Social Sciences Research Articles

Enhancing Critical Thinking Through Discussions of Social Issues in English Language Classes

Abstract: The paper aims to enhance students' critical thinking and communication skills by incorporating discussions on current social issues into English language learning. The goal is to develop both language proficiency and an understanding of social contexts, fostering a more holistic educational experience. The primary objective of this is to improve students' English language proficiency through meaningful engagement with social science topics. The approach aims to make English learning relevant to real-world contexts by integrating discussions on social issues such as gender equality, climate change, poverty, human rights, and cultural diversity. This will not only enhance students' linguistic abilities but also their critical thinking, empathy, and social awareness. This paper examines how integrating social science topics into English language teaching (ELT) can promote both language acquisition and critical thinking. The study explores discussion-based and project-based learning as methodologies to foster engagement with real-world issues, equipping students with the tools to both articulate their ideas in English and think analytically about societal challenges. The research also investigates the potential outcomes of such an approach, including improved language skills, heightened social awareness, and the development of global citizenship.

Deciphering the Diagnostic Potential of α-Methylacyl CoA Racemase (AMACR) in Prostatic Neoplasms

Prostate cancer is a prevalent malignancy that affects males globally, posing a substantial impact both locally and globally. A critical marker for improving prostatic cancer diagnostic accuracy is α-Methylacyl CoA Racemase (AMACR), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of certain fatty acids and bile acid precursors. Objective: To explore the immunohistochemical expression of α-Methylacyl CoA Racemase and assess its association with the histological grading of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro between April 2023 to February 2024. Total 71 prostate cancer patients with age range of 45 to 99 years were selected for this study according to the selection criteria. The study used formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for histopathology to evaluate AMACR expression through immunohistochemistry and the data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows. Results: The immunohistochemical study revealed that 57.7% of cases showed AMACR expression, with a significant correlation between the expression levels and the tumor's histological grade (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted AMACR's potential as a diagnostic biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer.

Assessment of nutritional status in under five children admitted to tertiary care hospital and comparison of different nutritional indices

Background: Childhood is a phase of swift growth and development after infancy. One of the foremost public health problems in developing countries like India is extensive prevalence of under nutrition among school children resulting in delayed cognitive development and severe health impairment. Aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition and comparison of different nutritional indices in under five-year children. Methods: A descriptive observational study conducted among 300 children under five years admitted to a tertiary care hospital for a duration of 1 year by simple random sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was employed to interview the children and their mothers. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight among under five children was 50%, wasting was 40.7% and 39.7% of children were stunting. Stunting was significantly associated with higher birth order (Chi-square test=8.21, p value=0.04). undernutrition was significantly associated with lower socio-economic status. Dugdale index have higher sensitivity and specificity and maximum area under curve as per ROC and concluded as best tool for screening the malnutrition in under five children. Conclusions: Malnutrition is a major public health problem leading to morbidity and mortality in children. It requires focussed action to mitigate the impact of malnutrition in under five children.

Moral injury and its effects on academic performance of student nurses in South Africa.

Morals are norms of conduct, behaviour and guidelines that nurses must uphold and observe in nursing. Moral codes require nurses and student nurses to respect human rights and dignity, and act with sound ethical judgement. However, when student nurses witness and fail to prevent acts that transgress their deeply held moral beliefs, their moral code is damaged, and deep emotional wounds ensue, leading to moral injury. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and effects of moral injury in student nurses at a higher education institution in South Africa. A quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional survey was relied upon. The total population sampling method was applied, resulting in 124 respondents. Data were collected among the undergraduate student nurses registered at a higher education institution in Johannesburg from first to final year using a self-administered Moral Injury Symptom Scale - Healthcare Professionals questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 28 software. The results indicated that more than a third (34%) of students experienced moral injury. Furthermore, a positive significant relationship between the presence of moral injury and academic performance among the students was noted (p= 0.029). In this study, the prevalence of moral injury among student nurses was investigated and its effects on academic performance were reported.Contribution:The effects of moral injury among student nurses indicate a need for higher education institutions to design and implement nursing curriculum that would assist students to develop moral resilience and ethical behaviour.

