Classical Literature Research Articles

Blockchain in energy: literature review in the context of sustainability

This paper has two equally important research objectives. The first aim of the research is to identify key research areas addressed in scientific publications that simultaneously relate to blockchain, energy, and sustainability. In turn, the identification of green research areas in these publications is the second research aim. The indicated research aims were achieved on the basis of a bibliometric review of 205 scientific publications from 2017-2023 (Scopus database). By means of a systematic literature review, 25 different key research areas were identified. In turn, the classic literature review identified 18 green research areas (e.g. green blockchain). At the same time, no green issue was identified as a key research area. The results can inspire researchers looking for research gaps around blockchain and sustainability issues. Among the recommendations for stakeholders, the need for further research around blockchain technology, the development of a regulatory framework, or educational issues were highlighted.

Retelling: a New Genre or an Insufficiently Investigated “Old” Notion?

The article focuses on the phenomenon known as “retelling”. The mass reader, both domestic and foreign, perceives retelling as one of the neterature genres. The word “retelling” is borrowed from the English language. According to the English-language publications concerning retelling, in modern mass consciousness this concept corresponds, on the one hand, to the methods of borrowing and processing plots, known in European culture since antiquity, on the other, to a system of primary and secondary features, reproduced in mass literature texts. However, neither American nor British literary criticism knows such a genre. Foreign literary critics use the term “adaptation”, which implies one type of the text transformation: from a literary work to a theatrical production or film. Russian researchers apply the term “adaptation” to the alterations of classical literature for theatre, cinema, television and computer games. Although in the English language culture retelling is perceived as a new, recently emerged phenomenon, the first authorʼs adaptations of classical works appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. The collection of stories “Tales from Shakespeare”, written by Charles and Mary Lamb can be considered the first example of a “retelling” adaptation. The “Preface” to the stories contains the principles, formulated by the authors. According to the given principles they reworked Shakespeareʼs plays for childrenʼs reading. These principles fall under both the concept of “retelling” and the concept of “adaptation”. The research shows that though “retelling” is perceived as one of the characteristic features of modern culture, this phenomenon existed as a conscious way of creative working with text for at least two centuries. This phenomenon is not a genre, but a set of techniques for transforming a text, a still insufficiently studied universal of literary creativity.

Politico-Administrative Culture and Public Service Reform in Post-Independence Kazakhstan

Classical organizational management literature draws clear parallels between organizational culture and climate and effective use of power and influence as key to successful policy implementation of reforms in public sector organizations. On the other hand, the public policy literature, in particular, policy transfer as a strand within policy studies, emphasizes the role of the national context, more specifically, ‘facilitators’ and ‘constraints’ of ‘‘politico-administrative culture” within the national context, as crucial to understanding processes of transfer, convergence, and diffusion of public policy. There is a plethora of studies by Western scholars of public management who have successfully utilized these theoretical underpinnings to study the effectiveness of public service reforms in mature policy environments such as the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and others. However, the public policy and comparative public management literature only offers a limited number of case studies from developing, middle-/upper-middle countries, which rely on concepts of organizational management in addition to narratives on the impact of policy learning from global doctrines, such as Weberianism, New Public Management (NPM), and New Public Governance (NPG), and national politics, on the implementation of administrative reforms in those contexts. Kazakhstan, as a resource-affluent post-Soviet country and a bastion of modernization and ‘open government’ in Central Asia or the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in the post-Soviet era is a case in point. Based on ethnographic research consisting of interviews with elite academics, civil servants, and think-tank activists, as well as reviews of OECD and government strategy reports in Astana, the findings point to a potential abatement of the impact of context constraints such as large power distance and collectivist behavior by context facilitators such as those surrounding the use of ‘trilingualism’ and public diplomacy towards reforms in Kazakhstan particularly in recent years.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Heritage Education: A Multimedia Approach to ‘Phra Aphai Mani’

