7627 research outputs found
Sort by
後現代與九七回歸：論董啟章《地圖集》中的文化身分
Full text link董啟章是香港重要的嚴肅文學作家，小說多反映其對於他所生所長的香港的探索與思考。本文分析的《地圖集》正正寫於九七回歸以前，當下文化身分的熱切討論恰恰為了回應九七回歸此一重大歷史事件 董啟章承接八十年代後現代主義文學引入香港的風潮，以五十一篇學術風格的文章解構小說，同時思考及回應九十年代這一波文化身分論爭有關雅與俗、邊緣與中心的部分。
本文分為三部分。第一章先介紹作家，然後略述後現代文學在香港的發展及九七前香港文化身分討論的部分面向；第二章分析文本中對雅與俗、邊緣與中心的回應；第三章為結語，總結全文重點
七分之五
Full text link「我殺了一個人。」
本小說的主角從殺人犯淪為逃犯，在短短五天裏準備物資、構思逃亡的路線和方法。他想方設法隱藏自己、避免與人交談，由社會的參與者變成一個觀察者。他目睹各種扭曲事實的事件發生，後來更遇上受害者的鬼魂。
人們以為自己是正義使者，殊不知自己反害了他人。
主角也是如此。即使是從觀察者的角度，他看清某些真相，卻又忽視了部分的事實。他的前女友、他的父親、他自己。以為這是自己逗留在香港的最後七天，實質不然。
你可曾想過，自己其實早已死了，眼中所見的一切都是自己幻想出來的？肉眼所見、人們所言，是否必然正確？
如董啟章先生所言，歷史並不可靠。又如李碧華女士所指，未來的承諾亦不可信。我們，到底能否知道現在的所有真相
Lived experiences, perceptions, and caregiving trajectories of family caregivers of youth with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Zambia
No full textThere is unequivocal evidence that family caregivers contribute to healthcare systems worldwide by providing care for persons with chronic illnesses in the home setting. his study explores the lived experiences, perceptions, and caregiving trajectories of 30 family caregivers of youth aged 16-24 diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Zambia. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, a caregiving timeline, and participant observation and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Guided by the integrated theoretical framework of positioning theory and the theory of caregiving dynamics, this study offers a new lens for understanding caregiver’s experiences regarding caregiver identity, self-perceptions, interpersonal relationships, and caregiving dynamics such as commitment, expectation management, and role negotiation, and how sociocultural factors influence caregiving processes and responses. Findings suggest that for parental caregivers, self-positioning as a caregiver meant a begrudging acceptance of reality and an ambiguous loss of a child that was and would have been. The problematic behaviours of youth with SUDs made managing daily care a dilemmatic and precarious experience for most carers whose lived experiences involved negotiating societal expectations of raising a good child vis-à-vis their children’s unresolved SUDs. Caregivers experienced adverse hysio-psychosocial impacts such as chronic stress, burnout, and isolation, albeit with minimal positive experiences of SUD caregiving. Their experience of healthcare service use involved navigating a complex plural medical system with cyclical help-seeking itineraries influenced by the chronic and relapsing nature of SUDs and the treatment-elusive tendencies of most youths. The rise of the “prophets” and “papas” (spiritual fathers) and their prominence in faith-based healing services reveal a deeply entrenched manipulation and extortion of family caregivers. The study’s findings also highlight the multifaceted losses that caregivers experience at personal and social levels. Despite the noted challenges, most caregivers continue in their role through resentful perseverance, a yearning for the return to normalcy of the youth and a consequent end to their seemingly unending caregiving trajectories. This study reveals nuances of the specific element of caregiver commitment unique to this population of family caregivers. Their experiences depict the psychosocial vulnerability of many caregivers with ambivalent feelings of hope and despair. With heightened anxiety about the future of the youth, many caregivers asked: “Who will take care of my child when I die?” This question raises more questions and demonstrates the limited support from extended family, community members, and the government for caregivers of youth with SUDs in Zambia, an overlooked and neglected population. This lack of family, community, and policy support has great implications for policy and practice. Findings from this study may influence interventions that support caregivers and care recipients in terms of family and employment policies, as well as caregiver support programs (financial, educational, psychosocial, instrumental, and respite services). The formulation and implementation of specific policies for youth mental health, recruitment of community mental health social workers (to bridge the gap between health facilities and the community) would aid in the recovery of these youth, reducing the caregiver burden and improving the well-being of family caregivers
Assessing prevalence of blood parasites and ranaviruses in Hong Kong freshwater turtles
Full text linkBlood parasites and ranaviruses are pathogens that impact freshwater turtles worldwide. Given that native turtle species in Hong Kong are already at a high risk of extinction, their survival becomes even more threatened in the event of a disease outbreak. However, prevalence of these pathogens among the native population in Hong Kong remains unstudied.