THE ROLE OF PANCASILA LEARNING IN DEVELOPING SOCIO POLITICAL AWARENESS AMONG P.IPS UIN MALANG STUDENTS

This research highlights the strategic role of Pancasila learning in developing social and political awareness among students of Social Science Education Study Program (P.IPS) at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Malang. The background of this research is rooted in the low level of participation and awareness of social and political issues among the younger generation in the midst of globalization. To understand this phenomenon, the research used a descriptive qualitative approach with field research methods through structured interviews and direct observation. Social awareness indicators were measured based on the theory of Yoyo Sudaryo and Agus Ribowo, while political awareness refers to the theory of Almond and Verba. The data were then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and inference. The results showed that Pancasila learning is able to increase students' social and political awareness through the internalization of values such as empathy, honesty, tolerance, and active participation in community life. In addition, this learning also encourages students' participation in political activities, strengthens their awareness of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and forms a critical attitude toward various social issues. The implications of the results of this study indicate the importance of strengthening Pancasila learning as a character building tool for students who are active, critical, and empowered to face socio-political challenges in the future.

Use of Quizizz Media in Social Science Learning in Elementary Schools: A Systematic Literature Review

Technological developments are a challenge for the world of education, including in the learning process, which requires various digital platforms, such as Quizzizz. This research aims to analyze the literature regarding Quizizz as a learning media and evaluation tool at the elementary school level. This research uses a systematic literature review through five stages: determining the study topic, searching for articles, selecting the article, analyzing the literature, and drawing conclusions. In this study, we analyzed 24 articles related to the focus of the study, namely quizizz in elementary school learning. These articles are selected articles published from 2019 to 2024. The literature study results show that: 1) The Quizizz platform was developed as a learning media because it has a presentation feature consisting of various attractive displays to make the presentation media more interactive. 2) The Quizizz platform is generally used as an evaluation tool. The platform has many features for learning assessment, such as multiple choice assessments, open questions, matching questions, and categorizing questions. Furthermore, the feature includes flexible assessments with images, videos, and audio answers. 3) In general, using the Quizizz platform impacts student learning outcomes; in other words, students' understanding increases after studying material through Quizizz. Apart from that, the use of Quizizz also has an impact on students' learning motivation, enthusiasm, and skill development. Based on this, Quizizz is an important platform for teachers to develop innovative learning, develop various skills, and prepare students to face the challenges of the times and technological developments

Association of Age and Gender with Early Onset Seizures in Patients of Acute Ischemic Stroke at a Tertiary Care Setting

The prevalence of ischemic stroke is more in south Asian countries. Individuals having an early seizure have a significantly elevated chance of developing epilepsy after stroke than individuals having stroke but no early seizure. The seizures that occur following the stroke has been observed as contributing to more worse outcomes and disabilities. Objective: To determine the association of age and gender with earliest inception seizures in sufferers of acute ischemic stroke at a tertiary care setting in Sindh Pakistan. Methods: This cross sectional study was organized at Department of Medicine of Bilawal Medical College Hospital, Kotri from 26 May 2023 to 26 October 2023. In this study, the patients attending Bilawal Medical College Hospital reporting with stroke were recruited for this research study. The presence or absence of earliest seizures is dependent variable while, the age, gender and sociodemographic status are variables in present study. The data were analyzed on International Bussiness Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 26.0. Results: Out of 118 stroke patients, 17 (14.4%) found with early seizures. The gender and age appeared to have significant association with early onset of seizures with p value 0.01 and 0.04 correspondingly. Conclusions: It was concluded that male patients and all patients aged between 51 to 60 years were more likely to experience an early seizure. After an acute stroke, earliest seizures could not resemble to unfavorable functional prognosis.

Transforming public service delivery in Bangladesh: The impact of G2P approach

In the digitized phase of Bangladesh, the government-to-person (G2P) approach represents an innovative shift in public service delivery. This model transforms the traditional "one to many" service approach into a "one to one" interaction, where the government directly engages with individual beneficiaries. This direct connection enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency in service provision. The G2P approach is implemented across various projects in Bangladesh. This study aims to explore how G2P influences public service delivery perceptions and assess its impacts. A mixed-methods design was employed, and samples were selected from government officials and beneficiaries, totaling 120 participants. Data collection was accomplished through key informant interviews and surveys. The analysis utilized the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) alongside detailed qualitative assessments. Discussions drawn from the analysis indicate notable impacts of G2P on public service delivery. Ultimately, it is suggested that the government and policymakers focus on expanding the scope of G2P services to ensure a structured, transparent, and efficient delivery of public services. While there are challenges to address, overcoming these barriers could facilitate a transformative phase in Bangladesh's governance system.

Non-compliance to antiretroviral therapy readjustments following complications in HIV-positive patients in South Africa.

