGIS Map SDK for JavaScript and the Calcite System Design.

Jónsbók and the Introduction of Royal Government in Iceland

Jónsbók and the Introduction of Royal Government in Iceland

Stratifikasi Sosial dalam Novel La Hami Karya Marah Rusli

This study aims to describe the social stratification in Sumbawa Island before the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli, which includes; (1) the form of social stratification in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli (2) the cause of social stratification in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli, (3) the impact of social stratification in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli. This research is a literary research using a qualitative approach using a descriptive method whose data are in the form of words, phrases, and sentences, and the data source is taken in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli. The data collection technique is done by reading and understanding the novel, marking data related to the research problem to gain a deeper understanding of the problem, and inventorizing (searching) the data. The results of this study are that there are three forms of social stratification (layers of society) consisting of a layer of nobles, a layer of people, and a layer of slaves. The noble layer is the highest layer in the life of the people on Sumbawa Island, this noble layer has a high position in the royal government system. The people's layer is the largest layer or called the mass of the people, they are independent but still under the sultanate government. The slave layer is a layer that must work for the royal mangkubumi, they are not free like the masses of the people. Factors causing social stratification in the novel La Hami by Marah Rusli are measures of wealth, measures of power, measures of honor and measures of knowledge. The impacts are social conflict and class endogamy.

A multicentre survey to assess exclusive breastfeeding practices in Bhutan

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) can reduce illnesses and death in infants. Globally, there has been a slow uptake in EBF despite 30 years of evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. The Royal Government of Bhutan has committed to rising the EBF rate, which was 51.4 % in 2015. Therefore, we seek to investigate the current situation of EBF in Bhutan and identify the underlying factors that influence breastfeeding practices. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted on mothers with children aged 0–6 months, who visited one of the participating referral hospitals. Participants were divided into the EBF group if they fed their infant only breast milk, or the non-EBF group if their infant was fed other liquids or solids in addition to breast milk. The nutrition-related knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire; the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale; and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form were used to assess breastfeeding practices. ResultsOf the 483 mothers included, 324 (67 %) exclusively breastfed their babies. The EBF and non-EBF groups displayed significant differences for referral hospitals (p = 0.002) and for the duration of maternity leave (p = 0.002). Although knowledge of EBF was significantly lower in the EBF group (p = 0.040), self-efficacy was significantly higher (p = 0.028). ConclusionThis study revealed an increase in the EBF rate compared to the 2015 report. Further propagation and strengthening of EBF practices might be accomplished through improvements in the self-efficacy of the mother.

Impacts of Air Pollution on Richness and Abundance of Bird Species in Phnom Penh Urban Habitats

In Cambodia, there has been no study on the effects of air pollution on birds. Accordingly, the purpose of this study aims to assess the species richness and abundance of birds, to understand air quality status and possible sources of air pollution, as well as to investigate the relationship between the variables of air quality (PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and O3), and bird diversity in two different habitats in Phnom Penh. The study was conducted from February 21 to May 21, 2022, at two study sites: 1) the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and 2) the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA). Both universities are located in Phnom Penh. The two areas are structured by vegetation which suitable for birds. We used a point count method to observe and record the number and species of birds in both study areas. The study recorded 18,334 observation individuals (counting), arranged in 50 species, 40 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. At the RUPP, we recorded 11,190 individuals (counting), arranged into 34 species, 29 genera, 21 families, and 7 orders. In the RUA, we recorded 7,144 observation individuals (counting), arranged into 46 species, 38 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. An observation of human activities can be a source of air pollution, including transportation, stationary sources, urban development, open burning, etc. The air quality parameters at both study sites were still lower than the air pollution standards set by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGoC). Among air quality variables, only SO2 and O3 affect birds, but to a lesser degree. Factors that affect birds may be due to green areas, including the number of small and large trees, food sources, and human disturbances.

