Comparative Perspective Research Articles

Challenges and opportunities in preserving intangible cultural heritage: lessons from the Demoscene

The Demoscene is a pioneering digital culture and an art form. Its roots in Poland date back to the mid-1980s. In 2019, the Polish Demosceners, alongside their Finnish and German counterparts in the Art of Coding campaign, embarked on an initiative to advocate for the recognition of the Demoscene by UNESCO. This move highlighted the tension between the inherently decentralised and demarcating nature of the Demoscene and formal requirements of cultural heritage preservation. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the Demoscene, combining personal observations from the UNESCO enlisting process with insights gathered from a supportive study conducted among Demoscene community members. The results of this study are presented in the context of digital preservation challenges in various domains, offering a comparative perspective. The paper concludes with some insights into what information to store alongside the Demoscene productions themselves and outlines potential further work, addressing both current and emerging challenges faced by the Demoscene community.

Gender differences in behavioral and emotional problems among school children and adolescents in China: National survey findings from a comparative network perspective

BackgroundBehavioral and emotional problems are common and often co-occur during childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in the network structures of behavioral and emotional problems of children and adolescents in China based on a national survey. MethodsThe Parent version of Achenbach' s Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess behavioral and emotional problems. To account for potential confounding factors in comparisons between boys and girls, propensity score matching was utilized. Network model differences were assessed using Network Comparison Test (NCT). ResultsData from 60,715 children and adolescents were included for analyses. Boys exhibited more severe total behavioral and emotional problems compared to girls. While several edges showed significant differences between boys and girls, the strongest association was consistently found between “Attention problems” (CBCL6) and “Aggressive behavior”(CBCL8) in both boys and girls, regardless of age. Network centrality was higher among adolescents compared to children. The most central problems commonly found across different genders and age groups were “Aggressive behavior” (CBCL8) (centrality values were 1.142 for boys aged 6–11 years, 1.051 for boys aged 12–16 years, 1.148 for girls aged 6–11 years, and 1.028 for girls aged 12–16 years), “Anxious/depressed” (CBCL1) (centrality values of 0.892 for boys aged between 6 and 11 years, 1.031 for boys aged 12–16 years, 0.951 for girls aged 6–11 years, and 1.099 for girls aged 12–16 years) and “Social problems” (CBCL4) (centrality values of 1.080 for boys aged 6–11 years, 0.978 for boys aged 12–16 years, 1.086 for girls aged between 6 and 11 years, and 0.929 for girls aged 12–16 years). ConclusionTesting effective interventions that address aggressive behavior, anxiety/depression, and social problems may be beneficial for reducing risk of psychopathology among children and adolescents.

Blurring the Boundaries of Governance: China’s Work Teams in Comparative Perspective

A notable feature of Chinese Communist rule, from revolutionary days on, has been the blurred boundaries of its governance mechanisms. The lines separating formal from informal, legal from illegal, and state from societal have – at least until quite recently – proven exceptionally permeable. This paper focuses on an especially fluid and flexible means of Chinese Communist governance: the deployment of mobile task forces, or “work teams,” for both routine and crisis policy implementation. Directed by higher-levels of the party-state to advance a specific mission at the grassroots, work teams mobilize society in a manner that reflects the continuing influence of China’s revolutionary experience. The paper assesses the contributions and costs of this “campaign-style” of governance in comparison to the practices of other Communist and non-Communist systems, past and present.

Higher education as a public good and social cohesion: an exploratory study from a European comparative perspective

ABSTRACT In the context of higher education’s growing significance and the persistence of inequalities in it, the article aims to further develop the understanding of higher education as a public good and to explore its association with social cohesion in a European comparative perspective. It shifts the focus from the content of higher education as a driver of its social contributions towards the role of higher education realisation in a given society as determining its social effects. Two new methodological instruments are developed: an index of higher education as a public good and an index of social cohesion. The analysis draws on data from Eurostat, the EUROSTUDENT Survey VII, and the European Social Survey, Round 10. The results indicate substantial cross-country differences in social cohesion and in the realisation of higher education as a public good. The article identifies a positive association between the realisation of higher education as a public good in a given country and the level of social cohesion there. From the four dimensions of higher education as a public good related to access, participation, completion, and the state’s commitment to its development, the strongest relationship is between the state’s commitment to its development and social cohesion.

Evolution of Food Trade Networks from a Comparative Perspective: An Examination of China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African Countries.

