Social Studies

In foreign language learning a negative correlation has been reported between language anxiety and both oral performance (Liu, 2006; Wilson, 2006; Woodrow 2006) and self-perceived levels of speaking ability (Kitano, 2001; MacIntyre, Noels, & Clement, 1997; Piechurska-Kuciel, 2008). In this study, we investigated the relationship between pronunciation anxiety and multiple intelligences. Participants are 40 students who are at Intermediate level. This study was conducted in Khorasan foreign languages institute in Kashmar. Participants were given researcher-made questionnaire on pronunciation anxietyand the Gardner multiple intelligence questionnaire. Then the students were asked to answer the questions. This research uses information from students to explore the relationship between pronunciation anxiety and multiple intelligences. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. The findings showed a significant correlation between pronunciation anxiety and inventory academic success; the other intelligences showed no significant correlation with it.

The post-9/11 travel industry has transformed with partnerships and alliances commonplace between airlinesbecoming the norm and imperative, with economic and other pressures arising from reduced travel, recently further exacerbated by the pandemic. The consequence of these airline unions of economic convenience has warranted the operation staffing with a diverse blend of employees, due to international relocation of employees and demographic shifts in the United States population. The research aim was to peruse the operations environment and explore the management strategies of the resultant diverse workforce and discern the challenges. It is known that organizational performance is contingent upon the deftness of human resources in the optimization of the workforce. The transformational leadership theory was the theoretical foundation and the lens to underpin the exploration of the strategies U.S.-based international airline alliance leaders in ground staff operations use to successfully manage a diverse workforce to ensure organizational sustainability and profitability. A qualitative approach using semistructured interviews included a purposive sample of five airline alliance leaders located in the state of Georgia, who held at least 2 years of successful experience in implementing strategies to manage a diverse workforce. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data, leading to the emergence of the key theme of the importance of strategic human resources management, and leadership in increasing organizational effectiveness. A key imperative is for airline alliance leaders to align diversity, equity, and inclusion policies with corporate human resources strategy. The implication for organizational success is that airline alliance business leaders must deftly manage a diverse and inclusive workforce in a rapidly changing world.

China is considered as one of the biggest consumers of energy in the world, creating a lot of pollution. There is a noticeable shift to renewable energy in China to solve this issue. However the geopolitical consequences of such a significant transition have received relatively little academic study. With existing literature and most recent data, this paper suggests a general framework for exploring this topic. This paper will briefly explain the energy and environment challenges faced by China and will demonstrate the most recent and significant commitments of the Chinese government to address those challenges. Then it shows the considerable progress already made by China in the energy efficiency of their economy and how China has used renewables to diversify its energy mix. Finally the paper studies the implications, opportunities and challenges, on global politics of such an energy transition. This papers shows how a fast development of renewable energy in China affects geopolitical balance with Japan, EU and US. This paper goal aim is to enrich the theoretical literature about renewable energy geopolitics with a special focus on China. This paper demonstrates that a global energy system dominated by renewable energy will be more sustainable, just and peaceful than the one only dominated by fossil fuels.

Credible disclosure and openness of information is a symbol of good corporate governance which is important in allocation of scarcely available resources. Transparency and accountability creates and sustains confidence of investors and other stakeholders in organizations and the wider society, by providing opportunities to stakeholders to receive necessary information. Organizations may have good policies on transparency and accountability but the extent to which it is successfully implemented influences service delivery. Studies have been conducted on policies and procedures on transparency and accountability in organizations, however there is inadequate empirical literature on influence of transparency and accountability as a practice on service delivery among county owned water organizations in Western Kenya. The study sought to establish the influence of transparency and accountability practice on service delivery among county owned water organizations in Western Kenya. In order to achieve the purpose, the study hypothesized that transparency and accountability practice has no influence on service delivery among county owned water organizations in Western Kenya. The study was guided by Stakeholder Theory. The study employed descriptive survey and correlational design. Data was collected from directors, managers, employees and customers of county-owned water organizations in Western Kenya. The sample size for directors, managers and customers were determined using purposive, stratified, simple random sampling technique. The study collected both qualitative and quantitative types of data using self-administered semi structured questionnaires and interview guides. The overall value of Cronbach’s reliability was high enough while Validity was checked by University experts and content validity index met the threshold. Normality test was conducted using Shapiro Wilk test. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics of inferential statistics such as Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Simple Linear Regression. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Data is presented in form of tables. The values of Pearson correlation coefficients established that there existed a relationship between transparency and accountability and service delivery. The results of simple regression analysis established that transparency and accountability was statistically significant on service delivery among county owned water organizations in Western Kenya. It is hoped that the findings will benefit various stakeholders such as customers, in the water sector in Kenya, and academic researchers. The study recommended that organizations should embrace dissemination of necessary information to stakeholders in order to ensure that there is improved service delivery.

This paper analysed the consequences of migrant labour on Nandi rural households from the period 1908 to 1963. It made an empirical study on the manner in which the family relationships were affected by migrant labour. The study adopted the Materialism approach, the Pull-Push theory, and a qualitative design. It employed a purposive sampling. It targeted 100 participants. The data was analysed in a comparative historical approach. The study found out that migrant labour increased the workload of wives, illegitimate children were born including chotaras, family disintegration and divorce, sexual promiscuity, venereal diseases and prostitution, and single parenthood. 

