State Officials Research Articles

Caribbean street vending experiences: Guyanese migrant women in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT This article offers a critical overview of how South-South migration operates in the Caribbean. It represents an intersectional feminist analysis of the experiences of Guyanese migrant women who work as street vendors in Trinidad and Tobago. Via the use of narrative inquiry, the study examines the daily challenges migrant women face as they interact with state officials, police officers, customers, and other vendors. We also provide a summary of the individual and collective tactics migrant women employ to navigate a context in which they are often stigmatised, marked as Other, and experience multiple barriers to be able to make a living. In doing so, the piece details how sexism, xenophobia and racism are mutually constituted and function in a Caribbean context, as well as how interlocking systems of oppression create barriers for migrant women to secure sustainable livelihood. We also illustrate the political agency of Guyanese migrant women by highlighting the ways they co-create safe spaces and build community despite obstacles. This article contributes to critical migration studies from the Global South/Majority World, fosters greater regional consciousness across the Caribbean, and underscores the importance of centring migrant women’s experiences in research and scholarship.

"Tai Muang Phrao" Cultural Identity and Economic Value Creation of Tambon Pa Tum, Phrao district, Chiang Mai Province

The objectives of this research were to examine identities regarded as local wisdom and cultural capital of Pa Tum Community in Phrao district, Chiang Mai province, to create a corporate identity set and sale promotion media for the community, and to assess the satisfaction of consumers with community products, the corporate identify set, and the sale promotion media. The research instrument: for the first objective, it was qualitative research to collect the data about community identities. The quota sampling method was applied to select the sample group, which included two community leaders, two folk scholars, four entrepreneurs, five community members, and two concerned state officials. An in-depth interview was used to collect the data and the SWOT Analysis. For the second objective, it was applied research, the process of applied art design, and modern marketing knowledge. The purposive sampling method was used to select the population and the sample group, which included one of the five community entrepreneur groups. An in-depth interview with semi-structured interview questions and an observation were used to gather the data. The data were then synthesized for creating the corporate identity set and the sale promotion media. The instrument was a quality assessment of the identity set by three experts on the beauty of the logo, colors, fonts, and other design components. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to assess the quality of the instrument. For the third was also conducted a satisfaction assessment with the reliability of the questionnaire at 0.96 by applying the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The sample group was 100 tourists and the general public interested in the community products. The data were statistically analyzed for mean, percentage, and standard deviation. The results were discussed descriptively. The research results revealed that the food identity of the community is from cultivating sugarcanes and beans and the process of agricultural produce, which has led to the development of the community products: peanut bars in sugarcane molasses and local dishes for community tourism. The creation of the corporate identity set and the sale promotion media consisted of a product logo, packaging, 2D motion media, and video media for publicizing the products in various channels. The satisfaction assessment revealed that the satisfaction was highest with the mean of 4.6 on the continued development of local wisdom to produce value-added products and generate incomes to community members. It was followed by the satisfaction with the product logo designed with interesting and easy-to-understand images and conveying the products, community identity and entrepreneurs; with the graphic work on the packages designed with beautiful, interesting and clear messages; and with the graphic motions on the making of the blocked sugarcane molasses and the processing of the peanut bars in sugarcane molasses designed with interesting and easy-to-understand background of the products as well as clear sound and images, all of them with the mean of 4.5. In addition to business knowledge for community product development, developers and corporate identity communication must depend on creativity. Therefore, researchers collaborating with communities must emphasize creativity as well. It is not only new knowledge or innovation, but local culture, wisdom, and cultural identities must be exploited for economic values. For community product development to become sustainable, community cooperation must be established, because community residents are the ones who will continue the operations. As a consequence, researchers must coordinate and seek key successes, which may be community residents of working age or new generations who will pass on and preserve culture and arts, wisdom, and identities.

