Cultural Integration Research Articles

Role of serious leisure in cross-cultural integration: insights from international Muay Thai practitioners in Thailand

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper investigates how serious leisure specifically Muay Thai training in Bangkok serves as a medium for acculturation among foreign practitioners. It seeks to explore the complex relationship between cultural immersion and identity transformation through participations in a culturally significant sport. Approach A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews with 28 foreign Muay Thai practitioners who short to medium term relocated to Thailand for training. Findings The findings reveal that Muay Thai training facilitates both cultural and personal identity transformations. Practitioners reported significant cultural integration. The structured and ritualized training environment adopted deep cultural engagement. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for Muay Thai gyms, trainers, and policymakers on how structured leisure activities can serve as platforms for cultural integration, offering frameworks to support foreign practitioners in their acculturation process. Research contribution This research advances the literature on serious leisure by linking it to cross-cultural adaptation, providing empirical insights into how leisure activities contribute to identity transformation. Originality This study offers a different perspective on the intersection of serious leisure and acculturation, highlighting how Muay Thai training acts as both a cultural exchange platform and a transformative experience for foreign participants.

Envisioning an Immigrant Invasion

Comparing Donald Trump’s use of anti-immigrant rhetoric during the 2024 presidential campaign to that deployed by the anti-Japanese movement of early twentieth-century California reveals significant parallels. He, like the nativists of a century before, claimed that immigrants were invading the United States, taking jobs from White American men, and threatening the integrity of American culture. California’s anti-Japanese movement successfully restricted the entry of Japanese laborers to the United States, banned the immigrant generation from owning land, and finally excluded all Asian immigrants by way of the federal 1924 Johnson–Reed Act, demonstrating the devastating power of anti-immigrant rhetoric. The final blow—wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans, both immigrant and citizen—revealed that decades of anti-immigrant agitation overpowered the preservation of civil liberties.

A comprehensive quantitative LC-MS/MS method for rapid gelatin source identification in food products: Comparison with PCR.

Authentication of gelatin sources are required for cultural beliefs and food integrity. This paper describes a sensitive and rapid detection of gelatin sources using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The specific peptide markers were adopted to accurately identify bovine and porcine gelatin in pharmaceutical capsules and jellies. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed to identify and quantify over five specific peptide markers, each characterized by its unique precursor and product ion transitions. The developed method was validated at three concentration levels in gelatin-containing products to assess its accuracy and precision. The recovery (accuracy) of the proposed method was between 80% and 107%, and relative standard deviation (precision) was in the range of 5.16-9.97%. Linearity was obtained≥0.99 (R2). To ensure the accuracy of ingredient labeling, the LC-MS/MS results were compared with those obtained from PCR assays. The LC-MS/MS method demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, reliably detecting gelatin adulteration at concentrations as low as 0.01%. The developed LC-MS/MS method provides a rapid and accurate results for authenticating gelatin sources in various food products within 4hours.

Sheep Wrestling Competition as Artifact: Bodily Practice and Educational Literacy in Modern China

The sheep wrestling competition, deeply rooted in Xinzhou’s multi-ethnic cultural integration and temple fair traditions, is an artifact of China’s intangible cultural heritage, embodying rich historical, cultural, and social value. This traditional practice, characterized by its performative, competitive, and fitness-oriented nature, has evolved into a unique form of bodily practice and performing art. However, with rapid urbanization, the decline of rural populations, and the rise of modern entertainment, its cultural prominence has diminished, further exacerbated by insufficient mass communication and a lack of public literacy regarding its heritage value. This study explores the historical foundations, technical practices, and cultural significance of sheep wrestling, examining its dual role as both a performing art and an educational medium. The research highlights its potential to foster social identity and cultural literacy through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical analysis, performance theory, and a case study of the Xinzhou Sheep Wrestling Festival. While findings reveal challenges such as inadequate theoretical exploration, declining intergenerational transmission, and limited engagement from younger generations, the study emphasizes the need for innovative inheritance strategies. These include integrating sheep wrestling into educational frameworks, enhancing its visibility through digital media, and modernizing its cultural presentation to align with contemporary societal values. By addressing these challenges, the study underscores the significance of sheep wrestling as a vital cultural artifact and proposes pathways for its sustainable preservation and broader educational impact.