In the intricate landscape of the global food system, a nuanced understanding of dynamic evolution patterns and driving mechanisms of food trade network is essential for advancing insights into the African food trade and maintaining the food security of Africa. This paper constructs a framework for analyzing the food trade network from a comparative perspective by comparing and analyzing the evolution of food trade networks in China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries. The development trend of food trade between China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, and African countries is relatively good. China, the United States, Russia, and the European Union export far more food to African countries than they import, and bilateral food trade plays an important role in alleviating food supply shortages in Africa. The food trade networks between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries exhibit a butterfly-shaped structure centered in Africa, and the overall intensity of bilateral trade linkages is gradually increasing. France has the greatest control over the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries, and the influence of the United States on the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries is increasing. China's independence in the food trade network between China, the United States, Russia, the European Union, and African countries is enhanced, but its control ability is limited. The impact of differences in total population, differences in food production, and geographical borders on the trade network between China, the United States, the European Union, and African countries tends to decrease, while the influence of differences in the proportion of agricultural employment, differences in the arable land available for food production, and institutional distance tends to increase.

Property Law Theory and Building Encroachments from a Comparative Perspective

Abstract Conceptualism has a difficult standing in contemporary private law theory. This also affects discussions in property law, where the research agenda often seems primarily interested in deconceptualization. From a comparative perspective, this complicates the discourse, as many national codifications of property law still adhere to strong concepts. This anti-conceptualist bias also leads to the development of distorted narratives about concrete issues in property law. According to this narrative, property is a conceptualist barrier that prevents each case from being decided on its own merits. Accordingly, not only must property be broken down into a “bundle” of inter partes relations. The law should also focus on the outcome of disputes, which is best achieved at the remedial level. It is also in this sense that the prominent distinction between property rules and liability rules has been understood and applied. While realism serves the important purpose of preventing overly conceptualist tendencies, these narratives do not stand up to closer scrutiny of how property law concepts actually work. They also run the risk of destroying concepts where they are needed to decide cases. This essay will use the example of building encroachments in comparative property law to illustrate that anti-conceptualism often fights against the clichés created by its own protagonists. Building encroachments are, from a comparative perspective, a very concrete example of the adaptability and flexibility of property.

Comparing Small Gatherings in Their Urban Contexts

Abstract This article introduces small gatherings as a socio-spatial arena that enables a comparative perspective on the basis of detailed empirical research. Small gatherings allow for an analysis of sociality in the city which can be combined with the analysis of its concrete spatiality and intersecting socio-historical processes. The challenge of doing research on small gatherings lies in the fact that they are fuzzy and may, or may not, traverse established urban scales. This will be exemplified by the characterization of two types of small gatherings, represented by cases in Amman and in East Jerusalem – small gatherings of friends and small gatherings of neighbors. They share superficial similarities, but the analysis reveals their varying relations to the neighborhood and the city.

David Howarth and Scott James (2023): Bank politics: structural reform in comparative perspective

David Howarth and Scott James (2023): Bank politics: structural reform in comparative perspective

Conservation of mutation and recombination parameters between mammals and zebra finch.

Most of our understanding of the fundamental processes of mutation and recombination stems from a handful of disparate model organisms and pedigree studies of mammals, with little known about other vertebrates. To gain a broader comparative perspective, we focused on the zebra finch (Taeniopygia castanotis), which, like other birds, differs from mammals in its karyotype (which includes many micro-chromosomes), in the mechanism by which recombination is directed to the genome, and in aspects of ontogenesis. We collected genome sequences from three generation pedigrees that provide information about 80 meioses, inferring 202 single-point de novo mutations, 1,174 crossovers, and 275 non-crossovers. On that basis, we estimated a sex-averaged mutation rate of 5.0 × 10-9 per base pair per generation, on par with mammals that have a similar generation time. Also as in mammals, we found a paternal germline mutation bias at later stages of gametogenesis (of 1.7 to 1) but no discernible difference between sexes in early development. We also examined recombination patterns, and found that the sex-averaged crossover rate on macro-chromosomes (1.05 cM/Mb) is again similar to values observed in mammals, as is the spatial distribution of crossovers, with a pronounced enrichment near telomeres. In contrast, non-crossover rates are more uniformly distributed. On micro-chromosomes, sex-averaged crossover rates are substantially higher (4.21 cM/Mb), as expected from crossover homeostasis, and both crossover and non-crossover events are more uniformly distributed. At a finer scale, recombination events overlap CpG islands more often than expected by chance, as expected in the absence of PRDM9. Despite differences in the mechanism by which recombination events are specified and the presence of many micro-chromosomes, estimates of the degree of GC-biased gene conversion (59%), the mean non-crossover conversion tract length (~23 bp), and the non-crossover to crossover ratio (6.7:1) are all comparable to those reported in primates and mice. The conservation of mutation and recombination properties from zebra finch to mammals suggest that these processes have evolved under stabilizing selection.