The Role of Ideas and Identities in Shaping Economic Decisions: The Eastern Mediterranean Crisis and Turkey-Greece-Cyprus Triangle

The discovery of new natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean fueled the tension in the region and led to a highly complicated crisis involving multiple actors. This study adopts a constructivist approach in analyzing the political economy of the Eastern Mediterranean energy crisis by relying on the role of identities and ideas in shaping economic decisions. The historical enmity between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus is at the heart of the crisis. Thus, the study focuses on the Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus triangle to reveal the impact of Turkey’s image constructed by Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, on the political-economic aspect of the decisions of Greece and Greek Cypriots. To accomplish this objective, a two-stage content analysis was conducted by filtering the official statements of Greece and the RoC from their respective foreign ministries, utilizing the keyword “Eastern Mediterranean.” By scrutinizing the official discourses and documents, the analysis aims to delve into the image of Turkey held by these actors.

Keamanan Manusia dalam Perdagangan Manusia: Analisis Peran IOM Menangani Human Trafficking

Abstract The most crucial thing about human trafficking is that the activity does not disappear and even continues to show increasing numbers of victims. Handling cannot be carried out only by the government or by state officials but requires comprehensive handling from all levels of society. This research aims to highlight the role of an organization in dealing with these problems using a human security approach. Descriptively and qualitatively the facts are analyzed and produce several conclusions: a). efforts to help, defend, rescue based on existing laws which are more outward in nature, but also on efforts to implement human rights values ​​from within. Apart from being an ethical basis, human values ​​are also implemented in every action. b). The problem of human trafficking cannot be separated from structural dimensions such as the fulfillment of welfare, justice and development policies which influence all dimensions of human livelihood. c). The best prevention is through education, providing employment opportunities, welfare and the most important thing is to provide a sense of security for all citizens.

Images of Russian Pan-Slavists in German Empire of 1880s

The analysis of Russia’s image in Germany at the end of the 19th century is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the relationship between the two countries. This article aims to reconstruct the image of Russian Pan-Slavism in Germany in the 1880s through the examination of four key figures (I. S. Aksakov, M. N. Katkov, N. P. Ignatyev, and M. D. Skobelev) and compare it with reality. The study draws upon a wide range of German and Russian sources, employing qualitative content analysis as the primary method. The findings indicate that German observers — state officials, party politicians, and publicists — generally accurately assessed the views of those Russian actors labeled as “leaders of PanSlavism.” However, they significantly exaggerated the anti-German orientation of these views and the influence of the “Pan-Slavists” on Russian internal and, primarily, external policy. The “leaders of Pan-Slavism” were attributed much greater influence on Russian politics and society than they actually possessed. Additionally, their thoughts and activities were portrayed as predominantly antiGerman. This situation can be attributed to a lack of information about political decisionmaking in Russia and a preconceived perception of Pan-Slavism primarily as a threat to Germany. Such perceptions contributed to the deterioration of Russian-German relations during the period under consideration.

Criminal Legal Policy On Insults Against The President And Vice President Post Constitutional Court Ruling Number 7/Puu-Xxi/2023

<em>This research discusses criminal law policies related to insulting the President and Vice President in Indonesia after the Constitutional Court (MK) decision. Previously, Articles 134, 136 bis, and 137 of the Criminal Code regulated criminal acts of insulting the President and Vice President, but these articles were abolished through Constitutional Court Decision Number 7/PUU-XXI/2023 on the grounds that they conflicted with the freedom of expression guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution . This decision raises a dilemma between protecting the dignity of high-ranking state officials and freedom of expression. Along with the introduction of the new Criminal Code in January 2023 through Law Number 1 of 2023 following the decision, there are legislative efforts to introduce new insult articles that are more in line with human rights principles. This research highlights the legal and social implications of these policy changes, including their potential impact on press freedom and political dynamics. Analysis of the Constitutional Court's decision according to the new Criminal Code shows the need to balance between protecting the presidential institution and maintaining the space for freedom of expression in Indonesia.</em>

Constructing Global Identity Through Creative Linguistic and Artistic Branding of African Countries’ Monikers

