Specific Topics Research Articles

A Contrastive Analysis between English Idioms and Their Indonesian Equivalents in the Book Tintin in America by Herge (1932)

This study focuses on employing a descriptive and qualitative research approach. The objective of this research is to discern similarities, differences, predictions of translating problems based on similarities and differences between English Idioms and their Indonesian equivalents. The analysis focuses on the book Tintin in America by Herge (1932). The results indicated the presence of 55 English idioms which consisted of 22 verbal idioms, 12 informal idioms, 5 idioms containing special keywords, 4 idioms related to specific themes, and 12 idiomatic pairs. Regarding the similarities and differences, within the Verbal Idiom category, researchers observed that there was 0 similarity between the 55 English Idioms and their Indonesian counterparts, and there were 55 differences between the 55 English Idioms and their Indonesian counterparts. Based on the differences, Indonesian learners may face problems when translating informal idioms, idioms containing special keywords, idioms related to specific themes, and idiomatic pairs. Within informal idioms, the Indonesian learners may make a mistake by translating, for example, It looks pretty phoney to me into *Bagi saya itu terlihat sangat palsu, instead of the better one Mencurigakan sekali. This is because the English expression is idiomatic, while its Indonesian equivalent is non-idiomatic. A word-by-word or literal translation is probably made due to the difference. The case may also happen when the Indonesian learners are translating idioms containing special keywords, idioms related to specific themes, and idiomatic pairs, for example: the English expression Good gracious! into the Indonesian equivalent *Baik hati, instead of the better one Astaga!; the English expression Glad to be back on my feet again into the Indonesian equivalent *Senang bisa kembali dengan kaki saya lagi, instead or the better one Senang sudah bisa jalan lagi; and the English expression The whole bunch of cut-throats into the Indonesian equivalent *Sejumlah pemotong tenggorokan, instead of the better one Semua bandit yang ada disini

Shaping governance through social media: A review of Chinese government strategies and public engagement (2013-2023)

This systematic literature review employs the PRISMA framework to assess the literature of Chinese government social media (GSM) from 2013 to 2023. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines bibliometric and content analysis, this review investigates the evolving use of GSM in China. The bibliometric analysis reveals significant trends in research focus and methodologies over the decade, indicating a shift towards more qualitative and mixed-method approaches as the complexity of digital governance increases. Content analysis further delineates these findings into specific themes: governance strategies and implementation, technological evolution, and the audience. Through the examination of these themes, the review highlights how Chinese GSM has been strategically used to foster a more transparent and engaging government presence online, facilitating improved public services and citizen involvement in governmental processes. This study also incorporates a brief cross-analysis to explore the interactions between different research dimensions, offering nuanced insights into the dynamics of GSM applications. This research underscores the critical role of social media in shaping modern governance, suggesting that ongoing technological adaptation and strategic communication are essential for enhancing public engagement and trust in the context of China. The findings advocate for continued research and policy development to leverage the potential of GSM fully, ensuring that digital governance strategies remain responsive to technological advancements and evolving public expectations.

THE EVOLUTION OF METAPHOR IN THE DIACHRONIC ASPECT ON THE MATERIAL OF ENGLISH POETRY

Metaphor is a linguistic tool used to express ideas or concepts through comparison. In the diachronic aspect, metaphor can be observed over time as it changes and evolves in a language.The term "diachronic" refers to the study of language evolution over time, and in this context, the article is focused on the evolution of metaphor in English poetry. The use of metaphor has been a consistent feature of poetry throughout history, and this article analyzes the ways in which metaphor has evolved over time in the English language.Different types of English poetry are analyzed in the article, ranging from medieval to contemporary, and tracing the evolution of metaphorical language in each era. This analysis involves identifying specific metaphors or themes thatwere popular in each era, as well as examining how the use of metaphor has changed over time [1, p.24]. Such methods as literary analysis, descriptive analysis, and comparative historical method were used to study metaphor in the diachronic aspect.By analyzing the use of metaphor in English poetry across different time periods, researchers gain insight into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped language use. It also provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in metaphorical thinking and language use. By examining how poets have used metaphor to convey meaning and evoke emotions over time, researchers gain a deeper understanding of how the human brain processes and interprets language.In summary, the study of the evolution of metaphor in the diachronic aspect on the material of English poetry is scientifically significant because it sheds light on the historical and cultural contexts of language use, provides insights into the cognitive processes involved in metaphorical thinking, and has practical applications in fields such as language teaching and natural language processing.

