Cultural Aspects Research Articles

Decolonisation: meaning, sentiments and implications for heritage

ABSTRACT Within the printed and online newspaper media in the UK, notions of ‘decolonisation’ referring to various contexts, such as historical, relating to museums and institutions, cultural decolonisation and in relation to modern independence discussions, can be traced. In this article, we have applied topic modelling and natural language processing methods to carry out a classification of, and sentiment analysis on, newspaper headlines and texts from leading British newspapers covering decolonisation over the past decade. The results show an abrupt change in the meaning of decolonisation starting in the middle of the 2010s with an increased focus on cultural and institutional matters, particularly in right-leaning media. Surprisingly, the editorial slant of broadsheets seemingly only had at best moderate effects on tone, while headlines in right-wing tabloids were significantly more negative. Articles covering cultural aspects of decolonisation were substantially more negative than those applying a more traditional, territorial definition of decolonisation. Given the influence of newspaper media on public and private opinions, we discuss the heritage implications of these findings and suggest avenues for further investigation.

BASIS OF ACTIVATING RELATIONS BETWEEN KAZAKHSTAN AND THE WORLD OF THE EAST

The article considers that Kazakhstan has a special relationship with other countries of Central Asia and the Arab and Islamic worlds. As for the eastern states, they are united by close ties of neighborhood, mutual benefit and common interests in their cultural, political, economic aspects. It also corresponds to the countries of the Arab and Islamic worlds in many elements of identity in its historical, cultural and religious aspects, as well as in other grounds of identity. The political leadership at the top of the ruling regime in Kazakhstan, represented by President Tokayev, is clearly aware of this fact, as they work to develop it and develop its mechanisms, focusing on common interests and restoring a constructive role at the regional and international levels. It should be met positively by the countries of the Eastern world, all of which belong to the same world and suffer from the accumulation of problems and difficulties that hinder their movement towards the realization of the aspirations of their peoples for a decent life by ensuring their vital needs and human rights in them through the prism of human dignity.

Establishment and development of the legislation of the Western Ukrainian People's Republic

The article examines the historical and legal aspects of the formation and development of the legislation of the ZUNR, in particular, it is stated that the beginning of a new stage in the development of state-building processes in the western Ukrainian lands was their inclusion in the Austrian Empire at the end of the 18th century. It was found that during the First World War, political life in the western Ukrainian lands became more active in the context of imperial policy and the national movement aimed at the formation of a national state. It has been found that the intensification of legislative activity in the western Ukrainian lands is connected with the events of November 1, 1918, in particular with the declaration of an independent Ukrainian state in the western Ukrainian lands, with the center in Lviv. The Ukrainian National Council became the main political body responsible for the development of the national state in the western Ukrainian lands. On November 13, 1918, the UN Rada adopted the «Temporary Basic Law on the State Independence of the Ukrainian Lands of the Former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy», which completed the process of constitutionalization of the newly created state. Formation of legal norms that regulated the main spheres of social life. In addition, a number of legislative acts were developed and adopted, which were supposed to regulate a complex of issues related to economic relations, the financial sphere and property obligations, as well as certain aspects of civil and criminal law. It was established that the «Act of Detachment» between the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Ukrainian People's Republic of Ukraine, adopted on January 22, 1919, was an important document, because it has significant legal, political and historical significance for the Ukrainian present, as it becomes a consolidating factor of public consciousness. The author of the article emphasizes that the characteristic features of national legislation in the Western Ukrainian People's Republic at the time were brevity and the introduction of a system of administrative responsibility for violations of legal norms, as well as the issuance of various by-laws in the form of orders.

Temporal changes in a small-scale artisanal reef fishery in Brazil: Coastal development and its impacts

