Journal of the West is a journal dedicated to the study of the history, culture, society, and intellectual life of the western regions, broadly defined. The journal welcomes original research that advances historical understanding through critical analysis, archival research, and interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in historical inquiry. Journal of the West ISSN: 0022-5169 / E-ISSN: 1930-0115 Published by: ABC-CLIO Indexed by: Web of Science (AHCI)
The integration of innovative dance education models with the preservation of traditional dance through digital platforms
Background: Traditional Chinese dance, a vital form of intangible cultural heritage, faces significant challenges in its preservation and transmission within a rapidly modernizing, digital-first world. While digital technologies offer potential solutions, there is a need for a holistic framework that integrates high-fidelity preservation with effective, culturally sensitive pedagogical practices. Objective: This study introduces and evaluates the "Digital Sutra," a novel framework that combines a bespoke digital platform with a blended learning model to address this challenge. The research aims to assess the efficacy of this integrated approach in enhancing skill acquisition, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting student engagement in the context of traditional Chinese dance education. Methods: A 12-week mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 undergraduate dance students and 5 educators. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=30) using the Digital Sutra platform or a control group (n=30) following traditional instruction. The platform features a high-fidelity motion capture archive, a real-time 3D visualization engine, and an AI-powered feedback system. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention skill assessments, platform learning analytics, and semi-structured interviews. Results: The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all skill assessment categories compared to the control group. The mean gain in "Overall Performance" for the experimental group was 16.9 points, significantly greater than the 4.1-point gain for the control group (t(58) = 8.92, p < .001, Cohen's d = 2.30). Platform analytics revealed high student engagement, with an average weekly usage of 3.85 hours per student. Qualitative analysis of interview data indicated that students and educators perceived the platform as a highly effective tool for enhancing embodied understanding, personalizing practice, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the integration of a high-fidelity digital platform with a blended learning model provides a robust and effective solution for both the preservation and transmission of traditional dance. The Digital Sutra framework offers a valuable model for the sustainable future of performing arts heritage, contributing significant insights to the fields of dance education, digital heritage, and human-computer interaction. This research demonstrates that technology can serve not merely as an archive, but as a dynamic and interactive conduit for living cultural traditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jiang, Lijun, Chen, Hong, Long, Huayun https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Music Education and Cultural Heritage: How to Transmit Cultural Values Through Music Education
Music education serves as a critical vehicle for the transmission of cultural heritage, yet the processes through which cultural values are effectively embedded and sustained remain complex and undertheorized. This manuscript addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand and guide the integration of cultural heritage in music education. Through a qualitative synthesis of policy, pedagogy, and historical trends, this paper constructs a series of integrated models to elucidate this multifaceted process. The analysis begins by proposing a conceptual framework that outlines the dynamic interplay between cultural inputs, educational processes, contextual factors, and key outcomes such as identity formation and heritage preservation. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of six world regions reveals significant disparities in policy and practice, highlighting the strengths of Sub-Saharan Africa in oral tradition and Europe in digital archiving, while also identifying a persistent digital divide. Building on these findings, a multi-layered pedagogical model is presented, detailing the foundational principles, practical strategies, and implementation domains necessary for effective cultural transmission. The evolution of these practices is contextualized through a historical timeline that traces the co-evolution of educational pedagogy and institutional policy from the pre-colonial era to the present. Finally, a stakeholder interaction network map visualizes the complex ecosystem of actors—from government bodies and educational institutions to community leaders and researchers—whose coordinated efforts are essential for success. Collectively, these models provide a robust framework for educators, policymakers, and researchers, arguing that the effective transmission of cultural values through music education requires a holistic, context-aware, and stakeholder-inclusive approach. This work contributes a vital theoretical foundation for designing and implementing more culturally responsive and sustainable music education programs globally.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing: Applications and Ethical Implications in Human Medicine
With its accurate, efficient, and cost-effective genome editing capabilities, CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized biomedical research and clinical applications, making it a game-changer in molecular biology. Correction of monogenic disorders like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, development of innovative cancer immunotherapies, and creation of models for researching complicated diseases are just a few of the many areas where it could be useful in human medicine. In addition, by allowing targeted interventions that are matched to individual genetic profiles, CRISPR-based diagnostics and therapeutic techniques are speeding up the transition toward personalized medicine. Deep social, legal, and ethical questions emerge, though, in tandem with these innovations. Concerns about germline editing, off-target mutations, long-term safety, and unexpected ecological repercussions are major obstacles in the field of science. Strong regulatory frameworks are necessary to resolve the ethical disputes that surround human enhancement, fair access, and the possibility of its abuse for reasons other than treatment. Transparent policies, public involvement, and international consensus are necessary for balancing innovation with responsibility and ensuring the safe and ethical application of CRISPR technologies. The fast adoption of CRISPR-Cas9 and its revolutionary uses in human health raise important ethical challenges, highlighting the need to balance scientific advancement with society values.
