Academicus International Scientific Journal: Current Issue
https://academicus.edu.al
Academicus
© Copyright 2024 Academicus
2024-01-02T00:00:00+01:00
en
Academicus
2079-3715
2309-1088
© Copyright 2024 Academicus
editor@academicus.edu.al
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The Eclipse of Religion and Freud’s “future of an illusion”
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-010-020.html
The main contention of this paper is that, no matter whether one is a true believer or a professed atheist, religion remains a relevant social phenomenon. Serious scholars have written about an eclipse of the sacred in industrial societies through a sad confusion between «sacred» and «religious». The «religious» as a commodity administered by an organized church might well be in a state of crisis. But the «sacred» is actually the meta-human element that makes mankind exist and develop beyond the so-called «laws» of the market.
The Eclipse of Religion and Freud’s “future of an illusion”
Franco Ferrarotti
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.01
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.01
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-010-020.html
MMXXIV
29
10
20
4786
260229
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The Digital as Sacred Space: Exploring the Online Religious Dimension.
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-021-037.html
In the current context where digitization permeates all aspects of everyday life, the religious world is not immune to the influences associated with technological aspects.
In recent years, a space has emerged on the internet where a collective faith is recognized, even through electronic means, bringing together individuals into a community that takes on the characteristics of a sacred place. This raises new questions about the concept of sacredness itself in relation to digitization, as this process has opened up the possibility of new forms of communicating the sacred through electronic means, transforming the very concept of the sacred into a digital dimension. The use of virtual environments or digital tools to spread a religious message has given space to creative figures who experiment with innovative language within the religious traditions.
In this scenario, research has emerged aimed at understanding the multiple aspects and meanings of this new sacred experience. The objective is to analyze how these religious traditions adapt to and appropriate the digital dimension, exploring the dynamics of interaction between the sacred and the digital, as well as the theological, cultural, and social implications that arise from it. Through the exploration of these themes, this article aims to explain how digitization has redefined traditional concepts such as sacred place and how religious practice has evolved in the digital age.
The goal is to offer a perspective on the transformation of the sacred in the digital context, exploring tensions between tradition and innovation, authenticity and fragmentation, participation, and distance in the contemporary religious sphere. This article aims to provide an understanding of how the digital has redefined the concept of sacredness, opening new horizons and challenges for religion in this new era.
The Digital as Sacred Space: Exploring the Online Religious Dimension.
Daniele Battista
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.02
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.02
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-021-037.html
MMXXIV
29
21
37
7592
287163
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Speed, human reality, and the ribovirocell of human existence in the COVID19 and post-COVID19 space-time
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-038-061.html
In this follow up paper, the ribovirocell concept from the first part of the study is linked to the ontological realm of human reality before, during and in the aftermath of COVID19. During this fluid space-time, human reality is multi-faceted and often very complicated. The authors present a division of the reality into fundamental reality and situational reality. Fundamental reality is based on the (physical) laws of nature such as the speed of light as a fundamental physical constant. This reality spans beyond the course of time as perceived by humans, which is beyond the duration of a single or multiple human lifespans and beyond the duration of the COIVD19 pandemic. Next to fundamental reality and overlapping with it, exists the situational reality, which humans experience directly themselves during their lifetime(s). Actions of humanity and of individual human beings contribute to the shaping of the situational reality. Examples of the situational reality can be e.g. experiencing atrocities that humanity has committed, humanity’s actions to prevent such atrocities in the future, as well as human progress in eliminating poverty/inequality in the world. At least, some aspects of human lives take place at the boundary between the fundamental and situational reality. The COVID19 pandemic is linked to the concepts and the boundary between the fundamental and situational reality that human’s experiences, such as speed of pandemic impact and shifting nature of reality. The ribovirocell state of one’s self is linked to the way to apply the speed as a threshold concept for resilience in the coronavirus space-time and the post-COVID19 world.