Even though classic literature has cultural and educational value in heritage education, students often have trouble becoming interested because of the archaic language, a lack of good learning materials, the idea that the literature is not relevant, and complicated plots. This research aims to enhance heritage education by identifying barriers and drivers in youth engagement with classic Thai literature and exploring how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles could be applied to increase motivation in learning classic literature through multimedia. Ten interviews with experts, 100 on-site questionnaires filled out by students aged 15–25 years, and a multimedia e-book were used together in this mixed-methods study. As a case study, the researchers asked both experts and students to read the Thai classic poem “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch” and make suggestions for how it could be better. The results show that there are barriers to heritage education, such as ‘the story is not connected to the present’ (mean = 4.52/5), ‘archaic vocabulary and language barriers’ (mean = 4.36/5), and ‘learning materials’ (mean = 4.25/5). Surprisingly, Thai students showed more positive attitudes towards literature courses than expected based on international trends. Key drivers for enhancing heritage education include ‘classic literature in modern, easy-to-read language’ (mean = 4.65/5), ‘including multimedia’ (mean = 4.58/5), ‘the plot/story adapted to the current era’ (mean = 4.50/5), and ‘new presenting technologies’ (mean = 4.49/5). Next, as an innovative way to improve heritage education, this study developed a free e-book titled “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch”, which includes motion graphics and other multimedia elements. This research contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how UDL can be applied to classic literature within heritage education, enhancing understanding of student needs, and creating more effective, inclusive multimedia teaching methods for preserving and transmitting cultural heritage.

Traditions of classical literature in the work of modern Russian and Tatar writers from the Republic of Tatarstan

Traditions of classical literature in the work of modern Russian and Tatar writers from the Republic of Tatarstan

Drama as an Aid in Academic Learning and Creative Writing: The CBS Radio Mystery Theater

A comprehensive radio series of 1,399 episodes which originally ran seven nights a week from January 1974 to December 1982. The series dealt with a very large expanse of subject matter, not only in classic and modern literature and history, but also at times featured basic facts in the areas of the sciences including chemistry, medicine, astronomy and physics. As a result, the series served, and continues to serve as an effective educational tool in addition to being a source of entertainment very similar in style to the audiobook. It also serves as a virtual template for the study of the art of storytelling and creative writing.

Εντροπη: Shame and Identity Formation in the Letters of Ignatius of Antioch

Since the 1980s, biblical scholars have started to employ the framework of “honor and shame” to study the culture of the ancient Mediterranean region. However, this application of the social–scientific honor–shame model has led to “massive generalizations of ‘honor’ and ‘shame’”. In particular, when focusing on the concept of honor/shame rather than its lexemes, the social–scientific school ignores the nuanced nature of each Greek word group related to shame. By studying classical Greek literature, Douglas Cairns further points out a puzzling situation that the word group αἰδώς contains polarized meanings of both “to shame” and “to respect”. In this paper, we examine the puzzling double meanings of “to shame/to respect” by focusing on the use of the word group ἐντροπή in the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. This paper argues that the word group ἐντροπὴ serves a rhetorical purpose of protecting the church’s identity by rejecting beliefs/customs that are unacceptable to Christianity and promoting unity in the churches through obedience to church authorities. This paper also explores the fundamental epistemological issue of understanding emotion words in its ancient context. It provides a provisional definition for ἐντροπή, that it is a self-inhibitory emotion of sensitivity to one’s proper place in social interaction to protect one’s self-image.

The Respiratory Reflex of Cough: A Comparative Study of Contemporary Medicine and Unani Concepts

Cough suddenly and frequently helps to remove mucus, irritants, foreign substances, and bacteria from the airways. It can be a symptom of a respiratory infection like the common cold, bronchitis, tuberculosis, influenza, smoking, or other health issues. Contemporary texts describe several kinds of coughs, including acute, chronic, and subacute coughs, coughs that produce or do not produce mucus, and specific types like Reflex cough, voluntary cough, and evoked cough. In Unani texts, cough is referred to as diseases rather than symptoms. it is also called as “Sual” in Arabic, “Surfa” in Persian, khansi in Hindi, and cough in English. In Unani medicine, Sual is attributed to three causes: Ashab-e-badiya (extrinsic factor), Asbab-i- Wassila (intrinsic factor), and Iltehab (inflammation). The primary categories of Sual identified in Unani texts are Sual yabis and Sual Ratab, which are further subdivided into various types. This paper examines the concept, causes, types, and treatment approaches to Sual/Cough as described in both classical and modern literature. Keywords: Cough, Sual, Surfa, Modern concept Unani literature, sual yabis, sual ratab.

