Contemporary Perceptions Research Articles

Formation de l’image mythologique du Donbas dans la littérature ukrainienne : aspects culturels, sociaux et politiques

This article explores the process of shaping the image of Donbas in Ukrainian literature, perceived as a region artificially isolated from the rest of Ukraine. Particular attention is devoted to the mythologisation of Donbas’s space and identity, which has influenced cultural and social processes while intensifying the challenges posed by hybrid warfare. The study draws on the work of Ukrainian and foreign scholars who examine the impact of the Soviet legacy, politically motivated information campaigns, and the narratives crafted in literary and artistic works. The article highlights the transformation of regional identity, the emergence of new cultural codes and narratives, and the role of internally displaced persons in modernising and constructing civil society in Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on the reception of the Donbas myth in literary and documentary works of the early 21st century. The study observes that contemporary literary research has yet to provide a systematic understanding of this phenomenon, despite existing studies on literary genres, the interplay between historical truth and fiction, and structural elements. The importance of developing a new field within literary studies – namely, the “local urban text” – is underscored. This field includes specific interpretations such as the “eastern text” or the “Donetsk text”. Within this context, the works of Oksana Zabuzhko, Serhiy Zhadan, and Andriy Kokotiukha are analysed. Their essays are considered sources of cultural and conceptual codes that shape contemporary perceptions of Donbas. Thus, the study of the symbolism and mythologisation of Donbas by these authors offers fresh perspectives for literary debates, highlighting the uniqueness and multidimensional richness of this region within the Ukrainian national and cultural context.

Škola – služba systému, státu či bezpečí žáka. Vývoj školní edukace v bezpečnostní problematice

The article discusses the issue of the development of school education within the scope of security problems, education in the school subject “civil defence education”. This discussion is set in the context of the development of teacher training in the given area. The text reconstructs selected “reactions” of educational policy and teachers’ training processes regarding the contemporary perception of “safety in school”. The last part of the text is dedicated to connecting historical contexts and current issues of safety in schools and education that supports health and a safe environment in schools.

Esej, czyli obelga dla współczesnego naukowca (?)

This article aims to present two complementary issues related to the contemporary perception and understanding of the essay. The first part explores various definitions of the term “essay.” As a distinct form of discourse and a separate literary genre, the essay has been the subject of extensive literature (relevant to both general literary studies and Polish studies). Despite sustained scholarly interest over a long period, there has been a noticeable decline in linguistic precision among those frequently using the term “essay” in modern Polish language. As a result, the word has become either meaningless (as nearly any text is labeled this way) or is associated with lower-quality, non-scholarly writing. The second issue addresses the current variations of essays being written today. It is easy to observe tendencies that blur the line between essays, literary columns, or fragments of autobiographical writing. These variations reflect a broader trend (or fashion) within contemporary humanistic discourse.

Literacy (development) in regional collateral languages of Europe – introduction to the special issue of the Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development

ABSTRACT This introduction provides the theoretical context of the Special Issue on Literacy Development in Regional Collateral Languages of Europe and an overview of the papers in the collection. For this end, it first discusses contemporary perceptions of the terms ‘literacy’ and ‘literacies’. These go far beyond traditional understandings, even though expressing one's thoughts through writing texts and meaning-making through reading are still at the core of literacies. Then, readers are introduced to the concept and the ideological contexts of ‘regional collateral languages’: These are varieties which are, on the one hand, structurally and ideologically closely related, or ‘collateral’, to major languages, often the main languages of nation states. On the other hand, they are deeply rooted in their regions; the paper therefore argues that they deserve specific attention along the lines of other efforts to maintain and develop autochthonous varieties. Finally, the introduction summarises the papers which focus on Scots in Scotland, Low German in Germany, Csángo in Romania, Silesian, Masurian, and Kashubian in Poland, Võro in Estonian, and Latgalian in Latvia, before identifying common denominators of the case studies and possible topics for future research.