Speed, human reality, and the ribovirocell of human existence in the COVID19 and post-COVID19 space-time
Chidinma Uche Iheanetu,
Viola Tamášová,
Roman Tandlich
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.03
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.03
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-038-061.html
MMXXIV
29
38
61
10885
375355
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Pedagogical and Education-Related Measures suggested by the Algerian and British governments for the higher education sector during the COVID-19 pandemic – a comparative study
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-062-087.html
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects, not only on public health but also on the global economy, social interactions, and daily life. It has highlighted the importance of global cooperation and the need for more investment in public health and emergency preparedness. The pandemic also exposed weaknesses in many countries’ educational management systems; it has forced many higher education institutions to adopt new teaching and learning methods to minimize the risk of transmission. This resulted in the need for comparative studies to evaluate the effectiveness of different pedagogical responses and to find common ground on the most effective practices and responses that would help higher education institutions better prepare for similar challenges in the future. The present study provides a comparative study and outcomes through a record of the pedagogical responses by higher education authorities in two completely different contexts (Algeria and the UK). The authors of the paper adopted a desktop analysis approach through valid and first-hand reliable sources like government and university official releases. This research methodology would involve a systematic and rigorous approach to data collection and analysis to ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. Through coding and thematic analysis of the collected data, the researchers concluded that the efficiency of the responses and decisions adopted by higher education institutions varied depending on a range of factors such as the institution’s resources, infrastructure, and student population. However, the pandemic highlighted the need for agile and serious responses to ensure the safety and well-being of students and the campus community.
Pedagogical and Education-Related Measures suggested by the Algerian and British governments for the higher education sector during the COVID-19 pandemic – a comparative study
Tarek Assassi,
Abdelhak Chenini
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.04
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.04
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-062-087.html
MMXXIV
29
62
87
9584
551810
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The regime of inequality affecting the Roma community in Albania
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-088-099.html
Despite the existence of official recognition and legislative measures aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the Roma minority in Albania, this marginalized group nevertheless faces adverse and challenging living conditions, restricted educational and healthcare opportunities, and a high rate of unemployment. The objective of this study is to analyze the above-mentioned difficulties within the framework of different forms of exclusion and inequality that form a designated regime of inequality, and to provide an overview of the present condition of this system in Albania. The primary theoretical framework applied in the present work is Sergio Costa’s conceptualization of an inequality regime. The objective of this research is to illustrate the universal applicability of this framework by examining its relevance in the context of Roma Albanians. The present research utilizes a diverse range of data, such as reports from international organizations, scholarly assessments, and media reports, in order to conduct a thorough investigation of the unequal system that has affected the Albanian Roma community for the past thirty years.
The regime of inequality affecting the Roma community in Albania
Kevin Jasini
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.05
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.05
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-088-099.html
MMXXIV
29
88
99
4244
352808
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Gender perspectives in the Italian Muslim family: Education, taboos, conflicts, and intergenerational transformations
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-100-118.html
This article presents research on the dialogue between second-generation Muslim parents and children in the Italian context regarding gender identity, sexual identity, and gender education. Through the testimonies of young people (18-30 years of age), the nature of intergenerational dialogue and parental position toward the relational transformations that their children are experiencing is analysed within the Italian cultural context. For this purpose, 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2021 with boys and girls aged 18–30 years and belonging to Italian Islamic associations. Moreover, 24 young people were divided into 4 focus groups to conduct an in-depth exploration of gender perspectives on these topics; these young people are active members of the Giovani Musulmani d’Italia (Association of Young Italian Muslims). A strongly taboo dialogue emerges from the data; however, this does not hinder young people’s search for greater openness to different forms of relationality and sexuality, both in their current lives and their future families.
Gender perspectives in the Italian Muslim family: Education, taboos, conflicts, and intergenerational transformations
Martina Crescenti
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.06
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.06
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-100-118.html
MMXXIV
29
100
118
8396
318996
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The 2008 Law “On Gender Equality in Society” and Some of its Effects on Equal Representation.