This qualitative study investigated into the complex dynamics of African nation monikers and their profound implications for national identity and international branding. The purpose of the research was to examine the interplay between linguistic inventiveness and artistic representation in 54 African nations, exploring how these components contributed to shaping global perceptions. Adopting a content analysis approach, the study systematically investigated linguistic nuances and artistic depictions associated with each nation's moniker. The population comprised the 54 diverse African nations, ensuring a purposive and representative sampling approach that considered linguistic, cultural, and geographical variations. Data was sourced from official documents, historical records, and public discourse surrounding each nation's moniker, with a focus on linguistic analysis from official statements, literature, and media representations. Artistic representations were examined through visual sources such as national emblems, flags, and associated symbols. The findings revealed a complex tapestry of linguistic features firmly anchored in cultural and historical contexts. Artistic depictions, including visual metaphors and symbols, contributed significantly to each nation's unique character. Notable examples included Nigeria's "The Giant of Africa" and South Africa's "The Rainbow Nation." Recommendations emphasized the strategic use of linguistic and artistic components to enhance international image, recognizing their critical role in shaping global perceptions of African nations. The study also acknowledged its limitations and proposed directions for future research, offering valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of language and creative expression in constructing national identity on the global stage.

Письма судей и органов судейского сообщества как объект проверки в порядке гражданского и административного судопроизводства

The procedures for citizens to challenge the decisions, action (inaction) of state bodies and officials are widespread in Russian procedural law. Notwithstanding the clear, at first glance, regulation of objects of verification and list of persons, whose decisions, action (inaction) can be appealed in court, in practice there're still controversial cases when citizens and organizations try to protest the letters from judges containing answers on procedural and non-procedural issues arising during the resolution of the case on the merits. Particularly it's about determining the legal nature of letters from judges on the return of statements of claim, on the termination of correspondence with the party; letters sent by court staff (consultants, etc.); letters from bodies of the judicial community. In order to qualify the letters from judges that are not issued as a court ruling the author offers to determine signs of judicial rulings in them. As for letters sent by court staff and bodies of the judicial community the author, based the object and subject criteria, concludes that it is unacceptable to appeal such documents in civil or administrative proceedings.

The Critical Discourse Analysis of Domestic Helper Abuse Case by Different News and Social Media Platforms A Case Study of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih

The paper discusses the unfair treatment of Indonesian domestic worker (DHs) based on a case study of Erwiana Sulistyaningsih using a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach. Both official statements and unofficial comments are thoroughly analyzed to demonstrate the media's hidden power in influencing public opinion. We identify polarity in attitude (positive and negative) towards the case in NGOs (non-governmental organization) and comments from social media and Hong Kong forums. NGO are essential in raising awareness about the discrimination and racism faced by domestic helpers and in shaping public opinion to support more inclusive policies for immigrants. Conversely, discussions on social media and Hong Kong forums show that opinions on Erwiana's case were not unanimous. Some comments even displayed racial discrimination. However, these descriptions and labels of foreign domestic helpers can be seen as objective statements or based on life experiences. Commenters are unaware of the stereotypes and discrimination against East Asian women that are concealed within the racial ideology of Hongkongers.

A Research Agenda to Improve Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement.

Background: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often at risk for or have comorbid cardiovascular disease and are likely to die of cardiovascular-related causes. Objectives: To prioritize a list of research topics related to the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD and comorbid cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, atherosclerotic vascular disease, and atrial fibrillation) by summarizing existing evidence and using consensus-based methods. Methods: A literature search was performed. References were reviewed by committee co-chairs. An international, multidisciplinary committee, including a patient advocate, met virtually to review evidence and identify research topics. A modified Delphi approach was used to prioritize topics in real time on the basis of their potential for advancing the field. Results: Gaps spanned the translational science spectrum from basic science to implementation: 1) disease mechanisms; 2) epidemiology; 3) subphenotyping; 4) diagnosis and management; 5) clinical trials; 6) care delivery; 7) medication access, adherence, and side effects; 8) risk factor mitigation; 9) cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation; and 10) health equity. Seventeen experts participated, and quorum was achieved for all votes (>80%). Of 17 topics, ≥70% agreement was achieved for 12 topics after two rounds of voting. The range of summative Likert scores was -15 to 25. The highest priority was "Conduct pragmatic clinical trials with patient-centered outcomes that collect both pulmonary and cardiac data elements." Health equity was identified as an important topic that should be embedded within all research. Conclusions: We propose a prioritized research agenda with the purpose of stimulating high-impact research that will hopefully improve outcomes among people with COPD and cardiovascular disease.

