International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

The Impact of Air Freight and the Human Development Index: The Volume of Freight, Health, Knowledge and Standard of Living Across Countries

2025-05-10T17:39:13+00:00

Existing literature mostly focused on the relationship between freight and standard of living of individual countries (Leite et al., 2022; Sarram & Ivey, 2017). Moreover, many studies merely emphasized the impact of air freight and air quality (Facanha & Horvath, 2007; Ramani, Jaikumar & Charman, 2019), but not the overall quality of living of humans across countries. This current study filled the literature gap by investigating some of the factors that might predict the Human Development Index (HDI) of 94 countries by including air freight as one of the independent variables. The HDI can be seen as the average achievement of three basic aspects of human development, namely health, knowledge and standard of living (United Nations Development Programme, 2023). Three factors were included in the analysis to predict the HDI values: air freight, computers, communication and other services and the number of infant deaths. Air freight involved volume of freight, express and diplomatic bags carried on every freight stage. The results showed that the three independent variables significantly explained approximately 39% of the total variance in the HDI. Though air freight was not the strongest predictor of the HDI, results showed that higher volume of freight was significantly related to higher HDI.

Implementation of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 27 of 2022 concerning the Protection of Personal Data in the Big Data Era in Indonesia

2025-05-10T18:01:59+00:00

The rapid development of information and communication technology, especially in the Big Data Era context, brings significant challenges to the protection of personal data. Indonesian Law No. 27 of 2022 concerning the Protection of Personal Data (PDP Law) is expected to provide a clear legal framework to protect individual rights over their data. The study aims to analyze the implementation of the PDP Law in the big data context and its impact on citizen protection and privacy. The result showed that although the PDP Law had set strong legal basis, the challenges in its aplications still existed.

A Study of Chinese EFL Students' and Teachers' Perceptions on Willingness to Communicate

2025-05-10T18:14:45+00:00

This study examines students' and teachers' perceptions of Chinese EFL students' willingness to communicate (WTC) in class, as well as the impact of societal context and personality factors on WTC. Although WTC has been frequently studied in Western contexts, its dynamics within the Chinese educational setting remain unclear. This study captures the complexity of WTC using a mixed-methods approach. A thorough questionnaire was used to gather quantitative results from 350 university students. After that, three experienced teachers and four students participated in semi-structured interviews, qualitative data was collected then. The findings indicate that WTC is influenced by a combination of societal context, including group cohesiveness and teacher support, and personality factors, such as tolerance of ambiguity and risk-taking. Supportive and friendly class environments significantly enhanced students' WTC. Furthermore, students with higher tolerance for ambiguity and moderate risk-taking tendencies were more likely to engage in English communication in class. However, fear of losing face led many students to remain silent despite their language proficiency. Teachers who incorporated group activities, positive feedback, and low-stress communication opportunities effectively promoted students' WTC. This study provides new insights into WTC in Chinese EFL contexts and offers valuable implications for language teaching practices.

Economic Dilemma of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria

2025-05-10T18:29:39+00:00

In this study, we provide valuable insights into how the removal of fuel subsidy contributed to headline inflation in Nigeria from 2023 to February 2025. This is based on the premise that high prices of premium motor spirit (PMS), associated with the subsidy removal, tend to increase the costs of transportation, food, and production. Thus, we employ exploratory analysis, a least squares estimation, and Granger causality tests to quantify the contributions of PMS, household kerosene, and automotive gas oil (AGO) prices to headline inflation using time series data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The exploratory analysis indicated that high PMS prices are positively and significantly correlated with headline inflationary pressures. The findings from the regression estimates revealed that prices of PMS, household kerosene, and automotive gas oil have positive and significant effects on headline inflation in both the short and long run. However, the magnitude of these impacts varies, with the price of PMS exerting a more pronounced positive effect on headline inflation during the study period. This underscores that changes in PMS prices exacerbate the inflation conundrum, complicating the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) efforts to achieve price stability. Therefore, the government should prioritise fiscal discipline in managing the savings from subsidy removal, ensuring these funds are invested in revamping refineries to increase supply and reduce prices in the long run.

Sentencing Disparities in the United States

2025-05-10T19:08:24+00:00

The United States has historically faced sentencing disparities that stem from racial, socioeconomic, and geographic factors, creating unequal treatment within the criminal justice system. The article analyzes current sentencing disparity conditions with an emphasis on racial and ethnic disparities while assessing how another Trump presidency could influence these patterns. Based on literature reviews and government reports, the paper presents evidence that Trump administration policies and their associated rhetoric might worsen current disparities through stricter sentencing practices alongside reduced enforcement of federal sentencing guidelines and reversal of criminal justice reforms. The paper ends by suggesting strategies to address these disparities amid possible policy changes.

