Spiritual Support： Media＇s Responsibility in an Aging Society Case Study of＂News Decoded＂

After decades of rapid economic growth, China has been increasingly confronted with the aging society issue. The unique one-child policy and unbalanced development between the urban and the rural have brought drastic changes in elder care. The lack of elder care professionals and the deceased-single-child families have attracted public attention through media reports. Increasing concerns of elderly emotional care are considered as a good sign for Chinese society. To treat elders well is the new goal to achieve of high quality life. Nevertheless, the improvement of qualification of media reports has been limited by many factors, such as the incapability to resolve complex issues, the lack of applicability of recommendations, and the short of professional reporters. Governments and media need to work together to turn the slogan of respecting elders into actions. Journalists should learn experience from their foreign peers and deliver the new approaches and ideas of respecting elders to the entire society, to enhance the quality of lives of elders, and to create a better public opinion environment. High-quality news coverage will play an important role in the improvement of quality of elders＇ lives.     

The ban on virginity testing

The world is characterised by the conflict existing between human rights and customary practices. Customary laws and practices appear to be in major and difficult conflict to harmonise. It differs from country to country as to one must be applied when the two are in conflict or contrary to each other. Virginity testing is one of the practices which grabs a lot of attention in conflicting with human rights from country to country. The harmonization of customary laws and human rights is not given the attention it seeks by authors around the world.     

A study of social exclusion： Vietnamese and mainland Chinese brides in Taiwan

This paper interviews Vietnamese and mainland Chinese brides in Taiwan to explore their experiences of social exclusion. It finds that both Vietnamese and mainland Chinese brides more or less experience social exclusion in one of the political, social relation and welfare dimensions. The dimension of social exclusion that neither of the groups has experienced is spatial exclusion. In comparison, the Vietnamese brides have been more afflicted by economic and cultural exclusion and use more government services. The government service item that has been used most frequently is ＂eugenic hygiene＂, and ＂life adaptation counseling＂ ranks the second. As to other government service items--＂upgrading of education and culture＂, ＂personal safety protection＂ and ＂guarantee of employment rights＂, Vietnamese brides with strong support from their husband＇s family are the main group who use them. In the future, while planning supportive foreign brides＇ policies, the government can focus more on combining the services with foreign brides＇ family and the communities they live in. Then, it can advocate more effectively usages of services and the goal of combating social exclusion.     

Adaptive Governance Policy for Societal Resilience and Community Empowerment

This paper reviews current thinking on flexible policy-making and participatory methods to empower communities to handle the challenges of climate change and other global shocks. Adaptive Governance for Resilience--designed to effectively increase societal resilience to external shocks while facilitating wellbeing and reducing both poverty and environmental degradation--is an innovative approach which teams cutting-edge policy-making with community empowerment. Using a 9-step methodology of the Adaptive Governance Cycle, resilience in communities can be strengthened as the communities are themselves empowered to increase wellbeing, address poverty alleviation, and strengthen environment protection. The approach facilitates governments to partner with local communities to calibrate the coordinated mix of flexible, adaptive policies to facilitate community resilience through participatory action. The author sees expanded use of Adaptive Governance as an approach for maintaining good governance and building social capital in the face of external and internal pressures and uncertainties which may become more widespread in the future.     

Urban sustainability and the emergence of new （old） concepts： Analysis of the sustainable communities concept through the component of transportation

In this paper, I propose to analyze the sustainable communities concept through the perspective of transportation and connectivity. Sustainable communities concept gives more importance to the social dimension that is the centre of the concern, and spatially to the neighbourhood and the complex structure of interactions, activities, fluxes that characterize the urban environment. To understand the concept, I will focus on the principles that underline this concept including the seven components that were defined by Egan （2004）. There will be an approach through the evolution of transportation in cities, a contextualization of the present problems associated with this topic, the explanation of the differences between sustainable transportation and ＂common＂ transportation. The relation between land use patterns and transportation will also be addressed on how sustainable transportation can promote the sense of community in a place. In the final remarks, there will be some proposed measures associated with the concept of sustainable communities.     