Phthalates are one of the more favoured plasticisers in polymer industries. The phthalic acid (benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid) diesters an artificial substance with a variety of industrial uses, generally known as phthalates. They are of two types: High molecular weight (HMW) phthalates, like DEHP[di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate], DnOP(di-n-octyl phthalate), and DiNP(di-isononyl phthalate), which are mainly employed in the manufacturing of flexible vinyl to make them more flexible and pliable, and then used to make goods, placemat and wall coverings, applications that come into contact with devices of medical and food. Low molecular weight (LMW) phthalates, those are use in varnishes and coatings, as well as some times releases medicinal preparations, fragrances, moisturizers, and cosmetics. DEP (diethyl phthalate) and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) are the examples of LMW type of phthalate. Exposure to phthalate esters has increased fear of the health and well-being of women. Several noxious exposures of phthalates have been shown to have an adverse impact on health. In the present scenario phthalates exposure has been recognized. However, among the overall human population women are one of the most vulnerable groups, which are often a victim of self-ignorance. Some of the major health issues frequently observed in women due to phthalate exposure are endometriosis, precocious puberty, hormonal disbalance, obesity etc. Although some studies are available concerning the effects of phthalate exposure on women yet major area remains unaddressed. The present review gives insight into the extent of work performed in the above area along with respective loopholes. Also, an attempt has been made to understand the proper mechanism given by simultaneous researchers throughout the globe. Moreover, the study will enable to help professionals in the field to regulate the extent of exposure along with highlighting the alarming situations as a result of phthalate usage and acquaintance.

The study examined the extent at which Covid-19 pandemic affected families in river state, Nigeria. The study aimed at determining the level of impact on gender and the role of government in ensuring livelihood sustenance in post pandemic era. Crisis affect women, girls, men, boys, and all gender differently, government orders and legislations have disproportionate impact on different gender groups, as well as persons and families. During crises periods such as pandemics, the risk of gender based violence escalates. It therefore becomes imperative to examine these impacts and related consequences of the lockdown so as to help government make social provisions where and when necessary. A total of 200 questionnaires were purposively sent to individuals online. 10 different WhatsApp groups created for group discussions. Abusers were identified and interviews conducted. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSSS). Results indicate that due to the prolonged nature of lockdowns in the state with its psychological and emotional outcomes on families, abusers leveraged on the quarantine period as abuse became more frequent and violent, other issues were identified such as increased child abuse, hunger leading to malnutrition. Paper therefore recommends that help-lines be provided for reports of violence and cases of abuse. Government to adopt a systematic/data based palliative distribution for wider coverage. Equal access to COVID- 19 testing, treatment and vaccines as and when they become available.

Reliable NGOs are an extended arm to any Governments. The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the quantum of foreign aid contributed to Indian development and the role played by International non-Governmental development aid agencies and Bi-lateral and Multi-lateral agencies in this area. The paper also explains the role played by Indian non-Governmental organizations in the poverty alleviation programmed among marginal sections of the Indian society. The paper then examines some of the drawbacks in their aid programmed with special reference to Dalit cause and makes some recommendations to address these drawbacks. However some of the conclusions we have drawn in the paper is based on interaction with many groups and years of experience. Therefore please treat this as a first attempt of a beginning of a wider debate in the months to come.

To contribute to the resolution of the problem relating to the growth of plantain (Musa spp.), the growth parameter of plantain was evaluated under Kindu conditions using the Fertilizers (Control, Sawdust and rice husks) as substrate. The experiment was conducted in the experimental device installed in the concession of the University of Kindu, department of phytotechnics comprising 6 treatments, corresponding to ten repetitions for each treatment. The observations made during this investigation focused mainly on the diameter at the collar (cm), Height of the pseudostem (m) and the leaf area). The results obtained showed that: The height of the pseudostem, the diameter at the collar and the leaf area varied from one cultivar to another and according to the fertilizers used; - Sawdust was the best fertilizer, compared to rice husks and controls; - the Mbonjilo C4 cultivar is the tallest cultivar, from the point of view of the collar diameter it is the Mbudi 1 cultivar, on the other hand from the leaf area point of view it is the Mbonjilo cultivar which has the most open leaves.

Kurdistan area as a part of Iran has an important role in economy , security and production . Author studies the education and social services in this area that includes Kurdistan provinces and mostly they speak Kurdish language.As this part of country is very important the writer has studied the education and social services situation in this area . Using the library and field research and reliable resources and analytic deduction I have compared the literacy situation in 1390 census. The literacy situation in a group of six years old and more children and college students also health situation for mortality and medical have been studied . The interval between these indices and the country is determined. In this article the results show that the average literacy in Kurdistan of Iran in 1390 census is 80.22 percent while in the country is 84.75 percent. And this interval is less in rural areas, it means that the literacy in Kurdistan rural areas is about 73 percent and in the is 75.10 . Also ratio of professor to the student in the country for 5.98 students is one professor while in Kurdistan area is 6.81 . About health , Kurdistan situation is really different from the country for example about mothers mortality because of pregnancy in 2009 in the country 437 and in Kurdistan 60 people are dead. IF we compare this figure with Kurdistan population ratio to the country we can see that there is a significant interval between these indices. Kurdistan population is 9.41 when the babies morality is 13.72 in the country and the total mortality in this year is 5.1 percent in the country .And the mortality in the area is 5.2 percent.Now according to research conclusions and significant differences between social and public indices : Kurdistan area needs to a serious and special attention and the area social policies need to be review seriously because this area has an important role in producing agricultural – garden productions and the country security . Also, education is very necessary in this area. It sounds that education is a base to decrease the significant intervals in the indices of the area and the country .We can gain this goal by planning for the country educational system and training the skillful and experienced work force.