Preservation and Transmission of Musical Instruments of Ethnic Minorities in Northwestern Guangxi

This study focuses on the preservation and transmission of ethnic minority musical instruments in northwest Guangxi. The study employed a qualitative research methodology that focused on how these instruments’ performance contexts and functions have evolved in response to modern influences. Drawing on ethnomusicology research theory, fieldwork, and interviews, the study investigates the roles of government promotion, tourism development, and modern technology in shaping the contemporary usage of instruments such as the Biandan, Tonggu, and Sixianhu. The research highlights the balance between preserving traditional cultural roles and adapting to new functions, particularly as tourism and entertainment become central to economic development in the region. Additionally, it examines how modern technology, through platforms like Douyin, facilitates the transmission of musical traditions to broader audiences. The findings underscore the importance of fostering intergenerational connections and embracing contemporary tools for cultural expression while maintaining the cultural integrity of these instruments. This study provides insights into how ethnic minority musical traditions can continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world, ensuring the longevity of northwest Guangxi’s rich musical heritage.

Integration of Dayak Culture in Women's Leadership to Improve the Quality of Digital Education in Elementary Schools

This research focuses on the role of women's leadership in integrating Dayak culture to improve the quality of digital-based education in elementary schools in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. With a qualitative approach through observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis, this study identifies how women's leadership can facilitate the adoption of digital technologies while maintaining local cultural values. The results of the study show that Dayak women who lead in schools have a strategic role in designing educational policies that combine elements of technology with traditional culture, creating a more inclusive and relevant learning environment for students. Despite challenges, such as limited digital infrastructure and community resistance, women's leadership has proven effective in improving students' understanding of local cultures while preparing them for the digital world. Women's leadership plays an important role in strengthening the integration of local culture in digital education, increasing the competitiveness of education in East Kalimantan. It is recommended that there be technology training for women educators and increased access to digital infrastructure in elementary schools to support the success of this integration.

Education 5.0 and Sustainable Development

Education is a key to national development. It not only opens doors of new opportunities but also empowers the individual with knowledge and wisdom to face challenges and solve various problems. Education helps in the transmission of culture, social upliftment, and political integration. With new opportunities, there come new challenges where education helps in dealing with such issues. Modern Education aims at helping students to acquire various skills like critical thinking, creative thinking, communication skills, problem-solving skills and lifelong learning. The education framework has changed from the Education 1.0 level to the present Education 5.0. This framework focuses on the needs of the learner, the demand of society and different teaching strategies and methods. In Education 1.0 the teacher taught within the confines of the physical four-walled classroom. No technology was used, and the teacher acted as an autocratic leader. It transformed into the present Education 5.0 level slowly but steadily due to the requirements of the learner, the changing needs of society and the adoption of various teaching approaches. Dr. A.P.J. Abul Kalam rightly said that Education is the holistic development of individuals at all level be it spiritual, academic, physical or psychological. The learner changed after the COVID-19 pandemic and the world needed sustainable development which shifted the paradigm from technology integration in Education to the involvement of various human skills like empathy, sharing, values etc. The present paper thus explores Education 5.0 for Sustainable Development.

Social Innovation Perspective on Regional Design and Sustainable Development Research

In today’s world, the development of regional industries and cross-regional cultural integration have brought about environmental damage and cultural erosion. However, there are many shortcomings in the research and countermeasures for the problem, especially in China. The greater participation of the whole society in innovative regional design has a huge impact on the sustainable development of the region. This research aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding framework for regional design and strategic guidance for future research directions and practical paths. We adopted the methods of a literature review and a case analysis to discuss the importance of social cooperation in social innovation from the perspectives of cultural inheritance, community participation, industrial upgrading, and brand building. Based on Professor Kiyoshi Miyazaki’s “Human Culture Land Production Landscape” resource integration model, combined with specific regional goals, five major design domains have been constructed to address five issues. In specific regional design practices, participatory design, value co-creation, and resource integration design methods have been applied. Research has found that these theoretical and practical paths have achieved good results and played a positive role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG9 and SDG11).

Unveiling Koreanness in Yoon Ha Lee’s <i>Dragon Pearl</i>: Cultural Representation and Translation Strategies

The paper explores the representation of Koreanness in Yoon Ha Lee’s Dragon Pearl, a novel that uniquely blends elements of Korean culture with the space opera genre. By examining key cultural markers such as character names, traditional food, and folklore (notably the gumiho), this study highlights how the novel portrays a diasporic sense of identity and belonging. Furthermore, the paper delves into the challenges and strategies of translating these cultural elements into Korean. Through case studies of key passages, it discusses how to maintain cultural nuance and the author’s intent while adapting the work for a Korean readership. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of preserving cultural integrity translating science fiction works that embody cross-cultural narratives.