The Impact of Global Warming on Economic Growth: An Analytical Review
In this study, we analyze data from a subset of OPEC nations, spanning 1971–2002, to determine the correlations between carbon emissions, income, energy consumption, and total employment. The correlation between financial success and “energy use is our primary research interest. We use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method, and discover that the variables are cointegrated solely inside Saudi Arabia. It is concluded that employment and energy prices are the long-term driving factors for Saudi Arabia's revenue. Cointegration between income and energy prices does not exist in Indonesia, Algeria, Nigeria, or Venezuela. Second, we raise doubts about the Granger causation in the long term between carbon emissions, energy consumption, and GDP. According to our findings, lowering nations' emission levels does not require any of them to slow their economic development. Energy conservation might help Indonesia and Nigeria reduce emissions without slowing economic development in the long term.
Acupressure Therapy: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions
It is being more recognized that acupressure treatment is a non-invasive alternative medicine approach that may be used for the management of a variety of health concerns. this article presents a detailed assessment of the processes, applications, and potential future prospects of acupressure treatment. One of the processes that underpins acupressure is the stimulation of certain places on the body that are referred to as acupoints. These points correlate to meridians in both Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure utilizes the application of pressure to stimulate the passage of qi, which is a kind of vital energy, as well as blood, which ultimately results in the restoration of balance and the promotion of healing. For the treatment of a wide range of health conditions, including pain, stress, nausea, sleeplessness, and a variety of other conditions, acupressure has been used in a variety of therapeutic settings. The effectiveness of this treatment in reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life in patients suffering from illnesses such as anxiety, migraines, lower back pain, nausea caused by chemotherapy, and other similar problems has been established via clinical research. Furthermore, new research is investigating the possibility of using acupressure in combination with contemporary medical treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, in order to improve the results of treatment. In spite of the expanding body of research that demonstrates its effectiveness, there are still obstacles to overcome in terms of standardizing acupressure methods and procedures, as well as in explaining the physiological processes that underlie its effectiveness. The long-term benefits of acupressure, its application in a variety of groups, and the incorporation of acupressure into conventional medical procedures are all potential future study avenues that should be investigated. Acupressure treatment, in general, shows promise as a method that is not only safe but also cost-effective and patient-centered in its approach to improving health and well-being.
Advancements in Nuclear Fusion: Towards Sustainable Energy Production
Many people believe that the only way to meet the world's increasing energy needs is through nuclear fusion, which is the release of energy through the combination of atomic nuclei. Nuclear fusion has the ability to provide almost endless amounts of clean energy with minimum waste, in contrast to nuclear fission, which breaks atoms and creates dangerous waste. the most up-to-date developments in nuclear fusion technology, with an emphasis on the strides taken towards net-positive energy generation, the major obstacles now standing in the way, and the bright prospects for fusion going forward as a sustainable energy source. Progress in experimental fusion reactors, including stellarators and tokamaks, is reviewed, with special emphasis on advances in laser-based inertial confinement methods, plasma confinement, and superconducting magnets. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is one of several global cooperative initiatives that are working to prove that commercial-scale fusion electricity is possible. In spite of a lot of progress, there are still certain technical hurdles to overcome, such keeping the plasma stable, getting the ignition conditions right, and scaling up fusion reactors. Nevertheless, nuclear fusion has the potential to completely transform the way the world produces energy if current trends in materials science, superconductivity, and sophisticated computer simulations continue. the fusion energy's part in creating a sustainable and carbon-neutral future, the possible economic and environmental implications, and the commercialization timescale.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Relationships Among Freshwater Fish Populations
Understanding evolutionary relationships among freshwater fish populations is essential for biodiversity assessment, conservation planning, and taxonomic clarification. Traditional morphological classification has often been limited by phenotypic plasticity and convergent evolution, leading to uncertainties in species boundaries and lineage divergence. Molecular phylogenetics provides a powerful framework for resolving these ambiguities by analyzing genetic variation at the DNA level. the application of molecular markers, including mitochondrial DNA sequences such as cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I, along with nuclear gene markers, to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among selected freshwater fish populations. Comparative sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree construction reveal patterns of genetic divergence, historical dispersal, and population structuring across different river basins. The results indicate significant genetic differentiation among geographically isolated populations, suggesting the influence of vicariance events, habitat fragmentation, and historical climatic fluctuations on evolutionary trajectories. Molecular data further highlight instances of cryptic speciation and previously unrecognized lineages within morphologically similar taxa. Genetic distance measures and haplotype diversity analyses provide insights into population connectivity and gene flow. These findings underscore the importance of integrating molecular tools with ecological and morphological data to achieve accurate taxonomic resolution.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Novel Drug Delivery Systems in Chronic Disease Management
Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, asthma, and cancer require long-term pharmacotherapy, often associated with fluctuating plasma drug levels, poor patient adherence, and increased risk of adverse effects. Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as promising strategies to overcome these limitations by enhancing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of therapeutic agents. The pharmacokinetic parameters including absorption rate, bioavailability, distribution volume, clearance, and half-life, alongside pharmacodynamic outcomes such as therapeutic efficacy, onset of action, and duration of response in selected NDDS formulations. Various advanced delivery platforms, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, transdermal systems, and controlled-release formulations, were comparatively analyzed with conventional dosage forms. Data from preclinical and clinical investigations indicate that NDDS significantly improve drug stability, targeted delivery, and sustained plasma concentration, thereby reducing dosing frequency and minimizing systemic toxicity. Enhanced bioavailability and optimized therapeutic windows were observed in chronic disease models, leading to improved clinical outcomes and better patient compliance. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology and biodegradable polymers has demonstrated controlled and site-specific drug release, contributing to enhanced pharmacodynamic responses with reduced adverse drug reactions. The pharmacokinetic optimization through innovative delivery systems plays a critical role in chronic disease management. Continued research and regulatory evaluation are essential to ensure safety, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of these technologies for broader clinical application.