Maternal health care challenges within African immigrant communities

Historically, immigration has had a significant impact on the changing demographic of the Canadian society. Each year more newcomers enter the country. There are more than 45 ethno-cultural associations and more than 100 different ethno-cultural groups residing in Nova Scotia. In the recent past, social science researchers are becoming increasingly involved in identifying ways of effectively addressing the social and health needs of this culturally diverse Canadian population. There is very limited literature on the Nova Scotian experiences of immigrant women especially those of African descent. For the government to develop public policy that ensures the inclusion of vulnerable and high-risk populations in our society such as recent immigrants and black people, their perspectives should be considered. Some steps are being taken by individual researchers to illuminate these perspectives. The paper will discuss the findings of a project that examined the health care experiences of immigrant women in a Canadian province with a goal of illuminating health care needs of recent immigrant women and facilitating community capacity building to create positive change for more accessible health care. The data collection method was primarily focused group meetings and workshops held with the individual immigrant communities. Although the project was conducted with immigrants from five regions of the world, this paper will focus on the experiences of first generation immigrant women of African descent with emphasis on their perspectives on the process mothering in a multicultural society. The paper will discuss their childrearing needs and their attempt to address these needs within the spaces of multiculturalism, the two predominant ones being the Canadian culture and that of their countries of origin. The paper will conclude with some suggestions for change at both the practitioner and policy level in order to effectively address the social and welfare needs of this population.     

Reform process in Bulgaria： Challenges and perspectives after joining EU

The paper＇s objective is to analyze and outline the key challenges and perspectives in achieving a modern type of governance and a well functioning and transparent administrative system, capable to apply the best European practices and policies. The study summarizes the main results, achievements and shortcomings of the reform process and reveals that the progress has been slower and more limited than expected despite all efforts of the government. The conclusion made is that Bulgaria needs to not only substantially enhance its administrative and judicial capacity, but also drastically intensify its reforms to improve the management of EU funds and achieve concrete results in the fight against corruption. All this requires strong political will and determination.     

Analysis on the Human Resource Management in Chinese Agricultural Sector： Case Study From State-Owned Farms in Heilon~iang Province

The aim of this paper is to understand and clarify the strategies, characteristics, and practices of human resource management （HRM） in Chinese agricultural sector from the case study of state-owned farms in Heilongjiang Province. First of all, the technical efficiency of state-owned farms is analyzed using Data Envelopment Analysis （DEA）. Secondly, the characteristics of HRM in three farms are analyzed through person to person interview of managers in farms. Thirdly, questionnaire survey to the employees in two farms for their job satisfaction is analyzed for understanding the effect of HRM. Following results are obtained based on the empirical analysis. Firstly, by introducing new strategy so-called ＂Baiqianwan Talents Project＂ （BTP）, more attentions to the importance of human resources and cultivating managers have started to be paid in state-owned farms. Secondly, the importance of material HRM and the promotion opportunity as well as learning opportunity are recognized through questionnaire survey to the employees of farms. Thirdly, different corporate culture in each farm such as ＂learn by doing＂, ＂harmonization＂, and ＂development＂ is attempted to be established through trial and error.     

China＇s Energy Efficient Appliance Adoption Dilemma： Problems,Possibilities, and Solutions

With the world＇s largest population and growing concerns that increasing energy consumption threatens the environment, the economy, and social stability, the Chinese Government has identified improving the physical environment as a priority. One way consumers can assist in this effort and save money is to invest in energy efficient appliances. Despite efforts to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient appliances, consumer adoption of these money and energy saving devices is quite low. The authors contend that energy efficient appliances are less popular in China than in the West due to poor marketing of the cost savings of these devices coupled with lower levels of purchases with credit versus cash. A survey given to Chinese consumers seeks to answer these queries and provides evidence of ways to improve the adoption of energy efficient appliances. This benefits manufacturers （who make money selling more expensive items）, consumers （who save money over the life of the appliance since the cost of ownership is not just the cost of purchasing the item but also includes the cost of using it）, the Chinese Government （which is currently engaged in a campaign to lower the amount of energy used）, and the world （which benefits from a cleaner environment）.     