Book Review: Powdyel, T.S. My Green School: An Outline; 2020; ISBN-13: 979-8677417979

The Green School—An outline reflects on the author’s vision of a holistic approach to the education system as a leading arrow for human beings and social prosperity. It is a needed book, an education of choice, conviction, and passion by Thakur S. Powdyel, former Minister of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan a long with several studies in terms of reflections on Gross National Happiness in the education context and globalization, and context of development. Thus, Powdyel’s Green School conducts all the fundamentals as well as many other crucial aspects related to greenery concepts in the entire school as a whole-green school approach for future education.

Mercy at War

Abstract This article examines the construction of military criminality and the granting of pardons to soldiers in late medieval France. By the beginning of the fifteenth century, the offenses perpetrated by men of war were a recurrent problem of public order for royal government. Criminal records as well as narrative sources used a rich terminology to qualify the military abuses suffered by the population, which distinguished criminal soldiers from ordinary offenders. Although these abuses were repeatedly denounced by political literature and were supposed to be severely punished according to legislation, the king of France frequently granted pardon letters to soldiers, allowing them to escape criminal prosecution in exchange for the continuation of their services. Far from being simply the result of a lax attitude of the king, these pardons reflected the fragile balance of royal power in the fifteenth century, which required the king to conciliate the exercise of justice and the conduct of warfare. Exploring the politics of royal pardon toward criminal soldiers and the reactions they provoked, the article demonstrates how the French crown dealt with military offenders at the end of the Hundred Years’ War and during its aftermath.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Children, Young People, and Families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia: The Mitigating Work of M’Lop Tapang

ABSTRACT Globally, children have been adversely affected by the wide variety of impacts of SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus | COVID-19). Vulnerable children who depend on the support of education and health and social care systems were left unprotected as these systems were weakened by the pandemic. COVID-19 has exposed the already fragile situations in which many children and young people live and that thousands of children and young people would need ongoing support but remained invisible to statutory authorities. COVID-19 has also been a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals and societies and it has exposed deep divisions, inequalities, and injustices between different countries and groups of people. M’Lop Tapang is a local nonprofit organization registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia. This report discusses the efforts of M’Lop Tapang following the declaration of the COVID-19 global pandemic in early 2020, to address the local community needs; to ensure the voices of children remained heard; and to promote children’s rights remaining a priority throughout the remainder of the pandemic. What is already known on this topic Vulnerable children are dependent on remaining visible to education and health and social care systems to ensure they are safeguarded and protected. Poor safety, financial instability, unemployment, challenges to children’s rights and displacement all have the potential to increase vulnerabilities and intensify inequalities. The COVID-19 global pandemic has widened the global lens for the nursing profession and to effect change, children’s nurses need to think globally and act locally. What this study adds This study provides insights into the challenges faced by children and families in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, during the early part of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) pandemic in 2020–2021. The economic impact of COVID-19 on children and families living in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, between 2020 and 2021 is reviewed. The learning from the pragmatic and rapid interventions of M’Lop Tapang, Sihanoukville during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, are of use in other countries around the world in future epidemic or pandemic situations.

STUDIES OF ENGLISH TOWNS DURING THE REIGN OF HENRY VI IN BRITISH HISTORIOGRAPHY

The relevance of the research is determined by the increased interest, as well as revision of approaches to the study of medieval towns. The purpose of the study is to identify the main features in the study of English towns during the reign of Henry VI in British historiography. Materials and methods. The research uses such historical methods as historical-genetic, historical-comparative, retrospective, historical-biographical ones, as well as the principle of historicism. Thanks to the use of these methods, the works of English-speaking historians related to the problem of the development of English towns in the specified time period were processed. For the first time, the author specifically refers to the research by British scientists of English towns during the reign of Henry VI – a time characterized by great social tension, many conflicts and fewer sources than the previous and subsequent periods. Study results. Henry VI was less popular than other kings of England in the XV century. He was considered to be a weak ruler, a “madman on the throne” and one of the most unhappy kings. At this, towns that play an important role in the socio-political and economic development of the state were developing in England during his reign. The article examines the research of British historians concerning the towns of the era of Henry VI. The author examines how approaches to assessing the reign of the king and the history of English towns of this time have changed using the example of the works of British scientists. In particular, the classical works of F. Maitland, J.M. Trevelyan, as well as the works of modern researchers, for example, R.A. Griffiths. Special attention is paid to the relationship between an English late medieval town and the royal power, and the evolution of British scientists views – from “antiquaries” to modern researchers – on the history of towns in general and on the peculiarities of urban development in the era of Henry VI in particular is considered. Conclusions. Towns played an important role in all areas of the English society. The royal government showed great interest in towns as participants in the internal political, economic and social processes in England in the middle of the XV century. According to the results of the study, it was found that, despite an increasing interest in the study of a medieval town in the English-language historiography, at the moment it can be stated that there is still insufficient knowledge on the development of a town during the reign of King Henry VI.