The External Dissemination Pathways of Chinese Jade Culture from the Perspective of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Purpose: This study provides a systematic, multi-dimensional analysis of the external dissemination pathways of Chinese jade culture, examining its promotion as a form of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and a vector of national soft power. The research aims to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interplay between cultural elements, dissemination mechanisms, strategic channels, and international audience reception in the digital age. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed. The study first developed a four-layer conceptual framework through a qualitative content analysis of policy documents and academic literature. This was followed by a quantitative analysis of secondary data from 2008 to 2025, including a temporal analysis of over 1,500 dissemination events, a geographic mapping of activities across 10 world regions, and a comparative effectiveness assessment of eight primary dissemination channels. The analysis is further supported by a cross-cultural survey (N=850) of audience perceptions and engagement across five distinct demographic groups. Findings: The results reveal that a hybrid dissemination strategy integrating online and offline channels is over three times more effective at fostering deep engagement than digital-only approaches. While digital platforms, particularly short-video formats like TikTok, have become the dominant force for achieving mass audience reach, they are least effective at facilitating deep knowledge transfer, creating a gap between cultural visibility and understanding. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is identified as a primary catalyst and corridor for cultural dissemination, though its impact is geographically uneven and framed primarily through an economic lens. A significant cross-cultural communication gap persists, with international audiences engaging with jade on an aesthetic level but often failing to grasp its deeper symbolic and spiritual significance. Implications: The findings provide a strategic roadmap for policymakers and cultural institutions. An effective dissemination strategy requires a portfolio approach, using different channels to target specific outcomes and audiences. The study highlights the critical need to move beyond simple exposure by investing in high-quality, culturally translated content and integrated hybrid experiences to bridge the gap between superficial engagement and genuine cultural understanding. This research contributes a novel, empirically grounded framework for analyzing and optimizing ICH dissemination in a globalized and digitally mediated world.
The Impact of Digital Technology on Traditional Filmmaking: Challenges and Opportunities
The effects of digital technology on conventional filmmaking, with an emphasis on the possibilities and threats it poses to the film industry as a whole. Digital technology has transformed the entire filmmaking process in the last several decades, from production and post-production to distribution and presentation. Although digital tools have reduced the cost and increased accessibility of filmmaking, they have also presented new obstacles to maintaining the high quality and artistic integrity of classic cinematic processes. what impact technological developments like CGI, digital cameras, and non-linear editing tools have had on narrative structure, aesthetics, and the creative process as a whole. the monetary effects of digital technology, especially in light of its ability to democratise filmmaking by lowering production costs, therefore empowering independent filmmakers and increasing the variety of tales told. On the other hand, some worry that the preservation of cinematic heritage and the skilled artistry of classic film may be compromised with the transition to digital. Finding a middle ground between innovation and tradition can be challenging, but this research examines important case studies and industry trends to shed light on the pros and downsides of digital technology.
Research on the Psychological Causes and Regulation Strategies of Stage Anxiety in Vocal Performance
Purpose: This study investigates the psychological causes of stage anxiety, commonly referred to as Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), in vocal performers and evaluates the comparative effectiveness of multiple regulation strategies. The research aims to develop a comprehensive structural model of MPA causation and to provide evidence-based recommendations for intervention. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed with 326 vocal performers ranging from undergraduate students to professional artists. The study utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to identify causal pathways, physiological monitoring during live performances, a 12-week randomized controlled trial comparing 12 intervention strategies, cluster analysis for anxiety typology classification, and a 24-week longitudinal follow-up to assess sustainability of outcomes. Findings: The SEM revealed that trait anxiety, low self-efficacy, perfectionism, and social evaluation fear are the primary psychological causes, operating through cognitive appraisal, physiological arousal, and attentional bias as mediating pathways, collectively explaining 68% of the variance in MPA severity. Cluster analysis identified four distinct anxiety typologies: Cognitive-Dominant, Somatic-Dominant, Adaptive-Low, and Mixed-Severe. The combined intervention (CBT + breathing + exposure therapy) produced the largest effect size (d = 1.15) and the lowest 12-month relapse rate (12%), significantly outperforming single-modality approaches. Implications: The findings support a personalized, multi-modal approach to MPA management in vocal training. Educators and clinicians should assess individual anxiety profiles before selecting interventions, as different typologies respond differentially to specific strategies. The study contributes a novel typology-based framework for understanding and treating stage anxiety in vocal performance contexts.
