Inclusive Understanding Research Articles

Using transformers for multimodal emotion recognition: Taxonomies and state of the art review

Emotion recognition is an aspect of human-computer interaction, affective computing, and social robotics. Conventional unimodal approaches for emotion recognition, depending on single data sources such as facial expressions or speech signals often fall short in capturing the complexity and context-dependent nature of emotions. Multimodal Emotion Recognition (MER), which integrates information from multiple modalities, has emerged as a promising solution to overcome these limitations. In recent years, Transformers-based approaches have gathered significant attention in the fields of natural language processing and computer vision, highlighting their ability to capture long-range dependencies and semantic representations. These models have rapidly achieved the MER state-of-the-art. However, current survey papers that cover MER lack a specific focus on Transformer-based techniques. To bridge this research gap, this review paper provides a comprehensive investigation of Transformers-based approaches for MER. It explores various Transformer architectures and proposes several scenarios for using Transformers at different stages of MER process. In addition, it examines datasets suitable for MER, discusses fusion mechanisms, and introduces novel taxonomies in both MER and Transformer technologies. The review also addresses challenges and future research directions. Through this review, we aim to provide researchers with an inclusive understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Transformers-based approaches for MER, paving the way for further advancements in this rapidly developing field.

Religious Conflict Management: A Study on the Ansor Youth Movement and Muhammadiyah in Lamongan, Indonesia

Violence in the name of religion continues to sprout within Indonesian society. This article aims to describe the religious conflict resolution model of the NU Ansor Youth Movement and the Muhammadiyah Youth of the Paciran Lamongan Branch. This research employs a qualitative method with a sociological approach to religion, and data collection was conducted through interviews and the study of relevant literature. The findings of this study indicate that: 1) Both the NU Ansor Youth Movement and Muhammadiyah Youth reject violent models of preaching. 2) There is a difference in attitude towards perpetrators of violence, where the NU Ansor Youth Movement tends to adopt a non-accommodative firm stance, unequivocally rejecting and insisting that perpetrators of violence must be punished according to legal statutes, whereas Muhammadiyah Youth exhibits a firm-accommodative attitude, sternly condemning acts of violence but remaining willing to embrace and invite the perpetrators back to a tolerant and inclusive understanding. 3) The media of resolution employed include issuing advisory letters, press releases to the media, dialogues among community elements, conveying deradicalization insights through religious study sessions (Yasinan and Tahlilan), and the formation of Densus 99 Anti-Terror. 4) The conflict resolution model consists of two stages: long-term, aiming to build cadre awareness of the importance of a tolerant attitude and peaceful living through education, training, social and economic empowerment, ideological development, and the distribution of cadres to the public domain; and short-term, wherein preaching programs are executed sporadically and reactively at the time or after acts of violence to prevent the expansion and escalation of conflict.

Reinterpretasi Teologi Injil Yohanes 14:6 Dalam Konteks Inklusifitas Pendidikan Agama Kristen (PAK) di Indonesia

An inclusive perspective in understanding and responding to religious plurality in Indonesia is pursued through efforts to reinterpret the theology of the Gospel of John 14:6 in the context of the inclusiveness of Christian Religious Education (PAK) in Indonesia. The aim of reinterpreting this text is to offer an inclusive understanding of religious teachings in Indonesia’s pluralistic society. In carrying out this reinterpretation of theology, it is understood that the truth and the path to God must be seen from various religious perspectives, but still upholding the values of Christ. Thus, reinterpreting the theology of the Gospel of John 14:6 in the context of PAK inclusiveness in Indonesia is an important step in facing religious plurality with an inclusive attitude and expanding understanding of religious diversity in a pluralistic Indonesian society

Bridging Worlds Through Comparative Literature

This study emphasizes the critical role of comparative literary studies in understanding the modern literary process. Traditional literary analyses often overlook the rich intercultural dynamics that comparative studies highlight. Our research aims to bridge this gap by developing a theoretical framework that comprehends literary aesthetics in a globalized context through a qualitative analysis of diverse literary texts. Initial findings reveal that such a comparative approach not only deepens our understanding of universal literary themes but also enhances the appreciation of diverse cultural expressions. This work underscores the importance of integrating comparative literary studies into mainstream literary education to foster a more inclusive understanding of global literary phenomena. Highlights: Illuminates universal themes across cultures Develops new comparative literary framework Advocates comparative studies in education Keywords: Comparative Literature, Global Literary Dynamics, Contact Genetic Comparison, Aesthetic Analysis, Cultural Expressions.