Introduction to the Special Theme issue “Innovative, Interactive, and Intelligent Uses of Technology in Multilingual Classrooms”

Introduction to the Special Theme issue “Innovative, Interactive, and Intelligent Uses of Technology in Multilingual Classrooms”

Bridging musical gaps: creating educational songs with thematic learning for primary school students

This study investigates how elementary school teachers without musical backgrounds create educational songs to support thematic learning under Indonesia's Kurikulum Merdeka. Thematic learning aims to integrate various subjects into cohesive themes, fostering student-centered learning (SCL) and emphasizing active engagement and critical thinking. Although the government provided the guiding textbooks, teachers face challenges in implementing SCL. Eventually, they often revert to conventional, teacher-centered methods. Previous research indicates that songs can serve as effective educational tools, but there is still a lack of thematic songs that align with the curriculum's specific themes. Using a case study approach, this research involved classroom observations, document analysis, and interviews with two first-grade teachers who developed songs for an environmental theme. The study found that teachers could create educational songs by deriving lyrics from teaching materials and improvising melodies, although they needed formal musical notation skills. Teachers and students then used these songs in classroom instruction, engaging in singing and physical activities. Despite inconsistencies in musical performance, the findings indicated that students were enthusiastic and better understood the material through these songs. The study highlights teachers' adaptive nature in leveraging available resources to meet educational objectives and emphasizes the importance of integrating arts, particularly music, into educational practices. The research contributes to the broader discourse on educational innovation, suggesting that even teachers without musical training can effectively create and use educational songs to enhance learning. Empowering teachers with resources and training in songwriting could further enrich thematic learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students. This approach aligns with the goals of the Kurikulum Merdeka, supporting holistic educational reforms and improving learning outcomes in Indonesian elementary education.

The Ongoing Challenge of Digital Technology Innovation

This special theme issue of NEJM Catalyst Innovations in Care Delivery, guest edited by Rasu Shrestha, MD, MBA, includes articles, case studies, and research reports on digital technology adoption, the uses of artificial intelligence, in-basket workflow, telehealth-enabled nursing, and digitally enabled care.

Lived-in Experience Among Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Qualitative Study from South India

Background: Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the skills related to behavior, communication, interaction, and learning. This study was undertaken to understand the difficulties faced by caregivers in various aspects of life while taking care of children with autism and their unique life experiences. Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, the study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India. An informed consent and a subject information sheet were taken to obtain permission from the subjects. A baseline proforma was prepared for collecting the demographic data for both autistic children and the caregivers. An in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interview that consisted of around 10 questions was conducted for 30 minutes. The interview was recorded, later transcribed verbatim, and extracted into specific themes and subthemes. Results: The lived-in experiences throw light on many emotional, social, psychological, and physical distress the caregivers go through on a day-to-day basis. The daily hassles of every caregiver are unique and challenging. Five themes and corresponding subthemes were extracted as follows: emotional meltdown, change in family dynamics, spiritual transition, perceived social burden, and perception of a child’s future. Conclusion: The caregivers of children with autism faced various challenges such as physical and emotional turmoil, financial constraints, and the deprivation of a healthy social life almost every day. Interventional measures such as nurse-led clinics, counseling measure, and planning training sessions for nurses to deal with the various issues faced by the caregivers could be taken up to address the growing concerns of caregivers of children with autism.