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-119-133.html
Since the fall of their socialist centralized systems, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have experienced considerable changes to their socioeconomic policies. The Republic of Albania has encountered several noteworthy challenges since 1992, and initially, eradicating gender inequality was not given much emphasis. Gender equality is an essential element that needs to be incorporated into the legal frameworks of all candidate countries aspiring to join the EU, in addition to being a fundamental right and a shared vision of EU institutions. In developing nations, social exclusion can be either active or passive. Because females are excluded from many facets of society, such as the workforce, education, access to the legal system, the realization of their property rights, and so forth, women’s demands and interests are frequently disregarded. Following the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Republic of Albania has developed a number of laws, policies, and action plans pertaining to gender equality, in addition to measures addressing issues such as human trafficking, domestic abuse, closing the representational gap in politics and the economy, and other matters. This essay looks at Albania’s methodology for evaluating European standards and, where necessary, adapts them to regional political and cultural norms. Ensuring that the body of legislation is in accord with the culture in which it functions is a better strategy to enforce laws than merely making models, rules, and regulations. This is a comprehensive effort to assess and contrast specific in pursuing full EU integration. This is an overall attempt to evaluate and compare some of the strategies and actions Albanian representatives and society have taken to address the gender factor in the democratization process and
institution-building while pursuing full EU integration.
The 2008 Law “On Gender Equality in Society” and Some of its Effects on Equal Representation.
Juliana Marko Gjinko
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.07
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.07
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-119-133.html
MMXXIV
29
119
133
5994
277126
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Specialized Training Workshops for Algerian EFL Teachers: A Transformative Pathway for ESP Instruction
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-134-156.html
The purpose of this study is to investigate the transformative impact of online workshops on Algerian EFL teachers’ proficiency in teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction. These workshops were organized in response to Algeria’s pressing need for specialized training. Therefore, the core objective of the workshops is to improve teachers’ abilities and skills in needs analysis conduct and ESP course design. Within this context, this investigation employed a quasi-experimental method, combining both quantitative and qualitative data, to evaluate the workshops influence on participants’ attitudes, confidence, and instructional strategies. Notwithstanding certain limitations, the results emphasize the revolutionary potential of specialized teacher training in ESP education. The research concludes with suggestions and recommendations for upcoming workshops highlighting the significance of striking a balance between theory and practice.
Specialized Training Workshops for Algerian EFL Teachers: A Transformative Pathway for ESP Instruction
Ouafa Ouarniki,
Barkat Turqui
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.08
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.08
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-134-156.html
MMXXIV
29
134
156
4555
1126388
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Effectiveness of Mnemonic Instruction in Enhancing of Reading Ability Among Grade Three Learners with Dyslexia in Two Primary Schools in South Africa
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-157-173.html
The current study assessed the efficacy of the mnemonic instruction (MI) in enhancing reading abilities among grade three learners with reading disability in two government schools (grade R to 7) in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Skinner’s reinforcement and the Information Processing theories were employed. A research method used to estimate causal relationships without random assignment was used. One of the two schools was an intervention and the other one was a control one. 43 participants were included in the study from the two selected schools using purposive sampling technique. 23 parents (from the intervention school) participated in the questionnaires. The Bangor Dyslexia Test (BDT), pre- and post- tests, and a reading comprehension test were the tools used to collect data. The results revealed that there were statically substantial differences between the assessment scores administered before and after treatment for the experimental group, t (22) = -10.753; p <.001, suggesting that mnemonic instruction is highly effective in enhancing reading abilities among primary school LWD. This investigation advocates that the Department of Basic Education should revise the policy that reading is tested from grade one, instead of from grade three, that those who are not able to read do not proceed until and unless they are able to read, and to train teachers on how to use various approaches to enhance reading abilities, including mnemonic techniques.
