This paper explores the ritual practices associated with Beiyuan Tribute Tea production in Jianzhou, Fujian, China. Beiyuan Tribute Tea, a historically significant tea, originated in the Tang Dynasty, flourished during the Song Dynasty, and experienced a decline in the Ming Dynasty, reproduced in contemporary times. The tea’s production involved intricate rituals that not only enhanced its quality but also embedded it deeply into the socio-cultural and religious fabric of the time. These rituals, encompassing aspects of religious reverence, craftsmanship, and social etiquette, played a crucial role in the tea’s esteemed status as a tribute to Chinese emperors in history. The study utilized ethnographic methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews with 17 people, and document analysis, to capture the rich, contextual details of the tea production process. The study delves into the historical context, production techniques, and symbolic meanings of the rituals, highlighting their impact on the broader cultural heritage of Chinese tea. The recent revival efforts of these traditions underscore their enduring significance and offer insights into the cultural continuity and adaptation in contemporary tea practices.
Contract workers are the direct victims of casualization but beyond that, the effects they suffer transcend to their families and the larger society. The study examined the effects of casualization on the contract workers of banks in Sokoto, Nigeria. The primary methods of gathering data for the study were in-depth and key informant interviews, with sixty individuals who were specifically chosen. Following content analysis, the gathered data were presented narratively with verbatim quotations. According to the study, there are a number of negative effects of casualization, such as low wages that contribute to a low standard of living and the inability of employees and their families to adequately meet their basic needs, the arbitrary termination of casual employees without cause, and the lack of a claim for work-related injuries or diseases in the event of an accident or death. The overall inference is that the temporary employees are working in appallingly subpar conditions. The study suggests that in order to raise the living standards of their temporary employees, banks should provide welfare packages. Additionally, because inflation is on the rise, contract employees’ compensation should be reviewed upward.
Despite the unpleasant conditions, such as lower and insufficient wages, higher working hours, longer length of service, total absence of casual workers union, indirect employment aided by the bank’s top directors, etc., casual workers are highly committed in performing their roles and achieving their organizational goals. Neoliberal theory and Equity theory were used for guidance in this study. The study employed qualitative analysis style; Total of ten banks were selected as a sample of the study involving sixty participants who were all casual workers; twenty-four female and the remaining thirty-six were male, have been selected using purposeful sampling. Content analysis was used as the method of data analysis. The study shows some of the functions performed by the casual workers of Nigerian banks include quick client service, amenability to work, client care services, opening of accounts, marketing, and timely task completion. Others include furnishing prompt client service, being prepared to work, and finishing assignments on schedule., thus, the study concludes that despite the outstanding performance of casual workers in achieving their organizational pretensions, they’re largely exploited. The recommendation of the study is that employment should be grounded on fair stipend, safety at work and protection for casual workers, in short, work should encompass fairness, equivalency, and freedom of association. Also, Payment of the benefit accumulated by the casual workers should be linked directly between casual workers and their associations.
In the dynamic landscape of modern education, it is essential to understand and recognize the psychological habits that underpin students’ learning processes. These habits play a crucial role in shaping students’ learning outcomes, motivation, and overall educational experiences. This paper shifts the focus towards a more nuanced exploration of these psychological habits in learning, particularly among secondary school students. We propose an innovative assessment model that integrates multimodal data analysis with the quality function deployment theory and the subjective-objective assignment method. This model employs the G-1-entropy value method for an objective evaluation of students’ psychological learning habits. The G-1-entropy method stands out for its comprehensive, objective, and practical approach, offering valuable insights into students’ learning behaviors. By applying this method to assess the psychological aspects of learning, this study contributes to educational research and informs educational reforms. It provides a robust framework for understanding students’ learning habits, thereby aiding in the development of targeted educational strategies. The findings of this study offer strategic directions for educational management, teacher training, and curriculum development. This research not only advances theoretical knowledge in the field of educational psychology but also has practical implications for enhancing the quality of education. It serves as a scientific foundation for educators, administrators, and policymakers in shaping effective educational practices.
This research examines the Jegingger, novel written by Ahmad Tohari (JAT) which highlights the banal life of a family (palm trees climbers). JAT was re-narrated as exploiting the tension between the economy and family ties, whether ideally economic activities are separate (industrial economy) or integrated with the family (subsistence). Cultural establishments are mutually contested: the subsistence culture of traditional society is challenged by the productive economy, or conversely, the productive economy is challenged by the banal subsistence economy of traditional society. The methodology of postclassical narratology—exploring and explaining cultural manifestations and then exposing chronological sequences-was used to structure the vulnerability or resilience of banal communities in maintaining social ties. A subsistence economy with its characteristics of low productivity because it tends to be a cultural activity—not economic. It contains vulnerabilities seen from two sides: 1) banal agencies that do not have literacy and competence in carrying out subsistence professions have the potential to commit malpractice; 2) low productivity limits access to health facilities. These two weaknesses become obstacles to maintaining social ties. Sacrilege—abuse of sacred symbols—which was triggered by the malpractice of coconut climbing, has caused social disorganization—the loss of basic family and community affection—becoming a hub for the idea of raising awareness of the importance of the power of knowledge and materials in supporting traditional community ties. Mastery of material, especially in massive amounts (1.5 billion diamond necklaces), can transform a banal agency into a powerful one.
The impact of the coronavirus outbreak was seen all over the world in all sectors. In the case of Bangladesh, it was not free of threats. Like all other sectors, the economic, social, and educational sectors were under serious threat. This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on the lives of Bangladeshi students, with a particular focus on their idealized portrayals of plans, daily routines, social interactions, and mental well-being. This research also investigated the influence of COVID-19 on education, social life, and other sectors and how the government was dealing with this unprecedented situation and these elevation challenges. A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this research. A total of 90 students from Bangladeshi higher educational institutions were taken as a sample size using the random sampling method. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The study’s quantitative results showed that Bangladeshi students faced challenges related to teaching, learning, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study revealed that the pandemic adversely affected higher education in Bangladesh. Rebels and concerned citizens from all parts of the state must work together to move forward. COVID-19 has had a natural effect on education and almost every other field. The need for social distancing has pushed the education system to change because of social distancing. Many educational institutions worldwide have shuttered their campuses and relocated their teaching and learning online.
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