Christian Neoplatonism and Deep Incarnation: Nicholas of Cusa and Giordano Bruno as Inspirations for Contemporary Ecotheology

In response to the specter of looming anthropogenic ecological catastrophe, many Christian thinkers have begun to rethink the God/world relationship and reimagine the ontic cleavage between divinity and creation. The idea of “deep incarnation”, which expands the scope of divine incarnation in an attempt to draw God and creation into closer relation, is a prevalent framework for such reimagination. Two historic, underutilized thinkers that might help deep incarnation theologians expand their own theologies and make sense of the conceptual and ethical differences among them are Neo-Platonist philosopher–theologians Nicholas of Cusa and Giordano Bruno. Working within an ecofeminist framework, this article argues that while both Cusanus and Bruno provide significant philosophical grounds for contemporary ecotheologies of deep incarnation, a Brunist perspective is preferable because of its more expansive anthropology and its more inclusive understanding of divinity.

Financial Inclusion in Smart Cities in the European Union: The Role of Marketplaces and Financial Technology

This study investigates the role of marketplaces and financial technology (fintech) in enhancing financial inclusion within the smart cities of the European Union (EU). Fintech, defined as the convergence of finance and technology, has been identified as a significant factor influencing financial inclusion. The research aims to determine how fintech can support the sustainable and balanced development goals set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through the development of technology infrastructure within the smart city. The literature review provides a foundational understanding of financial inclusion and smart cities. This is followed by a comparative analysis using secondary data to examine the importance of fintech for existing smart cities in the EU. Our findings indicate that fintech substantially enhances financial inclusion in these urban settings. The social impacts observed include: reduced poverty levels, improved financial literacy, expanded access to financial services, and increased interactions between individuals and financial service providers. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between fintech, marketplaces, and financial inclusion in the context of the EU’s smart cities.

Cultural Competence in Engineering Education

This work proposes that engineering regulators and the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) should adopt social justice and cultural competence values arising from social work and alternative dispute resolution to maintain public confidence and relevance in the engineering profession and accredited curricula. By applying the cultural competence discourse from the fields of social work and alternative dispute resolution, the engineering profession can raise social justice and human rights awareness and better protect diverse public interests. Embracing these values can lead to increased understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in engineering. This work serves as a starting point for engineering to look to person-centered fields like social work and ADR to move the profession forward, emphasizing impartiality as a core value.

Understanding the Complexities of Leadership and Intersectionality in Women in Tourism Research: A Conceptual Analysis

Research on women in leadership within the tourism sector has spanned several decades. However, much of this inquiry has narrowly focused on the experiences of white, middle-class women, inadvertently sidelining the leadership narratives of women from diverse backgrounds. This study adopts an intersectional lens to explore the intricate dynamics of women's leadership roles in tourism. Intersectionality theory, which acknowledges the complex interplay of social identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class, serves as a pivotal framework for understanding these multifaceted experiences. Through an examination of the relational dynamics within leadership constructs, this conceptual study delves into how intersecting identities shape individual experiences. The study emphasizes the need for a more expansive conceptualization of gender in leadership analysis within the tourism sector. By integrating intersectionality theory, researchers can gain deeper insights into the diverse experiences of women in leadership positions. Moreover, applying an intersectional perspective to women in leadership tourism research illuminates the unique challenges faced by women from marginalized backgrounds, thus fostering a more inclusive understanding of leadership in the tourism industry.