Reinventing Women: Gustav Klimt’s Explores for Female Emotion and Expression

This study examines the depiction of women in Gustav Klimt's artwork and its links to the feminist movement of the early twentieth century. Klimt, a key figure in the Viennese Secession, challenged traditional constraints and championed personal expression and artistic innovation. His art broke new aesthetic ground and engaged in the era's critical debates on gender and power by reimagining women's portrayal. Furthermore, European society's social and cultural dynamics at the start of the 20th century, especially the rise of the feminist movement, provided a fertile backdrop and creative catalyst for Klimt's work. While Klimt's contributions are widely recognized, more specific analyses of how his art reflected and influenced the transformation in women's status still need to be more specific. This study details the evolution of female representations in Klimt's works through a literature review methodology, exploring how his art shaped and mirrored contemporary perceptions of women, thereby deepening the understanding of the interplay between art, societal norms, and cultural evolution.

Restaging Shakespeare: a "Reader" Response to Peter Brook's Hamlet

This article explains how the reader’s knowledge of Hamlet’s filmic and theatrical adaptation history alters their understanding of it. By examining Peter Brook’s reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s work, we show how the theatre director’s new version of Hamlet challenges the traditional, formal understanding of the play across temporal and cultural boundaries. The Tragedy of Hamlet foregrounds the play’s universal themes over its historical specificity, utilizing diverse casting and symbolic staging to emphasize its global relevance. The article explores how Brook’s deconstruction and reconstruction of the text impact contemporary perceptions, arguing that while the adaptation alters the play’s context, it maintains the core elements of Hamlet’s character and his existential dilemmas. By engaging with theories of intertextuality and readership, the analysis suggests that adaptation serves as a form of co-authorship, with directors and readers contributing to the evolving myth of “Hamlet.” The enduring fascination with “Hamlet” underscores its ability to resonate with diverse audiences, affirming its status as a timeless work that continually reinvents itself through new interpretations.

Contemporary Perceptions of the Spread of the Plague in Central and Eastern Europe Following the Battle of Belgrade (1456)

Contemporary Perceptions of the Spread of the Plague in Central and Eastern Europe Following the Battle of Belgrade (1456)

Melukis Kembali Penggambaran Citra Gender dalam Media Massa

In Netflix’s 'Ice Cold,' which delves into the murder of Jessica by Mirna, she is often praised and forgiven for her beauty. The documentary even states that the killer is a handsome figure. Women seem to be forced to conform to the image of modern women, who should hold feminist paradigms. Digital television content, as one of the mass media platforms, often portrays women as limited to the role of 'subordinates.' The existence of women is frequently reduced solely to their physical dimensions. It is as if advertisements and television programs would feel empty without the presence of women celebrated as objects. This perspective eventually becomes ingrained in the minds of modern women, largely through the influence of mass media, while commercial demands and the race for the highest ratings are the primary reasons why women continue to be used as complementary objects in various media content.This research employs Roland Barthes' Semiotics to explore how religious education, the male gaze, mass media, and societal views interact in shaping the contemporary perception of the female body. Ironically, the excessive use of patriarchal media has made women feel more liberated to express themselves and actualize their potential in various aspects of life. In this context, elements of religious education play a crucial role, as some Abrahamic religious teachings promote gender hierarchies that can influence society's perception of women and result in gender inequality. The concept of the male gaze is also relevant in this analysis, as it refers to how the male perspective dominates the understanding and representation of women in media, often reducing women to objects of male sexual desire. This research can offer valuable insights into the interconnection of these perspectives and women's potential for increased self-expression within patriarchal-dominated environments.