Reconstructing solidarity discourse through conference interpreting at the general debates of the United Nations (2008–2021)

ABSTRACT While reconstructing political discourses in interpreter-mediated international conferences has attracted research attention, reconstructing solidarity discourse as a major theme for UN discourse in conference interpreting has not been studied. This study investigates the reconstruction of the solidarity discourse produced by Chinese heads of state and high-level government officials in Chinese-English conference interpreting at the UN’s General Debates (2008–2021). The corpus-based critical discourse analysis reveals three patterns in the discursive reconstruction done by interpreters: (1) the (re)grouping discourse for the common-collective-Self and common-threat-Others is emphasised; (2) the commissive (promising) discourse for China’s delivery of common goals is accentuated; and (3) the discourse of an inclusive ‘global-we’ with ‘our obligations’ is strengthened. The overall amplification of the solidarity discourse reproduces global consolidation as an upgraded form of international cohesion. Focusing on the prominent theme of solidarity discourse in the UN, this study highlights conference interpreters’ ‘editing’ of linguistic realisations that de facto constitute ideological intervention at interpreter-mediated discursive events.

Premalignant Progression in the Lung: Knowledge Gaps and Novel Opportunities for Interception of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement.

Rationale: Despite significant advances in precision treatments and immunotherapy, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. To reduce incidence and improve survival rates, a deeper understanding of lung premalignancy and the multistep process of tumorigenesis is essential, allowing timely and effective intervention before cancer development. Objectives: To summarize existing information, identify knowledge gaps, formulate research questions, prioritize potential research topics, and propose strategies for future investigations into the premalignant progression in the lung. Methods: An international multidisciplinary team of basic, translational, and clinical scientists reviewed available data to develop and refine research questions pertaining to the transformation of premalignant lung lesions to advanced lung cancer. Results: This research statement identifies significant gaps in knowledge and proposes potential research questions aimed at expanding our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the progression of premalignant lung lesions to lung cancer in an effort to explore potential innovative modalities to intercept lung cancer at its nascent stages. Conclusions: The identified gaps in knowledge about the biological mechanisms of premalignant progression in the lung, together with ongoing challenges in screening, detection, and early intervention, highlight the critical need to prioritize research in this domain. Such focused investigations are essential to devise effective preventive strategies that may ultimately decrease lung cancer incidence and improve patient outcomes.

Combating climate change through sustainable cattle ranching in the global south: The role of societal corporatism

The contours of the collective action necessary to limit climate change remain difficult to discern. In this context, societal corporatist political processes, fueled by crisis narratives, have shown some promise as political devices for mobilizing people. Corporatist processes have, historically, brought political competitors like employers and labor unions together to negotiate compacts that have advanced collective goods during times of crisis. In response to the climate crisis in the Global South, affluent donor groups, state officials, some farmers, and indigenous peoples have begun to assemble corporatist-like coalitions to pursue climate stabilization. A comparative case study of efforts to promote sustainable cattle ranching through the spread of silvopastoral landscapes in Colombia and Ecuador illustrates this political dynamic, its shortcomings, and its accomplishments.