The Legal Regulation of Food Imports in Algeria: Protection Mechanisms and Health and Technical Standards
Algeria, as one of Africa's largest food importers, faces the critical challenge of balancing its significant reliance on foreign food supplies with the imperative to protect public health, support local agriculture, and ensure national food security [1]. The nation's food import bill, often exceeding USD 10 billion annually, underscores the economic and strategic importance of a robust, transparent, and effective legal framework for regulating the influx of foodstuffs [2]. This dependency, particularly in key commodities like cereals and milk where import rates can reach 75% and 50% respectively, exposes the country to global market volatility and supply chain disruptions, making the legal architecture governing imports a cornerstone of its national sovereignty and stability. Over the years, the Algerian government has navigated a complex policy landscape, oscillating between trade liberalization and protectionist measures. This has resulted in a multifaceted regulatory environment characterized by a combination of stringent safety standards, complex administrative procedures, and at times, direct import restrictions and bans [3]. The legal framework is designed not only to ensure that imported food is safe for consumption but also to serve broader economic objectives, such as reducing the trade deficit, promoting domestic production, and achieving greater agricultural self-sufficiency [4].
Unconscious Dynamics and Collective Symbolism in Elite Football: A Psycho-Hermeneutic Analysis of Victory and Defeat in the Algerian National Team at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025
This research aims to analyze competitive sports from a psycho-interpretive perspective, by studying the unconscious and symbolic dynamics that govern individual and collective psychological responses in both victory and defeat. The research stems from the premise that technical explanations of athletic performance remain inadequate to encompass the intense emotions and profound psychological transformations experienced by players, coaches, and spectators during major competitions, particularly in the context of football as a highly symbolic social phenomenon. The research concluded that a sporting event is not merely a competitive dimension but represents an intense collective psychological experience reflecting identity conflicts, the need for recognition, and the tension between self and other. It also emphasized the importance of the interpretive analytical approach in studying sports phenomena, given its ability to uncover the deep psychological meanings underlying athletic behavior. This opens new avenues for integrating psychoanalysis into sports science and fostering a deeper understanding of the dynamics of athletic competition.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides Against Drug-Resistant Pathogens
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is on the rise and poses a serious danger to public health around the world. It has rendered many traditional antibiotics useless, prompting a race to find new treatment options. The naturally occurring defensive chemicals known as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently attracted a lot of interest because of their unique ways of action, decreased tendency for resistance development, and broad-spectrum activity, in comparison to conventional antibiotics. the development and production of new ampicillin-resistant microorganisms (AMPs). We prioritize rational design strategies that optimize amphipathicity, charge distribution, and secondary structures to enhance membrane disruption efficiency and selectivity. These strategies incorporate computational modeling, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and peptide engineering. To improve stability, bioavailability, and protease resistance, synthetic procedures such solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), hybrid peptide creation, and the addition of non-natural amino acids are considered. To further address typical drawbacks including cytotoxicity and short half-life, we also investigate peptidomimetics, nanoparticle conjugation, and cyclization as potential solutions. To show the therapeutic promise, case studies of new AMPs that work against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant E. coli are highlighted.
Local Governance and Classroom Approaches to Multilingualism and Intercultural Competence in Algerian Universities
The article analyzes the crossing of classroom multilingualism and local education governance in Algerian universities. Based on a descriptive-analytical synthesis of published literature, the article positions multilingualism and intercultural competency in the architecture of governance, policy direction, and institutional dynamics. This literature review combines Norton's investment model and Byram's intercultural communicative competence model to identify the ways in which local-level policy scaffolds and delimits classroom practice. The study was directed toward following tensions between bottom-up multilingual praxis and top-down policymaking and discloses how they make their presence felt in intercultural learning, pedagogical practice, and identity negotiation in higher education. It indicates that making classroom praxis fit into local governance mechanisms is crucial to creating inclusive, responsive, and globally positioned higher education. The article ends by emphasizing policy and education implications, requesting measures of governance–pedagogy complementarity in developing intercultural competences and multilingual competence in Algerian universities.
Nanomaterials in Photovoltaics: Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency Through Quantum Effects
Recent years have seen tremendous progress in photovoltaics, with nanomaterials playing an increasingly important role in improving solar cells' efficiency. These materials have the ability to improve light absorption, charge carrier mobility, and the development of new energy conversion processes due to their unique quantum features, which set them apart from standard bulk materials. emphasis on the quantum effects of nanomaterials and how they can be used to improve the efficiency of solar cells, in order to circumvent the limits of photovoltaic technology that are already in place. The potential of important nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, nanowires, and two-dimensional materials, to improve photogenerated current, light harvesting by means of multiple exciton generation, and energy band alignment is examined. Furthermore, there are difficulties in incorporating these materials into affordable and scalable solar cell devices. The current state of nanomaterial-based photovoltaic research and looking ahead to the possibility of developing solar cells with increased efficiency; this development would greatly aid in the worldwide shift towards renewable energy sources.