Standardizing play in the century of the car: the building information cards as shapers of the ideal urban childhood in Finland in the 1960s and 1970s

ABSTRACT Children’s playgrounds became part of the urban planning and evolution of Western cities at the turn of 19th and early 20th centuries. The overall objective was to improve urban children’s well-being and enhance safety by channelling play activities away from city streets towards designated play spaces. This article zooms in on the process of creating recommendations, norms and standards related to playgrounds. The subject under scrutiny is the standardization of childhood in Finland during the 1960s and 1970s, a period characterized by the most intense phases of urbanization, the establishment of welfare state institutions and the evolution of legislation pertaining to children's play spaces as well as vigorous discussions concerning children's environments. These planning discussions, norms and standards have had far-reaching consequences. They are not only prominently evident in today's Finnish cities but have also significantly influenced our contemporary perception of children's place within urban contexts. This study brings a social history approach to the academic discussion of the role of standardization in urban planning. Simultaneously, it examines the development of the increasingly standardized urban childhood in Finland in the 1960s and 1970s and asks what kind of childhood this standardization aimed to promote.

Ethnic Identity and National Unity in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities for Building National Consensus

<i>Background</i>: Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity has long been a defining feature of its social landscape. The coexistence of numerous ethnic groups within the country offers both opportunities for cultural enrichment and challenges for the formation of a coherent national identity. Historical, political and social dynamics have shaped the complex interplay between ethnic identity and the quest for national unity, warranting a critical examination of the converging forces influencing the socio-political fabric of Ethiopia. <i>Objective</i>: This study aims to systematically analyze the challenges and opportunities related to ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia in order to identify ways to build a sustainable national consensus amidst ethnic diversity. By shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of ethnic identity formation, social cohesion and political agency, the study aims to identify strategies that promote inclusive nation building while respecting the diversity of Ethiopia's ethnic mosaic. <i>Main Findings</i>: The study examined the historical roots of ethnic identity formation in Ethiopia and shed light on the legacy of various cultural traditions, historical grievances and political developments that have shaped contemporary perceptions of ethnicity. It also critically assessed the impact of ethnic federalism, decentralized governance and ethno-nationalist aspirations on the overall quest for national unity and cohesive statehood. Furthermore, the study explored the challenges posed by inter-ethnic tensions, identity-based conflicts and socio-political fragmentation, while identifying the potential opportunities for promoting dialog, reconciliation and inclusive citizenship to strengthen national consensus. <i>Methodology</i>: Using a qualitative approach, the research draws on a comprehensive analysis of secondary sources, including academic papers, historical documents, policy papers and ethnographic accounts. By synthesizing insights from different disciplines such as anthropology, political science and social history, the study has created a holistic understanding of the multi-layered dimensions of ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia. <i>Conclusion:</i> The complex dynamics of ethnic identity and national unity in Ethiopia underscore the need for inclusive policies that respect the diverse cultural heritage while promoting a common national identity, recognizing historical grievances, addressing inter-ethnic tensions and fostering dialog. Balancing the diverse ethnic mosaic within a unifying national narrative is critical to moving towards sustainable nation building.

Towards Gender Harmony Dataset: Gender Beliefs and Gender Stereotypes in 62 Countries.

The Towards Gender Harmony (TGH) project began in September 2018 with over 160 scholars who formed an international consortium to collect data from 62 countries across six continents. Our overarching goal was to analyze contemporary perceptions of masculinity and femininity using quantitative and qualitative methods, marking a groundbreaking effort in social science research. The data collection took place between January 2018 and February 2020, and involved undergraduate students who completed a series of randomized scales and the data was collected through the SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics platforms, with paper surveys being used in rare cases. All the measures used in the project were translated into 22 languages. The dataset contains 33,313 observations and 286 variables, including contemporary measures of gendered self-views, attitudes, and stereotypes, as well as relevant demographic data. The TGH dataset, linked with accessible country-level data, provides valuable insights into the dynamics of gender relations worldwide, allowing for multilevel analyses and examination of how gendered self-views and attitudes are linked to behavioral intentions and demographic variables.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data reveal the cold stress responses molecular mechanisms of two coconut varieties.