In this study, I aim to (1) obtain baseline prevalence data of blood parasites and ranaviruses in Hong Kong freshwater turtles, (2) compare different methods for detecting blood parasites and ranaviruses, (3) evaluate the applicability of using blood parasites as a wildlife forensic tool, assess and provide conservation insights regarding ranaviruses in Hong Kong freshwater turtle populations.
In Chapter 1, I present a literature review on blood parasites and ranaviruses, including their taxonomy, infections in reptiles and methods of detection. I also introduce the native turtle species in Hong Kong, as well as a loophole in the illegal trade of endangered turtles of claiming wild turtles to be captive bred.
In Chapter 2, I obtain prevalence data of blood parasites in Hong Kong turtles, and compare the methods (microscopy and real-time PCR) used in detecting blood parasite. For prevalence data, I collected samples from 185 individuals of 20 turtle species from the wild and captivity. I detected blood parasites in individuals of wild-sampled Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum). In captive-sourced turtles, blood parasites were also found in confiscated P. megacephalum and an Indochinese Box Turtle (Cuora galbinifrons) that was likely to be wild caught. No blood parasites were found among captive-bred turtles. For method comparison, I find real-time PCR has a higher sensitivity than microscopy. When feasible, I recommend that a combination of both methods to minimise the chance of under-detection.
In Chapter 3, I obtain prevalence data of ranaviruses in wild-sampled and captive turtles of Hong Kong, and compare the three sampling methods (collecting blood, cloacal swabs and oral swabs). For prevalence data, a total of 222 individuals of 19 turtle species were screened for ranaviruses. Ranaviruses were detected in the wild-sampled turtles, including the endangered P. megacephalum and invasive Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Ranaviruses were also present in five species of captive-sourced turtle, which includes a captive-bred colony of Golden Coin Turtle (C. trifasciata) from a conservation breeding project. For the different sampling methods, I suggest that a combination of the three methods be used in future studies due to the low agreement and difference insensitivity of results between the three sampling methods. Combining and analysing various sample types from the same individuals can help minimize the risk of misdiagnosis, that may occur when relying on a single sample type.
In Chapter 4, I discuss the feasibility of using blood parasites detection as a wildlife forensic tool to differentiate wild-caught and captive-bred animals. I also provide conservation insight on the importance of ranavirus screening and recommendations on disease risk analysis for future reintroduction projects of endangered turtles
A study of external factors influencing stagnation in five post-Soviet hybrid regimes
Full text linkThis study delves into the complexities of stagnation in post-Soviet hybrid regimes, focusing on the external influences that contribute to this phenomenon. Through principal component analysis (PCA) and qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), the research examines the impact of economic sanctions, diplomatic measures, international financial, and technological assistance on the political trajectories of five post-Soviet states: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. It finds that economic sanctions and international assistance are particularly significant external factors affecting regime stagnation, with an explanatory power of 86.8% consistency and 69.2% coverage.