Cannibalism, Cultural Identity, and the Discursive Construction of the “Savage” in Western Frontier Narratives
Cannibalism has been a concept that has held a significant position in the historical imagination of Western societies. From initial European interactions with the Americas to tales of the American frontier in the nineteenth century, the idea of cannibals has acted as a symbolic representation of extreme cultural difference. Rather than merely being a reference to extreme human practices, cannibalism has often been a discursive device through which Western societies have created a moral order between civilization and savagery. In this article, the function of cannibal discourse within Western historical narratives is analyzed from a Critical Discourse Analytical approach. The theoretical contributions of Norman Fairclough and Teun A. van Dijk are utilized to examine the function of linguistic representations of cannibalism as a device for creating ideological constructions of cultural identity within a historical period of colonial expansion. Special attention is devoted to the historical narrative of the Donner Party tragedy of 1846–1847, which turned out to be one of the most popular cases of survival cannibalism in the American West. The article utilizes various methods of historical study and discourse analysis to examine the symbolic significance of cannibalism, which acts as boundary markers of Western culture and identity, and to examine the legitimization of ideologies of the American West. This study seeks to develop interdisciplinary research in the fields of history, discourse studies, and culture.
The Role of the Unreliable Narrator in Gothic Fiction
The function of the untrustworthy narrator in Gothic literature, with an emphasis on how this storytelling device heightens the psychological complexity, ambiguity, and terror that are hallmarks of the genre. One characteristic of Gothic fiction is the employment of an unreliable narrator, a character whose credibility is challenged, to induce confusion and distrust in the reader. Examining classic works including The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe, The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, this study delves into the ways in which the unreliable narrator adds to the general air of discomfort and suspense that characterises Gothic fiction. The narrative's psychological intensity is heightened by the unreliable narrator, who also embodies the genre's fixation with perception's boundaries, sanity's frailty, and the truth's uncertainty. By using this device, Gothic fiction is able to muddy the waters between fact and fiction, making the reader doubt the veracity of the events recounted and the narrator's intentions. The unreliable narrator plays a pivotal role in delving into the shadowy regions of human nature and the unconscious mind by sowing seeds of doubt and uncertainty. The study emphasises the lasting importance of the untrustworthy narrator in Gothic literature and how it affects the reader's perception of the text.
The Relationship Between Achievement Motivation and Academic Achievement Levels in Mathematics Among Middle School Students
This study aims to investigate the correlational relationship between achievement motivation and academic achievement levels in mathematics among middle school students. The descriptive method (case study) was employed, involving a sample of 109 students (with 89 students in the primary study) from the fourth year of middle school at "Sidi Shaker" school in Tlemcen. To achieve the research objectives, a specialized tool was developed to measure achievement motivation across five dimensions: sense of responsibility, pursuit of excellence, perseverance, awareness of the importance of time, and future planning. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation (at the 0.05 level) between the level of achievement motivation and academic achievement scores in mathematics. These findings are attributed to the nature of mathematics, which demands high problem-solving capabilities and persistence—core traits of individuals with high achievement motivation. The study concludes that low academic performance may stem from a fear of failure, lack of stimulation, or rigid teaching methodologies.
Antibiotic Resistance: Biological Causes and Global Challenges
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious global public health challenges of the twenty-first century. It occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms that reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of antibiotics, making common infections increasingly difficult to treat. the biological causes of antibiotic resistance, focusing on genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and selective pressure resulting from the widespread and often inappropriate use of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary practice, and agriculture. the global dimensions of antibiotic resistance, highlighting its impact on healthcare systems, disease control, and mortality worldwide. Factors such as over prescription, self-medication, lack of regulatory oversight, and poor infection control practices contribute to the rapid spread of resistant strains across borders. antibiotic resistance is not only a biological problem but also a social, economic, and policy challenge. It concludes by stressing the need for coordinated global strategies, including responsible antibiotic use, improved surveillance, public awareness, and investment in new antimicrobial therapies, to effectively combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Child Sexual Abuse by Parents: Identifying Its Contributing Factors, Assessing Indicators, and Prevention Methods
Sexual abuse is a pervasive issue across all societies, affecting both boys and girls. It is not limited to specific cultural, social, or economic environments and can occur in both rural and urban areas, including suburbs. It is also not restricted by ethnicity, race, religion, or language. Sexual abuse has multiple contributing factors and far-reaching effects that extend into later stages of life. The long-term consequences, particularly when untreated, can be devastating, as victims often feel unable to speak out about the abuse. This becomes even more complex when the abuse is inflicted on an immature individual, like a child, who is not prepared for or knowledgeable about sexual relationships. These children become vulnerable targets for perpetrators, and the abuse has a profound impact on their lives. Sexual abuse is one of the most difficult and hidden forms of abuse, making it hard to gather accurate data or prevent it, particularly since children are often afraid to report such incidents, especially if the abuser is a parent.