Worldly and Hereafter Effects of Prayer in Nahj al-Balagha

2025-05-10T19:26:16+00:00

Prayer is one of the most significant acts of worship for Muslims. Undoubtedly, every action has its consequences and outcomes. The Holy Quran explicitly mentions some of these effects. Similarly, Imam Ali (AS) has highlighted certain impacts of prayer, many of which are recorded in the revered book, Nahj al-Balagha. The central question of this study is: What effects of prayer are mentioned in Nahj al-Balagha? This research, based on the collection of information through a library-based method and its analysis through a descriptive-analytical approach, aims to elucidate the impacts of prayer from Imam Ali's perspective in Nahj al-Balagha. The findings indicate that the effects of prayer in Nahj al-Balagha can be categorized into two groups: worldly and hereafter effects. Some of the worldly effects include: achieving perfection in faith; becoming a means of nearness to God; being the pillar of religion; serving as a sign of religiosity; being the fountainhead of other righteous deeds; fostering steadfastness in goodness; purifying from impurities; leading to the remission of sins; fostering indifference toward worldly goods; liberating one from bonds and constraints; being a source of hope and a path to salvation; acting as a safeguard for individuals; and promoting humility while avoiding arrogance, polytheism, and hypocrisy. The hereafter effects include serving as a shield against the torment of Hell.

The Decision of the Civil Case Court Acts of Default at the Cassation Level in the Convention's Lawsuit to Punish the Cassation/Plaintiff (Case Study No.91/Pdt.G/2021/PN.Plg)

2025-05-10T21:11:34+00:00

This case focuses on a court decision regarding default that occurs in the context of convention lawsuits. In case No. 91/Pdt.G/2021/PN.Plg, the Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the Defendant who was suspected of violating the agreed agreement. The Defendant's failure to execute the obligations outlined in the agreement was determined by the Palembang District Court to be a default. The Supreme Court reviewed the decision during the cassation stage to verify that the legal substances and procedures were applied appropriately. The defendant's appeal was denied by the Supreme Court, which underscored the appropriateness of the previous court's decision. The Defendant is required to reimburse the Plaintiff for the sum of money received as compensation for default, according to the court. This is consistent with the regulations of Article 1238 of the Civil Code, which governs default and its repercussions. This decision has a significant impact on the parties involved, as the Defendant was legally obligated to fulfill his obligations. Furthermore, this decision establishes precedents for other default cases, emphasizing the significance of adhering to mutually agreed-upon agreements. Case No. 91/PDT.G/2021/PN.PLG is a noteworthy illustration of civil law enforcement in the context of default. The Indonesian legal system's dedication to safeguarding the rights of parties who are underprivileged in the agreement is reaffirmed by the Supreme Court Decision, which also underscores the significance of all parties fulfilling their contractual obligations.

Impact of Teacher Professional Development on Assessment Practices in Pre-Tertiary Institutions in the Northern Region of Ghana

2025-05-10T21:19:19+00:00

Assessment is an important tool in education which is used to measure student learning, provide feedback, and inform instructional decisions. However, many teachers, especially in developing countries, lack the requisite skills to design and implement effective assessments. This study, guided by Guskey’s Model of Teacher Change, investigates the impact of teacher professional development (PD) on assessment knowledge, effective use of assessment strategies, and confidence in conducting assessments among pre-tertiary school teachers in the Northern Region of Ghana. A quantitative research design was employed, surveying 335 teachers using a structured questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests revealed that teachers who participated in PD demonstrated higher assessment knowledge (M = 4.12 vs. 3.45, p = 0.000) and greater confidence in conducting assessments (M = 4.25 vs. 3.62, p = 0.000) than their non-participating counterparts. A Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.524, p = 0.000) indicated a moderate positive relationship between PD and effective assessment use. Regression analysis showed that PD significantly predicted assessment knowledge (β = 0.412, p = 0.000, R² = 0.170), effective assessment use (β = 0.524, p < 0.001, R² = 0.274), and confidence (β = 0.398, p = 0.000, R² = 0.159). The study concluded that teachers who participated in continuing professional development acquired more knowledge and skills in using assessment strategies effectively. It thus recommended the structuring of PD programmes and the integration of assessment literacy in teacher training so as to enhance institutional support for teachers’ assessment practices. These interventions are essential for improving educational quality and student learning outcomes.

Kenneth Kaunda’s Humanism in Contemporary Zambian Politics: Is It an Enduring Echo?