Small-scale artisanal fisheries perform great economic, social, cultural, and ecological roles worldwide. For fishers in adverse scenarios, resorting to alternatives such sustainable tourism is widely proposed. In this study, we investigate the long-term sustainability (1998–2020) of a small-scale artisanal fishery in Northeast Brazil, where transformations including intense coastal development, the establishment of a marine protected area, and the expansion of tourism occurred in addition to the region’s economic growth and the global trend of technological advancements. This study aims to understand how this fishery has changed over the last two decades while investigating a range of possible threats for its survival. Results demonstrated the impacts of technological innovation on fishing practices, such as the use of spearguns and small outboard motors; an increase in opportunistic fishing associated with a growing coastal population; fading of certain traditional fishing practices that often require fishers with greater experience; a shift for a fishery made up of more opportunistic amateur fishers, as artisanal, small-scale fishers switched to other income sources such as tourism. Although there are benefits from those transformations, which include the possibility of an alternative source of income and the use of technology, fisheries traditions have been affected negatively in terms of social and cultural aspects, and traditional fishing communities are left vulnerable in the absence of national fishery monitoring programs, reliable fishing data, and institutional instability. Local initiatives and empowerment of traditional fishing communities to strengthen fisher identity and participation in fisheries policy decision-making should be strongly encouraged.

Horse equipment of the Pazyryk culture of Mongolia

In this date 50 burial structures of the Pazyryk culture were excavated in the western region of the Mongolian Altai Mountains between 2005 and 2018. This research focused on examining the riding horse equipment unearthed from these structures. The significance of this study lies in it’s ability to provide a comprehensive overview of a specific aspect of the Pazyryk culture in the Mongolian Altai region, achieved through comparative analysis with riding horse equipment discovered in adjacent regions. This comparative approach offers valuable insights into the regional variations and cultural nuances within the broader context of the Pazyryk culture. Furthermore, this research serves as a foundation for future investigations aiming to elucidate the broader significance of the documented artifacts and materials. Specifically, it has the potential to contribute significantly to the understanding of ancient nomadic horse culture. By building upon this groundwork, scholars can further explore and interpret the multifaceted aspects of horserelated practices, technologies, and symbolism prevalent among the ancient nomadic societies inhabiting the Eurasian steppes.

Therapies go digital. What drives physicians' acceptance?

National healthcare systems face multiple challenges, including the increasing demand for care and decreasing availability of healthcare professionals. Digital health technologies represent opportunities that offer improved efficiency, accessibility, and patient care. In this scenario, Digital Therapeutics are technological advancements to treat or alleviate a disease and deliver a medical intervention with evidence-based therapeutic impacts and regulatory approval. Digital Therapeutics are a paradigm shift for physicians, who exercise caution in terms of trust and wide usage. Digital Therapeutics represents an opportunity and a challenge in healthcare system integration. The research investigates the factors explaining physicians' acceptance of Digital Therapeutics. A research model that combines organizational mechanisms derived from Institutional Theory and rational factors derived from the Technology Acceptance model was developed. The model was tested through 107 responses from a survey distributed to the members of the leading Italian scientific society in Diabetology. Literature-based hypotheses were empirically tested through Structural Equation Modelling. The analysis confirmed the influence of Perceived Ease of Use on Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Usefulness on the Intention To Use Digital Therapeutics. Rules and norms impact Perceived Usefulness when considering the influence of the scientific society. Culture and mindset towards innovation within the hospital positively affect Perceived Ease of Use. The readiness of hospital facilities enhances the extent to which physicians perceive the ease of employing Digital Therapeutics in their daily practice. Instead, esteemed colleagues' opinions and guidelines from the scientific society reveal to physicians the value of Digital Therapeutics in patients' care pathways. Institutions should prioritize cultural, normative, and regulative aspects to accelerate physicians' endorsement of Digital Therapeutics. Findings advance the theoretical knowledge around clinicians' adoption of innovative digital health technologies, unveiling the interaction between rational and institutional factors. The results highlight practical implications for healthcare institutions and Digital Therapeutics manufacturers willing to promote their adoption.

Cultural competencies in the workplace – how to recruit and retain a diverse workforce

There are differences that exist between communities within the workforce. How can we create a link to bind them, while unifying and fostering greater inclusion? Treating employees holistically enables people to feel welcomed, appreciated, and valued. The culture of a company is a by-product of the commu­nity that is established beforehand. If the culture is positive and adaptable, then it will equate to better recruitment and reten­tion. This paper will discuss the aspects of culture, how ethnic­ity weaves people together, and the varying levels to retention.