Sublating Humanism

Chinese humanism developed distinctly from European humanist discourses, reflecting unique cultural and philosophical traditions. Analysing these differences can enhance our understanding of both the specific characteristics of Chinese humanism and the diverse potentialities within contemporary global humanist thought. This comparative perspective, enhanced by employing the method of sublation, underscores the planetary relevance of humanism. It demonstrates how diverse cultural perspectives enrich and broaden the scope of global discourse, leading to a more inclusive understanding of humanism worldwide. In this paper I will give a brief historical overview of the origins and development of the formation of ideas which, in China, placed the human being at the centre of culture and the cosmos. But in order to better understand the differences that demarcate Chinese views of humans and their position in the world from European ones, we will first look at how the relationship between people and the communities in which they live is structured in the Chinese tradition. We will then examine the political and philosophical currents shaping Confucian discourse and take a look on the way in which each of them contributes to the Chinese model of humanism. By applying the method of sublation, we intend to investigate how these two systems could complement and enhance each other, thereby helping to establish a foundational framework for a newly proposed transcultural planetary ethics.

Receptive-field nonlinearities in primary auditory cortex: a comparative perspective.

Cortical processing of auditory information can be affected by interspecies differences as well as brain states. Here we compare multifeature spectro-temporal receptive fields (STRFs) and associated input/output functions or nonlinearities (NLs) of neurons in primary auditory cortex (AC) of four mammalian species. Single-unit recordings were performed in awake animals (female squirrel monkeys, female, and male mice) and anesthetized animals (female squirrel monkeys, rats, and cats). Neuronal responses were modeled as consisting of two STRFs and their associated NLs. The NLs for the STRF with the highest information content show a broad distribution between linear and quadratic forms. In awake animals, we find a higher percentage of quadratic-like NLs as opposed to more linear NLs in anesthetized animals. Moderate sex differences of the shape of NLs were observed between male and female unanesthetized mice. This indicates that the core AC possesses a rich variety of potential computations, particularly in awake animals, suggesting that multiple computational algorithms are at play to enable the auditory system's robust recognition of auditory events.

Gendered Justice in Comparative Perspective False Equality and False Difference in Criminal Appeals

Gendered Justice in Comparative Perspective False Equality and False Difference in Criminal Appeals

Bibliometric Analysis on Digital Payment Using Lens.org and Vosviewers: A Comparison of Research Between Malaysia and Poland

An unprecedented surge in digital payments has had a profound effect on the economic development of developing nations. This transition has enabled greater financial inclusion through the provision of banking services to populations that were previously marginalised. In addition, it has reduced reliance on physical currency, thereby improving security and transparency. This bibliometric analysis examines the research on digital payments in Malaysia and Poland, providing a comparative perspective on research patterns and contributions in these two countries. Furthermore, this study offers a comprehensive examination of the research environment in Malaysia and Poland, elucidating the distinct approaches, methodology, and areas of emphasis in each nation. These findings provide useful insights for those interested in championing digital payment initiatives, as well as contributing to a more robust and resilient digital payment framework. As digital payment ecosystems mature, their significance in altering the economic landscape of emerging countries is likely to become more evident in facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Health of single mothers and fathers in Germany. Results of the GEDA studies 2019 - 2023.

The living situation of single parents is often characterised by sole responsibility for family and household, problems in reconciling work and family life, and a high risk of poverty. In a comparative perspective with parents in partner households, the health of single mothers and fathers was analysed, considering differences in their social status. The analyses are based on data from the GEDA studies 2019 - 2023 (7,999 women, 6,402 men). Prevalences for single mothers and fathers and mothers and fathers living in partner households were calculated for self-rated health, chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, smoking and utilisation of professional help for mental health problems. In multivariate models, adjustments were made for income, education, employment status and social support, and interactions with family type were included. Single mothers and fathers show higher prevalences for all health indicators in comparison to parents living in partner households. Also after adjustment, the differences between family types remain significant. The health of single mothers also varies partially with income, employment status and social support. Health promotion measures have to consider that single parents are a heterogeneous group. In addition to strengthening personal skills, policy and setting-based interventions aim to reduce health inequalities.

Conceptualizing Worker-to-Worker Relations: A Comparative Perspective

Contemporary labour law scholarship places the relationship between employers and employees at the heart of its analysis, mostly disregarding relations between workers, especially if they belong to different organizations. This article argues that such an approach is one-dimensional and misses a central aspect of the experience of being a worker. It argues that the increasing complexity of the modern workplace requires a coherent scholarly account of this additional dimension of workplace dynamics.Attempting to address this blind spot, the article suggests conceptualizing worker-to-worker relations as a type of community: the ‘Worker-Community’. This new paradigm advances our understanding of the special characteristics, including duties and obligations, of relations between workers. The article further examines the range of potential legal implications of this model, from bullying and sexual harassment to the unregulated practice of underbidding in the gig or platform economy.