Policy Silences and Poverty in Ireland: An Argument for Inclusive Approaches

Policy documents shape and inform policy but they are not neutral objects. Policy documents can also silence through the exclusion and omission of discrete knowledges transmitted through testimony and lived experience. Even where steps are taken to ensure inclusion, policies can be underpinned by a policy making process that also potentially omits and silences through a narrow conception of how to include the voices of those directly affected by policy in the policy making process. This article will address the phenomenon of “policy silences” in the following ways: Firstly, by taking inspiration from Bacchi’s (2009) policy analysis framework—which asks of policy documents “what is the problem represented to be?” (the WPR approach)—and focusing on question no. 4 of the WPR framework—which asks, in part, “where are the silences?”—the Irish policy document <em>Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020‐2025</em> will be briefly reviewed. Following this, the approach taken in a creative, arts‐based, participatory research project which included, mapping, photography and walking interviews as a means of exploring the lived experiences and hidden geographies of poverty will be presented as a way of demonstrating inclusive research practice and as a means of tacitly problematizing and further critiquing an anaemic understanding of inclusion which potentially creates “policy silences.” Finally, an argument for forms of inclusion that go beyond current practices to include, in creative ways, the voices of those directly affected by policy in the policy making process will be put forth.

Elevating Women in the Workplace The Dual Influence of Spiritual Intelligence and Ethical Environments on Job Satisfaction

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, the dynamics of job satisfaction and its determinants have become a focal point of organizational studies. This research offers a comprehensive examination of the nexus between spiritual intelligence and job satisfaction among female employees, with particular emphasis on the moderating role of ethical work environments. The study explores the multifaceted nature of human needs and delves deep into the psychological underpinnings that drive job satisfaction. It elucidates how various tangible and intangible motivators, such as salary benefits and recognition, shape employee attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, the research spotlights female employees' unique challenges and experiences, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of their needs. An extensive review of the literature and empirical analysis culminates in the pivotal finding that integrating spiritual intelligence and ethical considerations within organizational practices can significantly enhance job satisfaction. Such a holistic approach, the paper posits, not only bolsters the well-being and contentment of female employees but also augments overall organizational productivity, retention rates, and morale.

Innovative Maritime Uncrewed Systems and Satellite Solutions for Shallow Water Bathymetric Assessment

Shallow water bathymetry is a topic of significant interest in various fields, including civil construction, port monitoring, and military operations. This study presents several methods for assessing shallow water bathymetry using maritime uncrewed systems (MUSs) integrated with advanced and innovative sensors such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and multibeam echosounder (MBES). Furthermore, this study comprehensively describes satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) techniques within the same geographical area. Each technique is thoroughly outlined with respect to its implementation and resultant data, followed by an analytical comparison encompassing their accuracy, precision, rapidness, and operational efficiency. The accuracy and precision of the methods were evaluated using a bathymetric reference survey conducted with traditional means, prior to the MUS survey and with cross-comparisons between all the approaches. In each assessment of the survey methodologies, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, explaining both the advantages and limitations for each approach, thereby enabling an inclusive understanding for the reader regarding the efficacy and applicability of these methods. The experiments were conducted as part of the Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Unmanned Systems 23 (REPMUS23) multinational exercise, which was part of the Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) experimentations.

Perspectives on prior preparation for menstrual experience from women and female health workers in Malawi.

While studies have explored various aspects of menstruation, an evident gap remains in the literature concerning the perspectives of young women and female health workers. By shedding light on this unexplored terrain, the study provides novel insights that can inform targeted interventions and foster a more inclusive understanding of menstrual health. As such, this investigation stands at the forefront of academic endeavour in menstrual health research, making an original and valuable impact in the field. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of reproductive-aged women during menstruation in Malawi. The specific objectives were to examine the experiences of reproductive-age women related to menstrual preparation, identify factors influencing the choice of menstrual products for women in Malawi, and identify the public health implications of menstrual products. This cross-sectional study employed qualitative research methods to explore the acceptance and implementation of menstrual cups as a feminine hygienic product for women in Malawi. The study involved focus group discussions and interviews with reproductive-age women aged 18-54 years and health providers at Bwaila and Mitundu family clinics and Lighthouse HIV management centres. Thematic content analysis was performed using NVivo 12. Ethical approval was obtained from the College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (P.08/21/3379). Education on menstruation is provided as early as 10 years before menarche by sisters, friends, mothers, aunties and grandmothers. Parents remain silent on menstrual issues. Commonly used menstrual products include disposable pads, cloths, reusable pads and cotton wool. While a few mentioned using tampons, pieces of blankets and flex foam, the majority demonstrated widespread ignorance about menstrual cups. Mentors or counsellors, affordability, accessibility, comfort and disposal issues influence women's choice of products being used. Parents need to break the silence on menstrual issues. Messages on menstruation and menstrual products are explicit in forming female adolescents what to expect with menarche, how to manage menses including health-related impacts, and ways of mitigating menses-related misconceptions, discrimination and stigma, and could be incorporated into the primary school curriculum. Safe menstrual products are accessible free of charge or at a subsidised cost.