Effects of Digital Technologies on Africa’s Electoral Democracy

This paper uses a South African case study to closely examine how the recent explosion of digital technologies has impacted electoral democracy in Africa. It seeks to answer a key research question about the risks and benefits of using technology in elections on the continent. Although South Africa has not adopted e-voting, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) piloted the use of thousands of new voter management devices in the 2021 local government election. At the time, the IEC also said it had delivered its ‘most technologically advanced election’ yet. Despite embracing some of the technological changes, the IEC argues that it is not yet cost-effective to introduce new voting technology in South Africa. There is strong evidence from other African countries too suggesting that the constitutionality and feasibility of electronic voting devices is questionable. The integrity of elections can also be doubtful if the process is not inclusive of the population. Aside from a thorough literature review, this paper analysed a combination of official IEC statements and reports on technology and e-voting in South Africa, including public pronouncements on the use of digital technologies on the African continent. Insights from this work will benefit election officials, policymakers, scholars, and others interested in the advancement of research in this growing field of study.

Current trends in the socio-economic development of the GCC: statistical analysis

The relevance of the research topic is explained by the fact that at the moment, the participation of the GCC in international economic relations, the world economy, international trade, regional integration and global globalization plays a significant role. Since the integration process is complex, multilevel and unambiguously slow, it is possible to give an objective assessment of the situation of integration on the world stage exclusively in dynamics, therefore, in order to maintain the fundamental nature of the study of this issue, periodic studies remain always relevant. The GCC unites a group of Arab countries with highly specialized developing economies, some of which are in leading positions in the production and marketing of oil and petroleum products around the world. In addition, the official statements of the heads of state on the development and diversification of integrated economies indicate that the study and identification of the features of the Middle East integration grouping will contribute to strengthening ties with the GCC of both third countries and its member countries. The aim is to identify trends and features of the GCC economic integration at the present stage through theoretical, statistical data, macroeconomic indicators, SWOT and PEST analysis. Methodological basis of the study: reference literature, international statistical data from official sources (UNCTAD, WTO, TradeMap, World Bank and others), comparison of the indicators found and obtained. The analysis confirms the relevance and importance of further study of socio-economic processes in the GCC countries, which contributes to a deeper understanding of them as a basis for further research.

The Influence of Ideology on Translation: A Study of The Russia-Ukraine War

Ideology plays a huge role in translation, and it does affect the end product. The study shows that the influence of translation is influenced by the translator's ideology, the institution's ideology, or even the government's ideology. The study aims to investigate the influence of ideology on the translated text and the nature of ideology's function in translation, particularly during wartime. The study focuses on manipulated texts, headlines, and strategies used by translators as they change or rewrite the product of translation to reflect specific beliefs and viewpoints. The study is restricted to texts about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; the source texts are in English, and the translations are in Arabic. The researcher applies Lefevere's model (1992) by comparing the source texts with their translations. Additionally, the analysis of the translations in the study makes use of critical discourse analysis following Fairclough's (1995) model. The strategies that were used by the translators to manipulate the texts were omission, addition, and lexicalization. The translators interfere in the ST by changing the intent of the original author without maintaining equivalence. The translations of the examples, taken from the RT Arabic Website, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)website, and Al Emarat Alyoum website, reflect points of view about the Russia-Ukraine war in the countries where they are produced; these websites adopted the official government's statements and the position these governments take from the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, translation can be used and seen as a political tool to accomplish certain objectives. It is advised to conduct more research to look into additional factors influencing translation as well as the authors' intentions.

Mental Health Agency Officials' Perceived Priorities for Youth Mental Health and Factors That Influence Priorities.

This study aimed to characterize the perceived priorities of state and county policy makers for youth mental health services and the factors that influence those priorities. Mental health agency officials (N=338; N=221 state officials, N=117 county officials) representing 49 states completed a Web-based survey in 2019-2020. On 5-point scales, respondents rated the extent to which 15 issues were priorities for their agency in providing youth mental health services and the extent to which nine factors influenced those priorities. Suicide was identified as the highest priority (mean±SD rating=4.38±0.94), followed by adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma and then increasing access to evidence-based treatments. Budget issues (mean=4.27±0.92) and state legislative priorities (mean=4.01±0.99) were perceived as having the greatest influence on setting priorities. These findings provide insights into youth mental health policy priorities and can be used to guide implementation and dissemination strategies for research and program development within state and county systems.

Best Practices and Lessons Learned From the Public Health Disability Specialists Program: Addressing the Needs of People With Disabilities During COVID-19.