South Africa accounts for 19% of the global population living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), limited knowledge exists on adherence to guidelines when managing complications. This study assesses regimen adjustment for HIV-positive patients with renal and hepatic dysfunction resulting from antiretroviral therapy (ART) according to the South African Treatment Guidelines and examines the re-initiation of ART in patients who have defaulted. The study was conducted at Tshepang HIV Clinic, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa. A retrospective review was conducted between November 2020 and December 2020. Patients who had been on ART for over 18 months and presented with hepatic, renal and/or virological failure were included in the study. The data collection tool included demographics and medical records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for Windows was used for data analysis. A total of 181 files were reviewed, and only 37 were eligible for participation. The study found that treatment received by 25% of hepatic failure patients and 41.3% of renal impairment patients complied with South African ART guidelines. Furthermore, 40% of patients with virological failure were re-initiated according to guidelines. This study found practices that were contrary to the prescribed guidelines with non-compliance accounting for more than 40%. This study demonstrates a high incidence of adherence failure to South African ART guidelines. Defaulted patients are placed risk of antiretroviral resistance. Adherence to guidelines is important to prevent complications resulting from ART.

Distance Learning in Focus: A Bibliometric and Thematic Network Analysis of the Global Research Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the global educational landscape, accelerating the adoption of distance learning and influencing teaching and learning in the post-pandemic context. This bibliometric and thematic network analysis has examined the research landscape of distance learning during the pandemic. Using a predefined search syntax in the Scopus® database, with publication years limited to 2018–2023 and language restricted to English, 14,525 research documents were retrieved for analysis. Bibliometric assessments of research production, temporal and spatial trends, impact, and collaboration were conducted using Excel and VOSViewer. Additionally, SciMAT was employed to visualize thematic density, centrality, and evolution through strategic diagrams, evolution maps, and stability maps. The findings indicate that distance learning research is predominantly conducted in Western nations, with the United States leading in publication output. The most common subject areas include social sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. The study also highlights significant methodological and theoretical interconnectedness, emphasizing the expansion of virtual and flexible learning environments. Furthermore, it underscores the growing role of virtual education, the gendered impact of online learning, and the increasing intersection of educational technology and academic performance. By mapping the conceptual evolution of distance education research, this study provides a strategic foundation for future investigations and policy development to enhance global distance learning frameworks.

Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients and their Emotional Well-being During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study from Central India

Background: Patients with cancer faced severe disruptions in healthcare access and heightened emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study examined the challenges experienced by cancer patients in accessing treatment and the impact of the pandemic on their psychological well-being, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling among 111 cancer patients admitted to the oncology units of a tertiary care center in central India. Data were collected through a well-validated and reliable structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, stress, anxiety, depression, and challenges faced during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results: A high prevalence rate of moderate-to-severe stress (100%), anxiety (78.4%), and depression (64.9%) was reported among participants. The study identified several key challenges that affected patient care delivery during pandemics, including transportation issues, non-availability of telecommunication services, difficulty adhering to preventive measures, delays in surgery scheduling, and financial hardships due to lockdowns. Depression was significantly associated with transportation problems (p = 0.028) and surgery delays (p = 0.020), whereas anxiety was significantly associated with a lack of teleconsultation services (p = 0.014) and difficulty in maintaining preventive measures (p = 0.040). Conclusion: This study highlights the complex difficulties experienced by cancer patients during COVID-19, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare strategies, including digital health interventions, such as teleconsultation, remote monitoring, and virtual psychological support, to ensure uninterrupted cancer care during public health crises. Addressing these challenges can help mitigate the emotional burden on patients with cancer and improve overall treatment outcomes.

Measuring the Difference of Impact of Co-Curricular Activities on Students’ Learning Skills at the Public Middle Schools of Karachi

This research was conducted to measure the difference of impact of co-curricular activities on students’ learning skills at the public middle schools of Malir Town, District Malir, Karachi. This study specifically focused on the learning performance, learning abilities, and learning activeness between male and female students in the middle-level public school in Malir town. The in-depth analysis of the literature review was employed to support the problem of the study. The strategy of the research was quantitative and the population of the study was limited to Public Middle-Level Schools in Malir Town. Moreover, a set of questionnaire was formulated for students. The sample size of students was limited to 120. Due to the heterogeneous population, simple random sampling was used to collect the data and the data was analyzed through inferential statistical tools by employing Independent t-test on Statistical Packages of Social Sciences (SPSS).The findings of the research revealed the fact that the male students have significantly higher learning skills and learning abilities as compared to female students. The finding also indicated that the co-curricular activities were not being conducted effectively, as the teachers lacked motivation and training to contribute.