Black Heritage in the National Register: The Williams Avenue YWCA in Portland, Oregon

This paper examines the nomination of the Williams Avenue YWCA in Portland, Oregon, in the National Register of Historic Places as a crucial event in recognizing and preserving Black heritage within American national history. Our analytical framework combines Black geography and multilevel governance theory (MLG) to examine documents used for the nomination process. We unpack the historic significance of the Williams, illustrating its multifaceted role in Portland's African American community and emphasizing the role of various private and public actors in the nomination process. This analysis reveals that cities play a crucial role in protecting local history and highlights the importance of nurturing connections between cities and other levels of government. Moreover, it illustrates how the documents used for the nomination process are a tool for racial equity and it shows how historic preservation contributes to a more inclusive understanding of cities by celebrating their local, diverse, and pluralistic pasts.

Universal Design for the Workplace: Ethical Considerations Regarding the Inclusion of Workers with Disabilities

AbstractThis paper examines the ethical issues of the inclusion of workers with disabilities in the workplace with a cross-fertilization approach between organization studies, the ethics of care, and a movement from the field of architecture and design that is called Universal Design (UD). It explores how organizations can use UD to develop more inclusive workplaces, first by applying UD principles to workspaces and second by showing how UD implies an integrative understanding of inclusion from the workspace to the workplace. Moreover, this paper discusses the ethical challenges and complexities that this design practice faces in regard to its applicability to diverse organizations and industries. Finally, this paper demonstrates that inclusion requires abandoning any notion of a perfect, productive body and, therefore, recognizing our shared vulnerability and fundamental interdependence in the workplace.

Indonesia social progress: the role of access to basic education in escaping from poverty trap

As Indonesia enters the post-pandemic world, it faces high uncertainty, especially in terms of access to basic education. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the education sector grew by 0.42%, the second-lowest of all sectors. However, its contribution to economic growth was the highest at 3.02%, surpassing six other sectors with higher growth. Despite this potential, access to education remains low. This research aimed to examine the role of access to basic education in alleviating poverty in Indonesia with the social progress perspective. The analytical framework for this research was based on the approach of Amartya Sen, who view poverty as capability deprivation. This research used educational data from BPS in 2022 from 34 provinces in Indonesia. The data were used to construct a social progress index, which measures access to basic education. The index was developed using nine indicators, namely primary school enrolment, secondary school attainment, population with no schooling, gender parity in secondary attainment, teacher-student ratio, teacher qualification, school proportion, classroom condition, and availability of water and sanitation. The index of access to basic education was then regressed along with other variables that are relevant to capability deprivation, as proposed by Hick. These variables include the Happiness Index, Democracy Index, Level of Health Inequality, and Crime Rate. The results indicated that all these variables had a significant impact on the poverty level. Among all the variables, access to basic education demonstrated the greatest influence compared to the other four variables. This suggests that access to basic education plays a critical role in poverty reduction. The research findings highlight the potential of using the Social Progress Index as a comprehensive metric for development, which offers a more inclusive understanding of progress. This index encompasses a broad framework comprising 60 indicators, and does not rely solely on GDP measurements.

Homecoming

This article details the author’s journey through her hometown of Kuching, Sarawak, and the multisensorial experience of revisiting familial homes and key culinary heritage sites around the city. The everyday and the mundane are highlighted as key features which hold together the rich mosaic of the culinary traditions and history of Kuching. Kuching has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which acknowledges its unique blend of historical and contemporary culinary practices. This article examines what this means for a city where hawker food culture is the lifeblood of Kuching, but also where a burgeoning gastronomic scene is increasingly drawing attention on the international stage. It argues for a revaluation of the traditional binaries between local food vendors (hawkers) and professional chefs, suggesting that both contribute to the city’s culinary landscape. This approach will help form a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Kuching as a UNESCO Creative City. It will also guide future efforts to establish sustainable and locally based food supply chains in the city.