Air Quality Awareness—Empirical Evidence from a Comparative Perspective between Two European Cities

This research, conducted as part of the European project PA-MAP (Participatory Approach to Monitoring Air Quality in Urban Environments), investigates citizens’ perceptions of air pollution in two European cities: Turin (Italy) and Dublin (Ireland). We systematically collected social data through semi-structured surveys distributed via online platforms. Our aim was to gather comprehensive information on the perception of pollution sources and the effectiveness of control systems. We examined citizens’ habits and their suggestions to improve air quality. The results revealed the following: (1) In Turin, the perception of air pollution significantly influences individuals’ self-assessments of health. Consequently, increased vigilance is required to mitigate environmental health risks and to disseminate information on air quality and effective practices for reducing air pollution. (2) The use of sustainable transportation in Turin is hindered due to the inadequate maintenance of cycling infrastructure. Citizens prefer to use cars or trains, which facilitate rapid travel. (3) In Dublin, greater sensitivity to the problem of air pollution has emerged, and the use of sustainable means of transport is facilitated via ad hoc infrastructure. These results provide empirical evidence to policymakers to support the promotion of concrete local actions through which to improve air quality.

:Alcohol, Psychiatry and Society: Comparative and Transnational Perspectives, c. 1700–1990s

:<i>Alcohol, Psychiatry and Society: Comparative and Transnational Perspectives, c. 1700–1990s</i>

Measuring EFL Students’ Intercultural Competence and Language Skill after Having an International Living

The study aims to measure EFL students’ intercultural competence and English language skills both qualitatively and quantitatively after participating in an international living program, where English served as the primary means of communication. This research utilized surveys, interviews, and self-reflections to assess the sojourners' intercultural competence and English language proficiency. To provide a comparative perspective, data were also collected from a control group of students who did not participate in international living. The findings reveal that the international living experience had a significant impact on students' intercultural competence and English language skills compared to their non-participating peers. Knowledge and awareness showed the most improvement, followed by skills and attitudes. Additionally, students exhibited notable advancements in their English language proficiency. Qualitative data from interviews indicated that the international experience facilitated self-discovery, empathy, and cultural awareness, enriching their understanding of their original culture’s complexities and contributing to their English language development. Quantitative analysis from questionnaires highlighted participants in the international program had higher levels of cultural competence and language skills compared to the control group. The informants demonstrated a better attitude toward cultural differences and showed marked progress in their English communication abilities compared to the control group. They overcame initial challenges by actively engaging with various cultural practices, interacting with locals, and embracing different viewpoints, which also fostered their language learning. The study underscores the transformative impact of international living on students’ intercultural competence and English language skills, highlighting a journey of self-discovery, empathy, and enhanced communication abilities.

Comparative Study of the Regulation and Planning of National Capital Authority-Owned Enterprises in Realizing Sustainable Development of the Nusantara's Capital City

After the stipulation of Presidential Decree no. 62 of 2022 concerning the Nusantara Capital Authority, the Authority can have power over business entities which is characterized by share control and ownership of shares of a business entity so that it becomes the domain of the IKN Authority in its management. However, in reality, adequate regulations to accommodate the formation and planning of the Authority-Owned Business Entity itself are not not yet in place. This research aims to find out how business entities owned by the state capital are regulated and planned in a comparative perspective and what the ideal concept of regulation and planning of authority owned business entities is in realizing sustainable development of the Nusantara Capital City. The research used normative juridical with a statutory approach, comparative approach and conceptual approach. The research results show that the concepts of the three countries are different. The concept from Australia requires the formation of a state-owned enterprise through the law of its capital region, namely the Territorial State-owned Corporation Act 1990. Meanwhile, India uses a registration mechanism by injecting funds from the government to mark it as a government-owned company according to its level in accordance with the provisions of the Company Law of India, 2013. Then China acknowledged the existence of controlling and non-controlling shares in government control as regulated in the Law of State-owned Assets Enterprise 2018 Revision. In this case, Indonesia can adopt it by establishing an authority-owned business entity using regulations from the head of the authority that are regulatory and based on sustainable development. In this way, the next generation can experience the development results of the authority's business entities.

[On This Topic] Comparative Perspectives on the Future of Cosmopolitanism

[On This Topic] Comparative Perspectives on the Future of Cosmopolitanism