JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

TOWARDS A RESILIENT AND PROSPEROUS HIMALAYAN REGION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT PARADIGMS

2025-11-04T09:56:24+00:00

The increasing frequency and magnitude of disasters in the Himalayan region are not solely attributable to natural forces. The prevailing development paradigm, characterized by unsustainable tourism, large-scale hydropower projects, and a disregard for traditional ecological knowledge, has exacerbated the region's vulnerability. While technocrats and experts often advocate for investment in warning systems after each devastating event, such solutions alone cannot ensure the safety and security of communities in the Himalayan region. This paper argues for a paradigm shift in Himalayan development, one that prioritizes disaster risk reduction (DRR) and embraces a flexible, participatory approach. This new framework must integrate local knowledge, aspirations, and an understanding of the region's inherent fragility to foster both resilience and vibrant economic growth.

MEASURES TO IMPROVE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND DEBT MANAGEMENT AT THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL: A CASE OF SOUTH AFRICA

2025-11-04T10:00:27+00:00

Public debt and fiscal sustainability are pressing issues for provincial governments in South Africa, posing significant challenges to effective governance and service delivery. Using desktop research, the article explores the impact of inefficient financial management, corruption, and governance weaknesses which exacerbate fiscal pressures and hinder sustainable development. The results showed that a plethora of factors contributed to rising public debt and fiscal instability in provinces, including limited revenue-generation capabilities, heavy reliance on national transfers, escalating costs of service delivery, and unfunded mandates. The article recommends that South African provincial governments can modernise revenue collection systems, adopt cost-saving technologies, revise the equitable share formula, and strengthen financial accountability and transparency. The study underscores the importance of innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term economic stability and equitable development across South Africa’s provinces. By implementing these strategies, provincial governments can reduce their debt burdens, improve fiscal sustainability, and enhance their capacity to deliver essential services.

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IN ACCOMPANYING ENTREPRENEURIAL ENTERPRISES TO ACHIEVE INOVATION IN ALGERIA

2025-11-04T10:08:06+00:00

The research paper aims to highlight the importance of the efforts made by state agencies to improve the ways of success of entrepreneurial enterprises in Algeria, and to focus on the innovation promoting within them in light of modern developments in the economic environment, Descriptive and analytical approaches were used, as well as the statistical approach, as required by the nature of the subject. The study reached in a set of results, the most important of which are: the Algerian government is working to provide all forms of support and accompaniment to small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the areas of financial support and technical advice. Algeria has also launched numerous national and international initiatives and programs to promote start-up innovation and support their entrepreneurial way. Despite all this, these businesses still suffer from weak regulatory and legislative frameworks and a lack of awareness of the importance of innovation and technological progress in the fields of finance and business.

THE ECONOMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2025-11-04T10:15:09+00:00

The development of the national economy from the perspective of sustainable development is determined by complex relationships between economic, social and environmental factors in the context of global transformations determined by the challenges of climate change. In the case of the Republic of Moldova, this process is determined by many challenges, by a multitude of impediments, but also by opportunities such as, for example, integration into the European Union. Examining the sustainable development of a nation requires an integrated and interdisciplinary approach, combining statistical analysis, the evaluation of economic performance indicators to characterize how public policies influence long-term economic development. In this publication, the research methodology is based on data collection and analysis, quantitative and qualitative analysis, deduction and induction, complemented by a rigorous synthesis of the specialized literature. The results obtained support the hypothesis that the adoption of sustainable, complex strategies with clearly defined objectives, the formation of an institution responsible for the transition to a circular economy can lead to increased national economic competitiveness and improved quality of life of citizens. The study highlights the key elements necessary for the implementation of the transition to a sustainable economy such as regulatory framework, financial resources, new technologies and cultural aspects. These findings provide a reference framework for decision-makers and the academic community, facilitating the development of coherent policies that maximize the potential for sustainable economic growth of the Republic of Moldova and for the development of medium and long-term development strategies.