The research reveals that while economic sanctions and international assistance play pivotal roles in shaping regime outcomes, the influence of international organizations is more subdued, indicating a weaker link between these bodies and regime change. Diplomatic isolation is identified as having a nuanced yet marginal effect on regime dynamics. The case studies of Russia and Belarus show a shift towards authoritarianism, highlighting the influence of both internal resistance to democratic reforms and external pressures like economic sanctions. In contrast, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia exhibit prolonged hybridity amidst sustained external influences. A model derived from the case studies proposes two main channels (political and economic) and two main agents (the government and elite) through which external pressures influence internal politics. This model illustrates the complex interactions between external interventions, internal political actors, and the varied outcomes of democratization efforts. It suggests that elite responses to external pressures can significantly shape government policies, affecting the trajectory towards democracy or authoritarianism.
The study contributes to democratization theory by offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between external and internal factors in the stagnation and evolution of post-Soviet hybrid regimes. It underscores the critical role of economic sanctions and international assistance, the limited impact of international organizations and diplomatic isolation, and the intricate dynamics of internal politics in determining regime outcomes. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for external democratization efforts to inadvertently bolster authoritarian tendencies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex dynamics at play in hybrid regimes
Active ageing : pension system and older workers policies in Hong Kong and Japan
Full text linkSince the growing trend of aging is now a threat around the globe, there is more and more attention being devoted to the right of the elderly to participate and engage in the workplace. In order to provide policy recommendations for government departments to expedite the work environment for older people and support their integration into or return to the workplace, this paper investigates the difference of the pension system and older workers policies present in Hong Kong and Japan by secondary research methods. Currently, there are multiple investigations on the older workers’ working reasons and challenges, however, there are not many studies that emphasise the policy actions and compare Hong Kong and Japan, the two economies with high discussion on the seriousness of the ageing population. By analyzing the aging workers policies and pension system of the elderly in Hong Kong and Japan, the goals of this study are to discover (1) the relationship between the pension system and the incentive of aging workers, (2) the factors of the similarities and differences in the Ageing workers policies and strategies, and (3) the outcomes in aging workers, under the policies and strategies in Hong Kong and Japan
塑造 中國 : 成康大分封與成周王畿區的空間整合
Full text link後世多將《詩經．北山》“溥天之下，莫非王土”視爲西周王朝美好政治願景，實際這句話真切反映出周人欲實現大一統的宏圖。而要達成這一政治鵠的，藉由分封制的推廣來重構新的“中心—四土”地理格局勢在必行。西周統治核心區爲《漢書．地理志》所言的“洛邑與宗周通封畿”，與西部宗周王畿的形成不同，東部的成周王畿區是周公東征以來軍政謀略運用下的塑造結果，突出展現在成康大分封時代異姓諸侯的徙封和姬姓子弟的新封中。商末周初異國楚、鄂原居中原要地，因其阻礙周人地盤擴張和核心區穩固，迫其南遷，而姻戚陳國的褒封因不合於成王封建佈局，亦徙封至南土。成王在令康叔徙封至衛以領有殷舊畿大部基礎上，再於中原新封邘、凡、共、柞、密諸姬姓國。康王更進一步將姜姓焦國遷出三門峽，另封以姬姓焦國來穩固兩畿之間，並將本居邢丘的邢國徙封至北土邢臺以抗戎，從而真正起到蕃屏功效。每一分封（含徙封）諸侯的背後，都體現周初統治者精心建構其地緣空間、優化國土結構的高超設計，最終令後世爲華夏代名詞的“中國”區域在成康時代基本奠定下來。