Among tropical fruit trees, coconut holds significant edible and economic importance. The natural growth of coconuts faces a challenge in the form of low temperatures, which is a crucial factor among adverse environmental stresses impacting their geographical distribution. Hence, it is essential to enhance our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms through which cold stress influences various coconut varieties. We employed analyses of leaf growth morphology and physiological traits to examine how coconuts respond to low temperatures over 2-hour, 8-hour, 2-day, and 7-day intervals. Additionally, we performed transcriptome and metabolome analyses to identify the molecular and physiological shifts in two coconut varieties displaying distinct sensitivities to the cold stress. As the length of cold stress extended, there was a prominent escalation within the soluble protein (SP), proline (Pro) concentrations, the activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the leaves. Contrariwise, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH) underwent a substantial reduction during this period. The widespread analysis of metabolome and transcriptome disclosed a nexus of genes and metabolites intricately cold stress were chiefly involved in pathways centered around amino acid, flavonoid, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. We perceived several stress-responsive metabolites, such as flavonoids, carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, which unveiled considerably, lower in the genotype subtle to cold stress. Furthermore, we uncovered pivotal genes in the amino acid biosynthesis, antioxidant system and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway that presented down-regulation in coconut varieties sensitive to cold stress. This study broadly enriches our contemporary perception of the molecular machinery that contributes to altering levels of cold stress tolerance amid coconut genotypes. It also unlocks several unique prospects for exploration in the areas of breeding or engineering, aiming to identifying tolerant and/or sensitive coconut varieties encompassing multi-omics layers in response to cold stress conditions.

Losing “Touch”: The Sense of Belonging in Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half

ABSTRACT Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half is an unconventional passing narrative in that it not only deals with both racial passing and gender transition but also escapes the tragic passing narrative structure. If traditional passing narratives often portray passing as a deception and a betrayal of racial belonging, neo-passing narratives tend to embrace fluidity in identity and belonging. This article, with its distinct focus on touch, argues that The Vanishing Half helps navigate the tension between traditional views and contemporary perceptions of identity and belonging. By weaving a thread of “touch” throughout the narrative, Bennett’s novel challenges a predominantly visible understanding of identity and emphasizes the ethical import of belonging to a shared past while moving beyond assuming a rigid, traditionally familial/familiar mode of belonging. Drawing on theories about touch, especially in Black feminist and queer theory, this article reveals the ways in which The Vanishing Half formulates the tactile as an essential way of knowing the self and the other – in place of the dominant modes of understanding identity and belonging – and demonstrates how touch crosses boundaries across time and space to connect and shape past, present, and future.

<설운 장군> 당설화로 본 남성 인어 장군 인물 연구

This study aims to investigate the character of a male mermaid general in the shrine tale General Seolun handed down on the islands near Suu Island, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. This study found that although male mermaids rarely appear in Korean dang-folk tales or literary records, this folk tale called General Seolun has been handed down on the Suu and the nearby islands in Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do and that there is a shrine called ‘Jiryeongsa’ on Suu Island. Therefore, a shrine ceremony was held, and a character study of the shrine god ‘General Seolun’ was necessary. The shrine tale, General Seolun, was recorded by Kim Young-il from 1992 to 1996. Based on the transcription, the morphological characteristics of the dang-folk tale were identified by comparing the original interpretation of the shaman myth and the folktale structure. The morphological characteristics were revealed through the Janggundang-related tale by focusing on the shrine tale told at the shrine on a small island that was unknown at the time. This can be seen as an outstanding achievement in research. However, it also signifies the meaning of the character ‘male mermaid general’ and its narrative, which was deemed insufficient. This study was based on existing and added data after a visit to Suu Island in October 2023 to find the kind of person Seolun was as a ‘male mermaid general’. The oral data of General Seolun was reviewed and organized by dividing it into birth and miracles, growth and trials, death, and transmission attitude. The narrative characteristics reveal ambivalent meanings, such as the fate of loyalists and traitors in birth and activity, the existence of humans and non-humans in their mysterious abilities, and fear and gratitude given to the inheritors in the death stage. The shrine tale, which forms an ambivalent pair of opposites, depicts General Seolun as a character who changes through opposing values at each stage of the narrative. As a ‘male mermaid general’ in shrine tales, Seolun was, firstly, a male traitor regarding gender and possessed peripheral masculinity. Second, as biological beings, male mermaids are middle-earth beings between the god of water and humans, possessing extraordinary abilities representing physical characteristics. Third, he is a general who realizes the wishes of the fishermen regarding succession. Unlike the historically real general god, this can be seen as the fact that the contemporary perceptions and desires of the transmitters formed the shrine tale of Seolun as a ‘male mermaid general.’