Effectiveness of Mnemonic Instruction in Enhancing of Reading Ability Among Grade Three Learners with Dyslexia in Two Primary Schools in South Africa
Lilian Zindoga,
Peter JO Aloka
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.09
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.09
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-157-173.html
MMXXIV
29
157
173
6428
368557
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Students’ perception on preventive archaeological research in Timisoara
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-174-190.html
The research that has been carried out in recent years in the historical area of Timisoara constituted the context for conducting a sociological study regarding the perception of permanent residents and visitors of Timisoara, on these studies, both in terms of the legislative framework in which preventive archaeological investigations are carried out, their way of organization, but especially regarding their impact on the cultural heritage of the city. A separate category of subjects, individualized within the target group of the research, are the students. Our analysis follows the perception of 360 students, highlighting both their level of information and knowledge regarding the archaeological research carried out in Timisoara, but also their opinions regarding the impact and usefulness of this type of investigation for the cultural heritage and for the city of Timisoara. After analyzing the results, we could find that most students expressed themselves in favor of this type of archaeological investigation, perceived as necessary and useful, with an impact especially on local history, which should be restored and valued. The conclusions of the study are important in our opinion, as they reflect the perception of a significant category of the population, namely students (mostly young people, aged between 18-28).
Students’ perception on preventive archaeological research in Timisoara
Atalia Onițiu,
Mariana Balaci
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.10
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.10
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-174-190.html
MMXXIV
29
174
190
5240
559131
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The regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and the Open Balkans initiative
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-191-206.html
The paper examines the efforts to enhance regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and how this has increased engagement between the EU and the Western Balkans. The regional initiatives are more present when the European Union (EU) shows little interest in the Western Balkans region. However, these efforts have yet to address all the concerns adequately and have not brought to life tangible results despite many political declarations.
One of the most commented initiatives, like the Open Balkans, has caused concern in the region and caused tension between Kosovo and Albania over the past few years. The paper enlightens the challenges of regional cooperation during the last years, the contribution of this process in the integration process, and the role played by Albania. Also, the paper tries to analyze the success and failures of the “Open Balkan” initiative and the Regional Common Market.
Furthermore, the paper framework examined the progress of regional cooperation initiatives and the region’s attention to the European integration process. Additionally, the paper seeks to determine whether regional cooperation is a viable alternative for the region or merely an external-driven initiative and the role of the EU in promoting regional cooperation.
The regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and the Open Balkans initiative
Meljana Bregu
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.11
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.11
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-191-206.html
MMXXIV
29
191
206
5683
296188
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Empirical Study on the Currency Exchange Market. Determinants on the Exchange Rate of the U.S. Dollars and the Japanese Yen by the Regression Analysis.
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-207-238.html
It is widely known that in the exchange rate market there are three factors influential to determine the currency exchange rate between the related countries in theory; i.e., the interest rate, inflation, and expectation on the exchange rate.
This paper aims to find how the exchange rate between U.S. dollar and Japanese Yen, both of which are widely recognized as major currencies in the international financial market, are affected by the four key variables selected here in this paper related to these three factors under the recent inflationary economic environment; i.e., interest rate yield of the two year treasury bond, inflation rate, and the two moving average of the exchange rate to be considered as rational expectation on the movement of the exchange rate. As result it is our discovery that the selected predicator variables have been influential to the daily volatility and monthly movement of the exchange rate of the Japanese Yen /US $ with evidence the two different models of the regression analysis are able to show the exchange rate are significantly correlated with these four key variables and strongly affected by them.
Also, over 30-month study period, the interest rate parity or the purchasing power parity did not hold because of the strong US dollar and the continuous increase in interest rate yield during the rapid inflation in the US economy.
Empirical Study on the Currency Exchange Market. Determinants on the Exchange Rate of the U.S. Dollars and the Japanese Yen by the Regression Analysis.
Tokuichi (Tony) Komiya
doi:10.7336/academicus.2024.29.12
Academicus29 (2024)
2024-01-02
Academicus
2024-01-02
10.7336/academicus.2024.29.12
https://academicus.edu.al/nr29/Academicus-MMXXIV-29-207-238.html
MMXXIV
29
207
238
9788
1271505