Bourgeoisies Against Peasants： An Empirical Study of Evwerem and Otu-Jeremi Conflicts in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The Niger Delta region constitutes a number of ethnic nationalities which are rich in natural resources mainly in oil and gas reserves. However, the region has suffered extreme marginalization and neglect over the years despite its major contribution to the nation economy leading to agitations for better living standards by the people. The agitations have transformed from peaceful talks and dialogue to violence, unrest and chaos resulting to huge losses to the region and affecting the development process of the nation at large. This study examined the effect of the Niger Delta crisis on Evwreni and Otu-jeremi communities in Delta State. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaires, conduct of interviews, and consultation of books and relevant documents. The data analysed revealed that the Niger Delta crisis has affected job creation, infrastructure provision and maintenance as well as increased criminal activities in the areas. Finally, the researchers recommended diversification of the economy, job creation and training programmes, strengthening of security measures, provision of basic amenities amongst others as a solution to the crisis in the region.     

Using Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management Studies： Not a New Agenda

Today, many researchers publish their qualitative works in top accounting and management journals. The contribution of this approach in accounting and management studies continues to gather momentum. Policymakers in both public and private sectors have been increasingly recognizing the importance and value of this method, since it offers detail and rich analysis of accounting and management practices in an organization. Various current literatures indicate that the interest in qualitative approach in the field of accounting and management seems to grow. However, there are still many researchers in these fields reluctant or even reject to implement this method arguing that qualitative approach is not scientific and the results are also not scientific. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of using qualitative method in accounting and management studies. The paper is started by looking at the conceptualization of qualitative research. After that, a paradoxical view of qualitative and quantitative methods is discussed. This is followed by discussions of using qualitative research method in accounting and management studies, particularly the use of interpretive case study and grounded theory will be reviewed and discussed in this paper.     

Dimensions of American SHRM＂ Human Capital, HR Systems and Firm Performance

American scholars identify strategic human resource management （SHRM） with human resources （HR） system and firm performance. Major definition of SHRM is human resource management （HRM）-firm performance relation. HR system is important to set HRM-performance link, because HR system includes interrelated HRM practices. Most prominent set of SHRM is interrelated HRM practices, because it establishes the link between individual performance and firm performance. There is a debate in SHRM theory what factors set relationship between HRM and performance. This study argues that individual performance is a moderator between HR and performance. Interrelated HRM practices are important to enhance individual performance. Therefore, interrelated HRM practices are crucial to SHRM. Finally, American scholars view that HR system is important in SHRM, because it establishes high performance work system （HPWS）, and HPWS is expected to increase individual performance and then firm performance. Therefore, American model of SHRM might be HPWS, individual performance, and firm performance. HR systems establish HPWS. Therefore, scholars tend to system approach in SHRM, because it includes interrelated HRM practices in SHRM.     

“小女子”扬威世界体坛

synopsis:Women athletes have registesd a number of“firsts” in theChinese sports circles; Zheng Fengrong, the first Chinese highjumper to break the world record; the Chinese women’s volleyballteam,the first Chinese to win a world championship in volleyball,basketball and football;Ma Yanhong,the first world gymnastics cham-pion in China; Chen Xiaoxia, the first world diving champion inChina;Chen Lu,the first Chinese to win a gold medal in thesingle figure skating event at world championships;and Zhang Shan,the first Chinese to beat her male rivals to snatch the gold inthe clay pigeon event at the Olympic Games… Chinese womenare holding up most of the sky in Chinese sports. They havebeen a harbinger of spring in the Chinese and Asian sports cir-cles. Many breakthroughs made in Chinese and Asian sports havebeen heralde by the rise of Chinese women athletes.     

The Ambivalent Character of Reconstruction： Winners and Losers of the Lobito Transport Development Corridor

In Angola where poor and scattered communities extend over great distances, an efficient transport system is very important. Nevertheless, in the post-war context its reconstruction has an ambivalent character. On the one hand, it is an indispensable part of the process of economic reconstruction and development where it is possible to identify complementary linkages influencing the dynamics of road and railway reconstruction that can reduce poverty. On the other hand, the post-war transport economy, like the war transport economy, is a site of private accumulation and change where social stratification goes in parallel with increased socio-economic inequality and unfavourable conditions in the labour transport market. The infrastructural reconstruction process is not fulfilling its potential for generating domestic linkages or multiplier effects through wage employment of Angolans. The creation of employment and other income earning opportunities have been limited, meaning that communities might lack the financial capacity to make use of the transport network. The ambivalent character of the modernisation of the transport system was already a feature in the first half of the 20th century as the transport network＇s creation of regional and national spaces with new centres and peripheries established a new hierarchy of social groups and gave rise to significant cultural changes. The effects of roads, railways, and other new means of transport were experienced in very different ways by different actors （means of wealth as well as poverty; inroads of repression as well as paths to personal liberation; and as tools of fragmentation as well as of unification）.     