A Kingdom of Possibility

A Kingdom of Possibility

From writing to record-keeping: a study of York’s civic administrative literacy, 1272–1307

Abstract Using York during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries as a case-study, this article discusses a pivotal aspect of the development of civic administrative literacy: the inception of record-keeping. Previous historians have failed to note the evident advancement in York’s civic administrative literacy during the late thirteenth century, and they have usually dated the earliest surviving urban records to the mid-fourteenth century. By comparing different classes of civic and ecclesiastical records, this article reveals that York’s civic administration was in fact engaged in archival preservation from the late thirteenth century. In addition, by examining evidence that appears sporadically in royal archives, this article argues that the commencement of York’s urban archive was significantly influenced by the policies and archival activities of the royal government. Overall, this article aims to contribute to the literature on the early history of civic administrative literacy.

(275) More Than a Nick: Male Surgical Castration Throughout History

Abstract Introduction Surgical castration has been present throughout human history, dating back at least earlier than 1000 BC. Eunuchs, or men who have been castrated, served as royal guards, government officials and choir singers among other professions. Objective We sought to review the early surgical castration techniques of historical Eurasia. Methods Literature review for male surgical castration techniques was performed using Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results The Ottoman Empire first started enlisted eunuchs as palace servants in Constantinople as early as 500 AD. By the 16th century, the Ottomans had institutionalized eunuchs as the harem guards. Castration was routinely performed by priests. After restraining the child in a chair, a cord was tied around both the penis and scrotum, and the genitals were excised en bloc with a razor. Hemostasis was achieved with boiling oil and wax or hot sand followed by acacia bark extract. Mortality was as high as one in three patients. Following castration, a nail was placed in the urethra to prevent urethral stricture formation. Within China castration has occurred throughout history, however the procedure was described in greatest detail during the 19th century Qing dynasty. The patient was physically restrained, and the genitalia anesthetized with a “secret agent,” known only to the surgeon, colloquially called “knifers.” The surgeon would firmly grasp both the penis and scrotum with one hand, hovering a curved knife in opposite hand. The surgeon would then ask for consent to proceed. The genitalia were removed with one cut. The wound was washed thrice with boiled pepper solution and covered with moistened paper. A pewter urethral plug was placed to prevent stricture formation. The patient was disallowed hydration and his urethra remained obstructed for three days post-operatively. On the fourth day the plug was removed, and the patient was allowed to void. Mortality was dubiously estimated at 2%. The Skoptsky were a Christian religious sect of Eunuchs within 18th century Russia. As the practice was rooted in religion the majority of Skoptsky men volunteered for castration. Men were encouraged to accept the “greater seal,” i.e. removal of penis, scrotum and testicles, rather than the “lesser seal,” i.e. sparing the penis. The genitalia were variously removed with a combination of hot iron rods, glass, razors, and knives. Again, a nail was placed in the urethra to prevent stricture. In 16th to 18th century Italy the famed Castrati Singers underwent prepubertal castration to preventing lengthening of the thyroid cartilage. The singers were highly desired in choirs and operas for their high pitch. Castration typically occurred between ages 6 and 9. Patients were placed in a hot bath and provided a “potent drink,” often containing opium. The carotid arteries were compressed until the patient became lethargic, and the spermatic cords were then severed. Conclusions Surgical castration was performed for a variety of reasons throughout human history. The techniques, anesthesia, and tools used to perform castration reflected resources and education available to the surgeon at time of castration. Disclosure No.