How Do Partners Make Pregnancy-Related Decisions? Understanding the Decision-Making Process of Couples: A Scoping Review

This scoping review seeks to improve our understanding of how pregnant women and their partners make decisions related to pregnancy. A total of 43 articles were included in which four themes were identified: [1] decision-making authority, [2] communication between decisional partners, [3] informational needs/knowledge, and [4] involvement/support of the partner. The extent to which couples make decisions together depends on cultural aspects, existing power relationships, the amount of information received by both partners, the type of decision and the consequences of the decision. While many male partners prioritize female autonomy in pregnancy-related decisions, contextual factors such as income and cultural influences can affect women’s autonomy. Additionally, the research emphasizes the importance of couple autonomy, asserting that joint decision-making can positively contribute to the decision-making process of couples navigating pregnancy-related choices.

‘Obliged in self-defence to retaliate’. Violent sailors in nineteenth-century Bristol

This article is a study of merchant sailors in Bristol between 1850–1914. There is a stereotypical perception of the sailor as being a drunken, promiscuous, violent nuisance on the streets of a port town. This perception has been fashioned through popular imagery and imagination but also through an historiography that has largely investigated sailors in maritime and nautical contexts. Here I take a different approach and investigate one aspect of working-class culture, namely a man’s propensity for violence, in the context of Bristol’s urban, working-class culture. It will be argued that in their use of violence sailors were not the perceived breed apart but were an integrated presence in Bristol’s wider working-class culture. The reasons for violence, the methods used and the chosen victims of it were not the product of any maritime identity but were constructed from an urban one. Naturally, many sailors continued to display the stereotypical behavioural traits of sailors but there were also those who were aligned to a more respectable way of living. Cultural forces towards masculine respectability tempered some of sailors’ violent behaviours, as did the space available for violence, and consequently places sailors firmly within working-class culture.

La iluminación como una infraestructura de cuidado

This integrative literature review addresses the relevance of illumination. Through the lens of infrastructures of care, it proposes three analysis categories: (a) "illumination, culture, and life in society" gather studies on cultural and social aspects involving lighting; (b) "access to lighting, technology, and sustainability" demonstrates how access to light and technologies needs discussion considering structural disparities, resource scarcity, and sustainability; (c) "illumination in healthcare" explores its influence on the environment and perception of users in care settings. These themes intersect and demand a transdisciplinary approach. Analyses suggest that lighting projects and systems can contribute to feelings of welcoming, well-being, and belonging, while ensuring good visibility for services and procedures, alongside controlling glare and reflectance. Expanding exploratory research in social and community settings through case studies and prototype implementation is recommended. There is room for additional research considering illumination as an infrastructure of care, focusing on access and the positive experience of users and citizens.

Khat use and related determinants among pregnant women within Haramaya, Ethiopia: a mixed methods study

IntroductionKhat, a green leafy plant grown in East Africa and throughout the Arabian Peninsula, is chewed for its psychoactive and amphetamine-like effects, serving as a significant aspect of culture, economic livelihood, and global trade. Khat consumption during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects, including anemia, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight, among others.MethodsThis cross-sectional, explanatory sequential mixed methods study was conducted in the Haramaya District of eastern Ethiopia using a questionnaire and focus group discussions. Questionnaires assessed socio-demographic information, pregnancy history, and diet, including khat use. Data were analyzed using SPSS v28 to include descriptive statistics, proportions, odds ratios, binary logistic regression, and chi-square analysis. FGDs expanded on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of khat in the region, including pregnant or lactating women from two different kebeles. Two independent reviewers conducted a qualitative content analysis to examine the qualitative findings from the FGDs. Transcripts from the focus groups were entered into NVivo 14 to aid in capturing salient themes.ResultsA total of 444 pregnant women with a median age of 25 years completed the questionnaire. Two-thirds of the women, 66.9%, reported currently consuming khat while pregnant, and 72.7% of them reported daily consumption. The FGD analysis resulted in the discovery of five themes: Economic Livelihood, Maternal Significance, Medicinal Implications of Khat, Pesticide Use, and Social and Cultural Applications.DiscussionThis study revealed an alarming high prevalence of khat consumption among pregnant women in the Haramaya District, highlighting the pressing need for long-term studies to assess the health consequences. The role of khat as both an economic staple and an energy source for daily activities underscores the challenges in curbing its use. The documented health risks associated with the chemicals used in khat cultivation, including cancer, call for interventions to enhance safe agricultural practices in households involved in khat farming.

Translation and initial cross-cultural adaptation of the tool for support-gradual return-to-work for persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain to the Swedish setting.