Pushkin and Dostoevsky in Russian Rock Poetry

The article deals with Russian rock poetry, whose authors strive to overcome cultural and personal decay by turning to classical literature and absurdist aesthetics. The rock poet chooses either Pushkin or Dostoevsky as the central and at the same time supporting figures of Russian culture, and his self-determination – the self-determination of a genius of the 20th–21st centuries – occurs precisely at the intersection of myths about two, at first glance, polar cultural heroes («solar» Pushkin and «shadow» Dostoevsky). An appeal to the figures of Pushkin and Dostoevsky, as well as a cultural dialogue with their texts, occurs as follows: on the one hand, the genius seems to be brought down to the modern author’s level, and on the other, the themes and motifs covering the foundations of Russian spiritual culture are affirmed, re-actualized and adapted to new contexts. The purpose of the study is to prove through an intertextual approach that rock poetry can be viewed as a phenomenon of elite culture, since the value paradigm of the texts of rock poets is traditionally built through the juxtaposition of ideal and real plans. A rock performer himself is a «slave of honor» and a «poet» who is invariably placed in opposition to the reality around him. Absurdist aesthetics, techniques of comedy and deconstruction «renew» and at the same time complicate the long-familiar image.

Conscientiousness vs. Cultural capital: Which matters more for academic achievement in the Hong Kong educational landscape?

This study examines the relative impact of conscientiousness and cultural capital on academic achievement among university students in Hong Kong, within the broader East Asian educational landscape. Focusing on objectified, embodied, and institutionalized forms of cultural capital, we use fixed-effect hierarchical regression analysis to assess their influence on students’ GPA, while controlling for academic effort, attitude, and socio-economic background. The findings reveal that objectified and embodied cultural capital have limited effects on academic success, indicating that traditional cultural assets such as classical literature or highbrow cultural practices play a minor role in this context. Conversely, institutionalized cultural capital, including recognized qualifications, shows a modest positive association with GPA, though its significance diminishes when other factors are considered. Most notably, the study underscores the dominant role of conscientiousness—reflected in students’ academic effort and attitude—as a stronger predictor of academic achievement. These results challenge conventional views on the primacy of cultural capital in education and advocate for policies that prioritize the cultivation of personal attributes like conscientiousness alongside cultural knowledge to enhance academic outcomes in East Asia.

Antigone or the Right to Kill: Making Noise As Resistance

ABSTRACTThis article delves into the relation between the terms social dissonance, necropolitics and Sophocles' tragedy, Antigone. By attempting an interdisciplinary analysis and by bringing together elements of sound studies, political theory and classical literature, I will explore the contemporary dynamics between social dissonance, necropolitics and resistance. The key point is that beyond contemporary contexts or rather recent modernity, resistance to the authoritarian volition can be understood metaphorically as noise within a context of a wider social dissonance arrangement. While examining Antigone's defiance in the face of oppressive power, we are reminded of the individuals striving for justice and autonomy in the face of oppressive systems, as resistance to generalized capitalism prevailing positivity and appropriation. By juxtaposing the sociopolitical context in which Sophocles wrote Antigone and various manifestations of necropolitics in our times, this article explores the relevance of the play in today's ubiquitous surveillance and subjugation. Moreover, it emphasises the significance of the term 'social dissonance', as proposed by Mattin, in understanding the responses towards power struggles and forms of resistance. The collision of these concepts occurs, here, in their shared focus on power dynamics and resistance against oppressive systems: it explores the ways in which power operates, so as to control and manipulate individuals and communities, creating conditions of voluntary servitude and subjugation. As this analysis emphasises the potential for resistance, these terms can serve as a framework to challenge dominant narratives. When examining the intersection of necropolitics and social dissonance, we can explore how the exercise of necropolitical strategies leads to oppression by silencing dissent, suppressing alternative narratives and perpetuating oppressive structures. Silence is metaphorically seen here as a system of perpetuating power, subordinating resistance and ultimately, incorporating noise into the capitalist narrative. The clash between the dominant necropolitical regime and the underlying resistance exposes the tension and contradictions within society, laying the foundation for social movements.