Under the vast heaven, all is the king\u27s land a line from The Book of Songs Beishan has often been interpreted as an expression of the Western Zhou Dynasty\u27s ideal political vision. However, this phrase more accurately reflects the Zhou people\u27s ambition for great unification. To achieve this political goal, the promotion of the feudal enfeoffment system to restructure the new center-periphery geographical pattern was essential. The core ruling area of the Western Zhou was the region described in The Book of Han Geography Records as Luoyi and Zongzhou\u27s joint royal domain. Unlike the formation of the western Zongzhou royal domain, the eastern Chengzhou royal domain was the result of military and political strategizing that began with the Duke of Zhou\u27s eastern campaign, notably during the large-scale enfeoffment in the Chengkang era. This period was characterized by the relocation of non-kin dukes and the enfeoffment of new kin lords. At the end of the Shang and beginning of the Zhou dynasty, the Chu and E states occupied central territories critical to the Zhou expansion and stability, necessitating their southern migration, while the enfeoffment of the related Chen state was also moved southward due to its incompatibility with King Cheng\u27s feudal layout. King Cheng further solidified control over the old Yin royal domain through Kangshu\u27s relocation to Wei and the enfeoffment of new Ji-kin states in the Central Plains, such as Yu, Fan, Gong, Zuo, and Mi. King Kang went further by relocating the Jiang-kin Jiao state from the Sanmenxia area and replacing it with a Ji-kin Jiao state to strengthen the area between the two royal domains, and moved the Xing state from Xingqiu to Xingtai in the northern lands to resist the Rong, effectively serving as a protective screen. Each enfeoffment (including relocations) reflects early Zhou rulers\u27 meticulous design in constructing their geopolitical region and optimizing the national territory structure, ultimately laying the foundational concept of the region known to later generations as China during the Chengkang era
Commons與社會創新
No full textCommons強調共享、合作和公平。不同的文化或資源，例如自然資源、文化資產或知識資源會被視為共同擁有和管理。這些資源由當地居民使用、分享和管理，並以促進可持續發展、公平機會及社會共融為目標。
社會創新，即解決社會問題的創新方法，涉及到知識、產品或服務上的改進，以對應社會需要。社會創新鼓勵人們重新思考現有模式、程序和方法，以創造新的解決方案來改善社會福祉。 在這次講座中，致力於社會創新設計的葉長安教授將與我們分享他的經驗和見解、探討Commons和社會創新的角色和價值，以及兩者之間的密切聯繫。https://commons.ln.edu.hk/video_photos/1302/thumbnail.jp
Talks on Happiness | 快樂講 : 「風吹不倒」積極人生分享講座
No full text嶺南大學圖書館有幸邀請到香港傷健協會的培訓導師高小亮先生於2024年4月19日蒞臨分享他對快樂的見解。高先生透過自己的人生經驗，分享他如何面對逆境和了解快樂。
提起傷殘人士，主流印象往往只有兩個：生命鬥士或弱勢社群。其實傷殘人士的角色身份一樣多姿多釆，亦可以透過自己的方式去貢獻社會。透過講座分享，分享者呈現精彩人生，參加者可以立體地了解傷殘人士的生命，體會分享者樂觀積極的精神﹑不亢不卑的態度。
高小亮先生 雖然身患脊柱裂，坐上輪椅，小亮最喜歡拿著咪，在講座裡分享自己的故事，激勵人心。他更喜歡化身真人圖書，透過真人圖書館活動與參加者暢所欲言。而作為資深的無障礙顧問，小亮除了協助學院到不同企業機構巡查，也很樂意在輪椅體驗中，跟大家一同走進真實社會，親歷無障礙環境。
Photo gallery https://gallery.ln.edu.hk/lib/happiness-20240419
Homeownership and subjective well-being among educated young migrants in Shenzhen
No full textThis study aims to investigate the link between homeownership and subjective wellbeing among educated young migrants in urban China, using data collected in Shenzhen in 2022. Past research has explored this relationship in the general Chinese population and rural migrants, but educated young migrants have been less studied. Compared to the extant literature, this study examines not just homeowners versus renters, but also a broader range of housing tenures, home mortgage types, mortgage-to-income ratios, and non-local homeownership. All these housing-related variables were found to be associated with the subjective well-being of educated young migrants. However, when factors like hukou, occupation, income, and children are controlled, homeownership, home mortgage type, mortgage-to-income ratio, and non-local homeownership do not wield a significant impact on subjective well-being. Still, compared to private rental housing, public rental housing and partial homeownership significantly improve the subjective well-being of educated young migrants, even after controlling for other variables. The findings suggest that to enhance the subjective well-being of educated young migrants, local governments might prioritise the establishment of a secure and stable public rental housing system. The role of partial ownership housing in offering housing options, such as small property right housing in urban villages and dual-use housing, should also be recognised. These measures could not only alleviate housing pressures for educated young migrants, but also help retain them and integrate them into Chinese cities