EXPLORING THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WINE TOURISM IN EMERGING AND DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

2025-11-04T10:24:29+00:00

Over recent decades, wine tourism underwent accelerated development, evolving into a distinct segment of the tourism industry. As consumer preferences shifted towards authentic, sustainable, and culturally enriched experiences, wine tourism proved wellpositioned for growth. Located at the crossroads of agriculture, the wine industry, heritage, and regional development, it reinforced its role as a strategic tool for enhancing the competitiveness of wine regions, particularly in transitioning economies. This study applied a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, including comparative analysis, content examination of theoretical models, documentary review, and linear regression. This framework enabled the exploration of correlations between wine tourism performance and macroeconomic indicators. The findings indicated that success in wine tourism was less dependent on GDP per capita and more strongly influenced by factors such as wine heritage, vineyard density, infrastructure quality, branding strategies, and communication effectiveness. Moldova illustrated this dynamic by ranking fifth globally in wine tourism, despite modest macroeconomic performance. The research contributed to consolidating wine tourism as a vector for inclusive and sustainable regional development. It also emphasized the potential of emerging economies to attain international visibility by leveraging cultural assets, innovating tourism offerings, and aligning with global sustainability trends.

ARCHITECTURE, CULTURAL VALUES AND POLITICS: THE CASE FOR SOFIA

2025-11-04T10:32:25+00:00

Recalling a doctoral study undertaken at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, this article focuses on architecture, cultural values and politics in contemporary Sofia. It addresses urban landscapes and cultural heritage legislation in Bulgaria with specific emphasis on immovable and intangible culture. It concludes by arguing for mapping the city’s monuments of cultural value, addressing its urban challenges, and positioning this capital amongst Europe’s leading capital cities.

POPULAR WEAR A SOURCE OF CREATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN CLOTHING FORMS

2025-11-04T10:39:23+00:00

The creative process or product design is impulsive, unpredictable and influenced by a series of factors. Factors that due to the influence of society are shaped by: the action of the characters who constituted the artistic message for generations formed by the folk costume; the capacity for acceptance by social strata of novelties in design, politics, technology, etc.; the capacity for coagulation of an artistic character guided and promoted by society with the imposition of product design demand at the current time. The popular shirt with rolled sleeves as a source is analyzed by: shape with original characteristics, embroidery, cutting method, assembly, outline of the details. The popular product remains that link that contributes to the formation of new ideas in industrial design, textile design, typographic design, etc. For the study or used three basic types of rolled sleeve shirt and ten modeled shirts which were simulated using CLO 3D software. The article will present the constructive parameters of the rolled sleeve shape, a model of a shirt, blouse with a rolled sleeve adapted to the requirements of contemporary clothing, as well as possibility of assembling the rolled sleeve with pave.

BODY ESTEEM AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN

2025-11-04T10:53:56+00:00

The motivation to do this study to fill the gap of rare studies on body- esteem and self- esteem inside Pakistan. The central hypothesis of the study was University Students (both males and females) who have higher body-esteem will have higher self-esteem corresponding age and gender along the same pattern. The basic objective of the present study was to uncover body esteem and self-esteem influence among, Pakistani students. The study was carried out on (N=340) participants with a cross-sectional survey design with a random sampling; male (n=166), and female (n=174) university students in Pakistan. Bodyesteem scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale were administered on the sample. The Pearson correlation and t-test analysis were done in SPPS- 16. Results showed that body esteem and self- esteem were more positive in male students than in female students as well as more positive in young adult students than older adult students. The study result is a forward step towards media, food, education, health and exercise equipment suppliers to universities to devise programs, food items, health and exercise equipment to keep the students in good body- shape (balanced- weight) and remain aware of their body esteem and self- esteem.