The Existential Transformation of Reason: From the Centrality of Natural Intelligence to the Primacy of Artificial Intelligence
If we survey the history of earlier civilisations, we find it replete with great achievements through which humanity, by exercising reason and reflection, sought to realise its aim of living well. This was pursued through diverse methods, appropriate tools, shifts in intellectual paradigms, and the invention of machines. However, this historical development of achievements related to human reason has led to an alarming advancement in the sciences, from inquiry into ethical values to nonethics, from being to nonbeing, and from the struggle for self-realisation to the pursuit of pleasure. We have thus witnessed a transformation in the very nature of reason, from the centrality of natural intelligence to the primacy of artificial intelligence, driven by a daunting technological development in which the machine has replaced the human being. Once a means of protecting humanity from the hardship of daily labor, the machine has now become an instrument of a new existential struggle. In this way, we are now close to enacting the maxim “survival of the fittest”, having moved from invention and discovery in the service of humanity to the possibility of its destruction and from protecting humankind against natural disasters that threaten its existence to creating a nuclear order that may seek to negate that very existence. What, then, is the destiny of reason, suspended between being a formidable power striving to unravel mysteries and its transformation into a chain of events that may set earth and sky ablaze?
Pathology of Lifestyle Diseases: Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disorders
Lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disorders represent a major and growing public health concern worldwide. These conditions arise largely from unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and sedentary lifestyles, and are closely interconnected through shared metabolic and inflammatory pathways. From a pathological perspective, lifestyle diseases are characterized by progressive structural and functional alterations in multiple organs, driven by chronic metabolic stress, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and low-grade inflammation. Obesity is associated with adipose tissue hypertrophy, chronic inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation, which contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic imbalance. Diabetes mellitus leads to widespread microvascular and macrovascular damage, affecting organs such as the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart. Cardiovascular disorders are marked by endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and myocardial injury, resulting from prolonged metabolic and inflammatory insults. the pathological basis of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing their interconnected mechanisms and the importance of early preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce disease burden and associated complications
Self-Harm and Alexithymia among Victims of Incest
Incest is regarded as one of the most serious silent phenomena to have spread within society, as it constitutes a grave indicator of social disintegration and the disruption of societal norms. It directly affects the stability, values, and security of the family, thereby intensifying victims' psychological suffering and their need for assistance and support from others. Therefore, the present study addressed the issue of self-harm and alexithymia among victims of incest. A clinical study was conducted on a case involving a victim of incest. The following tools were employed: clinical observation, a semi-structured interview, Zeinab Mahmoud Shokair’s Self-Harm Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The findings indicated that adolescent victims of incest experienced elevated levels of alexithymia and engaged in self-harming behaviour following sexual assault.
Cultural Adaptations in Music Education: Challenges and Strategies in Cross-Cultural Music Education
Cultural adaptation in music education has become a central concern in contemporary pedagogy because music classrooms now operate within conditions of migration, linguistic diversity, globalization, digitized listening cultures, and intensified debate over equity and representation. In this context, cross-cultural music education is no longer adequately defined by the inclusion of a few songs from different traditions. Rather, it requires a rethinking of curriculum, teaching relationships, assessment, teacher preparation, and community engagement so that music learning is musically rigorous, socially responsive, and culturally meaningful. The field has gradually moved from additive multicultural models toward more critically responsive and culturally sustaining approaches that treat students’ cultural identities as educational resources rather than peripheral concerns. This manuscript examines the conceptual foundations, major challenges, and practical strategies associated with cultural adaptations in music education. It argues that effective cross-cultural music education depends on a shift from token representation to pedagogical transformation. Teachers must make informed repertoire decisions, understand the social meanings of musical practices, collaborate with culture-bearers and communities, and design lessons that invite comparison without erasing difference. Cultural adaptation is best understood as a dynamic system linking learners, teachers, institutions, communities, and musical knowledge. The study also clarifies the distinctions among multicultural, cross-cultural, culturally responsive, and culturally sustaining approaches, distinctions that are essential for avoiding conceptual confusion. The manuscript also identifies several barriers that continue to limit implementation. These include tokenism, authenticity dilemmas, assessment mismatch, teacher under-preparation, institutional conservatism, resource inequality, and the persistence of colonial hierarchies in music knowledge. These challenges are interconnected and often reinforce one another, making reform difficult when schools address them in isolation. Existing research also suggests that the field often shows rhetorical commitment to inclusion while lacking the structural supports needed for lasting change. In response, this manuscript proposes a set of interrelated strategies for cross-cultural music education. These include repertoire redesign, dialogic pedagogy, collaborative and community-based learning, culturally aligned assessment, intercultural teacher education, and institutional policy reform. The manuscript concludes that cultural adaptation in music education should be understood not as an optional supplement, but as a core dimension of educational quality in diverse societies.