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) applied funding issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement the Public Health Disability Specialists Program, part of a project to address the needs of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disability specialists (subject matter experts) were embedded within state, territorial, and city/county health departments to help ensure disability inclusion in emergency planning, mitigation, and recovery efforts. To evaluate the success of the Disability Specialists Program in improving emergency response planning, mitigation, and recovery efforts for people with disabilities within participating jurisdictions. Disability specialists worked with their assigned jurisdictions to conduct standardized baseline health department needs assessments to identify existing gaps and inform development and implementation of improvement plans. CDC, ASTHO, and NACCHO implemented a mixed methods framework to evaluate specialists' success. State, territorial, and local health departments across 28 jurisdictions between January 2021 and July 2022. Average number of categories of gaps addressed and qualitative documentation of strategies, barriers, and promising practices. Specialists identified 1010 gaps (approximately 36 per jurisdiction) across eight needs assessment categories, most related to mitigation, recovery, resilience, and sustainability efforts (n=213) and communication (n=193). Specialists addressed an average of three categories of gaps identified; common focus areas included equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution and accessible communications. Specialists commonly mentioned barriers related to limited health agency capacity (eg, resources) and community mistrust. Promising practices to address barriers included sharing best practices through peer-to-peer networks and building and strengthening partnerships between health departments and the disability community. Embedding disability specialists within state, territorial, and local health departments improved jurisdictional ability to meet evolving public health needs for the entire community, including people with disabilities.

Definition of State Official in the Context of Immunity from Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction

As ILC noted, the concept of State official is particularly relevant to the topic Immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction, because it determines the subjective scope of the topic. The concept should meet the following two criteria or characteristics: first, representativeness, i.e., the ability of the State official to act on behalf of the State, regardless of whether the representational relationship is de facto or de jure, temporary or long-term and stable; and secondly, limitations, i.e., the ability to define the relevant person as a State official is limited by the nature of their acts, etc. It is not practical or scientific to make an abstract list of types of State officials. Besides, it is limited, i.e., whether or not the person concerned can be defined as a State official is limited by the nature of his or her behaviour, etc. To sum up, State officialshould be in connection with the State and behave on behalf of the state, these are central elements in defining the concept. Accordingly, in addition to government personnel, political party personnel and foreign military personnel have a theoretical and practical basis for being defined as State officials.

Features of viewing the discretionary authorities of the subject of public administration before and after the adoption of the law on administrative procedure

The article carries out a selective, retrospective analysis of scientific publications and analytical materials that highlight the discretionary powers of the entity performing the functions of public administration. The relevance of this issue is due to the entry into force of the Law of Ukraine No. 2073-IX "On Administrative Procedure" (from now on referred to as Law No. 2073-IX) and the adaptation of the legislation of Ukraine, the procedures of state bodies and officials, to the requirements of the specified Law No. 2073-IX. The positive need for discretionary powers is determined by the fact that with their help administrative procedures: become flexible in the hands of the subject of public administration, i.e. can adapt to a specific life situation; remain effective in the event of a change in circumstances (let's say legislation), the subject of public administration, within the framework of its discretionary powers, is not obliged to wait for detailed instructions or explanations to perform the functions of public administration. The more deeply, including in the historical context, the more the subject of public administration will understand his discretionary powers, the more effectively and confidently he will apply them. The wider and more multifaceted he will know the scope of his discretionary powers, the better the administrative services he will provide and the administrative decisions will be made. Therefore, in the opinion of the author, any alternative methodical approaches to working with discretionary powers are currently relevant based on the fact that a significant part of administrative procedures in Ukraine has not yet been adapted to the requirements and principles of Law No. 2073-IX, and therefore each a new perspective will give them a more comprehensive understanding. In the article, the main attention is focused on the historical aspect, with the help of which an attempt was made to reveal the specific features of discretionary powers, which are provided for by Law No. 2073-IX. Also, the first part of the article is devoted to the general understanding of discretionary powers and the development of this institute among legal scholars and practitioners.