The impact of COVID-19 on the social and cultural integration of international students: a literature review

This systematic literature review summarises the state-of-the-art evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the integration of international students in their host countries and institutions. Conducted between January and May 2022, it analyses the responses to COVID-19 of the key actors involved in international student mobility: national/regional authorities, higher education institutions, and students. Findings reveal that governmental action and institutional measures were decisive in shaping international students’ integration experiences. Regarding governmental action, criticism of the policies adopted by Australia and the USA in relation to immigration and/or support stand out, in contrast to policies adopted by the Canadian authorities. Higher education institutions played an important role in mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 on international students’ integration. These targeted different needs– material, well-being, and social– through different types of support: logistical and financial support, psychological support, and the provision of platforms for ongoing social interaction and exchange. Most studies, however, focus on the students themselves, the challenges they faced during the pandemic and their coping strategies. Common to international students’ lived experience was (dis)connectedness, with the following themes emerging as obstacles to their social and cultural integration: distress during lockdown periods, disruption of their social life and support networks, mental health issues, discrimination and racialised prejudice, and language barriers. The review concludes by proposing recommendations and by identifying avenues for future research.

Navigating ethical dilemmas in Generative AI Development: A framework for responsible innovation

This comprehensive article explores the evolving landscape of ethical challenges and solutions in generative AI development, focusing on key areas, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and implementation frameworks. Through detailed analysis of case studies and research findings, the study examines successful approaches to ethical AI implementation across various sectors, particularly in content generation and code development. The article presents a structured framework for ethical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessment, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring. By investigating cultural integration strategies and technical safeguards, this study provides valuable insights into establishing and maintaining ethical AI systems while balancing innovation with responsible development practices in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

Thermal Performance Investigation in Historical Urban Neighborhoods Using ENVI-Met Simulation Software

Urban heritage areas are characterized by unique architectural and cultural elements, often coupled with specific challenges such as vulnerability to climate change and urban heat islands (UHIs). Investigating thermal performance at the neighborhood scale is crucial for preserving these areas while enhancing thermal comfort and sustainability. The aim of this research is to prove that the application of passive cooling techniques and urban green spaces can reduce the urban temperature and upgrade the conditions of thermal comfort, even in densely populated areas with small urban void spaces. ENVI-Met, a microclimate modeling software for evaluating the thermal performance of heritage urban neighborhoods, is applied in order to assess current thermal conditions, identify hotspots, perform simulations, and propose mitigation strategies to improve thermal comfort while preserving the architectural and cultural integrity of these areas. The test bed of this study is a historical urban area in central Athens, “Academia Platonos”. The methodology is mainly based on the design of different parametric scenarios for the study area, by integrating specific parameters that characterize the area of Academia Platonos (elevation distribution, materials, vegetation, etc.) and the microclimatic simulations of the area, designed in the digital environment of ENVI-Met. Five scenarios are implemented and studied in the study area, four of which are based on the existing situation of the study area, either by changing the construction materials of the built environment (passive cooling through cool material techniques) or by enhancing the area with vegetation. One of the most important findings of this study is that the use of plants with a high foliage density is more effective in reducing air temperature than the selection of species with sparse foliage.

Research on the network structure and gender/age differences of psychological safety among urban residents: network analysis based on a large sample

BackgroundPsychological safety as the key to mental health, not only affects individual happiness and quality of life but also relates to social stability and harmony. However, psychological safety is complex and multidimensional, with unclear internal structures and influencing factors and insufficient research on gender and age differences. Urban residents are living in an environment characterized by fast-paced, high-pressure, multicultural integration, and complex social relationships. Therefore, in-depth exploration of its core dimensions and network structure is crucial for formulating effective mental health strategies and enhancing residents’ sense of psychological safety.MethodsA survey was conducted on 9,282 urban residents using the Psychological Safety Scale. Using R version 4.3.2 for network estimation, centrality estimation, accuracy and stability estimation, and network comparison.ResultsThe results found that the strength centrality index of the general sense of safety dimension is always the highest in the total network and networks of different genders and ages. The network comparison results show that there are significant gender and age differences in the dimensions/item networks of psychological safety. There are connections between trust and relaxation, excitement, and calmness in the dimension network of male samples, while there are no such connections in the dimension network of female samples. The general sense of safety and relaxation connection strength on the male dimension network is significantly stronger than that on the female dimension. In the dimension network of the youth sample, the strength of the connection between calmness and relaxation, trust and relaxation were significantly stronger than those of the middle-age sample, while the strength of the connection between relaxation and excitement was significantly weaker than that of the middle-age sample.ConclusionResearchers should fully consider gender and age factors and adopt more personalized and differentiated strategies for promoting individual psychological safety.

ETIMOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ARABIC LAYER WORDS IN KHOREZM DIALECTS

This article examines the influence and adaptation of Arabic-origin words in Khorezm dialects, highlighting their phonetic and semantic variations from their literary Uzbek counterparts. The study identifies and categorizes these words into basic and derived forms, as well as semantic dialectal variations. Particular attention is given to the cultural, historical, and linguistic significance of Arabic words that have undergone semantic shifts to reflect local expressions and traditions. Examples such as bodiya (“desert”) evolving into badya (“clay bowl”) and other terms like vapir, talxiyn, and valatizina illustrate the dynamic interplay between Arabic lexicon and the linguistic environment of Khorezm. The article underscores the enduring relevance of Arabic lexical layers in shaping Uzbek dialects and the broader cultural landscape. KEYWORDS: Khorezm dialects, Arabic lexicon, phonetic adaptation, semantic variation, linguistic influence, cultural integration, lexical layers, Old Uzbek, language evolution, etymological analysis.

Systematic development and bioprinting of novel nanostructured multi-material bioinks for bone tissue engineering

A functional bioink with potential in bone tissue engineering must be subjected to critical investigation throughout its intended lifespan. The aim of this study was to develop alginate-gelatin-based (Alg-Gel) multicomponent bioinks systematically and to assess the short- and long-term exposure responses of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) printed within these bioinks with and without crosslinking.The first generation of bioinkswas established by incorporating a range of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), to evaluate their effect on viscosity, printability and cell viability. Adding CNFs to Alg-Gel solution increased viscosity and printability without compromising cell viability. Inthe second generation of bioinks, the influence of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) on the performance of the optimized Alg-Gel-CNF formulation was investigated. The addition of nHA increased the viscosity and improved printability, and an adjustment in alginate concentration improved the stability of the structures in long-term culture. The third generation bioink incorporated RGD-functionalized alginate to support cell attachment and osteogenic differentiation. The optimized bioink composition exhibited improved printability, structural integrity in long-term culture and high hBMSC viability. In addition, the final bioink composition, RGD-Alg-Gel-CNF-nHA, showed osteogenic potential: production of the osteogenic marker proteins (Runx2, OCN), enzyme (ALP), and gene expression (Runx2,OCN). A further aim of the study was to evaluate the osteogenic functionality of cells released from the structures after bioprinting. Cells were printed in two bioinks with different viscosities and incubated at 37 °C in growth medium without additional CaCl2. This caused gelatin to dissolve, releasing the cells to attach to tissue culture plates. The results demonstrated differences in hBMSC osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation of the released cells was different from that of the embedded cells cultured in 3D. Thus, this systematic investigation into bioink development shows improved results through the generations and sheds light on the biological effects of the bioprinting process.

Research on Effective Strategies for Cultural Cultivation into Local Government Higher Education Policies

In order to improve the level of higher education, local governments need to develop effective strategies for cultivating cultural self-confidence, so this paper analyzes from the perspective of education policy. Local governments should analyze the conditions for the integration of cultural self-confidence according to the conditions of local autonomy, and do the following; the impact of cultural self-confidence integration on higher education policy; higher education policy involves institutions, performance and methods; cultural self-confidence includes values, social environment and the concept of self-confidence; The impact of cultural self-confidence, local government and higher education policies on education, and the main influencing factors. The results show that the cultivation of cultural self-confidence includes socialist values, social and cultural environment, and the concept of personal self-confidence, which have a promoting effect on higher education, which is one of the main influencing factors, the education system of local governments, the educational performance of colleges and universities, and the cultivation method of cultural self-confidence are the effective aspects of education improvement, and strategic support needs to be provided from the above perspectives.

The impact of cultural origin on the psychiatric expertise in Switzerland: a focus on sexual violence illustrated by two criminal cases