Risk Management Strategies and Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose was to study the effect of risk management practices on the insurance companies performance in Kenya. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of the risk management practices on the performance of firms in the insurance industry. Methodology: The study embraced descriptive survey design. This study’s target population comprised of all the 56 insurance firms in Kenya that are duly registered, licensed and regulated by the IRA. Since the number of insurance firms are few, this study proposed to use census survey and it purposively used underwriting managers as a source of crucial information for the study. This study relied on both primary and secondary data. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentages and means, summary graphs, pie charts and frequency distribution tables was employed. This study also conducted inferential statistics through correlation analysis. The study results was presented through use of tables and figures. Findings: The study found out that revealing that all four strategies significantly enhance financial stability, profitability, and operational efficiency, with Risk Reduction Strategy having the strongest effect. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To strengthen performance, firms should adopt structured risk assessment frameworks, invest in predictive analytics, enhance loss prevention programs, and expand risk transference mechanisms such as reinsurance partnerships. Additionally, fostering a strong risk management culture through employee training and regular strategy reviews is essential for long-term sustainability. The study recommends further research on the role of technological advancements, regulatory compliance, and economic factors in risk management, as well as the impact of policyholder behavior on insurance firms’ financial resilience and market competitiveness.

Activities at the Banjarbaru Tomato Creation House as a Social Studies Learning Resource

These UMKM have economic activities, namely production, distribution and consumption. Economic activities can be used as a learning resource. This study aims to determine the activities at the Banjarbaru Tomato Creation House as a social science learning resource. This study uses a qualitative approach, collecting data through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. Test the validity of triangulation data (time, technique, and source), member checks, and extension of observations. The results of this study indicate that the Tomato Creative House is a UMKM that was established in 2017. This Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise is engaged in the culinary sector which distributes to several modern retailers and souvenir shops. The products are tomato syrup, tomato candy and candied tomato. This business can improve the economy and welfare of families and communities around the business location. Activities at the Banjarbaru Tomato Creation House include economic activities, namely production, distribution, and consumption. The production activities at the Banjarbaru Tomato Creation House are producing processed foods with the basic ingredients of tomatoes, products such as tomato candy, tomato syrup, and tomato sweets. These processed products are distributed through online such as Instagram and shopee, gift shops, wholesalers, and participate in bazaars in various events. The UMKM produces processed food that can be consumed directly. The activity of the Banjarbaru Tomato Creation House is used as a social science learning resource which can be seen from the basic competencies with the suitability of the material. Its activities are production, distribution and consumption. These economic activities are included in the social studies material for class VII semester 2.

Barriers Faced by Pre-service Teacher Trainees in their Practicum Experience

The study aims at highlighting the barriers encountered by 4th year students during teaching training practicum. These barriers faced by pre-service teachers need more investigation, although there are some studies in the literature in this regard. Further information about the benefits and barriers encountered by university students in school teaching practicum, especially in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is necessary. The barriers that are focused on are related to interpersonal skills or related to teaching skills. While the interpersonal skills include pre-service teachers’ relationships with school principals and schoolteachers, teaching skills may include managing students in terms of language acquisition ability, low level of motivation, classroom activities, insufficiency of adequate materials, assessment, and students’ actions. The study involved 100 4th year students who completed a 30-day teaching training from English Department at Salahaddin University-Erbil during the academic year (2023–2024). They answered a questionnaire after teaching in 36 basic and high schools. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 25). The results indicated that the pre-service teachers encounter various barriers regarding interpersonal and teaching skills. However, they have few interpersonal barriers with schoolteachers and principals during their teaching practicum. This study may confirm existing ideas about teacher practicum and highlight gaps in how well pre-service teachers are prepared. Training can improve support, and schools can enhance mentoring for pre-service teachers prepare better by knowing the barriers before practicum begins.

Autonomy-Supportive Teacher Behaviours and Their Impact on Student Attendance at University Level

Previous research on the motivation types located along a self-determination continuum revealed that the autonomy in students’ motivation has a positive impact on getting favourable results and underlined the importance of autonomy-supportive environments. Given that teacher behaviour is addressed as one of the forms of autonomy-supportive environments, the present study aimed to understand the nature of teacher behaviours in a mass course where the students explained the teacher as the most important motivational drive for their attendance in lectures. To this end, 101 first-year students studying at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences participated in semi-structured interviews. The content analysis of qualitative data showed that the students were motivated by the teachers’ structured guidance, promotion of active participation, and acknowledgement of their ideas. Most importantly, their responses showed that lively teaching performance with use of humour and changing the tone of voice were the most important factors influencing their attendance behaviour. The results indicated that attendance was autonomously motivated by not only teachers’ informative, interactive, and caring behaviours but also teaching performance with some desired characteristics for university level students.