Introduction to the Special Theme Religious Experience and Psychopathology

Introduction to the Special Theme Religious Experience and Psychopathology

Exploring the Landscape of Home-Based Teleradiology in Japan: A Qualitative Analysis of Radiologists’ and Neurosurgeons’ Experiences to Elucidate Advantages, Challenges, and Future Directions

This study aimed to investigate the advantages, disadvantages, working methods, and support needs of physicians practicing teleradiology from home in Japan, as well as to explore challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 physicians (12 radiologists and 3 neurosurgeons) engaged in teleradiology services. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling to ensure diversity in age, gender, and experience. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s six-step approach. Five main themes were generated: (1) the ability to work from home according to one’s lifestyle, allowing for better work-life balance; (2) reduced quality and efficiency of reading work, due to limited patient information and lack of immediate consultation; (3) self-management and reliance on available resources, including literature searches and networking with colleagues; (4) need for comfortable infrastructure facilities, such as high-quality monitors and stable internet connections; and (5) provision of resources to resolve questions and concerns, including platforms for peer discussions. Interestingly, no specific themes related to the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, suggesting that the challenges of teleradiology were not uniquely affected by the pandemic. While home-based teleradiology offers lifestyle flexibility, it presents challenges in maintaining work quality and efficiency. Physicians employ self-management strategies and rely on available resources to mitigate these challenges. The findings highlight the need for improved infrastructure and support systems to enhance the practice of home-based teleradiology in Japan. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on remote healthcare delivery and may inform policy decisions and best practices in diagnostic radiology both in Japan and internationally.

Forming of the system of primary documents services in agriculture in Soviet Lithuania

The article is devoted to the results of the analysis of expert evaluation of the databases that are received in our republic. These databases differ according to their value for the specialists of agriculture. The general contents of these databases do not coincide with the requirements of those specialists, but it is possible to use special themes in the agricultural information systems. The article shows the main list of referred publications. The publications that are received by libraries are identified as well. Some of them are working with the aid of IBM. It is possible to show the percentage of the publications received in our republic that are included in the databases of VNIITEISM.

Securing 5G virtual networks: a critical analysis of SDN, NFV, and network slicing security

5G, the current generation of communication networks is based on the standards defined by 3GPP and other organizations (ETSI, ENISA, NGMN). These standards define virtual networks supported by three basic technologies, SDN, NFV, and Network Slicing. Virtual networks are primarily built using software and have clear advantages that appear to be reduced because of the corresponding loss in security due to the larger attack surface of this type of network. On the other hand, virtual networks can be made even more secure than hardware-based networks by leveraging the flexibility and adaptability of virtual functions and numerous articles have studied different aspects of their security. Current work goes from proposals for specific mechanisms to general studies of threats and defenses. Some of these are systematic literature reviews considering everything published on a specific theme. We prefer to analyze carefully selected papers considered significant and produce from them an overview of the status of the security of the network technologies used by 5G. After this analysis, we have found that although there are many studies of threats, they are not systematic and have confusions about concepts that may mislead implementers; we also found that the large variety of defenses can be confusing to designers. We have therefore conducted a critical analysis of threats and defenses to provide a clear perspective of how to secure these networks. Based on this perspective, we propose directions for research to improve or extend current defenses. We note that although virtual networks have special characteristics, they are examples of systems and much of the theory of systems security applies to them.