Globalized economies or globalized bodies？ The economical and cultural factors of obesity in China

This paper is a review of the literature that examines obesity in China. Multiple factors that contribute to this phenomenon are investigated, such as globalization, urbanization and cultural changes. Most of the researches reviewed in this paper concern urban, coastal populations of China. Obesity is defined differently for Asian populations; thus, diagnosis has been underestimated in the past. As China＇s economy develops, the country may now be gaining western problems, such as obesity. Obesity is related to economical causes as China participates in international business and trade. Furthermore, the role of the globalized food industry is reviewed. More western food companies and restaurants have infiltrated Chinese cities, causing mass changes in the traditional Chinese diet. Likewise, employment is a significant factor examined since more occupations in Chinese cities have transitioned to the service sector. Cultural attitudes differ from those of the West in which the Chinese view heavier bodies as healthier than thinner figures. Interventions that have been attempted are reviewed.     

PTSD and female military returnees from Iraq and Afghanistan： What does the evidence tell us？

In the United States of America, women make up almost 15% of active duty forces, while they form 11% of the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is also the first time in history that women have been directly involved in torturing men, with sexual identity and gender being used as instruments of torture. This paper focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder （PTSD） and female veterans by reviewing the available literature. Studies examining the psychological and physical health of women veterans as well as women＇s working and living conditions in the army are presented. The paper highlights the psychological processes women marines go through to establish themselves in the male dominated army environment and the implications such processes may have on their perception of female identity and on their psychological well-being. Studies on deployment experiences in relation to the emergence of PTSD in female military personnel are presented. Finally, the effects of veterans＇ PTSD on their familial relationships and psychological adjustment of family members are also considered, stressing the lack of relevant research with female veterans. In this new historical reality and as these women are called on, upon their return home, to resume female care giver roles, to become the primary caregivers to children, the elderly and those who are ill, we conclude by highlighting the urgent need for further research into the emergence of PTSD in female military returnees from and on their families. Iraq and Afghanistan and the effects this may have on them and on their families.     

The Problems With Modem Japanese and Chinese Game Seclusion From the Outside World and In-Depth Analysis of the Countermeasures

In ancient times, classic board games developed and dispersed throughout the entire world. However, in recent years, the game industry is developing fast in many countries. Japanese games and Chinese games all have similar opportunities and problems in the modem context. The most serious problem both facing is ＂sakoku＂ （A Japanese and Chinese word ＂~fl~＇）, seclusion from the outside world. Although the effects ofsakoku are very far-reaching, this paper examines the effects of seclusion from the outside world in the context of game development. The Chinese game industry is in the development period. If the sakoku problem is not solved, the Japanese game industry will decline and fall behind that of the West. For their part, Chinese developers who fail to address gamers beyond their borders stand to lose the best chance to step into the successful development of the gaming future.     

Social exclusion and employment among UK and Germany

The European Commission linked with the inadequate realization of social rights, aspiring to examine the ＂social rights of citizenship to a basic standard of living and to participation in major social and economic opportunities in society＂. Employment is a top priority for the European Union aiming to achieve an employment rate of 70% by the year 2010, and in so doing to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion. This essay will attempt to compare how Germany and United Kingdom address these issues, the different welfare regimes and how the social care response is handled in each country.     

Social Policy and Social Control： Case of San Joso del Rincon in the State of Mexico

This study sets out to analyze and evaluate the implementation of a system for the regulation and control of social policies （＂Social Comptrollership＂） involving civil society so as to reinforce the mechanisms for ensuring transparency and responsibility in the government＇s operation of social programs and the execution of public works Here is presented the analysis of the Federal Rural Housing Program （in Spanish： ＂Programa de Vivienda RuraF＇） that is aimed at providing accommodation to families in situations of severe poverty living in communities described as suffering from ＂high or very high levels of marginalization＂. The main conclusion of this research, which is based on a series of interviews with aid recipients, the officials and the social organizations involved, is that the regulatory aspects of this system for controlling social policies are not effective, since they lack mechanisms for enforcing the sanctions set down for participants who do not respect the agreements they have entered into.