A well-defined and clear procedure is a key factor supporting return-to-work and enhancing collaboration and understanding between employers and employees. The adaptation of the Tool for Support-Gradual Return to Work, TS-GRTW, addresses relevant cultural aspects valuable for wider adoption. develop a Swedish version, the GRTWswe, for implementation and integration into the Swedish labor market's RTW process. This involved translating, culturally adapting, and assessing the appropriateness and utility. In the initial step, a double back translation was performed to create an initial translated version. This version was then utilized in individual consultations, accompanied by an agreement questionnaire. For the subsequent step, group consultations were held to refine and customize the tool to suit the Swedish context. Ten occupational therapists completed the questionnaires, with mean agreement scores surpassing three on a four-point scale. Out of these, nine participated in group consultations. The findings suggest the requirement for specific modifications to the GRTWswe. These adaptations are essential because of cultural differences in organizational structures and reference frameworks. Moreover, participants unanimously agreed to broaden the scope of target groups, encompassing employees without regard for diagnosis and expanding the range of professions that can utilize this tool. This step aims to enhance the tool's applicability and usefulness. The study found strong alignment between questionnaire responses and group consultations outcomes, affirming the adapted tool's suitability for use in a Swedish context. The tool benefits employers and employees by enhancing communication, encouraging collaboration, and structuring processes, promising lasting improvements to work conditions.

Cross-Cultural Mediators in Resolving Conflicts in Indonesia

This article focuses on the role of cross-cultural mediators in resolving conflicts related to cultural violence in Indonesia and provides an overview of the cultural context in Indonesia and the factors that contribute to the prevalence of cultural violence. The article then discusses the role of cross-cultural mediators in facilitating dialogue and promoting understanding between different cultural groups. Using a qualitative research methodology, the article explores the experiences of cross-cultural mediators working in different parts of Indonesia. Diverse references like literature, academic papers, scientific publications, dissertations, and similar materials concerning delicate cultural aspects, categorization of aggression within Indonesian society, and elements impacting the development of a violent culture are mentioned within the paper. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities that mediators face in their work, including the need to build trust and develop effective communication strategies. The article argues that cross-cultural mediation can be an effective tool for resolving conflicts related to cultural violence in Indonesia. The article emphasizes the importance of developing culturally sensitive and context-specific mediation strategies that take into account the unique cultural and historical factors that contribute to violence in different regions of the country. In conclusion, the article highlights the need for greater support for cross-cultural mediators in Indonesia, including training and capacity-building programs, as well as increased awareness and recognition of the important role that mediators play in promoting peace and resolving conflicts related to cultural violence. The article argues that cross-cultural mediation has the potential to contribute to building a more peaceful and just society. Keywords: cross culture, mediation, conflict, resolution

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and metamemory across the life span: psychometric properties of the German Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ).

We assessed the psychometric properties, established normative data for the German Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), and analyzed its association with neuropsychiatric factors across the life span to provide a validated metamemory assessment for a German-speaking population. The three MMQ scales (memory satisfaction, self-rated ability, and strategy application) were translated into German, considering cultural, linguistic, and conceptual aspects. To validate the MMQ and assess associations with neuropsychiatric factors, the Complainer Profile Identification, Geriatric Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short-Form-Health Survey were applied in an online study in 336 healthy participants with follow-up after 8months. Psychometric evaluation of the German MMQ showed normal distribution of all scales and good to excellent validity, internal consistency, and retest reliability. We provide percentiles and normative data for z-score conversion. Importantly, even subclinically elevated scores in depressiveness and anxiety were associated with decreased memory satisfaction and self-rated ability. Furthermore, although the influence of age on the German MMQ scales was minimal, effects of neuropsychiatric factors such as sleep quality, anxiety, and depressiveness on MMQ Satisfaction and Ability varied across the life span. Our study provides a validated German translation of the MMQ with normative data and reliability measures, including reliable change scores. We show the impact of neuropsychiatric factors on the MMQ scales across the life span and emphasize the relevance of a multifactorial approach to metamemory as a measure of individualized everyday functionality and the importance of including neuropsychiatric factors into both research and clinical assessments of metamemory.