Exploring the Application of Digital Nostalgia System in Dementia Care from the Perspective of Narrative Gerontology

In recent years, modern medical technology has advanced significantly, increasing the average lifespan of Taiwanese individuals. However, dementia, a common disease among the elderly, has also become more prevalent. The cognitive decline caused by dementia can severely impact the physical, mental, and spiritual health of patients. This study aimed to explore the impact of using digital nostalgia technology to provide cognitive stimulation for patients with dementia, specifically through the use of the "Recall" system developed by our research team. We analyzed the narrative context of patients and employed a pre-test and post-test experimental design, inviting five mild dementia patients to participate. The research methodology mainly involved qualitative research, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients using nostalgic photos, divided into four topics: personal background description, most memorable experiences, specific themes, and personal photo sharing. We used NVivo qualitative analysis software to analyze the interview transcripts by coding and classifying the nodes to explore the differences in the patient's narrative context before and after the intervention. This study found that patients participating in the digital experimental activities were more eager to share their old photos. These stimulated memories and led to good subjectivity, continuity, coherence, and correspondence with autobiographical memory. Compared with the non-digital group, patients in the digital group were more willing to share their memories and stories from the past, and they provided positive feedback on the presentation of digital photos and the use of Taiwanese voiceovers. In terms of narrative context, this study identified six main narrative contexts, including contentment, achievement, positivity, social interaction, family affection, and instability. Most patients focused on the "contentment," "family affection," and "achievement" parts. This study can serve as a useful reference for applying digital nostalgia technology to improve the quality of life and mental health of dementia patients, as it provides a deeper understanding of their narrative content and needs.

The Development of Epitope-Based Recombinant Protein Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause infections and deaths, which are attributable to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC). Moderna's response to the declining protective efficacies of current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines against Omicron was to develop a bivalent booster vaccine based on the Spike (S) protein from the Wuhan and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains. This approach, while commendable, is unfeasible in light of rapidly emerging mutated viral strains. PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically reviewed for peer-reviewed papers up to January 2024. Articles included focused on specific themes such as the clinical history of recombinant protein vaccine development against different diseases, including COVID-19, the production of recombinant protein vaccines using different host expression systems, aspects to consider in recombinant protein vaccine development, and overcoming problems associated with large-scale recombinant protein vaccine production. In silico approaches to identify conserved and immunogenic epitopes could provide broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs but require validation in animal models. The recombinant protein vaccine development platform has shown a successful history in clinical development. Recombinant protein vaccines incorporating conserved epitopes may utilize a number of expression systems, such as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), baculovirus-insect cells (Sf9 cells), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Current multi-epitope subunit vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 utilizing synthetic peptides are unfeasible for large-scale immunizations. Recombinant protein vaccines based on conserved and immunogenic proteins produced using E. coli offer high production yields, convenient purification, and cost-effective production of large-scale vaccine quantities capable of protecting against the SARS-CoV-2 D614G strain and its VOCs.

Improving the learning capacity of regional health systems for their transformation towards health and well-being systems: a qualitative study of ten Dutch regions

PurposeThere is growing recognition that transformation of healthcare systems towards health and well-being systems requires a continuous learning process. This explorative study aims to gain insight into the experiences with and investment in these learning processes within regional partnerships for health and in what they need to enhance their learning capacity to use the learning for transformation.Design/methodology/approach17 interviews were held with programme managers, data scientists, trusted advisors and a citizen representative, all involved in the learning process on a regional level in ten Dutch regional partnerships. The interviews were inductively and thematically analysed, focusing on the experiences and perceptions underlying the learning processes.FindingsRegional partnerships invest in learning processes by organizing interactions between different groups of stakeholders and by reflecting on specific themes or on a region-wide level. Difficulty was found in region-wide reflection and in enhancing the learning capacity within the partnerships. Further enhancing the learning capacity required: (1) Investment in (the use of) expertise for translating learning outcomes into concrete action; (2) Leadership for change, underpinned by a shared sense of urgency to learn for transformation and (3) A facilitative environment for change which is both based on facilitative system structures and a basis of trust and commitment to learn and adapt.Originality/valueThe study highlighted the difficulty of learning on a region-wide level and the struggle to apply this learning for transformation. It provides insights into how learning processes and learning capacity can be further improved.