From Tradition to Innovation: Sino-Thai Buddhist Plant Motifs in Art, Philosophy, and Cross Cultural Design Exchange
This manuscript examines the historical development, philosophical meanings, and contemporary design potential of Sino-Thai Buddhist plant motifs. It argues that plant ornament in Buddhist visual culture should not be understood merely as decorative embellishment but as a dense symbolic language through which religious teachings, aesthetic values, and intercultural relationships are materialized. Focusing on lotus, peony, baoxiang, vine-scroll, and related floral forms, the study traces how Buddhist plant imagery moved across Chinese and Thai artistic systems and how it was transformed through local interpretation rather than passively imitated. The manuscript further proposes that the encounter between Chinese and Thai visual vocabularies produced a hybrid field of design exchange shaped by trade, temple culture, elite taste, mural practice, ceramics, and contemporary heritage-based design. Methodologically, the manuscript synthesizes historical, comparative, art-historical, and design-oriented scholarship, with particular attention to studies on Bangkok-period Thai Buddhist ornament, Chinese floral symbolism, Buddhist mural comparison, and the adaptation of traditional motifs in contemporary design. The discussion demonstrates that Chinese Buddhist floral systems entered Thailand not as isolated patterns but as philosophically charged ornamental structures already linked to purity, enlightenment, auspiciousness, hierarchy, and harmony. In Thailand, these motifs were reworked within an existing visual culture in which lotus symbolism, temple ornament, and cosmological interpretation were already deeply embedded in religious and social life. The study concludes that the most productive way to understand Sino-Thai Buddhist plant motifs is through the concept of adaptive continuity. In this model, tradition is neither frozen nor discarded; instead, inherited motifs are selectively translated across media, contexts, and cultural frameworks. This perspective helps explain historical transformation and also offers a foundation for contemporary cross-cultural design practice that is both innovative and ethically grounded in heritage knowledge.
Analysis of the Interaction Mechanism among Music Aesthetics, Music Education, and Music Performance
The relationship among music aesthetics, music education, and music performance has become increasingly important in contemporary scholarship because each domain helps define what counts as meaningful musical experience, how musical knowledge is transmitted, and how artistic expression is realized in practice. Rather than operating as isolated fields, these domains form a reciprocal system in which aesthetic judgment shapes educational aims, educational environments structure musical participation, and performance turns aesthetic understanding into embodied, audible action. A clear account of their interaction is therefore necessary for explaining how musicians learn to hear, interpret, value, and communicate music. This manuscript analyzes the interaction mechanism among the three domains through an integrative review of philosophical, pedagogical, and performance-centered literature. It argues that music aesthetics provides the value horizon through which musical sound is interpreted; music education provides the institutional and pedagogical mediation through which such values are taught, negotiated, and revised; and music performance provides the embodied arena in which aesthetic ideas are tested, refined, and socially communicated. The three domains are most productive when they are understood as mutually constitutive rather than hierarchically ordered. The analysis further shows that the interaction mechanism is not linear. Aesthetic concepts influence curriculum, repertoire, and assessment, but performance experience also reshapes aesthetic judgment by confronting learners with issues of technique, expression, style, context, and audience response. In turn, educational practice organizes the feedback loops through which listening, rehearsal, reflection, and interpretation become developmental processes. The manuscript therefore proposes a cyclical and multi-layered model that explains how perception, embodiment, instruction, and reflection interact across individual, classroom, institutional, and cultural levels. The study concludes that a productive theory of music learning must overcome the false choice between aesthetic contemplation and practical music making. Strong music education does not merely teach about music or train performance skills in isolation. It cultivates the capacity to transform aesthetic attention into informed action and to transform performance experience into deeper musical understanding. This perspective has important implications for curriculum design, teacher preparation, performance pedagogy, and the evaluation of musical learning in schools, higher education, and community settings.
Role of the Muhtasib in Protecting Consumers in the Islamic West Through al-Saqati's Book Adab al-Hisbah: Flour and Bread as a Model
This study investigates the role of the institution of hisbah in protecting consumers in the Islamic West from fraud by flour and bread workers through the book Adab al-Hisbah by its author, the jurist Abu Abd Allah Muhammad al-Saqati al-Malaqi, who practised the profession of muhtasib in al-Andalus. Al-Saqati revealed and clarified many types of fraud committed by these workers and described methods for detecting the deception and fraud of mill owners in flour and bakers in the making of bread and bread sellers. In addition, he disclosed the tools used to detect fraud and the penalties imposed on them when the charge of fraud was proven. To achieve the objectives established for the study, several methods were followed, including descriptive, historical and analytical methods. The study concluded that the institution of hisbah was one of the principal functions in the state, owing to its concern with the affairs of society and its commitment to organising economic affairs and preserving social relations.