The coexistence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities: visiting Kupang cases, Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to revisit the practice of multiculturalism within the co-existence of halal food products in non-Muslim communities in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through observations, interviews and documentation using a case study approach. Findings The important findings in the existing study indicate that social practice related to the acceptance and expression of non-Muslim communities towards halal products and certificates is integrated into the daily life of the people. It has contrasted with other regions in Indonesia where debates between cultural and structural aspects of halal product studies and certification prevail, often dominated by ego-sectoral interests and Islamic theology. Although Kupang’s predominantly non-Muslim population, the practice and model of halal products emerge with uniqueness within communal traditions and socio-cultural practices take precedence over structural factors. Research limitations/implications The most significant contribution of this research lies in mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue and religiosity that have fused into social life, specially building social coexistence in halal products. Practical implications These findings contribute to policymakers to reformulate halal certification and products, which are not solely driven by the interests of the Muslim community. Originality/value This study presents a new synthetic theory about halal products, confirming a case study in Kupang where non-Muslim communities accepted halal products as a reflection of cultural and local customs. This acceptance has led to the development of a new identity without contradictions among business interests, ideologies, sectoral aspects, hygiene, health and structural state movements.

India’s emerging trends and meanings in healthy human-nature relationships: Indian outdoor education practitioner perspectives

ABSTRACT Using a descriptive, exploratory study of recent developments in outdoor adventure education (OAE) fields in India, the authors report on the significant contributions of Indian OAE practitioners in promoting healthy human-nature relationships. Semi-structured interviews with Indian OAE practitioners revealed an underlying interconnectedness between OAE, environmental education, and experiential education. Findings show that OAE practitioners in India represent new genres of practice diversifying into nature-based sports, therapeutic adventure, experiential activities, and more to help individuals develop positive relationships with nature, emphasising reciprocity and mutual respect. Drawing from the historical, spiritual, and cultural aspects of nature-relatedness in Indian culture, OAE practitioners bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary practices to foster deeper connections with the natural worlds. This study postulates that Indian OAE practitioners, with their understanding of nature’s therapeutic effects, play vital roles in guiding people towards a holistic and sustainable relationship with nature that contributes to individual well-being and environmental preservation.

Studi Identitas Regional untuk Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Kecamatan IV Koto Kabupaten Agam

Tourism is growing rapidly globally, making an important economic contribution in Indonesia. However, it is necessary to focus on sustainable tourism that considers ecological and cultural aspects. This research aims to identify regional identity for sustainable tourism in IV Koto Sub-district, Agam Regency based on the potential of natural and cultural resources. The research method used in this research is quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research analyzes primary and secondary data to evaluate the attractiveness of natural attractions and cultural elements of interest to local communities. The results showed that the Great Wall of Koto Gadang was the natural attraction with the highest potential as a regional identity, while traditional ceremonies, particularly batagak gala, became the most significant cultural identity. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing natural and cultural resources in a sustainable manner, involving the active participation of local communities in tourism development.

Violence in the History of England's Christianity: A Study on the Basis of Religious and Literary Discourse

The current article is concerned with the dialectics between power, society and religion at a most dramatic period of the English history – the Tudor Reformation, a time when prevalent Catholic ideas were challenged by the new faith creating a conflict which could not be reconciled for centuries. The transition to a new social order took a strongly religious character. The schism triggered a tsunami of violence that permeated and shaped all aspects of life, polity, and culture. In the current article, politico-theological foundations of violence are viewed in historical perspective including both ideology and practice. Making violence a focal point of the research, we study all the means mobilized to justify it as well as mechanisms and venues of propaganda whose aim was to exert influence on people's mind-set.

Architectural Porosity: Reading The Change of Inhabitation in Urban Heritage Area

Architectural Porosity: Reading The Change of Inhabitation in Urban Heritage Area

The Narrative Strategy of Health Qigong as a Health Media

The issue of elderly care resulting from the aging population in East Asia has garnered significant attention, with a growing emphasis on disease prevention over treatment. The integration of health Qigong with traditional Chinese medicine and exercise offers long-term benefits for the physical form and function of middle-aged and elderly individuals. Due to its distinctive philosophy and aesthetic characteristics, health Qigong has gained prominence both domestically and internationally, serving as a medium for promoting health communication and enhancing population health levels. In an aging society, incorporating culture into the communication process of health Qigong along with narrative content is an effective approach to foster health communication. By integrating aesthetic principles into research, this study analyzes three dimensions: 1) physical health; 2) cultural aspects; 3) kung fu philosophy. Consequently, it proposes an aesthetic narrative strategy for health communication that encompasses embracing one's age, appreciating cultural perspectives, and valuing simplicity.