THE PROFESSIONAL ADAPTATION OF NOVICE TEACHERS DURING THE TRANSITION FROM UNIVERSITY TO THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

2025-11-04T11:11:15+00:00

The study was conducted based on recent research in the field that emphasizes the importance of the transition phenomenon in the teaching career. The study addressed the issue of adaptation of novice teachers, and findings were noted regarding the transition of young specialists in the process of adapting to the conditions of the educational system. Transition represents a series of changes that novices perceive, moving from the student level where they have assimilated knowledge to the teacher level where they translate the theoretical part into practice, apply knowledge and skills in student groups. The study hypothesized that determining the level of professional adaptation to changes of novices during the transition period in the school environment and covering their needs can optimize the professional adaptation process. The purpose of the research was to determine the level of adaptation to changes of novice teachers during the transition period in the school environment. 97 young specialists participated in the study. It was found that the needs expressed by beginners in the process of professional adaptation in the school environment are multiple and require the provision of solutions to optimize the professional adaptation process. The conclusions of the study highlighted results regarding the analysis of the level of professional adaptation at the beginning of the teaching career and recommendations regarding the implementation of measures to prevent maladaptation, optimize the professional adaptation process and facilitate the transition phenomenon of beginners in the school environment.

THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN VALUES ON YOUTH MINDSETS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

2025-11-04T11:19:25+00:00

This study was motivated by evolving perspectives in historical and anthropological discourse, which emphasize the importance of understanding collective mentalities for interpreting social transformations and assessing the feasibility of reforms. The research hypothesis postulated that the dominant principles and values in a society significantly influence individual behaviors and attitudes, especially among young people. The main objective of the research was to analyze the role of European values in shaping the mentality of young people in the Republic of Moldova. To achieve this, the research explored how values underlie behavioral norms and influence social cohesion, highlighted the main manifestations of the modern crisis of cultural values, including in Moldovan society, and outlined the specifics of two types of mentalities among Moldovan youth: the flexibleautonomous and the rigid-collectivist mentalities. The main findings indicated that certain fundamental values have a strong impact on young people’s attitudes and that shared values promote greater cultural understanding and social solidarity. The study concluded that identifying and promoting common values is crucial for supporting social cohesion and guiding effective social reforms and highlighted the importance of interconnecting fundamental values with national and European values to develop a sense of belonging to European culture and civilization.

ADDICTION TO PORNOGRAPHY AMONG TEENAGERS IN KINSHASA AND ITS DETERMINANTS

2025-11-04T11:39:43+00:00

The aim of this research was to evaluate pornography addiction in a sample of 405 adolescents in the city of Kinshasa, as well as its explanatory factors. A pornography addiction assessment test was administered to the adolescents targeted in the study. After correction of this test, it was found that 123 subjects (30.4%) out of the 405 surveyed had developed pornography addiction. What's more, only the district of residence variable influenced pornography addiction. Specifically, there are more adolescent pornography addicts residing in the Lukunga district compared to other districts in the city of Kinshasa.

MIGRATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS FROM FOOD PACKAGING: REGULATORY ASPECTS AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL RISKS

2025-11-04T11:45:34+00:00

Plastics have become prevalent in food packaging, although the transfer of additives with potential for migration into food is a significant public health concern. The article reviews various packaging materials, explores the factors influencing the migration of chemicals from packaging into food, reviews the literature on the presence of migrants in food, and identifies potential health risks. The regulatory aspects of the use of food packaging made of polymeric materials in the European Union and the Republic of Moldova are reviewed, as well as the mechanisms governing the migration of additives from packaging into food. The process of migration of additives from plastic containers during microwave heating of food, the use of recycled plastic containers, and their combined effect present topics for extensive biomonitoring, necessary to minimize migration from a food safety perspective.

REVIEW OF THE BOOK "EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS IN THE AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY", PUBLISHED BY THE ROMANIAN ACADEMY PUBLISHING HOUSE, AUTHOR PROF. UNIV. DR. IOAN ȚENU

2025-11-04T12:04:21+00:00

In the context of the rapid development of agri-food processing technologies, the development of processes underlying the conception, design, manufacture and exploitation of specific equipment, machines and installations is particularly topical. The increase in production capacities requires an accelerated dynamics of development of complex and automated technological lines, based on high-performance equipment, compliant with the technical requirements of international standards. Thus, the work EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS FOR THE AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY, which addresses in detail the work processes of technological lines, equipment and installations for the industrialization of agri-food products, designed by the author of the book in an accessible and feasible way, constitutes a valuable material for the training and development of technical and technological skills of students, master's and doctoral students, as well as a useful manual for teachers and specialists working in this field.