2025-05-10T21:35:51+00:00

This study explored the enduring influence of Kenneth Kaunda’s humanism on contemporary Zambian politics, investigating its relevance and impact in a post-colonial context. Kaunda’s humanism, rooted in values of dignity, unity, and social justice, served as a moral and ethical framework during his presidency. However, with Zambia’s transition to a multiparty democracy and the introduction of neoliberal economic policies, the practical application of these ideals has diminished. This study analyses existing literature, policy documents, and critical assessments through desk-based research to evaluate how much Kaunda’s humanist principles persist or have been eroded in contemporary governance. The findings show that while Kaunda’s values continue to serve as symbolic references in political rhetoric and education, there is a significant gap between the ideals of humanism and the practical governance observed today. Factors such as neoliberal reforms, corruption, and clientelism have contributed to the erosion of humanism, although some elements, such as the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto, continue to resonate. These findings have important policy implications, suggesting that reintegrating humanist principles into Zambia’s governance could foster more inclusive and equitable development. This study contributes to discussions on post-colonial governance and the role of ethical leadership in contemporary African politics.

Evidence-based Child Protection in the Philippines: A Scoping Review

2025-05-13T19:18:50+00:00

This scoping review provides a comprehensive examination of the current landscape of child protection practices in the Philippines, focusing on the implementation of policies, effective strategies, and encountered challenges. Drawing on 19 publications, including 17 research articles, 1 report, and 1 website document, this review synthesizes evidence from various sectors and contexts to address three key research questions: What evidence exists regarding the implementation of child protection policies? What are the identified best practices in implementing these policies? What key challenges and recommendations are encountered in implementing child protection policies? The findings reveal a diverse range of implementation efforts across schools, local governments, hospitals, and community-based programs. Promising strategies of best practices, includes multidisciplinary approaches, community engagement, and strong leadership from Local Government Units. However, persistent challenges remain, including resource constraints, capacity gaps, coordination issues, and socio-cultural barriers. The review concludes with recommendations for strengthening child protection efforts, emphasizing increased investment, capacity building, enhanced coordination, and a focus on preventive measures. This review contributes valuable knowledge to the field and can inform policy and practice improvements to ensure a brighter future for Filipino children.

Assessment of the Economic Significance of Gold: A Reappraisal of the Ilesha Schist Belt, Southwestern Nigeria

2025-05-15T21:04:05+00:00

Nigeria, endowed with significant gold deposits, holds substantial economic potential, particularly in the northwest and southwest regions within the Schist Belts. In the Iperindo axis of the Ilesha Schist Belt, artisanal mining has been reported; however, the lack of comprehensive geoscience data hinders optimal resource development. This study evaluates the economic viability of gold occurrences in the area, leveraging geoscience research findings. To assess gold mineralization potential, Geonics EM34-3 and SuperSting R8/IP/SP meters were used for frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiling, alongside geochemical sampling of soil and stream sediments. Apparent resistivity data from ERT profiles were inverted using RES2DINV software, while Oasis Montaj was utilized to generate 2D conductivity/resistivity sections, maps, and 3D subsurface models. The results suggest the presence of gold or base metals in pegmatitic veins within low-resistivity, high-conductivity zones. Additionally, processed geochemical data identified areas with substantial mineralization potential. These findings underscore the economic potential for commercial gold exploitation in the Ilesha Schist Belt. Instead of further expanding artisanal mining, structured commercial development could enable the government to collect royalty taxes, create employment opportunities, and foster economic growth for both the local community and the nation.

Reconstruction of Divorce Suit Regulations on the Reason That the Husband Does Not Provide Maintenance to the Wife Based on the Values of Justice

2025-05-15T21:36:42+00:00

Maintenance is a wife’s right during marriage and after divorce within a certain time limit. This study aims to: (1) analyze the unjust regulation of divorce lawsuits due to a husband's failure to provide maintenance; (2) examine the weaknesses of the existing regulations; and (3) reconstruct the regulations based on the principle of justice. The research employed a constructivist paradigm with normative and empirical approaches, using a descriptive research design. Data sources consisted of secondary legal materials (primary, secondary, and tertiary), with data collected through literature review, qualitative descriptive analysis, and field studies. The theoretical framework includes the Theory of Islamic Justice (Grand Theory), Legal System Theory (Middle Theory), and Progressive Legal Theory (Applied Theory). The findings reveal that: (1) Regulations concerning divorce lawsuits due to the husband’s failure to provide maintenance are still unjust, as marriage laws remain ambiguous and influenced by patriarchal cultural biases. As a result, divorce rulings are easily granted even when the fault lies with the husband, without any compensation for the wife. (2) The weaknesses of the regulation lie in three aspects: legal substance (lack of protection for the wife's rights post-divorce), legal structure (the passive role of Religious Court officials who rely solely on legal texts), and legal culture (low public legal awareness and prevalent legal manipulation). (3) Justice-based reconstruction includes value reconstruction (redefining the basis of regulation to ensure fairness) and normative reconstruction, namely adjustments to Law No. 16/2019 on Marriage (Article 7 paragraph 1) and Supreme Court Circular No. 1/2022 to align with the sighat ta’lik talak. Therefore, the regulation must be revised to ensure justice for wives, both during the divorce process and in the post-divorce period.