Dive Into the Past: Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Represented in Chinese Mobile Games

This study delves into the representation of intangible Chinese cultural heritage in Chinese mobile games. Nowadays, even with huge economic potential, Chinese mobile games are still faced with negative comments, especially from parents. To develop their reputation, Chinese mobile games have portrayed considerate Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The representation of cultural heritage in video games has been a subject of discussion for a long time, while console and computer games and tangible cultural heritage have been at the centre of academic studies. Hence, we strived to investigate how Chinese ICH is depicted in Chinese mobile games. A thematic analysis was conducted on data collected through analytical gameplay of 30 Chinese mobile games selected from Apple’s App Store and the Chinese TapTap platform. Our analysis indicates that Chinese ICH is represented in Chinese mobile games to fulfil the persona of game characters, to create a more engaging and immersive game world experience, to provide more intense combat moments, to offer visually enjoyable virtual goods, and to deliver culturally driven updates during traditional festivals. Among the various forms of Chinese ICH, Chinese traditional craftsmanship is found to be used most frequently because of the huge effort it requires to be mastered, which could be educational to players. Theatrical traditions were found to be depicted in most game elements because they combine visual, audio, and motional elements. Lastly, folk and classical literature is portrayed in Chinese mobile games to provide a narrative resource that culturally resonates with players.

Benefits and Mode of Action of Various Hasta Mudra

Introduction: In this modern era, our lifestyle is changed and become sedentary. Lack of physical exercise, faulty dietary habits, increased stress, and environment changes lead to many diseases. Everybody is fed up by taking so many medicines. Hence, people are showing interest in drugless therapies. Practicing Hasta mudra is totally drugless and cost less. Aim: The aim of this article is to describe the preventive and curative benefits of Various Hasta Mudra and to explain the mode of action of Various Hasta Mudra. Materials and Methods: Various benefits and modes of action of Hasta Mudra have been explained on the basis of classical texts and literature. Results: With regular practice of Hasta mudra, various diseases can be prevented and cured. Discussion: Mudra should be performed for at least 45 min in a day. Conclusion: Hasta Mudra is helpful in Mudhra therapy can control stress, depression, anxiety, fear and promotion of mental health and happiness prevention and cure of many diseases. in Mudra.[3] In Shiva Samhita, it is mentioned that just by practicing The word mudra is a Sanskrit word which has the meaning “gesture” or “attitude.” Mudra can be described as emotional, psychic, devotional, and esthetic gestures or attitudes. Mudra are attitudes of energy flow, which help in linking person’s pranic force with universal or cosmic force.[1] The literal meaning of mudra is the expression of internal feelings by way of different postures of fingers, palms, hands feet, and or body. This is an integral part of yoga and a scientific knowledge of spirituality and physical well. There are different types of Mudra, but in this article, we are discussing only about Hasta Mudra. By doing Hasta mudra, subtle hand and finger movements make important connections in the nervous system and stimulate specific energy pathways. In Hatha Yoga, there are 10 mudra which are mentioned as Jaramarananashaka.[2] In Gheranda Samhita, there are 25 Mudra and according to it, various eye and body positions (Asana) and Locks (Bandha) are also included

Lung Structure and Longitudinal Change in Cardiac Structure and Function: The MESA COPD Study.