Challenges in Commemorating the Abolition of the Slave Trade in the Académie d'Amiens Poetry Contest of 1819 and 1820

Abstract: This article considers the timing of the Académie d'Amiens poetry contest on "L'Abolition de la traite des Nègres" (1819–20), the little-known predecessor to the Académie française prix de poésie on "L'Abolition de la traite des Noirs" (1823). The Amiens concours attempted to offer a timely commemoration of the slave trade's abolition. Close readings of the competition's archival records, including twelve submitted poems and two reports, suggest reasons why a winner was never chosen. The persistence of the clandestine slave trade and pro-slavery arguments blaming abolitionism for the recent events of the Haitian Revolution challenged the possibility and value of the proposed commemoration. The Amiens contest ultimately bears witness to a shift in contemporary perceptions of the slave trade's abolition during the Bourbon Restoration: from the celebration of an event to the realization that its history was far from over.

THE DEPOSIT OF ETERNITY: VERMEER'S “GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING” IN THE CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

The article considers the destiny of one of the most familiar and replicated images of world art in contemporary culture. It is proved that in the best accomplishments of today's culture this image becomes not symbolic, but constructive: it produces new forms of understanding of femininity, fragility and courage. At the same time, new media, such as auteur cinema and installation, play not only with Vermeer's world, but also with the world of contemporary perception of art: infrequency, tourist optics and the inertia of the school approach. This double play allows to emphasize the autonomy of women in the contemporary world and to expose the main aspect of Vermeer's stories, which is usually difficult to explicate when considering separate paintings: the conjunction of performability and the spirit of early capitalism. Thus, we can talk about rhizomatic double play of images as the main way to reconstruct the social contexts of Vermeer's work in contemporary art.

История развития культурно-исторической теории и ее современное восприятие: ответы на вопросы и вопросы к ответам

Background. The identification of key periods of development in culturalhistorical theory is not just a task of historical interest. It may help to reconstruct the logics and the moving forces in the development of Vygotsky’s theoretical approaches at different periods and may thereby help to improve understanding of key concepts and principles. The area of dialogue to which this article contributes is contemporary perception of cultural-historical theory. Objective. The aim is to analyse and reconstruct the evolution of theoretical thought of L.S. Vygotsky. Methods. The research involved analysis of texts by L.S. Vygotsky, relating to different stages of his scientific path, biographical materials, analytical publications of authors studying the works of L.S. Vygotsky. Results. As literature shows, there is a tendency to highlight some periods of Vygotsky’s theoretical path while underestimating others. In some cases, this limits the development of a holistic evolutionary approach to cultural-historical theory. The article begins with a description of the key stages of Vygotsky’s theoretical evolution with an emphasis on continuity and discontinuity. Then it presents and critically discusses two examples of perception of Vygotsky’s legacy, which are Gonzales Rey’s (2011) identification of “defining moments in Vygotsky’s work”, and Engeström’s (1987, 1990) account of “three generations of CHAT”. Conclusions. Cultural-historical theory is a powerful living and developing theory which provides rich and strong theoretical and experimental tools for contemprary generations of researchers. New dialogues are required: however, a holistic evolutionary approach to the history of cultural-historical theory should remain on the agenda.