Primary military correspondence from the mid-nineteenth century offers valuable insight into the operational dynamics and strategic perceptions that shaped colonial campaigns in North Africa. In this context, the present document attributed to General Yusuf and addressed to General Pélissier relates to the preparatory phase of the French military campaign against Laghouat. The letter details early engagements with Algerian resistance forces, providing accounts of battlefield conditions, casualty figures, and tactical evaluations. As such, it constitutes a significant archival source for understanding colonial military planning and resistance dynamics in southern Algeria during the 1850s.
Inventory management and classification study
Businesses are able to save money and better serve the demands of their customers when they have effective inventory management. There are a number of inventory management tactics that might be helpful in accomplishing this objective. Some of these strategies include reducing the amount of dead stock (for more detail, see the definition of dead stock) and using the reorder point calculation. One of the most important aspects of inventory management is the need to pay continual attention to stock counts.
Requirements for Regulating the Electronic Store in Light of Algerian Law
The significance of this study lies in highlighting the core principles that govern the organization of electronic stores, while drawing a comparison with traditional commercial establishments under the framework of Algerian Commercial Law and the legislation related to e-commerce. From this perspective, the proper creation of an electronic store requires ensuring that all fundamental components necessary for its establishment are present. Furthermore, this entity produces various legal consequences, including the legal acts it may be subject to, as well as the protection granted to it under the law. Moreover, it can be observed that the Algerian legislator has not provided a specific legal framework dedicated exclusively to electronic stores. This situation has prompted this study to rely on the general rules applicable to traditional commercial establishments and extend their application to electronic stores, with the aim of proposing a general legal framework for their regulation.
A Study Of Outsourcing Material Availability Decision-Making
Effective supply chain design calls for robust analytical models and design tools. Previous works in this area are mostly Operation Research oriented without considering manufacturing aspects. Recently, researchers have begun to realize that the decision and integration effort in supply chain design should be driven by the manufactured product, specifically, product characteristics and product life cycle. In addition, decision-making processes should be guided by a comprehensive set of performance metrics. In this paper, we relate product characteristics to supply chain strategy and adopt supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model level I performance metrics as the decision criteria. An integrated analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and preemptive goal programming (PGP) based multi-criteria decision-making methodology is then developed to take into account both qualitative and quantitative factors in supplier selection. While the AHP process matches product characteristics with supplier characteristics (using supplier ratings derived from pairwise comparisons) to qualitatively determine supply chain strategy, PGP mathematically determines the optimal order quantity from the chosen suppliers. Since PGP uses AHP ratings as input, the variations of pairwise comparisons in AHP will influence the final order quantity. Therefore, users of this methodology should put greater emphasis on the AHP progress to ensure the accuracy of supplier ratings.
Mechanisms for Settling Disputes Relating to Electronic Consumer Contracts
Electronic consumer contracts raise numerous legal issues, which prompted the Algerian legislator to enact substantive rules aimed at protecting the electronic consumer in the digital environment. However, the enactment of substantive rules for consumer protection in electronic contracts is no longer sufficient on its own unless accompanied by procedural mechanisms that embody this protection in reality. Accordingly, this paper will address, in the first section, the rules of judicial jurisdiction as an important mechanism for settling disputes arising from electronic consumer contracts, while the second section will be devoted to electronic arbitration as an effective mechanism for settling disputes relating to electronic consumer contracts.
Blockchain Technology in E-Commerce: Applications and Implications
Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to revolutionize various industries, including e-commerce. This paper provides an overview of the applications and implications of blockchain technology in the context of e-commerce. Drawing upon recent research and industry developments, we examine the role of blockchain in enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in online transactions. We explore various use cases of blockchain in e-commerce, including supply chain management, digital identity verification, payment processing, and decentralized marketplaces. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of blockchain technology in e-commerce, ranging from scalability and regulatory concerns to user adoption and interoperability. By analyzing the potential benefits and risks of blockchain implementation, this paper aims to inform e-commerce stakeholders about the transformative impact of blockchain technology and guide strategic decision-making in the digital marketplace.
French Colonial Policy in the Social Sphere from 1954 to 1962: The Algerian Demographic Reality and Class Racism as a Model
French colonial policy in the social sphere, from 1954 to 1962, was marked by a series of contradictions in its handling of Algerian conditions, with the Algerian demographic reality being one of them. Since 1830 until 1962, the French occupation authorities worked, as much as possible, to eliminate the Algerian element that stood as an obstacle to the projects of settlement, exploitation, and the draining of this fertile land’s resources, using various brutal methods such as killing, exile, and starvation. Because it needed a labor force to serve its interests, it attempted to adjust its policy in line with the objectives set by the colonial authorities and their administration, in service of the settlers. The presence of servants was deemed necessary for the colonizer’s satisfaction to be complete! Subsequently, class-based racism emerged to lend a form of conditional colonial tolerance by granting certain services to Algerians who demonstrated the fundamentals of obedience and loyalty. These historical realities compel researchers to examine the details of what occurred in light of archival documents, with neutrality and objectivity.