Lung structure and cardiac structure and function are associated cross-sectionally. The classic literature suggests relationships of airways disease to cor pulmonale and emphysema to reduced cardiac output (CO) but longitudinal data are lacking. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Study was a multi-center longitudinal COPD case-control study of participants 50-79 years with ≥10 pack-years smoking without clinical cardiovascular disease. Segmental airway wall area (WA) and percent emphysema were measured on computed tomography. Right and left ventricle (RV, LV) parameters were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in exams six years apart. Longitudinal and period cross-sectional associations were evaluated with mixed models adjusted for demographics, body size, and smoking. The 187 participants with repeated MRI were 67±7 years old; 42% had COPD; 22% currently smoked; and the race/ethnicity distribution was 54% white, 30% Black, 14% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. Greater WA at enrollment was associated with longitudinal increase in RV mass (3.5 g per 10mm2 WA, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.9). Greater percent emphysema was associated with stably lower LV end diastolic volume (-7.8 mL per 5% emphysema, 95% CI: -10.3, -3.0) and CO (-0.2 L·min-1 per 5% emphysema, 95% CI: -0.4, -0.1). Cardiac associations varied by lung structure over six years in this multi-ethnic study. Greater WA at enrollment was associated with longitudinal increases in RV mass; whereas greater percent emphysema was associated with stable decrements in LV filling and CO.

A Review of Classical Literatures on Acupuncture Points Used for the Treatment of Low Back Pain

A Review of Classical Literatures on Acupuncture Points Used for the Treatment of Low Back Pain

Elaborarea fundamentelor etnoculturale ale identităţii naţionale din RSSM (1944-1954)

The study addresses an important topic related to the manufacture of ethnocultural bases of national identity in the MSSR in the first decade after its creation. The author analyzes how the theory of ethnogenesis and the history of the ”Moldovan people” was elaborated and how the theorizing regarding the concept of its Slavic and Latin-Slavic origin evolved. An important emphasis is placed on reflecting the discussions on the capitalization of the classical literary heritage, the selective recognition of some representatives of the classical Romanian literature, as well as their inclusion in the literary pantheon of the MSSR as representatives of the ”Moldovan culture”, made in a narrow frame offered by the theoretical scheme on the ”Moldovan people”.

Exploration of AI and AR Technologies in the Character Design of "Dream of the Red Chamber"

This study explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technologies in recreating the character of Wang Xifeng, a core figure in the Chinese classical literary masterpiece "Dream of the Red Mansions". By integrating two advanced tools, Midjourney and Kivicube, the study successfully created and displayed a digital virtual avatar of Wang Xifeng. The research employed qualitative research methods, including content analysis, experimental research, and a questionnaire survey. The feedback results showed that most participants were satisfied with the reshaped image of Wang Xifeng using AI and AR technologies. This study not only opens up new avenues for the modern interpretation of traditional literary characters but also provides valuable experience and theoretical support for the inheritance and innovative practice of traditional culture.

Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra in Viśākhadatta’s Mudrārākṣasa: A Reflection of Political Wisdom

This paper examines the profound influence of Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra on Viśākhadatta’s Mudrārākṣasa, highlighting how the latter reflects the political strategies, administrative insights, and espionage techniques prescribed by Kauṭilya. By analyzing key elements of Mudrārākṣasa, such as the downfall of the Nanda Dynasty and the intricate espionage system, this paper argues that Viśākhadatta’s work serves as a dramatic embodiment of Kauṭilya’s political wisdom. The discussion focuses on the practical application of Arthaśāstra’s principles within the narrative of Mudrārākṣasa, providing a comprehensive understanding of how ancient Indian statecraft and strategic planning are artistically rendered in classical literature. Keyword – Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra, Viśākhadatta’s Mudrārākṣasa, Political Wisdom

Critical Edition in Print and Digital Format: Versions of D. H. Lawrence’s Studies in Classic American Literature, and Their Possible Remediation in the Digital Medium

Critical Edition in Print and Digital Format: Versions of D. H. Lawrence’s Studies in Classic American Literature, and Their Possible Remediation in the Digital Medium

The Symbolic Meaning and Shape of Rabbits in Oriental Classical Literature

The Symbolic Meaning and Shape of Rabbits in Oriental Classical Literature