The use of masks in pagan rituals has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations. These masks were often worn to represent deities, spirits, or animals, and were believed to offer protection, disguise the wearer's identity, and enable communication with the spiritual realm. In many pagan cultures, masks played a significant role in religious ceremonies and festivals. They were used to commemorate harvests, mark the changing seasons, honor ancestors, and celebrate births and unions. The masks were intricately crafted and creatively designed to reflect the qualities and characteristics of the beings they represented. The wearing of masks during pagan rituals served multiple purposes.
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In addition, resilience mediates the effects of internal and product integration on both operational and financial performance, whereas robustness mediates the effect of internal and product integration on financial performance. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most impactful disruptions which has imposed high levels of uncertainty on supply chains around the world.
The wearing of masks during pagan rituals served multiple purposes. Firstly, the masks allowed individuals to assume the identity of the deity or spirit being represented, enabling them to channel and embody its power and energy. By wearing a mask, the individual became a vessel through which the spiritual forces could manifest and interact with the human realm.
Supply chain integration and firm performance in the COVID-19 era: the mediating role of resilience and robustness
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most impactful disruptions which has imposed high levels of uncertainty on supply chains around the world. Supply chain integration (SCI) is highly recommended as an underlying mechanism that can facilitate the development of resilience and robustness as two dynamic capabilities. They can in turn positively influence firm performance and success during the disruptive conditions of COVID-19 era. The study aims to examine whether SCI as an enabler of resilience and robustness can improve firm performance during COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model is developed to elaborate the relationship between SCI dimensions, resilience and robustness and firm’s operational and financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey method is then used to empirically examine the model using a sample of 94 companies in the food industry in the province of Tehran, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study makes several contributions. It provides a novel theoretical model on the relationship between SCI, resilience and robustness and firm performance and tests this model in a less-studied yet critical context (i.e. Iranian food industry) and during a disruptive era (i.e. COVID-19 pandemic).
Findings
The results support the positive effect of three SCI dimensions of internal, product and process integration on operational and financial performance during corona virus pandemic. Furthermore, internal and process integration have positive effects on resilience. Internal, product and process integration have positive effects on robustness. In addition, resilience mediates the effects of internal and product integration on both operational and financial performance, whereas robustness mediates the effect of internal and product integration on financial performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted in the Province of Tehran. To test and generalize the results, it is recommended to conduct this study in other places and countries.
Originality/value
These results highlight the importance of SCI dimensions as vital enablers of resilience and robustness and their consequent impact on firm’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secondly, masks were believed to have a protective function. They were thought to shield the wearer from malevolent spirits or negative energies by acting as a barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds. The masks were often imbued with sacred symbols, colors, and materials that were believed to possess spiritual properties, further enhancing their protective qualities. Furthermore, masks were used as a means of communication with the spiritual realm. It was believed that by wearing a mask, one could enter a trance-like state and establish a connection with the gods or ancestors. This allowed for the exchange of wisdom, guidance, and blessings, as well as the seeking of answers to important questions or requests for assistance. In contemporary pagan practices, the use of masks continues to be prevalent. Modern pagans may create and wear masks during rituals and gatherings to honor their ancestral traditions and connect with the divine. These masks often incorporate elements of nature, such as animal features or plant motifs, to align with the pagan belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. In conclusion, the use of masks in pagan rituals serves as a powerful tool for spiritual connection and expression. These masks not only symbolize the deities and spirits they represent but also act as conduits through which individuals can access the realms of the divine and seek guidance and protection. The tradition of wearing masks in pagan ceremonies continues to be upheld by modern practitioners, showcasing the enduring relevance and significance of this ancient practice..
Reviews for "Pagan Mask Res2: A Gateway into Ancient Beliefs and Customs"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Pagan mask res2". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow. The characters lacked depth and development, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The graphics were also quite outdated, and the overall gameplay felt sluggish and unpolished. I was really expecting more from this game, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I really did not enjoy playing "Pagan mask res2". The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to navigate through the game. The audio was poorly executed, with abrupt and jarring sound effects that took away from the immersion. The puzzles were also incredibly challenging, to the point where I found myself more frustrated than engaged. Overall, I found the game to be a disappointing and tedious experience.
3. Michael - 2/5 - "Pagan mask res2" just didn't live up to the hype for me. The storyline had potential, but it was poorly executed and lacked cohesion. The voice acting was subpar, with cheesy dialogue and uninspired delivery. The gameplay felt repetitive and monotonous, with little variety to keep me engaged. I had high hopes for this game, but unfortunately, it fell short in many aspects.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I regret purchasing "Pagan mask res2". The graphics were extremely dated and did not meet the standards of modern gaming. The controls were clunky and difficult to use, leading to frustration and confusion. The game also lacked guidance or clear instructions, which made it challenging to progress. Overall, I found the experience to be underwhelming, and I would not recommend it to others.
5. David - 2/5 - "Pagan mask res2" had potential, but it missed the mark for me. The gameplay was repetitive and lacked innovation, making it feel like a rehashed version of its predecessor. The graphics were average at best, with nothing visually impressive or captivating. The story was cliché and predictable, offering little in terms of surprises or twists. Overall, I was disappointed with this game and was expecting more from it.