Cultural biases and integration in novel socio-geographic contexts are relevant factors for the understanding of dynamics beneath sexual violence, and possibly play a role in modifying responsibility and perpetrators treatment. Here we offer a conceptual analysis of the relevant literature and two case study. Cultural factors influence power dynamics and individual values, impacting the occurrence of sexual violence; the understanding of “coercion” varies across cultures, and cultural legitimization may ensue. The consequences of sexual assault also differ, with shame prevailing in socio-centric societies and guilt in ego-centric societies. Rape and gender-based violence is influenced by masculinity and femininity concepts, the former identified with power. Dominance, rather than sexual gratification, can lead to sexual violence, which could also be a “male backlash” against gender equality. Biological theories link sexual violence to genetic factors; a psychodynamic perspective suggests an unconscious social reproduction of masculine culture and delves into possible explanations for violent behavior. Acculturation strategies and acculturative stress are explored, with a focus on Berry’s strategies and on Camilleri’s model of identity in intercultural situations. The impact of cultural factors on responsibility is discussed, highlighting variability in criminal laws and attitudes towards cultural offenses in different countries. The analysis of two criminal cases accused of rape, revealed common and diverging elements. Both individuals come from favorable socio-economic backgrounds, and lacked of prior or present psychiatric diagnoses. Integration difficulties, psychosexual attitudes, and the improper application of cultural codes played a crucial role. In conclusion, anthropological and ethnopsychiatric knowledge should be integrate into forensic assessments. Early detection of non-acculturation elements is need to prevent criminal behaviors, and a diagnostic instrument as a validated rating scale should be implemented.

Public Perception on the Implementation of PON XXI Event North Sumatera-Aceh at Situngkir Panguruan Beach in 2024

The purpose of the study. This study aimed to evaluate public perception regarding the implementation of PON XXI Event North Sumatra-Aceh at Situngkir Panguruan Beach in 2024, focusing on economic impact, infrastructure development, environmental considerations, and cultural integration. The research examined community attitudes toward event implementation and its implications for local development. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 residents of Situngkir Village, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection employed a 45-item questionnaire covering five dimensions, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale. Analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 26.0. Results. The study revealed predominantly positive perceptions of PON XXI Event implementation, with 82.5% reporting positive business opportunity expectations and 95% satisfaction with infrastructure development. Multiple regression analysis identified economic benefits (β = 0.445, p < 0.001), infrastructure development (β = 0.376, p < 0.001), and environmental management (β = 0.315, p = 0.002) as significant predictors of overall satisfaction. The model explained 78.4% of variance in community satisfaction (adjusted R² = 0.784, p < 0.001). Conclusions. The implementation of PON XXI Event at Situngkir Panguruan Beach demonstrated successful integration of event requirements with community needs, particularly in economic opportunities and infrastructure development. However, environmental management requires additional attention, particularly in waste management and beach conservation. The findings provide valuable insights for future sport-tourism event planning and regional development strategies.

Construction of an evaluation indicator system for the integrated development of sports, culture and tourism based on tourist perceptions

Through a literature review, expert interviews, questionnaires, and statistical methods, this study constructs an evaluation index system and calculates the score for the integrated development of sports, culture, and tourism at sports event venues, specifically the Hemei Rural Football Super League (“Village Super League”) in Rongjiang, Guizhou. First, we reviewed and analyzed the relevant literature, which led to the formation of an initial index consisting of 18 items. The index was optimized after the analysis to include three main dimensions and 13 specific measurement items. The refined index demonstrated good reliability and validity and may thus provide a valuable tool for evaluating the sustainable development of sports, culture, and tourism integration in specific regions.

Spanish and Turkish Influence in Albanian and Lectio Facilior in Translations

Objective: This study investigates the problems and difficulties Albanians face in learning the Spanish language, using synchronic and diachronic perspectives. It further examines the literary traces of Spanish in Albanian and explores the influence of Turkish borrowings on the Albanian language, with a focus on their adaptation and morpho-phonological integration. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in applied linguistics, particularly in teaching foreign languages, drawing on the theories of Humboldt, Bloomfield, Sapir, Whorf, Krezezovksi, and Krashen. It explores Spanish borrowings from historical and linguistic sources, such as military and administrative lexicons, and examines the influence of Turkish, English, Italian, and Greek borrowings on Albanian across various domains, including media, bureaucracy, and religion. Methodology: The research involved surveys of bachelor’s (1st, 2nd, and 3rd years) and master’s degree students, employing questionnaires to identify grammatical and semantic difficulties. Theoretical insights from linguists like Krashen, Bloomfield, and Ramón Menéndez Pidal informed the study design. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that Spanish elements persist in Albanian due to historical and social factors, with the nature and duration of contact shaping borrowing dynamics and typology. Turkish borrowings also exhibit significant cultural and linguistic integration despite historical limitations in contact. Research Implications: The study highlights the enduring impact of Spanish and Turkish borrowings on Albanian, offering a basis for further research into their linguistic, folkloric, and cultural contributions. Originality/Value: This research contributes novel insights into the grammatical and semantic challenges of Spanish and Turkish borrowings in Albanian, emphasizing their cultural and linguistic significance and practical implications for foreign language teaching.