Navigating Parenthood: A Study of Family Formation and Parenting Experiences Among Same-sex Couples in the Philippines

This qualitative research study explored the family formation processes and parenting experiences of same-sex couples in the unique socio-cultural context of the Philippines. While same-sex relationships and LGBTQ + rights have gained increasing recognition globally, the Philippines remains a conservative society with deeply rooted traditional norms and religious influences. It delved into the complexities of family formation, including relationship initiation, and decision-making processes regarding parenting. Findings suggest that same-sex couples in the Philippines employ diverse strategies to create families, such as adoption, and raising children of a family relative. These strategies are often influenced by factors such as familial support, and socio-cultural norms. The parenting experiences of same-sex couples revealed both shared challenges, such as discrimination and exclusion, as well as unique opportunities for reshaping traditional gender roles within the household. By highlighting the lived experiences of these couples, this study advocates for a more inclusive understanding of family structures and challenges the prevailing heteronormative discourse. The findings underscored the need for policy initiatives that safeguard the rights of LGBTQ + individuals and families, while fostering social acceptance and understanding within the Philippines’ cultural framework.

Radical Feminism and Family Law: Addressing Gender Bias, Reforming, and Beyond

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of reproductive rights and abortion within the broader context of gender politics, with a keen emphasis on the influence of radical feminism. Reproductive rights, extending beyond mere health and medical concerns, intersect with societal, ethical, religious, and political dimensions. Through this lens, the study investigates global reproductive policies and the international legal stance on abortion. The ascendancy of radical feminism and its critiques against historically entrenched patriarchal structures form a core component of this discourse. The article further delves into the legal histories and controversies surrounding both reproductive and abortion rights, probing into their evolving legal frameworks, international regulations, and the multifaceted debates linked to their acceptability. Through the interplay of these elements, the research ultimately converges on the broader implications these topics have on global human rights, womens socio-economic standings, and the fluid realm of gender dynamics. The overarching goal is to shed light on these intricate relationships, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive understanding of evolving gender politics.

Intellectual Property Challenges in AI-Generated Art

This research undertakes a comprehensive exploration of reproductive rights and abortion within the broader context of gender politics, with a keen emphasis on the influence of radical feminism. Reproductive rights, extending beyond mere health and medical concerns, intersect with societal, ethical, religious, and political dimensions. Through this lens, the study investigates global reproductive policies and the international legal stance on abortion. The ascendancy of radical feminism and its critiques against historically entrenched patriarchal structures form a core component of this discourse. The article further delves into the legal histories and controversies surrounding both reproductive and abortion rights, probing into their evolving legal frameworks, international regulations, and the multifaceted debates linked to their acceptability. Through the interplay of these elements, the research ultimately converges on the broader implications these topics have on global human rights, womens socio-economic standings, and the fluid realm of gender dynamics. The overarching goal is to shed light on these intricate relationships, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive understanding of evolving gender politics.

Digital Technology’s Impact on Socio-Cultural Inclusion of Sri Lankan Indigenous Communities: A Case Study of the Vedda People

The advent of e-communication and digital technology has notably influenced the socio-cultural inclusion of indigenous communities, particularly the Vedda people of Sri Lanka. The objectives of this study are to explore how digital technology and e-communication influence the cultural, educational, and social empowerment of Veda communities; to investigate the potential challenges these communities face in embracing modern technology; and to propose strategies to enhance inclusion. A rigorous methodological approach was employed, including an extensive epistemological literature review that facilitated a deep understanding of the socio-cultural contexts. The study also included a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 articles using the PRISMA framework, allowing for an unbiased and comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge. The findings reveal that while digital technology has fostered a level of inclusion, barriers such as digital literacy, infrastructure, and cultural resistance remain. The conclusions, based on the analyzed articles, call for a coordinated effort involving governmental, non-governmental, and community stakeholders to facilitate inclusion through tailored interventions that respect the unique cultural identity of the Veda People. The research contributes significantly to the understanding of technology-driven inclusion, forming a strong base for future policy-making and action.