The mental health of parent versus non-parent post-secondary students

Post-secondary students experience abnormally high levels of stress compared to the general population, and parents pursuing post-secondary education have additional demands that challenge their mental health. Understanding the mental health of parent versus non-parent students is imperative to support students in their academic pursuits. The purpose of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional paper was two-fold: (1) to investigate the mental health (flourishing/languishing) of parents pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada with children/youth aged 0–18 years compared to non-parent post-secondary students; and (2) to explore parents’ and non-parents’ lived experiences of mental health (flourishing/languishing) while pursuing post-secondary education. A total of 374 students (n = 86 parents; n = 288 non-parents) completed an online survey that included demographics and the previously validated Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. A subset of participants (n = 10 parents; n = 10 non-parents) participated in one of six focus groups (3 parent focus groups; 3 non-parent focus groups). Results from the independent sample t-tests indicated no significant differences between the overall mental health scores. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes for student-parents: (1) factors that challenge mental health; (2) realities of being a student-parent; (3) social connectivity among family and friends; and (4) mental health fluctuations. A total of 6 non-parent specific themes were found: (1) social connectivity among peers; (2) factors that challenge mental health; (3) the bidirectional relationship between school and mental health status; (4) prioritizing academic roles; (5) finding purpose through academic pursuits; and (6) admiration for student-parents. Findings from the current study highlight the dichotomy in student-parent versus non-parent academic identities and are important for university personnel to understand to provide tailored supports.

Privacy resignation, apathy, and cynicism: Introduction to a special theme

The growing trend of collecting data about individuals to track past actions and infer future attitudes and behaviors has fueled popular and scholarly interest in the erosion of privacy. Recent shifts in technologies around machine learning and artificial intelligence have intensified these concerns. This editorial introduces the articles in the special theme on digital resignation and privacy cynicism: concepts developed in the past decade to explain the growing powerlessness individuals feel in relation to their digital privacy even as they continue to experience consternation over the collection and use of their personal information. The papers in this special theme engage and extend existing research on these topics. The original articles and commentaries pose theoretical and practical questions related to the ways people confront the powerful institutional forces that increasingly shape many aspects of the information environment. They employ several methodologies and theoretical perspectives and extend the range of geographic, political, cultural, and institutional contexts in which privacy cynicism and digital resignation can be identified and examined. In addition to contextualizing these contributions, this editorial maps a range of related concepts including digital resignation, privacy cynicism, privacy apathy, surveillance realism, privacy fatigue, and privacy helplessness. It concludes by identifying key themes across the papers in this collection and provides directions for future research.

Preface: 3rd International Conference on Advances in Materials, Machinery, Electrical Engineering (AMMEE 2024)

The 3rd International Conference on Advances in Materials, Machinery, Electrical Engineering (AMMEE 2024) held at the city of Tianjin, China, during June 29-30, 2024, and provides two days' focus on the science and technology that are the basis for mechanical engineering and industrial informatics. The theme of the plenary session is “Materials, Machinery, Electrical Engineering” featuring invited speakers who will further explore this topic that is so significant for materials, machinery, electrical engineering. Concurrent sessions and a poster session will cover a wide range of topics and issues, including both contributed papers and special sessions developed on specific themes, all with a central focus of materials, machinery, electrical engineering. This 3rd AMMEE received a total of 71 submissions. And more than 20 submissions have been accepted by our reviewers. By submitting a paper to this AMMEE conference, the authors agree to the review process and understand that papers undergo a peer-review process. Manuscripts will be reviewed by appropriately qualified experts in the field selected by the conference committee, who will give detailed comments and-if the submission gets accepted-the authors submit a revised version that takes into account this feedback. All papers are reviewed using a double-blind review process: authors declare their names and affiliations in the manuscript for the reviewers to see, but reviewers do not know each other's identities, nor do the authors receive information about who has reviewed their manuscript. We would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to all the members of the AMMEE 2024 Conference Technical Program Committee for their tremendous efforts. They are indebted to the referees for their constructive comments on the papers. Without their dedication, it was impossible to have a successful AMMEE 2024 and a high quality volume of the conference proceedings. Jiayi Zhong and Axel Sikora Conference Organizing Committee Tianjin, China