The Making of Polities in the Medieval Kingdom of Valencia, 1231–1419

This article studies the development of the political system in the Kingdom of Valencia between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. It analyses the evolution of, and relations between, the general legal system, the royal government and administration and the main organs of power representing the political community of the kingdom. This case, which is supported by extraordinarily rich legislative and parliamentary sources, is an excellent example of the political transformations that were taking place across Europe during this period.

Viceroys, royal governors and the administration of justice in Portuguese America (17th and 18th centuries)

Resumo: Se a história do direito e a história social da justiça ganharam grande impulso dentro da produção historiográfica luso-brasileira no último quarto de século, é também verdade que elas têm sido predominantemente abordadas por meio das ações dos juízes e magistrados. Considerando que ainda são relativamente poucos os trabalhos que se propõem a analisar a participação de outros agentes no governo da justiça, o presente artigo visa oferecer uma contribuição a esse campo de estudo analisando as ações dos vice-reis, governadores-gerais e governadores de capitania nesse campo jurisdicional, privilegiando uma perspectiva sistemática e abrangente. Pretendemos cartografar essas ações ao longo dos séculos XVII e XVIII, por meio dos diferentes auxílios prestados pelos governadores aos agentes da justiça e das ações governativas que os colocam, propriamente, no lugar de protagonistas do governo da justiça.

Current status of pesticide practices and management approaches toward the safety and health of Cambodia: A review

Pesticides have been one of the most extensively used throughout the world. In low- and middle-income countries, pesticides are extensively used in agriculture. Agriculture is Cambodia’s most important economic sector. Around 80% of the population lives in rural areas and is mainly involved in subsistence farming. Cambodian farmers use synthetic pesticides to protect their agricultural products from pest infestation. The increase in agricultural products and the rapid population growth have led to the rise of farming pesticides, which causes concerns about the negative impact on environmental issues and food security in Cambodia. The routes of exposure, toxicity, and pesticide residues in daily food intake are all ambiguous in Cambodia. The scientific reports available in Cambodia could be more extensive and consistent. Therefore, this report provides an overview of the current status of pesticide practices in Cambodia and relates knowledge of pesticide use among local farmers. The contents described the risk assessment of pesticide contamination based on the Cambodian local market. In the same way, the pesticides that farmers use were considered extremely hazardous, highly hazardous, or moderately hazardous by the World Health Organization. This study also discussed the integrated pesticide use management approach and the future perspectives for pesticide practices in Cambodia. The review’s findings raised serious concerns regarding environmental safety and human health. Although some pesticides have been banned, most local farmers still use them for agriculture. The study strongly recommends that the Royal Government of Cambodia be provided with a concrete public health policy on pesticide management and suitable training on pesticide applications.

Current Debates about the Colonial Economy and Government from the Spanish Royal Treasury Records

This essay surveys both the traditional findings and new debates that have used the Spanish imperial royal financial accounts to analyze the colonial economy and government. The crisis of the seventeenth century, the relations between colonial elites and royal government, the impact of income transfers among treasury offices, the sale of offices, the system of voluntary loans, the eighteenth-century reforms, and the influence of the tax system on the evolution of the colonial economy and society have all created a new set of questions and debates that historians, economists, and political scientists have engaged in. There is both consensus and disagreement on what these numbers mean for various groups in the society as well as long-term institutional developments. Just as new approaches have opened up new area for research, there are also a great deal of unexplored topics that can be developed using the unpublished primary accounts.