Current Utilization and Perceptions of Formal Education of Point-of-care Ultrasound in Urology

ObjectiveTo assess the extent of formal POCUS training, current utilization of POCUS, and contemporary perceptions of POCUS amongst urologists. MethodsA survey including questions regarding demographics, prior ultrasound education, current ultrasound utilization in practice/training, perceived optimal POCUS utilization, and the perception of formal ultrasound training was developed. The survey was disseminated to residency program directors (PDs) via the SAU and members of AUA sub-section organizations. Data was collected via Redcap. ResultsA total of 40 PDs and 159 other respondents completed the survey with approximately half (51%) in an academic practice and two-thirds (68%) with more than 10 years in practice. PD response rate was 28%, and general response rate was 2%. Among all respondents, 95% (186/196) and 82% (160/194) agreed/strongly agreed formal POCUS training would be worthwhile during and after residency. Among urology residency program directors, 93% (37/40) agreed/strongly agreed that formal POCUS training is worthwhile in residency. The majority of respondents used some form of ultrasound in practice (77%, 154/199). However, only 37% (72/199) of all respondents had prior formal POCUS training, and 19% (5/26) of program directors reported formal training in their programs. Of respondents without formal training, 63% (80/127) reported interest in pursuing formal training. ConclusionsPOCUS is widely utilized in many practices. Yet, most urologists have not participated in formal POCUS training and most programs do not have curricula. Urologists have favorable opinions of the utility, safety, and efficacy of POCUS and desire training.

The picturesque roots of impression management: framing, Claude glass and “rose”-tinted lens?

PurposeThis paper explores the way in which industrial pollution has been expressed in the narrative accounts of nature, landscape and industry by William Gilpin in his 18th-century picturesque travel writings. A positive description of pollution is generally outdated and unacceptable in the current society. The authors contrast his “picturesque” view with the contemporary perception of industrial pollution, reflect on these early accounts of industrial impacts as representing the roots of impression management and use the analysis to inform current accounting.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses an interpretive content analysis of the text to draw out themes and features of impression management. Goffman's impression management is the theoretical lens through which Gilpin's travel accounts are interpreted, considering this microhistory through a thematic research approach. The picturesque accounts are explored with reference to the context of impression management.FindingsGilpin's travel writings and the “Picturesque” aesthetic movement, it appears, constructed a social reality around negative industrial externalities such as air pollution and indeed around humans' impact on nature, through a lens which described pollution as adding aesthetically to the natural landscape. The lens through which the picturesque tourist viewed and expressed negative externalities involved quite literally the tourists' tricks of the trade, Claude glass, called also Gray's glass, a tinted lens to frame the view.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the wealth of literature in accounting and business pertaining to the ways in which companies socially construct reality through their accounts and links closely to the impression management literature in accounting. There is also a body of literature relating to the use of images and photographs in published corporate reports, which again is linked to impression management as well as to a growing literature exploring the potential for the aesthetic influence in accounting and corporate communication. Further, this paper contributes to the growing body of research into the historical roots of environmental reporting.

Observing the Cultural Development of the Hammered Dulcimer in the Alpine Region through its Crafting, Materials, and Secrets

The makers of hammered dulcimers in the Appenzell (Switzerland) and Salzburg (Austria) regions are considered artisans of their very specialized craft. A trapezoidal wooden case with a bridge, the instrument is beautified with ornaments and symbols of religious and popular belief. Its sound is produced by a process mediated through several materials: the player uses small hammers struck by hand on several strings, the vibration of which is transmitted to a resonating body.In contrast, historically, the hammered dulcimer had strikingly negative associations: It was ‘devalued to a dance instrument’; ‘disgusting because of the great noise of sounds’; it ‘should be nailed to the houses of ill repute’ and ‘[he] who [...] is in the habit of playing on the dulcimer, may be a regular thief and robber’. Such rebukes – some of which notably addressed directly to the object, not to the players – contrast with contemporary perception and raise questions about relationships between the material object, its properties, and their relationship to perception.Through the detailed inspection of historical and contemporary specimens and their stories, we trace the transformation from the once shunned object to the artisanal work and carrier of cultural heritage. Dulcimers as ‘sensual objects’ (Harman) that transformed themselves and together with their associates: players, makers, and the sound environment. We trace the different allusions around the hammered dulcimer as objects to the crafting material, the stories from makers, and the artistic and symbolic emanation of the ornamentation. This further demands a critical reflection on the status of the craft and the material objects that exist to this day without digital technologies and in nondigital spaces.