The challenges and opportunities of researching masculinities during peace processes

ABSTRACT This article introduces a special issue in Peacebuilding on researching masculinities during peace processes. It collates insights from feminist peace research, and research on gender and masculinities, to highlight how peace processes are necessarily also processes of gender re-negotiation and transformation. We argue that researching masculinities entails accounting for their plural circulation, complex and contradictory dynamics, and multiple effects. Researching masculinities additionally generates methodological dilemmas that require researchers’ reflexive engagement. The articles in the special issue address critical themes and topics pertaining to masculinities and peace across a wide range of participant experience in diverse contexts (including Bosnia, Indonesia, Liberia, Timor-Leste, Uganda, and the UK). We summarise authors’ critical and empirical contributions and chart their methodological innovations and strategies. We see plural masculine performances and identities not as obstacles to be overcome in/through research but as opportunities to generate discussion with research participants about the operability and impacts of gender.

Paradigm Shift to Higher-Quality Education Based on the SDG: A Framework for Reforms in Teacher education Programs

Purpose: This study aims to systematically analyze previous studies on teacher education reforms to facilitate a paradigm shift in Teacher Education, aligning with the mission of Bulacan State University to produce highly competent, ethical, and service-oriented professionals contributing to sustainable socio-economic growth and development. Theoretical reference: Grounded in Transformative Learning Theory, which posits that education should lead to profound changes in perspectives and practices through critical reflection, experiential learning, and transformative experiences. Method: The research utilized a qualitative method, specifically employing a systematic review of literature and content analysis techniques. The systematic literature review involved collating, reviewing, and assessing a body of literature using pre-specified and standardized techniques, while content analysis measured and evaluated the nature, meanings, and relationships of specific terms, themes, and concepts. Results and Conclusion: The results highlighted the necessity for developing an institutional culture within the teacher education program, including establishing norms, practices, and standards across various teacher education subjects, assessing activities, and continuously monitoring and supervising all activities, with corrective action against practices that violate prescribed norms and standards. The study's findings suggest that reforms in teacher education should focus on creating a robust institutional culture that upholds high standards and practices, enhancing the effectiveness of teacher education programs and better preparing educators to contribute to socio-economic development. Implications of research: This research provides a comprehensive framework for reforming teacher education programs by emphasizing the importance of institutional culture and transformative learning, offering valuable insights for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) aiming to improve the quality of their teacher education programs and align them with broader socio-economic goals. Originality/value: The study offers valuable insights for HEIs aiming to improve the quality of their teacher education programs and align them with broader socio-economic goals, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-economic growth and development.

Introduction

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) today is an epicenter for the theorization of absence. Scholars, in efforts to counter the politics that have erased and continue to erase humans and places from the region, frequently assert the microdynamics of resistance, resilience, and memory. The editors of the special section, “Following Absence,” acknowledge the urgent need for narratives of overcoming destruction and for acts of care and repair. However, this introduction articulates a different intellectual labor—one that examines the ways absences linger and perdure across the MENA. Rather than restoring or recuperating modes of presence, the editors ask, in what ways might absence be told and accounted for? How might new plotlines widen the scope of what can be perceived as absence, its work in the world, and the forms of agency and injury it shapes? In dialogue with the environmental humanities, this thematic section approaches human lives in embodied proximities to the nonhuman. It also relinquishes the need for storytelling to begin from a moment when annihilating violence has ceased, as though erasure could be safely contained in the past. Repetitive and accumulating, recursive and anticipatory, absences inhabit the present and future. Acknowledging these branching, seeping plotlines, the editors urge against any unified theory of absence for, or from, the MENA. Absence is defined by negation, fragments, and residues. By refusing its systematization in scholarship, this introduction calls for modes of attention that refuse the logics of power and foreground instead the flourishing of ongoing life. It then previews the special section's themes and articles.