Thai dance diplomacy: Thai government communication strategies for building soft power through staging Thai performances abroad

ABSTRACT Thailand has employed dance diplomacy in its international relations activities for more than 150 years, but there is a dearth of research on Thai dance. This study empirically explores untapped data on Thai dances used by Thai royal courts and governments. The research objectives are to elucidate communication strategies and strategic designs behind the ‘Thai dance diplomacy’ sponsored by Thai governments from 1998 to 2022 and to study the effectiveness of the diplomacy’s evaluation. Documentary research and in-depth interviews with five experts behind official Thai performances at home and abroad were conducted. The results indicate that directors designed performances based on budget constraint, creativity, cultural familiarity, and similarity between Thailand and other countries, exploiting the meanings of occasions upon which shows were performed. Show tactics were derived in alignment with the modified SMCR model of Thai dance communications by Virulrak ([2004]. หลักการแสดงนาฏยศิลป์ปริทรรศน์ [Principles of dramatic arts]. Bangkok: Chulalongkorn University Press) to portray beautiful, skilful, moral, and contemporary elements of Thai culture. A pitfall of Thai dance diplomacy is the evaluation system, which employs only the subjective judgement of diplomats and dance crews.

Henry of Lancaster’s Revolt (1328–29): Conflict, the Politics of Kingship, and the Political Public in Fourteenth-Century England

Abstract The late medieval period was an important phase in the history of political communication in England, as more people than ever before became involved in debates about royal governance. The first half of the fourteenth century, however, has been relatively under-studied in this regard. This article analyses a set of arguments put forward during a revolt led by Henry, earl of Lancaster, in 1328–29. After outlining the revolt’s historical and historiographical context, the article reveals how three key themes—the provision of advice; the moral responsibilities attached to royal finance; and the state of the king’s peace—were contested in 1328–29. It then turns to the public orientation of these arguments to suggest that this contest reveals a growing need to engage a political public in order to acquire legitimacy when seeking to reform, or to defend, the direction of royal government. In turn, this helped to set out what the most legitimate paths of political action were and what terms needed to be taken up to describe them by those who wished to involve themselves in the politics of kingship. It is argued that Lancaster’s revolt held a significant position in a much broader history of political communication in England, in which political legitimacy in the exercise of royal authority was claimed before, evaluated by, and generated through a critical body of public opinion which interacted with Plantagenet rule.

Examining the Successful Dissemination Buddhism along the SilkRoad into China Against the Political Backdrop ofthe Southern and Northern Dynasties

Nowadays, it is easy to take for granted the connection between Buddhism and Chinese culture. However, Buddhism was originally from India, and passed into China as a foreign religion. One particular period that Buddhism began to blend which Chinese culture appeared to be the Southern and Northern dynasties. The active nomadic activities during this period introduced both the possibility and need of Buddhism as a part of Chinese society. After this period, Buddhism truly gained momentum in Chinese history. This paper will examine Buddhisms unique means of propagation, specifically how Buddhism managed to wield both interpretive and political power as important tools. Such observations could yield insight into the dynamics of political interactions in ancient China, as well as how such a structure incorporated religions and common culture into its reign. The paper hypothesizes that Buddhisms ability to build connection with Chinese society was due to its unique power of flexibility and persuasion, which suited the political backdrop of the Southern and Northern dynasties well. This paper will discuss and seek to validate this thesis through three lenses: royal support, governance, and translation. The discussion will involve interpreting scrolls written by the ancient Chinese, to signify the contemporary political and intellectual importance of Buddhism.

Challenges of teaching English as an additional language in high schools in Cambodia

As English is a lingua franca in Southeast Asia, the teaching of this international language has been identified as an important educational activity in Cambodia. This study examined the challenges of teaching English as an additional language in four public high schools in Cambodia. It investigated the significance of various aspects of the school environment and the attributes of teachers toward English language teaching. A mixed methods design was employed, and data were collected through a survey and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that a dated curriculum, classroom overcrowding, immovable furniture, limited resources, and a lack of professional development contributed to the challenges in teaching English in Cambodian schools. The study concludes with recommendations for the Royal Government of Cambodia and relevant stakeholders to provide schools with sufficient funds, facilities, and teaching resources; offer professional development opportunities to teachers and staff; and update English course books.