The Cuban Nickel Industry Between Extractivism and Descarbonization: A Sector with Great Challenges

The exploitation of mineral resources occupies a significant role in the current debate on sustainable development for any country. In underdeveloped countries such as Cuba, the extraction and export of nickel is one of the activities that has played an important role in the national economy. Introduction: From 1990 onwards, this sector underwent a restructuring process that marked a starting point for its resizing. A joint venture was created with Sherritt International and one of the production plants was integrated into the global mining value chains. Nevertheless, an extractivist model persists in this activity, characterised by the export of primary products with low added value, high environmental impact at the territorial level and the prevalence of an enclave conception that limits the articulation and productive linkage with the national market. Objective: The aim of this article is to reflect on the transition of the Cuban nickel industry towards another development model that goes beyond extractivist practices. Methodology: From a critical perspective, it analyses the theoretical debate surrounding the sustainable development of mining and extractivism. Results: It is argued that policies to overcome extractivism should prioritise three directions: the promotion of strategies that encourage Foreign Direct Investment, the articulation of the territory to these strategies and the urgent generation of productive chains as the main concluding idea. Conclusion: Overcoming extractivism is assumed to be a sustainable development strategy that integrates several dimensions; it is considered a process deliberately conceived and managed by society to compensate for the damage caused to the environment. General study area: (Social Sciences). Specific study area: (Extractivism).

High frequency and duration of social media exposure during the COVID- 19 pandemic are associated with mental health problems among employees at an Egyptian university

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to public health, particularly mental well-being. Due to the rapid spread of the virus and quarantine restrictions, social media usage increased dramatically. Excessive and unregulated social media use may negatively impact mental health, contributing to heightened feelings of helplessness and anxiety. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the frequency and duration of social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety among employees at Ain Shams University during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted over 6 months, from September 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, among 405 employees at Ain Shams University. A stratified random sampling method was employed in two stages. First, the university’s faculties were categorized into four disciplines: humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science and engineering, and medical and health sciences. Second, two faculties were randomly selected from each discipline to ensure representative sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales to assess anxiety and depression levels.ResultsA total of 405 participants were enrolled, comprising 203 males and 202 females, with a mean age of 42.15 ± 10.72 years (range: 20.00–59.00). The majority (77%) held a university degree, and 68.9% were married. A history of COVID-19 infection was reported by 38.3% of participants, and 78.8% used social media to stay updated about the pandemic. Approximately, half of the participants accessed social media three to four times per day, spending an average of 2 to 3 h daily. According to the PHQ-9 scale, 40.7% of employees who accessed social media six or more times per day experienced severe depression symptoms. Similarly, based on the GAD-7 scale, 41.6% of employees who accessed social media six or more times daily reported severe anxiety symptoms.ConclusionThe findings suggest a concerning association between frequent COVID-19-related social media exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These results highlight the potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use, emphasizing the need for mental health awareness programs and strategies to combat misinformation during crises.

A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ORANG ASLI RESEARCH IN MALAYSIA: A STUDY BASED ON SCOPUS DATABASE

Abstract: This study aims to identify the research progress and trends in Orang asli scientific publications indexed in the Scopus database with the help of the Biblioshiny (Rstudio). The bibliometric analysis of 685 articles was focused on describing the characteristics and trend of the publications performance, word co-occurence, authors and journal. The main results show that the research publications on Orang asli were limited but experienced a positive growth trend from 1968-2022. The existing publications in the Orang asli research domain are mainly discussed on subject categories of medicine, social sciences, agricultural and biological science,and also the arts and humanities related to Orang asli. The most frequently used words in the publications on Orang asli were found to focus on health with a broad range of themes. “child” and “rural areas” were widely used to conclude that the research on children was quite extensive in various aspects such as illness, genetics and school. This finding will benefit future studies on creating a solid insight on similar areas or to fill the knowledge gaps in the current literature on Orang asli research over time. Keywords: Bibliometric Analysis; Orang Asli; Scopus; Malaysia

Forests and Rivers

Abstract Unlike other regions of the world that also experience anthropogenically generated environmental problems, Inner Asia is particularly vulnerable to ecological catastrophes. In such a context, scholars of the region – like social scientists elsewhere – extensively use ideas of periodisation to temporally situate analysis of human intervention in the natural world. This article also attends to the temporality of human intervention in Inner Asia’s environment, but it does so within the structure of a much longer chronological framework. In doing so, it argues for more sustained scholarly attention to processes of environmental change in Inner Asia with their roots in the region’s period of imperial history. This argument is made in relation to the longue durée history of water- and forest-use in the Selenge river basin (Mongolia and adjacent Buryatia, Eastern Siberia, Russia).